Upper Mustang Trek

Detail Itinerary

• Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

  Our representative will come to the airport to welcome you. After warmly welcoming you at the airport, transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay.

• Day 02: Drive by Deluxe Tourist bus to Pokhara

  It’s about 7 hour drive to Pokhara and sometimes may take longer due to roadblocks. The road goes all the way along rivers Trishuli and Marshyangdi. You will have a beautiful view of the Himalayas during the road journey. Overnight in Pokhara.

• Day 03: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni, 2800m (4 hours)

  This scenic adventurous flight takes about 20-25 minutes passing through the world’s deepest George presenting spectacular mountain views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Series of Nilgiri, Annapurna Ranges, and Fishtail with several famous peaks within the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri area from its both sides. Jomsom is the beginning of the trek. Walking from Jomsom to Kagbeni will take about 3 to 4 hours. Kagbeni is also the checkpoint for entrance to restricted Upper Mustang Trekking. We can enjoy the majestic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche peak while walking the trail in the opposite direction. Overnight in Kagbeni.

• Day 04: Trekking from Kagbeni to Chaile, 3100m (6-7 hours)

  After checking the restricted area trekking permit in Kagbeni, we start trekking early as the Mustang area is a heavy wind that gets up later in the day, blowing dust and sand around. In the route, we can see Nilgiri glowing orange in the first rays of the sun. We take the western route, following the east bank of the river until we reach the end of a broad valley Chuksang, where we cross the Kali Gandaki. After Kagbeni, the trail climbs up, giving us a good view of the village, the valley, and the Himalayas. The scenery is remarkable and very characteristic of the Mustang with red sandstone pillars and rock formations with fantastic forms and colors, formed by thousands of years of erosion. The first main village we reach, Tangbe, has red and whitewashed houses and on the other side of the river from here are caves, perched high on a vertical wall, which were believed as habitations in previous times. Chile appears as a small white dot at the end of the canyon. The trail towards here descends gradually to the riverbed – this area is well-known for its fossils. The wide valley ends abruptly at a vertical cliff and a bridge crosses the Kali Gandaki, which flows through a natural tunnel in the cliff. The valley narrows further north and a steep trail leads us up to Chaile. Overnight in Chaile.

• Day 05: Trekking from Chaile to Ghiling, 3570m (5-6 hours)

  The morning starts with a steep climb as we follow the trail westwards and when we see Ghyakar on the opposite side of a deep canyon the trail turns right, following the gorge. After about one hour we are on a pass offering a good view towards Samar. After Samar we cross a side valley, descending to its base and crossing over a creek before we trek up again on the other side. About two hours from Samar is a red-painted cave monastery, which looks as if it has been stuck onto the vertical wall is Rangchyung chorten, one of the most sacred places in Mustang. The name means ‘the chorten that formed itself’ because inside are two large stalagmites in a chorten-like formation. Two famous Buddhist teachers, Padmasambhava and Atisha stayed in this cave centuries ago.

  The trail goes through a forest of small trees and green bushes which can survive in the narrow gorge because the high vertical walls keep them cool and sufficiently moist. Soon the valley broadens out and we can see walls built in front of caves which are temporary homes for the herders whose animals graze here. Sometimes it is possible to see the rare blue mountain sheep in this area. The walk to Ghiling can seem never-ending but it is fairly easy. Arrive at Ghiling for an overnight stay.

• Day 06: Trekking from Ghiling to Drakmar, 3820m (5 to 6 hours)

  Rising above the village are barren, brown hills and we can see the Nyi La pass straight ahead. The path descends gradually towards the Ghami La pass and on the way, we see a rundown, deserted village downstream. By now the landscape is even more rugged – a deep riverbed has staked its way down from the red cliffs and immediately ahead are hills that have the outline and color of enormous sand dunes. Another broad valley comes in from the left-hand side and in its center is Ghami, Mustang’s third-largest town, which is high above the river and surrounded by fields. Another nice village Dhakmar is a little further from where you stay tonight.

