Upper Mustang Trek 18 Days

Upper Mustang Trek

  • Duration 18 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Grade Easy to modorate
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu
  • Meals Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation Hotel/Lodges/Tea Houses
  • Max. Altitude 4030 meter
  • Activity Driving/Trekking
  • Group Type private
  • Group Size 2+
  • Best Season August and September/ April to June
Highlights
  • The Forbidden Kingdom.
  •  Lomanthang
  •  The Red Earth
  •  Mt. Annapurna & Mt. Dhaulagiri
  • Kaligandaki Gorge
  • Ancient Buddhism

Upper Mustang Trek Overview

The Upper Mustang Trek winds its way to the secret Buddhist world of the Kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. This isolated trans-Himalayan mountain region borders Tibet and has a diverse Tibetan feel, both in its people and tradition and in its arid landscape of high cliffs and rocks of uncommon establishment and vibrant. The trek visits Kagbeni, the doorway to Upper Mustang, then by a stark view in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif of Lo-Manthang, the seat of past Kings of the Kingdom of Lo.

Traveling to caves, rock paintings, monasteries, and gompa and one can learn something regarding the tradition of this region. Attractive views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and others, are very much a part of this thrilling tour! Within Lo Manthang itself, a visit to Namgyel Gompa and Tingkhar, the last significant village in the northwest of the region, also the King’s palace brings an additional cultural recognition of the region.

There is also an amchi (traditional Tibetan doctor) museum and school in which the travelers can learn regarding this historical healing art and how it is being acclimated to meet current day circumstances. A few hours’ walk from Lo Manthang is Gyakar, with its popular Gompa. Ghar is over 1,200 years old, and is devoted to Guru Rinpoche, who visited these areas then. The gompa is popular for its rock paintings and it is believed that if the trekkers or visitors make a wish here, it will come true. So visitors or trekkers can make a wish at the Ghar Gompa, and hope to return again some other day! The trek is at a comparably high elevation (3,000m to 3,800m), escalated by the dry air. While it is no issue for those born at this elevation to visit at speed, travelers will be more leisurely in their trek to keep away any elevation-related issues. On average, walking takes 5 to 7 hours a day, and some tracks are significantly windy and dusty.But Upper Mustang Trek into the restricted region of Upper Mustang, that in section follows the historical salt route, will remain in one’s remembrance endlessly.

Day to Day Itinerary
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You may arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Our office representative will welcome you and transfer to the hotel.There are no planned activities for the day; thus, you may check into your Hotel and relax. Overnights stay at the Hotel.

  • 3 Star Hotel
  • Welcome dinner
  • 25 min drive
  • 9 km

Today we will drive into the rich culture of Kathmandu with a guided sightseeing tour of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. our first stop is Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the “Monkey Temple”, where we will explore the ancient complex and enjoy panoramic views of the entire Kathmandu valley. Next, we will visit Boudhanath Stupa, a truly sacred and awe-inspiring site for Tibetan Buddhists and one of the largest stupas in the world. we will also visit Pashupatinath Temple, a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located along the holy Bagmati river. Our tour continues to Patan Durbar Square, a showcase of stunning traditional Newari architecture and art. after an incredible day of exploration, we will head back to the hotel to prepare for the start of our trek tomorrow.

  • 3 Star Hotel
  • breakfast
  • 5-6 hour drive
  • 30 km

You will be taken from your Hotel in Kathmandu to the airport, from where you will board your flight to Pokhara. It is one of Nepal’s most famous tourist destinations, and the city has many natural sights to enjoy. Upon landing at Pokhara, you will be dropped off at your Hotel. You can spend the day exploring the city if you want. Overnights stay at the Hotel in Pokhara.

  • 3 Star Hotel
  • breakfast
  • 25 min flight/ 30 min drive

Today, you will be flying to Jomsom, boarding a plane from the Pokhara airport. The flight takes you through the beautiful Kali Gandaki Gorge. Upon landing at Jomsom, you will then begin your trek through the riverbank towards Kagbeni. Along the way, you will come across the Lubra village. Here, you can pay a visit to the Bon Po Monastery and light some incense and offer a prayer. Following the trail, you will ascend to Ekleybatti and continue to Kagbeni.

  • Tea houses
  • breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • 20 min flight and 3 hour walk
  • 9 km
  • Ascent: 50 m
  • Descent: 40 m

Further, along with from Kagbeni, your guide will register your Restricted Area permits, and you will continue along your journey. The trail coruscates along the Kali Gandaki Riverbank, and you will eventually reach Tangbe village. From here, you can get amazing views of the mountain peaks, and the village also offers a beautiful display of colorful chortens and Mani stone walls. After some rest, you will leave Tangbe and make your way to the Chhusang village, crossing rocky trails that feature boulders and river rocks dotting the landscape. Crossing an iron bridge lain over the Kali Gandaki River, you will finally reach the famous caves situated on the Cliffside above the trekking tunnel. Following the sandy trail once more, you will finally reach Chele. Overnights stay at Chele.

