Upper Mustang Trek
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- Activities
- Upper Mustang Lo Manthang Trek
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- Max Elevation
- Lo Manthang at 3,780m the capital of Upper Mustang
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- Trip Duration
- 18 Days
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- Trip Grade
- Moderate & Adventurous
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- Lodging
- Tea House Trek
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- Meals
- Full board on Trek, BB plan on City
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- Transportation
- Private vehicle & flight
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- Communication
- Yes
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- Group Size
- Minimum 2
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- Best Season
- Autumn and Spring
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- Per Day Walk
- Approx. 5 - 6
Highlights of Upper Mustang Trek
- Sightseeing Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Visiting Pokhara and its attractive destinations like Phewa Lake, Tal Barahi, Mahendra Gufa, International Mountain Museum, Davis Falls, and Sarangkot Hill
- Explore the Thakali and Sherpa communities around Jomsom and Manang Valley
- Visit the Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries around the Upper Mustang Region.
- Explore Lo-Manthang and Rain-shadow area in Mustang district
- Cross-cultural activities with the local community
- Explore the Himalayan beauty of the region with perfect views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchhre, and Manaslu.
Nepal is one of the best destinations for trekking and other adventurous activities like mountain climbing, bungee jumping, paragliding, and rock climbing. Nepal’s natural richness and cultural diversity make it the perfect tourist destination. With several destinations available in Nepal, you might need clarification about choosing one suitable for you. We have brought a customized trekking package, The Upper Mustang Trek.
The Upper Mustang Trek is the best destination for adventure seekers. With the off-beaten path and cultural diversity, this trek offers you all the beauty that Nepal is expected to provide. Starting from Kathmandu, you will reach Pokhara and explore the famous places there and then head towards Jomsom, Manang, and the remote villages of the Mustang district. The winding rivers, terraced rice fields, and imposing Himalayan peaks will take your breath away during the trek. Here are some important things you should know before embarking on this beautiful trek.
- Day 01: Arrival and Transfer To Hotel In Kathmandu.
Location: Kathmandu
Kathmandu Altitude: 1345 Meters
Accommodation: Hotel
You will arrive in Kathmandu on the first day of your Upper Mustang Trek. Our agent will await your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, after which you will be escorted to your hotel. Similarly, you will attend our agency’s meet and greet program, where you will meet your professional guides and officials looking throughout your hike.
- Day 02: Preparation and Leisure Day at Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Kathmandu Altitude: 1345 Meters
Accommodation: Hotel
On the second day of your journey, you will explore Kathmandu Valley and its beauty. Places like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Narayanhiti Palace will be on your setlist to visit.
You will start your journey early in the morning and set off for sightseeing activities around the city. After finishing your sightseeing activities, you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
- Day 03: Kathmandu to Pokhara Drive [5 Hrs]
Location: Pokhara
Pokhara Altitude: 820 Meters
Accommodation: Hotel
On the third day of the Upper Mustang Trek, you will ride to Pokhara on a bus, which takes around 5 hours of drive. Pokhara is a beautiful city located around 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. During your journey, you will cherish the lush green forest, Trishuli River, Marsyangdi River, waterfalls, and terraced fields around Dhading and Tanahun districts.
After your reach Pokhara, you will be escorted to your hotel, where you will stay overnight.
- Day 04: Fly to Jomsom In Morning | Trek To Kagbeni - 4 Hrs
Location: Jomsom | Kagbeni
Jomsom Altitude: 2713 Meters
Kagbeni Altitude: 2810 Meters
Accommodation: Guest House
The next day, you will wake up early in the morning and embark on your journey to Jomsom, the windiest place in Nepal. You will take a flight from Pokhara Airport and fly through the hills of the Kaski district before landing at Jomsom Airport.
After reaching Jomsom, you will rest for some time and then head towards Kagbeni via a short trek. It takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach Kagbeni from Jomsom. You will pass through several settlements around the region as you experience the spectacular views of mountain peaks such as Dhaulagiri (26,794ft), Tukuche (22,703ft), and Nilgiri (22,769ft).
