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Upper Mustang Trek

Trip Overview

Trek in the Mustang region offers much more to observe. Trek in Upper Mustang is a rare privilege and you can experience the lifestyle of true mountain people. The untouched natural beauty, lying at a rain shadow of Dhaulagiri massif offers panoramic views of Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, etc. The ultimate destination of Upper Mustang Trek is Lo Manthang; a forbidden Buddhist kingdom at an elevation of 3810m. The gates of Lo Manthang are opened for travelers just 15 years back but still, you need to acquire permits from the Department of Immigration and must accompany government-appointed officials. The landscape of the Upper Mustang is drier with strong and gusty winds. So before trekking in Upper Mustang, you must be physically fit to overcome any kind of challenge.

Upper Mustang Trek starts from sightseeing in Kathmandu followed by four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and driving along the countryside observing the terraced farmlands and dispersed local settlement, head towards the beautiful lake city Pokhara. Enjoy early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and trek starts from Jomsom. Passing the villages of Kagbeni, Chele, Geling, Tsarang, leads you to Lo Manthang where you will observe the oldest Buddhist Kingdom and the house of the king of Lo Manthang. Returning back via villages of Dhakmar, Syangbochen, Chhusang leads to Muktinath; a holy place of both Hindus and Buddhists. Observe the mesmerizing view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. Then again descending downwards to Jomsom and fly back to Pokhara. The Upper Mustang Trek ends after we reach Kathmandu.

The best season for Upper Mustang trek is during monsoon month as it lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri range. Upper Mustang Trek let you experience the lifestyle, culture, and tradition of local people, diversified landscape, drier trekking routes, and ancient trading route. You will be overwhelmed by the landscape, picturesque monasteries and caves and traditions and lifestyle of local people at the end of Upper Mustang Trek. Do enquire with us for your memorable journey at Upper Mustang. We assure you that the experiences that you have explored during this journey will last in your heart and memory for a lifetime.

Highlights:

  • Kathmandu sightseeing at four UNESCO world heritage sites
  • The scenic drive from and to Kathmandu.
  • Flight from and to Pokhara- Jomsom.
  • Untouched human civilization and natural beauty.
  • Lo Manthang; a forbidden kingdom
  • Muktinath; a holy place of both Buddhists and Hindus.
  • Free day at Pokhara
  • The mesmerizing view of the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri range.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1338m/ 4390 ft)

Arrival in Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, meet and greet our representatives from Moonline Tours P. Ltd and transfer to the hotel en-route short description of Upper Manang Trek. Check-in at the hotel. If you have free time, roam around the streets of Kathmandu in the evening.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

Guided sightseeing tour at UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar square; an ancient courtyard with monuments dated from the 13th to the 15th century. Explore the rich cultural diversity around Kathmandu Durbar Square. Pashupatinath; a holy temple of Hindus dedicated to Lord Shiva at the bank of Bagmati River. Swayambhunath; an oldest Buddhist stupa at the hillock and important religious sites of both Hindus and Buddhists. Boudhanath; the largest Buddhist stupa with a unique octagonal shape and hundreds of Tibetan and Buddhist monks praying all over the premises of Stupa. It is located on the outskirts of Kathmandu and an important pilgrimage site of Buddhists. Short meeting with our trekking guides in the evening to prepare for trekking at Upper Mustang. Roam around the streets of Kathmandu in the evening.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

Drive to Pokhara along the countryside observing the lush green forest, terraced farmlands, and dispersed local settlements. Pokhara is one of the most popular and beautiful cities of Nepal as you can observe the beautiful views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhre, etc. Major highlights of Pokhara are Phewa Lake, Devi’s fall, Gupteshwor cave, World Peace Pagoda, etc. Upon arrival at Pokhara, check-in at the hotel. Roam around lakeside in the evening.

Overnight at Pokhara.

Take an early morning flight to Jomsom as the weather of Jomsom doesn’t remain clear during day time. Observe the aerial views of snow-capped mountains including the huge Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, etc. and the deepest gorge of Kali Gandaki River is just awesome. Upon arrival at Jomsom, trek to Kagbeni at an altitude of 2850m. Starting our trek from an open trail alongside the beautiful valley passing through Ekalbatti village. Following the open trail leads us to Kagbeni, a checkpoint to control groups departing for the Mustang region.

Overnight at Kagbeni.
Walking Time: 3 to 4 hours.

