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Upper Mustang Trek - 17 Days

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Location: Mustang

Price: US $2150 P/P

17 Days

Trip Facts

Group Size

minimum 2 Person

Trip Grade

Strenuous

Accommodation

Tea house/ Hotel/ lodge

Max Altitude

3810 m

Meals

All kinds of international and typical Nepali food

Transportation

Flight/bus/Car.

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Lovely Mustang Villages which is rich in the old traditional culture of Buddhism.
  • Trekking and hiking into the former walled kingdom of Upper Mustang at Lo-Manthang.
  • Closest snow-capped view of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri as well as Mustang Himal range.
  • Celebrating Teji Festival and know more about old Buddhism.

Upper Mustang Trek: One of the most fascinating features of Mustang is literally thousands of cliff dwellings. Some of which look completely accessible. Hence the recent theory is that they may date 8-10, 00 BC when Mustang was much greener land. Mustang is the old kingdom of Lo. Actually, the capital of the Mustang district is Jomsom. The real Tibetan-style districts lie in the north of Kagbeni. This is usually calls to as upper Mustang. Mustang has an average elevation of 13000 ft. This is located to the north of the mountain giants of Dhaulagiri as well as Annapurna. This is a vast high valley, arid and dry. Eroded canyons and colorful stratified rock formations are characterized here. It was barren, dessert-like appearance.

History of Mustang Area

After all, upper Mustang Trek most history is now a matter of legend rather than recorded fact. But it seems clear that Lo was once part of Ngari. Ngari is part of Tibet. These are incorporated into the Tibet Empire under the most Tibetan kings Songtsengompo.  It was an important means of crossing the Himalayas from Tibet to Nepal. Many of the old salt caravans passed through Mustang. By 14 centenaries much of Ngari become part of the Malla Empire. Malla's capital was Sinja in western Nepal. Hence, it becomes an independent kingdom in its own right under the rule of Ame Pal. He is the founder king of Lo in 1380.

The present royal family can trace its history 25 generations back to Ame pal and the city of Lomanthan. Then, we will visit the center of power. Until now, we recognize the special nature of this old, tiny, kingdom. The Nepalese have imposed a surcharge for anyone wishing to trek past Kagbeni. In 1992 finally, legal trekking groups allow for the first time. You would be part of a small privileged minority to visit this remote outpost of Nepal. Now Magic Himalaya Treks and expeditions provide you the chance to explore this upper Mustang trek, we provide all necessary Upper Mustang trek permits. So book your trip now in this restricted area. So, find out why restricted area trekking is one of the best things to see in Nepal.

 Upper Mustang Trek difficulty is not very high in comprising of any other trek. The Mustang Trek blog of Magic Himalaya will tell you more about the mustang trek PackageUpper Mustang Trek cost details are also described on the blog. We have Upper Mustang Trek Review available on our website as well as on TripAdvisor.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu [1300 m / 4264 ft]

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Day 03: Kathmandu to Pokhara [823 m/2,700 ft]: 6 hrs drives

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni [2,858 m/9,375 ft]: 3-4 hrs

Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele [3050 m/10,004 ft]: 5-6 hrs

Day 06: Chele to Syanbochen [3475 m/11,398 ft]: 6-7 hrs

Day 07: Syanbochen to Ghaymi [3520 m/11,546 ft]: 5-6 hrs

Day 08: Ghaymi to Charang [3500 m/11,480 ft]: 4-5 hrs

Day 09: Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3700 m/12,136 ft): 5-6 hrs

Day 10: Explore Lo-Mangthang

Day 11: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar [3810 m/12,500 ft]: 6-7 hrs

Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806 m/12,484 ft]: 5-6 hrs

Day 13: Ghiling to Chhuksang [3050 m/10,004 ft]: 5-6 hrs

Day 14: Chhuksang to Jomsom [2700 m/8,856 ft]: 6-7 hrs

Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara

Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Day 17: Fly Home: Farewell Friend

Itinerary

01

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, we will Pick up from the airport transfer to hotels. After having some rest at the hotel we will take you to the office in Thamel and brief you about the upper mustang trek. We will also introduce your guide and other staff. we will have a welcome dinner with a culture show in the evening.

