Trip Highlights
- Walk back to the history of Lo Manthang after exploring the palace of king
- Walk freely without worrying about the rain as the region lies in the rain shadow area
- Spiritual feel walking through many Gompas, chortens, flapping prayer flags, and caves
- Catch a live glimpse of Tibetan influence on the everyday activities and culture of the locals
- Enticing views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other chains of mountains
- Breathe the spirituality of the Tibetan like people and monks with their prayer flags
- Witness everyday life and culture of the local people who live closely like Tibetan
Upper Mustang Trek Overview
UPPER MUSTANG
Upper Mustang (formerly the Kingdom of Lo) is located in the upper part (Northern area) of the Mustang District in Nepal. One of the best-protected areas in the world. Upper Mustang was also a restricted kingdom and a demilitarized zone until 1992. As a result, the majority of the population still speaks ancient Tibetic languages there. The area's relative isolation from the outside world has helped to preserve Tibetan culture. The three main pillars of Bronco's economy are trading, tourism, and animal husbandry.
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When the suzerain Monarchy of Nepal became a republic in 2008, Mustang's position as a kingdom came to an end. The influence of the outside world, particularly China, is growing and leading to a rapid change in the life of the people of Mustang. The scope of development projects has also increased over time.
The Upper Mustang journey provides an exciting 15-day route with superb walking through the remarkable semi-arid desert with colorful rock formations, deep ravines, and snow-capped peaks around you. It is located in the isolated Trans-Himalayan Region of this semi-independent Tibetan Kingdom. The beautiful surroundings merge flawlessly with the history, culture, myth, and folklore.
Upper Mustang Equipment Checklist
What to bring?
This list outlines the required things to bring during the trekking hours. There are various selections and brands that you can have your own choice of. That equipment can be bought and hired easily at a reasonable price in Kathmandu.
General
- Down sleeping bag (you can borrow with us if required).
- Duffel or Rucksack bag (you can borrow with us if required).
- Daypack
- Down Jacket (you can borrow with us if required).
- Flash liner (you can borrow with us if required).
- Walking poles (Walking poles (are optional, you can borrow with us if required).
- Water bottle with purification tablets.
- Hand washes liquids.
- Lip guard.
- Sunblock cream.
- Toiletry kit. Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.
Upper Body - Head / Ears / Eyes
- Cap and ears covering hat.
- Glacier glasses
- Head torch.
- Ear-muffs and neck warmer is another piece of gear for extra warmth (optional)
Hand
- Hand gloves (1 light pair and 1 warm pair)
Core Body
- T-shirts.
- Light and weight thermal tops and warm thermal tops.
- Light jacket and vest.
- Wind and rain jacket.
- Shirts and warm shirts.
Lower Body – Legs
- Long and short hiking pants.
- Lightweight and warm long underwear.
- Rain and windproof trousers and warm trekking trousers.
Feet
- Thin and thick socks.
- Trekking boots, light shoes, and sandals.
- Trekking Gaiters.
Medicines and First Aid Kits
(Our guide will carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. We still recommend you bring your first aid kit as you feel it necessary).
- Headache and fever medicine.
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
- Burnt cream.
- Imodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach and diarrhea.
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide). Please discuss this with us before starting to take this medicine.
- Antibiotics.
- blister treatments include moleskin, hand plants, aids, waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.
Others
- Passport and extra passport photos (2 copies).
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money, and passport.
- Pocket knife.
- Bandanas.
- Favorite snack foods and energy bars
- Paperback books, cards, mp3 player. Avoid players with moving hardware as it may not function. Remember, keep these items lightweight
- Binoculars.
- Camera.
All garments should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture-resistant plastic bags.
Trip Outline
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara (Flight)
Pokhara – 830 m / 2723 ft. –45min.
Day 2: Pokhara to Jimson (Flight) to Kagbeni
Kagbeni – 930 m / 9186 ft. – 3 hrs.
