UPPER MUSTANG TREKKING

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  • DURATION18 Days
  • DIFFICULTY-LEVELStrenuous
  • GROUP SIZE2-14
  • MAX ALTITUDE3800

Highlights

  • Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
  • A scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and fly to Jomsom
  • Adventurous and beautiful trail
  • Cross many passes
  • Explore Lo Manthang
  • Get to know the locals closely
  • Witness tempting landscape

Trip Overview

"Upper Mustang Trek explores the hidden Buddhist kingdom, Lo Manthang, which once was a forbidden part of the world."

Upper Mustang was closed for foreigners for a very long time and only got opened in 1992. The Mustang Region has preserved the ancient cultural heritage and centuries-old lifestyle of the locals. Located in the northwestern part of Nepal, Upper Mustang has evolved in its distinctive way. Even being part of the Himalayas, Upper Mustang has got combined terrain of desert and alpine.

Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most expensive treks in the Himalayas, as the region falls under the restricted area of Nepal. Some strict rules and regulations bound the travelers who want to trek in Upper Mustang. The exclusiveness of this region has made Upper Mustang Trekking a rare privilege that one can get.

Upper Mustang has got an open border with Tibet. The locals here follow Tibetan Buddhism. The trail is not challenging in terms of walking, but the remoteness of the region and altitude make the journey difficult. There are a handful of steep ascents and descents along the trail. The trail passes through the driest part of Nepal. Therefore, the views on this trek are unique, unlike any part of the Himalayas.

Upper Mustang is situated in the rain shadow area of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, and because of that, the region receives almost no rain during the monsoon season, which makes Upper Mustang Trekking open in the monsoon too. Mustang Trek is one of those that not only is made for adventure and thrill. The Upper Mustang also teaches you a simple old way of living and perceiving happiness in small things. Talk with one of our guides to know more about the trek.

Major Attractions of Upper Mustang Trekking

Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu

Kathmandu is not only the capital city of Nepal, and also a city in Nepal with seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are many other places here worth visiting. During the Kathmandu Day tour, you will be exploring monuments like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. If you have some extra time, then, visit the Garden of Dreams, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

A scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and fly to Jomsom

The second day of the itinerary involves a 6 to 7 hours long scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The route goes along the Trishuli River and follows a well-made road. Upon reaching Pokhara, you will have the evening to rest and explore. The next day, take an early morning flight and reach Jomsom. The flight will be short and offers breath-taking Himalayan scenery.

Adventurous and beautiful trail

The Upper Mustang Trekking route goes through narrow alleyways and lovely apple orchards. The route gradually gets steep and rugged, and you will cross suspension bridges and passes. There will be many stone steps along the route as well. You will pass by villages like Kagbeni, Chuksang, Samar, Geling, Ghami, and Tsarang before you reach Lo Manthang. The trail also passes by many mani walls, chortens, stupas, and prayer flags.

Cross many passes

The trail crosses many passes like Taklam La Pass (3,624 m), Yamda La Pass (3,850 m), Nyi La Pass (4,010 m), Ghami La Pass (5,700 m), and Lo La Pass (3,950 m). The route to the top of all of these passes is difficult and includes steep & rugged climbing. Upon reaching the top of the passes, you will get rewarded with outstanding views that will make up for all the struggle and strenuous walk.

Explore Lo Manthang

Lo Manthang, the Walled City, is believed to be built in the 15th century. The village is still protected by the high walls around it. You will visit ancient monasteries like Jhampa, Thupchen, Chooser, and Chhoeda. Likewise, you will also visit the Namgyal Gompa. There are many other monasteries and caves around Lo Manthang, where you can go for a short excursion. You can also visit the Ghar Gompa, believed to be the oldest monastery in the Upper Mustang.

Get to know the locals closely

Upper Mustang Trekking lets you see a very different lifestyle of people. Even in today's time, the locals in this part of the world are still living an ancient lifestyle. No wonder why this trek is called traveling back in time. The locals here are very friendly and welcoming. You can see them doing their daily chores and get to listen to some intimidating legends. Take your time and feel free to interact with the villagers. Moreover, along the route, you might come across nomads, where you can stop and chit-chat.

