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Upper Mustang Trek - 19 Days

Trip Introduction


Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek is always a good idea for your vacation in Nepal because it leaves you speechless and then turns you into a storyteller. Upper Mustang Trek is done in the popular Mustang district of Nepal where the widely worshipped deity- Muktinath resides is located at the northern side of the Annapurna Himalayan area at an altitude of 4,000m in Dhaulagiri zone. Mustang Region is divided into Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang due to its completely different geographical features. The upper Mustang is a desert-like, barren mountainous zone, also known as the “Mountain desert”, whereas the Lower Mustang consists of plain- fields along with greenery lush deep forests, colorful flowers, green/blue tinted lakes and rivers amaze you, the blandness of Upper Mustang will alone take your breath away in this trek.
The Upper Mustang is a different world in itself. One hundred and 25 feet above the ground, there are said to be more than 10,000 caves engraved in the mountains. Its landscape is unequaled for it has an astonishing wilderness, untouched scenery, snow-capped peaks, fabulous 16th-century monasteries, and many other exclusive attractions. The view of windswept Kali-Gandaki valley, vast spaces around Kagbeni, and vast ridgelines the sprawl high mountains provide an emotional experience hard to find. People call them the sky “caves” as they are not only high but very difficult to reach. The tradition of the people could also astonish you, as in a family, the entire brother marries a single girl. In another word, the practice of polyandry is still prevalent in their communities.
Here villagers follow a Tibetan pattern with most houses whitewashed a glimmering white. Lo Manthang is the hub of Mustang district which was once an independent kingdom with its own rulers. An ancient town, Lo is walled in which forms a ring around the village town. The ruffed landscapes in Upper Mustang Trek are a treat for visitors who trek around here and are a stark reminder of the Grand Canyon in the USA. Hikers experience gripping visits to monasteries of yore, Buddhist shrines that tell a story with many Gompas & Mandalas. The Mustangi live their lives unique to themselves & keep surprising backpackers to no ends.
 
Mustang is the old kingdom of Lo. Actually, the capital of the Mustang district is Jomsom, but the real Tibetan style district lies north of Kagbeni and is usually referred to as Upper Mustang. The actual capital, Lo Manthang, where the present king lives, is a fantastic square-walled town sitting on the “Plain of Prayers”. The small kingdom of Mustang closed to westerners until 1992, is an enchanting land of windswept vistas, red walled monasteries, and ancient feudal that now live in peace.
The people of Mustang call themselves Lobas, and they have King only in name called Jigme Palbar Bista. After Nepal was declared a republic in 2007, the Nepal Government took back the official recognition of Bista as the Mustangi King. However, the local folks still respect him as their King or Tribe leader. Bista also grants the audience to visitors on request.
Upper Mustang was a restricted area till 1992 for foreign visitors and outsiders. Today, foreigners are allowed but they can only enter Upper Mustang after they buy a special permit of USD 500 for ten days. The trip to Mustang is only arranged by licensed trekking companies in Nepal.


Group Size : Minimum 02 Pax Max - altitude : 3850 m
Destination : Destiny Country Fitness level : Adventure
Arrival : Kathmandu Departure from : Kathmandu
Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner whole trekking
Accomodation : Double/Twin Sharing in Hotel/Lodge
Day 01: arrive at Kathmandu (1400m/4593ft) and transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Pre-Trip meeting in the morning and sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (820m/2690ft), Duration: 7-8 Hrs
Day 04: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2743m) & trek to Kagbeni, Duration: fly 20 minutes and 4 Hrs Trek
Day 05: Trek from Kagbeni – Chhusang – Chele (3060m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Day 06: Trek from Chele – Samar- Chhunsi/Chungsi Cave- Syangboche (3700m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Day 07: Trek from Syangboche – Ghilling – Ghami (3520m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 08: Trek from Ghami- Dhakmar-Muila Bhanjyang-Tsarang/Charang, Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 09: Trek from Tsarang-Ghar Gompa - Chogo La - Lo Manthang (3850m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 10: Explore cave and monasteries around Lo Manthang
Day 11: Lo Manthang- Lo La-Dhigaun-Yara Gaun (3830m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Day 12: Side trip to Luri Cave, Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Day 13: Trek from Yara Gaun-Dhechyang Khola-Tangge (3340m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 14: Trek from Tangge- Paha La- Tetang (3000m), Duration: 8-9 Hrs
Day 15: Trek from Tetang-Gyu La- Muktinath (3760m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
Day 16: Trek from Muktinath Temple – Lupra - Jomsom (2743m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
Day 17: Fly from Jomsom – Pokhara (860m), Duration: 20 minutes
Day 18: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400m), Duration: 7-8 Hrs
Day 19: Final departure to back home

