Trip Overview
Highlights
- Adventure to the scenic country of Upper Mustang within fascinating cultural villages
- Trekking Trails trails follow the Kaligandaki River near its source beyond the Mustang Himal high peaks.
- Explore remote cultural areas interwoven with the Buddhist religion of impressive heritages.
- Panorama of giant peaks from daily walks to the former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang.
- Sweeping scenic flight from beautiful Pokhara to Jomsom headquarter town of Mustang.
Itinerary
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Day 1 On arrival at the Kathmandu airport 1,340 m meet our staff and transfer to hotel.
Landing at Kathmandu and Nepal international airport, where our guide or staff receives you for short drive to your respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu.
After checking into your nice rooms with rest after a jet-lag, and then rendezvous with another group member of Upper Mustang Trekking, where our guide/leader will brief you with information regarding the treks, about hotels and lodge with Nepalese culture, do’s and don’ts.
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Day 2 At Kathmandu with options for tour with time for trek preparations.
At Kathmandu as a free day where one can join in our interesting sightseeing tour as options, as the capital Kathmandu of Nepal steeped with historical and religious monuments of world heritage sites. Afternoon at leisure and preparation for Upper Mustang trekking, starting next early morning with an exciting overland journey to Nepal Mid-West.
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Day 3 Drive to Fly to Pokhara 860 m - 06 hrs ride and 30 mins via air.
As per group size taking a coach or in tourist standard bus for an interesting overland journey to reach Nepal Mid-West at Pokhara, where drive leads to much warmer farm areas past many town and villages with views of snow-capped peaks, and then reaching finally at scenic Pokhara by its calm Phewa Lake.
(Flying options of 30 mins panoramic flight to land at Pokhara from Kathmandu).
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Day 4 Morning flight to Jomsom 2,715 m and walk to Kagbeni 2,830 m - 04 hrs.
With a pleasant and scenic overnight at Pokhara, a city blessed with Annapurna Himalaya and Machhapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’, early morning starts with a transfer to Pokhara airport for short panoramic flight to Jomsom, landing at the country of the desert like an interesting town as well, headquarter and administrative place of Mustang district. Jomsom located on an old Trans-Himalayan Salt / Caravan Route of Nepal and Tibet, where trade still takes place between the two countries where route leads to high Upper Mustang and beyond at Karo-la Pass that the last frontier of Nepal and Tibet-China.
Jomsom home to Thakali people been on trade on this caravan route since ancient times, our the adventure starts from Jomsom, walk leads to follow Kaligandaki River within a windswept valley but with the gradual path to walk heading towards Kagbeni, a village and entrance point of Upper Mustang area and beyond towards Tibet, at Kagbeni with an afternoon free to roam around this an impressive medial period village of Tibetan style and with similar culture and traditional life of Buddhism as well practices ancient on religion of pre-Buddhism sects.
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Day 5 Drive to Chusang 2,820 m start walk to Samar 3,290 m - 05 hrs.
Since motorable came into function around this remote parts of western Nepal, making it possible and accessible for Jeep drive that leads on the wide dirt road, as morning drive leads beyond Kagbeni entering into Upper Mustang surrounded by high eroded cliff and canyon of varied dramatic colors.
Our journey continues around the beautiful and scenic country with few stops to catch views of snow-capped peaks, as ride leads through small villages past Tangbe, an hour of good drive brings you at Chusang, a village with few surviving trees of Poplars and Willow species, within its red colored earth surrounding. Chusang located on the confluence of Narsang and Kali Gandaki Rivers, from here where walking begins towards Chele village often spelled as Tshele, after crossing over a stream in between broken canyons and ruined castle of rock and red mud walls.
On crossing a small bridge, an uphill walks of less than an hour brings you at Chele village, where the trail gets steeper to reach at 3,130 m high, from the top views of Gyagar across the huge canyon and scenic territory. Trek continues with a slow climb on the windswept terrain till the pass is reached at 3,540 m and then gradual descent leads you at Samar for an overnight stop.
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Day 6 Trek to Ghiling 3,570 m - 06 hrs.
From Samar morning leads with a short uphill to reach on top of a ridge and then descend to a gorge past few monuments called as ‘Chorten’ painted with the official religious color of red, black, yellow and white paints, colors used made from a natural mineral from the earth and soft rocks found around. Journey carries crossing stream as walk follows with the climb up at 3,800 m high, and then continue the climb to another pass, finally on a downhill to a small place at Shyangbochen, a place with a few tea shops.
