Upper Mustang Trekking

Price

USD 2100

Trip Duration

16 days

Trip Grade

Easy/Moderate

Highest Altitude

3840 meters

Accommodation

Tea House, Lodge

Transportation

Car/Van/Flight

Group Size

1-10

Best Season

All around the year Except Monsoon (June-September)

Upper Mustang Trekking Introduction

Upper Mustang trek

The Upper Mustang Trekking provides the most amazing trekking location in Nepal. This trek provides amazing views of the Dhaulagiri Himalayas, Thakali and Tibetan culture, and the Hiland desert or Mini Tibet. Upper Mustang, or the Kingdom of Lo, is a secluded and hidden place high above 3,000 meters altitude. It is famous for its unique rock formation. This includes the cliffs of Chhusang and the cliff of Lo Manthang.

The Upper Mustang trek gives travelers the opportunity to enjoy a unique trekking experience, including stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and fantastic adventures. Upper Mustang is an adventure you want if you want an adventure that is off the beaten path but not too far away and full of wonders.

The Upper Mustang trek will last 16 days, beginning with the flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and to Jomsom, which is the entry point to Upper Mustang. After arriving in Jomsom, trekkers can begin the trek, with amazing landscapes and traditional villages like Kagbeni.

A Glimpse into the Past: Upper Mustang’s Historical and Cultural Riches

As much as the Upper Mustang trek is about geographical beauty, it is also about a sense of history and tradition. Upper Mustang was once part of the ancient trade route linking Nepal with Tibet, and enough remains of both cultures in the form of architecture, language, and lifestyle. Lo Manthang—the capital of Upper Mustang, founded by the Gurung king in the 14th century—is the most distinguished town in this region—and one of the oldest towns in the world, with a surrounding fortress type wall.

Lo Manthang has some of the oldest and most intact Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Nepal. Jampa Lhakhang or the “God House” is one of the earliest Buddhist temples in the entire Himalayan world dating back to the 15th century. Here, an ancient rider is able to see ancient thangkas, sacred scriptures, and statues still used by local monks and villagers.

Unique Landscapes: A Trek Through the Himalayan Desert

While you will find lush green hills and snowy mountains in other trekking areas of Nepal, Upper Mustang’s topography is rotten and awful, and anesthetically, as well as viscerally, dramatic and undulating in a more destructible sense. It falls within the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, leading to more of an arid desert-like environment. On the trek in you will see desiccate canyons that have been sculpt in surprising ways by erosion. Color combinations of cliffs with reds and rocks pushing our limits of imagination. Indeed, it is so unreal, it is more like Mars than earth.

The colors of the red, brown and ochre rock formations near Dhakmar and Tsarang are worth planning for aspects of ascendency. You may find that when the sun rises or sets the cliffs in that area are set alight in surreal, dream-like hues as the light paints the cliffs.

Culture, Festivals, and Spirituality

Although trekking through Upper Mustang feels like a journey physically. It is equally, if not more deeply, a spiritual journey too. The people of Mustang are followers of Tibetan Buddhism, and their ways have remained quite constant for centuries. Along the trek you will see colorful mani walls, chortens (stupas), and prayer flags abound. All of them integral aspects of who the people of Mustang are as a religious group.

If you are fortunate in timing your trip, you may be able to customize your trip to enjoy the Tiji Festival held once a year in Lo Manthang. This three-day festival celebrates the victory of good over evil. Tiji includes dramatic masked dances and performance rituals. The sense of community embodies in the festival is ground in the spiritual characteristics of the region.

Conclusion

In addition to the trek being a cultural experience. You will be enjoying beautiful mountain scenery from the surrounding mountains, including the Annapurna and Nilgiri mountains. Thus, visiting this remote area with its rich culture will provide you with a unique and memorable experience to the Upper Mustang trek. Contact us today at Happy Mountain Nepal on FacebookInstagram, or TikTok .

