Upper Mustang Trek

Trip Facts
Accommodation:	Standard to Deluxe Hotel's Options in Cities & Tea Houses During Trek
Grade:	Moderate
Max Altitude:	3,950 m/12,960 ft
Transportation:	Private Vehicle/Flight
Meals:	As Indicated In The Itinerary
Duration:	15 Nights/16 Days
Group Size:	2 to 15 People

Highlights of The Trek

Trek to The Restricted Upper Mustang Valley and Walled City of Lo- Manthang
Witness Mustang People, Tibetan Culture and Barren Landscapes
Visit Former Royal Palace of King of Mustang and admire the Mountain Views
Trek Into Nyi La Pass at 3,950 , witness Charang Cho Canyon and 5 Storied Dzong and Red Gompa
Visit Champa Lakhang of Maitreya Buddha, The Red Thugchen Gompa and Chyodi Gompa in Lo-Manthang
Trek through the Isolated Villages, Farm Lands and Deserted Hills
Visit Sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu
Pay Homage to living goddess, Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square
Enjoy Nepali Food, Hospitality and Culture

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

Day 03: Drive or Fly to Pokhara (210 km)- 6 Hours or 25 Minutes

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom (2,713m/8,900 ft)-15 Minutes & Trek to Kagbeni- (2,804 m / 9,200 ft)-3 Hours

Day 05: Trek to Chele (3,130 m/10,270 ft)-6 Hours

Day 06: Trek to Geling (3,600 m/11,810 ft)-6 Hours

Day 07: Trek to Charang (3,560 m/11,680 ft)-7 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840 m/12,600 ft)-4 Hours

Day 09: Day in Lo Manthang

Day 10: Day in Lo Manthang

Day 11: Trek to Ghemi via Geker- 6 Hours

Day 12: Trek to Samar-6 Hours

Day 13: Trek back to Kagbeni-6 Hours and drive to Jomsom -30 Minutes

Day 14: Fly back to Pokhara-20 Minutes

Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu-30 Minutes

Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Upper Mustang Trek is the real privilege of trekking to the mystical land of forbidden Kingdom of Lho Manthang also called Lho which has been isolated from the rest of the world for many decades. Until 1950s, Mustang was a separate kingdom and Lho Manthang as a capital, is practicing Tibetan Buddhism and distinct culture. Opened just about 20 years ago to the foreigners is a highly restricted area and need restricted area permit. This trek passes through the one of the deserted mountain region and provides the spectacular views of mountain vistas.

Our Journey to Upper Mustang begins with scenic flight to Jomsom from Pokhara and we start our trek to Kagbeni. We enter Upper Mustang Region from Kagbeni and follow the trail to Upper Mustang Trek passing by many culturally enriched villages of Chele, Geling, Charang. In Lho Manthang, we visit sacred monasteries and ex King’s Palace called as Tashi Gephel Palace built in 15th century by the first King of Mustang, Ame Pal. We stay extra night in Lho and do excursion to Chosar Valley which is famous for hosting many sacred sky cave monasteries. We retrace back to Jomsom and end our trek.

We can trek to Upper Mustang around the year even in the monsoon as it is the rain shadow area but in the extreme winter, the people from upper region leave their village to avoid cold and snow. So makes the best season remains from March to November. We stay in tea houses during our entire trek.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

After arriving at Kathmandu International Airport, our office representative welcomes you with Garland and takes you to hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will have briefing on trek and equipment check by our Trek Manager and Trek Guide. Then, we will take you for dinner to make you introduced with Nepalese food habits and Culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

After breakfast, we will take you for guided tour of Kathmandu city. We will begin with Pashupatinath Temple which is famous Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of holy Bagmati River. After this, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, which is giant Stupa in Asia and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Then, we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese Kings used to get Throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got its name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippie Era in 60's and 70's.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 03: Drive or Fly to Pokhara (210 km)- 6 Hours or 25 Minutes

After breakfast, you may consider either to fly or drive to Pokhara. If you drive, you may consider to enjoy Water Rafting at Trishuli River with Picnic lunch for 3/4 hours. We drive on Prithivi Highway. When we approach Pokhara, we see the magnificent Annapurna Range. In the evening, we walk around Lakeside Bazaar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom (2,713m/8,900 ft)-15 Minutes & Trek to Kagbeni- (2,804 m / 9,200 ft)-3 Hours

