Upper Mustang Trek

The trek passes through high peaks, passes, glaciers, and alpine valleys. The thousands years of isolation has kept the culture, lifestyle and heritage remain unchanged for centuries and to this date. The houses in Mustang are mostly made from stone and sun baked mud bricks. The city wall and the four storey palace in Lo-Manthang are some of the beautiful architectures of Mustang region. Another attraction in the Mustang region is the Tiji Festival influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, which is timed to coincide with the end of the dry season (late winter/spring). The Mustagi people have their own way of family life, which is quite surprising for many outsiders. All the brothers in the family are married to a single girl, what you may call a practice of polyandry.

The Trans Himalayan Mustang Region is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, since the region was restricted for outsiders until Nepal Government announced the opening of the restricted areas in October 1991. The Mustangis or the people of Mustang call themselves Lobas, and they have their own King or Tribe-leader, Jigme Palbar Bista. After Nepal was declared a republic in 2007, the Nepal Government took back the official recognition of the Bista as the Mustangi King. However, the people there still respect him as their King or tribe-leader. Bista also grants audience the visitor upon request.  There is also strict control in obtaining a special permit from the department of immigration to protect their tradition from outside influence as well as to protect their environment. The Upper Mustang trek starts from Jomsom to Kagbeni, the entry point of upper Mustang Region. Follow the banks of Kaligandaki River upstream to get to Lo-Mangthang, the capital of the upper Mustang.

Our 17 days teahouse/lodge Upper Mustang trek is a great adventure trek for those who wish to make a challenging trek along “off the beaten path”  in the Trans-Himalayan Region.  If you are interested in making even more adventurous trek in remotest parts, we recommend you to try our Upper Dolpo & She Gompa Trek -28 days. For the trekkers longing to experience some of the most interesting features of the Annapurna region including  Annapurna Base Camp, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Poon Hill, etc, our Annapurna Sanctuary Trek-16 days itinerary would an interesting option.

Best Reason

From April to November are favorable months to trek to Upper Mustang. Upper Mustang is a rain Shadow area, thus, we can do trekking in this part of Nepal even in the monsoon season (mid June-mid Sept), while during monsoon, trekking in popular trails of Everest and Annapurna is not recommended.

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu [1300 m / 4264 ft]

Upon our arrival in the Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative from Everest Pioneer Trek Nepal who will drop us off at our 3 Star hotel Yellow Pagoda and similar hotel . After checking in, we take a rest or we 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 Everest Pioneer Trek Nepal at The Nepal Restaurant Bar & Lounge. For dinner, you will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine which will introduce you to the Nepalese food culture. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:D

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks include the World Heritage Sites: the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Everest Pioneer Trek Nepal Trekking briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure.

Included meals:B

Day 03: Kathmandu to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft]: 6 hrs drive

Early morning at around 7 am, we set off for Pokhara flight. En-route we will see more of countryside of Nepal that offers greenflies, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountainViews. Afternoon, we reach Pokhara. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara is city of lakes and has numerous beautiful lakes. We can explore the most accessible and beautiful, Fewa Lake during the afternoon -enjoy boating too. Explore, relax and dine by tranquil Lake Fewa. You can even do some shopping during evening hours. Overnight in Pokhara.

Included meals:B

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni [2,858m/9,375ft]: 3-4 hrs

After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 20 minutes over the mountains with views of 8000m such as Annapurna & Dhaulagiri, brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town, headquarter of the Mustang region; it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, Continue on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept villages situated on the main age old Trans-himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. In Kagbeni a major tributory, Kak Khola, coming from Muktinath, meets Mustang Khola, and from there the river is called the Kali Gandaki.

Included meals:BLD

Day 05: Kagbeni to chele [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs

Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onward to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we have scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trails follows the up and downhill. Firstly we reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys among-st white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges reach at Chele village.

Included meals:BLD

Day 06: Chele to Syanbochen [3475m/11,398ft]: 6-7 hrs

Today, we start our trek again and walk further to Eklo Bhatti. We climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. Further descend a little to the village of Samar. Climb the trail that goes above Samar village to the ridge then descending steeply to a stream. Another 3 hrs similar walk takes us to Syanbochen.  On the way, we relax along the surrounding of cool streams and juniper trees. Locals use the dried leaves of junipers as incenses to invite deities and start any auspicious work.  We also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave.

