People Interested
0
Location
Mustang
Durations
14 Days
Trip Grade
Medium
Max group size
12
Best Time
Aug-Oct, March-May
Upper Mustang Trekking is a classic 14-day trek that takes you through the mystical and breathtaking landscapes of the Mustang region in Nepal. This trek is an adventure into the heart of the Himalayas, which includes crossing the Kali Gandaki River, exploring ancient caves, and observing the daily lives of the people who reside in this remote region.
The trek starts from Jomsom, a small town in the Kali Gandaki River valley, and continues through the barren and rugged terrain of the Mustang region. Along the way, you will visit many historic and religious sites, such as the Chhoser Cave and the Ghar Gumba Monastery, which is one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal. You will also witness the distinctive architecture and culture of the people of Mustang, who are believed to be of Tibetan origin.
The trail passes through numerous small villages and settlements, and the locals here are friendly and welcoming. The landscape is dotted with chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags, which create a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. The trail also offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, which form a dramatic backdrop to the stark beauty of the Mustang region.
The Upper Mustang Trek is an ideal choice for those who want to experience the unique culture and lifestyle of the people of Mustang and wants to have an off-beaten-path trekking experience. The trek is a challenging one, but the rewards are well worth the effort. It is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime and one that you will always treasure.
The ideal season for the Upper Mustang Trek is from March to November, which is also the peak tourist season in Nepal. During this time, the weather is generally dry and sunny, and the temperatures are mild, making it comfortable for trekking. The monsoon season, which runs from June to August, can make the trek difficult, as the trails become muddy and slippery, and there is a high risk of landslides.
In the spring season, which runs from March to May, the weather is generally clear and mild, with blooming flowers and lush vegetation making for a picturesque trek. The autumn season, which runs from September to November, is also a great time to trek, with clear skies and stable weather conditions. During this season, the scenery is breathtaking, as the hills are painted in vivid hues of gold, orange, and red.
The winter season, which runs from December to February, can be harsh, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, making it difficult to trek. However, the winter months offer a unique and tranquil experience, with fewer crowds and clear views of the snow-capped peaks.
In conclusion, the best time to trek to Upper Mustang is during the spring and autumn seasons, from March to May and September to November, respectively. However, with the right gear and preparation, the trek can be done in any season, each offering its own unique experience.
The Upper Mustang Trek is a challenging trek that requires a moderate level of fitness and endurance. The trek involves long hours of walking on rugged terrain, crossing high passes, and acclimatizing to the high altitude, which can be physically demanding. The highest point of the trek is the Lo La Pass, which is at an elevation of 3,950 meters (12,960 feet), and trekking at this altitude can cause shortness of breath, fatigue, and altitude sickness.
The trail passes through narrow canyons and steep gorges, which can be slippery and require careful footing. The trek also involves walking on narrow paths carved into the sides of cliffs and crossing suspension bridges over fast-flowing rivers. While the trek is not technically difficult, it does require a good level of physical fitness and the ability to endure long hours of trekking each day.
To prepare for the Upper Mustang Trek, it is recommended to engage in regular physical exercise, such as hiking or jogging, and to consult a doctor to ensure that you are physically fit for the trek. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and rest are also essential to prevent altitude sickness and ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.
In conclusion, while the Upper Mustang Trek is challenging, it is a highly rewarding experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural and cultural beauty of the Mustang region. With the right preparation and mindset, anyone with a moderate level of fitness can complete this trek.
Overall, the Upper Mustang Trek is an incredible adventure that combines stunning landscapes, fascinating culture, and a sense of adventure. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or nature, this trek offers something for everyone and is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Nepal.
Your entrance visa and international travel costs.
Meals not listed in the "Daily food Inclusions".
Personalized hiking kit.
Traveling insurance.
Drinks, snacks, water as well as other individual needs and expenses.
Airport pick up and drop.
Your hotel room in Kathmandu.
Meals in Pokhara.
Nepal entry visa fee $50 USD visa on arrival.
Your Travel and Medical Insurance.
International Airfare.
Your Personal Expenses.
Cold and hot drinks on trek as well as desserts and sweets like chocolate, cake or pudding (those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the Tea Houses)
Hot shower and battery charging on the tea houses.
Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected)
Day 2 : Pokhara to Jomsom (Flight) and trek to Kagbeni
After breakfast, you will be driven to the airport for your flight to Jomsom, a small town located at an altitude of 2,713 meters (8,900 feet). The flight offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From Jomsom, you will start your trek to Kagbeni, a historic village situated at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong rivers. You will walk through a barren landscape, passing by ancient caves and monasteries along the way. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.
Day 3 : Kagbeni to Chele
Today's trek takes you through the beautiful canyons of the Kali Gandaki river. You will cross Tangbe village, famous for its red and white houses, and reach Chhusang village, where you will have lunch. From there, you will cross a suspension bridge and climb up to Chele, a small village located at an altitude of 3,050 meters (10,006 feet). The trail is steep and challenging but offers stunning views of the Mustang Valley. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Trekking distance: 6 hours.
Day 4 : Chele to Syangbochen
The trek today is quite challenging, as you will cross several passes and climb up to an altitude of 3,475 meters (11,400 feet). You will pass through several traditional villages, such as Samar and Bhena, and reach Syangmoche, a small village with a beautiful landscape. You will have stunning views of the Himalayas from here, including the Nilgiri and Annapurna ranges.
