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Upper Mustang Trekking
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Upper Mustang Trekking

Trip Overview

Key Information

Group Size

2-12

Meal

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Grade

Moderate to Adventurous

Accomodation

Hotels (Twin room)

Transportation

Flights/Private Vehicle

Starts/Ends

Kathmandu/Kathmandu

Wi-fi

Everyday

Highlights

  • Picturesque country on world's highest and largest Tibetan plateau that extends to Upper Mustang
  • Daily views of magnificent Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and other high peaks of Mustang Himal
  • Scenic flight to and from Pokhara-Jomsom with a sweeping panorama of high Himalayan peaks
  • Exploring traditional high Mustang villages of great interest interwoven with Buddhism religion
  • Trekking into pure wilderness within the scenic windswept valley of eroded red hills and canyons
  • Into walled village of Lo-Manthang home of Mustang Raja (king) once ruled the forbidden kingdom

Trip Overview

Upper Mustang Trekking, located on picturesque and scenic plateau regarded as world largest and highest windswept terrain which is an extension of vast Tibet South Western plateau around Nepal Far North Western Himalaya.Upper Mustang Trekking truly worth a visit to experience the adventure of once in a lifetime experience as you will be walking within amazing and unique landscapes of the arid and dry country of high eroded red-grey colored hills and canyons, certainly a most picturesque and photogenic place on earth.Besides its huge scenic terrain with old culture interwoven to Buddhism religion including ancient Bon sect practice of pre-Buddhism, certainly well worth a visit where you can walk into local villages of the immense culture of old heritage encountering series of prayer wheels and carved walls on this beautiful walks around Upper Mustang.

Upper Mustang Trekking starts from Kathmandu by bus to Pokhara and next day Pokhara to Jomsom by flight then start to go to Kagbeni. Finally after walking through several interesting villages from Kagbeni-Tsusang-Tsarang to Lo-Manthang an interesting walled village once a forbidden kingdom ruled by Raja of Mustang till last decade before Nepal became republic country. Upper Mustang Trek starts and ends with a scenic flight to and from Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara with sweeping views of snow-capped peaks as the small aircraft lands at Jomsom headquarter town of Mustang district. Our adventure on Upper Mustang Trekking completes within scenic Pokhara blessed with massive Annapurna Mountains with majestic Machhapuchare Himal 'Fish Tail' which reflects on its beautiful serene lakes of Phewa and Begnas.

Upper Mustang Trekking Itinerary

Open All Close All
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu via respective airlines.
Accomodation Hotel Moonlight
Elevation 1350

On reaching at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, warmly greeted by ourstaff and guides for transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu around Thamel area, the happening spot in Kathmandu with many fine hotels and restaurants with shopping stores and shops, here our guide will brief you with all information on Upper Mustang trekking and while you are under our care.

Evening includes authentic Nepalese dinner in a nice local restaurant with cultural-folk programs to entertain you with delicious meals.

Day 2 : Drive to Pokhara ( 6 hrs drive)
Food Breakfast
Accomodation 3 star rated Hotel
Elevation 950

Starting our fabulous Upper Mustang Trekking taking a morning drive towards Nepal Mid West with grand views of Ganesh-Langtang Himal, as the drive gets closer towards Pokhara catch the views of Manaslu and Annapurna Himalaya with majestic Mt. Machhapuchare known as Fish Tail due to its shape.

After exciting scenic drive reaching at Pokhara a famous and popular touristic spot of Nepal Himalaya, blessed with natural wonders of snow capped peaks, rolling green hills and valley with serene lakes, in Pokhara overnight by the Phewa Lake with ample time for short walks around the lake.
(Options by Air taking half hour of scenic flight to land at Pokhara from Kathmandu)

Day 3 : Morning Flight to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni - 04 hrs.
Food Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accomodation Hotel (twin room)
Elevation 2700

After a pleasant overnight in Pokhara, morning drive to airport for short scenic flight to Jomsom with close views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range of mountains as the flight touches at Jomsom airport located on the shelf of Kali-Gandaki River.

Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang district, after Jomsom first day trek begins on Kali-Gandaki River valley around windswept country, few hours of good walk with great views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri’s brings you at Kagbeni village.

A nice village of Tibetan style located on the start and ending point of Upper Mustang area and to Forbidden City of Lo Manthang, on an old Himalayan Caravan trade route of Nepal and Tibet.

Day 4 : Trek to Tshele / Chele - 06 hrs.
Food Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accomodation Hotel (twin room)
Elevation 3050

Morning walk starts with uphill climb into a canyon of high red eroded cliff edge, following upper upstream of Kailgandaki River, within unique landscapes of cliff walls, a nice walk with views brings you to our overnight stop at Chele, a moderate size village also spelled as Tsele.

