The Upper Mustang Trek is a unique and fascinating trek that takes you through the remote and isolated region of Mustang, in the north-central part of Nepal. The trek starts with a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, from where you will trek through barren landscapes, traditional Tibetan-style villages, and ancient monasteries.
Destination: Nepal
Max. Altitude: 3840 meters
Trek starts/ends: Pokhara.
Group size: Min. 2 Pax.
Difficulty: Moderate
Overview
The Upper Mustang Trek is a unique and fascinating trek that takes you through the remote and isolated region of Mustang, in the north-central part of Nepal. The trek starts with a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, from where you will trek through barren landscapes, traditional Tibetan-style villages, and ancient monasteries, before reaching the walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of the former Mustang Kingdom. The trek provides a rare opportunity to experience the ancient Tibetan culture and way of life, which has been preserved for centuries due to the region’s isolation. You will also see stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges along the way.
The Upper Mustang Trek is a fairly challenging trek, as the region is located at high elevation, and the terrain is rugged and barren. However, the rewards are equally great, as you will be able to witness the unique beauty and culture of this remote Mustang region. Likewise, this trek is also known for its rich history, as Mustang was once an important trade route between Tibet and India and was also a separate kingdom until 2008. Therefore, the Upper Mustang Trek is a must-do trek for adventure lovers and those interested in experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Nepal.
During the trek, you’ll embark on a journey through the arid desert-like terrain, with its typical red and orangey cliffs. The trail goes through narrow canyons and steep gorges, revealing stunning views of the rugged Himalayan vistas. Likewise, along the way, you’ll pass by picturesque villages such as Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the former Mustang Kingdom. Over here you can explore monasteries, visit the King’s Palace, and experience the hospitality of local people. The region’s isolation has helped preserve its unique cultural heritage, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness ancient traditions, religious rituals, and festivals that have been practiced for centuries.
The weather is always a key factor while choosing the best time to do Upper Mustang Trek. Travelers trek to Upper Mustang almost any time in a year. However, if you are seeking for the best views and admirable vibes, Spring, Summer, and Autumn is the best time to do it. We suggest avoiding the winter because of the severe coldness and snowy trail.
Spring Season (March-May)
This season is for trekking and mountain lovers to trek all over Nepal. Large number of trekkers travel to Nepal for Upper Mustang trek in Spring season. The season is perfect with mild temperature of 16-24 degrees during the day. However, the nighttime gets cold and chilly. It drops down to 0-5 degrees Celsius.
Summer Season (June-August)
Summer is also known as monsoon in Nepal. The lower region of Nepal heavily affects with rain during the monsoon. However, Mustang is driest place of Nepal with no rain. So, it is a perfect time to trek to Upper Mustang during summer. Also, in the month of August full moon day, local people celebrate Horse festival. So, you can make a most of this trek if you do it during summer season.
Autumn Season (September-November)
Another peak trekking season of Nepal when skies are clear and provides amazing views of mountains. However, there can be occasional wind and storm in the afternoon. The temperature remains between 12-20 degrees during the day, whereas, at night drops down to -4 degrees.
Upper Mustang Trek is moderately challenging trek. You have to hike for 5-7 hours in day, with time-to-time break to enjoy the mountain views. Past trekking experience plays very good role to complete this trek easily. But technical skills are not necessary for this trek. However, you need very good physical fitness and strength to walk for 5-7 hours a day carrying a light backpack. To increase the strength and stamina physical workout for a couple of weeks ago before the trek is a better option.
Upper Mustang lies close to the Tibetan Border, which makes it as a Restricted Area. So, to enter this restricted area, it costs USD 500 per person for 1st 10 Days and USD 50 per day after that.
Furthermore, you need Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit which costs USD 20 per person. Adventure Leaders Nepal can arrange both of these trekking permits before departing for the Upper Mustang Trek.
Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
After you arrive at Kathmandu airport, a staff from Adventure Leaders will pick you up and transfer you to the Hotel.
Day 02: Trek preparation and Briefing
Today we will have a meeting about trek preparation and briefing. We will introduce our guide with you and he will tell you more about the trek and trails. Moreover, you will have options to visit around the cultural heritages of Kathmandu valley.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (800 meters, 7-8 hours)
The trip begins with hill side drive through the highway from Kathmandu to Pokhara. You can enjoy the views of fast flowing rivers and some glimpse of mountains during the drive.