- Day 05: Kagbeni to Chuksang Trek [5 hrs ]
Location: Chuksang
Chuksang Altitude: 2900 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
Now it’s time to hike again in the early morning of day five on your Upper Mustang Trek. You will start your hike up the river valley passing through the high trail and riverbank pathways. You can see the natural caves and Gompa Kang while you walk to the destination. Unlike other gompas in Nepal, the Gompa Kang Monastery is of the Nyingmapa sect. After a few hours of trek, you will reach Tangbe, where you can rest and have lunch. From Tangbe, you will catch a trail through the Narshing Khola and the Kali Gandaki River before reaching Chuksang at 2900 meters above sea level.
- Day 06: Trek to Samar from Chuksang [3-4 hrs ]
Location: Samar
Samar Location: 3150 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
From Chuksang, you will head toward the north to a huge red conglomerate sits. It has created a huge tunnel through which the Kali Gandaki River flows. You will then hike to the nearest settlement at Ghyakar Khola Valley and reach Chele village.
From Chele Village, you have to walk for another few hours to reach Samar Village, where you will stay overnight at a tea house.
- Day 07: Trek to Geling from Samar [5-6 hrs Trek]
Location: Geling
Geling Altitude: 3510 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
On this day, you will take an uphill climb from Samar and then head through a gorge, making your way to the valley. You have to cross a suspension bridge and then reach a pass, after which you will reach Syangmochen. You can find several tea shops in Syangmochen, where you can rest and take your lunch.
After that, you will continue your uphill hike through a valley descending to Geling. The settlement has stone houses and large barley fields around Geling. Getting to Geling from Samar takes around 5 to 6 hours the hike – you will stay overnight at a tea house.
- Day 08: Giling to Ghami Trek via Ghami La [5-6 hrs ]
Location: Ghami
Ghami Altitude: 3490 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
On the eighth day of the Upper Mustang Trek, you will continue to hike uphill through the terraced fields of Geling. First, you will reach Tama Gun and Chorten, and from there, you will head toward the Ghami La Pass at 3520 meters. You will reach the Nyi La Valley at 3840 meters above sea level a few hours later.
After a short-hour trek, you will reach a two-way junction. You should take the left route to reach the village of Ghami. It takes around 5 to 6 hours of walking from Geling to reach Ghami.
- Day 09: Ghami to Tsarang Trek [5-6 hrs ]
Location: Tsarang
Tsarang Altitude: 3620 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
On this day, you will start your journey early in the morning from Ghami village. You will begin the gentle hike from the rugged mountains with the perfect view of the mountain ranges in the north. You will pass across dense, lush forests from there before reaching Tsarang.
Tsarang is located at the top of the Tsarang Chu Canyon. This place is a sanctuary of Buddhism and its culture. You can find huge fortresses and gompa with a collection of statues and thangka paintings.
- Day 10: Tsarang to Lo-Manthang Trekking [3-4 hrs ]
Location: Lo-Manthang
Lo-Manthang Altitude: 3,840 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
On the tenth day, you will be reaching the highest point in your itinerary, Lo-Manthang, which sits at 3840 meters above sea level. It takes around 3 to 4 hours to reach Lo-Manthang from Tsarang.
You will start your journey as you leave the valley through the isolated Chorten. The trail takes you through the walled city of Lo Manthang. You will walk through the northeast corner of the walls to get inside the ancient Kingdom. You can find multiple historical temples and monasteries that carry the significance of the ancient dynasty that ruled the Kingdom.
Tonight, you will stay at a tea house in Lo-Manthang.
- Day 11: Sightseeing and Rest Day at Lo Manthang - Upper Mustang
Location: Lo-Manthang
Lo-Manthang Altitude: 3,840 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
This is a day with full-time leisure; You can acclimatize yourself by staying hydrated and eating nutritious food. Similarly, hiking to Upper Mustang and sightseeing around Lo-Manthang is a must-do activity during your full-day free time.
