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Upper Mustang Trek-16 Days

Trip Overview

Itinerary

Cost Includes

Useful Information

Altitude Graphs

Equipments

Upper Mustang Trek-16 Days

based on 1 reviews

Best Season: March to November

Starting From USD 1900

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Trip Overview

Upper Mustang Trek is one of the subliminal treks into Trans-Himalayan mountain region. The area extended from a deserted region, Kagbeni to Lo Manthang in the Tibetan south border is known as Upper Mustang. The Upper Mustang area is nestled at the rainshadow of majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges. Witnessing the cliff-hanging caves that were cemetery under death ritual practice will provide amazing experience and curiosity. The journey to Upper Mustang will be an ideal trek for those who are interested in the ancient kingdom of Lo Manthang and it's surroundings.

This trekking trail covers several wonderful places, such as Jomsom, Kagbeni and Lo Manthang. Moreover, the trek offers stupendous views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks. Passing through high peaks, treeless barren landscapes and terraced farmland also make this trek memorable. The Upper Mustang region is also one of the restricted areas of Nepal and a special immigration permit is required to enter this area. Every year the only fixed number of foreigners are allowed to enter this area and that makes the region still a virgin and keet the cultures, lifestyles and heritages alive till date. The region lies in Dhaulagiri and Annapurna rainshadow area so June / July / August is the best months to visit these areas.

The trek begins from Pokhara with a 20min scenic flight to Jomsom then the trail follows the Kali Gandaki River valley to the ancient village of Kagbeni, entrance to Upper Mustang. It then ascends along and above the rivers and ridges carved by the Kali Gandaki’s many side tributaries, and includes five passes up to 4,325m/14,190ft. A road has recently been pushed through the region from Tibet by the Chinese. The road is little used at present with dust and noise causing minimal disturbance to trekkers.

Trip Highlights

UNESCO World Heritages of Kathmandu Valley
Scenic drive to Pokhara with along mesmerizing views of Trisuli River
Wonderful flight from Pokhara to Jomsom via Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges
Diverse Culture and lifestyles of inhabitants of Mustang
Kingdom of Lo Manthang

Additional Information

We tried to consign almost all the required information. However, you might have some confusion regarding the time, cost, and some technical support. So to have further discussion and information about the trip please contact us at [email protected] and feel free to ring +977-9851116042 and talk to us directly. Amazing Nepal will be waiting for your call eagerly.

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Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a company representative, who will drop you off at our hotel. After checking in, take a rest or visit Amazing Nepal's office. You may also stroll in the streets of Thamel, a tourist hub in Kathmandu for some souvenir shopping. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Amazing Nepal Trek & Expedition. For dinner, you will be served excellent Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the country's authentic food culture. If your flight arrives late, both the meeting and dinner can be scheduled for the following day. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Sightseeing Kathmandu Valley and Preparation for Trekking (1,300m/4,264ft)

After breakfast, you will set out for sightseeing of the culturally and architecturally rich heritage sites of the Valley. Places such as the Pashupatinath, the world-famous temple precinct of the Hindus, the Boudhnath and Swaymbhunath, the world-famous Buddhist stupa precinct, and Kathmandu Durbar Square will open up completely a new cultural world of Nepali art and architecture to you. You will also be taken to the Kumari Ghar, where resides the Virgin Goddess. We will also discuss the trip, and you will be introduced to your fellow trekkers and our crews.

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara by tourist bus (910m/2,986ft) 6-7 hrs, 200km

After breakfast, around 6:30 AM, you will be transferred to the Tourist bus station and drive to Pokhara by tourist bus. This scenic drive offers fascinating glimpses of rural Nepal as you pass through Middle Hill scenery along with the famous rafting Trishuli River, originating from Tibet northeast of Kathmandu. Arrive in Pokhara by midafternoon.

