Upper Mustang Trek - 18 Days

(5) 1 Reviews

Highlights

Mustang is situated in the northwestern region of Nepal which is well known for trekking expeditions. Mustang is divided into two parts, namely Upper mustang and lower mustang, and was first opened for foreigners in 1992. Since then, it has become popular for trekkers to explore this forbidden kingdom. Mustang is surrounded by Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri giving spectacular views for trekkers. Moreover, Mustang is also home to "Kali Gandaki", the deepest gorge in the world. Lower Mustang is best known for places such as Marpha, Jomson, Kagbeni, Jharkot, and Muktinath. Marpha is considered the hub of the apple and apricot industry in Mustang. Mustang has two known distilleries companies, a drying facility, and beautiful orchards. As Muktinath temple is considered to be a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists, the place is always filled with local and international pilgrims. Lower mustang is also famous for its Tibetan-style dwellings and cobbled streets.

Mustang also offers wide diversity in flora and fauna. Birds such as Hill and Rock pigeons, Crag Martins, Rose Finches, Pied Wagtails, Rock Buntings, Black Redstarts, and White-capped river chats. Also, Himalayan griffin, Lammergeyer, and Golden eagles are the major attraction of this region. Snow leopard, Red fox, Marmot, Himalayan Wooly Hare, Blue Sheep, Yak, and Lynx, etc. can be spotted in this region.

 

 

Highlights of the trek:

  • Trek in one of the most desired and beautiful landscapes in Nepal.
  • The jaw-dropping sceneries, hills, and mountains have hosted countless documentaries, movies, and vacations.
  • The spirituality of the “Last Forbidden Kingdom” is unlike anywhere else in the world.
  • Experience the culture and religion of the isolated community of the Upper Mustang. 

Destination

Upper Mustang Trek

Duration

18 Days

Max. Altitude

4200m

Trip Difficulty

Moderate

Itinerary

This trek combines many different landscapes and brings you close to the base of 7,000m and 8,000m peaks in a short period of time.

For Meals: breakfast Include.
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Altitude: 1400m
  • Our representative will pick you up from the airport after your landing and escort you to the Hotel.
  • You can complete the checking-in procedure and enjoy a night’s rest.

For Meals: Breakfast Include.
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Maximum Altitude:  
  • Our day begins with a brief orientation regarding the upcoming trek where we discuss the trek, trekking routes, necessary equipment, and your stay in Nepal.
  • Afterward, head out for a thorough sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley where we visit the important sites of Kathmandu like the Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, and Boudhanath.
  • Overnight in Kathmandu.

For Meals: Included  BLD
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Altitude: 1400m
  • We will take public transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
  • The six-hour drive encompasses a winding highway road, green hills, and thundering rivers.
  • Pokhara is a major metropolitan city of Nepal just on the foot of the Annapurna Range.

For Meals: Included  BLD
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Altitude: 3000m
  • Fly towards the windy city of Jomsom from Pokhara. The 30 minutes flight is full of mountain scenery around and glorious valleys beneath us.
  • After reaching Jomsom, we take a brief ride towards a pretty Gurung and Thakali inhabited village of Chhusang.
  • After a short period, we arrive at Kagbeni where we make a stop to complete the government formalities relating to Mustang Special Permit.
  • Overnight in Chhusang.

For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Altitude: 3600m
  • Today’s walk crosses the Kali Gandaki gorge and then it is a short climb up to the small village of Chele (3100m).
  • After Chele, a beautiful trail carved into the rock leads in turn to Taklam-la (3625m) and Dajong-la (3660m).
  • We descend to the beautiful old village of Samar for the night’s rest.
  • Overnight in Samar.

For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Altitude: 3820m
  • Today you cross two mountain passes: Nyi La (3920m) and Ghumi la (3750m). After reaching Ghemi, we stop for a break.
  • In Ghemi, we can roam around and visit the old monastery at the heart of the village. The monastery is surrounded by caves which, in the past, served as a shelter against invaders.
  • In the afternoon, we continue our easy climb along with the iconic red Mustang wall to reach Dhakmar.
  • Overnight in Dhakmar.

For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Altitude: 3840m
  • Even though the trail from Dhakmar is relatively easy, it will still be a long trek. Initially, we take an easy uphill climb to the Mui La Pass (4100m) and onwards to the oldest monastery of Manang, Ghar Gompa (3920m) where we stop for lunch.
  • After the brief break, we move on to cross the Marang (4230m) and Chogo pass (4320m).
  • We then move towards the capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang which is surrounded by striking scenery.
  • Overnight in Lo Manthang.

