Upper Mustang Trek 14 Days - Itinerary

18 days

Duration

Moderate

Trip Level

Group Size

3800 m

Max-altitude

The Upper Mustang is unlike any other region in Nepal. Despite its proximity to one of the country’s most popular hiking regions, it is a world apart due to its spectacular semi-arid landscape and distinct Tibetan culture. A trek here is unlike any other in Nepal, with a focus on cultural exploration as well as breathtaking scenery. It enables us to learn about a distinct way of life the locals. For example, Polygamy is still unrestricted in this region. The Upper Mustang Trek is positioned within the northern place of the Kali Gandaki Valley. The adventure of the forbidden kingdom is located in the rain-shadow region.

Trekking to Upper Mustang is probably the most famous trekking among all outdoor treks in Nepal. It could be the ultimate remains of a beautiful Tibetan culture. Mustang region has been forbidden to foreigners since 1992, which reflects a fortune search since you went to the puzzling sports and outfitted.

On the other hand, Upper Mustang Trek is a good choice for adventurous trekkers looking for even more valuable insights. It is also known as pristine trekking because it is still forbidden to foreigners. It is one of the most mysterious and unrecognized kingdoms, with a long history of relatively unaffected existence. The Upper Mustang Trekking – a complete guide helps you figure out a trek to Upper Mustang with an intense remoteness experience in the mysterious Upper Mustang.

A mustang trek is a moderate trek with some difficulties in some places. Likewise, it is a tremendous opportunity to closely explore lifestyles, which conveys a feeling to untouchables. It might be the last unspoiled enclave of Tibetan culture. Trek to Upper Mustang begins from Kathmandu once you arrive and completes within 14 days.

Upper Mustang Trek: Highlights

A visit to hidden last forbidden kingdom of Mustang

Visit walled city of Lo-mangthang and Monasteries

Spectacular scenery, really admirable but a lifetime experience

Visit Ghar Gumpa and featured caves surround

Upper Mustang Trek at Glance

Min. Duration	14 days
Max. Altitude	3800 meters
Trek Difficulty	Moderate
Trek Style	Tea-houses/Lodges
Trek Starts/Ends	Jomsom

Upper Mustang Trek Map

Outline Itinerary

Days	Destination	Altitude in Meters	Trek Distance
1.	Drive to Pokhara	920	6h30
2.	Fly to Jomsom then trek to Kagbeni	2850	3h00
3.	Trek to Chele	3050	6h30
4.	Trek to Geling	3806	6h30
5.	Trek to Tsarang	3500	5h00
6.	Trek to Lo-mangthang	3800	4h00
7.	Acclimatization day!
8.	Explore around Lo-mangthang
9.	Trek to Ghami	3520	6h20
10.	Trek to Samar	3150	6h00
11.	Trek to Kagbeni	2800	6h15
12.	Trek to Jomsom	2650	3h00
13.	Fly to Pokhara
14.	Drive to Kathmandu

Best Time To Visit Mustang

The Upper Mustang region is lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. The best time for the Upper Mustang trek is Spring (March-May), Summer (June – August), and Autumn (September – November). As far as the weather, this trek is in the rain shadow; you can do it almost all year round.

Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty

Like all treks in the Nepal Himalayas, there are ups and downs to challenge you. High passes to cross and steep descents to negotiate. There are then the breathtaking mountains that reward you for being in the magnificent Kingdom of Lo.

It’s considered a challenging trek because of the altitude and dry atmosphere. When you see local people whizzing at speed behind you, you’re trying hard to breathe and ask, “why”?

Remember that the Upper Mustang’s people are the Tibetan Buddhist origin, and were born with less oxygen and dry air, like the Sherpas, who live in Khumbu (Everest) region.

Like all treks in Nepal, we suggest that you have a proper fitness level and have some spare time before you come! Function on both cardiovascular as well as leg muscles! Don’t forget that when buying travel insurance, you mention high-altitude trekking.

Upper Mustang Trekking Permit Cost

All those documenting costs are usually inclusive of your upper mustang trek cost. Restricted Area permits fees: $500 for ten (10) days per individual. $50 for a day if the trek is more than ten days (in the Upper Mustang area).

