Upper Mustang Trek 17 Days

Upper Mustang Trek 17 Days

 

Highlights of the trip:

  • Discover the history of the forbidden kingdom, Lo Manthang.
  • Trek through the deserted area of Upper Mustang.
  • Century-old Monastery, Cave and Gompas of the region.
  • Explore the Tibetan influenced culture, tradition, and lifestyle of the locals.
  • Enjoy the breathtaking sights of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
  • Visit apple farm and stroll around the local village of Kagbeni and Jomsom.

 

Overview of the Upper Mustang Trek

Also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, Upper Mustang is an arid river valley that stretches from Kaligandaki to Kagbeni. Although trekking in the region was allowed since 1992, the kingdom remains unadulterated by the western lifestyle and culture. This is one of the reasons, why the Upper Mustang trek is supposed to be a rare privilege, as one can experience the life of the mountain people and get an insight into their Tibetan-influenced culture and tradition. The major attraction of the kingdom is the white-washed mud-brick walls, Royal Palace, Caves, and Gompas that are century old and carry a brief history of the kingdom itself.

 

The journey to Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang traverses through the deserted landscape, deep canyons, eroded cliffs, moraine valleys, barren ridges, and picturesque village of Jomsom, Kagbeni, Chele, Syangboche, Ghami, Charang, and many more. During this trek, you will be able to explore the typical Tibetan lifestyle and culture that cannot be seen in any other part of the country. The whole settlement area of the region is made up of stone and sun-baked mud bricks following the same architecture that gives pleasure to the beholder's eyes. 

 

Apart from the Gompas, Temple, Caves, and Royal palace another major attraction of Upper Mustang is the three days annual Tiji Festival. During this festival, the Chhode monastery performs the religious dance depicting the tales of victory of good over evil. The festival is celebrated every year in May, and a great crowd can be seen in the monastery to witness this energetic dance and celebration. 

 

Travel from Pokhara to Jomsom can be done through flight, bus or jeep. The local buses and local jeeps run in the off-road trails to Jomsom. The itinerary and cost of this trek is tentative as the trek can be customized as per wish of the traveller. This customizable trek is highly recommended for those traveller, who want to enjoy the lifestyle and culture of the people behind the Himalayas.

 

Day 1: Kathmandu arrival 

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, one of the representatives of Trekking Guide Team Adventure will welcome you and transfer you to Nivas Boutique Home or similar category in Kathmandu. In the evening, you will meet your guide and a short brief on the trekking will be done. 

 

Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing (B) 

With an early morning breakfast at 9 am, you will head on a venture to see the most iconic cultural heritage site located inside the valley. Starting from the former Royal palace Kathmandu Durbar Square, you will visit other sites like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath. All of these sites are Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites and are flooded with devotees from across the country.

Since Durbar square is located at the heart of the city and just a few minutes walk from Thamel, you can explore the location any time you want. The sites inside the complex like Kumari Ghar, different Temples dedicated to God and Goddesses, Big bell, 9-storied palace are the major highlights of the area. Similarly, located at the top of the valley, Swayambhunath is a Hindu and Buddhist Pilgrimage site. The unique white-washed dome is the major attraction of the site that carries brief mythology on its formation. On the other hand, Pasupatinath is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the bank of the river and is surrounded by other numerous temples. You can get the details of the sight from the guide as you visit the cremation site at the bank of the river.

Apart from the one mentioned above, you will also visit the Buddhist pilgrimage site, Boudhanath. Also known as little Tibet, Boudhanath is a famous tourist spot where you can enjoy refreshing coffee in the rooftop restaurant while you appreciate the alluring white dome-shaped, Boudhanath built-in Mandala shape.

 

Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus at 7am (910m) 6 hours (B) 

The Kathmandu to Pokhara is one of the most scenic and interesting drives. On the way, you can enjoy the sights of hills, waterfalls, terraced fields, hills, and the Himalayas. Upon your arrival in Pokhara, you will be transferred to your hotel room.

In the evening, you can stroll around the lakeside and enjoy the captivating sights of the Himalayas and surrounding.

 

Day 4: Drive to Kagbeni (2900m) via Jomsom by private jeep-9hrs (B/L/D) 

Early in the morning, you will frive from Pokhara to Kagbeni via Jomsom. During the drive, you will be able to enjoy the magnificent sights of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. After reaching Jomsom, you will commence on a journey to Kagbeni.