Witness tempting landscape

The Upper Mustang trek is known for its amazing arid landscapes. The trail offers desert-like sceneries full of canyons, red cliffs, meadows, and colorful rocks. Likewise, you can see views of the Himalayan mountains like Mt. Fishtail (6,993 m), Mt. Annapurna (8,091 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), and many others.

Itinerary

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Upon your arrival, you will get welcomed by our airport representative at the Tribhuvan International Airport. He will take you to the hotel. The remaining day is leisure to rest and explore around the hotel.

  • Hotel
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

Go on a guided sightseeing tour of monuments like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. All of these monuments are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and present the rich cultural heritage and brave history of Nepali people. Later in the day, join the briefing session on the trek and meet with the trek guide. Prepare for the trek and do shopping if needed.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

From Kathmandu, it takes around 6 to 7 hours to reach Pokhara. The route is beautiful, offers views of lush green hills, rivers, terraced fields, and settlement areas. Upon reaching Pokhara, check-in the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day as your wish. You can explore the Lakeside Market and the tranquil Phewa Lake. You can see many restaurants in your surroundings where you can dine.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 830
  • Pokhara

The day begins early, and you drive to the airport to fly to Jomsom. The flight will be short and presents stunning aerial views of the snow-capped mountain. Land at Jomsom and meet with the rest of the crew members who will join you for the trek. From here, walk following a pleasant trail that gradually ascends through remote villages and narrow alleyways to Kagbeni.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 2810
  • Kagbeni

The trail from Kagbeni ascends through small settlement areas and narrow paths. You then walk along the west bank of the river and reach Tangbe. Take a short break here for lunch and begin trekking, passing by old chortens. Further, passing by whitewashed houses and apple orchards, you reach Chuksang village. On the way, you can see superb views of Mt. Nilgiri.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 2980
  • Chuksang

As you get closer to Samar, you will notice a dramatic change in the topography and lifestyle of the locals. The villages get remote, small, and scattered. Likewise, the route offers dry arid landscapes with huge rocks in different formations. Further, continue trekking on a steep rocky alley that leads to Chele and ascend towards a pass. From here, you descend and reach Samar.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3660
  • Samar

Have breakfast and begin trekking towards a ridge. The trail from here descends to a large gorge and passes by a chorten. Further, the trail goes through a field covered with juniper treks and crosses a stream. After that, the route climbs to a pass and descends to Shyangmochen. There is a cave called Rangbyung located nearby this village. The trail then slowly moves towards Geling.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3570
  • Geling

Ascending through fields, you pass by Tama Gaun and reach the center of the valley. The trail then crosses Nyi La Pass (4,010 m) and descends to a junction. From here, the right route leads to Charang, and the left route leads to Ghami. Following the left route ascends to Ghami La from where a downhill path takes you to Ghami village.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3520
  • Ghami

It is going to be the driest part of the trek today. The views along the trail are magnificent. Following the footsteps of your trek guide, go through remote settlement areas, and reach Tsarang. At the eastern side of the village, you can see an ancient red gompa and a huge fortress.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3560
  • Tsarang

Take your time to get ready to leave for Lo Manthang. The trail from Tsarang gradually ascends to a large isolated chorten. From here, you will be following a rugged and steep path to Lo Manthang. There will be numerous ascends and descends along the way. Likewise, you have to cross a few passes as well, including the Lo La Pass.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3809
  • Lo-Manthang

It is a rest day in Lo Manthang. Known as the walled city, Lo Manthang houses centuries-old monasteries, chortens, and a fortress. Explore the village and visit nearby areas. You can see the daily lifestyle and culture of the locals. There are many places to visit in the surrounding of Lo Manthang, ask your guide and visit the best of your interest.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3809
  • Lo-Manthang

Leaving Lo Manthang behind, you follow the trail to Ghami. Passing through Drakmar and the ancient Ghar monastery, you will slowly make your way to Ghami village for the night stay.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3520
  • Ghami

The trail follows a narrow winding path to Geling. Enjoying the beautiful views of Mt. Nilgiri, you pass by Tibetan-style villages and terraced farms. Further, the trail turns to Samar, where you will be spending the night. Samar is a small village that has a monastery, mani walls, and Tibetan-style houses.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 3660
  • Samar

After having a warm breakfast, begin trekking towards Kagbeni. The trail follows a downhill route to Chuksang. Further, walking along the bank of Kali Gandaki, you pass by lovely apple orchards and white-washed houses to reach Kagebni.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 2810
  • Kagbeni

It is the last day of the trek. The trail is the same as before. From Kagbeni, you descend and pass by Eklebhatti. Further, trekking through small remote settlement areas, you reach Jomsom. The trail offers gorgeous mountain scenery.