Walk carries on with a gradual climb to cross over 3,770 m pass then entering a wide valley with downhill to Ghiling for an overnight stop, this nice village with large agriculture fields of barley which is on the outskirt of Ghiling village.
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Day 7 Trek to Ghami 3,520 m - 05 hrs.
After a pleasant and wonderful overnight at Ghiling, as morning walk starts with a climb than on the gradual path heading right within a center of a huge valley, as route leads past below Tama Gung small settlements and then with a long climb towards a valley and crossing Nyi La pass at above 3,950 m high.
The highest spot of the adventure, which is the south boundary of Lo areas within Upper Mustang, from here taking a slow descend to reach the junction; where another path leads to Tsarang / Charing, as our route takes us to Ghami village for overnight stop one of the major villages within Lo area.
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Day 8 Trek to Lo-Manthang 3,810 m - 06 hrs.
From Ghami village, today walk leads to our main highlight and destination within the former Walled kingdom of Lo Manthang, morning starts after a short descend and over Charing-Chu or River, where climb takes you on top of a hill after walking past Tholung valley, from here the route diverts north heading towards a large Prayer monument known as Chorten-Stupa, that marks the boundary of Ghami and Charing- Tsarang within Lo areas.
After crossing a stream then reaching a wide barren country with the climb to a hilltop at above 3,850 m, then rewards you with views of Lo Mananthang within a fort-like surrounded by high Wall, a short descend to a stream that outlines former walled kingdom of Lo Manthang, then entering its southern wall which is the main entrance of Lo Manthang. Once inside the fort village or a town takes you back at medial times a great place for an overnight stop with rest the next day.
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Day 9 At Lo-Manthang for local excursion and explore the village-town.
A rest and a free day where you can explore around within Lo Manthang visiting its interesting sites, a place with more than 150 houses includes many residential quarters of monks and lamas, the houses are closely packed where palace and monasteries are at the bottom section of this vertical and L shaped houses.
The school, health post, police post, and several important chhorten are located outside the walls to the north of the gate and east of the monastic part of the city. Despite the apparent squalor of Lo Manthang, the village is prosperous and maintains a strong sense of community.
The local call themselves as Lobas native of Lo with strong Tibetan influence and practice having similar tradition and custom.
The trade with Tibet started since ancient time was disrupted in between after Chinese occupied the country, and at present trade continues again bringing salt, wool with Chinese good, and this brought a substantial amount of money to this great village town. The Mustang raja’s palace stands four stories building in the center of the town-village, in early days are known as a city, which is the home of late Raja, Jigme Parbal Bista, and Rani (queen), who was from the noble family of Lhasa-Tibet.
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Day 10 Trek to Yara 3,650 m - 06 hrs.
Enjoying marvelous and exciting time at Lo -Manthang, morning route leads on the same the path for a few hours and then taking an alternative route into isolated areas of Upper Mustang. Our walk diverts towards the east with steep descend to a small village of Dhi situated on the bank of the Phuyung Khola. The walk leads to cross a bridge over Phuyung Khola / stream, as climbs start on the steep path to reach a small village at Yara decorated with colorful Buddhist prayer flags, here with time to explore around its impressive eroded landscape within nice Yara village.
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Day 11 At Yara explore around Luri Gompa.
A rest day at Yara to explore around this amazing country where a few hours of walk from Yara village brings to a small settlement of Luri Gompa and explores Luri Gompa and caves of full of Gompas (monastery and shrines).
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Day 12 Trek to Tangbe 3,240 m - 06 hrs.
After an interesting time on high country of Upper Mustang and at Luri Gompa with the historical and impressive monastery, morning starts on the high trail through barren and arid terrain within red eroded hills by strong winds and snows, and then walk slowly encountering a small ridge top to head downhill to Tangbe village at 3,370 m high, this is a moderate size village of about 30 houses, the houses are closely attached. On the rooftops piles of dry big logs and woods stored for many years as status, which reflects the prosperity of the society which is common traditions in these arid areas of Mustang and in Tibet where woods are very scarce.
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Day 13 Trek to Tetang 3,040 m - 06 hrs.
Walking on the barren wilderness of red earth landscapes in complete ambiance the path is gentle for few hours with views of distant snow-capped peaks and the heading downhill and up at Testing a small village for overnight stop around Yak pasture field.
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Day 14 Trek to Muktinath 3,760 m - 06 hrs.
From Testing, where today walk leads to Muktinath one of the holiest of all holy spot for both Hindu and Buddhist followers. Starting our gentle walk to reach Muktinath located around Lower Mustang as our direction leads east on the gradual winding trail past temporary Yak herders huts and shelter with views of Nilgiri’s and Dhaulagiri mountain range. The walk leads to a winding gradual wider path to reach at Muktinath for an overnight stop, afternoon visit Muktinath temple and its holy premises.