Note: If the above itinerary does not meet your needs, we can design individualized travel plans based on your preferences. For more information please contact us at [email protected]

 


 
Day 01: arrive at Kathmandu (1400m/4593ft) and transfer to Hotel
 You will arrive in Nepal at Tribhuvan International, Kathmandu. Tribhuwan International Airport is the only airport in Nepal. You can meet our representatives from Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition outside the airport terminal. A signboard that “Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition” will help you find these representatives easily. You can check into your hotel with them. You have a couple of options as to how you spend your day/evening. Either you can relax in the hotel or you can go for exploring small towns likes Thamel on your own.
Includes: Bed & Breakfast
                                                                                                                  
Day 02: Pre-Trip meeting in the morning and sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
You will meet our representatives from Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition in the morning and discuss your Salleri (Phaplu) Everest Base Camp Trek. In this pre-Trip meeting, you will have plenty of information about the weather, difficulty, etc. during the trip. You can meet your guide and meet the various members of your trip.
You will get for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley after the briefing. The many UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu make it a beautiful place for an excellent sightseeing tour.
Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupatinath Temple lies on the bank of the Bagmati River, is one of the holiest sites in Kathmandu. It is the biggest Hindu temple in the world. The main temple is two-storeyed. It also has smaller monuments as well as places for pilgrimage surrounding it.
Baudhanath and Swayambhunath
Baudhanath and Swayambhunath are the most famous Buddhist temples you will go to on this trip. The feel of the Buddhist culture as well as the peaceful setting of these two monasteries is made for a wonderful visit to these places.
You will also get to two Durbar Squares- Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Square- during this trip. Historical temples like Krishna Mandir, Hanuman Dhoka, museums, and other smaller temples make these two squares some of the most delightful in this trip. You can see the perfect representations of the medieval architecture of Nepal in these two squares.
Includes: Bed & Breakfast
 
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (820m/2690ft), Duration: 7-8 Hrs
After breakfast, we will take a bus to Pokhara on Nepal’s main busy, scenic highway, an interesting overland journey on the Himalayan foothill. On reaching Pokhara transfer to respective hotels by the serene Phewa Lake where most of the good tourist standard hotels and restaurants located. For flying option scenic flight of 35 minutes on reaching Pokhara airport, our staff will transfer you to respective hotels by the Phewa Lake with a free afternoon. We will visit some prime spots in the lake city after refreshing at our hotel we will do a tour of some beautiful places in Pokhara that include David’s fall (if we reach early by road), and the Phewa lake, etc. we then do an overnight at our hotel by the lake in the lovely “city of Lakes”.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 04: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2743m) & trek to Kagbeni, Duration: fly 20 minutes and 4 Hrs Trek
A 20 minutes small plane presents a stunning mountain view of the Annapurna mountain range and Dhaulagiri. A thrilling flight landing at Jomsom airport, the airport is nestled on Mustang valley. Also can reach Kagbeni by day drive from Pokhara and it will be 10 hours shaky Kagbeni by day drive from Pokhara and it will be 10 hours shaky drive including paved and off-road drive and passes villages, waterfall, hot spring, and boulder gorge. After breakfast, we will tied-your shoes less than approximately 4 hours trekking on the wide barren valley with passes few villages to Kagbeni villages. During your ramble, the trail also provides a stunning view of the Nilgiri range; upon arriving at Kagbeni get a magnificent view of Thorong Peak. The oldest village has Tibetan cultural flavor and also have beautiful Gompa on Shore of Kali Gandaki River. In April can see thousands of Hindus doing a ritual on confluence Glacier River. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Kagbeni.
 
