Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang trek is one of the less demanding treks, are a perfect area for visiting Buddhists Monasteries and ancient caves. Upper Mustang has a barren landscape of eroded sandstone pillars and discontinuous moraine terraces, which together present a colorful mosaic made up principally of earthen reds, yellows, and browns.

Lo manthang is the biggest town of Mustang and relatively easy trek along the permitted route lies in the very heart of Mustang. Upper Mustang trekking is lying under the rain shadow of the Himalayas is possibly the last remnant of pristine Tibetan culture.

Forbidden & remote rest of the World. Lo-Mustang, the capital city is fixed with walled around and ruled by a Jigme Palvar Bista king. Mustang is rich by its own unique culture and tradition. Like other trekking routes, Mustang trek offers a great view of mount Dhaulagiri at 8167 meters (26,795 ft) and Annapurna Ist at 8091 m (26,545 ft). You will be in the middle of 35 mountains over 6000 meters (19,680 ft) high during the trek.

Why people choose Upper Mustang trek?

Lomanthang is a soft adventure trek combines with the great scenery of tallest Himalayas, dry landscapes, ancient caves and Thakali cultural and other Natural heritages starting from 2650 m low elevation to 4600m. The trail offers comfortable accommodation perhaps in all places and is run by the local inhabitants.

The trek includes all meals, road-head transport, services of English speaking local trekking guide and porters to carry the luggage. You will only need to carry a day-pack and you can walk at your own pace.

Upper Mustang trek highlights and Himalayan sights

Lo-Mangthang is the capital of Mustang district, Damodhar Kunda, pristine lakes, Saligrams Holy and ancient caves, Amazing Kaligandaki valley hunt fossil called Saligram – Hindus most holy stones. Lifestyles of Mustangi People, Explore to Corola boarder to Tibet, great Himalayan panorama including Dhaulagiri family as well as Nilgiri and other hundreds of Boarder Himalaya.

Upper Mustang trek grade

Mustang trek is suitable for any walker looking for something a soft adventure and energetic. It does not require any previous trekking or mountaineering experience and also it is not necessary that you must be super-strong. If you are healthy and can walk 6 to 6:30 hours daily, you can easily complete this trekking.

However, daily jugging or walking exercise is useful before you departure. Our program always include rest days and build up gradually, in order to acclimatize to the altitude. On trek, you can go at your own pace, with plenty of stops for resting.

Upper Mustang trek covers:

Jomsom windy valley – Kagbeni village – Chaile – Geling – Charang – Lo-Manthang – Corola boarder – Ghami – Jomsom

Upper Mustang trek season:

February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October.

Upper Mustang trek detail itinerary

Our upper mustang trek is a classic has a short, itinerary compared to most walks in this barren hills. The particular route about Upper Mustang trek designed for world explorer who wishes to hike to upper mustang but is restricted time-wise. For travelers who wish to reach the upper mustang in a more relaxed manner can try this appropriate choice. However, email us if you need a customized itinerary.

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu valley

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport, we will receive you with private vehicle and transfer to hotel in Kathmandu bed with a breakfast plan. Our representative will give you brief information about the Upper Mustang trek program.

Day 02: Drive to Pokhara city (900m/2,943 feet), 6 hours.

Drive to Pokhara by tourist bus. Between on the way we will see the natural beauty like Trisuli river which is most popular in Nepal for rafting and we will follow the way almost bank of the Trisuli and Marsyandi River when we arrive in Pokhara transfer to hotel.

Day 03: Fly to Jomsom. Trek to Kagbeni (2,800m/9,156 feet), 4 hours

Early flight to Jomsom located an an altitude of 2720m / 8,894 ft. You will be land on the District headquarters of Mustang and will start trek to Kagbeni, the starting point of the Upper Mustang, where you can make your eyes busy for The spectacular views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak and Dhampus. Kagbeni is the most interesting typical Tibetan village and the entry point of the upper Mustang for an overnight stop. Overnight camping at Kagbeni.

Day 04: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,100m/10,137 feet), 6 hours

The trail leads up toward the east bank of the Kaligandaki that climbs over many ridges as it heads north and reaches Tangbe Village. It has narrow alleys amongst whitewashed house, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. The Nilgiri mountain is dominating the southern skyline of Kagbeni. Continues to loom massively at the foot of the valley. Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang Village and crosses the river, continue climbing north up the trail to a forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. The trek now leaves the Kaligandaki valley and climb steeply up a rocky gully to Chele at 3030m.