You will visit some of the ancient monasteries and dive deep into the practice of Buddhism for centuries in this area.
- Day 12: Lo-Manthang to Ghami Trek [5-6 hrs]
Location: Ghami
Ghami Altitude: 3490 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
On the twelfth day, you will start your return course. First, you will make your way to Ghami at 3490 meters. You will use the same route that you used to reach Lo-Manthang.
You will traverse through Tsarang and descend the hill to Ghami, where you will stay overnight.
- Day 13: Ghami to Chuksang Trek [5-6 hrs]
Location: Chuksang
Chuksang Altitude: 2900 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House
From Ghami, you will walk down to Chuksang at 2900 meters. On this day, you will decrease your altitude by around 500 meters. First, you will reach Geling and Samar through the rugged and sloppy route.
Then after a few hours, you will finally reach Chuksang. The total hiking time is 5 to 6 hours from Ghami to Chuksang.
- Day 14: Trek to Muktinath from Chuksang [6-7 hrs]
Location: Muktinath
Muktinath Altitude: 3800 Meters
Accommodation: Tea House/Guest House
Chuksang to Muktinath is one of the best hikes in the Upper Mustang Trek. You will pass through Nepal’s only desert and experience the beauty of apple orchards and agricultural fields. Besides, there are multiple caves, Tibetan Villages, an Apple Garden, Yaks Herds, and Sheep Herds, which you can cherish throughout the trek.
There is a monastery near Muktinath, which was built in the 15th century. After that, you will hike for a few hours to reach the holy Muktinath Temple. You can delve into the rituals and enjoy a holy bath of 108 taps. You can also explore the eternal flame of Muktinath temple.
- Day 15: Muktinath to Jomsom Trekking [5-6 hrs ]
Location: Jomsom
Jomsom Altitude: 2713 Meters
Accommodation: Guest House
Now, the initiation of your return begins. You will trek back to Jomsom at 2173 meters above sea level from Muktinath. The total hiking time is around 5 to 6 hours, but it depends upon the strength and stamina of trekkers.
You will first reach Eklebhati at Kali Gandaki River valley and go through the dense forest of rhododendron and fir to reach Jomsom. Similarly, you can have views of mystic mountain peaks in the north.
- Day 16: Fly to Pokhara from Jomsom[25 min Flight] Leisure Activity In Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Pokhara Altitude: 820 Meters
Accommodation: Hotel
On the sixteenth day of your journey, your return process goes on. You will catch a flight from Jomsom Airport and head toward Pokhara. It takes around 25 minutes to reach Pokhara from Jomsom.
After arriving in Pokhara, you will have a full day of leisure time. You can engage in several activities, like boating in Phewa Lake, and visit the International Mountain Museum, Davis Falls, and Shanti Stupa. In the evening, you will return to your hotel and rest.
- Day 17: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
This is the last day of your Upper Mustang Trek, and you will return to Kathmandu from Pokhara. It takes around 5 hours to reach the capital of Nepal. You will return from the same route you used to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu.
After reaching Kathmandu, you will move to your hotel and stay overnight.
- Day 18: Farewell and Departure
This is the last day of your stay in Nepal. You will be escorted to Tribhuvan International Airport by our agent, where you will go through all the necessary processes for the flight. Then, you will bid farewell to our officials and head toward your home country.
- Airport Arrival and Departure transfer by private vehicle.
