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16 days Upper Mustang Trek

(2) Review(s)
Group Size 2-10 pax
Mode of Travel Difficult to Strenuous
Accommodation Hotel/Lodge/Teahouse
Meals Full Board (during trek) and breakfast in Kathmandu
Transportation Private transports/Flight/ Tourist Bus

trip Overview

Upper Mustang Trek journeys you through the region of Nepal that is also familiar as Mustang Bhot, i.e. Mustang Tibet, Nepal. The reason is that this area falls beyond the mighty Himalayan range, isolating it from the rest of the nation and making it closer to Tibet. Mustang have developed their own distinct cultural and geographical traits. It is an attraction not just for ordinary visitors but also for anthropologists, archeologists, and geologists.

During this trek to Mustang, you will find that the mysterious aura of the place also owes a lot to its geography. Its earth has red, yellow, and brown colors. And also dominated by mysterious caves and strange figures eroded into the sandstone that composes its land. You will discover this region like a replica of the desert-like Trans-Himalayan plateau of Tibet. Because it remains as in the rain shadow area. The mountains here are barren and treeless.

Upper Mustang Trek, is a journey into this enigmatic enclave of Nepal. It allows you to see and experience all these distinct geographical and cultural features. This Mustang trek moves through the deepest gorge of the earth made by the Kaligandaki River to Lo-Manthang. It is the cultural capital of Upper Manang. You will also see numerous ancient monasteries. You will move through high passes, peaks, glaciers, and alpine valleys. All in all, the entire trek is a superb combination of unique cultures in Nepal and natural landscapes. Bounded by the Himalayas from the north and south, the panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri make your trip scenically unforgettable.

Itinerary

30 min Hotel

Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International airport, Outdoor Himalayan treks representative will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel in Thamel. After refreshment, if time permits, you can visit Kathmandu Durbar Square or Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). Overnight at hotel.


4-5 hrs Hotel

On this day we prepare the required documents such as Upper Mustang restricted area entry special permit, ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit. At the meantime if wish you can enjoy a day tour of few of the world heritage sites in Kathmandu such as Pashupati Nath Temple,  Bouddha Nath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square and Swayambhu Nath Stupa (At additional cost)


6-7 hrs Hotel

Your trekking guide will receive you from your hotel in Kathmandu at 6:30 AM and take you to the Tourist Bus Station at Kantipath. At 7:00 AM the bus will leave for Pokhara, exiting the valley of Kathmandu at Thankot and then descending through the winding highway. During the fascinating drive, you will be allowed to make two shortstops for tea and breakfast at some convenient locations. After arriving in Pokhara at around 2:00 PM, you check-in at your hotel, freshen up and have lunch. Walking along the Lakeside would be a good idea for the evening. You are advised to get some good sleep to begin trekking the next day.


25 mins fly 3-4 hrs Lodge/Teahouse

Leave from hotel early to Pokhara airport, take the morning flight to Jomsom which takes about 25 minutes. The weather condition may apply for the timely manner flight. Start trekking to Kagbeni following the Kaligandaki river, the windy valley. The river is very famous for holy Saligram stone. The walk to Kagbeni takes about 3-4 Hours. Visit around old monasteries in the village. Night in a local lodge in Kagbeni.


6-7 hrs Lodge/Teahouse

The walk to Samar will be followed by the Kaligandaki river until Chele, We will have lunch at Khuksang. The walk till Chele is gradually flat when the rest walking to Samar takes us to uphill. Night in a local lodge in Samar.


6-7 hrs Lodge/Teahouse

On this day our destination is Jhaite. Most of the day is uphill. We will have lunch at Syangbochen, visit Chusngsi Cave/Monastery on the way. We will be welcomed by Nilgiri, Thorang Peak, Muktinath Himal, Damodar Himal, Purkung Himal, Mustang Himal etc on this day. Night in a local lodge in Jhaite.


5-6 hrs Lodge/Teahouse

After having breakfast we do start counting our destination Tsarang, measuring Nyila Pass (4010m). We will be delighted seeing the view of Mustang Valley, Annapurna and Nilgiri mountains. Stop in Ghami for Lunch then continue walking to Tsarang, on the way we will see Red cliffs crossing the blue steeps. We will visit an old palace with Buddhist Library, Night in the local tea house.