• Day 07: Drakmar to Charang, 3560m (3 to 4 hours)

  This short trek to Tsarang takes us into the ‘Land of Chortens”. This trail marks the history and legend of the Indian saint Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism who created a fusion of Buddhism with the original Shamanistic religion of Tibet called Bon – whose influence upon Indian Buddhism makes Tibetan Buddhism so fascinating. Overnight in Charang.

• Day 08: Charang to Lo-Manthang, 3840m (4 to 5 hours)

  The trekking starts with a short descent passing the Charangchu River with a steep uphill on the side and crossing via the Tholung valley. The path diverts with a normal climb as the valley goes up to a large Chorten which marks the boundary of Tsarang and Lo. And we climb landscapes at an elevation of 3,840 meters from the clear Lo Manthang villages to be seen. Overnight in Lo-Manthang.

• Day 09: Lo Manthang exploration

  Today we will be exploring around Lo-Manthang which includes the Nyphu and Gharphu Monasteries and local courts. You can even visit the red toughen and Chiodi Gompa. Four-storey building of the King’s palace including the majestic views of the Himalayas is another attraction of this place. Overnight stay.

• Day 10: Lo Manthang to Ghami, 3440m (6 to 7 hours)

  We start trekking back from today and mostly downhill. However short climbs need to be faced. Firstly, we climb the top where enjoy the last view can be seen of Lo-Manthang village, then we descend downhill slopes most of the path to Ghami town. Overnight in Ghami.

• Day 11: Ghami to Samar, 3620m (4 to 5 hours)

  The path goes straight to Nyi La, with a climb to the side and then contouring upwards and encounters the road from Tsarang. From the top, the steep descent waits for Gelling town. After passing the stream, once again the trail climbs up towards the large painted Chorten. Overnight in Samar.

• Day 12: Samar to Kagbeni

  There is another way to Muktinath but usually, trekkers are not happy with this route. So here we go downhill to Kagbeni which takes about 3 hours. This day will be like your rest days. As Kagbeni is an old and big village you will be happy to be here once again. Overnight in Kagbeni.

• Day 13: Kagbeni to Muktinath, 3760m (4 to 5 hours)

  Today we are ascending to Muktinath. You will encounter many trekkers who are coming from another region by crossing Thorong La Pass. Muktinath is a holy temple, so this place is pretty friendly even for Nepali pilgrims. It is believed that once they take a bath from 108 holy taps and then god will make them free from negativity if they have done it unknowingly. Overnight in Muktinath.

• Day 14: Muktinath to Jomsom (5 hours)

  Today it's an easy walking day, but we can still have a problem in the afternoon as it is too windy through the Kaligandaki Valley. So we started walking on time. After walking for 3 hours, we will reach Kagbeni, a very old village, it's a gateway to Upper Mustang. We will have a look at a very old monastery at Kagbeni before taking lunch. Now we head on to Jomsom through the Kaligandaki River. Overnight in Jomsom.Today it's an easy walking day, but we can still have a problem in the afternoon as it is too windy through the Kaligandaki Valley. So we started walking on time. After walking for 3 hours, we will reach Kagbeni, a very old village, it's a gateway to Upper Mustang. We will have a look at a very old monastery at Kagbeni before taking lunch. Now we head on to Jomsom through the Kaligandaki River. Overnight in Jomsom.
  
  

• Day 15: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

  We will take a scenic flight to Pokhara. If we will fly on time today then we will have to look around Pokhara City, especially Lake Side around Phewa Lake. We will visit Tal Barahi Temple and an hour boating in Phewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara.

• Day 16: Take a super deluxe tourist bus to Kathmandu (7 hours)

  Enjoy a scenic ride and drive back to Kathmandu. Spend the rest of the time relaxing or exploring nearby places. Overnight in Kathmandu.

