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Upper Mustang Trek

Key Infomation

  • Duration:16 Days
  • Region/DestinationNepal
  • ActivityTrekking
  • Arrival CityKathmandu
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About Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang popularly called as “The Hidden Kingdom”, is a mysterious place for the world to explore. Since 1990, the region is widely popular for trekking with easy road transportation connected to Tibetan Border via Upper Mustang making it a prime destination for adventurous mountain bikers. The cultural attractions, lifestyle and amazing traditions are the attractions of the region. Hundreds to thousands of travellers from different parts of the world visit each year. The trekking to Upper mustang takes you to the Hidden Kingdom, which is a religious hub of the Bon and Buddhist people of Nepal. The people are strong devotee of their king and cultural values with a high respect to their cultural monarchy.

Upper Mustang is a rich cultural region with similar cultural values with Tibetan Buddhist People and Upper Dolpa Region. Moreover, there are amazingly breathtaking places to explore while trekking in these regions. The Mustang Cave, Meausem, Royal Places and ancient Buddhist Gompa and Stupas are the other stunning parts of the trek. It offers the trekkers with some amazing lifetime experience. In taking about Upper Mustang, it is quiet similar to Grand Canyon of Arizona of the United States of America.

The trekking to Upper Mustang starts from a short sightseeing in Kathmandu, which offers to explore UNESO World Heritage sites. This trekking package is in the following manner as it starts from Jomsom or from Beshishahar. Also, the trek can be organized by combining Annapurna Circuit Trek.

In addition, we as a experienced trekking company, suggest you to bring some chocolates and dry foods in your hand carry bag. Also, we request you stay hydrated which will prevent you from altitude sickness. The best season to visit Upper Mustang is during spring and autumn, however summer is also the other option.

Highlights

  • Behold the stunning panramic views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Annapurna massif
  • Immerse into the roch culture of tibetan-influenced buddhists, and ethnic Thakali, and Loba
  • Explore the diverse flora and fauna in Annapurna Conservation Area with a chance to spot red panda, plumaged pheasant, and musk deer.
  • Inspect Jomsom - A Town of Apple Orchards, Sacred Stones and Windy Valley.
  • Scenic and adventurous flight from Jhomsom to Pokhara.
  • Traverse through several monasteries, gompas, Chortens, rock paintings, ochre cliffs, eroded canyons
  • Explore the 7 lake city, Pokhara - a tourist destination famous for its natural beauty.
  • Discover a historic walled city - Lo Manthang decorated by stone built houses and Tibetan-style architectures
  • Look into the most mysterious five-storey high cave - the Chhoser Cave
  • Visit the famous pilgrimage site Muktinath Temple for both hindus and buddhists and its spiritual surroundings.
  • Witness the World's deepest River gorge Kaligandaki Gorge.

Itinerary

Trip Map
Outline ItineraryDetails Itinerary
  • Day 01: Welcome at Airport and transfer to hotel
  • Day 02: Permit preparation, Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara early in the morning.
  • Day 04: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni 2,800m 2-3 hr
  • Day 05: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele 3,050m 5-6 hr
  • Day 06: Trek from Chele to Syangboche 3,475m 5-6 hr
  • Day 07: Trek from Syangboche to Ghaymi 3,560m 4-5 hr
  • Day 08: Trek from Ghaymi to Charang 3,560m 3-4 hr
  • Day 09: Trek from Charang to Lo-Manthang 3,770m 4-5 hr
  • Day 10: Acclimatization day Chhoser Cave 3,770m 2-3 hr
  • Day 11: Trek from Manthang to Drakmar 3,800m 5-6 hr
  • Day 12: Trek from Drakmar to Ghiling 3,860m 5-6 hr
  • Day 13: Trek from Ghiling to Chhusang 3,050m 5-6 hr
  • Day 14: Jomsom 2,715m trek back to Jomsom 5-6 hr
  • Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara and drive back to Kathmandu
  • Day 16: Final Departure

Welcome to the Himalayan country, Nepal. Upon your arrival, our Southcol Adventures' representatives will greet and drive you to the hotel. You may rest and discover the city of Thamel the remaining time of the day.

    Our trekking leaders will meet you in the hotel and check your trekking and climbing equipment and their conditions and suggest you buy or rent the necessary kits from the trekking shops in Thamel. As Upper Mustng is a restricted area, you require Restricted Area Permit to be allowed entering in this region. After taking Permit, you can spend your time visiting various heritage sites including Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bouddhanath. The rest of the day is free to explore Kathmandu City.