4-5 hrs Lodge/Teahouse

This is our final day to get to our destination, Lo Manthang. The walk from Tsarang starts with the downhill then gradually flat and some uphills on this day. On the way, we will see Sungda Chorten, one of old Chorten on our way. We will enjoy seeing the Lo Manthang valley from the windy pass. We will get to Lomanthang for our lunch.  After having lunch we may visit some monasteries nearby or take rest. Night in the tea house.


6-7 Hours Lodge/Teahouse

After breakfast, we will make a side trip to Choser (2 Hours), visit Gharpu, Niphu, Nyamdu etc monasteries and cave. Niphu has got a very old history of human civilization, the 5 story cave represents how the civilization was established in the Himalayan kingdom. If time allows and you have interest we may take the local ride to visit Korala (Nepal/Tibet border). Back to lodge in Lomanthang. Visit the palace in the evening (The entry into the main palace is prohibited). Night in the tea house.


6-7 hrs Lodge/Teahouse

After breakfast, we start to trek to Dhakmar. At the beginning of the day, we start ascending to Chogo La (4280) which is 2 hours walking from Lo Manthang. Then descend to Ghar Gumba (3950 m) where we will see the scriptures of Padmasambhava, have lunch then continue walking to Dhakmar via Miu La Pass (4170 m). After the pass descending to Dhakmar takes about an hour, on the way we will see the red cliff. Night in a tea house.


5-6 hrs Lodge/Teahouse

The walk from Dhakmar to Syangboche follows the same route that we made on our way to Lomanthang. It takes 5-6 Hours walking. Night in a tea house.


5-6 hrs Lodge/Teahouse

On this day our destination is Chuksang. On our way we will make Bhena La (3860 m),  and down to Samar which takes about 4 hours. After having lunch at Samar we will continue to Chhuksang which takes another 3 Hours. Night in a tea house at Chhuksang.


6-7 hrs Lodge/Teahouse

This is our last day of walking. Following the Kaligandaki river, we exit from Upper Mustang restricted area. The walk to Jomsom takes about 6-7 hours passing through Tangbe, Kagbeni, Ekle Bhatti etc. Lunch atop at Kagbeni then final step to Jomsom following windy valley. Night in a hotel in Jomsom.


7-8 hrs Hotel

The standard scheme is to provide you with a tourist coach to Kathmandu. However, if you wish to spend some extra days by yourself in Pokhara, the return ticket can be issued for your desired date. Join farewell dinner offered by Outdoor Himalayan Treks at an authentic Nepali restaurant where you can enjoy the live cultural show. Back to the hotel, overnight.


Airport transfer will be provided at your required time, if you intend to extend your stay in Kathmandu we will arrange the airport transfer on your required day.


What's included

  • Accommodation: Basic teahouse accommodation during the trek (Kindly note Toilet and bathroom will be outside of the room),  Deluxe accommodation for 3 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara on a sharing basis
  • Meals: 3 meals per day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, which you can choose from the menu) during the trek; breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Transportation: Airport - hotel - airport transfers by car, Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu by tourist bus; Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara by air (domestic flight tickets)
  • Documentation: Upper Mustang Restricted area entry special permit (Cost USD 500.00 per person), Trekking permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project entry permit); Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card;
  • Equipment/Accessories: If required, we are happy to provide you with a down jacket and sleeping bags (Which you can refund us after the trek), a first-aid kit, a water purifying solution (iodine-based)
  • Human resource: A professional and experienced trekking guide (English-speaking) and  porter (1 porter for every 2 trekkers, carries up to 25 Kilos), with their total expenses covered (wages, accommodation, meals, transportation, insurance, Flight tickets, etc.)
  • Tax/Service Charge: All applicable taxes, service charges or fees. We hereby guarantee you no 'hidden charges' afterward.
  • Complimentary: Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (authentic Nepalese cuisines with a live cultural show)
  • Emergency Rescue Service: Should an emergency arise during your trek, we will provide prompt and professional rescue and medical services. However, you must be already insured for such emergencies, and your insurance policy must cover helicopter evacuation (Kindly make sure that the policy covers until 4500 Mtrs). Moreover, you should provide your policy details and authorize us to deal directly with your insurance company on your behalf.