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2800 meters, 4-5 Hours)
We will fly to Jomsom early in the morning that takes around 25 minutes. You can see amazing views of mountains from the flight. After landing at Jomsom, we start to trek to Kagbeni. The trail is gentle towards the valley of Kali Gandari river. Overnight stay at Kagbeni.
Day 05: Trek to Chele (3055 meters, 5-6 hours)
The region above Kagbeni is known as Upper Msutang. We will show our permit cards before entering at restricted region at Gateway. The trek follows the trail through the eastern bank of Kaligandaki river. During the walk, you can see the amazing views of Mt. Nilgiri. Likewise, the trail passes through unique Tangbe village where houses are covered with red and whitish colors, barely fields, and apple orchards. Moreover, we continue to Chele to stay overnight.
Day 06: Trek to Syangboche (3930 meters, 5-6 hours)
Today the trek is going to be a bit challenging. We start our trek climbing steep canyon and ascend to Taklam La at 3625 meters to reach Samar. Samar offers stunning views of Nilgiri. Likewise, the trek continues descending to a big gorge and reach Syangboche. Overnight stay at Syangboche.
Day 07: Trek to Ghami (3520 meters, 5-6 hours)
We begin the day ascending to Yamda La Pass via stunning landscape and few remote villages. Moreover, we climb up to a valley and then climb down to Gelling. The settlement at Gelling is so beautiful, painted by while and ochre colors. Again, we ascend a Nyi La pass and descend down to Ghami to stay overnight.
Day 08: Trek to Tsarang (3505 meters, 5-6 hours)
Today, we will walk through the driest part of the Mustang region. The trail is quite difficult, but the views are excellent. Tsrang is beautiful settlement with more than 1000 inhabitants. Overnight stay at Tsrang.
Day 09: Trek to Lo Manthang (3810 meters, 5-6 hours)
After having breakfast, the trek continues through flat trail and climb to Lo La Pass. The pass astonishing views of the valleys. We descend down from Lo la pass and arrive Lho Mantang. Overnight stay at Lho Manthang.
Day 10: Explore Lo Manthang
Today is the most exciting part of this whole journey. We explore the historical Lo Manthang valley-a walled city of Mustang region. The kingdom was founded by Ame Pal in 1380. Lo Manthang is mostly popular for its beautiful walls, gompas, and royal palace. You can see four beautiful temples- Jampa, Thubchen, Chodey and Choprang Gompa. After exploring the Lho Manthang, we stay overnight over here.
Day 11: Trek to Ghami
After exploring beautiful Lho Manthang, the trek continues to south. But, we will take different route today. We take the trail of Drakmar, and head towards Ghar Monastery. The trek continues to Ghami. Overnight stay at Ghami.
Day 12: Trek to Samar (3700 meters, 6-7 hours)
From Ghami we trek via isolated landscape witnessing the mesmerizing views of mountains and landscapes. We will climb down to Yia La and Chemi La passes and again descend down to Geling. From Geling the trek continues to Samar to stay overnight.
Day 13: Trek to Chhusang (2980 meters, 5-6 hours)
Our destination will be Shussang today. It feels amazing to walk along the Kali Gandaki River. You can hear the water flowing through the river. Likewise, crossing a tunnel of rock the trail continues to Chussang. Overnight stay at Chhusang.
Day 14: Trek to Muktinath (3760 meters, 6-7 hours)
Another exciting part of this trek awaits us. We join the classic trek of Nepal, the Annapurna Circuit trekking trail. The journey reward with amazing views of Annapurna ranges. Likewise, we come across through beautiful ancient village to reach Popular Hindu temple – Muktinath. Thousands of Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims visit this holy place to take blessings. It is famous for 108 bathing spots and eternal flame. Overnight stay at Muktinath.
Day 15: Trek to Jomsom
We have reached the final day of our trek. Likewise, we climb down to Khingar which offer beautiful monasteries along the way. Jomsom lies at the bottom of Kali Gandaki River Valley. Also, Jomsom is a very beautiful market. Overnight stay at Jomsom.
Day 16: Fly to Pokhara or Drive to Pokhara
Today we say bye to Mustang and return back Pokhara in early morning flight. You will have whole day for rest or explore around Pokhara in the afternoon. Overnight stay at Pokhara.
Day 17: Drive back Kathmandu
Taking Tourist Bus early in the morning around 7 am, we return back Kathmandu through same Highway we took at the beginning of the trip.
Day 18: Departure
You bid goodbye to Nepal today are return back to your hometown. Our staff from ALN will drop you to the airport for your flight.
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