Group Size
Min. 2 Pax
Trip Grade
Moderate
Best Season
March-May, Sep-Nov
Accommodation
Hotel/Lodge
Max Elevation
4230 m Yamdo La
Meals
Full Board on Trek
Transportation
Private Vehicle Jeep/Car/Flight
Trip Route: Jomsom - Gami - Lo Manthang - Choser - Luri Gumba - Tangge - Chhuksang - Muktinath - Jomsom
Trip Overview
- Best trail for experiencing the Kingdom on the other side of the Himalayas, upper Mustang.
- View of the majestic Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna mountain ranges throughout the trail.
- Himalayan culture and tradition exploration in the western mountains of Nepal
- learning opportunity of the lifestyle and art of the locals here, hearing their stories of struggle and legends different eras of the kingdom of Lho.
- Exploring the cave complexes of Mustang region which holds scientific and natural wonders.
- Witnessing Himalayan wildlife and vegetation from a close range
- Visiting Monasteries, stupas and chortens throughout the trek which reflects the influence of Tibetan Buddhism in these areas.
- Natural scenery, Landscape and the snow-capped range view uniquely delightful from any other part in Nepal
- Yak and Chauri Delicacies with the taste of the local cuisine
- Picturesque path and surrounding, a photographer’s paradise in the most amazing landscapes of the world.
- Adventure packed destination with unique trekking experiences.
Upper Mustang Trek is a trek taking you to the depths in the capital region of the kingdom of Lho, providing you the opportunity to experience the unsullied rich culture and magical landscape of this great place.
The Upper Mustang Trek is unique once in a lifetime opportunity to make your adventure dream come alive over the next side of the Himalayas in Nepal. Starting from the capital Kathmandu, over the western hills and Himalayas, we will discover a new culture, tradition, and art of living in the upper half of Mustang. Reaching mustang is an adventure and each day of your trek opens a new chapter of your Travel diary.
Upper Mustang, either drive or trek is in the bucket list of most of the travelers around the world. The landform is just unreal, and the majestic view of the rocky terrain under the snow-capped mountains makes this adventure more pleasurable. The whole land was not open to the public until a few years ago so that one can expect an untouched and unrivaled Tibetan culture in Nepal. An area so famous on the Internet all over the world is hidden in the Himalayas; Mustang is the perfect vacation you can ask for to enjoy life. The same walking trail that is used by the local people and horsemen from a long time gives you an authentic feeling of trekking here. The cool breeze and prayer flags will rinse the environment, and a positive vibe will energize you from start to finish. Starting the sub-tropical forests, you will cross the alpine line and -make your way to the vast cold desert vegetation of upper Mustang. It is now the time to make it happen with the assistance of Himalayan Pic Du Midi.
Upper Mustang trail is pristine and full of hidden delights. You will love to stop at places and take pictures of the amazing surroundings. Passing the villages and local you will know yourself better than ever. This trek of upper Mustang can be done at any time of the year as each time there will be a different experience. March to mid-April and September to November are the times for maximum yield of your visit of upper Mustang. With all the abstraction from Himalayan Pic Du Midi Treks, you will have a perfect trekking experience in the magical Upper Mustang.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at TIA, Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Heritage tour
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom (2720m) from Pokhara, Drive to Kagbeni (2810 m), Trek to Chhuksang (2980m)
Day 05: Chuksang to Samar (3660m)
Day 06: Samar to Gheiling (3570m)
Day 07: Gheiling to Dhakmar (3820m)
Day 08: Dhakmar -Chogo La (4280m) to Lo Manthang (3810m)
Day 09: Lo-Manthang exploration and Trek to Chhoser (3900m)
Day 10: Chhoser to Lo-Manthang (3810m)
Day 11: Lo-Manthang to Yara (3650m)
Day 12: visit of Luri Gumba - Back to Ghara - Yara (3650m)
Day 13: Yara to Tangge (3440m)
Day 14: Tangge to Chhuksang (2980m)
Day 15: Chhuksang to (3760m)
Day 16: Muktinath to Jomsom (2720m)
Day 17: Fly back to Pokhara (820m)
Day 18: Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 19: Cultural Tour of Bhaktapur City
Day 20: Departure
Day to Day Itinerary
After your arrival today at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), you will meet our representative from Himalayan Pic Du Midi here. After a brief introduction and welcoming, we will transfer you to your hotel. After resting sometimes here and having some snacks, head to our office nearby for a complete orientation of this trek. We will have all the necessary permits for the trek today. You can also meet your guide for the trip and take pre-trekking suggestions from him/her. After a short stroll in the market areas and nearby monuments return to your hotel and rest for the day. Overnight at a hotel.