What's not included

  • Beverage (tea/coffee, Bottled mineral water, cold/alcoholic drinks, etc.)
  • Any other expenses of a personal nature (extra meals/snacks/desserts, battery charging fees, photography charges, Hot Shower, Wi-Fi, laundry, Phone calls, etc.)
  • Tips for Guide/Porters (Expected) and any type of donations
  • Your travel insurance
  • Nepal Visa
  • International airfares
  • Extra night accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and on the way
  • Any services mentioned in the inclusion section

Trip Reviews

4.99/5 - Excellent Based on 2 Reviews


Spain

Fantastic experience

I cannot recommend Outdoors and its amazing team highly enough. They provide absolutely everything with the highest standards. They have good and fast communication at the planning stage and while en-route, very competitive prices without hidden fees, an excellent team supporting at every stage (pick-ups, office, guides, porters), a great capacity to solve any unexpected problem you can come across (eg flight delays or personal requests), the ability to tailor-design your experience, plus an excellent personal touch which makes you feel among friends. Our guide, Subba, and our porter, Hari, were certainly one more member of our team, very experienced, with high leadership and management skills, and formidable travel companions with their excellent humour. They didn’t hesitate to act as guide, cook, porter, or anything the situation required. From the office, Raj and team were absolutely fantastic. They managed everything to our highest expectations. Will certainly repeat with each and everyone of them!


trekking period of mustang


Presov, Slovakia

Upper Mustang trek Sep-Oct

It was a first-time trek in Nepal for my friend and me and I have to say that both of us were highly satisfied. From the beginning, the communication with the agency was very fast and efficient. When we arrived in Kathmandu everything was arranged, so the very next day we kick off on the trip. Our guide Mr Gokarna took care virtually about everything and managed the whole trek excellently. We started in Pokhara and in spite of bad weather and cancelled flight we managed to finish the whole 12 day trip on time. The trip itself felt really like an experience from past times even thou the Mustang area is being developed and modernised quite quickly. Our guide apart from being a guide and manager of the trip was also a very good companion for the whole day and explained us many topics from the local area and many details about life in Nepal.

I must say that so far I have been travelling on my own and this was the first time I went with an agency but from the beginning to the end of the trip everything was really professional.
If I go to Nepal next time surely Outdoor Himalayan Treks will be my choice.


Guidelines

Accommodation

Teahouses or Lodges are accommodation types during the Upper Mustang trek that provide basic facilities but are comfortable to stay in. Generally, bathrooms are outside the teahouses. Read More


Meals

3-course full board meals are served during the Upper Mustang trek which are healthy and hygienic. Breakfast and dinner are served from the teahouses and lunch is served at the stopovers during the trek. Read More


Drinking water

Drinking water during the Upper Mustang trek is easily available. Trekkers can buy Mineral Water, fill tap water, or boiled water at teahouses as their preference. Read More


Transportation during the Upper Mustang Trek

  • Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu by tourist bus
  • Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara by air (domestic flight)

Best Time for Upper Mustang Trek

The ideal seasons for the Upper Mustang trek are Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) as the weather and temperature are stable and offer incredible vistas. Monsoon season (Jun-Aug) is also best for the Upper Mustang trek as it is a rain-shadow area and receives less or no rainfall. Read More


Trekking Permits for Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek requires compulsory three permits i.e. Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and the Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS). Read More


Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty

Upper Mustang trek is a difficult-graded trek with a maximum elevation of 4,280 m. Walking daily long hours on the steep ascending and descending rough trails can be challenging for trekkers but it does not involve technical climbing. Read More


Altitude Sickness in Upper Mustang Trek

The maximum elevation during the Upper Mustang trek is 4,280 m (Chogo La). As the altitude rises, there is a chance of getting altitude sickness. Thus, proper acclimatization rest is essential to prevent it. Read More


Fitness Level

Upper Mustang trek demands trekkers to have good fitness levels. Trekkers should be physically and mentally sound to join this trek. With proper preparation, good physical fitness, and following the guide’s instructions Upper Mustang trek is achievable. Read More


Skills

Your familiarity with the mountainous terrain and previous trekking experience will be plus points.


Travel Insurance

It acts as a safety net and is essential for trekking. We recommend getting travel insurance from a reputed company.

