2-12 people
Moderate
Tea House
3,810m/12,500ft
B / L / D
Tourist Bus / Jeep
Mar - May & Sept - Nov
The Upper Mustang trek brings you into the hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. Lo used to be part of the Tibetan empire and is therefore closely tied to Tibet in culture, language and geography. Upper Mustang trek offers a spectacular trekking experience in the remote trans-Himalayan mountain region of Nepal. The 17-day trip begins in Kathmandu with tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then we drive to Pokhara and fly to Jomsom the next day and begin trekking. Upper Mustang is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom because it wasn’t until the 1990s that tourists were allowed to enter the region. The Mustang trek is not particularly difficult, the highest point reached being only 3,800 meters, but the conditions at times can be arduous. Mustang is cold in winter and is always windy and dusty through the year. Winter treks are best avoided due to harsh weather. While trekking in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal, we can admire the uniqueness of the tree-less landscape, rocky trails, and views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the other Himalayas.
Trip Outline
Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft]: 6 hrs drive.
Day 02: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni [2,858m/9,375ft]: 3-4 hrs.
Day 03: Kagbeni to chele [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Day 04: Chele to Syanbochen [3475m/11,398ft]: 6-7 hrs.
Day 05: Syanbochen to Ghaymi [3520m/11,546ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Day 06: Ghaymi to Charang [3500m/11,480ft]: 4-5 hrs.
Day 07: Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3700m/12,136ft): 5-6 hrs.
Day 08: Explore Lo-Mangthang.
Day 09: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar [3810 m/12,500ft]: 6-7 hrs.
Day 10: Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806m/12,484ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Day 11: Ghiling to Chhuksang [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Day 12: Chhuksang to Jomsom [2700/8,856ft]: 6-7 hrs.
Day 13: Back to Pokhara.
Detail itinerary
Day 01: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni [2,804m/9,199ft]
5 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 20 minutes over the mountains with views of 8,000ers such as Annapurna & Dhaulagiri, brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town, headquarter of the Mustang region; it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, Continue on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept villages situated on the main age old Trans-Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. In Kagbeni a major tributary, Kak Khola, coming from Muktinath, meets Mustang Khola, and from there the river is called the Kali Gandaki
Day 02: Kagbeni to chele [3050m/10,004ft]
6 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we have scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trails follows the up and downhill. Firstly we reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges reach at Chele village
Day 03: Chele to Syanbochen [3475m/11,398ft]
7 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Today, we start our trek again and walk further to Eklo Bhatti. We climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. Further descend a little to the village of Samar. Climb the trail that goes above Samar village to the ridge then descending steeply to a stream. Another 3 hrs similar walk takes us to Syanbochen. On the way, we relax along the surrounding of cool streams and juniper trees. Locals use the dried leaves of junipers as incenses to invite deities and start any auspicious work. We also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave.
Day 04: Syanbochen to Ghaymi [3520m/11,546ft
6 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) passing a few teahouses, chortens and local villages which is like Tibetan style of houses with open Varanda. We cross mountain passes, and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barley. The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) would be a little longer. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi. the third largest village in the Lo region, Ghayami is surrounded by large fields most of which are barren.
Day 05: Ghaymi to Charang [3500m/11,480ft]
5 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Start the trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk. After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall, a sacred stone wall made by the followers Buddhism. From the end of the wall the trail heads east to the village of Charang with a maze of fields, willow trees and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the Tsarang Chu canyon. There is also a huge white dzong and red Gompa to get to our teahouse for tonight’s stop
Day 06: Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3700m/12,136ft)
6 Hrs B/L/D tea House
Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border
Day 07: Explore Lo-Mangthang
3 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Today we explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to hotel. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang “God house” the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- storey building of the Raja’s palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya
Day 08: Mangthang to Drakmar [3810 m/12,500ft]:
7 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
While returning from Lo-Mangthan, we take a different route than that we came by. Trek to Drakmar via Gyakar with more than 1200 years old Ghar Gompa with Guru Rinpoche as the primary figure. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. According to the legend, anyone who makes one wish at the Ghar Gompa, their wish is fulfilled. Explore the local area. Likelihood of dusty wind, so suggested to walk in the morning.
Day 09: Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806m/12,484ft]:
6 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Today, we get back to Ghiling as our journey for our overnight stay after a long walk takes 5-6 hrs. After arrival and lunch enjoy the day exploring the area, but it will be dusty wind in the afternoon, better to walk in evening time
Day 10: Ghiling to Chhuksang [3050m/10,004ft]
6 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
We re-track back to Ghiling for the overnight stop after 5 hrs walk. You will have wonderful scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view.
Day 11: Chhuksang to Jomsom [2700/8,856ft
7 Hrs B/L/D Tea House
Our last day of the day would be a long one. Better to walk early start as before and trek to Kagbeni. Finishing the upper Mustang trails and we join the normal Annapurna circuit trek. After lunch at Kagbeni will head on to Jomsom for the overnight stop. Or, if you can spare one more day, our guide would take you to Muktinath as well.
Day 12: Back to Pokhara
8 Hrs B/L Hotel
Day 13: Explore Pokhara
B & B Hotel
What's included?
- All Transport
- Trekker’s Information Management System(TIMS) card
- All governmental procedure fees, All permits and local taxes.
- All meals and accommodation throughout the trek.
- An experienced English speaking trekking guide possessing valid license issued by the government of Nepal.
- Highly experienced trekking staffs.
- Travel and rescue arrangements
What's not included?
- Visa fees/ international airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost.
- Hot and cold shower, battery recharge during Everest base camp trek.
- Personal expenses phone calls, bar bills, extra porters, beverages etc.
- Personal Everest base camp trekking equipments/gears.
- Tips for guides, porters and drivers.
- All others expenses not mentioned in “Trip Cost Includes” section.