Upper Mustang Trek - 18 Days

/ Person

Trip Highlights

  • Destination: Upper Mustang (3730 meter)
  • Group Size: Min – 1
  • Maximum altitude: 3730 meter
  • Grade: Moderate
  • Season: Spring, Summer & Autumn
  • Accommodation: Camping/Tea House
  • Duration: 18 Days
  • Entry: Pokhara
  • Exit: Pokhara

Trip Overview

Mustang, formerly Kingdom of Lo, is a remote and isolated region of the Nepalese Himalayas. The Upper Mustang was a restricted demilitarized area until 1992 which makes it one of the most preserved regions in the world, with a majority of the population still speaking traditional Tibetian languages. Tibetan culture has been preserved by the relative isolation of the region from the outside world. The Upper Mustang comprise the northern two-thirds of Mustang District of Dhawalagiri Zone, Nepal. The southern third of the district is called Thak and is the homeland of the Thakali, who speak the Thakali language, and whose culture combines Tibetan and Nepalese elements. Life in Mustang revolves around tourism, animal husbandry and trade. Upper Mustang has a transhimalayan climate which is cool and semi-arid with precipitation in the range of 250–400 mm. It is in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Upper Mustang is undoubtedly one of most special and popular trekking areas in Nepal. With the aim to preserve its centuries-old culture and pristine, unspoiled natural biodiversity, the government of Nepal has designated the area as ‘controlled’ region to promote sustainable tourism. This means that very limited number of trekkers are allowed to enter Upper Mustang and trekkers are required to obtain Special Trekking Permit for the purpose. We will arrange trekking permit for our valued customers.

Trip Itinerary

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day 1

Arrive in TIA, Kathmandu

Our representative will pick you up at the airport. Get a feel for the streets the first day, absorb the sights and sounds, or rest at the hotel. We discuss the journey in the evening.

day 2

Namaste Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital city, boasts an intense mix of cultures and religions unique to Nepal. Turn the Buddhist prayer wheels at Swoyambhu- the monkey temple and meet the steady gaze of the Buddha’s eyes at the famous Boudhanath stupa. Experience the valley’s olden days at the Kathmandu Durbar Square- which has remained authentic even as modernization has crept in all around it. See Kathmandu, with our trained guide. (or skip this and fly to Pokhara or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara)

day 3

Fly/Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.)

30 minutes fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara or drive to Pokhara which will take most of the morning, leaving much of the afternoon to explore the various sites of Pokhara. Stay overnight in hotel.

day 4

Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2700m.) -trek to Kagbeni (2810 m.)

You take the spectacular early morning flight to Jomsom. The trail is quite barren with craggy rocks and sand and is mostly flat, which makes it very easy going. It is also very picturesque, with views of big peaks all around, such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Nilgiri, while to the south can be seen the entire Annapurna Massif. Stay overnight in camp/lodge.

day 5

Trek from Kagbeni to Chusang (2900m.)

You trek right up to the river valley, but you use a combination of the high trail and the riverbank pathways. The trail then widens significantly revealing an endless stretch of sand. Chusang village is only about a 2hrs walk beyond Tangbe at the confluence of the Narshing Khola and the Kali Gandaki. Stay overnight in camp/lodge.

day 6

Trek from Chusang to Samar (3150m.)

The trail now leaves the valley and climbs steeply up a rocky alley to the village of Chele. From Chele you climb a steep spur and then continue ascending along the side of a spectacular steep canyon to a pass. Beyond the pass you descend on a pleasant trail to Samar, situated in a grove of poplar trees. Stay overnight in camp/lodge.

day 7

Trek from Samar to Geling (3510 m.)

You climb above Samar to a ridge and then descend into a large gorge past a chorten before entering another valley filled with juniper trees. You then cross a stream and after climbing to a pass, you descend along a ridge to Shyangmochen, a tiny settlement with a few tea shops. The trail climbs gently from Shyangmochen and you enter another huge valley before descending to Geling with its extensive fields of barley. Stay overnight in camp/lodge.

day 8

Trek from Geling to Ghami (3490 m.) via Ghami La (3520m.)

From Geling the trail climbs gently through fields, up to the center of the valley, passing above the settlement of Tama Gun and an imposing chorten. You then begin a taxing climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La [3840m]. The descent from the pass is quite gentle and about half an hour further, you come to a trail junction; the right trail is the direct route to Charang, the left trail leads to Ghami. Ghami is a large white-washed village sheltered by overhanging cliffs. Stay overnight in camp/lodge.

day 9

Trek fram Ghami to Tsarang (36200 m.)

