UPPER MUSTANG TREKKING

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

Highlights

  • Scenic drive to Pokhara and return
  • Scenic flight to Jomsom and return
  • Visit the Historical place of Kagbeni and Lo-Manthang
  • Beautiful views of Dhaulagiri & Nilgiri
  • Experience culture and lifestyle of locals

Trip Overview

Upper Mustang trek is located in the north-central part of Nepal that is bordering with Tibet on the Central Asian plateau between the Nepalese provinces of Dolpo and Manang. Trekking in the upper Mustang region is very popular in Nepal, and it is one of the most mysterious trekking regions. The landscape of Upper Mustang is a barren moonscape of eroded sandstone pillars and discontinuous moraine terraces, which together present a colorful mosaic made up principally of earthen reds, yellows, and brown.

Upper Mustang trek is relatively easy trekking along the permitted route to Lo Manthang that lies in the heart of Mustang. The trekking to Mustang goes through an almost treeless barren landscape, and strong winds generally howl across the area in the afternoon and low at night. Mustang region is considered to be the rain shadow area of the Himalayas because there is much less rain in comparison to the whole country. Mustang region is one of the few places in the world that has long-lived a very close-niche life. The interesting is that the Region was inaccessible to outsiders until some years back, and the Mustang owns a unique lifestyle and cultural heritage of people living in the area, which has remained almost unchanged for centuries.

Upper Mustang trek is filled with beauty, and the majestic Himalayan ranges of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna are hidden behind the area. A special trekking permit is required for all trekkers through a registered trekking company, and Escape Nepal has long been organizing Upper Mustang trek. Upper Mustang Trek is doable all year, including the rainy season as well. This isolated kingdom of Mustang prospered in the 15th century when its strategic location enabled to salt trade between Tibet and Nepal. Upper Mustang trek is privileged to have to experience the lifestyle of those who have been residing calmly, even in such a harsh environment.

Upper mustang trek begins from Jomsom after a short flight from Pokhara, and The trekking allows you to explore a weird and wonderful landscape of eroded conglomerate cliffs, colored by natural earth coloring -- red, yellow, brown, and blue. Trekking across passes of up to 4100m, you also trek through a succession of picturesque white painted Mustang villages and Tibetan monasteries, set against a backdrop of the distant snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The upper Mustang trek offers a day to explore your ultimate destination for an excursion in Lo Manthang, a fairy-tale walled city and the capital of Mustang.

Itinerary

Open All DaysClose All

You will be met & greeted by our airport representative, and he transfers you to the hotel. Your evening is free, and after you’ve refreshed, you can go for a stroll down the street to get familiar with the surroundings.

  • Hotel
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

After having breakfast at the hotel, you go for a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, and you are escorted by a professional tour guide.

The tour includes a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath), Pashupatinath Temple, and Bauddhanath Stupa.

We (Escape Nepal) apply and get a special trekking permit on this day as well.

You return to the hotel after the tour, and you have some free time to shop trekking gear around Thamel if you need it.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

After early breakfast at the hotel, You start to drive to Pokhara by tourist bus, and the drive goes along the scenic Trisuli and Marsyangdi River to reach Pokhara. The driving is pretty good as you go by the beautiful river. You can view Ganesh Himal and the Manaslu peak during the driving.

You reach Pokhara after 6-7 (depends on traffic), The Pokhara is a tourist's paradise full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, & temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with her lovely mountains.

Check into the hotel and go walking around the lakeside area.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 830
  • Pokhara

You drive to Pokhara airport to take a spectacular flight to Jomsom, and the trek starts from Jomsom by crossing a suspension bridge and then walk along the riverbank of the Kali Gandaki.

The trail is quite barren with craggy rocks and sand and is mostly flat, which makes it very easy going. It is also very picturesque, with views of peaks all around such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Nilgiri, while to the south can be seen the entire Annapurna Massif.

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

After breakfast at the lodge, your start the trek, and the controlled/restricted area starts from Kagbeni. Today, you trek right up to the river valley, but you use a combination of the high trail and the riverbank pathways. The trail then widens significantly revealing an endless stretch of sand on the west bank of the river. You stop for lunch at the village of Tangbe, where you come across the first black, white and red Chortens that typify the Upper Mustang region.

The little town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys among whitewashed houses, fields of buckwheat and barley, and apple orchards. Nilgiri Peak continues to dominate the southern skyline. Chusang village is only about a 2hrs walk beyond Tangbe at the confluence of the Narshing Khola.