  • Guest House
  • B, L, D
  • 2650
  • Jomsom

Have a warm breakfast and fly back to Pokhara, enjoying glorious views of the western Himalayan Mountains. You will have the rest of the day free in Pokhara. Visit the tourist sites like Davis Falls, Bat Cave, and others. Don't forget to do boating on Phewa Lake and shopping at the vibrant Lakeside Market.

  • Hotel
  • B, L
  • 830
  • Pokhara

After having breakfast, you will drive to Kathmandu. The drive will be pleasant along a well-made road. Upon reaching Kathmandu, rest and spend the remaining day as per your wish. In the evening, meet with the team members over farewell dinner.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

Today, you will prepare to leave for your next destination. Our airport representative assists you with check-out and escorts you to the airport.

  • B

What's Included

  • Airport Transfers
  • Three nights’ hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
  • Two nights hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
  • Twelve nights accommodation lodges/tea houses
  • Meals (17 breakfast, 13 lunches, and 13 dinners)
  • Conservation entry permits, special trekking permits, and TIMS permit
  • Ground transportation from Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu by tourist bus
  • A guide and porters (1 porter for two trekkers)
  • Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara
  • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service, which will be paid by your travel insurance company
  • Sleeping bag, down jackets if necessary

What's Excluded

  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals, not stated in the itinerary
  • Your personnel expenses and entrance on a tour of Kathmandu on day 2
  • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Sweet things like chocolate
  • International airfare
  • Tips for the guide, porter & driver
  • Anything not mentioned in the included section

Check Available Dates

  • We have set a date to depart the Upper Mustang Trek. So, select your date and book the trek.
  • If the preferred date is not listed, then contact us for the further process to book the trek on your date as the trekking is available on any date of the year.
  • We have listed the price for up to 14 people only so, if you are more than 14 people, then please contact us for the group price and process to book the trek.
  • The private trek is available on any date of the year, contact us for the booking.
  • The departure dates are your arrival dates in Nepal.
Start DateEnd DateAvailabilityPrice 
Start Date06 Sep, 2021End Date23 Sep, 2021AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$1700
Start Date20 Sep, 2021End Date07 Oct, 2021AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$1700

Useful Information

Extra nights in Kathmandu for pre and post the Upper Mustang trek

If you want to arrive in Nepal or stay later than the scheduled dates of upper Mustang trekking in Nepal, extra nights hotels at the US $55.00 is available that includes breakfast and transfers.

Let us know if you need any extra nights we then book the extra nights as per your requirements.

Electricity to charge batteries on upper Mustang trek

Electricity is available in Kathmandu and Pokhara to re-charge your batteries, and most of the village of upper mustang trek also has electricity where you can re-charge your batteries. However, we strongly advise you to bring extra batteries to use in case of the unavailability of electricity for any reason.

Guide and crew provided on upper Mustang Trek

We provide a trained tour guide for a day tour in Kathmandu on day 02 and a trained trekking/hiking guide for the rest of the trek who will handle the logistics and guide you and the team on the upper Mustang trek.

We provide Sherpa (assistant guide) when eight or more members are trekking to the mustang, and we also provide porters to carry your main luggage, and there is one porter for every two members, and a porter carries about 20 - 22KG, which means 10 - 11 KG from each trekker.

Client Reviews

Company for upper Mustang trek

I have the chance to arrange my trek last year to upper mustang in Nepal. Everything was an excellent trek, city trip, hotel accommodation & farewell dinner. If you are looking for a budget trek, this is your company! Go ahead without doubts.

Enjoy Nepal as much as you can.

Nik, Bulgaria | 15 January, 2019

FAQs

Yes, You need some permits to do upper Mustang trekking, which are Annapurna conservation area entry, TIMS (Trekkers information management system) permit, and Special trekking permit from the government. We apply and get all these permits for you once you book the trek.

