Upper Mustang Trek

17 Days

Arrival and departure from Kathmandu

Spring / Autumn

May – October

Moderate

4–6 hours walk/day

The upper Mustang is one of the beautiful creation of nature where the locals dwelling in one of the most glorious place on earth without being remotely aware of it and preserving their unique culture, traditions, festivals, costumes, religious sites and ethnicity.

Upper mustang is one of the forbidden Himalayan treasure of Nepal; which is located northwest of the Annapurna region, bordering with Tibet. Trek or tour into the upper mustang commands to the trekkers to see numerous of snow-capped peaks known as Nilgiri, Barahashikhar, Tukuche, Muktinath peak, Gurja peak and including some of the top ten mountains of the world called Annapurna I (8091m) and Dhaulagiri 8167 meters high. Beyond the high mountains view; the upper mustang trek purpose to see awesome deserted landscapes, gigantic pastureland, deep gorge, canyons, wide meadows, wonderful rock formations and ancient settlements; which are inhabitant by the Tibetan, Gurung and Thakali peoples. All of those peoples are following Buddhism so during the trekking period; trekkers will explore dozens of monasteries, ancient sky caves, Stupas, Chhortens, Mani walls and Kani gates.

The sky caves of upper Mustang

There are more than 1000 man-made caves dug into the sides of valleys in the Mustang district of Nepal. The archaeologists and researchers had been explored those stacked caves and found particularly mummified human bodies and skeletons which are at least 2000 -3000 years old. During the exploration of sky caves; the archaeologists also found valuable Buddhist paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and dozens of artifacts belonging to the 12th to 14th century. The researcher group investigating continuously about the sky caves but no one declares yet who and why built the caves.

The Tiji Festival in Lo-Manthang 

The Tiji festival is an annual ritual event of upper Mustang and held on every years of May month. The word Tiji comes from the words “Tenpa Chirm or Tenchi” which means benefit of Buddha’s teaching and all sentient beings. The word Tenpa Chirim or Tenchi is dialects into Tiji which being one of the famous festival and top attraction of the upper mustang. During the festival; all of the villagers gathers altogether in Chhode monastery of Lo-Manthang and the monks performs mask dances to get empowerments of vajrakilla. According to the local beliefs with this empower of Vajrakilla the monks able to chase the demon from the area and all of the villagers will safe during the year.

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Tour Details

Day 01 – Pick up from the Tribhuwan International Airport of Kathmandu on your arrival date and transfer to the hotel.

Day 02 – Sightseeing to the historical and ancient places around the Kathmandu valley like Pashupatinath temple, Baudhanath stupa, Patan Durbar square and Swayambhunath; which is also known as monkey temple.

Day 03 – Drive to Pokhara and trek preparation – we will drive for approximately 7 hours to get Pokhara passing by many towns and villages which are settled just on the bank of the Trisuli river with the beautiful view of Manaslu and the Annapurna mountain range. When we will get to Pokhara we will do a trekking preparation and the guide will give to the participants a briefing about the trekking plan.

Day 04 – fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni village 2858m – early in the morning we will fly 25 minutes to get Jomsom village, which is part of the Mustang region called lower Mustang. The Jomsom village will offers you to see stunning views of Nilgiri, the Muktinath peak, the Tukuche peak and its beautiful ranges. From the Jomsom village, we will trek on the bank of the Kali Gandaki River for approximately 3 hours to get the Kagbeni village.

Day 05 – Trek to Chele (3050m.a.s.l) – 5 hours walk – we will head to the North-west of Kali Gandaki river valley, ascending by the gradual trail on the gigantic deserted land. After one and a half hours walk from Kagbeni village appear the Tangbe village where can be seen traditional houses, apple orchards, old Stupa and Chortens. The narrow valley will lead us to Chhuksang which surrounded by a huge red cliff that commands to see dozens of sky caves, dog on a vertical cliff.

Day 06 – Trek to Syangbochen (3475m.a.s.l) – 6 hours walk – The trail gently ascends from the yard of the guesthouse of the Chele for 2 hours, before to get to a hilltop called Taklam-La pass (3624m). This hilltop allows us seeing the view the Tilicho peak, Yakyakang, Damodar Danda and a beautiful view of the Kali Gandaki river gorge to the downwards. After the Taklam-La pass, we will trek on a flat trail for about 20 minutes to get to the Samar village and we will climb up for approximately three hours to get to the Syangbochen village, walking through the Juniper, a bushy trail, with a charming landscape’s view.

