Upper Mustang Trek

Overview:

Discover one of Nepal’s best treks with the Upper Mustang trek of 16 days. Go on an extraordinary journey into the lost kingdom of Lo and visit the legendary stone walled city of Lo-Manghtang. This trek in Nepal crosses various low altitude passes, local villages, and countless monasteries and stupas. Furthermore, during the Upper Mustang trek you’ll be able to explore various cave networks that where recently discovered! Trek through a barren land surrounded by the Himalayas with the Upper Mustang trek in Nepal.

Welcome to Nepal:

Landing at Nepal for your Upper Mustang trek our team will be already waiting on you for a quick meet and greet. Our Narba Treks team transfers you to your booked hotel in Kathmandu, and explains the plan for the next day. During your first day and evening in Nepal, we suggest to take in the nearby sights and go exploring around Thamel, Kathmandu’s touristic and backpackers area. Here you’ll find most trekking shops, restaurants and boutique shops. Take a rickshaw (a bicycle pulling a 2 seat carriage) or explore by foot everything is in walking distance. The next day while we prepare your permits for the Upper Mustang trek, you’ll be enjoying a cultural guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.We have 4 points planned to see during this sightseeing tour; Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambunath, and Pashupatinath Temple. It will take most of the day for your Upper Mustang trek permits to be ready, so this day of sightseeing is the perfect way to spend the time. At Kathmandu’s Durbar Square you’ll be able to see ancient architecture and craftsmanship of the local Newari people. As for the Boudhanath Stupa, and important Buddhist pilgrimage site you’ll be able to see the huge white stupa up close and enjoy the sights from one of the rooftop restaurants. At the Swayambunath Stupa, besides countless monkeys you’ll be able to see incredible views of the Kathmandu Valley as well as being able to feel a spiritual feeling of peace! The last point of this sightseeing day in Kathmandu is the Hindu and most holiest temple of Pashupatinath. After your tour we meet back up at the hotel for a trek briefing and going over the Upper Mustang trek itinerary. As tomorrow we leave Kathmandu and drive to Pokhara.To start the Upper Mustang trek we’ll have to reach at Jomsom located more to the North West from Kathmandu. To shortest way to get there we’ll have to fly from Pokhara. Following a great part of the Trishuli River, the drive to Pokhara takes about 5 to 6 hours. It’s a scenic drive and reaching Pokhara brings you one step closer to the entry point of the Upper Mustang trek. After spending the night at your booked hotel, we make way for the national airport and fly to Jomsom. The flight itself is quite scenic as parts of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges come in sight. Nilgiri is also quite visible from Jomsom.

The journey to Lo-Mangthang and back:

This is it we have reached the official starting point of the Upper Mustang trek, Jomsom. It’s a lot cooler than Kathmandu and Pokhara and depending on the season you booked you might have snow as well. The first part of the Upper Mustang trek take us to Kagbeni (2,858m/9,377ft). Famous for its apple orchards Kagbeni also houses a monastery and a local market selling all kinds of trinkets and spiritual items. For the first part of today’s trek we follow the trail along the Kaligandaki River and make our way gradually up until heading further inland. Our first village along the way is Tangbe. Made out of small narrow roads and stone houses its quite an experience trekking through here. We make way to Chele village (3,050m/10,007ft) by passing by and visiting the famous Sky Cave.Now on day 6 of the Upper Mustang trek we make way for the village of Syanbochen. It’s mostly rocky and barren on the trail with incredible valley views. Uniquely about the Mustang region are the rock formations carved out by years of elements battering the land! We trek gradually up passing by Samar and ultimately reaching at Syanbochen (3,475m/11,549ft). Along the way we pass by the ruins of the old palace of Syanbochen. Narba Treks’ experienced trekking guide will give you detailed information about every highlight during the trek through Upper Mustang. On day 7 we head for the village of Ghyami (3,520m/11,549ft) by crossing the Yamda La Pass. Marked with prayer flags and a stone stack, the top of the Yamda La Pass offers amazing views of the Annapurna Himalayas! We continue on most of the day trekking up and down along the trail leading to Ghyami. After checking in to the guesthouse we can explore around the famous Red Monastery as well.As we head further on the Upper Mustang trek our next destination the old town of Tsarang. To reach here from Ghyami we’ll need to cross two mountain passes including the Tsarang Pass. Most valley views are just incredible today, and you’ll have great chances to see the blue sheep of Mustang! Tsarang is a simple village with two distinct features on opposite ends of each other. The legendary Tsarang Monastery and the old Tsarang Palace open to the public with a guided monk tour! These are some of the main highlights of the Upper Mustang trek. Continuing on to the main highlight of this special trek in Nepal, we leave Tsarang the next day and head for the stone walled city and old capital of Lo, Lo- Mangthang. During today’s trek we’ll be heading through arid landscapes and cross various desert dunes. We’ll have to traverse some narrow slopes up and down until reaching a flat path leading to the walled city. After check in, we hold a short walking tour around the city and visit Tsarang’s Palace. On day 10 of the Upper Mustang trek we hold an excursion day around Lo-Mangthang. We have a few destinations to visit and some way to travel.There are three options available we can either drive, trek or hire horses to reach Chhosar where we can visit newly discovered caves, and the Garphu and Nyiphu Buddhist Monasteries. We’ll also have the chance to visit the Jampa Kakhang and the Thubchen, Choprang and Chodey Gompas. In the late afternoon we return to Lo-Manthang for our last dinner and overnight in the stone walled city. Although we reached Lo-Manghtang there is still more to the Upper Mustang trek, as the next day we head for the red cliffs of Dhakmar! The trail leads further away from the walled city and through arid landscapes. Through a narrow cliff path we can visit the Lo Gekar Monastery. Further along the way to Dhakmar we pass by the longest Mani wall in Nepal. It will take a good 5 minutes to reach the end of the wall! Just before reaching Dhakmar the red cliffs come in view. According to legend the cliffs became red due to the blood of a slain evil demon in Buddhist folklore! Dhakmar although a simple village does offer a path leading up the cliffs where various small cave chambers are connected within the cliffs. Reaching almost back now we trek to Ghiling village. During this day we’ll see some of the last great views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges!.We are reaching to the end of the Upper Mustang trek, and make our way back to Chhuksang village which we passed in the beginning of the trek. We’ll get to see some of the last views of the Mustang region as we reach Chhuksang. On day 14 of the Upper Mustang trek we head back to Jomsom via Kagbeni. This is it, you have officially completed the adventurous Upper Mustang trek in Nepal. As we say goodbye to our brave porters this day, we can optionally celebrate at the Jomsom guesthouse to the success of your trek. The next day we fly back to Pokhara for one more overnight. Day 16 is when we drive back to Kathmandu to conclude your package but Narba Treks can extend your stay in Pokhara and book additional activities such as bungee jumping, rafting, sightseeing and even paragliding! If not, we have one complimentary thank you dinner back in Kathmandu to say farewell as your Upper Mustang trek reaches its conclusion. Take one of the best treks in Nepal with the 16 days Upper Mustang trek and explore the ancient kingdom of Lo!