For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Maximum Altitude:  
  • Lo Manthang is one of the most spectacular places in Nepal. So, it is well worth it to rest for a day in Lo Manthang and explore the beautiful town.
  • The town is full of winding streets, iconic 15th-century monasteries including the historic Jamba Lhakhang and Tukche monastery.
  • Lomanthang is very close to Tibet and Tibetan cultural influences can be observed.
  • Overnight in Lo Manthang.

For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Maximum Altitude:  
  • Today you take jeeps towards the Tibetan border of Sicha Khola valley. Leave the jeeps at the foot of Jhong cave, a real troglodyte skyscraper!
  • On our return back, we visit the spiritual monastery of Nyiphu.
  • Return to Lo Manthang, through the fabulous lunar landscape of Chossar and several charming villages.
  • Overnight in Lo Manthang.

For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Altitude: 3640m
  • Climb up to Loday Pass (3950m) and walk along the plateau at 4050m above sea level, then hike down to Dhi.
  • After reaching Dhi, we cross the Kali Gandaki River and reach the settlement of Yara.
  • Overnight in Yara.

For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Maximum Altitude:  
  • We trek for a couple of hours from Yara to visit the unique Luri Gompa Monastery and its ancient Buddhist arts.
  • We will also explore the Luri caves and beautiful 15th-century Buddhist frescoes before returning to Yara.
  • Overnight in Yara.

For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Altitude: 3420m
  • Today you cross a rocky desert plateau, far from any civilization. It is a short descent to Dhechyang Khola where you can find fossils if you’re lucky.
  • From here, you climb to Sertang Pass (3945m). The view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri from the top of Sertang Pass is extraordinary.
  • Descend from Sertang and pass through several villages to reach Tangge.
  • Overnight in Tangge.

For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Maximum Altitude:  
  • It is going to be another long day of the hike today. We cross the Yak Khola and climb up to the Cho Cha La Pass (4210m).
  • Descend a short distance until reaching Paha where we stop for lunch.
  • Walk beside a beautiful ridge trail and make a steep descent into the valley of Nursing Khola and join Chhusang Village.
  • Overnight the Chhusang.

For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Altitude: 3800m
  • Start the day by climbing up from Chhusang to the beautiful village of Tetang (3040m).
  • Climb further from Tetang to reach Gyu Pass (4070m). Along the way, you can enjoy beautiful views of the “white mountain” Dhaulagiri (8165m) the “blue mountain” Nilgiri, and the villages of Muktinath and Jharkot.
  • Next, we walk down to the temple of Muktinath, dedicated to the Hindu god of liberation and flanked by 108 taps where Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims take holy showers to cleanse their karma.
  • Overnight in Muktinath.

For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Altitude: 2720m
  • We pass Muktinath through a small mountain pass of the beautiful alpine landscape.
  • Take a steep descent till reaching the small settlement of Lupra, a village that sits well- hidden in the gorge of Lupra Khola.  Lupra is rarely visited by tourists and maintains a charming authenticity.
  • We follow the trail of the Kali Gandaki River to reach Jomsom.
  • Overnight in Jomsom.

For Meals: Included BLD
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Maximum Altitude:  
  • We will take a flight from Jomsom back to Pokhara early in the morning. After a brief rest in Pokhara, we take another short flight to Kathmandu. You will have some free time upon arrival.
  • Overnight in Kathmandu.

For Meals: Breakfast Include.
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Maximum Altitude:  
  • Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in the world and home to the Buddha’s discerning eyes as well as several surrounding monasteries. After the Buddhist stupa, you visit the Pashupatinath temple. This is the  most important Hindu temple. It belongs to the God Shiva: the God of destruction and reconstruction.
  • Thousands of Hindu pilgrims from Nepal and India pray, dance, sing and make offerings in this temple every day. Traditionally, when Hindu people die, they are cremated and here we find the most important site for cremations that take place on the bank of the holy river called Bagmati.

For Meals: Breakfast Include
For Accommodation: Hotels / Lodges
Maximum Altitude:  
  • Our representative will pick you up from your hotel (approximately three hours prior to your scheduled flight) for you departure.

Inclusions

The Annapurna base camp trek is one of the most popular treks in the mighty Himalayan region of Nepal and it is the most visited trekking region in Nepal.

What’s Included?