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2,858m/9,375ft) 25min flight and 3-4hrs trek

After an early breakfast, take the 20-minute Trans Himalayan flight to Jomsom through the world’s deepest gorge, formed by the Kali Gandaki River that rises in Tibet. Meet your porters and trek north. Jomsom is the administrative headquarters of the Lower and Upper Mustang region, also a major village along the Kali Gandaki Valley, linking the age-old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route from India to Tibet. The trail meanders up the broad Kali Gandaki riverbed to Eklai Bhatti, three hours of toil with winds that blow up the valley daily afternoon. Another hour walk leads to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. This Buddhist village with Tibetan influences is worth exploring. Its abundant orchards and fields are irrigated with snow-melt water from the Thorung Khola that flows past Muktinath and enters the Kali Gandaki at Kagbeni.

Day 05: Trek to Chele (3,050m/10,004ft) 5-6hrs

Upper Mustang lies behind the great Himalayan Range and in its rain shadow. From here on, we trek through high, dry, starkly beautiful desert terrain that is an extension of the high Tibetan plateau. All water is sourced from snowmelt, with villages sited accordingly. Altitude and weather conditions limit crop production to a single crop per year, chiefly barley, wheat, peas, and mustard. Over eons, deep side valleys have been eroded along the gorge, forcing much up-and-down trekking. The route north begins at the Police and ACAP checkpoint and follows the east wall of the wide river valley, climbing several ridges with picturesque places to rest along this windy route. The first of a group of five Gurung villages is Tangbe (3,060m/10,040ft), with narrow alleys between whitewashed houses and fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat, and apples. Another hour leads to Chhuksang (2,980m/9,777ft) at the confluence of the Narshing Khola with the Kali Gandaki. Continue over more ridges, with numerous caves along the cliff walls, before descending to the Kali Gandaki near a huge chunk of fallen conglomerate under which the river has had to tunnel. Cross a bridge at the tunnel and head west into the Ghyakar Khola Valley via a steep climb up a rocky gully to the village of Chele.

Day 06: Trek to Gelling (3,570m/11,200ft) 6-7hrs

Beyond Chele, we re-enter the Buddhist region and rise above the tree line. The trail rises to a knoll (where a high suspension bridge crosses the Ghyakar Khola to Ghyakar) and continues up the side of a spectacularly steep canyon, on to the Chele La (3,630m/11,910ft). Good views to the southeast include Tilicho Peak, Yakwakang (north shoulder of the Thorung La), and the Damodar Himal’s large cluster of 6,000m/19,700ft peaks. The trail then descends to the village of Samar, a horse caravan watering point. Three hours of ridge undulations lead to the village of Shyangmochen, and then the path gently rises to the Shyangmochen La (3,850m/12,630ft). Descend past a large black, red, and white Chorten where three paths meet above the lovely village of Gelling.

Day 07: Trek to Tsarang (3,575m/11,750ft) 6-7hrs

Today’s trail heads up the center of the valley, through fields and past Chortens to the Nyi La (4,020m/13,190ft), the southern border of Lo. Gentle descent leads to the Ghemi La: a Chorten on the edge of a ridge. A steep descent leads to the beautifully whitewashed buildings of Ghemi, the third-largest village in Upper Mustang. The trail then drops to cross the Tangmar Khola opposite cliffs of blue-grey and red rock, crosses the valley, and climbs past a vast mani wall to the Choya La (3,870m/12,697ft). From here, there are magnificent views of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, and the Damodar Cluster. The trail then gently descends, past prayer flags, to an entrance Chorten to the second-largest town of Tsarang. A 14th-century dzong and gompa overlook the river gorge (and hydroelectric plant) beyond the town.

Day 08: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840m/12,800ft) 4-5hrs

Descend the gorge and cross the river, then climb to a ridge Chorten overlooking the Tholung Valley and turn northwards towards the windy Lo La (3,950m/12,960ft). Everywhere, the grey and yellow desert scenery is starkly beautiful. From Lo La, the walled capital, surrounded by irrigation canals, can be seen in the valley below. A short descent, a stream crossing, a climb to the plateau, and finally Lo Manthang.

Day 09: Lo Manthang: Rest and exploration day

Within the town, explore the Champa Lhakhang (God House: climb to the roof for great views) and the red Thubchen Gompa with an impressive entrance hall and huge assembly hall supported by wooden columns. Also, visit the town’s main gompa – the 18th-century Chödi Gompa in the monastic quarter of town, plus the nearby new Choprang Gompa. Beyond the city, visit the Namgyal Gompa situated on a nearby hilltop. This is an important monastery for the local community and also acts as a court. The village of Tingkhar in the valley northwest of the town is also worth visiting and is the site of three Gompas and the Raja’s summer palace. Return to the lodge in Lo Manthang by nightfall.

