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Upper Mustang Trek

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13 days
820 m - 3760 m
Moderate
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The Upper Mustang trek takes you on a captivating journey into the hidden Buddhist realm of the Kingdom of Mustang, also known as Lo. This remote region, nestled in the trans-Himalayan mountains bordering Tibet, has a unique Tibetan character, both in its people and culture, and in its striking landscape of towering cliffs and unusual rock formations.

The adventure begins in Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, and leads you through a rugged terrain sheltered from the rain by the mighty Dhaulagiri massif. Ultimately, you'll arrive at Lo-Manthang, the historic capital of the Kingdom of Lo, where ancient kings once held court.

During this trek, you'll have the chance to explore caves, intricate rock paintings, ancient monasteries, and gompas, all of which offer insights into the rich local culture. The journey also rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of prominent peaks like Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri, adding to the excitement of the trek.

Within Lo Manthang, you can deepen your cultural understanding by visiting Namgyal Gompa, Tingkhar (the last significant village in the northwest area), and the regal King's palace.

Moreover, there's an amchi (traditional Tibetan doctor) museum and school where you can discover the ancient healing traditions of the region and how they are adapted to address modern needs.

A short hike from Lo Manthang takes you to Gyakar, home to the renowned Ghar Gompa, a sacred site with a history spanning over 1,200 years. It's dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, who once journeyed through these lands. This gompa is famous for its captivating rock paintings and the belief that wishes made here have the power to come true. So, don't miss the opportunity to make a heartfelt wish at Ghar Gompa and hold onto the hope of returning someday.

It's important to note that this trek reaches relatively high altitudes, ranging from 3,000 meters to 3,800 meters, and the dry air can intensify the effects of altitude. While locals accustomed to this altitude may move swiftly, visitors are encouraged to take it easy to acclimatize and avoid altitude-related issues. On average, expect to walk for 5 to 7 hours each day, with some paths being particularly windy and dusty.

Nevertheless, the memories created during this journey into the restricted expanse of Upper Mustang, partly tracing the ancient salt route, are sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and mind.

Trip Highlights:

  • Start your journey through time as you explore the historical riches of Lo Manthang, including the regal palace of the king.
  • Enjoy the freedom to trek without weather worries, as this region basks in the shelter of a rain shadow, ensuring a rain-free adventure.
  • Immerse yourself in a spiritual odyssey as you walk amidst numerous Gompas, chortens, fluttering prayer flags, and mystical caves.
  • Witness the vibrant influence of Tibetan culture on the daily lives and traditions of the local inhabitants, offering a live glimpse into their unique way of life.
  • Feast your eyes on captivating vistas of the Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other majestic mountain ranges, a treat for every nature enthusiast.
  • Inhale the essence of spirituality embodied by the Tibetan-like locals and monks, their colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, creating a serene atmosphere.
  • Gain deep insights into the everyday existence and culture of the local people, whose lives closely mirror the Tibetan way of living, making for an enriching cultural experience.

Trip Info for Upper MustangTrek:

  • Trek Start:
    • Usually begins in Pokhara.
    • TIMS card and Permits(ACAP and Upper Mustang Restricted permit - 500 $ ).
    • The trail gradually ascends through diverse landscapes.
  • Accommodation:
    • Teahouses/lodges along the route offer basic lodging.
    • Dormitory-style rooms or private rooms available.
    • Basic amenities like beds, blankets, and shared bathrooms.

  • Meals:
    • Teahouses provide meals: Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup), noodles, rice dishes, etc.
    • Limited menu items, especially at higher altitudes.
    • Carrying some energy bars and snacks is recommended.

  • Typical Day:
    • Start early in the morning for better weather and views.
    • Trek for about 6-8 hours a day, with breaks in between.
    • Reach teahouse for the night, rest, and explore.

  • Communication:
    • Limited mobile network coverage, especially at higher altitudes.
    • Some teahouses offer Wi-Fi, but it might be slow and unreliable.