  • Airport pickups and drops 
  • Accommodation(BB) in Kathmandu 
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • Meals during the trek
  • Farewell dinner
  • Ground transportation as per the itinerary
  • Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Pokhara -Jomsom  -Kathmandu)
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits 
  • English-speaking, and government-licensed guide/leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
  • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Staff salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation
  • Bag/duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map
  • TIMS card and trekking permits (National Park Permit)
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)

What’s not Included?

  • Personal equipment for trekking
  • Personal Insurance 
  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Emergency Rescue evacuation
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping (Tips) staffs; guides & porter
  • Bar & Beverage bills

Map

This trek combines many different landscapes and brings you close to the base of 7,000m and 8,000m peaks in a short period of time.

Gear List Travel Gear List

Adventurous activities are always filled with adrenaline and risks. Here are some mandatory tools and equipments to keep you safe and necessary for the trip.

  • Water bottle(2): Nalgene/ sig style and a bladder bottle with the capacity of 1/2 liter water. Bladders are preferred.
  • Water Purification Drop(1): Affordable and easily available for purchase in Kathmandu (Pious Water Drop).
  • Lip Balm(1): Proper moisturizing containing SPF.
  • Sunglass(1): Actual UV rays safeguarding glasses.
  • Sun Cream: SPF 30+ recommended.
  • Bandana (1): Useful for various purpose.
  • Baseball Head/ Cap(1): Protects face from direct expose of sun during the hiking.
  • Warm Woolen Hat(1): Prevents from wind and cold above 3500m.
  • Flash Light / Head Torch(1): Leaves your hands free. Extra batteries are also necessary for head light.
  • Private First Aid Kit(1): Include prescribed medications/ personal medications. Some personal medicine might not be available in Nepal.
  • Travel towel(1): light weighted and compact.
  • Wash Kit (1): Appropriate and suitable for your skin/body
  • Instant Hand Sanitizer: Alcohol bases, enough for trek/on the basis of necessity.
  • Camera(incase you carry): Along with charger and enough battery to capture scenarios and memories.
  • Book/ Journal: Depending on interest.
  • Pack of Cards/Travel Board Games(if interested): Evening entertainment.
  • Trekking Snacks: Base on consumption; enough for trekking (can be purchased in Kathmandu).
  • Toilet Roll & Rubbish Bag: to make sure we don't leave waste materials in the mountains.
  • Trekking Poles(optional): recommended to anyone with knee issues.
  • Gloves(2 pairs): Thin in low altitude & thick warm enough in high altitudes.
  • Neck Warmer \Buff(1): Protection of Neck from direct wind and cold.
  • Walking Stick(1): Light weighted and comfortable for walking support.
  • Walking T-shirt(2): Merino wool, Capilene/Synthetic Fiber for quick dry.
  • Sleeping t-shirt(1): can be cotton or fabric.
  • Thermal base layers Top(1): mid weighted long sleeved t-shirt of merino wool/polyester, capilene power dry.
  • Insulating layers(1): mid weighted fleece that can be worn over other layers
  • Fleece Vest(optional): advisable for those who catches cold easily.
  • Rain jacket (1): Wind proof and rain proof for safeguard.
  • Down jacket(1): very essential for trekking above 4,000 meters.
  • Hiking trousers(2): lick weighted and quick dry trousers( not cotton).Zip offs are preferred.
  • Sleeping trousers(1): light weighted yoga style for comfort sleep( no jeans).
  • Trekking short (1): in case of no zips off trousers. Low knee shorts are preferred.
  • Rain pants(1): Protection from rain and wind.
  • Thermal long Johns(1): To warm by in the evening or while sleeping.
  • Underwear: Depending on necessity; enough for trek ( can be washed and dried along the way)
  • Duffle Bag Pack(1): to store excess luggage at hotel. Our agency provides duffel bags during the trek. These are easier for the porters to carry.
  • Day pack with rain cover(1): to carry your personal items during the treks i.e. camera, private snacks, water bottles, etc.
  • Sleeping bags with inner: To have a warm and satisfying sleep in high altitude. Recommended for 3 season(Oct-Feb).

FAQs

Adventurous activities are always filled with adrenaline and risks. Here are some mandatory tools and equipments to keep you safe and necessary for the trip.

The Upper Mustang trek takes you at a height of 4,200 meters from sea level.

In context to the level of difficulty, the Upper Mustang trek is a short moderate level trek. The maximum walking hour of this trek is about 7-8 hours a day.  