  • Tea houses
  • breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • 5-6 hour walk
  • 13 km
  • Ascent: 400 m
  • Descent: 100 m

From Chele, you will follow the meandering path that takes you towards the Taklam La and the Dajori La Pass. The path is steep, but the downward trek is relatively easier as you descend to Samar. Crossing over many small streams, you will reach the Chhungsi Cave situated at the bottom of Syangboche Hills. this cave is 1200 years old, where Guru Rimpochhe did Meditation on the way  to Tibet on 7th century.

  • Tea houses
  • breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • 5-6 hour walk
  • 15 km
  • Ascent: 1300 m
  • Descent: 400 m

Today’s trek is filled with sights of traditional Tibetan houses and huts that line the landscape. From Syangboche, the path follows the ridge lines and takes you to another famous village of Mustang- Dhakmar. Here, Dhakmar is known for its Red Cliff many Gumbas and shrines and stone structures with bright red contrasting doors. The dry terrain is overshadowed by the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri Mountain peaks.

  • Tea houses
  • breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • 5-6 hour walk
  • 14 km
  • Ascent: 300 m
  • Descent: 400 m

Today, trek will pass through the stunning Red cliffs and over one of the highest pass of the mustang region. we will visit Lo Ghyakar Gompa, the oldest monastery in the world, a true source of pride and honor. we will end our day by exploring Marang village before settling night in Charang Village, known for seasonal capital of the mustang Kingdom.

  • Tea houses
  • breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • 5-6 hour walk
  • 15 km
  • Ascent: 500 m
  • Descent: 300 m

Today’s trek leads us to the historic capital of Mustang, Lomanthang, a city famously known as the “walled city.” as we approach, we will see the towering walls that enclose the entire settlement. along the way, we will pass the largest Chhorten in mustang, traverse a diverse range of landscapes, and cross the scenic Lo Pass before our final descent.

  • Tea houses
  • breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • 3-4 hour walk
  • 8 km
  • Ascent: 200 m
  • Descent: 100 m

Today  is a full day of exploration in the Lomanthang area. our journey begins with a visit to the Sinja Jong Cave, an ancient site believed to be over 400 years old. Next is the Konchhyokling Monastery, often referred to as “The Lost Gompa.” next we will explore the hidden beauty of Chhoser Village and see the historic Battle Carcel of Mustang. in the afternoon, we will continue our exploration by visiting several old Gompas, marveling at their unique and ancient architecture.

  • Tea houses
  • breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • 5-6 hour walk
  • 6 km
  • Ascent: 100 m
  • Descent: 100 m

Today we begin our trek back, heading towards the beautiful settlement of Lho Ghami. the trail will take us through stunning landscapes, past numerous Buddhist shrines, and alongside the longest mani wallin the world, a truly awe inspiring sight.

  • Tea houses
  • breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • 5-6 hour walk
  • 15 km
  • Ascent: 400 m
  • Descent: 300 m

Today we trek to Mysterious village of Ghilling. the trail is a journey into the unknown, leading us past enigmatic monasteries, eerie Caves and dramatic landscapes said to resemble the faces of Demons.

  • Tea houses
  • breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • 3-4 hour walk
  • 9 km
  • Ascent: 400 m
  • Descent: 500 m

Today’s trek takes us to the beautiful village of Chhuksang, a place known for its natural salt sources. we will pass through the charming, small settlement of Samar village and enjoy some truly amazing landscapes along the way.

  • Tea houses
  • breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • 5-6 hour walk
  • 15 km
  • Ascent: 800 m
  • Descent: 900 m

Today’s trek takes us to the sacred site of Muktinath, a journey that includes crossing Nyuila Pass, the highest pass in the region. Muktinath is a truly unique and spiritual place where five elements- Water, Fire, Air, Sky and Earth- meets together.

  • Tea houses
  • breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • 5-6 hour walk
  • 15 km
  • Ascent: 1300 m
  • Descent: 300 m

Today we trek to Jomsom, the bustling gateway to the upper mustang region. our trails leads us through the secluded village of Lupra, a place where the ancient Bon tradition is said to have originated. the trails offers a truly amazing spectacle, with beautiful views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) and several other magnificent peaks.

  • Tea houses
  • breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • 6-7 hour walk
  • 14 km
  • Ascent: 200 m
  • Descent: 1200 m

Early morning we will flight to pokhara. upon arrival in pokhara, 30 minutes drive to the hotel and relaxing whole day.