02

Today after breakfast, we start a guided tour to several historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. In the evening we will meet so that we can check the equipment if some things need to add or remove from the list. Today sleep early so that it will be easy for a long travel to Pokhara by drive.

03

Drives early morning at 7 o clock the bus goes from Kathmandu to Pokhara which is 6 hours drives. We can see the beautiful Himalayan range on the way. After reaching Pokhara we will walk around the city area as well as visit Barahi Temple which is in the middle of Phewa lake. you can enjoy boating.

04

After an early breakfast, we will fly to Jomsom. It is like a small city surrounded by hills and mountains. After a short flight to Jomsom, we will start our hike towards Kagbeni. we will walk around 3 to 4 hours to reach Kagbani village. this is the starting point for upper mustang restrict part. Permits are checked on this check post.

05

Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki upstream. Today is mostly a roadway but we will have a short cut where there are good places for scenic pictures. We will pass Tangba and Chhusang villages on the way. After crossing the river we will head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above forming a tunnel through with the Kaligandaki follows. We have to go through a small ridge to reach our destination Chele for the day.

06

Today we will climb Taklam la pass (3624 m) through plateaus and narrow stretches with having views of Tilicho peak, Yakawakang Peak as well as Damodar Danda. A little descend takes you to the village called Samar. Climb the trail that goes to Samar village to the ridge then descending steeply to the stream. After walking for 3 hours we will be in the place called Syanbochean village where we will stay tonight. we will pass by the cave famously known as Ramchung cave.

07

After early breakfast, we will trek to the Yamda la (3850 m) passing a few tea houses, Chortens and local villagers which is like Tibetan style of houses with open Varanda. We cross mountain passes and an avenue of popular trees and fields of barley. The climb to Nyi pass (4010 m) would be a little longer. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghami. This is the third largest village in lo- region. Ghami is surrounded by large fields most of which are barren.

08

Today we will have to cross Ghaymi Khola and that trails starts to climb to the plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall, a sacred stone wall made by the followers Buddhism.from the end of the wall the trails heads east to the village of Charang with a maze of fields, trees, and houses separated by stones walls at the top of the Tsarang Chu canyon. There is also a huge white dzong and red Gompa to get to our tea houses for tonight stops.

09

Today, we trek to lo-Mangthang with magnificent views of Nilgiri, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Charang chu canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. further, the trails ascend gently to the 3850 m windy pass of lo, from where you can see the lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan border and we will stay in Lo-Manthang for next two days.

10

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 Tingkar, the last main village to the northwest of lo-Manthan and stroll back to the 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 attractions of the town. Another attraction is the four-story building of the Raja’s (kings) palace as well as the panoramic view of Himalayas.

11

To walk in a different way is better than walking in the same way so we will take different to come back. We will go to Drakmar via Gyakar which has more than 1200 years old Ghar Gompa with Guru Rinpoche as the primary figure. The Gompa is very famous for its rock painting. According to the legend, it is said that anyone who makes one wishes at the Ghar Gompa, their wishes are fulfilled. We will explore the local area at Drakmar.

12

Today we will get back to Ghiling as our journey for our overnight stay after a long walk takes 5-6 hours. After arrivals, we will have lunch and explore the village.

13

We will have wonderful scenery during today’s journey. We will be able to see many snowed capped mountains along the trail. Explore the villages after reaching the destinations. This is time to relax because you reached lower elevations.

14

Our last day's the walk will be long so we will start early in the morning and trek to Kagbeni. We will finish the upper Mustang trails and join the normal Annapurna circuit trek. After having lunch at Kagbeni we will trek to Jomsom. We will stay in Jomsom for the night and wait to fly Pokhara the next day.

15

After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. there will be 30 min dramatic flight to Pokhara between the gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. The rest of the time explores the lake and overnight at the hotel.

16

Early in the morning drive to Tourist Bus park in Pokhara and the bus will bring you in Kathmandu valley. The drive will be around 7 hours with two stops for lunch as well as breakfast.

17

Today is the last day in Nepal. Our Representatives will drop you to Kathmandu airport for the departure. On the way back home you will have plenty of time to think about your Upper Mustang trek. Here we are looking forward to seeing your next visit and trekking with Magic Himalaya.


What's included?

Here are the things that is include for Upper Mustang trek.