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

After breakfast at the lodge, you start the trek, and there is a distinct change here, not only in the topography but also in the culture, lifestyle, and people, and the settlements become more scattered, smaller, and basic.

The people of Lo or Mustang practice agriculture. Lack of rain and fertile soil, cultivation is carried out in sheltered plots of land that covers the brown landscape with patches of green vegetation. You reach a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliffs above, forming a tunnel through which the river flows.

The trek now leaves the valley and climbs steeply up a rocky alley to the village of Chele. You climb a steep spur and then continue ascending along the side of a spectacular steep canyon to a pass. Beyond the Pass, you descend on a pleasant trail to Samar.

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

Today, you climb above Samar to a ridge and descend into a large gorge past a Chorten before entering another valley filled with juniper trees.

You then cross a stream, and after climbing to a pass, you descend along a ridge to Shyangmochen, a tiny settlement with a few tea shops. Nearby is Rangbyung, a cave containing stalagmites that have formed in the shape of Chorten. The trail climbs gently from Shyangmochen and enters another huge valley before descending to Geling with its extensive fields of barley.

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

The trail today climbs gently through fields from the Geling, up to the center of the valley, passing above the settlement of Tama Gun and an imposing Chorten.

You then begin a taxing climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La [3840m]. The descent from the pass is quite gentle, and about half an hour further, you come to a trail junction, the right trail is the direct route to Charang, and the left trails leads to Ghami. Ghami is a large white-washed village sheltered by overhanging cliffs.

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

The trek starts after breakfast at the lodge, and Today's walk goes through the driest part of the Mustang region. However, the magnificent views of the countryside from the gentle contours of the north to the rugged mountains in the east and west are the source of inspiration.

You come to Charang, a large spread-out village at the top of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the Village are a huge fortress and a red Gompa, which houses an excellent collection of statues and Thangkas.

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

Today, you spend part of the morning to explore the interesting village of Tsarang and its large monastery, before setting out for Lo Manthang.

You climb gently above the valley to a large isolated Chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo. The trail then broadens, you get the first view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The town has only one entrance.

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

Today, you explore the surrounding areas of the village. You can visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar in Lo Manthang. 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. You make a tour to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Manthang.

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

After breakfast at the lodge, you start the trek by continuing trekking on the highland route, crossing alpine meadows before dropping down a steep eroded alley to Dhakmar for lunch. After lunch, you walk through the pretty valley, climb to a ridge, and descend to Ghami.

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

After breakfast at the lodge, you Leave Ghami and begin the trek by following a narrow winding path until reaching Geling. You can enjoy a good view of the Nilgiri Mountains, deserted landscapes, Tibetan style villages, farming terraces, and natural vegetation on the way.

The path turns broader till Samar from Geling passing deserted landscapes, natural vegetation, plateau, Tibetan style houses, Chortens, mani walls, prayer flags, and observe the distinct culture of the local inhabitants.

Samar is a small village with terraces, Tibetan style houses, mani walls, monastery, prayer flags, and here you find people following Tibetan life styles and traditions.

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

After breakfast at the lodge, you start the trek for today by following a descending path to reach Chuksang. You walk along the bank of Kali Gandaki with views of natural vegetation and apple orchards to Kagbeni.

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

Today is the last day of your upper Mustang trek. The trail passes through the bank of Kali Gandaki by passing through Eklebhatti on the way. You reach Jomsom, the final camp for today.

Jomsom is the headquarters of Mustang. From here, you can have access to the internet and banking facilities.

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

You take an early flight to Pokhara and check in to the hotel, and the rest of the days are free to visit Pokhara yourself, or our guide can arrange/help to visit Pokhara.

  • Hotel
  • B, L
  • 830
  • Pokhara

After early breakfast at the hotel, you start to drive to Kathmandu by tourist bus around 7 AM. The drive is a fantastic experience as goes through many satellite towns, and you can see rural settlements, gushing rivers, terraces, and green rural landscapes.

You reach Pokhara after 6-7 hours (depends on traffic) of drive, check into the hotel, and the rest of the day is free to go around for shopping.

We also offer you farewell dinner in the evening and listen to your beautiful stories of mustang trek.

  • Hotel
  • B
  • 1345
  • Kathmandu

You will be transferred to the international airport for your final departure to your loving home. 

  • 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 Date08 Mar, 2021End Date25 Mar, 2021AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$1700
Start Date15 Mar, 2021End Date01 Apr, 2021AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$1700
Start Date22 Mar, 2021End Date08 Apr, 2021AvailabilityAvailablePriceUS$1700
Start Date29 Mar, 2021End Date15 Apr, 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.