14 Days of Upper Mustang Trekking
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Trip Overview
Ushering trekkers into the closed away old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, and its illustrious headquarter of Lo Manthang, the Upper Mustang Trekking tour establishes for travelers an integral connection with Tibetan culture, language, and geography. Tucked away from the modern world, Mustang exhibits a keen preservation of Tibetan culture and the rugged nature of the trans-Himalayas at its most pristine. Falling directly in the rain shadow zone of the Dhaulagiri mountain massif, the trekking routes crossing through Upper Mustang are replete with rocky inlays, stark colors, interesting topographical formations, and a barren landscape dotted with little settlements showing ancient Tibetan-Buddhist-style architecture contrasted against soft green barley fields, and festoons of colorful prayer flags flying in the air. BookMountainTours gives you the opportunity to choose among some of the best trek organizers in Nepal who conduct treks to this region and get up close and personal with the landscape, nature, culture and traditions of Upper Mustang.
The Upper Mustang Trek route traces the old salt caravan trail by which the people of the kingdom of Mustang used to trade Tibetan salt in exchange for grains from the lowlands. The path by the cliffs winds upwards to the high pass of Lo La at 3950m, overlooking the antiquated capital of Lo Manthang with its 6m tall wall standing against the stark desert landscape. Inside its walls, the city is a network of narrow mountainous alleyways, hidden chortens, long extended stone walls inlaid with sacred prayer wheels, and herds of animals brought home in the crimson twilight from the green slopes and valleys in the distance.
Highlights of the Upper Mustang Trekking Tour:
This lesser-known, moderate trek takes one through some of the spectacular regions of Nepal and offers a chance to have a peek into the fascinating traditions and cultures of Tibet. Here are some of the highlights of this trek:
- A glimpse into the ancient Tibetan empire of the Buddhist kingdom of Mustang and exploring a geographically isolated remote land where time has stood still.
- Unspoiled nature in the trans-Himalayas, the rugged treeless slopes reflecting the sun in myriad contrasting colors, the peculiar mountain desert climate in the rain shadow zone of the Dhaulagiri massif, and the picture-perfect barren landscape dotted with village settlements.
- Exploring parts of the old salt caravan route passing through Mustang where history lives on in the legacy of the road.
- The royal palace of Manthang, the monastery of Thugchen Gompa built in the 15th century and the old town of Manthang, the monastery and the old cave high upon the rocks in Chhoser.
- Experiencing the journey through the deep gorge of the Kali Gandaki River which is running between the Dhaulagiri and the Nilgiri mountains.
- A visit to Lo Gekar monastery, one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in the world, in Dhakmar.
- Spring trekking in these mountains when the vibrant masked festival of Tiji is celebrated all over Upper Mustang.
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arriving at Kathmandu
- Day 2: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, trekking to Kagbeni
- Day 3: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele
- Day 4: Trek from Chele to Zhaite
- Day 5: Trek from Zhaite to Charang via Dhakmar and Lo Gekar
- Day 6: Trek from Charang to Lo Manthang
- Day 7: Stay in Lo Manthang
- Day 8: Exploring Chosar Valley
- Day 9: Trek from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar via Lo Gekar
- Day 10: Trek from Dhakmar to Geling
- Day 11: Trek from Gelling to Chuksang
- Day 12: Trek from Chuksang to Jomsom
- Day 13: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
- Day 14: Depart from Kathmandu
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off facilities from Kathmandu airport via private vehicle on prior notice.
- Accommodation in hotels and teahouses on the journey.
- Three fresh meals every day during the entire course of the trek.
- Seasonal fruits and local delicacies in the meals.
- Taxes and vehicle permits on the journey, like National Park entrance fees, Trekkers Information Management System cards, and others.
- Professional English speaking trekking guides.
- Porters for two members.
- First Aid Kit containing basic medicine, oximeter, and blood pressure measuring kit.
- Rescue and evacuation in worst case scenarios.
Excluded
- Flying fares, international transportation costs of travelling to and from Kathmandu.
- Nepal visa fees.
- Personal expense like telephone bills, laundry, internet costs, bar bills, etc.
- Food and accommodation charges in Kathmandu in case of early/late arrival and departure.
- No refund upon leaving the trek route voluntarily.
- Tips as token of appreciation.
- Cost incurred by the trekking party in case of natural calamities or situations beyond control.