Today will be a trek preparation day for you as you will spend your spare time visiting the UNESCO heritage sites of Kathmandu. Start your day visiting the Bashantpur/(Kathmandu) durbar square near to your hotel. Visit the ancient monuments in the square. You can also try some snacks here. The second destination for today lies about 5 km west of Kathmandu, the Swyambhunath stupa. Visited by both Hindu and Buddhist devotees, Swyambunath is also called "The Monkey Temple." You can have an amazing view of whole Kathmandu Valley from here. In the late afternoon, head towards the major Hindu Shrine of Pashupatinath. Spend the evening in the Stupa of Boudhanath and experience the delights of Tibetan Buddhism from one of the rooftop restaurants here. Return and rest in your hotel. Overnight at Thamel, Kathmandu.
After early morning breakfast at your hotel, we will pick you up for the drive to Pokhara city. In a private vehicle, you will have a scenic drive to the adventure center of western Nepal, Pokhara. You will pass through multiple small villages and settlements along the hilly highway. Here, you can gulp in some of the local delicacies here. Crossing the Trishuli river bridge in Muglin, you will head to the Pokhara valley. After a couple of hours of scenic and adventurous driving on the highway, you will reach your hotel in Pokhara. In the evening, you can head towards the lively Phewa lake situated near your hotel and enjoy the sunset from the bank. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
You will have some time today before your flight to Jomsom. In this time, you can visit some of the nearby attractions in the city. Return to your hotel and grab your trekking goods and head towards Pokhara airport. From here you will take a short but scenic flight over the Himalayas to reach Jomsom.
Jomsom is the starting point and a well-facilitated settlement of Mustang district. Resting briefly in Jomsom, prepare for the first day of your upper Mustang trek. Fir the first portion you will take a jeep to Kagbeni. Chuksang will be your destination for today. The trek to Chuksang will be an easy one with well-used trail and a couple of settlements to rest and take some snacks. You will walk up to a windy path to reach Chuksang in the late afternoon. Chuksang is a lovely village iconic for the culture and amazing landscape view. Overnight at Chuksang.
After an early morning Tibetan breakfast, we will have a great sunrise view from Chuksang. After that, we will start our trek of today heading to Samar village. We will be doing a gradual ascent on a windy path today. The landscape view will get better as you start heading deeper into the Mustang region. The sandy path will cross with the Tangbe village towards the middle of your trek today. Here, in Tangbe you can have a short tour of nearing streets with stone houses in both sides covered with mud. You can taste organic apples from the orchards and continue your walk through the barley and buckwheat fields. After walking for an hour, you will pass another village and cross the river below. From here you will continue your ascent alongside the ridge to reach the village of Samar. Overnight at Samar.
Today our trek will be a bit harder as we will elevate more going from a pass to another leading us to Geling. After an early morning tea at Samar, you will start your gradual ascend towards a small hill. You will have a walk alongside the ridge further for an hour to reach the base of the first pass of today. From here, you will go up the Taklam La pass (3624 m) followed by Dajori La pass (3735 m). You will have a magnificent view of Tilicho Peak from this stretch of the path leading to upper Mustang. Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda are some of the sightings you can enjoy in your trek today. Ramchung Cave is another attraction near to the trail that you can pay a visit today. After passing Dhena Village and cross a stream and reach Geling. Overnight at Geling.
Today you will have a more natural trail to lead you to the village of Dhakmar. Start your day with a fresh Tibetan tea and a warm-up tour of Gheling. You will cross the first pass the Yamda La pass (3850 m) as the first hour today. From this windy pass, we can have a great view of the landscapes surrounding you. The view of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains are picturesque and pleasing. Passing small teahouses and chortens along the world, you will move up and down the rocky ridges. You will pass through the sparse forest and barley fields and start the ascent to the second major pass of today, Nyi La pass (4010). You will reach the village of Dhakmar after descending from the Pass. Overnight at Dhakmar.