Short itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Trip preparation + sightseeing
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (827m/2,700ft)
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom + trek to Kagbeni (2,858m/9,377ft)
Day 05: Trek to Chele (3,050m/10,007ft)
Day 06: Trek to Syanbochen (3,475m/11,401ft)
Day 07: Trek to Ghyami (3,520m/11,549ft)
Day 08: Trek to Tsarang (3,500m/11,483ft)
Day 09: Trek to Lo-Mangthang (3,700m/12,139ft)
Day 10: Explore around Lo-Mangthang
Day 11: Trek to Dhakmar (3,810m/12,500ft)
Day 12: Trek to Ghiling (3,806m/12,487ft)
Day 13: Trek to Chhuksang (3,050m/10,007ft)
Day 14: Trek to Jomsom (2,700m/8,858ft)
Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara
Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu

Detailed itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

• Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in the Kathmandu
• Our representative will pick-up you from the airport and transfer you to your hotel
• Hotel check-in and take a few minutes rest
• Stroll around the Thamel Bazaar
• Overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu

Day 02: Trip preparation + sightseeing

• Hotel breakfast
• Meet up with your trekking guide for your trip preparation
• Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu:
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Swayambunath Monkey Temple
  • Boudhanath Buddhist Temple
  • Pashupatinath Hindu Temple
• Head back to your hotel
• Overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (827m/2,700ft)

• Hotel breakfast and check out
• Transfer to Pokhora
• Enjoy a scenic lunch along the way
• Arriva at Pokhora and hotel check in
• Rest of the day is free to explore around Pokhara and Phewa Lake
• Overnight stay at your hotel in Pokhara

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom + trek to Kagbeni (2,858m/9,377ft)

• Hotel breakfast and check out
• Transfer to Pokhara’s domestic airport
• Scenic short flight to Jomsom
• Trek along the Kali Gandaki River
• Reach at Kagbeni
• Enjoy a village tour of the old ruins
• Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse in Kagbeni

Day 05: Trek to Chele (3,050m/10,007ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Trek alongside the Kali Gandaki River
• Head for Tangbe village
• Visit the Sky Caves
• Pass by Gumbakang and Chhusang
• Enjoy incredible views of Mt Nilgiri and Tukuche Peak
• Reach at Chele village
• Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse in Chele

Day 06: Trek to Syanbochen (3,475m/11,401ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Trek through barren rocky trails
• Make your way to the village of Samar
• Continue on to Syangbochen
• Pass by the ruins of the former royal palace
• Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse in Syangbochen

Day 07: Trek to Ghyami (3,520m/11,549ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Start by heading for the Yamda La Pass
• See incredible views of the Annapurna Himalayas
• Continue on to Ghyami
• Visit the Red Gompa
• Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse in Ghyami

Day 08: Trek to Tsarang (3,500m/11,483ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Follow the trail leading over passes
• Continue on until Tsarang village
• Guesthouse check in
• Visit the Red Monastery and the old Tsarang palace
• Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse in Tsarang

