Trek in Upper Mustang is a rare privilege. Here you will experience the way of life of true mountain people, who were not much in touch with the rest of Nepal for hundreds of years, and even until recent times had an officially recognized king.In many ways, a trek into Upper Mustang is similar to trekking in Tibet, as geographically it is a part of the Tibetan plateau. The district of Mustang was, until 1950, a separate kingdom within the boundaries of Nepal. The last king, the Raja of Mustang, still has his home in the ancient capital known as Lo Manthang.
The Mustang trek is not particularly difficult, the highest point reached is only 3,800 meters, but the conditions at times can be arduous. Mustang is cold in winter and is always windy and dusty through the year. Winter treks are best avoided due to harsh weather.There are few accommodation facilities available above Kagbeni, so groups must be fully self-sufficient, especially in fuel. While porters are available in Jomsom it is preferable to use mules to carry the loads up to Mustang.
These pack animals are available locally and are more economical, and certainly more environmentally friendly than porters. Mustang trek requires a minimum of 9 days, starting and ending in Kagbeni. This allows the trek to be completed within the 10-day period that the permit allows. The route generally follows the Kali Gandaki valley but, occasionally climbs high above the valley walls.
lifetime adventure in Mustang region because the trek houses the deepest Kali Gandaki gorges and one of the world’s highest region of Lo-Manthang Valley where you passes through treeless barren landscapes, steep rocky trails, beautiful small villages that offer stunning views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several other high peaks. Moreover, you can explore many other features of Mustang like the four-story palace, the 8 meters tall wall that has protected the city of Lo-Manthang for hundreds of years from outsiders, and the unique traditional houses and architectures. Houses in Mustang are made of stones and sun-baked mud bricks with a flat roof. Mustang is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal and access to this place was restricted to the outsiders until October 1991.
The people of Mustang used to have a King until Nepal was declared as a republic in 2007. The King, whose recognition was revoked is still well-respected by all the people in Mustang. Upper Mustang trek starts either from Nayapul or Jomsom. From Jomsom, the actual trek starts and follows the Kaligandaki River all the way up to Lo-Manthang which is the capital of the Mustang region. To enter Mustang, you must have a Special Permit that is granted by the Department of Immigration.
Trip Highlights
- Mustang is the only part of Nepal that is located behind the Himalayas.
- Explore the stunning landscapes and the amazing mountains views of both Nepal and Tibet.
- Discover the ancient monasteries build from 8th to 13th century.
- Explore ancient cave monasteries and villages of the people of Mustang.
- Experience the Tibetan Buddhist religion and culture.
Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu
Upon the arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu, one of our representatives will be there for a pick up and takes you to the hotel you’re staying.
Day 2: Sightseeing at Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu valley sightseeing starts with a visit to UNESCO World Heritage Sites which includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Drive to Pokhara for about 7 hrs by bus. On the way you can enjoy the beautiful landscape of Nepal.
Day 4: Pokhara to Kagbeni via Jomsom
Take a regular scheduled flight to Jomsom from Pokhara in the early morning and trek to Kagbeni for 3-4 hours alongside the Kaligandaki River. Above Jomsom it will be very windy in afternoon all the way to Lo-Manthang. Kagbeni is an ancient village of Mustang with breathtaking landscape lying on a bank of Kaligandaki River.
Day 5: Kagbeni to Chele (Chaile)
From here you’ll be entering the restricted area and must have a Special Permit to trek in the area above Kagbeni. The route follows the Kaligandaki River upstream passing through sandy and windy trails with picturesque landscape all the way. The route then enters the village of Tangbe. After Tangbe the walk continues on a straight path on a zigzag windy trail to Chhuksang. From Chhuksang the route follows the river bank on the ride side for about an hour and finally ascends to the small village of Chele.
Day 6: Chele to Syanbochen
The journey begins on a steep trail and follows the road way for a while then after leaving the road it continues through the way carved on a cliff for about 40 minutes. Then the trail flattens until we reach Samar. From Samar walking for about 3 hours with few downs and more up will lead us to Syanbochen. On the way we can experience the breathtaking views of Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and other several small peaks.
Day 7: Syanbochen to Ghyami
The route at first is a short climb from Syanbochen then descends to a river after walking on a flatten route for a while. From the river the route ascends gradually to a village of Jhaite. From Jhaite the route again ascends to a pass then from the pass the route descends gradually all the way to the village of Ghyami. Ghyami is the third largest village of the Lo region. It is a beautiful village surrounded by stunning naked sandy hills.
Day 8: Ghyami to Charang (Tsarang)
The walk is pleasant at the beginning to Ghyami Khola after Ghyami Khola the trail ascends and meets a long scared stone wall known as Mani Wall under which people believe that an intestine of a demon is buried. After the mani wall the walk is gentle for awhile and then ascends to the top of ridge (pass) from where the trail descends down all the way to the village of Charang. Charang is a beautiful village and has one of the oldest monasteries of the region build in 13th century.