      We will go for a long drive today. After breakfast, we ride on a mini bus from Kathmandu and descends through steeps hills, follows the winding roadway alongside the bank of the Trishuli River. After crossing the bridge over the confluence of Trishuli and Marsyangdi river at Mugling, we drive through frequent zigzac roads,  passing foothills alongside the Marsayangdi river, following the pritivi highway we reach Pokhara.

      Pokhara is one of the most tourist visited area because of the attractions and activities it offers. Some of the  famous places includes Fewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Peace Pagoda (Stupa), International Mountain Museum, Gupteswor Gufa (Cave) and the activities to enjoy includes boating, paragliding, bungy jumping and zipliner. You can utilize you time to go for sightseeing in the place mentioned above. Experience the vibrant nightlife with bustling streets, lively clubs and delicious local cuisine and watch live cultural dances. Stay overnight in Pokhara.

        Normally, the atmosphere becomes very windy after 11 am onwards. So, we take early morning flight to Jomsom which takes about 22 minutes. This scenic flight brings spectacular views of Mount Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Annapurna, Nilgiri and other snowcapped peaks. After landing Jomsom, we trek through the bank of Kali Gandaki river, visit the world's deepest george, and ascend through windy and dusty unpaved path to reach Ekle Bhatti which takes about 2 hours. Upon arriving Ekle Bhatti, we stop for lunch. Shortly after lunch, we resume our trial on sandy trail for 1 more hour to reach the gateway of Upper Mustang, Kagbeni. 

          We kickoff our trip early morning. Your permit will be checked before entering the prohibited Upper Mustang region. The trail resumes trekking along the Kali Gandaki river, passing through desertic, dry, windy and dusty route moving past canyons caves to reach Tangbe taking about 2.5 hours where we stop for tea break.

          Passing through barley fields, apple farmlands we continue to trek on sandy path to a riverside village, that lies beneath the lofty red rock, Chhusang Village, taking additional 2.5 hours. 

          After refueling in Chhusang, we proceed our journey further crossing the bridge over Kaligandaki river and ascend up for an hour to reach Chele village where we stay overnight.

            After taking warm delicious breakfast with the fresh morning air, the trail embarks to hike towards our first stopping spot, Samar. After a long steep climb through dry and rugged path accompanied by gorge, we reach Samar, taking about 2.5 hours. We will have a long relaxing break. After taking lunch in Samar, The trail start to descend down towards a gorge, pass through an inlet, and hike through rocky terrain moving past Rangchyung Chorten to reach as small traditional village, Syanboche, taking additional 4 hours. Overnight stay in Syanboche.

              The trail resumes with a steep ascent to the Yamda La Pass(3850m), marked by prayers flag. This pass offers the mangnificent views of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and many others amazing peaks. We keep moving forward passing through terraced farmlands to reach a traditional village, Ghiling, taking about 1.5 hours. After a short break for tea, the journey progresses moving past Tamagaon, a village decorated by whitewashed houses, and mani walls, and trek gradually about 2 hours to get to Jhaite where we stop for lunch. 

              An uphill climb from Jhaite takes you to the highest point of this trail, Nyi La Pass(4010m). The trail then, descends moving past Ghami La Pass(3,765m), following the rugged path through the deserted landscapes, we reach Ghaymii village.

                Today's trip is relatively shorter. We begin our trek descending for half an hour to reach Ghami khola, traverse a suspension bridge and then, start to ascend following the trail. During the journey, we visit Mustang's longest Mani wall, a stone carved in tibetan script, accompanied by the several chortens. The trail hike steeply to Charang La pass(3870m) and trek further through deserted route to reach Charang, where we stop for tonight.

                  Today's destination is the main attraction of this trail. After plentiful breakfast, we start our trek descending through Caharang Chu canyon, traverse a bridge and hike up to Lo-Gekar and visit this oldest monastery of Nepal. We marsh through arid landscape, leaving behind ruins of ancient fortresses and monasteries and ascend gradually to reach Lo La Pass(3,950m). We keep moving further, traverse past a bridge and trek gradually to reach ancient walled city of Mustang, Lo Manthang.

                  Visit four-storied palace inside the city walls, which requires Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit with having entitled "Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal". Furthermore, taking ticket for $10 you can visit 3 gompas within the walles city and also can shop art galleries, artifacts in the attached shopping complexes. Enjoy the astonishing view of the Mt. Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and other peaks. Overnight stay in Lo-Manthang.

