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Upper Mustang Trek

Overview

Upper Mustang Trek

The Transhimalayan Mustang Region is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, since the region was restricted to outsiders until October 1991. The trek is perhaps one of the most challenging and demanding in the Himalaya.

 

Highlights:

  • Spectacular views of the Himalaya
  • Culture of the Mustangi’s

 

What to Expect?

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.  The trek passes through high peaks, passes, glaciers, and alpine valleys.  The thousands of years of isolation has kept the culture, lifestyle and heritage untouched 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).

 

Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrive Kathmandu
Day 2:  Explore the city and prepare for the trek.
Day 3:  Drive to Pokhara.
Day 4:  Fly to Jomsom (2700m) and trek to Kagbeni (2810m)
Day 5:  Trek to Chuksang (2900m)
Day 6:  Trek to Samar (3150m)
Day 7:  Trek to Geling (3510m)
Day 8:  Trek to Ghami (3490m)
Day 9:  Trek to Charang (3620m)
Day 10: Trek to Lo Manthang (3840m)
Day 11: Explore Lo Manthang
Day 12: Trek back to Ghami (3490m)
Day 13: Ghami to Chuksang (2900m)
Day 14: Chuksang to Muktinath (3795m)
Day 15: Trek to Jomsom
Day 16: Fly to Pokhara
Day 17: Drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 18: Depart Kathmandu to reach another destination

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu – 1,300m/4,264 ft

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Kathmandu Adventures. After completing your customs formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Kathmandu Adventures display board at the arrival gate.  You will be then transferred to your hotel.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation for the Trek

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu.  Some of landmarks we visit include the World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhu Nath) and Buddhists shrine (Bouddha Nath).  In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. You can also do your last minute shopping of personal items as you will be starting your journey. 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 on a tourist bus.  Enroute we will see more of countryside Nepal has to offer, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain scenery.  In the 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, maybe enjoy boating. 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 8,000ers 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 can get windy in the afternoon, we continue on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekley-Bhatti village.  After a stop here an hour of easy walking takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers.  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:B

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

Our journey starts towards to the riverbank of Kali Gandaki up stream.  During the walk we will have scenic picturesque places to stop through the sandy and windy trails.  Firstly we reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst 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 rock that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows.  We head on to Chele village.  Included meals:B

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 on we descend to a little village of Samar.  We take the trail that goes above Samar village to the ridge then descend steeply to a stream.  Another 3 hrs similar walk takes us to Syanbochen.  On the way, we relax in the surroundings of cool streams and juniper trees.  Locals use the dried leaves of junipers as incenses.  We also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave. Included meals:B

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 are Tibetan style of houses with open terraces.  We cross mountain passes, an avenue of poplar trees and fields of barley, then climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft). We then 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:B

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

We 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 on the trail to our teahouse for tonight’s stop. Included meals:B

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 on the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m to the 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:B

Day 10: Explore Lo-Mangthang

Today we explore the surrounding areas.  Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar.  Namgyal Gompa is situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court.  After visiting Namgyal Gompa we continue the tour to Tingkhar,  the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to hotel.  You have the opportunity to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang “God house” the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which is 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:B

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.  They will also be time to explore the local area.  Included meals:B

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

Today, we head back to Ghiling.  We will have lunch, and then you will have an afternoon of free time to enjoy exploring the area, Overnight at Ghiling. Included meals:B

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

We trek on to Chhuksang 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:B

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

Our last trek of the trip is a long one.  We make an early start as before and trek to Kagbeni.  Finishing the Upper Mustang trails and we join the Annapurna Circuit trek.  After lunch at Kagbeni we will head on to Jomsom for the overnight stop. Included meals:B

Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara

After morning breakfast we check in at the airport to fly back to Pokhara. A 30 min dramatic flight to Pokhara between the 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 is yours to explore the lake and overnight at hotel. Included meals:B

Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we start our 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu.  To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, in the evening, there will be dinner and Cultural show hosted by Kathmandu Adventures.  Included meals:B,D

Day 17: Farewell Friend

We are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organise the photos.  If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing.  Approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight a representative from Kathmandu Adventures will take 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

Important Note :

Your safety is of paramount concern while traveling with Kathmandu Adventures Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails traveling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Inclusions

• All accommodation in 3 star ( By Nepalese standard) hotels in cities- twin sharing rooms

• All Ground transportation & domestic flights

• Kathmandu sightseeing with city tour guide

• All accommodation w/breakfast during trek

• Govt. trained guide and necessary no. of porters with their insurance, salary and meals

• One cultural show and dinner

• National park entry fees and TIMS permit card

Exclusions

• International Flight, Airport tax and Nepal Visa fee

• Internal Flight to Pokhara if required

• Major meals in Cities

• All personal expenses such as bar bills, water, extra tea / coffee, snacks, shower, battery re-charge, laundry charge etc.

• Personal clothing and gears, sleeping bag and Down jacket for trek

• Tips to guide and porter

• Cost raised by flight cancelation, emergency rescue charges , landslide, weather, political unrest, illness, re-routing etc which are not under our control

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