Day 5 : Syangmoche to Ghami
After breakfast, you will continue your trek through the beautiful landscape of the Mustang Valley. You will cross several small streams and climb up to an altitude of 3,500 meters (11,482 feet). You will pass by the Gelling village, which is known for its colorful prayer flags and ancient monasteries, and reach Ghami, a small village with unique architecture.
Day 6 : Ghami to Charang
Today's trek takes you through a barren landscape, with stunning views of the Himalayas in the distance. You will pass by several chortens and mani walls, and reach Charang, a small village located at an altitude of 3,560 meters (11,679 feet). The village is known for its ancient monastery, which is believed to be more than 500 years old. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Trekking distance: 4 hours.
Day 7 : Charang to Lo Manthang
From Charang, we head to Lo Manthang, which is the final destination of our trek. It takes around 5 hours to cover the distance of 14 kilometers. The trail goes through Lo Gekar, where we visit an ancient monastery called Ghar Gompa, which is believed to be the oldest monastery in Nepal. Afterward, the trail passes through a barren landscape and takes us to Lo Manthang. On reaching there, we check in to our teahouse and have lunch. The rest of the day can be spent exploring the town, which has many interesting sites to visit, including the 15th-century Royal Palace, the monastery of Jampa Lhakhang, and Thubchen Gompa.
Day 8 : Day Trip to Chhoser Cave
Today we take a day trip to Chhoser Cave, which is located around 2-3 hours away from Lo Manthang. The cave is a site of religious importance and is believed to have been used as a meditation site by Buddhist monks in the past. The cave is also known for its intricate rock carvings, which are believed to be around 2500 years old. After exploring the cave, we head back to Lo Manthang and spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the town further.
Day 9 : Lo Manthang to Dhakmar
On this day, we start our return journey from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar. The trail is mostly downhill and goes through Ghar Gompa and Lo Gekar. It takes around 7 hours to cover the distance of 21 kilometers. We stop at Ghami for lunch and then continue on to Dhakmar. Dhakmar is a small village situated at an altitude of 3800 meters. The village is known for its red cliffs, which are believed to have formed due to the oxidation of iron in the soil. We spend the night in a teahouse in Dhakmar.
Day 10 : Dhakmar to Ghiling
On this day, we trek from Dhakmar to Ghiling. The trail is mostly downhill and takes around 6 hours to cover the distance of 20 kilometers. We pass through the village of Samar and stop there for lunch. Ghiling is a small village situated at an altitude of 3860 meters. It is a peaceful village with a few teahouses, and we spend the night in one of them.
Day 11 : Ghiling to Chuksang
Today we trek from Ghiling to Chuksang. The trail is mostly downhill and takes around 6 hours to cover the distance of 25 kilometers. We pass through the village of Samar, where we stop for lunch. Chuksang is a small village situated at an altitude of 3050 meters. It is the last village that we come across on our trek to Upper Mustang. We spend the night in a teahouse in Chuksang.
Day 12 : Chuksang to Jomsom
On this day, we trek from Chuksang to Jomsom, which is the end point of our trek. The trail is mostly downhill and takes around 5 hours to cover the distance of 16 kilometers. We pass through the village of Kagbeni, where we stop for lunch. After reaching Jomsom, we check in to our teahouse and relax. We can spend the rest of the day exploring the town or resting.
Day 13 : Jomsom to Pokhara (Flight)
After breakfast, we will take a short 15-minute flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Upon arrival, we will check in to the hotel and spend the day exploring the city of Pokhara. Pokhara is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful lakes, stunning mountain views, and laid-back atmosphere. You can take a relaxing boat ride on Phewa Lake or explore the city on foot, taking in the sights and sounds of this charming town.
Day 14 : Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive)
On the final day of our journey, we will drive back to Kathmandu, which takes approximately 8 hours. You will be able to enjoy stunning views of the countryside and Nepalese villages along the way. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the city, doing some souvenir shopping, or simply relaxing before your farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant, where we will discuss about the trip and after that, we will head back to our hotel and our trip ends
What is the Ideal Season for Upper Mustang Trekking?
The ideal season for the Upper Mustang Trek is from March to November, which is also the peak tourist season in Nepal. During this time, the weather is generally dry and sunny, and the temperatures are mild, making it comfortable for trekking. The monsoon season, which runs from June to August, can make the trek difficult, as the trails become muddy and slippery, and there is a high risk of landslides. In the spring season, which runs from March to May, the weather is generally clear and mild, with blooming flowers and lush vegetation making for a picturesque trek. The autumn season, which runs from September to November, is also a great time to trek, with clear skies and stable weather conditions. During this season, the scenery is breathtaking, as the hills are painted in vivid hues of gold, orange, and red. The winter season, which runs from December to February, can be harsh, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, making it difficult to trek. However, the winter months offer a unique and tranquil experience, with fewer crowds and clear views of the snow-capped peaks. In conclusion, the best time to trek to Upper Mustang is during the spring and autumn seasons, from March to May and September to November, respectively. However, with the right gear and preparation, the trek can be done in any season, each offering its own unique experience.