Today's walk is perhaps through the driest part of Mustang. Finally, you come to Charang, a large spread-out village at the top of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the village is a huge dzong [fortress] and a red gompa which houses an excellent collection of statues and thangkas. Stay overnight in camp.

day 10

Trek from Tsarang to Lo-Manthang [Mustang] (3730m.)

You will spend part of the morning exploring the interesting village of Charang and its large monastery, before setting out for Lo Manthang. You climb gently above the valley to a large isolated chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo. The trail then broadens and eventually you get your first view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The city has only one entrance so you circumambulate the wall to the gate on the north east corner. Stay overnight in camp.

day 11

Rest at Lo-Manthang.

Explore around Lo- Manthang. Visit old monastery. Stay overnight in camp.

day 12

Trek from Lo-Manthang to Ghami (3490 m.)

You continue your journey on the highland route, crossing alpine meadows before dropping down a steep eroded alley to Dhakmar for lunch. After lunch, you walk through the pretty valley, climb to a ridge and descend from there back to Ghami. Stay overnight in camp.

day 13

Trek from Ghami to Samar

Leaving Ghami you begin to follow a narrow winding path until you reach Geling, crossing a small stream. Samar is a small village with terraces, Tibetan style houses, mani walls, a monastery, prayer flags and people following Tibetan life styles and traditions. Stay overnight in camp.

day 14

Trek from Samar to Kagbeni

Following a descending path you reach Chusang by crossing a suspension bridge over Kali Gandaki. You walk along the bank of Kali Gandaki with views of natural vegetation and apple orchards. Stay overnight in camp.

day 15

Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom (2713m.)

Your trail passes through the bank of Kali Gandaki passing through Eklebhatti. Jomsom is the headquarters of Mustang. From here you have access to the internet and banking facilities. Stay overnight at hotel/lodge.

day 16

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara about 35 minutes. Enjoy exploring Pokhara city, Lake site, mountaneering Museum. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

day 17

Fly/Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

if you take flight from Pokhara to kathmandu, you will have enough time to explore touristic place Thamel. Enjoy farewell dinner in the evening.

day 18

Departure

Transfer to airport before 2 hours to fly.

What’s Included

Services Included:

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private A/C car or Van
  • Special Trekking Permit
  • Entry Permit for Annapurna conservation Area
  • Trekkers' Information Management system (TIMS) card
  • Trekking guide/s
  • Porter/s (1 porter carries 20 kilograms of luggage)
  • All meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during
  • the trek
  • Accommodation in tea houses (lodges) during the trek
  • Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffel bags and trekking sticks etc.
  • Flight ticket from Pokhara - Jomsom and Jomsom - Pokhara
  • All land transportation wherever applicable
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Pokhara
  • Insurance and equipment's for the trekking staffs
  • First aid kit
  • Rescue assistance (Should any emergency arise during your trek, we will provide prompt and professional rescue and medical services. For this, it would be better to have your own travel insurance that can cover helicopter evacuation and medical treatment cost in case required.)
  • One farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • All tax, VAT and company service charge

Services excluded

  • Nepal Entry Visa
  • Personal nature expenses
  • Drinks, beverages, hot shower, etc.
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Lunch and dinner in Pokhara
  • Meals and hotel accommodation in Kathmandu

Frequently Asked Questions

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

For the Upper Mustang trek, you should be in good physical condition with strong cardio fitness and stamina, as the trek involves long days of walking and high-altitude conditions.

How long do we walk every day when doing Upper Mustang Trek?

On the Upper Mustang trek, you typically walk 5 to 7 hours each day, covering distances of about 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 9 miles), depending on the specific itinerary and trail conditions.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached on the Upper Mustang trek is 4,010 meters (13,156 feet) at the Thorong La Pass.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

On the Upper Mustang trek, battery charging is available at teahouses, though it may come with a fee and be limited in more remote areas. Hot showers are also available at some teahouses, but they might involve extra charges and can be less reliable, particularly at higher altitudes.

What about internet access?

Internet access on the Upper Mustang trek is available at many teahouses, but it can be slow and may involve a fee, with connectivity generally improving in more developed areas.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for the Upper Mustang trek?

Yes, hiring a guide or trekking agency for the Upper Mustang trek is necessary due to the region's remote location, restricted access requiring special permits, and the need for local expertise to navigate the terrain and manage logistics.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Upper Mustang trek, guides typically cost between $30 to $50 per day, while porters usually range from $25 to $40 per day, with additional fees for tips and possibly their accommodations and meals.

Trip Map