Day 5 : Trek to Geling - 05 hrs.
Food Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accomodation Hotel (twin room)
Elevation 3540

From Tsele or Chele, morning begins with a climb to Gyakar village, and from here walk around dry and barren landscapes to reach at Samar village, one of the lovely looking villages of Mustang area.

After Samar village with short stops walk to Bhena and then leading with a steep climb to a ridge top of Yamda La pass at 3,860 meters high, offering grand vista of Mustang area with high mountains of Mt. Dhaulagiri.

From here on down-hill to overnight stop at Geling village via Syangboche village

Day 6 : Trek to Tsarang / Charang - 06 hrs.
Food Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accomodation Hotel (twin room)
Elevation 3560

Morning with time visit to its old monastery with Buddhist mani prayer wheels propelled with water power, after monastery tour trek to Ghami village and then cross Ghaymi Khola (stream) walk leads following a long and interesting line of Mani walls (holy prayer stone) from here walk to Dhakmar village, after hours of pleasant walk reaching at Tsarang village surrounded by large fields of crops buck wheat’s with overnight stop and visit of Tsarang old monastery.

 

Day 7 : Trek to Lo-Manthang - 04 hrs.
Food Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accomodation Hotel (twin room)
Elevation 3700

Today few hours walk to Lo -Manthang our main destination of this great adventure within walled city (actually a large village) the fort guarding the city / village surrounded by high wall. At one time stood as a forbidden kingdom after monarchy rule ended in Nepal past a decade ago, on the walk coming across several chhorten and Mani stones, between Tsarang and on Lo Manthang trail with grand views of arid landscapes in the shade of Nilgiris, Tilicho and Bhrikuti peaks.

Walk leads to Lo La pass at 3,950 meters with views of Lo Manthang the walled city and then descend reaching a nice trail to Lo Manthang for two night stops.

Day 8 : In Lo-Manthang for acclimatization and local hike.
Food Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accomodation Hotel (twin room)
Elevation 3700

Lo Manthang highest overnight stop of this journey, with time to explore this fascinating village with old Tibetan like houses enclosed within great high wall, visit historical and cultural centre the main attraction of Lo-Manthang.

The four main monasteries are Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House), Red Thubchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the great Entrance Hall.
Advance permission required to enter king’s palace to visit interior of the old palace and to grant audience with former king or Raja of Mustang if possible.

Day 9 : Trek to Dhakmar - 06 hrs.
Food Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accomodation Hotel (twin room)
Elevation 3810

After an interesting time in Lo-Manthang morning walk starts on the same route back to Marang village, and then walk west using an old path to Dhakmar village for overnight stop.

Day 10 : Trek to Ghiling - 06 hrs.
Food Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accomodation Hotel (twin room)
Elevation 3806

From Dhakmar village, morning walk heading on the same route with long series of Mani Walls, and then cross a bridge over Ghami Khola to reach at Ghami village for overnight, time permitting visit Geling monastery.

 

Day 11 : Trek to Tshusang / Chusang - 06 hrs.
Food Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accomodation Hotel (Twin room)
Elevation 2980

Slowly this fascinating walk comes to an end after a short climb to Syangboche village, and to Yamda La with grand views, then downhill to Bhena and Samar villages.
Walk leads by a stream passing Gyakar and Chele villages and finally ending this nice walk at Chusang village.

Day 12 : Trek to Muktinath - 06 hrs.
Food Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accomodation Hotel (twin room)
Elevation 3800

Today one of the highlight and scenic walks of the adventure from Tsusang / Chusang as our route leads on high trail towards Tenbe on steep winding path to reach holy Muktinath at 3,800 m high with grand views of Dhaulagiri range with Tilicho and Nilgiri Himal.

On reaching Muktinath for overnight stop, a scenic holy spot for both Hindus and Buddhists the word Muktinath means ‘Nirvana or Liberation’.

Day 13 : Trek to Jomsom - 04 hours.
Food Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accomodation Hotel (twin room)
Elevation 2715

From Muktinath onward, rest of the journey is easier with moderate walks all the way with a big drop of 1,200m downhill to Kaligandaki river valley, where our pleasant walk leads at Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang area with a small airstrip above Kaligandaki River.

 

Day 14 : Fly to Pokhara and transfer to respective hotels near Phewa Lake.
Food Breakfast
Accomodation 3 star rated Hotel
Elevation 950

Taking an early super short flight with exceptional views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya range of peaks, with green hills dotted with farm villages and well tended terraces, soon landing at beautiful Pokhara airport, where a short drive brings you to scenic Phewa Lake, where most of good hotels located.