  • Make sure that you are insured against cancellations, accidents, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of, or damage to, baggage, and personal effects.
  • In emergencies, we will arrange for a helicopter rescue, medical treatment, and aftercare for you. All these costs shall be borne by your travel insurance company.

Required Equipment/Gears

Upper Mustang trek is a difficult graded trek. Since there is no technical climbing involved, only basic equipment and gear are required that trekkers can hire or bring on their own. Read More


Documents required

  • Scanned copies of passport-sized photos and passports of each participant
  • Travel Insurance
  • ACAP Permit and TIMS
  • Upper Mustang RAP

FAQs

What is the special attraction of the Upper Mustang Trek?
The special attractions of the Upper Mustang Trek are unique landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, the ancient kingdom Lo-Manthang, and hidden caves.

What is the trek duration for the Upper Mustang Trek?
The Upper Mustang Trek usually takes around 13-16 days but may vary depending on the itinerary and trekking pace.

Can I do the Upper Mustang Trek in the monsoon season?
Yes, you can do the Upper Mustang trek in the monsoon season besides the Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) seasons as this region gets less rainfall.

Do I need a permit for the Upper Mustang Trek?
Yes, you need a special permit called the "Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit" to trek in the Upper Mustang. Additionally, you also need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a TIMS card.

How difficult is the Upper Mustang Trek?
The Upper Mustang Trek is considered a difficult-graded trek. It does not involve technical climbing but trekkers should have a good level of fitness and be prepared for long hours of walking each day.

What is the maximum altitude reached during the Upper Mustang Trek?
The maximum altitude reached during the Upper Mustang Trek is at Chogo La, which is situated at an elevation of 4,280 m.

Is altitude sickness a concern on the Upper Mustang Trek?
Altitude sickness can be a concern during the Upper Mustang Trek, especially as you reach higher altitudes. It is important to acclimatize properly, drink plenty of fluids, and listen to your guide's instructions.

What kind of accommodation is available during the Upper Mustang trek?
Along the trekking route, you can find teahouses and guesthouses that offer basic accommodation facilities. The facilities may vary in terms of comfort and facilities as you reach a higher region.

Is drinking water easily available during the trek?
Yes, you can find bottled water and boiled water for drinking at teahouses along the trekking route. It is advisable to carry water purification tablets or a water filter to ensure safe drinking water.

What should I pack for the Upper Mustang Trek?
Some essential items to pack for the Upper Mustang Trek include strong trekking boots, warm clothing, a sleeping bag, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a first aid kit, and a good backpack.

Can I extend the Upper Mustang Trek to other regions?
Yes, it is possible to extend the Upper Mustang Trek to other regions such as Annapurna Circuit or Tilicho Lake Trek. However, you need to acquire the necessary permits for the additional regions.

Are there any monasteries or cultural sites to visit during the trek?
Yes, the Upper Mustang region is known for its rich Tibetan Buddhist culture. There are several monasteries, such as Lo Gekar Monastery and Namgyal Gompa, and cultural sites, including the walled city of Lo Manthang.

Is it possible to see the Himalayan mountain ranges during the trek?
Yes, while the Upper Mustang Trek is not primarily focused on mountain views, you can catch glimpses of prominent peaks like Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri during the trek.

Do I need travel insurance for the Upper Mustang Trek?
Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and trip cancellation for the duration of the trek.

How can I book the Upper Mustang Trek?
To book the Upper Mustang Trek, you can contact a reputable trekking agency in Nepal or visit their website. They will assist you with the necessary arrangements, and permits, and provide experienced guides for the trek.

CANCELLATION

  • Free cancellation up to 60 days prior departure
  • 30% of the total cost of the trip will be charged if cancelled between 60 to 30 days prior to departure date
  • 60% of total cost of the trip will be charged if cancelled in between 30 to 14 days prior to departure date. 
  • No refund will be provided if cancelled within 14 days prior of departure date.
  • No refunded will be provided if the guest will not show up. 
  • Regrettably, in case where the trek/tour can not be completed due to customer's own problem or sickness or unfavourable weather there will be no refund. 
  • If the trekking/tour is extended more than given itinerary extra charge will be applied accordingly 
  • If the agreed trip can not be organised due to bad weather or any unforeseen events, similar trip will be organised (in the mutual understanding with the travellers)