  • 3 Star Hotel
  • breakfast
  • 25 min flight

Today, we will say goodbye to Pokhara with a short and scenic flight back to Kathmandu. once we land, you will have some free time to explore the city, do some last-minute souvenir Shopping, or simply relax at your leisure. to cap off this incredible adventure, we will all get together for a special farewell dinner, a perfect way to celebrate the successful completion of your trek.

  • 3 Star Hotel
  • breakfast
  • 30 min flight

On your Final day, we will arrange your transfer to Tribhuvan International airport based on your flight schedule. as you prepare for your departure, take a moment to bid farewell to Nepal, carrying with you the cherished memories of your incredible Upper Mustang trek and unforgettable Himalayan Adventure.

See you next time for next Adventure!

Namaste!

  • breakfast
Altitude Chart

Our team guides, porters and accompanying staff are locals with a broad knowledge about each and every location that we travel through.

Cost Includes
  • English speaking insured and equipped trekking guide.
  • 3 Meals a Day during the Trek. (B, L, D).
  • Hotel Accommodation in the trek. (Twin sharing Basis)
  • All Trekking Permits.
  • Porters (one between two) as an IPPG Rules.
  • All transportation as an itinerary mentioned.
  • Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Hotel in Pokhara
  • All flight ticket, mentioned as an itinerary
Cost Excludes
  • Nepalese Visa.
  • Emergencies rescue, illness medical evacuate.
  • Changing itineraries, Hotel Booking and others’ problems.
  • Meals in city.
  • Personal Drinks and Bar Bills.
  • Personal Equipment.
  • Donation and shopping expenses.
  • Tips for Guide and others trekkers staff. (Minimum 10 to 15% of Trekking cost)
  • Other expenses, not mentioned in itinerary
Departure Dates
  • We have daily departures for this trip from March to May and from mid-September to mid-December. You can type in the number of passengers to book a reservation and select a date that is convenient for you. Due to group size, we never cancel a trip once you’ve made a reservation. If you would rather join the group, we will add more travelers on the selected date. You can let us know once you make a reservation or earlier.
Useful Info

Route Map

OXYGEN SATURATION

Equipment List

  • Waterproof and windproof jacket
  • Hiking pants and shorts( breathable. waterproof and windproof)
  • Thermal trousers
  • buff or head scarf
  • woolen hat and sunhat
  • gloves(warm and thin gloves)
  • Trekking boots and sandals (waterproof)
  • Trekking poles
  • Sleeping Bags
  • First aid kit
  • water bottles
  • personal items such as books, cameras, earplugs, and Toilet paper. brush, etc
  • water purification tablets
  • Trek route map
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • woolen socks
  • sunglasses and sunblocks
  • Large duffel bag
  • down Jacket
FAQs
  • The Upper Mustang Trek is a unique and culturally rich trekking experience in the Mustang region of Nepal. It takes you through the ancient kingdom of Lo Manthang, a restricted area that was once a part of the Tibetan Empire. The trek offers insights into Tibetan culture, stunning desert landscapes, and ancient monasteries.

  • The Upper Mustang Trek is considered to be moderately challenging. The trail involves both ascents and descents, and the high altitude can also pose challenges. Previous trekking experience and good physical fitness are recommended.

  • Yes, the Upper Mustang region is a restricted area, and trekkers are required to obtain a special permit called the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit. This permit has a higher fee compared to regular trekking permits, and you must trek with a registered guide.

  • The best time for the Upper Mustang Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September and October) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures for trekking.

  • The duration of the trek can vary, but it generally takes around 10 to 20 days to complete. This includes the time needed for acclimatization and exploration in the culturally rich villages of Upper Mustang.

  • The highest point of the trek is the Lo La Pass, which is situated at an altitude of around 3,950 meters (12,959 feet). While this is not extremely high, proper acclimatization is still important due to the challenging terrain and altitude fluctuations.

  • There is no strict age limit, but due to the trek’s moderate difficulty and high altitude, it’s generally recommended for individuals above the age of 16. However, this can vary depending on the individual’s fitness level and previous trekking experience.

  • Accommodation along the Upper Mustang Trek is more basic compared to other popular trekking routes in Nepal. Tea houses and guesthouses provide simple facilities, and you might need to share rooms and bathrooms. It’s a good idea to carry a sleeping bag and other essentials for your comfort.

  • Yes, the Upper Mustang region has a rich Tibetan Buddhist culture. Respect local customs, monasteries, and traditions. Ask for permission before taking photographs of people, and be mindful of local sensitivities.

  • No, trekking in Upper Mustang requires hiring a registered guide and obtaining the necessary permits. This is done to regulate tourism and preserve the unique cultural and environmental aspects of the region.

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