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Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang Trek takes you to an isolated and remote hidden paradise situated in the Trans-Himalayan region of Nepal. It is also known as ‘The Last Forbidden Kingdom’ because it was restricted until the Nepalese government opened it to foreigners only in 1992. 

Duration
18 Days
Trip Grade
Moderate
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
4230 M
Group Size
2-12
Starts
Jomsom
Ends
Jomsom
Activities
Trekking
Best Time
Mid-April -July, Sept -Nov

The Upper Mustang trek gives the trekkers an unforgettable, unique experience of the closely tied Tibetan culture and tradition, with the warm hospitality of the local people. Stupas, Chhortens, Kaanis, Prayer flags, and centuries-old monasteries are commonly seen along the treeless, barren landscape, offering a panoramic view of the Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho, and several other snow-capped peaks. Because of the loneliness and isolation for a long time, trekkers will have the opportunity to explore the lifestyle and cultural heritage that have remained almost unaffected for centuries.

The Upper Mustang region is an ideal trekking destination in Nepal for anyone who is highly interested in Tibetan Buddhism. There are centuries-old monasteries in every village. One of the most prominent and important monasteries in the Upper Mustang is Ghar Gompa(Lho Ghyekar) of Marang Village. It holds a high place in Tibetan Buddhism because it is an 8th-century monastery older than the Samye Gompa of Tibet, built on the recommendation of Guru Rinpoche. Another place of high interest is the long mani wall of Ghami, which is believed to be the intestine of a demon killed by Guru Rinpoche.  

Our 18-day Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary starts from Jomsom by taking a scenic and short flight from Pokhara. Another option is to walk from Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Tatopani-Jomsom. The best time to trek is between August and October and between April and June. The best thing about this place is that it is equally possible to visit during the monsoon, as it receives little or no rainfall because of its location. The highest altitude in this trek is 4230 meters.

Upper Mustang Trek Detailed Itinerary

Starts Point: Jomsom
Ends Point: Jomsom
1Day

Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M)

Max Altitude: 1350 M
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
Mode of Transportation: Private Vehicle

Arrive at Kathmandu airport. One of the members of our team will take you to the hotel. You can rest for the day, and in the evening, you will meet with the guide in your hotel lobby. He will brief you on further programs

2Day

Preparation for trek and Kathmandu valley tour

Max Altitude: 1350 M
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
Mode of Transportation: Private Vehicle

You will go on a guided sightseeing tour to several UNESCO World Heritage sites. You will visit one of the holiest temples of Hindus, the Pashupatinath temple. Nearby this temple is located the largest in Nepal, the Boudhanath stupa. After visiting these places, you will head to Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, you will meet with your trek guide, who will brief you about the trek. 

3Day

Drive to Pokhara (825 M)

Max Altitude: 825 M
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 200 km
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
Mode of Transportation: Private Vehicle

After having breakfast, you will drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The drive will be scenic and long. Enjoying beautiful views of lush green hills, rivers, waterfalls, terraced fields, and small settlements, you will reach Pokhara, welcoming you with excellent views of Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Annapurna. In the evening, you can stroll in the Lakeside market and also do boating on tranquil Fewa Lake. 

4Day

Fly to Jomsom (2720 M) and trek to Kagbeni (2810 M)

Max Altitude: 2810 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 25 minutes flight and 3 hours trek
Distance: 9.8 km
Accommodation: Lodge
Mode of Transportation: Flight

An early morning scenic flight will take you to one of the most gorgeous places in Nepal, Jomsom. After reaching here, you will begin trekking alongside the lovely valley. You will reach Ekalbatti, and further, the trail from here will take you to Kagbeni. 

Elevation: + 95m/ -50m

5Day

Trek to Muktinath (3760 M)

Max Altitude: 3760 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 9.6 km
Accommodation: Lodge

Leaving Kagbeni behind, you will begin ascending toward one of the holiest sites of Hinduism, the Muktinath Temple. The trail will pass by small villages and present you with a beautiful landscape view. 

Elevation: + 960m/ -45m

6Day

Trek to Chele (3050 M) via Gyu La (4077 M)

Max Altitude: 3050 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 18 km
Accommodation: Lodge

You will visit Muktinath Temple early in the morning. After that, you will have breakfast and continue trekking towards Chele. The trail ascends to the Gyu La Pass (4077 M). From here, you will descend through Tetang, Chhuksang village, and cross a bridge over the Kaligandaki River, then, after a short climb, you will arrive at Chele. 