Dhakmar is one of the most beautiful settlements in the region of Lho/Lo kingdom. You can enjoy the view and enjoy the village lifestyle in these parts here. One can also learn about farming in the Lho regions here before you start your trek today. Most of the path today is rough and slippery so, follow your guide and enjoy the trail safely. You will be crossing Ghami Khola before you will be welcomed by a line of Mani walls. From here you will start your uphill walk to the Tsarang La pass (3870 m). The Tsarang village lies at the top of Charang Chu canyon. The canyon is an attractive place to be with a fortress used earlier to protect the capital of Lho. You can also visit the red gompa here which holds an important place to the Buddhist pilgrims living here. We will start our downhill trek alongside the ridge after our lunch. After that, we will walk through a small plain with spare desert vegetation for about half an hour then. We will then start our first uphill trek to the pass of Lo La pass (3950 m). From the top, we will have the first look of the Lo-Manthang. The landscape surrounding the settlement is pristine and picturesque. We will descend the rocky pass to reach the village of Lo Manthang. The trek of today is longer, and you can enjoy the view of the mountains and rocky hills throughout the way. Overnight at Lo Manthang.
Lo Manthang was the capital of the great kingdom of Lo, which constituted most of these regions with some parts of modern-day Tibet as well. Today you can explore the history, architecture, culture, and lifestyle of the Lo Manthang. A short village tour of Lo Manthang will make you familiar with the people and culture this place has preserved for a long time. The kingdom of Lo or Lho had its important part in the history with the Chinese, Tibetan, and Nepali nations and you can explore the constituents of this history today. After your lunch in Lo Manthang, you will start your trek to Chhoser. The trail is easy and full of cultural delights. Overnight at Chhoser.
The Chhoser village and the surrounding center is the second most prominent settlement in the Mustang region. From the village, you can have a great view of Dhaulagiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, Bhrikuti, and Nilgiri peaks. After your lunch in Chhoser, take a return trek to Lo Manthang. The sight of Damodar Kunda (pond) from the trail leading to the village is picturesque as well. Today we will als0 visit the three significant gompas of Lo Manthang: Jhampa, Chhoeda and Thupchen Gompa. You can learn a lot about the Buddhist rituals and tradition in your time here in the gompas. Overnight at Lo Manthang.
As Lo Manthang is our last destination nearing Tibet of our Trek, we will take a separate return route to Jomsom. Our trail will pass through less populated settlements and landscape rich regions today. Starting early, we will make a sharp descend as we leave Lo-Manthang today. Midway to our trek, we will pass the village of Sukhang. The popular century-old Sungda chorten midway in the trail is home to beautiful paintings made in rocks which may be hundreds of years old. People believe that one can get their wishes fulfilled in the trail to view beautiful landscapes. After our brief visit to the nearby villages, we will continue our way to Yara. Overnight at Yara.
After an early morning breakfast, you can view a pleasant sunrise from the village. You will have a rest day today and can go sightseeing in nearby places. In the afternoon hike to the Luri gompa or Luri cave complex. These gumbas are renowned for the art and culture inscribed in the walls of the caves. The geographical situation of these Caves makes them more beautiful and scientifically mysterious. After spending some time in the Gompa and caves return to Yara and rest for the day. Overnight at Yara.
Our trek will have gradual descends majorly today. You can start your day with a creamy Tibetan tea in Yara. We will begin walking early today as the wind gets stronger with the day. Most of our trail today will be a narrow rocky line making its way from ridges and plains. Passing multiple plateaus and dry fields we will reach the village of Tangge. You could have a hard time walking in the windy stretches. You must follow your guides in these portions. Once you enter the village of Tangge, you can have a great view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains. Overnight at Tangge.
The trek to Chhuksang is one of the most scenic portions in this whole trail to upper Mustang. We will pass multiple villages in the way where we can make brief snack breaks and enjoy the view surrounding us. We will join the trail which took us to Lo Manthang earlier and follows it to the village of Chhukusang. Rest and soak in the views of the mountains that are visible from the village. Overnight at Chukkusang.
Today will be the last day of your trek to Upper Mustang, and it will mostly be a gradual descent leading you to Muktinath. After some hours you will reach the end point of the mustang circuit and join the Annapurna circuit to the holy shrine at Muktinath. Spending some time in the village of Kagbeni, you will have your lunch with the view of Kaligandaki and Annapurna range. In the late afternoon stopping at various places to admire the view and landscapes, you will reach Muktinath. Visit the temple of Muktinath which is one of the major religious Hindu and Buddhist shrines in Mustang. Overnight at Muktinath.