Yes, You need to have a travel insurance policy for the upper mustang trek in Nepal. We do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital in case of any serious Sickness, or injury on the Trek. And, You will be entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in the evacuation/rescue. So, please make sure that, these expenses are covered by your insurance policy.

The upper Mustang trek is available and doable throughout the year. However, the autumn season (from mid-September till mid-December), and spring season (from the beginning of March until the end of May) is the best time. The upper Mustang is located behind the Himalayas, and this area is a rain shadow area, the month of Jun, July & August are also a good time for the upper Mustang trek.

You need to have a moderate level of fitness with daily trekking from between 3 hours to 8 hours to do upper Mustang trekking. You reach an altitude of 3809m on this trek so, you need to be physically fit, healthy, and need to have a strong stamina/desire to complete the trekking adventure. If you have previous trekking experience, that would be beneficial.

If you have any concerns about your health, please consult your healthcare provider before booking the Upper Mustang trek.

No, solo travelers cannot do the upper Mustang trek as it is government controlled area for trekking, and you need to have special trekking permits from the government. And, there should be a minimum of 2 people to apply for these special permits.

However, we have fixed some dates for the small group trek for upper mustang, and we may have some people already booked, and you are welcome to join us on these dates. Let us know when you are planning for the trek then we see if you can join our fixed group trek.

No, the international flights to arrive in Nepal and to return from Nepal are not included in our price and itinerary. You need to book international flights yourself.

No, You do not have to carry your luggage on Upper Mustang Trek. We provide porters to carry your main luggage, and You will simply carry a day bag pack with a water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. as a small load allows full enjoyment of the trek.

Yes, You have to tip Upper Mustang Trek staff. However, the tip for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion. However, please be aware that tipping is considered to be part of remuneration, and they may approach you for payment, and there is no need to be intimidated by request.

US $ 5 for the guide and the US $3.00 for the driver on day two. And, a total of US $120.00 from each member of the group for the trekking part to divide to guide and porters is recommended.  (it depends on the size of the group you traveling with). Our trek guide will give you a clearer idea when the trek come to end).

Yes, you need some extra money for your expenses on the upper mustang trek, which depends largely on your habit of spending. Since, most of the meals are included and provided, you only need some money for table drinks (alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages), snacks, souvenirs, a hot shower (you have to pay in some places), etc.

If you do not drink alcohol and shopping, then the US about $12-15 per day per person should be enough for these expenses.

We provide3-star a hotel for three nights in Kathmandu & 2 nights in Pokhara and simple lodge/teahouse accommodation for the rest of the nights on the upper Mustang trek. The rooms are basic, normally just a bed with a pillow and blankets on trek lodge/guest house, and note that some of them are very basic, and a sense of adventure is necessary.

The hotel we provide:

  • Hotel in Kathmandu: Hotel Moonlight: 3 nights
  • Hotel in Pokhara: Hotel Splendid view: 2 nights
  • Hotel on Trek Routes: Simple Mountain lodge: 12 nights

Notes:

  • Accommodation is on double/twin share, and a single room is available in Kathmandu and Pokhara hotels.
  • There are luxury 4 - 5-star hotels available in Kathmandu & Pokhara so, let us know if you want to upgrade the hotel in Kathmandu.

We provide a total of 43 meals (17 breakfast, 13 lunch, and 13 dinners) on upper Mustang trek, and these meals are provided in hotel/lodges. You have breakfast and dinner at the Lodge staying overnights and lunch at the available Lodge along the trail.

You have a wide variety of Nepali and Western meals on trails and drinks such as coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, and beer) as well. However, these drinks are not included in the cost. So you can buy them yourself on the available lodge/guest house.

We advise you to bring water purification pills/medicine while coming for the upper Mustang trek since you get normal water for free and use the medicine and drink, or you can simply buy bottled/boiled water.

We provide private transport for airport transfers and tours in Kathmandu, and the tourist bus from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu. And domestic flights from Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara. However, there is an option to drive by private car/van from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Return or short domestic flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and return. Let us know if you want to upgrade your transport to private drive or domestic flights.

Yes, we arrange free airport transfer services once you book the Upper Mustang Trekking. The airport transfer services provided, if you arrive and depart on our scheduled dates or you book extra nights from us.