Day 3: Kagbeni to Chele
Chele – 3050 m / 10006 ft. – 6 hrs.
Day 4: Chele to Syangmoche
Syangmoche – 3475 m / 11400 ft. – 6 hrs.
Day 5: Syangmoche Ghami
Ghami – 3500 m / 11482 ft. – 5 hrs.
Day 6: Ghami to Charang
Charang – 3560 m / 11679 ft. – 4 hrs.
Day 7: Charang to Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang – 3770 m / 12368 ft. – 5 hrs.
Day 8: Day Trip to Chhoser Cave
Lo Manthang – 3770 m / 12368 ft. – 6 hrs.
Day 9: Lo Manthang to Dhakmar
Dhakmar – 3800 m / 12467 ft. – 7 hrs.
Day 10: Dhakmar to Ghiling
Ghiling – 3860 m / 12664 ft. – 6 hrs.
Day 11: Ghiling to Chuksang
Chuksang – 3050 m / 10050 ft. – 6 hrs.
Day 12: Chuksang to Jomsom
Jomsom – 2715 m / 8907 ft. – 5 hrs.
Day 13: Jomsom to Pokhara (Flight)
Pokhara – 830 m / 2723 ft. – 15 min
Day 14: Pokhara to Kathmandu (Flight)
Kathmandu – 1300 m / 4265 ft. 45min.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
This is the first day of the trek. On this day representatives of NEH stay at the airport arrival holding your nameplate, once you meet them then they welcome you with a rose/Khada and directly move to a hotel.
Day2: Kathmandu Sightseeing
This is the second day of the trek, in this day you will get the opportunity to explore Kathmandu(a City of temples, Monasteries & soon.) and learn Nepali Arts, Crafts & Architecture.
Day3: Fly to Pokhara and explore Pokhara
On this day, we fly early in the morning to Pokhara after having breakfast in the hotel. Pokhara is famous for its beauty a city surrounded by the beautiful Himalayas.
Day4: Fly to Jomsom and start trek ascending to Kagbeni
Spectacular morning flight to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni along the bank of the Kali Gandaki river, through the small settlement of Eklo Bhatti (2740m), and across several bridges over tributaries to reach our lunch spot at Kagbeni (2810m), from here there are excellent views north to the Kingdom of Mustang. It's quite a long day but easy and flat. After lunch, we trek on to Chuksang and the day's trek will take about 7 hours in total. During the day we’ll walk following the Kaligandaki river and pass through Kagbeni, Yeakle Batti, and Tangbe villages. The views are very beautiful, stunning in fact, throughout the trek and in particular this first day. Jomsom is at 2780m and Chuksang is 3250m.
Day5: Kagbeni-Syangboche
Today we’ll cross the Kaligandagi river and climb up to Chele village and continue onto Samar village, where we’ll enjoy a relaxed lunch. Afterward, we drop down for about 30 minutes before starting our climb up (about 2 hours) to reach our destination of Syangboche village which is at 3800m. This day is a bit tougher and we’ll walk for around 6-7 hours.
Day6: Syangboche-Charang
After a couple of longer days, today is a shorter day coming in around 4 – 5hrs walks. We start down towards Gelling for about 1:30 hours then climb up for about another 2 hours to our lunch spot which then follows another 1 – 1.5hrs to Charang (Tsarang) at 3570m.
Day7: Charang-Lo Manthang
Our fourth trek day is again quite easy. We trek up to 3750m high and followed by a drop-down again of about 125 m which is then followed by mostly flat terrain. We then go over a small pass (3950m) called Lo pass, from where we have views of the walled capital of Lo Manthang (3840m) and it's a short descent to reach this fascinating city and start exploring. The day is about 4-5 hours in total and we should reach our destination by lunchtime.