  • Annapurna conservation permits.
  • Upper mustang trekking map.
  • Full board plan (breakfast lunch, dinner) provided during the trekking.
  • Hotel on bed and breakfast plan during Kathmandu stay and Pokhara stays.
  • An experienced license holder guide and required porters. (1 porter for two trekkers and there will be 1 assistant guide for more than six trekkers.)
  • International and domestic pick up/drop.
  • Medical kit box and required medicine for the trek.
  • Rounds tickets to Kathmandu-Pokhara-Jomsom for trekkers, guide and assistant guide.
  • Trekking equipment like a down jacket, duffel bag will be provided.
  • Special permits for upper mustang.
  • All the necessary transportation during sightseeing.
  • Food, drinks, salary, equipment, insurance, transportation, accommodations and local tax for guides and porters.
  • All government tax and vat.
  • Welcome and farewell dinner with us

What's not included?

Here are the things that is exclude on cost for Upper Mustang trekking.

  • Your travel insurance.
  • Your international flights and departure tax.
  • Any expenses of personal nature.
  • Tips for guide and porters.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Any kinds of bar bills (alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.)
  • Rescue operation in case of an emergency.

Departure dates

Group joining dates are not available. Please request for private trip.

Private trips are available on any date of your choice at any time of the year. Let us know about your preferred travel dates and we shall organize it as per your convenience. Get in touch with us via bellow contact us form.

Essential Information

Upper Mustang Trek Permits and Regulation for 2020-2022

Here is some idea and regulations of upper mustang trek permits for 2020-2022. The most important things to know are Upper mustang trekking permits. The permits to enter the upper mustang area are the most expensive permit you are required to get in Nepal. Just getting the Upper Mustang special permit it will cost the US $500 per person. At least two paying trekkers should be there to issue permits from Government. On top of special permits, we need to have the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permits. The permits cost NPR 3000 per person which is around the US $30 per person.

There are also rules from the government that the Trekking guide is compulsorily required for trekking. The Government registered local trekking agency is needed for getting those permits.


Trekking cost for Mustang Nepal

The upper mustang trek is a very expensive trek to do. Many people doing upper Mustang surprised by the cost of the permit. The cost just for permits is 530 including special permits and ACAP permits. The other all cost on foods, Accommodation as well as transportation are comparable to other’s treks such as Everest base camp trek, Annapurna base camp trek, Annapurna circuit trek. Many international based companies sell this trek at least 3 times higher than the actual cost offered by a local trekking company.


Drinking water and Battery Charging on Mustang

We can get Safe Drinking Mineral water in most of the parts of the lower as well as upper mustang trek. In some places in the upper area, we will have to get boiled water which will cost you some small amounts. Safe Drinking water is available in all tea houses and shops along the trail. Many People also use chlorine tablets or water drops to purify water. People also feel like using boiled water then bottles due to the provision of plastics. This will help the environment to sustain for long periods of time.

Most of the area has electricity facilities. In those places where no electricity people use a solar panel for generating electricity. You can charge your electronic device such as a camera, batteries, iPods, iPhone, etc on tea houses. Some of the room has the facility of charging in the room whereas some have in the dining room. In places where solar used may cost you some amount for charging.


Upper Mustang Washing, Toilet Facilities on Guest houses

We can see different kinds of tea houses in the upper mustang trek built by locals on trekking trails. These tea houses are with food, beverage as well as accommodation facilities. The tea house is very basic on some part of the trek. A simple room usually has two narrow beds but with wide hearts and good hospitality services from charming local peoples.

All guest houses offer a hot shower facility which we can get in the bathroom or can be a bucket of hot water. On the higher elevations, the hot water may not be sufficient for everyone. It is better to limit the use of hot water unless it is solar or firewood for ecological reasons. All the lodges and tea houses have a place for doing washing but you must carry your soap. Soap is also available to buy in a guest house or near shops. In some places, the water is freezing cold so you can get hot water. The toilets are very normal like the Asian squat style.

Most of the tea houses have toilets outside of the room whereas some have toilets outside of the building. Toilet paper is not available there so you must carry enough or buy on tea houses or near shops. We are also not allowed to throw papers inside the hole. There will be a bucket to throw dirty toilet papers.