Today after an early morning tea, take a jeep to Jomsom. After your arrival in Jomsom, head out for a tour of Jomsom. Jomsom is a wonderful place to experience the Tibetan culture and lifestyle in the Mustang region. We can look at the effects of slow and gradual modernization in Jomsom invited by the access of the road to the settlement. You can try some Tibetan and Nepali mixed cuisine here in Jomsom. You will fly to Pokhara in the afternoon. The scenic flight to Pokhara will leave you with an afternoon to spare in the beautiful Pokhara city. You can visit some of the beautiful destinations in and around the city today. Davis falls, Caves of the city and some shrines will be a great option to explore in your time in Pokhara. In the late afternoon, you can hike up to the World Peace Stupa and view an amazing sunset over the city. Overnight at Pokhara.
Today you can have an early morning hike to the hill of Sarangkot or head early back to Kathmandu. The sunrise view from Sarangkot is pristine and an opportunity to view the mountain sunrise from a great viewpoint. You can return to your hotel and try some Thakali cuisine. We will then have a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The hill highway drive is one to take back to your home as it is uniquely adventurous and fascinating. After reaching your hotel in Kathmandu, rest and head for a souvenir shopping in Thamel. You can enjoy the nightlife in Thamel and try some Nepali cuisine and music here. Return and rest back at your hotel. Overnight at Kathmandu.
After your breakfast today, we will drive to the city of Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is only about 45 minutes’ drive from your hotel. The first site of today will be the Historical Bhaktapur durbar (palace) square. The Palace was the ruling palace of Malla Kings before Kathmandu city. The golden gate temple, Palace of Fifty-five windows, and the Nyatapola temple square are some of the major attractions in and around the Palace. You can visit the painting schools here, view the Thangkas, and artforms around this fantastic city. You can taste the local Newari cuisine and the famous king curd (Juju Dhau) in Bhaktapur. Return to your hotel and stroll around Thamel in your evening today. Overnight at Kathmandu.
We will have a parting breakfast together before your departure today. Feedback collection and experience sharing are some of the things we can do in the breakfast. You can go for strolling and visiting the nearby monuments in your spare time. We will transfer you to the airport sometime before your return flight.
What's Included/Excluded
Accommodation
- Four nights hotel in Kathmandu and two Nights hotel in Pokhara with B/B basis
- Teahouse Accommodation while on the trek
Meals
- Welcome and farewell dinner at Nepali Kitchen
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea/coffee) while on the trek
Transportation
- Airport pick-ups and drops in a private vehicle
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara Domestic Flight Ticket with Airport Tax
Extras
- Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu/Entrance fee
- All necessary paperwork and Special Mustang Restricted Area fee/Annapurna Conservation Area Project/TIMS
- Professional & government licensed holder English Speaking Trekking Guide
- Entrance fee of all Monastery & Museums in Mustang Region
- Day tour around Lo - Manthang by Horse
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food, Transportation and accommodation
- Warm clothing and other required trekking gear for staff including porters woolen hat, gloves, shocks, shoes & sunglasses etc…
- Trekking Map
- Medicine Box for Guide/Porters
- All government and local taxes
Not Included
- International Airfare and Nepal Visa fee
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Emergency Helicopter Rescue Insurance
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Any Alcoholic Drinks, Water and deserts in Trek
- Hot Shower, Battery Charges, International call, WIFI & internet on Trek
- Unforeseen Cost such as Flight Cancellation
- Tips for guides and porters
Notes
* Your big Luggage should be 12 kg each without your Carry bag (small bag). You have to carry 4/5 kg with a small bag during you walking on the Trekking. Your small bag should be over 30 to 40L.
* The flights in the Pokhara and Jomsom airport might sometimes get delayed or canceled due to bad weather conditions. We will book the flights succeeding it immediately so keep your patience and utilize your time visiting nearby attractions. You also have options to drive to these destinations which might change the itinerary by a bit.
* You are free to choose a substitute of treks in other regions if these flight cancellations significantly hamper your Upper Mustang trek significantly.
* You have to bring personal medicine box for the mountain. You have to good physical condition is necessary to travel in Nepal. It is recommended to go to a doctor for a checkup before coming to Nepal.