Day 07 – Trek to Ghami village (3520m.a.s.l) – 6 to 7 hours walk – Today we will cross two small passes called Nyi-La pass, 4020 meters, and Ghami-La 3765 meters. From the top of the pass we will head towards Ghami village with magnificent view of Annapurna, Nilgiri and Damodar peak to the east and superb view of deserted landscapes to the all direction. Beyond the mountains and landscapes views we will see hundreds of Chhortens, Stupa, Kani gates, longest Mani walls of the region and as well as sky caves; which are dug on a vertical cliff.

Day 08 – Trek to Tsarang (3560m.a.s.l) – 5 hours walk – At the beginning of the trek we will walk downhill trail about 20 minutes to get the Ghami stream and then the trail ascend to the Chingel or Choya-La pass (3870 meters). Most of the time we will walk on the gradual trail pass by several small hills with the view of charms landscapes, Kali Gandaki River gorge, snow-capped peaks and a long Mani wall which is built just center of the trekking trail. The major attraction of the day would be the view of a cliff or hill, which seems to be made of gold with wonderful formation. There are half dozens of teahouses in Tsarang village where we will spend our joyful night with great hospitality of Tibetan people.

Day 09 – Trek to Lo-Manthang (3840m.s.l) – 5 hours walk – The trek from Tsarang to Lo-Manthang would be very pleasant and memorable of the trip due to easy walk and nature views. The trail leads us through the gigantic pastureland where can be seen thousands of grazing yaks, Horses, sheep and mountain goats. After three and half hours walk we will be top of the hill also called Lodya La (pass 3950m) that commands us to see numerous of snow-capped mountains, awesome landscapes, sky caves and as well as beautiful view of Lo-Manthang village. There are dozens of guesthouses in Lo-Manthang to spend a pleasant night.

Day 10 – Exploration around the Lo-Manthang or sight trip to Chhoser village. There are many old monasteries around the Lo-Manthang village. Among of them; ancient royal palace, Jampa Gompa, Thubchen Gompa and Chhyode Gompa are the major attractions of the village because of their ancient origin and traditional architecture. Most of the monasteries were built early in the 15th century using by only clay, stones and wooden log. Apart of the old monasteries there are hundreds interesting things to see such as Mani walls, Stupa, Kani gates, Chhortens, Tiny streets and traditional houses; which are well decorated with colorful Buddhist prayer flag.

Day 11 – Trek to Dhakmar village (3820m.a.s.l) – 7 hours walk – we will take alternative route to get Dhakmar village instead of main trekking trail. At the beginning; we will follow the main trekking trail for half and hour to get top of the Lodya-La pass then the trail turn to the left side and leads towards Dhakmar. Today we have to walk uphill trail and have to cross three hillocks called Pangga samduling 4090m, Marang (Chogo) La 4230m and Muila Bhanjyang 4170 meters so we will have endless nature views, wild life and some of the landmarks of Upper Mustang known as Pangga Samduling and Ghar Monastery which is believed to be more than 1200 years old.

Day 12 – Trek to Ghiling (3806m.a.s.l) – 6 hours walk – Today we return back to the Ghiling village which is a beautiful hamlet settled just on bottom of the hill located nearby a small stream. Most of the time, we will trek downhill trail until Ghami village then the trail ascend to the Nyi La pass (4020m) with delightful views of snow-capped mountains and enormous landscapes. From the top of the Myi La pass we will walk down to Ghiling village through the juniper forest. Juniper is one of the most important plants for the local people, using as incense to invite deities and as a votive element to ask auspicious to start good work.

Day 13 – Trek to Chhuksang (3050m.a.s.l) – 7 hours walk – At the beginning of the trek we will ascend for approximately two hours to get Yamda La pass which is 4010 meters high and commands to see striking views of Nilgiri, Damodar Danda, Phalkang peak, Penchi thanka peak and as well as superb view of kali Gandaki River valley. After sight of this fascinating view; we will head towards Chhuksang pass by Somar, Ghyakar and Chele village.