Trekking Mustang on Different Months

December, January, February for Upper Mustang Trek

This time is cold and icy but generally clear skies. There are very few visitors in this winter season. The weather is cold at night but the surrounding is fresh and beautiful. Sometime in January as well as February, it is cold like December. It is hard to predict the weather conditions in the mountains. Many people visit upper mustang trek during these months of January, February as well as December.

March, April, May for Upper Mustang Trek

This is the time of having good weather. This time it is neither too cold neither too hot. It is moderate and is wonderful to trek at this time of year. The skies are clear and we can see many snowed capped mountains as well as landscapes.

June, July, August for Upper Mustang Trek

This month is the monsoon season in Nepal. Even in the monsoon season, it is better to trek in this area. The lower Mustang area is rainy whereas the upper mustang area is dry. The region lies behind the Annapurna Himalaya Ranges. We can seem many mountains from Jomsom as well as the upper part of Mustang.

September, October, November for Upper Mustang Trek

The upper mustang trek best monsoon season is just over with the arrival of those months. There are Haze and rains still possible to happen. Like other parts of Nepal, this mustang trek is also very busy this time.


Upper Mustang Camping Trek

You don’t need to carry yourself all things for lodging and Fooding in tea houses while in upper mustang trek. You can just let us know about your Upper Mustang Camping trek, we will care for everything. The camping will be a good idea for an interesting trip and different experiences. You can remember our Upper Mustang Trek Experts for more details about both camping as well as tea house trek.


Note to Remember While doing Upper Mustang Trek

The road from Pokhara to Jomsom is quite dangerous. The section between Tatopani to Kalapani is so dangerous that we do not recommend choosing these options in Monsoon Season. The drive is not for weak-hearten people. If you have enough time then you can trek through this trail. You can combine this trek with Poon hill trek, Annapurna base camp trek, Annapurna circuit trek, Mohare danda trek.


FAQ

Answer: Magic Himalaya Treks is a government licensed trekking company in Nepal. You can see the proof on the sections of the legal documents just below the company. You can also find us on different government sites. We are also listed in TAAN (Trekking Agencies Associations Of Nepal) and VITOF (Village Tourism Promotion Forum) as a member. If you need any other legal documents then contact us. We are available 24*7 online on different social sites and emails. We accept the following terms and conditions for booking with us.

  • Booking must be done 48 hrs in advance
  • Free Cancellation
  • No Down payment
  • No Deposit
  • Accept Cash payment, Bank Transfer, Western Union Money Transfer, Money Gram or a credit card.

You can book Upper Mustang Trek by contacting Us. For More info, you can check our Terms and conditions page.

Answer: As we all know that Nepal is a country of mighty Himalayas, culture, religion, and greenery but upper mustang trek comes with surprises. We will see the High Alpine Himalayan desert instead of green hills and vegetation. Upper mustang is part of the Annapurna Conservation Area but comes under Restrictions. It is restricted because of Khama Revolution and Ancient Tibetan religion, culture, Arts and Traditions. The Mustang Major differences from Annapurna and Everest are:

  • a) High Land Himalayan deserts
  • b) Very less Vegetation
  • c) Not having a spectacular view of the mountain
  • d) Dry Hills and small oasis villages
  • e) Full of ancient forts, monasteries, caves as well as the mane

Answer: Among the fourteen tallest 8000 meters mountains Nepal is home of 8 tallest mountains in the world including the tallest mountain in the world. In Nepal wherever you go you can see high hills and snow-capped mountains. Nepal also got different trekking routes with cheap and best lodges. People here are friendly, heart welcoming so Nepal is a must-visit destination to everyone. Here we are talking about the mustang. When it comes to mustang the things are little different. In Mustang trek you will encounter with traditional culture, Ancient Buddhism, Human habitat caves, Historical monasteries as well as wall city. It is also the sample of Grand Canyon with snow-capped views.

Answer: Trekking is always a difficult thing if it is on high elevations. Upper mustang trekking is not that high but still on an elevation over 3,000 meters. We also need to do a few days of continuous walking. Walking on the atmosphere where less oxygen is challenging. It is taken as a moderate grade in terms of difficulty. If you are reasonably fit, then the trekking is a bit challenging but not exhausting. Our company has designs the entire trek itinerary on a comfortable distance. Trekkers can walk comfortable distances each day and still have enough power to remain for the next day. Upper mustang trek doesn’t require any special skill other than the ability to walk.