Important Note on Arrival: There can be many people around you to support you to carry your luggage or to put your luggage in the vehicle when you exit from the airport, and they ask for money as a tip at the end (these people do not belong to us).

So, be careful of them, and we advise you not to let to carry your bag/luggage. We suggest you take your bag/luggage yourself until you put on our vehicle as there are many trolleys that you can use free of cost.

We wish that no one gets AMS or any other sickness while on the upper Mustang trek. However, there is always some risk of AMS (Altitude mountain sickness) or other sicknesses while going on high mountain trek like upper mustang trek.

Our guide will provide you information to avoid the AMS while on the trekking. However, if in case if you or any member of the group get AMS, then we do everything to bring you back safely. What we do is depends on the situation and the place where people get sick. As such, if you get AMS and still able to walk, then we take a day rest (while others continue the trek) with one of the porter/guides and see how the situation will improve, and we can continue the trekking from the next day if the situation gets better.

Or, If there is not any improvement or even worse. We do not have other options rather than return the same trail as descending is the only way to avoid AMS. Or, if the situation gets worse and can not walk further, then we rescue/evacuate and bring you back to Kathmandu to visit a doctor. The cost of evacuation by helicopter is expensive in Nepal, and it is almost impossible to pay by the people so, we strongly suggest you buy an insurance policy that covers the evacuation in the worst situation.

Yes, It is possible to shorten the Upper Mustang Trekking. We have 13 days trek included in this 18-days package of upper Mustang trek. However, if you have limited time, then we can customize the itinerary and make it shorter. The given itinerary for the upper Mustang trek is for the fixed departure group trek. And, if you want to shorten, then you have to do private trekking. Let us know if you want the shorter version of the Upper Mustang Hiking adventure.

Yes, you can add a mountain flight tour on the morning of the second day, and Trisuli River Rafting for 3 hours on day three while driving to Pokhara, and these activities do not need any extra days.

Furthermore, if you have some extra days, then you can add on Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour from Pokhara, or if you want to extend your holidays in other countries, then you can add Tibet Lhasa Tour in Tibet or Bhutan Tour in Bhutan.

The upper mustang trek is already a part of the Annapurna Conservation Area. However, if you have more days and want to join the Annapurna circuit trekking trail, you can join it and trek further down to Tatopani from Jomsom and trek to Pokhara through Ghorepani Poon Hill and further extend to ABC.

There is always a chance to be canceled the flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara. The good thing now is that there is road access to reach Jomsom from Pokhara. So, if you have extra days after the trekking, then we can wait the next days to take a flight when the flight gets cancel or take a jeep drive the same day from Pokhara to Jomsom, and the same idea applies when returning from Jomsom.

Equipment is very important to have a comfortable and successful Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal. So, you need to pack your gear carefully and pack only the things that you need and not anything that you no need for the trek.

To help you to pack your gear for the Nepal student tour, we have given some list that you should not miss while you are packing.

General

  • Four seasons sleeping bag (we provide you one if you do not have).
  • Duffel or Rucksack bag to keep all your gear, which will be carried by the porter.
  • Daypack for yourself to keep your things, such as a camera, water, and things that you need for the day.
  • A small lockable bag to keep the extra stuff that you do not use on the trek, and this can be kept at the hotel in Kathmandu or Pokhara and get a return after the trekking.
  • A down Jacket (we provide you one if you do not have
  • Shade hat
  • Warm wool hat to cover your ears
  • A pair of light-weight warm gloves
  • T-shirts 2 pieces
  • Lightweight thermal tops
  • A fleece jacket
  • Raincoat (if you are traveling in monsoon time)
  • A pair of trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
  • Some pairs of warm socks
  • A pair of light to medium weight waterproof hiking/trekking boots
  • A pair of light trekking shoes or sandals for camp/lodges
  • A water bottle
  • Head/torch Light
  • A medium-size towel
  • Walking poles (optional)

Medicines and First Aid Kits

  • We recommend consulting with your doctor for medication suggestions to take for these regions.

Miscellaneous but Important

  • Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies), these extra passport photos are necessary to obtain the trekking permits.
  • Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
  • Lip balm at least SPF 20, 2 sticks.
  • Sun cream with SPF 40
  • Pocket knife
  • Water purification Iodine tablets (optional)
  • Toiletry kit and be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.