Day 10: Trek to Drakmar (3,810m/12,500ft) 6-7hrs

Trek southwest on herder’s trails, up against a side valley to the Chogo La (4,325m/14,190ft). Then traverse around a grassy valley before descending through a gully to cross the Tsarang Khola and climb to Ghar Gompa (House Temple), a 1,200-year-old monastery, particularly famous for its collection of painted carved stones framed on the monastery walls. The trail then climbs a ridge and crosses a valley to a cairn at 4,170m/13,680ft. Continue across alpine meadows before descending through a rough gully between towering walls of red rock to the large village of Drakmar (red cliffs). Numerous caves dot the cliff walls.

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Cost Includes

Service Included:

All airport transfers
Tourist Standard Hotel in Kathmandu for 3 nights with breakfast
Tourist Standard Hotel in Pokhara for 2 nights with breakfast
Welcome and Farewell dinner
Guided city tour in Kathmandu
All ground transport by private Car/Jeep and Tourist bus as per itinerary
Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara flight
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (Upper Mustang Restricted Area Special Permit, Conservation Area permit and TIMS)
An experienced English-speaking Govt. registered trekking guide and local porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
Full meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) followed by a cup of Tea/Coffee during the trek
Iodine/Chlorine treated Safe Drinking water
All mountain accommodation (2 nights private room with independent bathroom/hot showers and remaining Soft, comfortable, twin sharing room with shared toilet)
A comprehensive medical kit
All government and local taxes
Trekking equipment such as down-filled sleeping bag and duffel bag
Souvenir: Mustang Route map and Amazing Nepal T-Shirt

Service not Included:

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara except for welcome and farewell dinner
Monument entrance fees
Deserts (cakes, bakes, and pies)s
Additional Hot Drinks
Bottled drinks
Boiled/mineral water
Electronic device re-charge
Hot shower
Wi-Fi
Personal expenses
Travel insurance and evacuation insurance (strongly recommended)
Tipping to driver and trekking crew

Useful Information

Accommodations and Meals:

You will be provided a room in a tourist standard hotel, while you are in Kathmandu and Pokhara. During your trekking, you will be provided room in teahouses. Please be informed that you will be sharing the room at teahouses. Please also note that the Mustang Area is located at far from the maddening crowd, therefore, teahouses may not be as much sophisticated as one finds them in town.

We will provide only breakfast while you are in Kathmandu & Pokhara and three-course meals while you are on trek. This means you will be taking breakfast and dinner at teahouse you stay and lunch in the mid of your trekking. Since the Mustang Area is geographically a remote place, you will be provided only selected but hygienic and organic local foods such as Nepali dal bhat, Tibetan soup, and bread, porridge etc.

Is this trek appropriate for me?

We ensure Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate to strenuous trek. So, we confidently announce that it is appropriate for average trekkers, having a passion of loving to nature. It requires inspiration and passion which makes your trek successful. Your positive attitude and strong determination can obligatory to accomplish this trek. For making comfortable walking, adjusting to changing climate, our package manages the facility of acclimatization in needed place as well as 5-6 hours walking per day. If you have already accumulated hiking and jugging experiences that will be beneficial to adjust with the situation; although if you do not have that is not a big problem. However, Amazing Nepal Trek & Expedition cordially request to have medical checking before you plan to start any trekking and hiking.

Briefing of the Tour:

You will be briefed about the trek, you will be given information file, and importantly introduced with your guide.

Trekking Crews:

We will provide government registered, well-trained English Speaking guide, who holds enough knowledge about responsible tourism and eco-friendly tourism

We will also provide an assistant guide who is ready to help you with every situation.

We will provide a porter is provided to every two of you, and he will be carrying not more than 25kg.

We get our crews’ life get insured.

Certificate:

After the trek is over, you will be provided with ANTE adventure certificate.