ACAP permit: $28 for each person.

Please note that Upper Mustang Trekking is no allow for solo travelers. You must travel with an authorized trekking company with at least two trekkers.

Variant itineraries

There are several routes or itineraries in Upper Mustang. On extended days beyond the central region, the vast majority of outdoor companies displayed the diluted program. Indeed, there are three notable routes or itineraries in Upper Mustang, which can combine in places.

The extended version of the trek leads along the eastern and western routes next to the Kali Gandaki valley and involves a long day of walking.

Meals and Accommodation

Teahouses are available throughout the Upper Mustang Trek, like other treks in Nepal. The teahouses are simple homes, and offer basic meals in a shared dining hall, along with bedrooms, typically with two single beds.

Customization is normal

Would you like to do something differently? Perhaps take a little more time, or go more quickly? Or do you avoid technical areas or merge them with other trails? Every Nepal trek is unique, and the price also varies, but please get in touch if you have any questions or want to customize your own trek.

Day 1: Arrival day (1,300 m)

Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will greet and welcome by our agency’s representative in front of Arrival gate with Display board of Himalayan Exploration Treks then transfer to your Hotel.

Day 2: Free day and trek preparation.

During the leisure day, you may have a chance to visit the heritage sites. You meet the trek guide and other team members during the pre-trip departure meeting. They will brief you about the team formation, equipment, and nature of peak climbing and other necessary information

Day 3: Kathmandu – Pokhara (920 m) 6h00 drive.

This is a picturesque drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu traversing through several beautiful villages, forests, rivers, and as well as mountain scenery. Finally, get to Pokhara in the afternoon.

Day 4: Pokhara – Jomsom – Kagbeni (2870 m) 20 min. by plane 3h00 walk.

Early morning, get to prepare for the flight to Jomsom by the plane wonderful Himalayan scenery of giant Himalayas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. You will meet other staff there and arrange all the backpack then trek to Kagbeni.

Day 5: Kagbeni – Chele (3050 m) 6h00 walk.

The trail goes through the east bank of Kali Gandaki River after checking all formality in Kagbeni. There are several climbs over many ridges. We have wonderful mountain scenery and walk along the sandy and windy trails. Many ups and downs lead you through the small villages with narrow way among the white-painted houses; cultivated land and once crossing over the Kali Gandaki River that head to Small ridges get Chele.

Day 6: Chele – Gelling (3806 m) 6h00 walk.

The trail goes gradually ascend through barren land, picturesque mountain scenery to a pass then making long descend passing by some chhortens, on the ridge. Then further pretty descend to Samar village where you can see the stunning scenery of Annapurna and Nilgiri. The trail goes into a gorge and crosses a stream that takes another valley. Then ascends to a hill (3,800 m), taking on ridges and pretty descends to Gelling.

Day 7: Gelling – Charang (3,500 m) 6h00 walk

Start the trek after the breakfast, the trail leads a pretty interesting pass Nyi – La and longer descends beneath colorful cliffs through the valley and across a stream then head on another pass at 3,600 m and long downhill to Tsarang.

Day 8: Charang – Lomangthang (3,700 m) 5h00 walk.

As usual as other days, the trail goes little descend and cross a bridge ascends steeply with a rocky trail to get a ridge and further continue climbs to reach region of Lo, King Ame Pal established a kingdom in the 1380s, with wall city of Lomanthang as the capital and the people of this area called Lobas. Finally, a short descend and cross a stream then climb up to enter the plateau of Lomanthang.

Day 9: Exploration Day: Lo – Mangthang

There are several places to explore. Visit monasteries with its features The Namgyal Gompa located on the top of the hill. A local court considers it and continue a visit to Tinkhar, the last village of upper Mustang.

Day 10: Exploration day at Lo – mang thang.

You may have a chance to visit Tall Champa Lakhang “Place of God” the red Thuchen Gumpa, Chyodi Gumpa, and the Entrance hall. These are a major visitable spot in this city. The royal palace is another attraction in the town.

Day 11: Lo – Mangthang – Ghami (3,520 m) 6h00 walk.