After early morning breakfast, we drive to airport for flight to Jomsom. From Jomsom, we trek to Kagbeni passing by Eklebhatti. As a part of our trail, we walk on the flatten riverbed of Kaligandaki River with the view of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri and Annapurna Mountains. Kagbeni in the confluence of Kaligandaki River and Jhong Khola is the last village of Lower Mustang and entry point to Upper Mustang. There is famous Red Painted Gompa in Kagbeni which is more than 1000 years old.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Kagbeni.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 05: Trek to Chele (3,130 m/10,270 ft)-6 Hours

After we start from Kagbeni, we get to the Restricted Area of Upper Mustang where our permits are checked by the Authority. The trail takes you up the East Bank of Kali Gandaki River that climbs over many ridges as it heads North. In the dry season, it is possible to trek the entire route up the river along the sand and gravel of the River Belt.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Chele.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 06: Trek to Geling (3,600 m/11,810 ft)-6 Hours

The climb from Chele is up a steep spur to a cairn at 3,130 m. Here, we can enjoy the view of Gyagar Village across a Huge Canyon. A long wall of packed earth encircles Gyagar and its field. The climb continues as long, steep, treeless, water less slog along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to a pass and cairn of rocks at 3,540 m. Here the trail makes a long gradual descent to some Chortens on ridge, then descends further on a pleasant trail to Samar. Then we climb above Samar to a ridge then descend into a large gorge past Chorten painted in red, black, yellow and white. Along the way, the Annapurna Mountain is still visible far to the South. From here, we will descend to Geling with its extensive field of Barley at 3,600 m.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Geling.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 07: Trek to Charang (3,560 m/11,680 ft)-7 Hours

From Geling, our trail climbs gently through fields up the center of the valley, passing below settlement of Tama Gaun and an imposing Chorten. It rejoins the direct trail and then becomes an unrelenting climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La Pass at 3,950 m, the highest point of the trek. Charang is a field of Maze, Willow trees and Houses separated by Stone Walls at the top of the large Charang Cho Canyon. The huge 5 storied white Dzong and Red Gompa are perched on the edge of the Kali Gandaki Gorge on the East end of the Valley.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Charang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 08: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840 m/12,600 ft)-4 Hours

After breakfast, we continue to descend around 100 m , and cross the Charang Chu River and climbs steep up a Rocky Trail to a Cairn on a ridge opposite the village at 3,580 m. Then we enter the Thulung Valley. Now our trail turns North and climbs gently as the valley climbs to a large isolated Chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo. We continue climbing the trail and cross a Steam and arrive at grand wide a desert like landscape painted in every hue of Grey and Yellow. Finally from the ridge at 3,840 m, we see the view of the Walled City of Lo.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Lo Manthang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 09: Day in Lo Manthang

We visit the major Temples inside the walls, are Champa Lakhang (God House) which houses the massive 45 ft. Statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha, The Red Thugchen Gompa with several large images of Sakyamuni, Avolokitesvara and Maitreya, and The Chyodi Gompa of the Sakya Sect which has several Monks in residence and is the site of the Annual Mani Rimdu Festival in many which is referred as 'Tigi' in Lo Manthang. They are all supposed to have been built in 1420. Despite the apparent squalor of Lo Manthang, the city is prosperous and maintains a strong sense of community. Though the people call themselves Lobas- people from Lo, they are very much Tibetan and practice a sophisticated culture and economy. The King's Palace is an imposing 4 Storey building in the center of city. It is the home of the Ex King - Jigme Parbal Bista. The Honorary title "Bista– a high caste title in Nepali" was conferred by the King of Nepal. Though his duties are largely ceremonial, he is respected by the people and consulted about many issues by villagers throughout Lo. Horses are available on hire to visit the neighboring village however everyone is required to mount and dismount outside the City Gates as only King may ride Horse within the City Walls.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Lo Manthang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 10: Day in Lo Manthang