 

Day 15 : Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.
Food Breakfast
Accomodation Hotel Moonlight
Elevation 1350

Early morning transfer to bus or other smaller vehicle for scenic and exciting drive to Kathmandu as the morning ride leads towards farm villages and towns and driving along the Marysangdi and Trisuli River  toward Mugling Bazaar, and then after an interesting 5-6 hours journey reaching at hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city life.
(By Air options of 30 minutes of scenic flight to Kathmandu)

 

Day 16 : Transfer to international airport for flight homeward bound.
Food Breakfast
Elevation 1300

Last day in Nepal, the land of Himalayan wonders as per your international flight time our staff will transfer you to airport for your flight homeward bound or to respective destination with wonderful experience on Upper Mustang Trekking.

Services Included on Price

Cost Includes

  • All airport transfers
  • Hotel  Moonlight in Kathmandu for 3 nights with Breakfast 
  • 3 star Hotel in Pokhara for 2 nights with Breakfast
  • Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara flight
  • Full day city tour
  • Kathmandu- Pokhara by tourist bus 
  • Pokhara-Kathmandu by tourist bus  
  • Trekking equipment such as Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag
  • Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner with Tea or Coffee during the trek
  • Supplementary snacks (cookies and energy bar)
  • Seasonal fresh fruits every day after dinner 
  • All Mountain accommodation 
  • An experienced English speaking trekking guide (Govt. registered), (5 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter), including their salary, insurance, equipment,food and lodging.
  • All necessary paper works TIMS and Permit (Annapurna Conservation Permit and Upper Mustang restricted permit Cost USD$ 500.00 per person)
  • A comprehensive medical kit 
  • All government and local taxes 

Cost Excludes

  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara 
  • Bottle drinks
  • City monument fees
  • Electronic device recharge in Mountain 
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance & evacuation
  • Tip 

Additional Information

Useful Information

Travel Insurance:

You need to be insured against medical and personal accident risks to be able to enjoy our services. Your insurance must also include emergency air ambulance and/or helicopter rescue services and all related medical expenses.

Even though we leave no stones unturned to make our trip a success, many external factors such as weather conditions as well as political upheaval might cause some problems. We thus recommend you to have a trip cancellation insurance policy just in case. It is important to be aware of your insurance policies, what they cover and what they do not. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have an adequate level of protection that covers you for any unwanted happenings during your trek/holiday. We are always ready to assist you should you require any help regarding insurance.

Please do not forget to carry along with you some proof of your insurance in the form of, for example, your insurance certificate. Inability to do so will lead to you being disallowed to continue with your program at the same time does not make you entitled to any refunds whatsoever.

Nepal Visa:

If you are wondering about how to obtain Nepal visa, then the easiest way to obtain it is at the Tribhuwan International Airport upon your arrival in Nepal or else at the immigration entry point if you are entering through the border of India or Tibet. 

Note: There are few countries namely Nigeria, Ghana, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Cameroon, Swaziland, Iraq, Ethiopia, Liberia, Palestine, etc. People from these countries do not get visa from the immigration entry points of Nepal.)

 What do you need to obtain Nepal visa?

If you are thinking of taking visa at the airport or immigration entry point, following are your requirements: A valid passport (The passport should have validity of at least six months) You should fill the application form for visa available at airport or immigration entry points. Two passport size photos

Visa fees which should be paid in cash.

 Entry Points to Nepal:

  • Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu
  • Eastern Nepal – Kakarvitta, Jhapa
  •  Central Nepal – Birjung, Parsa
  • Northern Border – Kodari, Sindhupalchowk
  • Western – Rupandehi (Belhiya, Bhairahawa)
  • Mid-western – Banke (Jamuna, Nepalgunj)
  • Far western

Visa Fees:

  •  USD 25 or equivalent convertible currency for 15 days.
  •  USD 40 or equivalent convertible currency for 30 days.
  • USD 100 or equivalent convertible currency for 90 days.
  • For the tourist of SAARC nationals, free visa up to 30 days.

Visa is not required for Indian nationals. However, if they enter Nepal via air, they will have to show a valid identification certificate (passport/ citizenship certificate). The children under the age of 10 do not need to show identification certificate.

 Visa Extension:

  • If you want to extend visa for 15 days or less, visa extension charge is USD 30 or equivalent convertible currency
  • If you want to extend the visa for more than 15 days, USD 2 will be charged per day after 15 days. However, the visa can be extended maximum up to 150 days in a visa year (Visa year refers to year starting January to December.)

Transit Visa:

When a foreigner has to get down at Nepalese airport as a result of his/her transit point or due to any force landing for whatever the reason, the foreigner can obtain transit visa for a day after paying USD 5 or any other currency equivalent.