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Day 15 Drive to Jomsom 2, 715 m with free afternoon- 02 hrs.
Due to nature of road condition and tiring walks of the previous day, today ends our treks taking an opportunity of jeep drive on the motorable road heading downhill towards Jomsom around Kalia- Gandaki River Valley. Reaching at Jomsom for last overnight stop, Jomsom also a headquarter town, from here around Kaligandaki valley including Marpha-Tukuche and Kalapani / Lete famous for delicious apples and its product.
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Day 16 Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara 860 m - 20 mins via air and transfer to hotel.
Morning a short walk to Jomsom air-terminal where scenic and sweeping short flight reaches at Pokhara, during air-borne excellent views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range on both side of the plane window. On landing at Pokhara airport an interesting short drive takes you at scenic and beautiful lakeside for overnight stops by its famous and serene Lake Phewa.
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Day 17 Drive or fly back to Kathmandu afternoon free at leisure.
Morning from Pokhara an exciting overland journey back to Kathmandu on route observe Nepalese country life as drive leads past farm villages and towns and to reach Kathmandu around afternoon time, the rest of the day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.
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Day 18 International departure for homeward bound.
After a wonderfully enjoyable time in Nepal within high Himalayan mountains including great experience on Upper Mustang Adventure, with your last day in the country, our staff transfers you back to the airport for your flight back home or to next port of call.
What's Included
- Airport pick up and drop service in a private vehicle
- Welcome dinner on the typical Nepalese restaurant
- Twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara at a tourist standard hotel along with breakfast
- Accommodation during the trekking in a teahouse/Lodge and a tent in case of necessity
- All three meals on the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and tea/coffee (3 times a day)
- Transportation by Bus from Kathmandu-Pokhara
- Fligh from Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu
- Government certified and well English speaking trekking guide
- The entire cost of the staff members involved in the trek (their salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation)
- Porters (one porter for every two trekkers) and his entire expenses (salary, food, accommodation equipment, and insurance)
- Charges of all necessary documentation and permits related to the trek
- Down jackets and sleeping bags (upon request), should be returned to the company after completion of the trek.
- Heaven Nepal Adventure duffel bag (upon request for the trekking purpose only), and t-shirt as a souvenir.
- Trekking route map. First Aid Kit (carried by a trekking guide).
- The arrangement of helicopter rescue service (trekker’s travel insurance must cover this expense).
- Farewell dinner with official staff.
- All applicable federal and local taxes.
Included
- International Airfare/Nepal Visa.
- Dinner and Lunch in Kathmandu and Pokhara besides welcome and farewell dinner.
- Expenses for your clothing and personal gears.
- Your equipment/personal nature; and other expenses such as mineral water, soft beverages, laundry, hot drinking water on the trek, bar bills, showers, internet, and charging the battery.
- Your travel insurance which covers helicopter evacuation as well as medical expenses and trip cancellation.
- Tipping to the guide, porter, and drivers. minimum 10% of total cost
- Any other costs not itemized in the "Service Includes" are your expenses.
Excluded
Equipment List
Usefull Information
Fixed Departure
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Faq
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How tough is the walk on Upper Mustang Trekking?
Depending on how you take it, you must be aware that Nepal and all Himalayan countries the hilly and mountainous areas, where much of the walk leads to ups and down with some gradual winding trail to cope. However, on this trek which is similar to other Himalayan walks, the only long and steep climb is going up the pass, and then with a long stretch of downhill, the walk is not as tough and hard as it looks. We have maintained the walking itinerary days to suit all types of people with scenic walks having a rest day to acclimatize with the altitude.
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What are the religion and cultures that we can witness?
Around Nepal Far West a mixture of Buddhists with more Hindu people of Brahmin-Chettries- Dalits and Magar tribes, as walk leads higher region of Upper Mustang dominated by Mustang people are known as Bhatia of Tibetan origin with the same Buddhist culture and religion. On this trek around Upper Mustang where you can witness the fascinating culture and traditional farm life of the hill people of Mustang visiting its monasteries and villages of great interest.
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How many people will be in the group?
From the minimum of 3-4 people in the group with a maximum of 10-15 persons in the group, in some cases we do allow booking for a single person as well, running an independent at extra cost than in groups.
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How is the weather around Mustang?