Day8:Lo Manthang-Namgyal-Lo Manthang
Today we explore the area and hire horses and go to Namgyal village where we enjoy the views, and visit the monastery and the Milarepa Caves, which are fascinating and shrouded in myth. Travel time is around 2 hours going up and 1 hour back.
Day9:Lo Manthang-Ghami
Today's trek starts with about a 2.5hrs climb and then a drop again to reach Ghar Gompa (3920m). After a visit to the Gompa, we then climb up again for around 2 hours to Dakmar (3820m) for lunch and then on to Ghami (3470m). Today is a little harder and finishes at 3200m.
Day10:Ghami-Chele
The following day's route rejoins the familiar trail to Jomsom, which left on the 9th trek day. Today we cover Ghami to Chele
Day11:Chele-Kagbeni
Day12:Kagbeni-Jomsom
Day13:Jomson-Pokhara(Flight)
we fly back to Pokhara and enjoy rest time exploring Pokhara and extra activities like (Paragliding, Boating, etc.) can be done.
Day14:Pokhara-Kathmandu(Flight)
We fly back to Kathmandu and do a little shopping and then pack our luggage as it's time to say bye to Nepal's land of beauty.
Day15:Departure to International Airport
As per your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the international airport of Kathmandu three hours before the flight time and your tour ends here.
What's included?
- Airport Pick Up and Drop Off (International & Domestic)
- 3-star standard hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu (Nepal standard)
- 3-star standard hotel with breakfast in Pokhara
- Tea house (Lodge) accommodation during the trek
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during the trek
- Tea / Coffee (3 times a day) during the trek
- A professional Trekking Guide, Porter (Helper), and Assistant Guide provided for more than 5 trekkers.
- Air ticket (Kathmandu-Pokhara; and Jomsom- Pokhara)
- All food, drinks, lodging, salary, insurance, medical equipment, and transportation for Trekking Staff
- Private transfer (Pokhara - Tatopani; and Pokhara - Kathmandu)
- Kathmandu Cultural and Historical sightseeing with a Tour Guide, private transportation, and entrance fee
- Sightseeing in Pokhara with a Tour Guide, private transportation, and entrance fee
- Trekking Permit (TIMS)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Down jacket, sleeping bag, fleece liner, and a duffel bag
- All government taxes
What's not included?
- Any bar bills (alcoholic drinks, mineral water, and cold drinks), cigarettes, client’s personal insurance, and any kind of unforeseen expenses.
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Tips for Guide Porter & Driver (Tips are not compulsory but expected)
- Anything that is not mentioned in Inclusion
This Itinerary is based on personal experience. So, it can be extended but not reduced as we already cut Pokhara to Kathmandu roadway.
Essential Information
FAQ
Can I customize my Trip ?
The itinerary we have made is based on our experience with trek arrangements. We have tried to avoid motorways as much as possible. During the trip, you have options to take a drive or flight, according to the availability at the beginning or concluding. According to your interests, the itinerary can be customized. We also operate the trekking without sightseeing and hotel arrangements.
WHY WAS THE UPPER MUSTANG REGION RESTRICTED?
Upper Mustang was a restricted demilitarize region until 1992, which makes it one of the most preserved areas in the world due to its relative isolation from the outside world. The valley runs south to north from the top of the Annapurna Circuit and reaches the border with Tibet, hence the majority of the population still speaks traditional Tibetan languages.
WHY IS THE UPPER MUSTANG TREK MORE EXPENSIVE THAT OTHER TREKS OF THE SAME LENGTH?
Our price is based in using 4 internal flights, however it is possible to travel by road, which will drop the price, however the main reason the trek is more expensive, than say a 14 day trek to Everest, is due to the permit which is currently $500 per person.
IS A PRIVATE TREK OF THE UPPER MUSTANG POSSIBLE?
Yes! Our team is in Nepal all year round and we run many private or bespoke treks and climbs all over Nepal. The only restriction in place for a private trek of the Upper Mustang is that we must have a minimum of two people.
