Good to Know
LOCATION
Mustang Region
DURATION
16 Days
Difficulty Level
Moderate
ARRIVAL ON
Kathmandu , Nepal
DEPARTURE FROM
Kathmandu, Nepal
TRIP TYPE
treking
MAX ALTITUDE
4300 meters
GROUP SIZE
2-10
MEAL
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
ACCOMMODATION
Tea-house
TRANSPORTATION
By Air/ By Road
TRIP CODE
HHTE UMT
Upper Mustang Trekking
“UNIQUE BLEND OF DESERT AND HIGH HIMALAYAS”
The Kingdom of Lo in the Mustang Region of Nepal is one of the most remote kingdoms on earth. One of the few remaining authentic Tibetan cultures still left in the world, the northern part of this astounding kingdom is open to a small number of fortunate permit holders each year. For the adventure of a lifetime, join us as we explore the dramatic landscape and ancient culture of this isolated region.
Sheltered by such massive Himalayan peaks as Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, Mustang is a rugged moonscape of walled monasteries, windy plains, and towns that time forgot. The founder of Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava, came here in the 7th century to defend Buddhism against the forces trying to destroy it. To celebrate his successful battle, he built the temple of Lo Gekhar that still stands today, surviving along with an “unadulterated Tibetan culture” that cannot be found elsewhere.
The kingdom of Lo is strategically positioned along the main trade route between Tibet and India. In the 15th-17th centuries, traders carried salt and wool to India and spices and grain back to Tibet, following the course of the mighty Kali Gandaki River. The Kingdom of Lo was part of Tibet until it joined with Nepal in 1790. This district is the lone bastion of traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture and religion in predominantly Hindu Nepal. The kingdom was closed to outsiders in 1960 when eastern Tibetans began their fight against Chinese forces. The region was not reopened to outsiders until 1991, and the Upper Mustang is still closed to casual visitors. A small number of permits are issued each year to trekking companies, and a government liaison accompanies each trekking party in the restricted area of the Upper Mustang.
Mustang enjoys a longer trekking season than the rest of Nepal because it lies beneath the rain shadow of the Himalayas. It is not subject to the monsoons that hit other parts of the country and make trekking difficult but because of the windy plains and arid landscape, this region is more rugged than other trekking areas of Nepal.
Highlights
- Trek in some of the most dramatic terrains on earth – The Himalayan Desert.
- Explore the Capital of the forbidden Kingdom – Lo Manthang.
- Acknowledge the Tibetan culture and tradition.
- Visit Lo-ghekar, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries.
- Experience the harsh life of the people pf High Himalayas.
- Stunning Landscapes and jaw-dropping views of Mountains.
- Trek through apple orchards.
- Trek along the Kalagandaki River, famous for fossils/saligrams.
- Fly above the worlds deepest gorge – The Kali Gandaki Gorge.
Itinerary
Following your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, You’ll be welcomed to Nepal by a representative of Hiking Himalayas at Tribhuwan International Airport’s arrival terminal. We’ll transfer you to the hotel.
Overnight Stay in Kathmandu.
ACCOMODATION
Hotel
MAX ALTITUDE
1400 meters
MEALS
Breakfast
After early morning breakfast, we’ll depart from Kathmandu and head towards Pokhara(200km), around 7:00 AM in the morning, approximately 7hrs away by tourist bus. We’ll have our lunch on the way to Pokhara(822m). You’ll arrive at Pokhara at approximately 2:00 o’clock. Pokhara lakeside sits, at the “front row center” of one of the most beautiful Himalayan panoramas in the world. The Annapurna and famous “Fishtail” mountain peak of Machapuchhare tower over the tropical setting of Pokhara and the time you spend there will be the scenic highlight of your trip. You’re free in Pokhara Valley also called the “Magic Land” or Dreamland” of Nepal, to explore the various interesting place of your own like boating in Fewa lake while looking at the Annapurna Range of the Himalayas. In the evening you will prepare yourself for your trek to Upper Mustang.
Overnight Stay in Pokhara.