Highlights

  • Explore the ancient walled city and its royal palace, Lo Manthang.
  • Visit traditional and ancient villages like Tsarang, Ghami, Dhakmar, and Ghiling.
  • Witness arid deserts, barren landscapes, and towering cliffs.
  • Admire the world’s deepest gorge, Kaligandaki Gorge.
  • Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture and local hospitality.
  • Explore Chhoser Cave, witness sky burials, and discover hidden trails.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival Day in Kathmandu
  • Day 2: Kathmandu - Pokhara
  • Day 3: Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni
  • Day 4: Kagbeni - Chele
  • Day 5: Chele - Ghiling
  • Day 6: Ghiling - Charang
  • Day 7: Charang - Lo Manthang
  • Day 8: Exploration at Lo Manthang
  • Day 9: Lo Manthang - Drakmar
  • Day 10: Drakmar - Shyangmochen
  • Day 11: Shyangmochen - Chhusang
  • Day 12: Chhusang - Muktinath
  • Day 13: Muktinath - Jomsom
  • Day 14: Jomsom - Pokhara
  • Day 15: Pokhara - Kathmandu
  • Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day in Kathmandu

Welcome to Nepal! After you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel by our representative. You can rest and relax in your hotel room. Or, you can explore the nearby areas and taste the local delicacy.

Day 2: Kathmandu - Pokhara

Our journey begins with a 6-7 hour drive toward the Pokhara Valley and its beautiful Phewa Tal. Then, our representative will help you in checking into your hotel close to Phewa Tal. You can explore around the Pokhara and do souvenir shopping.

Day 3: Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni

Today we fly from Pokhara on a scenic flight with views of the famous Kali Gandaki Gorge, along with views of several colossal peaks: Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Ranges, and Machapuchare. After landing at Jomson we begin our trek heading to Kagbeni for about 4 hours. Kagbeni is also the checkpoint where authorities will check your documents before you enter the restricted Upper Mustang region. Along the trail, we will have views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche Peak. We will stay the night at Kagbeni.

Day 4: Kagbeni - Chele

Today we start early to avoid the high winds. In the early morning, we can see Nilgiri which is orange in color due to the sun’s reflection on it. We follow the east bank of the Kali Gandaki River until we enter the Chhusang Valley. After leaving Kagbeni we ascend uphill which will give us spectacular views of the village and Mt Nilgiri. The trail heads east towards more arid land common to the Mustang region. Soon, we will reach the first significant village of Tangbe and have glorious views over the Kali Gandaki River. The trail then comes to Chele where we have views of the Himalayan Ranges. We will stay the night at Chele.

Day 5: Chele - Ghiling

Today we will climb the rugged hills and eventually come to a stone cairn at 3540 m at which point we descend to the small village of Samar with its chortens and other Buddhist structures. After leaving Samar we descend into a large canyon and then again ascend to a 3800 m ridge before descending to the remote Shyangmochen Village and then heading to Ghiling Village where we stay the night. 

Day 6: Ghiling - Charang

From Ghiling, the trail leads up to Nyi La Pass (3932m) and then heads down following the Tangmar Chu River and its Mani stone walls. We then follow the trail to Charang Village with its enormous five-story monastery and red Gompa as well as Thankas. 

Day 7: Charang - Lo Manthang

Today the trail is mostly uphill as we initially head to Lo-Gekar. Lo-Gekar is the home of one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in the world. Lo-Gekar Gompa is older than the Samye Gompa in Tibet. After visiting Lo Gekar we travel by horse to Lo-Manthang. The trail passes the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang before descending and crossing a stream before reaching Lo-Manthang. We will stay the night at Lo Manthang

Day 8: Exploration at Lo Manthang

Today we climb to Namgyal Gompa situated at the top of a peak. Then, we will proceed to Tingkhar north-west of Lo Manthang. Tingkhar is a small village consisting of about 40 houses. We will stay our night at Lo Manthang.

Day 9: Lo Manthang - Drakmar

Today the trail ascends to 4070 m. Then, we head to the Chogo La Pass (4320m), the highest point of our trek. We then head downhill, cross the Charang River, and make our way to Lo Gekar, passing the Ghar Gompa village (3839m) with its Tibetan religious structures. After passing Ghar Gompa we follow the trail down to Drakmar. We will reach Drakmar where we stay the night.

Day 10: Drakmar - Shyangmochen

Today we follow a river to Chhusang, or we can head to Samar and visit the Ranchung Caves. This route adds another   30 minutes to the trek. Then we will follow along the trail and viewing the amazing scenery and landscapes. We will reach at shyangmochen and stay for the night.