Elevation: +540m/ -1250m

7Day

Trek to Syanboche (3800 M)

Max Altitude: 3800 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 14 km
Accommodation: Lodge

Today, you will take an alternative route as the old and short route has been damaged by road construction. You will slowly ascend to Ghyakar village by crossing Ghyakar Khola and from there to Samar village via Dajori La pass (3735 M). You will take our lunch here, enjoying the view of the Annapurna massif. From here, you will need to make a short descent and ascend about 3/4 times until Chungsi Cave by crossing the rivulets three times. You will spend some time here, and then continue trekking to Syanboche through a small gorge. 

Elevation: +1185m/ -515m

8Day

Trek to Dhakmar (3520 M)

Max Altitude: 3520 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 6-7 hours
Distance: 17 km
Accommodation: Lodge

After having a warm breakfast, you will begin trekking towards Dhakmar. You will make a gradual ascent on a rugged path to Nyi La pass (4010 M) via Tamagaun, Chhungar, and Jhaite village. From the pass, you can see the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.  And then, you will descend to Ghami village via Ghami La Pass (3765 M), where you will have our lunch. After lunch, you will continue your trek to Dakmar by crossing a wooden bridge over Ghami Khola. While walking, you can see the longest Mani wall of Upper Mustang on a hill opposite to our trail. Then you will arrive at Dhakmar after making a short ascent. Dhakmar is a small, peaceful village situated in front of huge red cliffs. 

Elevation: + 685m / -780m

9Day

Trek to Lo Manthang (3810 M) via Mui La (4170 M), Ghar Gompa (3934 M) and Chogo La (4280 M)

Max Altitude: 3810 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 7-8 hours
Distance: 16 km
Accommodation: Lodge

After breakfast, you leave Dhakmar and ascend Mui La Pass (4170 M) and then descend to Ghar Gompa while passing through the alpine meadows. Ghar Gompa is the oldest monastery in Nepal and Tibet, which was built by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. After having lunch in Ghar Gompa, you will cross a wooden bridge over Tsarang Khola and gradually climb up to Chogo La (4280 M), and finally descend to the walled capital of Lo-Manthang.

Elevation: +825 m / -745 m

10Day

Explore Lo Manthang

Max Altitude: 3810 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: Whole day
Accommodation: Lodge

Today, you will explore Lo Manthang, the capital of Mustang, which contains about 150 houses and has some of the largest and finest Tibetan Buddhist gompas in Nepal. It is a fascinating place with four major ancient Monasteries, which are impressive, and an enormous 14th-century palace, imposing a 4-story building in the center.

11Day

Trek to Yara (3650 M)

Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 16 km
Accommodation: Lodge
Mode of Transportation: 3650 M

From Lo- Manthang, you will ascend towards the Lo La Pass. From here, you will leave the main trail and descend to Dhi village via Dhi La Pass, where you will have our lunch. Then, by crossing a bridge over the Kaligandaki River, you will ascend on a narrow trail until reaching Yara. The trail passes through a beautiful landscape with caves on the hills opposite the trail. 

Elevation: +640m/ -810m

12Day

Excursion to Luri Gompa and back to Yara

Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 9.2 km
Accommodation: Lodge
Mode of Transportation: 3650 M

After having breakfast, you will go on a short excursion to nearby areas. You will trek to Luri Gompa by passing through Ghara village. While exploring this gompa, you will visit Luri Caves as well, which are believed to be linked with Tashi Kabum caves. After spending some time, you will take another route to Yara through the Puyung Khola and Tashi Kabum Gompa.

Elevation: +540 m/ -550 m

13Day

Trek to Tange (3340 M)

Max Altitude: 3340 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 15 km
Accommodation: Lodge

Leaving Yara behind, you will trek on the off-the-beaten path and cross a bridge over Dhechyang Khola. There we can see the new settlement and community apple farm in a big valley above the Dhechyang Khola bank. The settlement was started by the people of Dhey village because of the scarcity of drinking water in their old village. Then you will ascend for the next 2 hours, descend, and then walk on the flatlands for the next  2 hours, finally reaching Tange village. It's a small village located on the bank of a river.