- Hotel/Resort Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with BB Plan –as per mentioned in Itinerary
- Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu including City Guide, Vehicle and Entry fees
- Teahouse lodges accommodation during trekking
- Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara flight
- All meals- B/F, Lunch & Dinner during the trek
- TIMS – Trekkers information Management System and Annapurna Conservation Area Fee
- Special Permit for Upper Mustang restricted area – USD 500 P/P
- All ground transport by private vehicle and flights as per mentioned in the itinerary
- Trekking guide and required number of porters
- Staffs insurance, salary and clothing
- General first aid kids
- All necessary paperwork and government taxes
- Personal nature expenses
- Bar bill and all kind of drinks
- Rescue & Evacuation
- Gratitude (tip) for staff
The given rates are per person with guaranteed departure schedules. If the given dates are not appropriate for you, please feel free to contact us for requesting a new dates, we will gladly personalize the itinerary and schedule of the trip that fits for you.
Check our assured departure schedules given below:
| Start Date | End Date | Price | Availability | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Sep, 2023 | 19 Sep, 2023 | USD 1500 | GUARANTEED | Book Now! |
| 7 Sep, 2023 | 24 Sep, 2023 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 13 Sep, 2023 | 30 Sep, 2023 | USD 1500 | LIMITED | Book Now! |
| 19 Sep, 2023 | 6 Oct, 2023 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 26 Sep, 2023 | 13 Oct, 2023 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 10 Oct, 2023 | 27 Oct, 2023 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 18 Oct, 2023 | 4 Nov, 2023 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 22 Oct, 2023 | 8 Nov, 2023 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 29 Oct, 2023 | 15 Nov, 2023 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 5 Nov, 2023 | 22 Nov, 2023 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 15 Nov, 2023 | 2 Dec, 2023 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 21 Nov, 2023 | 8 Dec, 2023 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 28 Nov, 2023 | 15 Dec, 2023 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 7 Mar, 2024 | 24 Mar, 2024 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 15 Mar, 2024 | 1 Apr, 2024 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 21 Mar, 2024 | 7 Apr, 2024 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 29 Mar, 2024 | 15 Apr, 2024 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 8 Apr, 2024 | 25 Apr, 2024 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 15 Apr, 2024 | 2 May, 2024 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 22 Apr, 2024 | 9 May, 2024 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
| 28 Apr, 2024 | 15 May, 2024 | USD 1500 | OPEN | Book Now! |
Best Time To Go For Upper Mustang Trek
Spring and autumn are the best time to go for Upper Mustang Trek. These are considered the perfect timing for certain reasons; they have many factors that align with the handy trekking experience of the trekkers, such as weather and climate conditions, visibility, and safety. Here are why Spring and Autumn are the best time for Upper Mustang Trek.
Upper Mustang Trek During Spring Season
Spring Season starts after the end of the winter season in Nepal, and guess what? Spring, the most colorful and vibrant season, comes with budding green leaves and blossoming flowers in the forest. You can find colorful nature supported by forests, swamps, and festivals.
The country becomes vibrant with the festivals like Holi, Shivaratri, Ghode Jatra, and many others, which is one of the attractive factors of the Autumn season.
Talking about the weather and climate condition, the weather is stable and dry during this time with less wind and rain precipitation. During this time, the sky is clear with lesser clouds, allowing you to have a perfect and clear visibility of the surrounding environments in the Upper Mustang region. With this, you can see the mountain ranges in the north, the Manang Valley, and the far-elongated rivers and their basins.
Upper Mustang Trek During Autumn Season
Autumn Season in Nepal also somehow features the same Spring season characteristics. It starts in September and ends in late November. The stable weather conditions and moderate temperatures are among the best attractions to travel to Nepal and explore the Upper Mustang region.
There is less rainfall, and the sky is clear with lesser clouds – so, as said earlier, these features allow you to have a lovely view of the richness that lies in the region. Similarly, major festivals like Dashain and Tihar are celebrated countrywide during Autumn. You can participate as a member of these celebrations and know the culture and traditions of people deeper.
Upper Mustang Trek During Off Season
Upper Mustang Trek can also be embarked on during off-seasons, unlike Spring and Autumn Seasons. But you must be more prepared and loaded with the safety measures and gear. Two seasons fall under the off-season trek in the Upper Mustang region; Monsoon and Winter.