Day 05: Trek from Chele to Gehling (3,570m/11,674 feet), 8 hours

The climb continues along steep, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to pass and cairn of rock at 3540m. Then the trail makes a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge, and then the trail descends further on a pleasant trail to Samar. The Annapurna, still dominated by Nilgiri, is visible far to the south. Climb above Samar to a ridge, then descend into a large gorge and the trail goes into another valley field, crosses a stream and climbs up to a ridge at 3800m. The route climbs sharply up and down over a series of high passes before the final descent to Geiling.

Day 06: Trek from Gelling to Tsarang (3,560m/11,641 feet), 7 hours

From Gelling, the trail climbs gently to the interesting pass on our trek NYILA and descends below the blue, gray and red cliffs. After crossing a steel bridge of the Tangmar chu (river), we will arrive to a MANI (Prayer WALL) perhaps the longest and most spectacular stretch and main wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600m the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang. The huge five-story white Dzong and red Gompa is an interesting visit to observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as many large paintings of seated Buddha.

Day 07: Trek from Tsarang to Lo Manthang (3,840m/12,557 feet), 5 hours

The trail descends about 100 meters down from Charang, crosses the Charang – Chu and climbs steeply up a rocky trail to a cairn on a ridge and continues to climb. Finally, from a ridge at 3850m. There is a view of the walled city of LO. After a short descent, cross a stream then climb up into the plateau of Lo- Manthang. During this day, you can also take a horse or a local jeep ride to get Corolla border to Tibet. Corolla is a newly-opened border to get Tibet.

Day 08: Lo-Manthang, day hiking exploring around

Another day in Lo – Manthang gives you the chance to explore its many sights; the Tall Champa Lakhang (God house,) the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Raja’s Palace; as well as to gaze at the surrounding panoramic views of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalaya. Besides Lo-Manthang there are two other interesting valleys worth visiting. The western valley Tingkhar, the sight of Raja’s summer palace, Kimling, and Phuwa as well as the Gompa of Namgyal (The Monastery of Victory) is the newest and most active Gompa in Lo. In the eastern valley lies the village of Chosar, also rich in gompas and the valley is the main trading route to Lhasa.

Day 09: Descend from Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar (3,520m/11,510 feet), 9 hours via Ghar Gompa.

This is an opportunity to visit two other villages on your return trek. The trail climbs steadily to the pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lo-Manthang. We cross the highest pass this trek and arrive in Ghar Gompa (3920 Meters). This monastery is very old and older than Samye monastery in Tibet, supposed to be built around 730AD. After crossing the pass around 4100m then we descend down to the way in Dhakmar (3520m) where we fix our campsite to stay overnight.

Day 10: Trek descend from Dhakmar to Samar (3,540m/11,576 feet), 6 hours

From Dhakmar the way goes down to until Ghami (3460m) the huge greenery village in Mustang where we can see the ancient monastery and stupas with. You can see the local houses here like a cave. Then after the trail goes ascend until Nyi La pass and descend to Samar through the same route. We fix our camp for stay overnight here.

Day 11: Trek from Samar to Kagbeni (2,800m/9,156 feet) , 5:30 hours

Today, we trek descend downhill to Chhusang. The trail offers panoramic red stone cliffs. After Chhusang we will climb a little more than arrive in Tangbe village and finally, we will be in Kagbeni.

Day 12: Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom (2,720m/8,894 feet), 4 hours

We trek to Jomsom with the valley of Kaligandaki River which is also known as the windy valley where every day big wind blowing and overnight in Jomsom. You will explore Jomsom village.

Day 13: Fly out from Jomsom to Pokhara, 25 minutes. Sightseeing

Early morning we fly to Pokhara with thrilling spectacular Mountain View including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna South, Annapurna I and Machhapuchre during the flight. Transfer to hotel to check-in for a hot shower and in the afternoon, your guide will assist you for your Pokhara city sightseeing or Pokhara city tour visiting Devis falls, Gupteswor cave, and Boating in Fewa Lake to visit Tal Barahi Temple which is located on an island. From here, we can walk back to the hotel.

Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu

Morning we’ll drive back through the scenic countryside and during the route will stop for breakfast & lunch. It takes 7 hours back to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu, the guide will transfer to the hotel and rest of the day relax or explore the surrounding areas and overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Final departure day

Drop you in Kathmandu International Airport onward your final destination and our trip ends. Wish you your wonderful journey.