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 05: Trek from Kagbeni – Chhusang – Chele (3060m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
After breakfast, our trail continues entering to Upper Mustang region with checking Upper Mustang restricted trekking permit. The landscapes are such amazing in the eroded valley also passes red and white painted Chhortens west bank of the Kali Gandaki River. A little uphill brings us tiny Tangbe village then follow the level trail a side of a river to Chhusang and visit tiger cave above the village in a lunch break. A short distance walk let us cross a river and see the amazing sight of 16 lineup cave above the trail were impossible to reach without proper climbing. Around 20/25 minutes steep climbing up to brings us another beautiful village of Upper Mustang, Chele. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Chele.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 06: Trek from Chele – Samar- Chhunsi/Chungsi Cave- Syangboche (3700m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
A trek from Chele to Syangboche is relatively harder than yesterday, most of the day ascending upon the infertile ridge with stunning views of Yakawa Kang, Thorong Peak, and mount Nilgiri, after breakfast, we will start our trail. Upon crossing the small summit, Dajori La and short descend to Samar village. From Samar village, we follow narrow pebbles trail including up and down to Rangjung Drakpuk (Chungsi Cave) monastery believed to be found in 8 century and Padmasambhava had done meditation for a long time. After a witness to see a hidden cave on the cliff, the gentle up trail on the shrubs reaches Syangboche village. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Syangboche.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 07: Trek from Syangboche – Ghilling – Ghami (3520m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
The trek begins after hot breakfast in the morning a short climb takes us to the ridge; it offers stunning Mountain View of Nilgiri, Tilichi Peak, Brikuti, Khamjungar, and Thorong peak. From here gentle descend to Chilling Village; it is a great place for farming of multiple grains. A colorful Buddhist monastery “Tashi Choling” built north of the village and its part of Sakyapa sect Buddhism. We proceed trek out of jeep track with long ascending on the scrub ridge above the Chilling village then go over the pass then walking on the downhill where often see some wild animals deer and jackal. The top provides a magnificent view of the mountain desert with the Himalayas. We will stay for overnight in a local lodge at Ghami
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 08: Trek from Ghami- Dhakmar-Muila Bhanjyang-Tsarang/Charang, Duration: 5-6 Hrs
After breakfast our journey begins and hiking down to Ghami Khola, then trail passes the longest Mani wall of Nepal also passes huge trio Chortens on foot of Dhakmar red cliff. Trek continued to Dhakmar with enjoying the dramatic spectacle of the red-walled cliff. Also, see closed scenery of eroded hill above the Dhakmar village. The trail beyond Dhakmar village is steady-up on the stony route to Muila Bhanjyang (4172m), then follow flatter path to Ghar Gompa, oldest Gompa of Upper Mustang which was established in the 8th century while Guru Rinpoche heading to Tibet. Few red color Chortens and colorful Tibetan flags around the Ghar Gompa make the scenery stunning with far distance snowcapped mountains. We walk to Tsarang village on the level trail. It is the large village and surrounded by the large apple farm as well as distinct high altitude grain. Also, the north side of the village has Tsarang palace and a monastery as well as a couple of multiple colored fortresses. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Tsarang village.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 09: Trek from Tsarang-Ghar Gompa - Chogo La - Lo Manthang (3850m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
After breakfast we will start our brand new day, heading north to Chogo La pass. we are hiking on the trekking route with skipping jeep road. The upper route offers a good view of the landscapes, mountains, and massif canyon; from the pass descending on the downhill to wall city which is also the capital of Upper Mustang. The old city is occupied by several monasteries, Stupas and Buddhist sites. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Lo Manthang village.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 10: Explore cave and monasteries around Lo Manthang
It is a full-day tour to Chooser village, there are several monasteries and cave nearby lobhas residence can do day trek by walking. After breakfast follows Chhoser village route north of Lo Manthang side of a fresh stream and throughout the villages Nenyul, Arka, Ghom, Garphu then little ascend up to 5 story Garphu cave, Nyphu Gumba (half cave and half monastery), Yachebu monastery and Namgyal monastery. Also possible to visit Samjhong village one of the remote and cultural Tibetan settlements in the north of Lo Manthang can so visit Konchok Ling cave, and only a handful of tourists visited since it found. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Lo Manthang.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 11: Lo Manthang- Lo La-Dhigaun-Yara Gaun (3830m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