Elevation: +815m/ -1015m

14Day

Trek to Chhusang (2980 M)

Max Altitude: 2980 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 9-10 hours
Distance: 24 km
Accommodation: Lodge

Today you will need to take a packed lunch as there are no settlements until Chhusang. You will start the trek by crossing a bridge near the village and another one a little bit further. From here, you will ascend to Pa Bhanjyang (4200 M), where you will get to see the superb views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Tilicho Peak, Thorong Peak, and the Upper Mustang valley. You will have a packed lunch here. The trail then descends to Chhusang. This is one of the most challenging days of this trek. 

Elevation:  +1205m/ -1560m

15Day

Trek to Jomsom (2720 M)

Max Altitude: 2720 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 6 hours
Distance: 21 km
Accommodation: Lodge

After a quick breakfast, you will begin descending towards Jomsom. The trail will present you with gorgeous views of nature. Passing by small villages, you will descend to Jomsom village for a night's stay. 

Note: Today, we will need to walk mostly through the rugged vehicle road. There is no other option as the trekking trail has been completely covered up by the rugged vehicle road.

Elevation:  +95m/ -340m

16Day

Fly back to Pokhara (825 M)

Max Altitude: 825 M
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 25 minutes
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
Mode of Transportation: Flight

Today, early in the morning, you will fly back to Pokhara. The flight will be short with an outstanding landscape view. Upon reaching Pokhara airport, you will head to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore around. 

17Day

Drive to Kathmandu (1350 M)

Max Altitude: 1350 M
Meals: B,L,&D
Duration: 7 hours
Distance: 200 km
Accommodation: 3 star category hotel
Mode of Transportation: Private Vehicle

After having breakfast, you will drive back to Kathmandu following a scenic route. In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner organized by the company. 

18Day

Final departure

Meals: Breakfast
Mode of Transportation: Private Vehicle

Today, you will fly back to your home. As per your flight departure time, you will be taken to the airport.

Still Confused?
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Cost Details

Includes

  • Professional English-speaking guide.
  • One porter for two people (maximum weight:11 kg per client) and an assistant guide for group sizes above 4 people.
  • 3 nights in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara in a 3-star category hotel on a BB and sharing basis.
  • Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) with tea/coffee during the trek.
  • Lodge/Tea House accommodations on a twin-sharing basis during the trek.
  • Government taxes, service charges, and official expenses.
  • All the necessary permits, including a special permit for the restricted area, and paperwork.
  • Rescue and evacuation arrangements in case of emergency. 
  • All the staff’s salaries, meals, accommodation, and insurance.
  • Kathmandu valley tour with a tour guide in a private vehicle.
  • Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu by private vehicle.
  • Round flight Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara.
  • All airport and hotel transfers.

Excludes

  • Meal while you are in Kathmandu and Pokhara, i.e., Lunch and Dinner.
  • Tips for the guide, assistant guide, porter, driver, etc. (Tipping is expected).
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees.
  • Medical evacuation cost in case of emergency (To be paid by your travel insurance).
  • Your Travel Insurance (Compulsory).
  • Your personal expenses.

Equipment List

Head
  • Capor Hat
  • Beanie
  • Sunglasses
  • Buff
Torso
  • Breathable and quick-drying full sleeve and half t-shirts
  • Waterproof/Windproof Jacket 
  • Down jacket (Around 0 to -5 degrees Celsius, depending on the seasons)
  • Thermal wear (merino wool or synthetic)
  • Fleece
Lower Body
  • Breathable and quick-drying pants and shorts
  • Thermal wear (merino wool or synthetic)
Hands
  • Light and medium gloves
Feet
  • Hiking socks
  • Hiking boots or shoes (Waterproof and ankle protection)
  • A pair of sandals
Others
  • Trekking poles
  • Passport
  • Trekking bag/Day Pack (25-30 liters)
  • Sleeping bag (Around -5 to -15 degrees Celsius, depending on the seasons)
  • Mosquito repellent (For lower altitudes)
  • Sun cream
  • Toiletries
  • Headlamp
  • Spare battery for camera, GoPro, headlamp, etc.
  • Power bank (Electricity is not available in every place and power cuts can be expected in places with electricity)
  • First-Aid Kit and medicines
  • Local SIM card (NTC/Namaste preferred)
  • Water bottle
  • Local currency
Download Equipments
Price Per Person
US$2350
  • No. of travelerPrice per person
  • 2 - 3 paxUS$2500
  • 4 - 5 paxUS$2350
  • 6 - 12 paxUS$2240