ACCOMODATION
Hotel
MAX ALTITUDE
822 meters
MEALS
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
After breakfast, today’s day will start with us heading towards the airport, for our flight from Pokhara to Jomsom which will take around 20 minutes. You’ll fly over the world’s deepest gorge – Kali Gandaki Gorge(approximately 6000m deep). You’ll also enjoy the scenic Himalayan ranges from the window of the airplane. We’ll take some rest in Jomsom(2743m).
After our lunch in Jomsom, we’ll head towards the village of Kagbeni(2804m). We’ll trek along the Kali Gandaki River. It is also well-known for its Fossils and Shaligram. We’ll trek through EkleBhatti(2740m)- a small village on the banks of the kali Gandaki River until we reach Kagbeni – one of the windiest places on earth.
Overnight Stay in Kagbeni.
ACCOMODATION
Guest House
MAX ALTITUDE
2804 meters
MEALS
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
After early morning breakfast, we’ll leave Kagbeni and trek towards Chele which will take about 6 hours. Today, almost more than half the distance of the trail we’ll trek is alongside the Kali Gandaki River. After leaving Kagbeni, we’ll trek uphill which will give us beautiful views of the Kagbeni village. Trekking for a while and we’ll reach the small village of Tangbe(3070m) and pass its organic apple farm. We’ll keep on trekking and reach Chussang(2920m) – the village where the Narshing River meets Kali Gandaki River. We’ll rest for a while and visit Chungsi Cave Monastery; locals believe Guru Rinpoche meditated here. We’ll leave Chussang and trek through the unique Himalayan desert landscape, cross the Kali Gandaki Bridge and reach the village of Chele(3100m).
Overnight Stay in Chele.
ACCOMODATION
Guest House
MAX ALTITUDE
3100 meters
MEALS
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll trek towards Ghiling to Chele. We’ll start trekking uphill and reach the Ghyakar village(3273m). Crossing the teraced farms and the beautiful rock formations of Ghyakar, we’ll cross the suspension bridge and trek towards Samar village(3660m). This village has a different landscape than other villages in the region. We continue our trek and reach Bhena(3830m). We’ll trek uphill until we reach YamdaLaPass(3986m) whilst mesmerizing our eyes, seeing Annapurna and Dhaulagiri we’ll trek downhill and reach syangboche(3800m) and towards Ghiling(3570m) for our night stay.
Overnight Stay in Ghiling.
ACCOMODATION
Guest House
MAX ALTITUDE
3986 meters
MEALS
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll hit the trail and ascend towards Nyi La Pass(3932m) – This pass fills the gap between Kali Gandaki Valleys and Tibet. Now, we’ll trek upstream the Tangmar Chu River; this part is filled with mani stones. We continue trekking and reach the beautiful village of Charang(3,570m) which is the former capital of Lo. The old palace and Charang Monastery are the must visit places of Charang.
Overnight Stay in Charang.
ACCOMODATION
Guest House
MAX ALTITUDE
3932 meters
MEALS
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll leave Charang behind and trek toward Lo Manthang. Today is the day you’ll finally reach Lo Manthang; this day will be the climax of your trip. Trekking in the Himalayan Desert Landscape for approximately 5 hours you will reach LoManthang(3840m).
Overnight Stay in Lo Manthang.
ACCOMODATION
Guest House
MAX ALTITUDE
3840 meters
MEALS
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
We spend the day exploring this ancient city, the capital of the kingdom and the center of its culture. Monasteries, temples, and ancient structures tell the story of the ancient Tibetan culture and the monastic traditions that are still alive here. Visit the huge seated Buddha in the Champa Lhakang which dates back to the 15th century and examine the beautiful frescoes of the Thugchen Gompa. The Raja may be in residence at the Raja’s Palace, the largest building in Lo Manthang.
Overnight Stay in Lo Manthang.