Day 09: Trek to Lo-Mangthang (3,700m/12,139ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Trek through arid landscapes
• Cross the desert dunes
• Make your way through steep trails leading up and down
• Reach at the stone gate of Lo-Mangthang village
• Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse in Lo-Manathang

Day 10: Explore around Lo-Mangthang

• Morning breakfast
• Village excursion:
  • Visit the Jampa Kakhang
  • Explore around the old King’s place
  • Visit the Thubchen, Chodey, and Choprang Gompas
• Afternoon excursion to Chhosar:
  • Visit the Garphu and Nyiphu monasteries, and the Caves
• Head back to Lo-Mangthang
• Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse in Lo-Mangthang

Day 11: Trek to Dhakmar (3,810m/12,500ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Make your way through arid terrain
• Head for the Lo Gekar Monastery
• Pass by the longest Mani wall in the world
• See the red colored cliffs
• Reach at Dhakmar village and check in
• Afternoon hike up to the old caves
• Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse in Dhakmar

Day 12: Trek to Ghiling (3,806m/12,487ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Retrace back on the trail heading now south
• Enjoy incredible views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas
• Reach at Ghiling village
• Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse in Ghiling

Day 13: Trek to Chhuksang (3,050m/10,007ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Head back for Chhuksang village
• Continue on the trail with some of the last views of Mustang
• Reach back at Chhuksang village
• Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse in Chhuksang

Day 14: Trek to Jomsom (2,700m/8,858ft)

• Morning breakfast and departure
• Continue on the trail leading back to Kagbeni
• Follow the Kali Gandaki River now south back to Jomsom
• Arrive and check in to the guesthouse
• Optional: evening celebration with the team for a successful trek
• Dinner and overnight stay at the guesthouse in Jomsom

Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara

• Morning breakfast and check out
• Catch a morning flight back to Pokhara
• Transfer to your hotel for check in
• Enjoy the rest of day for exploring:
  • Boating on Phewa Lake
  • Visit the new Shiva statue
  • Hike up to the Peace Pagoda
  • Explore the Mahendra Cave and Davis waterfall
• Overnight stay at your booked hotel in Pokhara

Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu

• Hotel breakfast and check out
• Drive back to Kathmandu
• As you reach to Kathmandu, transfer to and hotel check-in
• Evening farewell dinner to celebrate your successful Upper Mustang trek
• Stay overnight in your hotel at Kathmandu

Trip highlights:

• Guided sightseeing of Kathmandu’s most known landmarks
• Enjoy a scenic trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back
• Trek through the Ancient Kingdom of Lo
• Explore countless ancient caves
• Cross various low altitude mountain passes
• Incredible views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas
• Visit numerous hidden and old monasteries
• Experience a rich culture with various village tours

Package Inclusion

• Three times meal (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner while trekking).
• Guide/porters salaries, Their’s insurance, food, and accommodation.
• 2nights hotel at Kathmandu and 2nights hotel at Pokhara with a B/B plan and basic lodge while trekking.
• Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Permit
• Ground transport (pick up and drop airport).

Package Exclusion

• International flight and visas charge.
• Food while in Kathmandu/Pokhara.
• Kathmandu-Pokhara Domestic flight.
• Personal members insurance (we suggested, you should do insurance in your country) .
• Rescue operation or emergency evacuation.
• Private vehicle.
• Soft/hard drinks like mineral water, cold drink, alcohol boiled water, etc.
• Tips for staff.

Is the Upper Mustang trek difficult?

It can be for novice trekkers out of practice. The trekking days are long with little protection from the elements. But with some pre training before you undergo the Upper Mustang trek you’ll be just fine! Officially the Upper Mustang trek difficulty is said to easy-moderate. We have had trekking families with children successfully complete the trek before.

When is the best time to book the Upper Mustang trek?

The best time to book the Upper Mustang trek is either during the spring season or the fall/autumn season. During these two seasons the weather will be clear with incredible far distance views. Furthermore, during the spring season you’ll encounter warmer trekking days as to the fall/autumn when there can be colder winds rising up during the trek.

How are the accommodations during the Upper Mustang trek?

The guesthouses or accommodations during the Upper Mustang trek, are quite standard. Every lodging offers a room with triple or twin beds, public bathrooms, and a common room or mess hall. Wi-Fi can be rented as well as warm water or a charging plug at the counter.

Can the Upper Mustang trek itinerary be changed?

Yes, Narba Treks offers a standard itinerary as well as the option to customize any trek. So if you want to change the Upper Mustang trek itinerary, you can just send us your requirements and we’ll make it happen for you!

Should I provide any tips during the Upper Mustang trek?

Tips are a great source of second or additional income to many guides, porters and drivers. Typically people tip between 5 to 10USD a day for services well provided. Although tipping is not obligatory in Nepal it is greatly appreciated by the local guides. During the Upper Mustang trek we’ll be visiting many monasteries, who also have donation boxes.