Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek Introduction

Upper Mustang Trek, is a 16 days long journey. Upper Mustang is known as the semi-desert of Nepal. Located near to Tibetan Plateau, it shares the Tibeto-Buddhist culture. Meanwhile, it was also known as the Kingdom of Lo. The government restricted the area until 1992. It remains one of the most noteworthy preserved areas in the world. The locals hence have had little contact with the outside world.

Moreover, Tibetan culture influences the locals. People still speak in the Tibetan language. Lo-Manthang calls itself as a walled capital. The origins of the city trace back to the time of Ame Pal. Therefore, Upper Mustang trekking carries the long preserved culture. Consequently, it bears evidence of ancient civilization as well. In 2007, a shepherd in Mustang discovered a collection of 55 cave paintings depicting the life of the Buddha.

Highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek

• Upper Mustang is above all an ancient Buddhist town. Tibetan cultural sites scattered around.
• It also has historical importance. Ancient caves exist in the area.
• Jomsom offers the best locally grown apples. They are delicious to eat and even tastier to drink like wine.
• Visit the magnificent palace of King Lo.
• Freely walk without worrying about the rain as the region lies in the shadow area of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.
• Feel the spiritual presence as you walk through many Gompas, Chortens, Prayer Flags, Caves, rock paintings, and old Monasteries.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and many more.
• Visit the beautiful city of lakes, Pokhara, also known as the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit Trek region.

Overview

Upper Mustang Trek starts with arrival at Kathmandu. Kathmandu offers a city tour. The tour goes on to the trek preparation right away. The Pokhara gives access to Jomsom. The actual trek starts from Jomsom. The trail goes to small towns such as Kagbeni, Chele, and Ghiling. Charang leads to the silent world of Lo-Manthang. You explore Lo-Manthang on Day 9. The vast desert-like region is full of Buddhist artifacts. Prayer flags loom overheads. Even tiny village houses bear Buddhist architecture. Several caves can be seen in the region. The trek then continues to Dhakmar. Colorful mountains spread across Dhakmar village.  After that, the roads lead back to Ghiling.  Finally, the trek ends back in Jomsom. In the end, you explore Pokhara before leaving.

Conclusion

Upper Mustang Trek, is truly a great experience. The trek blooms all month of the year. Hence, the days are longer. Clear weather thrives. Therefore, you can observe spectacular scenes.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu.

You arrive at the country of Himalayas through Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. There, our staff will be waiting to welcome you warmly. After introductions, you head to the hotel and refresh. At dinner, you meet our team again and discuss the details of the trip.

Day 02: Kathmandu city tour and trek preparation.

After breakfast, you head for sightseeing some of the landmarks of Kathmandu. The first destination is the Boudhanath Stupa. Here, you explore the stupa and the surrounding monasteries. Then, you head to Pashupatinath Temple, the center for Hindu pilgrims. After praying respects in the temple, you head to Kathmandu Durbar Square to know more about the history of the valley’s civilization. You have Newari style lunch and head to Swayambhunath Temple and enjoy scenic views of the valley. After the sightseeing tour, you head to prepare for the trek and buy/rent items needed.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

After an early breakfast, you hit the road and drive to Pokhara. Driving through the Prithivi Highway, you get to enjoy the scenic views of the Trishuli River and the hill landscape. The bus will have brief stops at two places for breakfast and lunch. By late afternoon, you arrive at your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 04: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (20 mins) and Trek to Kagbeni (2800m) |3 hrs

You have your breakfast and head to the airport to board the flight heading to Jomsom. From Jomsom, you trek to Kagbeni, the gateway to Mustang. En route, enjoy the majestic views of snow-clad peaks of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche. The trail goes along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, and you arrive at Kagbeni. Enjoy strolling around the village in the evening. Overnight at Kagbeni.

Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele (3050m) |4-5 hrs

The trek starts with you showing your permit. Then, you head to the east of the Kali Gandaki River. You walk past several apple farms and farmlands of barley and buckwheat. You can also see the Nilgiri peak en route. After crossing the river, you climb a ridge and arrive at Chele, leaving the Kaligandaki valley behind. Overnight stay in Chele.

Day 06: Chele to Ghiling (3440 m) |4-5 hrs

Today, you need to cross two passes. After breakfast, you resume your trek and head to the first pass, Taklam La Pass. Then, you descend and ascend again to the second one, Dajori La Pass. After crossing these two passes, you wind through the austere landscape with fields of barley and buckwheat. En route, enjoy the views of Nilgiri and Annapurna ranges. After crossing Samar village, you arrive at Ghiling for overnight stay.