Good to Know
The most convenient way to access Mustang is by flying from Pokhara to Jomsom from where the hike flags off. The beautiful Kali Gandaki river flows through these terrains, inside the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains, creating the deepest river gorge in the world. Trekkers also get an opportunity of visiting the holy pilgrim site of Muktinath on this route upon reaching Kagbeni. Going northwards from Kagbeni towards Manthang, there are many high passes to cross whose attitudes vary between 3,500 and 4,000 m and the ancient monastery of Le Gekar built by Guru Rinpoche. Haunting fables surround the building of the monastery, it is said that Guru Rinpoche had killed an ominous demon whose spluttering blood had painted the rocks around Dhakmar red.
Till 1992, Upper Mustang was inaccessible for trekking to foreign visitors due to political sensitivity in the region. In these days, the area receives great attention and appreciation in the trekking world. Mustang also has a favorable infrastructure in place for trekking and tourism, with several guesthouses, teahouses, and camping facilities available in the area.
Recommended apparels and equipments you need to carry on the Upper Mustang Trek:
- Waterproof Jackets, Warm fleece jackets, pullovers
- Trekking or hiking boots of good quality
- Long sleeve shirts
- Trekking pants
- Sleeping bags
- Socks
- Shorts
- Sun hats/scarf
- Sunscreen lotions
- Rubber sandals
- Map
- Water bottles (water purification system)
- Sunglasses
- Trekking poles
- Small wash towels
- Toiletries
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arriving at Kathmandu
- Day 2: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, trekking to Kagbeni
- Day 3: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele
- Day 4: Trek from Chele to Zhaite
- Day 5: Trek from Zhaite to Charang via Dhakmar and Lo Gekar
- Day 6: Trek from Charang to Lo Manthang
- Day 7: Stay in Lo Manthang
- Day 8: Exploring Chosar Valley
- Day 9: Trek from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar via Lo Gekar
- Day 10: Trek from Dhakmar to Geling
- Day 11: Trek from Gelling to Chuksang
- Day 12: Trek from Chuksang to Jomsom
- Day 13: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
- Day 14: Depart from Kathmandu
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off facilities from Kathmandu airport via private vehicle on prior notice.
- Accommodation in hotels and teahouses on the journey.
- Three fresh meals every day during the entire course of the trek.
- Seasonal fruits and local delicacies in the meals.
- Taxes and vehicle permits on the journey, like National Park entrance fees, Trekkers Information Management System cards, and others.
- Professional English speaking trekking guides.
- Porters for two members.
- First Aid Kit containing basic medicine, oximeter, and blood pressure measuring kit.
- Rescue and evacuation in worst case scenarios.
Excluded
- Flying fares, international transportation costs of travelling to and from Kathmandu.
- Nepal visa fees.
- Personal expense like telephone bills, laundry, internet costs, bar bills, etc.
- Food and accommodation charges in Kathmandu in case of early/late arrival and departure.
- No refund upon leaving the trek route voluntarily.
- Tips as token of appreciation.
- Cost incurred by the trekking party in case of natural calamities or situations beyond control.
Good to Know
The most convenient way to access Mustang is by flying from Pokhara to Jomsom from where the hike flags off. The beautiful Kali Gandaki river flows through these terrains, inside the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains, creating the deepest river gorge in the world. Trekkers also get an opportunity of visiting the holy pilgrim site of Muktinath on this route upon reaching Kagbeni. Going northwards from Kagbeni towards Manthang, there are many high passes to cross whose attitudes vary between 3,500 and 4,000 m and the ancient monastery of Le Gekar built by Guru Rinpoche. Haunting fables surround the building of the monastery, it is said that Guru Rinpoche had killed an ominous demon whose spluttering blood had painted the rocks around Dhakmar red.
Till 1992, Upper Mustang was inaccessible for trekking to foreign visitors due to political sensitivity in the region. In these days, the area receives great attention and appreciation in the trekking world. Mustang also has a favorable infrastructure in place for trekking and tourism, with several guesthouses, teahouses, and camping facilities available in the area.
Recommended apparels and equipments you need to carry on the Upper Mustang Trek:
- Waterproof Jackets, Warm fleece jackets, pullovers
- Trekking or hiking boots of good quality
- Long sleeve shirts
- Trekking pants
- Sleeping bags
- Socks
- Shorts
- Sun hats/scarf
- Sunscreen lotions
- Rubber sandals
- Map
- Water bottles (water purification system)
- Sunglasses
- Trekking poles
- Small wash towels
- Toiletries