                    This day is allocated for acclimatization inorder to avoid altitude sickness as well as to recover from your worn out feet after the long continuous tiring journey. Stay hydrated and intake nutritious food, take sufficient rest so that  your body get prepared for futher journey. Apart from rest, you can explore nearby area in Lo-manthang.

                    If you are good with your feet, you can have a short trek to Chhoser Cave, also known as Jhong Cave. It is a five-storey high cave built inside the cliffs. After visiting the mysterious, we get back Lo-Manthang for the overnight stay.

                      After a remarkable stay in Lo-Manthang, the trail has to  get back but we get back taking alternate route. We start our journey climbing to Chogo La pass with highest viewpoint fo this treak, and then we descend to the Charang river. About 3-4 hours of trek takes us to  Lo-Gekar, but we stop for a while to explore Ghar Ghompa in the midway of the trail today. With additional 3 hours of trek we reach Dhakmar  where we stay overnight.

                        It a tiring journey today with several uphill and downhill walk. After a pleasing breakfast, we start our journey towards south reach Ghami where we stop for lunch. From this point, the trail  start to descend retracing the same route moving past Chhunggar and Tamagaon village leading to Ghiling.

                        Explore Ghiling in the evening as afternoon time is windy. This place is surrounded by traditional houses, primitive chortens and an old monastery. Stay overnight in Ghiling.

                          After warm pleasant breakfast, we resume our journey retracing the same route back to Samar after moving past Syangboche. Explore nearby areas in Samar while we take short break for lunch. The trail progress following through the rugged path with arid landscapes moving past Chele village and descend toward kaligandaki and traverse across the bridge to reach our destination spot for today, Chhusang. Overnight stay in Chhusang.

                            Its a final day of trekking today. We proceed our journey passing through the sandy trail, move past apple farmlands, barley fields and reach Tangbe where we stop for lunch. Retracing the same route moving past canyons caves, following the dry, windy and dusty trail along side the Kali gandaki river we reach Kagbeni, we take short tea break. 

                            We navigate our route towards Jomsom descenin on the windy and dusty unpaved path to get to the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Walking about 3 hours on sandy trail, we reach Jomsom where we spend the night.

                              Normally the atmosphere becomes very windy after 11am onwards. So, we take early morning flight to Pokhara which takes about 22 minutes. This scenic flight brings spectacular views of Mount Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Annapurna, Nilgiri and other snowcapped peaks. After landing in Pokhara, we will have a scenic long drive passing through steep hills, winding roadways  alogside the Marsyangi river, later follows trisuli river and hike up with zigzac roads to reach Kathmandu. 

                              However, if you want a short trip to Kathmandu, you can take flight option which is you have to pay an extra cost. You may go for last minute shopping to take some souvenirs for your near and dear ones.  In the evening, we will have a farewell dinner in a typical Nepalese Restaurant with cultural show. Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in Tamel and shop for souvenirs.

                               

                                The adventurous, exciting, and entertaining Cholatse Peak Climbing comes to an end today. Extend your stay and enjoy other packages if you have enough time for staying in Nepal. You shall be transferred to the airport for your flight to your onward destination by a representative of Southcol Adventures. We thank you for being a part of our team and we hope that you have created some of the best memories of your life during this trek. Have a safe and happy journey ahead!

                                  Cost Details

                                  Included

                                  • All necessaries ground transportation including Airport to Hotel and Kathmandu Sightseeing
                                  • Government Trekking Permit including National Park Entry Permit (ACAP Permit), TIMS Card (Trekker’s Information Management System) and Local Permit
                                  • Restricted Area Permit: Upper Mustang Restricted area permit (Special area permit $500 USD per person)
                                  • 3 night Kathmandu Hotel Accommodation at 3 Star hotel with BB Service
                                  • Government license holder trekking guide, having 5-7 years experiences in Trekking sector of Nepal and well speaking skill in English
                                  • trekking porter, Max 20 kg
                                  • Accommodation at Tea House and Local lodge during trekking period.
                                  • Three time meals a day during trekking period including breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea, coffee.
                                  • Medical Kit: Trekking medical kit and tools

                                  Excluded

                                  • International flight
                                  • your personal warm clothes for trekking
                                  • Nepal Visa and cargo clearance
                                  • Personal medical/rescue insurance
                                  • helicopter ecacuation if any emergency case.
                                  • Extra porter if needs
                                  • Alcoholic products during trekking period
                                  • Tips for your trekking staff

                                  Useful Info

                                  Some useful information will be shown here.

                                  FAQs

                                  • Q1. Where is Upper Mustang?