As the season-wise, where the best time is from April to May when most of the day is clear with minimum temperatures of 0° to 20° Celsius depending upon the altitude and areas. Where most of the morning till mid-days clears for views and walks, sometimes afternoon can get overcast with chances of light rains and snow. Mustang can be visited during the monsoon months of July and August as the area falls within the rain-shadow area blocked by the high Himalayan mountain range.
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How are the lodge and Tea-House on Treks?
Tea-House is the word used in the early days when there were smaller numbers of lodges on route trekking, at present each village has more than 10 to 20 good lodges with pleasant room accommodations, serving excellent food menus as per the season-wise. Higher above 3,000 m lodges are fine and basic due to freezing cold temperatures at night and morning time where they have toilets on the outside, with some inside as common bathrooms and restrooms. All rooms and dining with warm heating and cosy facilities make your stay much more pleasant and enjoyable.
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Are there electricity and network for cell-phones?
Most of the places do have electricity on route trekking run by hydro-power after Kagbeni and Lo-Manthang where much of the electric supply is private and individual the lodge owners with sun / solar power to activate electricity just for the lodge and as well for customers to charge their computers and cell phones. Some places do have networks for cell phones and as well for internet like Wi-Fi above Kagbeni and Tsarang (Charing) villages, the networks are disturbed in deep areas like river gorge areas. At present nearly all people in Nepal including remote villages do have an assist with cell phones with fine network connection only in bad weather, the line can be broken, otherwise, it is fine in working order.
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What happens if some is sick and have to break the trek?
In this situation where our guides are well equipped with knowledge for emergency and medical purposes, depending upon the seriousness of the victims if it is much critical where the nearest medical attention is needed, we call for immediate evacuation for Helicopter services to reach the victims to the nearest medical station and hospital. For light AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), resting and drinking enough fluid leaves an extra guide to take care of sick clients till he/she recovers on route treks or help them to descend to safer areas and take an advance flight back to Kathmandu.
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How are foods and hygiene during treks and lodges on route?
Meals are prepared according to your choice of menu items, and all foods are carefully prepared with much hygiene concern, avoiding complaints and the reputation of the lodges, as they have been serving for more than two decades to worldwide travellers.
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I came to know that some people could get sick while on treks why?
Well hearing rumours and seeing for your own self is a different picture, to be honest, some people are not used to Asian and spicy foods, that’s why people could get sick with the change of diets as well. To be on the healthy side before and after the treks is to get advice from your guides on what will be the best food to consume while on treks, we strongly suggest staying away from meats items in the first place, as it is not hygienic could be stale meat of a week time or more. If you go with a vegetarian sometimes will be the best option to stay healthy till you get immune to the local environment and culture.
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What types of medication should I bring from home for the trek?
In our list, we always mention general medication to bring from home as well from your doctor's advice also, your doctor might recommend you some basic medication list like medicine against diarrhoea, headache, fever, cold-flu as well constipation including first aid for cuts-wounds and burns as well. On every trip of ours, we carry comprehensive medical kits which will be carried by our trekking staff, guides or group leader for common use if required as for your own personal illness, where your doctors might have recommended some medicine to carry with you.
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What are the major factors and precaution one should take care on treks?
Always abide by the rules of the company and guides/leader, most of the main sickness is stomach disorder due to the change in foods and culture shocks. If people have travelled to Asia countries and know the food well will be not a problem. Other factors might lead to altitude sickness known as AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) which can happen to any person if they are not careful by walking fast in higher elevations and might catch the symptoms of AMS. We have designed the itinerary days where people can acclimatize well with rest days in a couple of high places before reaching much higher to our goal and highlights. Some people might take Diamox pills, which are often used as high altitude pills and should consult their doctors before taking the right dose, which helps to regulate the flow of blood systems from getting clots at high altitudes. Where drinking plenty of fluids, water juice and a rehydration drink including black warm tea also helps with taking much rest after getting tired.
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When can I book for Upper Mustang Trekking?
Depending upon your time and duration for the trek you can book this trip at least 2-3 weeks ahead of our departure dates for the trek, with advance payment as per the norms and rules of the company. Make sure that you have checked your medical and physical fitness before signing for the trip and as well purchasing medical and travel insurance which is very important for this kind of adventurous trek in Nepal Himalaya.
Book This Trip
Testimonials
+ 977 9851207846 Trek Details
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Best Seasons September to December, March to May -
Group Size 2+ -
Duration 17 nights/18 Days (Kathmandu To Kathmandu) -
Maximum Altitude 3840m. -
Trek Difficulty Moderate -
Accommodation Tea House(On Hotel and lodges)
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Transportation Local Bus/ Option For Private Jeep