Day 9: Charang to Lo-Manthang
The trail descends to a river from the village of Charang at the beginning. After crossing the river the trail is steep ascend for some time. After the ascend ends the trail is more gentle and easy till you reach a chorten on the way. From the chorten there is a short climb and then again the trail gets easy. On the way you can see few caves on the cliff to your right side. The walk then continues to Lo-Manthang. Before reaching the valley of Lo-Manthang you will be standing on a windy hill which offers you the breathtaking view of the Lo-Manthang valley also known as ‘The Walled City’ and the mountains of Tibetan land in the background.
Day 10: Exploring Lo-Manthang
On this day you can stroll around the Lo-Manthang village and explore the local culture and tradition, ancient monasteries which are inside the city also visit the Mustangi Raja (King of Mustang) and Royal Palace. Or you can hire a horse and travel 2 hours east from the village to explore the ancient cave village in Chosar and also visit the Chosar monastery.
Day 11: Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar
Follow the path on the right side of the river from Lo-Manthang village and climb up to a ridge. From the ridge follow the trail that descends at first and then ascends gradually up to a pass which is 4,296m on the other side of a ridge. You might feel an altitude problem as there are no trees around and the hills are sandy and naked so don’t push yourself hard. From the pass descend gradually to a place called Ghar Gompa which is the house to an oldest monastery of the region. The monastery of Ghar Gompa is believed to be built in the 8th century. From Ghar Gompa the trail ascends to a ridge and then descends down to the village of Dhakmar. Dhakmar village is famous for the red cliff in its background along with caves in the cliff.
Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling
From the village of Dhakmar the trail begins with a gentle climb and then descends down to a Ghami River before crossing the bridge and the trail then ascends to Ghami village. After the Ghami village the route is steep up to a ridge and then descends down to Jhaite. From Jhaite leave the previous trail and follow the trail on the left leading to Ghiling Village. Ghiling is a small but a beautiful village.
Day 13: Ghiling to Chhuksang
The route starts with steep ascend to a ridge and descends down to Syanbochen village and then again ascends to another ridge. From the ridge the route is all the way down to a small stream before ascending to Samar village. After Samar the trail flattens for a while and then descends all the way to Kali Gandaki River through Chele and then the route again is gentle flat all the way to Chhuksang village.
Or
From Syanbochen you can take the route to your left and descend down to Chungsi Cave Monastery. Chungsi Cave Monastery is a monastery lying in a cliff. After visiting Chungsi Cave Monastery the trail descend to a small stream and then ascends steeply to the top of a ridge. The trail then descends steeply all the way to another small stream and then ascends to Samar village. From Samar the route is same way backwards to Chhuksang village.
Day 14: Chhuksang to Muktinath
This day is the longest and the hardest day of the trek as there are no lunch places on the way so you have to carry packed lunch by your own. The walk is gentle up to the village of Tetang. Tetang is one of the oldest villages of the region. From Tetang the trail ascends up in a steep way and reaches a flat land. From there the trail ascends gradually up for a while and again the climb becomes steeper to the top of a ridge. You can have your lunch on the top or on the way before the top. From the top of the ridge the trail descends down gradually and reaches the suspension bridge. Cross the suspension bridge, climb a bit and follow the way to the village of Muktinath. Muktinath is a famous temple in the country and the village of Muktinath is quite busy because it is the juncture point for the trekkers coming from the Chhuksang side, Kagbeni and those crossing the Thorang La Pass. TheThorang La Pass is just above the village of Muktinath.
Day 15: Muktinath to Jomsom
The trail descends all the way to Kagbeni village. You have to check out from here. From Kagbeni village the trail is basically on the bank of Kaligandaki River to Jomsom. Even though the walk is route is easy the journey will be quite difficult because of the wind. At Jomsom you can stroll around and enjoy the picturesque view of Mt. Nilgiri just above the valley.
Day 16: Jomsom to Pokhara
Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara on a regular scheduled flight. In Pokhara you can visit the World Peace Stupa, David Fall, Bat cave or enjoying boating in Fewa Lake. In the evening you can stroll around the lakeside.
Day 17: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Take a regular scheduled bus or a flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara. You can enjoy strolling around Thamel in the evening at Kathmandu.
Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu
Our Service Includes:
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Assistance at the airport.
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Airport tax along with airport pickup and drop up.
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Hotel accommodation on a B&B basis.
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Private vehicle for the tour.
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Entrance fees wherever it is required.
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A fully informed and experienced English-speaking guide.
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Guide Fees
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Domestic airfare.
Our Service Excludes:
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International airfare.
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Travel and rescue insurance.
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Lunch and dinner.
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Personal Expenses.
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Any other unexpected costs that may arise due to delay, cancellation, strike etc.
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Tips for guide, staff and driver.