There are lots to do in Lo Manthang besides visiting the Gompas. Consider renting a horse to visit some of the other villages in the area. There are two Valleys above Lo Manthang. A day hike to the North of Lo in Garphu and Nyphu is worthwhile. There are some interesting Caves, Monasteries in Garphu and Nyphu and numerous Caves with dwellings inside them. On the way back, hike up-to the ruins of Ketcher Dzong for wide panoramic views of the valleys to the North and South. Horses are available for hire in Lo Manthang and it is possible to make a circuit to the villages in the East and West Valley, Chonup Chosar in a single day. Starting from Lo, begin towards to the North-West, visiting the village of Tingkhar – the site of the Summer Palace, Kimling and Phuwa as well as the Namgyal Gompa – the Monastery of Victory, is in the West. We also visit Namdol before crossing the pass to Chosar ,East valley, the site of the high school, and then head down to Garphu and Nyapu Gompas. This is the main trading route to Lhasa. It was used over the Centuries by Pilgrims, Apostles, Robbers and Invaders and along the trail lays numerous fort ruins.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Lo Manthang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 11: Trek to Ghemi via Geker- 6 Hours

There is an opportunity to vary return route visiting two villages that you did not see on the trek Northwards. From Lo Manthang, the trail to Charang heads South to reach Lo Gekar, turn East along an indistinct trail that passes the irrigated fields of the City. The trail to Lo Gekar is not a main trading route and the area is criss-crossed with herder’s trails. The trail climbs steadily to a pass marked by cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lo Manthang. The trail contours across the head of the valley and crosses another ridge, then drop into another large desolate valley. After descending to the valley floor, the route heads to the right of the center of the valley to its head. Then we cross the ridge at 4,070 m traverse across the heads of two more valleys to an indistinct pass. Cross the pass to some meadows and a steam. The trail then makes a long rocky descent down ravine to a grassy valley where Lo Gekar is situated in a group of large trees along side a stream. Lo Gekar which means ‘Pure Virtue of Lo’ is also known as Ghar Gompa (House Temple).

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Gekar.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 12: Trek to Samar-6 Hours

From Ghemi, we follow the direct route to the Nyi La Pass, climbing to a cairn on a ridge and then contouring upwards to meet the trail from Charang. Continue to the pass and descend steeply to the Geling Valley. We follow the trail that by passes Geiling to an isolated tea house and descends gently to the three houses of Tama Gaon. A steep set of switchbacks leads to a stream then trail climbs to a huge painted Chorten. Then the trail rejoins the Geling trail near the ridge just below the Chorten and the remainder of the day is on already traveled trails back to Samar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Samar.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 13: Trek back to Kagbeni-6 Hours and drive to Jomsom -30 Minutes

We trek back to the upward trail to the Kali Gandaki and downstream to Kagbeni, From Kagbeni, we can take local Jeep to Jomsom as we need to walk on the road. You may consider treating Trekking Crew members as this is our last day of the trek.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Jomsom.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 14: Fly back to Pokhara-20 Minutes

After early breakfast walk to airport and fly back to Pokhara. In the evening, you can walk around Lakeside Bazaar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Day 15: Fly back to Kathmandu-30 Minutes

After relaxing morning,we drive to Pokhara Airport in the afternoon for 30 minutes flight back to Kathmandu. In the evening, we will host farewell dinner to celebrate your success of Upper Mustang Trek.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will drop you to the airport before 3 Hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with Office Representative.
3 Nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charge.
2 Nights in Pokhara with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charge.
10 Nights/11 Days All Inclusive treks in Upper Mustang Region with breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee each time in meals in local Tea Houses/Lodges.
Pokhara/Jomsom/Pokhara Airfare and Pokhara/Kathmandu Airfare.
Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
English Speaking Trek Guide with a reliable team of porters (2:1 Ratio) and additional Sherpa as per the group size.
Kathmandu full day sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
White water rafting in Trishuli River with picnic lunch.
Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project, ACAP Fees and Trekkers Information Management System, TIMS Fees.
Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
UPPER MUSTANG SPECIAL PERMITS OF USD 500/- PER PERSON.
24/7 hours Assistance.

Cost Excludes:

International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at Airport (USD 50/- for 30 Days).
Meals other than breakfast except mentioned.
Bottle drinking water, hot beverages, charges for hot shower, mobile/camera charges during the trek.
Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Charges in case of emergency.
Other than in our include section.