Soul Himalaya Treks & Tours has well-experienced and certified guides/leaders with over 10 years of working experience in the field. All our guides are fluent in English. You can also hire guides who are fluent in French, German, and Hindi.

Everest is situated towards the eastern part whereas Upper Mustang is situated towards the western part of the Himalayan range. Therefore, you will not be able to view Mt. Everest from Upper Mustang. So far, you will be able to have a beautiful scenario of mount Nilgiri, Brikuti, and various other Annapurna Ranges.

The best season for the Upper Mustang trek is pre-monsoon and post-monsoon.  Late September, October, November, and December is the most favorable season recommended for the Upper Mustang Trek

The weather differs with the season you choose to trek for. The maximum temperature reaches 25°C during the day and falls up to -20°C at night. Observing the overall trekking climate, the weather of the Upper Mustang is mild during the trekking seasons. Yet, the weather of the lower region is hotter than that of higher altitudes.  

Altitude sickness is predictable if you are at a High altitude for the first time. However, Altitude sickness can be coped with easily since there are no major risks of it. Our itinerary is maintained in such a way that you will adapt to the altitude of this region easily. Your assigned guide/leader will slow down ascend and provide you healthy diet. You also require to be hydrated throughout the trek and avoid the consumption of alcohol/cigarettes. Most importantly, you should build a strong mindset and be prepared for the trek.

We strongly recommend you carry a reusable bottle along with water purifying tablets and agents to purify stream water. Waste disposal is not well organized in the Mountains so to maintain an environment-friendly trek we appreciate it if you can make minimum use of plastic bottles. However, if make you use plastic bottles we request you dispose of the bottles at a proper place.

A  proper shower is managed for you throughout the trek. Hot /Bucket shower is made accessible in the lodges. However, a certain amount of charge for the hot/bucket shower is taken in some of the lodges.  While taking showers in the natural sources, you are sincerely requested to slip into comfortable clothes to uphold social values in public space.

You will be able to recharge your gadgets in pretty much every cabin and hotel. However, at a higher altitude you will be charged with a certain amount; probably from 200 to 300 NRS (1.5 - 2, 5 €).

The organization isn't great always, and in some cases it is inexistent. You’d rather not rely on the network in some areas. However, you will have Wi-Fi in few lodges; not necessarily all of them but some lodges charge you extra for Wi-Fi.

We assure you a secured trek. Even so, we never can predict what might take place. Hence, in case of any emergencies, you will be rescued by air ambulance as long as the weather is favorable for evacuation.  

You are strongly prohibited from distributing any kind of stuff to children on the way to your trek. Children stay on roads for hours waiting for tourists rather than attending schools. Hence, this has created a very bad influence on the children in the tourism areas. If you are genuinely intending to help them you can consult with respective guardians.

The people of Nepal are very religious. Hence, when you are visiting the historical and religious area in Nepal especially monasteries; you are not allowed to sit/stand on the tables since the tables are marked very scared.

You can observe many street dogs in Nepal. So, you should be aware before you approach any of them as they are not well-vaccinated. If you are followed by a pet during your trek we suggest you not take them along with you.

You will not be allowed to take a snap of any individuals without their approval. In some specific monasteries, you are forbidden to carry a camera. However, you can freely capture the image of glamorous nature. 

Tipping is not mandatory. However, it has been a common trait, so the guides and porters expect a small amount of tips from you. A small amount of tips can hold a great essence in their life and can go a long way to help them and their families. Feel free to ask us for a suggested standard amount.  

Reviews

Adventurous activities are always filled with adrenaline and risks. Here are some mandatory tools and equipments to keep you safe and necessary for the trip.

We Discovered Upper Mustang Trek

During August 2017, i was with a friend and my sister in Upper Mustang during 12 days with the guides of soul himalaya treks .This trekking was realy wonderfull. Upper Mustang is a jewel. The landscape is really splendid and the atmosphere in this area is full of spiritual power. Our guides, Samten and Dendi, were so kindly and always joyfull. We were laughing a lot. For my friend, it was the most beautifull trekking. For me, it was the sixth trekking with this guides and all were really successfull. I encourage all people who searchs a good and professional agency to go with soul himalaya treks. It's only happyness with the guides. if any body want to travel in Nepal i would love to recomands this company soul himalaya treks and tours thank you.

$3500/person
See Group Discounts
Group Size Price Per Person
2 Pax 2799
5pax 2399
10 Pax 2099

Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

 +9779841482294

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