During the monsoon season, the Upper Mustang features high rain precipitation, which means heavy rainfall will be around this area. It might bring natural phenomena like landslides and floods into the rivers. Similarly, the hike can be more challenging as rainfall makes the route slippery. On top of that, the trails are sloppy and rocky, which adds difficulty in accessing the Upper Mustang region.
Besides, during the winter season, heavy rainfall and freezing temperatures affect this area. It not only makes life hard but also challenging to access the destinations. In some parts of the Upper Mustang region, avalanches and rockfalls are possible, so you must be more careful while embarking on this trek during the winter season.
Difficulty Level of Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek is a moderately difficult one. The initial phase of the trek is soothing and chilling as you drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu on the bus and take a flight to Jomsom. You will stay at a lavish hotel with all the necessary amenities, so adjusting during the initial days won’t be a problem.
But as soon as your trek starts from Jomsom, it can be challenging physically and mentally. Since you will be on a multi-day trek, including a walking time of more than 6 hours daily, you must be mindful of the problems beforehand.
Several factors make the Upper Mustang Trek challenging. Weather conditions, climate, rugged and slippery routes, and others are some. As said earlier, traversing through this region during the monsoon brings challenges like slippery routes, heavy rainfall, and landslides. Similarly, the winter season brings heavy rainfall and avalanche possibilities.
Similarly, you will travel more than 4000 meters above sea level. And you will be prone to altitude sickness at this height. Health hazards like HAPE and HACE will most likely affect you during the trek, so it’s better to be prepared with all you have.
What To Prepare For This Trek?
Physical And Mental Preparation
As mentioned before, you will be walking for hours every day, and it will be physically exhausting, which can even affect your mentality during the trek. So we recommend you have strong physical attributes and stamina to embark on this trek conveniently.
It is suggested to train your lungs, try on short hikes before, and workout out stamina-increasing exercises. It will help you retain energy and increase your stamina, endurance, and strength.
Similarly, you must have a robust mindset and Plan B for the trek. You can follow the alternative one if the primary plan does not work. On top of that, always be positive about the consequences of the trek. Listen to your body; if you cannot continue the trek, re-schedule your plans and rest for some days before joining the trek again. Besides, always equip yourself with the necessary safety measures.
Gear And Equipment
Hiking in remote areas can be challenging, and that’s where the preparation of gear and equipment makes sense. You will need a pair of sturdy hiking boots and other equipment like sleeping bags, thermal clothes (inner and outer), windproof/waterproof jackets, warm socks, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, and trekking poles. You can purchase it at the Thamel stores or rent it for a certain time.
You may also like:
● Upper Mustang Mountain Biking
● Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek
● Upper Mustang Lo Manthang Trek in Nepal
Food And Accommodation Services During The Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek takes you to some of the unexplored regions of Nepal, inhabited mostly by Thakali, Sherpa, and Gurung communities. One thing is sure; you cannot deny the taste of traditional Nepali cuisine that includes Dal, Bhaat, Tarkari, Dhindo, and local pickles. Besides, you can have other food items such as Dumplings (MoMo), noodles, and others in the guest houses.
One of the most interesting things about the cuisine of the Upper Mustang region is Thakali Khana Set. It is a traditional dish of the Thakali people that comprises several dishes, including rice, meat, curry, and daal. Food and meal cost you anywhere from $5 to $15 per person (each meal).
Regarding accommodation, you will stay at hotels and guest houses during the initial days of your trek. When you stay at Pokhara, you will be given a spacious luxury hotel room with hot showers, attached bathrooms, 24/7 electricity, and WiFi services. During your time in Jomsom, you will stay at a local guest house with warm hospitality and food services. After you embark on a trek, you will stay at tea houses with sharing bedrooms. You can also set up a tent for staying overnight, but it is optional.
The average Upper Mustang Trek takes around 12-15 days to complete. We have 18 days itinerary listed on our package.
GLIMPSES OF Upper Mustang Trek
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