  • Electricity and Water:
    • Charging devices may come at an extra cost in teahouses.
    • Hot showers might be available for an additional fee.
    • Safe drinking water: carry purification methods or buy bottled water.

  • Tipping:
    • Tipping is a common practice to show appreciation for good service.
    • You can tip guides, porters, and teahouse staff if you're satisfied.

  • Trek Season:
    • Best months: September, October

  • Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty :
  1. For Beginners:
    • Upper mustang can be manageable for beginners with good fitness levels and preparation.
    • The trail has a variety of terrains, from gradual ascents to steeper sections.
    • Pace yourself, take breaks, and acclimatize properly to higher altitudes.

  2. For Experienced Trekkers:
    • Experienced trekkers will find the Upper Mustang moderately challenging.
    • Familiarity with multi-day treks and altitude effects is beneficial.
    • Some sections might involve longer and more strenuous walks, especially at higher altitudes.
    • Flexibility and previous trekking experience will be advantageous.

Day 1: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m / 8,915ft) and trek to Kagbeni (2,800m / 9,500ft)

    • Flight Duration: 25 minutes
    • Trek Distance: 11.4km / 7 miles
    • Highest Altitude: 2,800m / 9,500ft
    • Trek Duration: 4 hours

  • Begin your day with an early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom.
  • The morning hours offer the clearest weather, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views, including the towering Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountains. The landscape below is a sight to behold.
  • Upon landing in Jomsom, which serves as the district headquarters of Mustang, your trek officially commences.
  • The trail leads you through an arid valley along the Kali Gandaki River. This part of the journey is marked by its pleasant terrain.
  • As you make your way, you'll eventually reach Kagbeni, a significant stop on your route.
  • Kagbeni boasts historical importance as an ancient trade post, and it is also home to a Buddhist monastery. Notably, Kagbeni is located just south of the restricted area of the Upper Mustang.

Day 2: Trek from Kagbeni (2,800m / 9,500ft) to Chele (3,055m / 10,025ft):

    • Trek distance: 11.2km / 6.9 miles
    • Highest altitude: 3,055m / 10,025ft
    • Trek duration: 5-6 hrs

  • Start your trek early in the morning to avoid the heavy Mustang wind in the afternoon.
  • Follow the eastern bank of the Kali Gandaki River to Chuksang, enjoying fantastic views of Mt. Nilgiri glowing orange in the morning sun.
  • Be prepared with sunglasses and a face mask to protect against the windy and dusty conditions near the river.
  • Along the way, marvel at Mustang's unique red sandstone pillars and rock formations shaped by thousands of years of erosion.
  • Continue to Tangbe Village, a picturesque place with red and whitewashed houses, apple orchards, and barley fields.
  • Follow a relatively narrow canyon as you make your way to Chele, a small town perched along a ridge.
  • The views from Chele are truly other-worldly, offering a unique perspective that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

Day 3: Trek from Chele (3,055m / 10,025ft) to Syangboche (3,930m / 11,400ft):

    • Trek distance: 11.5km / 7.1 miles
    • Highest altitude: 3,930m / 11,400ft
    • Trek duration: 5-6 hrs

  • This day's trek is quite challenging, involving a gain of around 800m in altitude.
  • Starting from Chele, you'll ascend a steep spur and continue up a steep canyon to Eklo Bhatti.
  • The journey takes you to the Taklam La pass (3,625 m/11,940 ft), which offers breathtaking high-altitude views.
  • After crossing the Taklam La pass, you'll reach Samar, where you can enjoy beautiful vistas of Mount Nilgiri.
  • Samar is also a common resting place for horses and mule caravans.
  • Descend from Samar into a large gorge, passing the vibrant Rangchyung Chorten, painted in red, black, yellow, and white.
  • Continue your trek to finally arrive at Syangboche