We start the trek from Lo Manthang and trailhead steeply uphill to Lo La pass (3950m). The trail to the summit provides an outstanding view of Lo Manthang and Chhoser village and the road to Kora la on for distance. After a short walk on the main road follow branch path on a northeast to another trekking pass Dhi La (3910m), the walk towards steeply downhill with a magnificent view of the red canyon. From small Dhi village, we follow a gentle uphill trail along the Punyung Khola, and passing interesting and scenic nature eroded cliffs to Yara village. We also see a small path leading to holy Damodar Lake, the source of Muktinath water taps. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Yara Gaun.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 12: Side trip to Luri Cave, Duration: 6-7 Hrs
After breakfast we will start the Luri cave day tour, and it begins from Yara village. A trail keeps climbing from traditional Yara village and passes attractive Ghara village. Pleasant further walk show hanging Tibetan flag on the top and the bottom, the top weighty red color one is Luri cave. The Luri Cave and Gompa is different than others because it has Tashi Kabum, frescoes, Chortens, and dissimilar ancient wall painting. The top section of the cave been ruined and need bad repair as soon as possible. 30 minutes of the path is completely sleeper because of pebble and grit specially ambling down unit. Not allowed to take any pictures of the inner part of the Luri cave and Gompa because of order to protect this priceless and unique design. After a while trekking back to Yara gaon and take rest. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Yara Gaun.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 13: Trek from Yara Gaun-Dhechyang Khola-Tangge (3340m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
After breakfast, a half-day tour to Luri Cave via Ghara village, ancient Luri Gompa set above the village on the ridge and the path is climbing up on gravel to the 3 story sanctum hidden cave. The Luri Gompa has a medieval era painting of meditation and Kabung also gets a breathtaking view of unfruitful terrain. Then trek returned to Yara village and after lunch trek retraces across the river to Charang village, a path offers amazing sights of the walled eroded landscapes. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Tangge.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 14: Trek from Tangge- Paha La- Tetang (3000m), Duration: 8-9 Hrs
One of the longest trek days during our Upper Mustang Trekking, we probably need to trek around 8-9 hours from Tange to Tangbe including passes. The trail contains up and down plus flattens on huge Yak pasture.  Tange is a beautiful village with decorated colorful Stupas and Chortens. Upon leaving from lodge descending to Yak Khola through seasonal vegetable farm then long and sturdy climb to Paha La, it is pleasant rambling on the huge ground and providing probably the best view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and several other snow-capped mountains with breathless landscapes sceneries. We walking speedily down on grit lane to Tangbe village, small farming village on the foot of great canyon and only one lodge is available. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Tetang.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 15: Trek from Tetang-Gyu La- Muktinath (3760m), Duration: 6-7 Hrs
The trek starts after eaten breakfast in the lodge, we crossing 4000m Gyu La pass and the pass delivered the best view of Mount Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and wider Kali Gandaki valley. The first section of trek from Tetang to the Muktinath route is steeply up on the unyielding path. Then strolling on pretty nicely and scenery flattens footpath to the ditch where often see yak, goat, and sheep are pasturing. Again the trail leading sharply-up hill to Gyu La passes which probably takes 2 hours. Gyu la summit to the Muktinath temple route is pretty easy on the barren area and into the villages. On arrival Muktinath site trips to Muktinath complex where we see one hundred and eight sacred water taps, Jwala Mai Temple (flame of natural burning gas), holly pond, Narsing Gumba, and nunnery Gumba. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Muktinath.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 16: Trek from Muktinath Temple – Lupra - Jomsom (2743m), Duration: 5-6 Hrs
It is pleasant trekking from Muktinath to Jomsom via Lupra village. After breakfast straight we will walk down to Jharkot village and explore the Buddhist monastery. Now our trail will be towards the east of the village with gentle climbing on the scrub pasture to Lupra Danda. The ridge provides a magnificent view of the Kali Gandaki valley, Dhaulagiri, and surrounding mountains. The further trail is steeply down on the pebble and also pass apple farm. Upon we cross the bridge on cairn reaching tiny Lupra village, this villager practicing Bon Buddhism. The trek continues along the river on a stony path to Jomsom village. From Eklebhatti to Jomsom section know as Ghost Kali Gandaki valley and facing strong wind force. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Jomsom.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 17: Fly from Jomsom – Pokhara (860m), Duration: 20 minutes
Early morning 10 minutes trekking to Jomsom airport than 20 minutes mountain flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival at Pokhara airport, you will be transferred to your respected hotel in Lakeside. We always put our effort to reserve your seat on the first flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, because due to the weather forecast the flight may delay or cancel a day. If the scheduled flight cancels then reschedule the next day. We will stay overnight in a local lodge at Pokhara.
Included: Bed &Breakfast
 