• Travel Info

  Accommodation

  Accommodations in the Upper Mustang Treks are mostly teahouses/guesthouses. The teahouses are comfortable with basic facilities. The extra charge must be paid for the use of facilities like hot water buckets, and laundry in the guesthouses. Electricity is from solar power. So, mostly in Upper Mustang, it is for a certain time and one can ask for the availability of electricity for charging electronics. Rooms with attached bathrooms charges are slightly higher than shared rooms.

  Meals

  Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are provided during the trekking from the guesthouses. The meals are basic and suitable for the health of the trekkers. The main dish is Nepali Dal Bhat which provides enough energy throughout the trek. The variety of meals is hard to find but meals are healthy and energy-giving as the home-grown fresh vegetables are served.

  Drinking water

  Drinking water is easily available at the teahouses. You can buy a mineral water bottle but you should do proper disposal of plastic bottles. You can also fill boiled water at teahouses paying extra charges. Always carry a water bottle and water purification medicine to prevent unwanted health issues.

  Communication

  The internet connectivity and phone network are very poor in the Upper Mustang. But, in the lower regions, they are stable. By paying extra charges at teahouses, satellite connections are there but may or may not work. Using a local sim card, an internet facility can also be used in the lower regions.

  Starting and Ending points 

  The starting point of the Upper Mustang Trek is from Jomsom and ends in Jomsom. Take a flight to Pokhara and return to Kathmandu.

  Required Permits

  Restricted Area Permit (RAP) Fee

  USD 500/person (10 days) + an extra USD 50 per person per day (beyond 10 days)

  Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  Foreigners- NPR 3000/person
  SAARC- NPR 1000/person

  Travel Insurance

  Travel Insurance is very helpful and a safety net for travelers/trekkers. Travel Insurance must cover all medical emergencies, flight cancelations, emergency evacuations, loss of luggage, and altitudes over 3000 m.

  Safety and our guides

  We assure you 100% when it comes to safety. Our client’s safety is our main concern. Our guides are certified and well-trained with years of expertise in this field. They are technically competent and have excelled in safety performance. They always carry essential safety equipment, gear, and first-aid kits. For the safety of our trekkers, the itinerary is properly scheduled and acclimatization rest days are properly set up to adjust to the high altitude and prevent altitude sickness. If any queries concerning safety, feel free to share them with our guides. We are always there for your services.

  Best time for Upper Mustang Trek

  Spring and Autumn seasons are the best time for Upper Mustang Trek. The weather is clear and sunny during these seasons. The trail is also comfortable to walk. Rainy and Winter season treks are the least preferable and only for experienced trekkers. It is difficult to get accommodation facilities during these seasons and the weather is also unpredictable. We recommend you plan carefully if you want to trek during the off-season.

  Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty

  Upper Mustang Trek’s difficulty is moderately difficult. The trek includes a trail having many steep ascends, descends, rough trails, and icy and slippery during winter and rainy seasons. The trekker with average physical fitness and good health condition can complete the trek. Proper preparation and guidance before starting the trek are fruitful. So, we recommend you participate in exercises, day hikes, and physical training months before starting the trek. Also, take necessary health tests before trekking to high altitudes. You can completely trust our assistance and guidelines throughout the trekking journey.

  Acclimatization and Altitude Sickness

  Acclimatization rest is necessary during trekking. Lo-Manthang (3,840m) is our acclimatization rest day. It helps prevent altitude sickness and adapt to the environment. 

  Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

  Primary: Headache, nausea, gasping, appetite & sleep loss, dizziness, fatigue, vomiting

  Extreme: primary symptoms and hallucinations & unconsciousness

  Preventive Guidelines

  • Immediately inform the guide
  • Warm-up, and body stretch before the trekking journey
  • Drink water and Hydrate yourself at regular intervals
  • Frequent urination throughout the journey
  • Ascend slowly and gradually
  • Take plenty of rest and sleep
  • Avoid salty foods, alcohol, and smoking
  • Descend immediately when it’s difficult/uneasy
  • Take medicine consulting a guide