Day 4: Trek from Syangboche (3,930m / 11,400ft) to Ghami (3,520m / 11,535ft)

    • Trek distance: 9.3km / 5.7 miles
    • Highest altitude: 3,930m / 11,400ft
    • Trek duration: 5-6 hrs
  • Your day begins with an ascent to another pass, the Yamda La (3,845m/12,655 ft) Pass, offering stunning views of a desert landscape and remote settlements.
  • Afterward, the trail climbs up to a spacious valley and then descends to a wide barley field at Gelling. The white and ochre-painted mud and stone houses here resemble the traditional architecture of Mustang.
  • Continuing from Gelling, you'll reach the settlement of Tama Gaun and ascend the Nyi La pass (4,015m/13,205ft).
  • Descending from Nyi La, you'll continue your trek to Ghami.

Day 5: Trek from Ghami (3,520m / 11,535ft) to Tsarang (3,505m / 11,500ft):

    • Trek distance: 11.2km / 6.9 miles
    • Highest altitude: 3,520m / 11,535ft
    • Trek duration: 5-6 hrs

  • Today's trek leads you through the driest part of Mustang, offering a challenging climb but rewarding you with heavenly countryside views.
  • As you make your way, you'll be captivated by the unique beauty of this arid landscape.
  • The day's journey concludes in Tsarang, a town that sprawls out with around 1000 inhabitants.

Day 6: Trek from Tsarang (3,505m / 11,500ft) to Lo Manthang (3,810m / 12,135ft):

    • Trek distance: 11.5km / 7.1 miles
    • Highest altitude: 3,810m / 12,135ft
    • Trek duration: 5 hrs

  • Start your day on flat terrain, and then begin the ascent towards Lo La Pass, another high point on your journey.
  • From Lo La Pass, you'll be treated to delightful views of the valley below, including the destination of your trek, Lo Manthang.
  • Descend from Lo La Pass and enter Lo Manthang from the north, marking your arrival in this ancient and enchanting walled city.

Day 7: Rest and Exploration Day in Lo Manthang:

  • Lo Manthang is a walled city with approximately 150 houses, steeped in history dating back to the 1390s.
  • This ancient city served as the walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo, founded by Ame Pal in 1380.
  • Explore the city's unique features, including its tall whitewashed mud-brick walls, gompas (monasteries), and the royal palace.
  • The royal palace, a nine-cornered, five-story structure built around 1400, is a testament to ancient architectural marvels.
  • Lo Manthang is home to four major temples: Jampa Gompa (Jampa Lhakhang), Thubchen Gompa, Chodey Gompa, and Choprang Gompa.
  • Jampa Gompa, known as God's house, is the oldest among them.
  • Similarly, Choprang Gompa is referred to as the New Gompa.
  • It's worth noting that tourism to Upper Mustang remains limited even today, adding to the mystique of this remarkable region.

Day 8: Trek from Lo Manthang (3,810m / 12,135ft) to Ghami (3,520m / 5,577ft):

    • Trek distance: 16.1km / 10 miles
    • Highest altitude: 3,810m / 12,135ft
    • Trek duration: 6-7 hrs

  • Depart from the captivating Lo Manthang and head south toward Kagbeni, although you'll be taking a different route than the one you arrived on.
  • Pass through Drakmar and make sure to visit the famous Ghar Monastery adorned with beautiful wall paintings.
  • Continue your trek, soaking in the unique scenery and cultural experiences along the way, until you reach the charming village of Ghami.

Day 9: Trek from Ghami (3,520m / 5,577ft) to Samar (3,700m / 12,139ft):

    • Trek distance: 13.2km / 8.2 miles
    • Highest altitude: 3,700m / 12,139ft
    • Trek duration: 6-7 hrs

  • Start a journey through the remote and arid landscape, savoring the enchanting views that surround your path.
  • Begin your ascent to reach Chemi La and Yiy La passes, where you'll be treated to even more breathtaking vistas.
  • Afterward, descend steeply to reach Geling, where the terrain gradually becomes more forgiving as you make your way to Syangboche.
  • But your final destination for the day lies beyond Syangboche, in the picturesque Tibetan-style village of Samar.
  • Samar boasts Tibetan influences, evident in its mani walls, monastery, and terraced fields.