Day 18: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400m), Duration: 7-8 Hrs
After wake up early morning at 7:30 am we will take the standard tourist bus; departure daily from near to Lakeside Pokhara and 7-8 hours’ drive on Prithivi highway. The distance between Pokhara to Kathmandu is only 205 km but it requires a complete day drive because of the small and Jig-jag road as well as the traffic on the road.
The buses stopping along the high way for breakfast, lunch, and toilet, and it is a scenic drive. Although it is a long drive but definitely enjoyable and fun trip as well. Except for the tourist bus the public buses and micro-buses departure 5 hours to 16 hours from Prithivi Chowk Pokhara. We will stay overnight in a hotel at Kathmandu.
Included: Bed, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
 
Day 19: Final departure to back home
The fascinating adventure and cultural exploration Upper Mustang Trek end here by today. We hope you had a memorial and fantastic adventure with us in the Himalayas. As per your international flight scheduled you will be transferred to Kathmandu international airport 4 hours before the flight time.
Before leaving for the airport, you need to confirm that you have secured tour air ticket as well as other travel-related documents. We wish you have a wonderful departure back home. We can also arrange for another trip to Nepal in case you want to.
Included: Bed & Breakfast

 


COST INCLUDE
  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle. (for both international and domestic flights).
  • Welcome Dinner at Typical Nepalese Restaurant with a cultural dance show.
  • 2 Night standard twin-sharing accommodation in a hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast.
  • Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms.
  • Three meals a day: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trekking.
  • A Highly experienced, Helpful, Knowledgeable, friendly, well-trained Government license holding English-speaking trekking guide.
  • We provide an assistant guide for walking with the group to support where necessary as per group size.
  • National Park entrance fee and Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS card).
  • The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)
  • Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
  • Everest National Park permits and Khumbu permit for trekking.
  • Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu including airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla airports.
  • Arrangement of emergency evacuation service (should have insurance for emergency evacuation and will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
  • All applicable government taxes, vat, tourist service charges as per Itinerary.
 COST EXCLUDE
  • Your Nepal Visa Fees (should bring small accurate fees in USD and 02 passport size photos)
  • All the International airfare to and from Kathmandu ( no need to pay departure tax for international flight)
  • Lunch and Dinner during staying in Kathmandu
  • Personal travel and Health insurance as well as insurance for helicopter evacuation
  • In case of extra night’s accommodation, Lunch and Dinner in the city due to early arrival or departure as well as early back/return from Mountain/Trekking(due to any reason) than the given time period of Itinerary. We can help you arrange extra nights’ accommodation.
  • Your personal expenses such as (soft beverages, confectionaries, laundries, phone calls, bar bills, Extra porter, etc.)
  • Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla.
  • Medical expenses and trip cancellation.
  • Any other extended trips and accommodation.
  • Tips of the guide, porters, and driver as a token of appreciation.
     # Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in the “cost includes” list.
 

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Important Note:
Your safety is our paramount concern while traveling with Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition. In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swagat Holiday Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. for rescue. The charge must be paid by the client or their travel insurance company.
 Please note that your leader/guide 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 mountain regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather conditions, health conditions of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc. can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader/guide will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Equipment and Gears
  • Duffle Bag\Rucksack Bag\ Suitcase (We provide one complimentary Swagat Holiday Duffle Bag that is to be returned after the trip)
  • One pair of a walking stick
  • Trekking Shoes
  • Sports shoes or sandals
  • Sun Hat/Cap
  • Basic Medical Kits
  • Head Lamp
  • Hand Sanitizers
  • Trekking towels
  • Sunglasses (UV Protection)
  • Warm Hand gloves ( Inner & Outer)
  • Warm woolen cap
  • Warm fleece jacket or puffy jacket
  • Waterproof Gore-Tex layer
  • Pullover or warm sweeter
  • Raincoat
  • 5/6 pairs of good quality socks
  • 2\3 pairs of trekking trousers
  • 3\4 pairs of trekking shirts
  • 5\6 pairs of underwear( non-cotton preferred)
  • Water bottle
  • Good quality Sleeping Bag
  • Camera and Batteries

Trip Location Map