Day 14 – Trek to Jomsom village (2700m.a.s.l) – 7 hours walk – The trail leads us just bank of the Kali Gandaki River and commands us to see beautiful Kali Gandaki River valley, rugged rocky hills, snow-capped mountains known as Muktinath peak, Yakawakang, Thorong peak, Tukuche peak, Thapa peak and including stunning view of mount Dhaulagiri. We will have our lunch in Kagbeni village; which is main entrance gate to go upper Mustang and a ancient Tibetan settlement and offers to explore a beautiful monastery.

Day 15 – fly or drive back to Pokhara – The road has been developed from Jomsom to Pokhara so we can drive either bus or private jeep to get Pokhara; which may takes whole day. If we have tight schedule then we can take 25 minute scenic flight and we can hang around the Pokhara Street in the afternoon.

Day 17 – fly back to Kathmandu and final departure.

The months of April to August are considering best season to explore Upper Mustang because of malt temperature, good weather, deserted land change into to greenery, offers to see crystal mountain views and clear skies without any clouds. of-course it is rainy season of Nepal but still upper Mustang area is known as rain shadow region of Nepal.

conditions of weather and temperature of Nepal – October to November – In general the first two months of the dry season offer the best weather for trekking and the main trails are heaving with trekkers at this time, for good reason.the air is crystal clear, the mountain scenery is superb and the weather is still comfortably warm.

December to February – These months are also good time for trekking trip to higher region but the cold can be bitter and dangerous at high altitudes. Getting up to the higher region and high passes can be a real endurance test and high passes are often blocked by snow.

March to April – These months are dry weather and dusty; means poorer Himalayan views but the compensations are several; fewer crowds, warm weather and spectacular Rhododendrons, magnolias and Orchids blooms.

Permits required – The Upper Mustang is one of the protected areas of Nepal and, for those trekkers who would like to explore this region, they have to pay 500$ per person for the first ten days and 50$ per day for the additional days. The region doesn’t require the TIMS card, but trekkers have to pay for the Annapurna trekking permit, the license holder trekking guide, and the group size needs to be composed of a minimum of two persons.

Food and accommodation – Trekkers can explore the Upper Mustang with an accommodation in a comfortable teahouse, instead of tents, in fact there are basic lodges in every village and the restaurants will serve you many kinds of dishes from Chinese, Indian, Continental, Western cuisine and the Nepali traditional dishes, as the Dall-Bhat, which is rice served with vegetable curry and typical pickles.Bathrooms (squat style) are mostly shared, you will need to carry your own toilet paper. Toilet paper is available for purchase throughout the trek. Cold showers are always available. Hot showers or hot bucket are available in some tea houses for additional charge.

Water – water bottle is available in all tea houses however, be mindful of the environmental impact your purchase/plastic bottle will have. Untreated water is available in all tea houses free of charge. Carry your own water treatment system. Boiled water is available for additional charge.

Acclimatization – an altitude sickness is a significant risk while walking on any trekking routes above 3000m. However good sleep, plenty of drinks, slow walk and acclimatization help you to prevent from altitude sickness therefore; we advice to sleep well without any stress, drink water minimum three litters each day, walk slow and don’t climb more than 500 meters in a single day and try to get well acclimatized before to trek over the high passes and summits.

 Note – The given itinerary plan upper Mustang trek, trekking duration are customizable if you want to increase or decrease the duration of trek then our team can customize it considering by your interest and time frame.

  • Sleeping bag (-15C rating)
  • Hiking boots (preferably waterproof)
  • Camp shoes
  • Down jacket (heavy)
  • Wind/waterproof shell
  • Waterproof pants
  • Fleece jacket
  • Wool thermals
  • Sun hat
  • Beanie
  • Gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and chapstic
  • Water treatment system
  • Medical kit
  • Headlamp
  • Trekking poles
  • Personal toiletries
  • (Optional) Crampons
  • (Optional) Gaiters

For a quote, please contact us at: gobinmuhong@hotmail.com

The quote includes:

  • Airport pick up and drop off.
  • One day sightseeing around the Kathmandu valley.
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast.
  • All required permits (such as Special Permit, TIMS and ACAP).
  • Transportation to/from trek start and end points from Kathmandu/Pokhara.
  • Professional English speaking guide with a medical kit and porters (including their meals, drinks, accommodation and insurance).
  • Accommodation and meals.
  • 13% government tax and 10% service charge.

The quote does not include:

  • Client insurance
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, extra beverages bill, battery charge, wifi charge, hot shower charge, mineral water, snacks)
  • Extra porter

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