Other General Information:

  •  Entering in to Nepal or staying in Nepal without a valid visa is illegal.
  • Tourist visa can be obtained either through the Nepalese embassy or consulate or other mission offices in your nation or at the immigration entry points in Nepal listed above.
  • Visa once issued cannot be amended and the visa fees are non-refundable.
  • You should pay the Nepal visa fees in cash. Credit card or cheque are not acceptable.
  •  Visa charges are not applicable for children under 10 years of age, however, they must obtain a valid visa.
  • If you are obtaining a new passport or travel document, you are advised to contact the Immigration Department for the document transfer.
  • Always carry your passport and trekking permit while on trekking.
  • Some of the areas are restricted for filming. Therefore, be careful not to do the activities that are strictly prohibited.
  • The culture, tradition and sentiments of Nepalese people should be respected. Do not perform any activities that would hurt their sentiments.
  •  Do not perform any activities that would lead to moral turpitude.

 When is the best time to Trek Upper Mustang?

In the past often misspell as Moostang and Mastang, Mustang can be best described with two climates and regions. To find an actual balance in wide varieties of factors is key to the best time for trekking Upper Mustang. Except late December to beginning of March, rest other months, including October and November are recommended for trek. The month of May often holds a famous festival of Tiji. Monsoon of June, July and August doesn’t hamper any of the trip above Kagbeni. September marks the end of monsoon on the lower belt of Mustang. Trekking prehistoric salt trading route, passes deep through the Kali Gandaki Valley with cool wind bridge on your head, it is a trek of a lifetime.

Spring season for Upper Mustang Trek

If you are looking for some spiritual experience along with trek, look for dates of Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang. Festival dates are chosen on the basis of Tibetan Calendar. Normally the festival happens in May. This is marked as the beginning of spring in Mustang. For three days long festival you have to spend around sixteen day in trekking with two additional permit days. The festival is held on the premises of the king’s palace in Lo Manthang. Despite of monsoon in another territory of Nepal, here the flow of trekkers keeps same during June, July and August.

Winter season for Upper Mustang Trek

From the mid of December local start packing to leave the sacred valley of Lo. According to stat 80 % of local descends to the nearby cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu. As the winter approaches the night temperature falls as low as -25 ° C. Few people stay in the valley with adequate firewood and foods to look after animal and the village. Big organized groups stop trekking, Upper Mustang during December, January and February. You most be well equipped with winter gears to trek Lo Manthang. Experienced guides are the most rather than trainee and assistant guide. It might be hard to figure out the trail without a proper trekking map.

October and November for Upper Mustang Trek

No doubt, flawless weather and view October and November are the best recommended month for trekking in Upper Mustang. Sight of Tibetan Plateau and view of high Himalayas you can experience amazing weather during these two months in Upper Mustang. Be prepared with windproof gears, as every afternoon strong wind from north of valley dominates the entire trail. To some degree, of expedition within Upper Mustang, like Saribung peak can be carried out during these months period of years. April and May are the best for climbing and traversing high passes. Also, it is not rare to encounter a group exiting to Dolpo directly from Upper Mustang.

Trekking Equipment List

Trekking Equipment List:

If it’s too much to carry from your home country some of the necessary equipment can be hired or bought in Kathmandu around Thamel as well.
Most of the equipment is general and standard lists for all seasons while on trek, but may differ as per the season and duration of trekking and areas of your chosen trip.

  • Reading/writing material

  • First-aid kit; should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band-Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium, or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea

  • Re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking if any particular

  • Wet wipes for cleaning can be purchased in Kathmandu.

  • Health requirements arranged

  • Money: cash/credit card

  • Down Sleeping bag and Down Jacket provided by Mountain Magic Treks in Kathmandu 

  • Lightweight Towel

  • Day pack (25-30 liter) to carry your personal needs during the day

  • Torch/flashlight - headlamp style is ideal

  • Insect repellent, sunscreen, and lip balm

  • Refillable water bottle - Min 1 Liter Aluminum or Nalgene polypropylene are best

  • Warm Hat

  • Sunhat/bandana

  • Sunglasses

  • Gloves - wool or fleeced and gore-tex

  • Scarf

  • Bag Liners to waterproof your bags (A duffel bag is provided to each trekker for trekking by Mountain Magic Treks in Kathmandu)

  • Sewing Kit

  • Wind and waterproof Jacket & Pants

  • Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes (worn frequently prior to departure)

  • Socks: thick wool blend and thin cotton to be worn in combination - ensure boots fit such a combination

  • Running shoes or sandals for the evening

  • Wool jumper/sweater/fleece. Lightweight during summer, 1 heavyweight or 2 lightweights during winter months.

  • T-Shirts 2 or 3

  • Shirt - Long Sleeved

  • Pants - lightweight long trousers (jeans are unsuitable)

  • Thermals upper and lower

  • Extra warm clothing during winter (December to March) layered clothing - thermals.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

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