Answer: Most of the time the walking hours depend on the trekker's speed and the way how itinerary designed. Normally trekkers will hike 6-8 hours per day. Maybe someday it is fewer hours and someday more hours required. We will also have excursion day in lo-Manthang. We will also spend the time for lunch as well as rest.

Answer: As we already mention that the mustang trek upper part comes under the Restrict area which makes this trek expensive. The permits for this restricted area are the US $500 per person for 10 days. The flight cost the US $120 each way. Instead of flights, you can use the local bus or jeep to minimize the cost of the trek. While starting from Kathmandu to Pokhara you can take the bus instead of flights while it will also minimize cost. The luxury hotel also maximizes cost so stay normal to minimize cost. If you can carry your luggage yourself instead of taking porter it will also minimize the price.

Answer: While doing Upper Mustang Trek it is not possible to skip the Jomsom airport because we need to walk very close to Jomsom airport. We can skip Jomsom flights. While people scares of flying to Jomsom here are many other alternatives options. These options may make the itinerary longer but reduce the budget of the trek.

We can skip the flights by taking Bus or jeep to Jomsom from Pokhara or Kathmandu. The Public bus costs the US $10 to Us $15 while sharing jeep it will cost the US $30 to the US $40 per person. If you take the tourist 4 WD Jeep each way then it will cost the US $300.

Answer: The upper mustang is a high Alpine desert in Himalaya. The regions lie in the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas Range. It has very few rains even in Monsoon season. Many people do this trek in monsoon and we also recommend doing this trek at Monsoon so the answers for the questions are always YES.

Answer: The major attractions of the Upper Mustang trek are Ancient Tibetan Buddhism and its related tradition, culture as well as lifestyle. There is also a monastery in every town with this ancient Buddhism. These are the things that attract people to explore this area. The second thing to attract people is the High Alpine Himalayan deserts and Himalayan views. The other things are Nilgiri Himalayan along with Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. People also attracted by small airstrips of Jomsom, historical caves and forts as well as 700 years old ancient Buddhist arts and painting. Many people also attracted by Tibetan lifestyles and few people adopted this religion started to live like these Buddhist people.

Answer: The trek route to mustang can find basic tea houses in every town which provides the basic accommodations as well as food. The food is one the menu with varieties of items but the items may be similar in most of the places. The taste may differ from one guesthouse to another. The food is truly organic and fresh. The common food on the trek is Dalbhat, Noodles, Pizza, Macaroni, MO Mo. Pancake, Toast, Bread, porridge are common food on breakfast. The accommodations are very basic with two beds in the room. The toilets are outside of the room but now many lodges on the lower Mustang area started making an attached bathroom.

Answer: Guide definitively need to go upper mustang trek. If you are strong enough and can carry luggage then you can skip porter but the guide is compulsory for getting entrance to the area. We also need to get permits from government registered company like Magic Himalaya Treks. We need at least 2 trekkers for issuing permits. The guide is so beneficial to have for knowing the area more details and not to get lost while hiking.

Upper Mustang trek map is not much important because of the Compulsory expert's guide.

Reviews

5.0 - Excellent Based on 2 Reviews

Best trip of my life with great company

Ilze Maurina
Latvia

Best trip of my life with great company

Best trip of my life with great company. Everything had been thought of and even in the background of the problems. we felt good because everything was dealt with and resolved promptly. Read More ...

2021

upper mustang trek

Mark
Australia

Experience the Magic of the Himalaya and Nepal

Namaste. These guys know Nepal and how to safely share the magic of the Himalaya with their clients. I’ve used the services of Shanta, Nabin and Kishab since 2008 and am confident to recommended Magic Himalaya to friends and other trekkers. We’ve become brothers during our treks to Mustang, ABC, Manaslu, Gokyo-Ri, Langtang-Gosaikunda Pass & Helambu. They also helped with arrangements for a late winter Trekking Peak expedition to Tharpu Chuli. Before you arrive their Himalayan trekking insight around routes, gear and itinerary is professional and from the time you touch-down in KTM their service is personable, schedule filled with Read More ...

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