Day 10: Trek from Samar (3,700m / 12,139ft) to Chhusang (2,980m / 9,776ft):

    • Trek distance: 9.9km / 6.1 miles
    • Highest altitude: 2,980m / 9,776ft
    • Trek duration: 5-6 hrs

  • Depart from Samar and follow the well-trodden trekking trail that leads to Chhusang.
  • As you make your way, the trail will guide you towards the Kali Gandaki riverbed.
  • Cross the river via a rock tunnel, a unique and memorable experience, and continue your trek until you reach Chhusang.

Day 11: Trek from Chhusang (2,980m / 9,776ft) to Muktinath (3,760m / 12,335ft):

    • Trek distance: 14.5km / 9 miles
    • Highest altitude: 3,760m / 12,335ft
    • Trek duration: 6-7 hrs

  • Today's journey takes you across Gyu La Pass (4,077m), following a segment of the world-famous Annapurna Circuit but from a different perspective.
  • From Gyu La Pass, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of several majestic Himalayan peaks extending northwards into Tibet, while behind you, the Annapurna range will be in sight.
  • Traverse through several ancient villages, each with its unique charm, before finally arriving at Muktinath.
  • Muktinath is a significant holy site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
  • In Tibetan, Buddhists refer to Muktinath as "Chumig Gyatsa," which translates to "A Hundred Waters."
  • The walled Muktinath temple complex encompasses a Buddhist monastery, numerous Hindu shrines, 108 bathing spouts, and an eternal flame.

Day 12: Trek from Muktinath (3,760m / 12,335ft) to Jomsom (2,720m / 8,915ft):

    • Trek distance: 22km / 13.6 miles
    • Highest altitude: 3,760m / 12,335ft
    • Trek duration: 5 hrs

  • On your last day on the trekking trails, you'll descend to Jharkot and Khingar, where you'll find beautiful monasteries worth exploring.
  • As you continue your descent, you'll gradually lose elevation, eventually joining Jomsom, which lies at the bottom of the Kali Gandaki River Valley.
  • The atmosphere in Jomsom, especially the market area, will be a noticeable contrast to the serene trails and remote villages you've encountered during your trek.

Day 13: Early morning flight or drive from Jomsom to Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft):

    • Flight duration: 25 minutes
    • drive duration: 6 - 7 hrs

  • Say farewell to the enchanting Mustang region as you catch an early morning flight over the picturesque southern Kali Gandaki Valley to Pokhara.
  • Once in Pokhara, you have the option to either take a flight back to Kathmandu or spend a day exploring Pokhara, a renowned tourist hub in Nepal.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Ground or Air transportation from Pokhara to Jomsom (different prices).
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and Tea/ Coffee).
  • Tea House Accommodation during the trek.
  • Professional English speaking, Eco Trained trekking guide his food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, medicine, transportation, etc.
  • Porter (One porter for two trekkers, salary, transportation, insurance, equipment, food, and lodging included.
  • Equipment: Sleeping Bag, Rain Coat & Trekking Poles (Return after the trek).
  • All Legal Document (ACAP)TIMS, Mustang Restricted Area Permit etc.
  • Dry fruits along the trek.
  • Tourist service charge, VAT, TAX, etc.

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

  • Other any transportation except Included in the section.
  • Travel and rescue insurance.
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.).
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Additional costs or delays caused by management out of control like landscape,  bad weather condition, in case of itinerary modification with a view to a safety concern, illness,  change of government policy, political instability raises strike, moment, etc.
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned in including section
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