The Jomsom to Kagbeni distance is around 10km and is mostly flat and easy to walk. Enjoying the spectacular view of the monastery, Tukuche Peak and Nilgiri, and passing through some mani walls, Buddhist relics, you will finally arrive at Kagbeni. In the evening, you can stroll around the Kagbeni village and spend the night. Overnight at Kagbeni.

 

Day 5: Kagbeni to Chele (3100m) 5 hours trek (B/L/D) 

On the second day of the Upper Mustang trek, you will trek to Chele. The trekking trail from Kagbeni to Chele passes along the Kali Gandaki River and traverses through Kalobhir, Sky caves, Chortens, Apple farm, typical Gurung village like Tangbe, and Chhusang village. As you get close to the Chele, you will witness eroded cliffs, the inaccessible caves, and experience the Tibetan culture at its best. In the evening, you can explore the culture and lifestyle of the locals while enjoying the beautiful landscape of the region.

 

Day 6: Chele to Geling (3500m) 5 hours trek (B/L/D) 

Today's trek is challenging in comparison to the other two days' trek. On the sixth day of the trek, you will be crossing two passes namely the Taklam La pass and Darjori La Pass. Along the journey, you will be able to witness magnificent sights of the mountains, caves, and amazing landscape of the region. As you pass through the local village of Ghyakar and Samar, you will finally arrive at Syangboche. From Syangboche, you will continue the ascent to a pass at 3770m and then descend to the village of Geling.

 

Day 7: Geling to Charang (3620m) 4 hours (B/L/D) 

On the 7th day of the trek, you will trek to Charang. Following the traditional route of Tamagaon, Ghuling, Chhunggar, and Jhaite village, you will walk through the beautiful semi-arid desert of the Himalayas. Today, you will cross the other two passes namely, Nyi La, Ghemi la and Choya La pass. From the pass Nyi La, you will be able to witness the major Himalayas of the country including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. In addition to the views of the Himalayas, the barley and buckwheat field looks spectacular, adding beauty to the arid landscape.

As you walk from Ghami towards Charang, you will cross a bridge at Ghami Khola and continue walking uphill until you arrive at Choya la pass (3870m). The Choya La pass is the best place to enjoy the sights of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Thorang Peak, and many more. The major highlight of the village Charang is Charang monastery, medieval fort, and the village itself.

 

Day 8: Charang to Lo Manthang (3950m) 4 hours (B/L/D) 

On your trek from Charang to Lo Manthang, you will initially descend to Charang Chu Canyon and ascend steadily uphill. During the uphill trek, you will witness spectacular sights of mountains, barren plateau. The Lo La pass is also the best viewpoint to enjoy the sights of Lo Manthang.

 

Day 9: Lo Manthang exploration (3950m) (B/L/D) 

Today, you will be exploring the mysterious history and caves of Lo Manthang. The exploration of Lo Manthang begins from Chhoser cave, where you will also visit the Jhong caves or the sky caves.

These caves are five-storied and mainly built into the side of cliffs. Nobody actually knows why these caves were built in the ancient age. However, it is assumed that they were either used as the burial chamber/ hiding places or a place used for meditation that later turned into monasteries.

During the visit, you can explore the hidden mysteries and origin of these famous caves that have great importance for local people. Other than these caves, the valley of Lo Manthang also has Namgyal Gompa, Ani Gompa, and many more that you can visit during your trip.

 

Day 10: Lo Manthang to Drakmar (3830m) 6 hours (B/L/D) 

The trek to Drakmar is longer than the other days trekking. However, you will not be bored throughout the journey. You will witness dozens of interesting things on the way including, the century-old Ghar Gompa. The Ghar gompa has beautiful rock paintings that are worth looking at. It is believed that you must make a wish as a tradition during your visit to the gompa. The Gompa is also said to be related to the Samye monastery located in Lhasa. After visiting the Gompa, you can continue your downhill trek to Drakmar.

 

Day 11: Drakmar to Syangboche (3100m) 5-6 hours (B/L/D) 

The trail from Dakmar to Chele is mixed with the uphill and downhill journey. While you descend to the village of Ghami, you will continue to ascent to Nyi La pass and again descend to Syangboche.