Size of Group:

Trekking Group Size of our group can range from two people to ten people. In case you want to travel alone, do not hesitate to write to us. We will plan accordingly. In case, you more than ten people, please do let us know so that we can develop and improvise plans and itinerary.

Acclimatization:

Trekking to the Mustang is as much difficult as it is technical. We give special priority to its technical sides as well. For this, we have designed an itinerary to allow you get acclimatize naturally. We know the particular location you need to stay for rest, and the particular distance you need to walk slowly and so on. In case you get high altitude sickness, we have crews who know how to deal it effectively and smartly.

How to respond to Altitude Sickness?

Please do carry first aid box
Please consult your physician
Please do keep on informing our crews if you feel uneasy
Please do walk in the group so that you can help each other

Travel Insurance:

We would like to recommend you to get your trekking insured. Since you are trekking in probably one of the wildest and challenging routes, you need to be cautious of anything inevitable. You may need helicopter evacuation and get your trip canceled. You may get injured and get your baggage theft and so on.

Permits and fees:

The government local body charges some small amount of fee for every you make to the World heritage sites, Conservation areas, National Parks, and restricted areas along climbing. The price we charge includes all the fees.

Flight Delay in JOMSOM

Twin Otter and Dornier is the primary mode of transport from the airstrip at Jomsom. This service is fairly dependable. Sometimes, flights may be canceled due to mountain weather conditions or other technical problems. In such case, Amazing Nepal will organize the alternative available road transportation to ensure you are on schedule for your international flight.

The expense of the road transport will be managed from the reimbursement received from the flight ticket after the deduction of cancelation charge. So please note that there will be no refund of the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara if the alternative road transportation is consolidated.

Altitude Graphs

Equipments

If you want to book a trekking package with Amazing Nepal Trek and Expedition and still wondering about the essential equipment for your trekking journey, here we are more than happy to offer our checklist for your references. Please make necessary amendments to our checklist as per your need and convenience. For some case, if you couldn’t get any of these listed equipment/gears in your hometown or you’re in a rush before you fly to Kathmandu, don’t worry! The listed necessary items mentioned below can be easily purchased here.
Except for your day pack, all luggage will be carried by porters. A porter is available for two people who will carry maximum up to 25 kg. So, you have to be careful while packing your bag or luggage.

Moreover, there is an allowance of 15kg per person on domestic flights. Additional personal items are not needed for the trekking portion of the trip which can be kept in the hotel’s storage room without extra cost.

Below is the checklist of equipment that is required for the trek:

HEAD

Buff headwear /neckwear
Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Head Torch

UPPER BODY

Cotton T-shirts or Thermals
Fleece jacket
Waterproof/windproof jacket
Down-filled jacket (Your own Down Jacket is strongly recommended, but Amazing Nepal Trek also supply complimentary down jacket which is needed to be returned after the completion of the trek)

LOWER BODY

Lightweight cotton pants (long)
Waterproof Pants
Thermal underwear

FEET

Thin inner socks
Thick and warm wool hiking socks
Comfortable Hiking boots
Sneakers /slippers

HANDS

Gore-tex gloves

ACCESSORIES

Sleeping bag rated to - 20°C (Your own sleeping bag strongly is recommended, but Amazing Nepal Trek also supply complimentary sleeping bags which is needed to be returned after the completion of the trek)
Trekking bags/duffel bag (Amazing Nepal Trek will supply complimentary water and windproof duffel/kit bag, but one extra big duffel bag/suitcase is necessary for items that are left at the hotel in Kathmandu)
Large plastic bags (For keeping items dry inside trek bag)
Trekking poles (Optional, Recommended)
Water bottle or camel bag
Toiletries
Towel
Sewing Kit
Insect repellent, sunscreen, and lip balm
The first-aid kit; should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band-Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea
Re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking if any particular
Wet wipes
Reading or writing material

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Package Reviews

What our customer says about this package.

Upper Mustang Trek

We had a great trek organized by Amazing Nepal Trek and Expedition. Thanks to Santosh and our great guide Lakpa.
It was an amazing trek. We found it quite physically challenging but it was well worth the effort to see the otherworldly scenery and landscape. I highly recommend going to see the upper Mustang before it is changed forever.