Day 11: Shyangmochen - Chhusang

Today we follow a river to Chhusang, or alternatively, we can head to Samar and visit the Ranchung Caves. This route adds another 30 minutes to the trek. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 12: Chhusang - Muktinath

Today we leave Chhusang Village and head up to the valley above where we can see Muktinath in the distance. We continue along the valley and descend and cross the river via a suspension bridge. This area is well known for its fossils famous for the fossil stones often found in the Gandaki River (Shaligrams – black holy stones). As we follow the trail we have awesome views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Himalayan ranges. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 13: Muktinath - Jomsom

From Muktinath, we pass through lush meadows, fruit trees, and streams passing through Kagbeni before we reach Jomsom in the Kali Gandaki valley. We take a short detour today to Bon Punt monastery in Lubra. Bon-Po is said to be older in Buddhism and Lubra, with just 14 families is one of the few Bonpo villages in Nepal. The trek today will take around 6 hours. Kagbeni has a well-deserved reputation for its horticulture industry.

Day 14: Jomsom - Pokhara

We head to the Jomson airport where we take a 15- to 20-minute flight to Pokhara. You will have some amazing views of the Himalayas. This evening you can sit back and relax, looking back on your amazing adventure through the amazing Annapurna Conservation Area – stroll along Lakeside. Other attractions in Pokhara are the World Peace Pagoda, Phewa Tal (lake), Bindabasini Temple, Matepani Buddhist Monastery, International Mountain Museum, and Devi’s Falls.

Day 15: Pokhara - Kathmandu

Today we leave Pokhara and drive for about 6 to 7 hours to Kathmandu with many fond memories of Nepal and its unique culture and geography. We will have a farewell dinner at night in Thamel.

Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

Today is your last day in Nepal. It’s time for the farewell. Our representative will drop you at the airport before your departure time. Hope you enjoy your stay in Nepal and your 16-day trip to Upper Mustang.

Includes

  • Simple tea houses in trekking on a twin-sharing basis with 3 times of meals. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner with 3 cups of tea each.
  • A professional trekking guide & necessary number of porters (2:1) with their salary, meal, accommodation, transportation & insurance.
  • Necessary permits & TIMS card, Annapurna Conservation area permit & local Municipality fees.
  • Both-way Bus transportation Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu (bus/Jeep)
  • 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu & Pokhara on BB basis & best available lodges on trek with full board meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with a cup of tea each meal).
  • All grounded transportation like pickups & drops
  • A group medical kit with an oximeter

Excludes

  • All kinds of beverages.
  • All extra expenses such as shopping and trekking gear.
  • International/domestic flights.
  • Early arrival / late departure.
  • Travel insurance (you must purchase one before starting the trek)
  • Rescue evacuation if needed (it can be helped to arrange)
  • Tips for driver, guide & porters.
  • If the plan is changed by any other problem such as landslides, political disturbance, changing plan, or cancellation of flight or the things not mentioned above

Trip Map

Upper Mustang Trek Gear List

Clothing

  1. Trekking Trousers
  2. Trekking shirts
  3. Inner Thermals (Top/ bottom)
  4. Breathable Underwear
  5. Fleece Jacket
  6. Windproof jacket
  7. Dawn jacket
  8. Trekking Towel

Head Gears

  1. Sun Hat
  2. Head Band
  3. Buff (snood)

Hand Gear

  1. Inner Gloves
  2. Outer Gloves

Foot Gears

  1. Hiking Boots
  2. Hiking shocks
  3. Thermal shocks
  4. Gaiters

Bags

  1. Duffle Bag*
  2. Backpack (rucksack for day pack)
  3. A few Ziploc/ waterproof bags

Equipment

  1. Sleeping Bag
  2. Sleeping bag liner (if you rent)
  3. Trekking Pole
  4. Sunglasses
  5. Water bottle or Hydration Bladder
  6. Headlamps
  7. Camera/video camera
  8. Water purification tablets*/ filters/ UV light
  9. Diamox/ Dzolamode
  10. Sunscreens
  11. Toiletries
  12. If you take any specific medicine

Reviews

  • star rating  EBC & Gokyo Lakes - Resham and his Happy Mountain team provided the most fantastic experiences during our trip to Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes, truly a trip to remember.

    We were a... read more

    avatar thumb Katie P
    March 16, 2024
  • star rating  Fantastic Annapurna hike - I went with Resham on a 7 day hike around Annapurna, and 10 days total in Nepal. He helped us along every step of the way, arranging food, accomodation, flights... read more

    avatar thumb Cruiser30576832181
    March 9, 2024