ACCOMODATION
Guest House
MAX ALTITUDE
3840 meters
MEALS
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll leave the village of Lomanthang and ascend toward Chogo La Pass(4300m): this is the highest poin of this trip. We’ll descend and cross the Charang River until we reach Lo-ghekar(3931m). It is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries and an important site of religious heritage. It was built in the 8th century by Guru Rinpoche. From Lo-ghekar, we’ll descend for a while until we reach the village of Drekmar(3755m). We’ll leave behind Drekmar and head towards Ghami(3560m). You’ll get to see the longest Mane wall in Nepal, here in Ghami.
Overnight Stay in Ghami.
ACCOMODATION
Guest House
MAX ALTITUDE
4300 meters
MEALS
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
From today, we’ll slowly descend toward lower altitudes as our trip to Upper Mustang ends in a few days.
After Breakfast, we’ll hit the trail and after an hour we’ll reach Jaite(3820m), continuing our trek we’ll pass Tamagaon(3710m) and Shyangmochen(3800m). We’ll trek on the river bank while it flows downstream. After wandering for a while, we’ll reach Samar. This village is home to Ranchung Caves; a must-visit cave in this destination.
Overnight Stay in Samar(3300m).
ACCOMODATION
Guest House
MAX ALTITUDE
3820 meters
MEALS
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Leaving behind Samar, we’ll trek toward Kagbeni. We’ll descend the trail and reach the village of Chussang(2920m). We’ll cross a suspension bridge(Jhullunge Pul) over the Kali Gandaki River and walk along the banks of the river and through Apple orchards until you reach Kagbeni(2800m).
Overnight Stay in Kagbeni.
ACCOMODATION
Guest House
MAX ALTITUDE
2920 meters
MEALS
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Today is the last day of trekking on this trip. On this day, we’ll leave Kagbeni in the morning after breakfast and trek towards Jomsom(2743m), the same route we started from. This trek will take approximately 3 hours. We’ll explore the village in our free time.
Overnight Stay in Jomsom.
ACCOMODATION
Guest House
MAX ALTITUDE
2743 meters
MEALS
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
After breakfast, we’ll head towards the airport for catching our flight from Jomsom to Pokhara which will take approximately 20 minutes. We’ll enjoy the view of the Himalayan Ranges whilst the flight is airborne. We’ll spend the rest of the day in Pokhara, visiting Phewa Lake while boating and enjoying the Annapurna Ranges. Other amazing places to visit in Pokhara are David Falls, Begnas Lake, etc.
Overnight Stay in Pokhara(822m).
ACCOMODATION
Hotel
MAX ALTITUDE
822 meters
MEALS
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Leaving footprints in the trails and preserving the memories of the Annapurna Region, we’ll drive towards Kathmandu. You’ll enjoy the curvy roads of Nepal’s hills and its greenery along the way. We’ll drop you off at the hotel and today day is over.
Overnight stay at Kathmandu.
ACCOMODATION
Hotel
MAX ALTITUDE
1400 meters
MEALS
Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, their two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural, and religious significance. There will be a half-day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath – the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Bhaktapur Durbar Square – the 15th-century palace of 55 windows, and Swoyambhunath. At the event, you will be briefed about your trip.
After we finish Sightseeing, You’ll be gifted with an evening farewell dinner in a traditional way and many other surprises, for they’ve had a quality time with you.
Overnight Stay in Kathmandu.
ACCOMODATION
Hotel
MAX ALTITUDE
1400 meters
MEALS
Breakfast
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as a game drive at National parks, do some wild-water rafting, a Tibet tour, or even mountain biking, etc – please don’t hesitate to let us know). We would be glad to help you. Thank you for doing this venture with us & it’s been wonderful knowing you over the weeks. Please do stay in touch in the months ahead. Bon Voyage & take care!!!
Or,
Extend Your Stay in NEPAL
MAX ALTITUDE
1400 meters
MEALS
Breakfast
Not satisfied with this regular itinerary? Make your own.
Inclusions
Service Includes:
- Our Airport representative Pick up by private vehicle
- Farewell dinner (Nepali Traditional meal) after trip
- Twin-sharing 3 night accommodation in Kathmandu at 3 star Hotel on B/B basis
- Kathmandu to Pokhara to kathmandu by Tourist bus clients & Crews
- Twin- sharing 2 night accommodation in Pokhara (Lake side) on B/B basis
- Pokhara to Jomsom to Pokhara by flight clients & crews
- 10 night Comfortable accommodation in lodge/Tea house during the trek
- 3 meals a day (Lunch/Breakfast/Dinner) & Seasonable fresh fruits during the Trek.