 

Day 12: Syangboche to Chhusang(2980m) 6 hours (B/L/D) 

Today, you will be heading down the way to Chusang. 

Although the trail is long, the descending trail makes this trek easy for the trekkers.

 

Day 13: Chusang to Muktinath (3800m) 7 hours (B/L/D) 

Leaving Chusang behind, you will take a short ascent to the valley floor. As you keep on ascending, you will be able to witness the Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site, Muktinath. And red Buddhist monasteries.

On the way to Muktinath, you will also pass through the place famous for Saligrams, "the Fossil Stone" which lies in between Tetang and Gyu La Pass. The sights from this pass are breathtaking as the Himalayan ranges like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche stand tall in front of you.

 

Day 14 Muktinath to Tatopani 4 hours (B/L/D)

Drive from Muktinath to Tatopani by local bus sharing. Overnight in Tatopani.

 

Day 15 Tatopani to Pokhara-5hrs (B) 

Early in the morning, drive back to Pokhara by local sharing bus. You can spend the remaining time on your own and take a rest as soon as you arrive at your hotel in Pokhara.

 

Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu (B) 

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to Pokhara bus park from where you will catch a tourist bus to Kathmandu. As your body will be tired from all the walk, you can either sleep throughout the journey or just enjoy the sights of beautiful hills. As soon as you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your Hotel room.

 

Day 17: Departure: (B) 

We hope you had an amazing time with the team. You can either stay for few more days or catch a flight back to your home. We can customize the package according to your availability and offer the best services throughout the trip. Thank you for choosing us as your traveling partner. Have a safe flight back home. 

One of the representatives from the team will drop you at the airport 3 hours before your departure.

 

Cost includes

    • Hotel in Kathmandu at 3 stars (Nivas Boutique Home) with bed & breakfast 3 nights.
    • Hotel in Pokhara at 3 stars (Splendid View) with bed and breakfast 2 nights
    • Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu in tourist bus.
    • Pokhara to Kagbeni by private jeep.
    • Transportation cost for Muktinath to Tatopani and Tatopani to Pokhara by local sharing bus.
    • Your daily meal (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner) during the trek.
    • One experience trekking guide & one porter for each two tourist.
    • Annapurna Conservation Permit.
    • Upper Mustang Special Permit. 
    • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS).
    • Insurance for guide & porters.
    • All accommodation during the trek available lodge/tea houses.
    • Our service charge.
    • Farewell dinner.

Cost excludes

    • Personal equipment: Sleeping bag , down jacket, trekking shoes, personal towel, torch light, gloves, trekking stick, warm clothes, sun glass, sunscreen, socks, some medicine for headache, fever, handiplast, bandage, pain killer, stomach ache, diarrhea, dimox etc. (You can hire or buy sleeping bag easily in Kathmandu) for trekking/climbing.
    • Personal insurance for travel to Nepal.
    • Nepal Entry VISA 30 USD per person.
    • Kathmandu valley sightseeing 26 USD per person.
    • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
    • Emergency Rescue evacuation.
    • Tipping (Tips) For guide & porter.
    • All the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. (Tea, Coffee, Mineral Water, hot water)
    • Sweet things like chocolate and desert.
    • Hot shower and laundry during the trekking.
    • All that are not mentioned in cost include.
    • Wi-Fi, internet, phone calls, battery charging.

FAQ

During your Upper Mustang trip, you will be accommodated in Lodges/Teahouses that offer basic facilities for a tourist like a western toilet, a twin bed sharing room, and meals.

The Upper Mustang grows vegetables like beans and Potatoes.

Yes. It does snow heavily in Upper Mustang, especially during the winter season.

The best and shortest route for the Upper Mustang trek is the 13 Days program:

✔ Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
✔ Day 2: Fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni
✔ Day 3:Trek from Kagbeni to Chele
✔ Day 4: Chele to Geling
✔ Day 5: Geling to Charang
✔ Day 6: Charang to Lo Manthang
✔ Day 7: Lo Manthang exploration
✔ Day 8: Lo Manthang to Drakmar
✔ Day 9: Drakmar to Syangboche
✔ Day 10: Syangboche to Chhusang
✔ Day 11: Chhusang to Jomsom
✔ Day 12: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara
✔ Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

 

For Nepali, the Upper Mustang trek will cost around Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25000