Day 07: Ghiling to Charang (3490m) | 5-6 hrs

 After breakfast, you descend to the banks of Ghami River and walk along with it. You get to see the iconic red cliffs of the region. The views of the rugged landscape and magnificent mountains make up for the hard climb. After crossing a suspension bridge, you ascend to the area, which has the longest Mani wall of Mustang. After crossing this landmark, you arrive at another pass and head to Charang for overnight stay.

Day 08: Charang to Lo Manthang (3730 m) | 2-3 hrs

After breakfast, you hit the trail that goes up to Lo- Ghekar and explores the oldest monastery of Mustang, Ghar Gompa. After exploring the monastery, you resume the trek and head to another pass that has excellent views of Annapurna and Bhrikuti Peak. After descending from the pass, you arrive at Lo Manthang. Enter Lo Manthang through a gate in the north-east corner. Overnight at Lo Manthang.

Day 09: Explore around Lo Manthang.

Lo Manthang is an ancient town, which is heavily influenced by Tibetan culture. After breakfast, you head to explore the landmarks of the area. First, you go to the king's palace to learn more about the region. Enjoy the surrounding views of the Himalayas ad you head to explore monasteries like Thubchen, Chodey, and Namgyal. The whole town is fascinating, and you can observe the vibrant Tibetan culture.

Day 10: Lo Manthang to Dhakmar (3810m) | 5-6 hrs

After breakfast, you head to a ridge that provides excellent views of Lo Manthang. Then, you ascend to the highest pass of the trek, Chogo La Pass (4210m). From the pass, you can see breathtaking views of the landscape and mountains in the backdrop. Then, you descend to the banks of the Charang River and cross Lo-Ghekar. After crossing Lo Ghekar, you enter an alpine meadow and arrive at Dhakmar for overnight stay.

Day 11: Dhakmar to Ghiling (3806m) |5-6 hrs

Today, you need to start early to avoid high winds. So, after an early breakfast, you make way towards the dry plateau of Mustang. En route, you get to enjoy beautiful views of Nilgiri Peak and Dhaulagiri. Then, you arrive at farmlands filled with buckwheat and know that you have come to Ghiling. In the evening, you can explore the nearby areas. Overnight in Ghiling. 

Day 12: Ghiling to Chhusang (3050m) | 5-6 hrs

After an early breakfast, you continue the trek through the dry landscape. Enjoying the views of Nilgiri Peak, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri, you arrive at the banks of Ghami River. The trail takes you through rustic villages, and once you arrive at the confluence of Kali Gandaki and Narshing Rivers, you know you have reached Chhusang. Overnight stay at the teahouse.

Day 13: Chhusang to Jomsom (2700m) | 2-3 hrs

After breakfast, the trail takes you along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. From there, you head to Tangbe and then Damodar Danda, where you can get Saligram fossils. The trail goes through flatlands, and you get to enjoy the views of the mountains. After crossing Kagbeni, you arrive at Jomsom for overnight stay.

Day 14: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Explore around Pokhara.

Today, you leave the Mustang region and board the plane heading back to Pokhara. Enjoy the majestic views of the mountain peaks en flight. Once you reach the airport, you head to the hotel and refresh. Then, you head out to sightsee some of the famous places in Pokhara. You visit Peace Pagoda, Davis Fall, Mahendra Cave, and Mountain Museum, respectively. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: Drive to Kathmandu.

Leaving the city of lakes, you board the bus heading to Kathmandu through the Prithvi Highway. En route, enjoy the serene views of the hill landscape. After the 6-hour drive, you reach the hustling Kathmandu city. Head straight to your hotel and refresh. If you want, you can go shopping or rest before the farewell dinner.

Day 16: Airport Departure.

Today is the last day of the trip. Please make sure not to leave your belongings. As per your scheduled flight, our staff will drop you off at the airport. Thank you for making memories with us, and we hope to see you again! 

Cost Information

Equipment

For Head

1. Sun hat / Scarf
2. Sunglasses and Headlight

For Upper Body

1. Water Proof Jacket
2. Down Jacket / Warm Jacket
3. Light Weight T-shirt (At least 1 pair)

For Lower Body

1. Water Proof Pants
2. Running tights
3. Light Weight Pant

For Hand

1. Gloves

For Feet

1. Thin Inner socks (At least 2 pairs)
2. Woolen socks
3. Trekking boots (preferred comfortable boots)

Other Accessories

1. Sleeping bag
2. Water bottle etc
3. Suncream
4. Water purification tablets
5. Toiletries (Toilet paper etc)
6. Warm hat
7. Trekking Bag Etc.

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