- An experienced English-speaking ,Trained, educated ,professional and friendly Guide including to his food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment & Transportation
- Essential porters their food, accommodation, salary, insurance , equipment & Transportation
- Hiking Himalayas Waterproof Duffel bag and trip completion certificate.
- Portable Altitudes Chamber (PAC) for safety measures
- All necessary paper work and permits (Upper Mustang Special Permits,Annapurna Conservation area Permit & TIMS )
- A comprehensive medical kit & Safe drinking water
- A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu (Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath, Shwayambhu, and Kathmandu durbar square)
- All applicable local tax, vat and office service charge
- Airport Departure by Private vehicle
Service Excludes:
- Nepal visa fee.
- International Airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
- Lunch and Dinner in Pokhara
- Personal Travel Insurance incase of emergency
- Any expenses which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political trouble ,weather and strikes etc.
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, Hot and cold drinks, shower etc)
- Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight
- Tips for guides and porters
Price will be change depends of clients interest (like Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight), more days in mountain ,stay at five star Hotel, Heli trip etc…
Gallery
Fixed Departure
Trekking Equipment's
The following is a list of clothing and accessories that we recommend for Upper Mustang Trek. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list; rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel necessary for your comfort and convenience. However, we recognize that you may have your own personal preferences for clothing which may be equally as suitable.
Head
Sun hat or scarf
Light or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Upper Body
T-shirts (4)
Light and expedition-weight thermal tops
Fleece jacket or sweater
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket (optional)
Hands
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Lower Body
Underwear (4)
Hiking shorts (4)
Lightweight cotton long pants
Lightweight thermal bottoms
Fleece or wool pants
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet
Thin, lightweight inner socks (4)
Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
Accessories
Sleeping bag rated -10C. to -20C
Headlamp and batteries
Basic First Aid Kit (see Health and Medicinal)
Water bottles
Toiletries
Small wash towel
Optional Items
Swiss Knife
Playing cards/backgammon/chess set
Books (Highly Recommended)
Binoculars
FAQ's
Why Choose Hiking Himalayas?
With more than 20+ years of experience in the tourism industry our agency is registered under the Ministry of Tourism. It is also a license holder of NMA, NTB, and NRB. We also provide you with local guides, who are used to the surroundings, so you won't face any difficulties in the trek.
How hard is this trek?
This trek is considered moderately challenging. You'll have to walk for longer distances and up to 5-6 hours per day to complete this trek. You won't have a hard time completing this trek if you're physically fit.
Is there any chances of altitude sickness striking me?
Yes, there are chances of you catching altitude sickness. But our itineraries are designed in such a way that you won't face many problems with the altitude. Our guides will complete this journey with you by slowly acclimatizing you to the altitude.
What if I catch altitude sickness during my trek?
If you catch altitude sickness you'll have to descend and come down to a lower altitude. Our experienced guides will see your condition and decide either to continue the trek or deport you back to Kathmandu. And, If the condition is serious, you'll be rescued in a helicopter on the same day.
Can I trust the guides of this agency?
Our team is comprised of experienced and licensed guides who are also good at medical assistance. So, you can trust the guides of our agency.
Do I need to tip the guides?
Based on your satisfaction and the guides' behavior you can tip the guides. We suggest you tip up to 15% of the total trip cost to the guides.
Is Internet facilities available in this trek?
As this is a remote part, we suggest you not to expect internet in this area. The data services are also unreliable. The Landscape is so surreal you may even forget about the internet.
Why is Upper Mustang called the Forbidden Kingdom?
Upper Mustang was not open to visitors until 1992, so it is also called The Forbidden Kingdom. It is still difficult to get there because you need a permit to enter this area.
Map
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All Inclusive Price.
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*Tours depart everyday of the year