How much does Upper Mustang trek cost?

Upper Mustang trek or Lo manthang trek price will vary according to group size. Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara round-trip flight is included in the price, however, taking flights from Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu saves your time and riding bus reduces the trip expenses.

For the deluxe and luxury trekking tour plan, we add Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu round trip airfare, 3-star category hotel deluxe air-conditioned room in Kathmandu (BB PLAN) and 2-star hotel standard accommodation in Pokhara (BB plan) with attached bathroom while on trekking on possible places. AND WE ARE OPEN TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR TOUR AND PACKAGES PRICE AS PER YOUR REQUIREMENTS. International tour leaders are highly encouraged to get discount and attractive complimentary.

We can organize group join Upper Mustang trek starting at any date but we can also run this private trip if that works for you. Please contact us for more information.

Freequently Asked Questions

Question: Is pick up service available on my arrival day in Kathmandu?

Answer: Yes sure. Provide us your flight details. Our representative will come to pick up you on Kathmandu international airport.

Question: Do I need experience for upper mustang trek?

Answer: Actually for Upper Mustang trek is suitable for keen trekkers/walkers who are able to walk around 4 or 5 hours in a day, with a lightweight daypack. For this trekking – yes, you need to have experience in high altitude – somehow about 3000M above sea level.

Question: What kind of accommodation can I expect on Upper Mustang trek?

Answer: We provide you tourist standard accommodation in Kathmandu and during the trekking routes. the rooms along the routes are clean with a cozy bed with a nice mattress and blankets. However we recommend you to take your own sleeping bags if you have one with you otherwise, you may rent it while you are in Kathmandu.

Question: What kind of food can I expect in upper mustang trek?

Answer: All the guest houses/lodges in the trekking they have attached restaurant and they cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian such as Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, dhal bhat, bread, soups, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season) The dinner and breakfast are provided in the same lodge you spend the night every day and Lunch will be provided on the way to the next place where you are going.

Question: What opportunities will I have for a shower along Upper Mustang trek?

Answer: Tea house trekking all the lodges they have a shower which you can get it somewhere paying and somewhere without paying however if you are in camping trekking – we provide you hot water bucket then you will take a bucket shower.

Question: How do I get drinking water on Upper Mustang trek?

Answer: During the trekking route there are all places hotel and shops where you can able to buy mineral water and you can buy it for drinking but however we advise against buying mineral water in plastic bottles, as currently there are no provisions for disposing of these. Instead, we provide you boiled water or bringing chlorine tablets to purify the normal water as the normal water is available in the campsite/along the way in the camping trekking.

Question: Can I charge my digital camera or other batteries on my trip?

Answer: During the Tea house trekking there will be more chances to charge the battery. We recommend you bring an extra pair for in case. Remember to bring your own adapters!

Question: Is there any communication facilities on Upper Mustang trek?

Answer: upper mustang trek route you can get telephone services as well as internet services as well.

Question: Can I use credit cards in Trekking?

Answer: No! So, for the trekking routes, you need to have cash Nepali rupees because credit cards work only in the bigger city tours/city areas.

Question: When should I book my trip and what is the payments terms?

Answer: Because our trips book up months in advance, we recommend booking early to avoid any kind of misunderstanding. We will, of course, make every effort to accommodate last minute bookings. And regarding the deposit, we prefer 20% advance deposit of the total price of the trip in order to confirm your reservation before you arrive in Nepal. And the rest of the payment can be made after your arrival in Kathmandu.

Question: Who will carry my luggage on Upper Mustang trek?

Answer: We provide porters to transfer your luggage. As we are a responsible trekking tour operator agency, our every porter carry maximum 25 kilos of your backpack which means 2 guests (12.5 kg luggage of each guest): 1 porter basis.

Question: How much distance do I walk each day?

Answer: When walking/trekking in the mountains, the distance you cover each day can vary greatly due to a gradient, terrain, and altitude. As such it is very hard to give specific distances on each day, however, you have to be prepared to walk roughly about 5 hours each day.

Question: How much additional money do I need per day?

Answer: You can allocate US$ 08 – 10 for a lunch/dinner in Kathmandu and it depends on your spending habits. US$ 7 to 10 US$ each day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, tea coffee, and some drinks while you are on trek.

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