Trip Introduction
Upper Mustang trek offers a spectacular trekking experience in the remote trans-Himalayan mountain region of Nepal. The 16-day trip begins in Kathmandu with tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Then we drive to Pokhara and fly to Jomsom the next day and begin trekking. Upper Mustang is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom because it wasn’t until the 1990s that tourists were allowed to enter the region. While trekking in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal, we can admire the uniqueness of tree-less landscape, rocky trails and views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and other Himalayas.
Day 1 Flight to Kathmandu
After landing at the Tribhuwan International Airport, we will be greeted by a representative of MMG who will drop us off at our hotel. We then check-in at the hotel, freshen up and take a rest. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Pokhara [823m]: 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 of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain sceneries. Afternoon, we reach Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 03: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni [2,858m]: 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. 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 and finally reaching at Ekley Bhatti village and after good stop here an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni.
Day 04: Kagbeni to Chele [3050m]: 5-6 hrs
During the walk we have scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. 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 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.
Day 05: Chele to Syanbochen [3475m]: 6-7 hrs
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.
Day 06: Syanbochen to Ghaymi [3520m]: 5-6 hrs
After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) passing a few teahouses, chortens and local villages. 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 Lho region.
Day 07: Ghaymi to Charang [3500m]: 4-5 hrs
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. There is also a huge white dzong and red Gompa to get to our teahouse for tonight's stop.
Day 08: Charang to Lo-Manthang (3700m): 5-6 hrs
Today, we trek to Lo-Manthang 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-Manthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Manthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay at hotel for the overnight stop.
Day 09: Explore Lo-Manthang
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.
Day 10: Lo-Manthang to Drakmar [3810 m]: 6-7 hrs
While returning from Lo-Manthang, 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.
Day 11: Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806m]: 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.
Day 12: Ghiling to Chhuksang [3050m]: 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.
Day 13: Chhuksang to Jomsom [2700]: 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.
Day 14: 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.
Day 15: Take tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful northern skyline of Pokhara and take tourist bus towards Kathmandu. This will be a journey along river banks with wonderful views of terraced hills and the rural Nepalese lifestyle. After reaching Kathmandu, we take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey.
Day 16: Final departure
Our Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal comes to an end today! A representative from MMG will take us to the airport approximately three hours before the scheduled flight. On our flight back home, we take with us amazing memories of our Lo Manthang trip and Nepal.
Cost Including:
-Mustang special permit for 10 Days
-Annapurna conservation permits
-Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu by Tourist bus
-Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara Flight Fare
-Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara Bus Fare for Porters
-Trekking Guide and Porters.
-Food (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner during the trek)
-Accommodation in Guest house or Lodge during the trek
-Guide and Porter Insurance
-Hotel-Airport-Hotel Transport Service
-Travel and Rescue arrangements
-All government and local taxes
-Company Trekking Kit Bag
Cost Excluding:
- International flight.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Tips for the Staff
- Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Excess baggage charge(s)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary) |