Included meals:BLD

Day 07: Syanbochen to Ghaymi [3520m/11,546ft]: 5-6 hrs

After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) passing a few teahouses, chortens and local villages which is like Tibetan style of houses with open Varanda. We cross mountain passes, and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barley. The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) would be a little longer. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi. the third largest village in the Lo region, Ghayami is surrounded by large fields most of which are barren.

Included meals:BLD

Day 08: Ghaymi to Charang [3500m/11,480ft]: 4-5 hrs

Start the trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk.  After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall, a sacred stone wall made by the followers Buddhism.  From the end of the wall the trail heads east to the village of Charang with a maze of fields, willow trees and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the Tsarang Chu canyon.  There is also a huge white dzong and red Gompa to get to our teahouse for tonight’s stop.

Included meals:BLD

Day 09: Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3700m/12,136ft): 5-6 hrs

Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay at hotel for the overnight stop.

Included meals:BLD

Day 10: Explore Lo-Mangthang

Today we explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar,  the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to hotel. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang “God house” the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- storey building of the Raja’s palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya.

Included meals:BLD.

Day 11: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar [3810 m/12,500ft]: 6-7 hrs.

While returning from Lo-Mangthan, we take a different route than that we came by. Trek to Drakmar via Gyakar with more than 1200 years old Ghar Gompa with Guru Rinpoche as the primary figure. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. According to the legend, anyone who makes one wish at the Ghar Gompa, their wish is fulfilled. explore the local area.  Likelihood of dusty wind, so suggested to walk in the morning.

Included meals:BLD

Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806m/12,484ft]: 5-6 hrs

Today, we get back to Ghiling as our journey for our overnight stay after a long walk takes 5-6 hrs. After arrival and lunch enjoy the day exploring the area, but it will be dusty wind in the afternoon, better to walk in evening time.

Included meals:BLD

Day 13: Ghiling to Chhuksang [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs

We re-track back to Ghiling for the overnight stop after 5 hrs walk. You will have wonderful scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view. Enjoy your trip and overnight at teahouse.

Included meals:BLD

Day 14: Chhuksang to Jomsom [2700/8,856ft]: 6-7 hrs

Our last day of the day would be a long one.  Better to walk early start as before and trek to Kagbeni. Finishing the upper Mustang trails and we join the normal Annapurna circuit trek. After lunch at Kagbeni will head on to Jomsom for the overnight stop. Or, if you can spare one more day, our guide would take you to Muktinath as well.

Included meals:BLD

Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara

After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. A 30 min dramatic flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. Rest of the time explores the lake and overnight at hotel.

Included meals:B

Day 16: fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu farwell Dinner Nepal Kitchen.

After breakfast, we start our 200 kilometers fly back to Kathmandu. Better to hold on the left pane of the fly to enjoy the sceneries through the route. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner at The Nepali Restaurant Bar & Lounge in Kathmandu where we can pick our meal from their carefully crafted menu that offer a wide range of choices. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:BD

Day 17: Fly  Back Home

You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We hope you enjoyed the tour with us, and are sure you`ll be back in your trip somewhere in the Himalaya again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Everest Pioneer Trek Nepal will transfer you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Included meals’ B

 

What Is Included

• All airport/hotel transfers
• Three nights 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (Hotel Yellow pagoda) and  Similar hotel 2 night 5 star hotel Sangri-la in Pokhara (Both on B&B basis)
• Welcome and farewell dinner
• Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu with a tour guide and all temples/monuments entrance fees.
• All accommodation and meals during the trek
• Transportation: Pokhara to Kathmandu Budhha & Jomsom Tara airlines
• An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
• All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP, Special Trekking permits)
• A comprehensive medical kit
• All government and local taxes.

What Is Not Included

• Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs )
• Excess baggage charges
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara(and also in the case of early return from mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
• International and domestic flights
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
• Tips for guides and porters

Needs in Trekking.

Down Sleeping bag, Down Jacket, T-shirts, woolen Sweater ,  Trekking stick, water bottle, tissue paper, Half Paint, Track suit, Trekking Shoe, woolen Cap, Sun cap, sun glass, sun Cream, lip balm, Energy chocolates, Camera, Dairy book, pen, Scarp etc.

All including needs trekking time will be good.

Best tips. Before months need to morning walk 1 hour will be good for health in high altitude area.

Special Tour and Trekking Cost $ 2800

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