                                    Upper Mustang is located in the northern part of the Mustang district within Gandaki Province, near the border of Tibet of China.

                                  • The Upper Mustang trek is one of the most mesmerizing and mysterious trek that takes you to the hidden gem of Upper Mustang, Lho, which is known as "The Last Forbidden Kingdom". It is a moderately challenging trek which follows through semi-desert to desert-like landscapes offering to explore and witness the pilgrimage sites, ancient caves, ochre cliffs, eroded canyons, centuries old historical monasteries, traditional Tibetan-Buddhist culture, the walled city of Lo Manthang along with the incredible views of gigantic mountains like Nilgiri (7061 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m), and the Annapurna massiff.

                                    In conclusion, Upper Mustang trek is one of the perfect destination for trekkers due to its isolated trail, unique terrain, mysterious places, rich cultural insight and magnificent views of mountain vista. Thus, this trek is ideal for travellers looking for both adventure as well as cultural exploration.

                                  • Permits that are required to trek Upper Mustang are as follows:

                                    1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP):
                                    2. TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): 
                                    3. Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit

                                    You don't have to worry about these permits as they will be taken care of and arranged by Southcol Adventures itself.

                                  • Prime trekking seasons including pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) offer the most favorable time to trek Upper Mustang. We highly recommend post-monsoon season for Upper Mustang Trek as the fact of suitable weather conditions with the drop in temparature, clear skies, and vivid mountain view and safer trek. Winter season is also possible but bring weather-related challenges.

                                  • The highest point of the Upper Mustang Trek is the Lo La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 3,950m.

                                  • Absolutely yes, hiring a certified guide is mandatory for Upper Mustang Trek. Indiviual trekking is not allowed in this restricted region.

                                  • The upper mustang trek is moderately difficult trek having the maximum elevation of just 3,950m with gradual ascent. The trail is dry, dusty, sandy and atmosphere becomes windy in afternoon. Continuous walking often in arid climate with the altitude above 3500 makes this trek a challenging to the novice trekkers. With basic physical fitness and strong mindset, this trek can be comfortably achievable.

                                  • o, solo trekking is not allowed in this region as it comes under the Restricted Area. You must trek with a government-registered agency, a licensed guide to trek Upper Mustang.

                                  • Mustang is famous for mysterious journey to isolated region, tourism, high quality apple productions, pilgrimage sites specially Muktinath, rich tibetan buddhist culture, breathtaking landscapes, hidden treasure of mustang -Lo Manthang and stunning view point of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Massifs.

                                  • Upper Mustang is an isolated area of Nepal and was restricted to foreigners until 1992 due to religious occupation and cultural revolution. Now this region is opened as regulated by Nepal goverment and with Restricted Area Permit, exploration of Upper Mustang is permited.

                                  • The upper mustang trek is considered as moderately difficult trek and doesn't require advance trekking experience. The maximum elevation is about 3950 which is not higher enough to cause severe altitude complications. However, basic physical fitness and strong mindset is recommended to comfortably accomplish this trek.

                                  • The Upper Mustang Trek offers incredible photography opportunities in various places, including Jhomsom, Kagbeni village- gateway to Upper Mustang, Muktinath - a pilgrimage sites for both hindus and buddhists, traditional villages, unique desert landscapes, Lo Manthang - the capital city of Mustang, panoramic mountain view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Massif.

                                  • The Upper Mustang trek is a moderately challenging trek which follows through semi-desert to desert-like landscapes offering to explore  pilgrimage sites including Muktinath, World's deepest gorge -Kaligandaki Gorge, ancient caves, ochre cliffs, eroded canyons, centuries old historical monasteries, traditional Tibetan-Buddhist culture, the walled city of Lo Manthang along with the incredible views of gigantic mountains like Nilgiri (7061 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m), and the Annapurna massiff. 

                                    In conclusion, Upper Mustang trek is one of the perfect destination for novice trekkers due to its isolated trail, unique terrain, mysterious places, rich cultural insight and magnificent views of mountain vistas. Thus, recommended to travellers looking for both adventure as well as cultural exploration.

                                  • South Col Adventures is one to the mostly reputed trekking companies with 100% record of successful Upper Mustang Trek. We provide experienced and reliable porters and proficient guides. Moreover, our company aims on safety, quality and professional service by providing fine logistics. In conclusion, Upper Mustang Trek is known for high safety standards, 100% success rate, carefully designed itineraries, reliable logistics, excellent accomodation within the most affordable prices.

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