The climax of the trek has been finished descend back through some villages ancient monasteries and offering the last glimpse of Lomangthang and walk down to Ghami.

Day 12: Ghami – Samar (3,150 m) 6h00 walk

This is the same route we take while heading to Lomangthang bypassing Nyi-La and descend to Samar with beautiful scenery of Annapurna range.

Day 13: Samar – Kagbeni (2870 m)

Trek to Kagbeni is easy to walk passing through a narrow path among white painted houses, cultivated fields and beautiful scenery of Annapurna and Nilgiri are in front. Finally, get to Kagbeni. There is an opportunity to visit a monastery which beliefs to build in the 15th century.

Day 14: Kagbeni – Jomsom (2800 m) 3h00 walk.

Today is last day trek to Jomsom also easy walk along the bank of Kali Gandaki River. Jomsom is a busy place due to an administrative quarter of Mustang district. There is an opportunity to explore ancient Thakli tradition, culture flora and fauna in the Eco-cultural museum in Jomsom.

Day 15: Jomsom – Pokhara

Early morning get to prepare all the baggage flight to Pokhara by plane. The wonderful Himalayan scenery of giant Himalayas Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif can see from the plane.

Day 16: Pokhara – Kathmandu

You will transfer to the airport to fly Kathmandu by plane with magnificent views of mountains. Arriving in Kathmandu, you will be free all day.

Day 17: Free day in Kathmandu

You will free all the day and may have a chance to visit once in the heritage site. Or this day can be occupied as security day in case of flight interruption due to weather.

Day 18: Final departure

You will be transfer to airport 3 hours before your scheduled flight to your home country

DEPARTURE/RETURN

Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu

DEPARTURE TIME

Please report at least 2 hours before the flight.

INCLUDED

All domestic flight, Hotel/Airport transfer

Accommodations in Kathmandu with breakfast

All accommodations in tents and all meals during the treks

All necessary documentation and permits

All ground transportation (as per mention in itinerary)

Professional guide and porters

A First Aid Kits

Applicable Government Taxes

NOT INCLUDED

International Airfare

Nepal Visa fee (advice to take accurate amount)

Meals in Kathmandu (except breakfast)

Personal Expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters

Travel Insurance

Tips for Guide and Porter

Aӏӏ tours and itineraries are based on airlines/hotel/tour policies, schedules and operational conditions at the time of quoting. Availability of prices on the website is limited and at the time of purchase prices may be higher. Aӏӏ prices are subject to change without prior notice due to currency fluctuation, fuel prices, and unforeseen economic circumstances. Aӏӏ prices published on our websites are set as low as possible. But we guarantee our prices which have already signed up for your tour. Please consult us for customized prices.

Is the water at Upper Mustang Trek safe to drink?

No, you are not allowed to drink water from the direct tap or streams on the Upper Mustang. But you can also use a purifier or SteriPen. It is expensive to buy water (maybe ten times the cost of purchasing water in Kathmandu).

Am I going to be sick on my trek at altitude?

Be conscious. This trek will be over 3500 m in elevation. The possibilities of having an altitude illness usually begin at this altitude. But to prevent this, we have planned the itinerary to give you time to acclimatize as much as possible.

How can I conquer the altitude sickness?

There’s nobody who’s going to suffer from altitude sickness. The younger and fitter people do not experience high altitude illnesses when they feel older and less fit. It’s not related to fitness or age. Speak to your private practitioner. Prescription medicines are available to help avoid the symptoms of altitude sickness. But go gently and listen to the body and be mindful of any changes and listen to your guide if he thinks that you have symptoms (which might not be apparent).

What happens if an emergency evacuation is required while I am trekking?

We will be able to collect your travel insurance policies and details before your trip. In case of emergency, we will be able to coordinate with your insurance company and helicopters company for emergency evacuation.

What about simple medication during the trek?

There is no doubt only be a First aid. We take a first-aid kit on every trip. We always advise you to make your own. Here’s a checklist of items you can bring, recommended. Vaccinations are not compulsory in Nepal; however, we suggest that you keep this checklist if necessary.

Upper Mustang Trek