The trail goes along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River with stunning views of Nilgiri and Tukuche. The trail does by side of the valley and in some places, it goes through the riverbed. You can observe the beautiful views of Sky caves, Rock tunnel, organic apple farm, chortens, etc passing through Tangbe, Gumbakang and Chhusang villages. The trail from Tangbe to Chhusang will be uphill and downhill which leads you to Kali Gandaki River and after crossing the steel bridge, the trail ascends uphill till we reach Chele at an elevation of 3050m. The trip from Kagbeni to Chele is really amazing.

Overnight at Chele.
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours.

From Chele, the trail ascends uphill through treeless, waterless terrain along the side of the spectacular steep gorge to pass a rock cairn and then the trail gradually descends to the Samar village. Observe the Tibetan alike scenes and beautiful views of Annapurna ranges. Passing through the villages of Bhena La, Yamada La leads to Syangbochen and observe the sky caves, chortens, rock tunnel, etc. From Syangbochen, a gentle climb to a pass and then descend downwards to the village of Geling Ghami at an elevation of 3570m. Explore around Geling village in the evening.

Overnight at Geling.
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours.

Leaving Geling behind, we move towards Nyala and observe the close-up views of the Himalayan range until we reach Ghemi. Crossing the suspension bridge of Tangmar River, we will reach the base of Tsarang; the old capital of Lo Kingdom. Following the route leads us to Tsarang village at an elevation of 3560m, a Buddhist town set in the magical landscape of Upper Mustang. Explore the gumbas and monasteries and lifestyle of local people.

Overnight at Tsarang.
Walking Time: 4 to 5 hours.

Leaving Tsarang and the monasteries behind, we head toward Lo Manthang at an elevation of 3810m; the ultimate destination of our Upper Mustang Trek. Observing and exploring the lifestyle and culture of local people and monasteries of Tsarang, the trail to Lo manthang is well defined with some minor climbing. Passing through the walled city of Lo along the trail and after short descend, cross a stream and climb to the plateau leading you to Lo Manthang. Explore the palace of the King of Lo manthang situated at the center of the city where the king lived. The landscapes and the untouched natural beauty of Lo Manthang provide breathtaking views of the valley.

Overnight at Lo Manthang.
Walking Time: 3 to 4 hours.

Today is the exploration day around Lo Manthang. Short hike to Namgyal Gompa; standing on the top of the hill with the important monasteries for the local community. Explore the lifestyle and culture of local people and then continue to hike till we reach Tingkar village; the last village in the northwest of Lo Manthang. Explore the monasteries, gumbas, structure of houses, lifestyle and culture of local people and return back to Lo Manthang. Roam around Lo manthang village in the evening.

Overnight at Lo-Manthang.
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours.

Leaving the beautiful Lo manthang behind, we head towards Dhakmar at an elevation of 3820m. From Lo manthang, the trail ascends gradually offering the last glimpse of Lo manthang before climbing a ridge and continue trek till we reach the Chong La from where the trail descends downwards and crosses Charang River. The trail then ascends uphill till we reach Lo Geker leading us to Ghar Gompa; a small monastery and then crossing the valley and climbing the ridge observing the alpine meadows the trail descends downward till we reach Dhakmar. Observe Blue sheep, wild rabbits en-route to Dhakmar.

Overnight at Dhakmar.
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours.

Leaving Dhakmar behind, the trail descends downwards passing the stone walls and farmlands of Dhakmar and further ascends to the lower part of Ghami and then to Jaite. The walk can be relatively difficult as we have to face strong and dusty winds en-route to Syangbochen with excellent views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. Following the trail and strolling ups and downs leads us to Syangboche village at an elevation of 3800m. Roam around Syangbochen and explore the culture of local people at Syangbochen.

Overnight at Syangbochen.
Walking Time: 5 to 6 hours.

From Syangbochen, following the stream all the way down to Chhusang observing the beautiful villages en-route, cattle grazing around and farmlands leads you to Chungsi and observing the Chungsi cave the trail gradually descends downwards till we reach Chhusang village lying at the junction of Narsingh River and Kali Gandaki River. Explore Chhusang village in the evening.

Overnight at Chhusang.
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours.

Leaving Chhusang village behind, a short steep ascends passing the valley till we reach a small pass and observe the view of Muktinath and Buddhist monasteries. Crossing the pass, the trail descends down to a stream and crossing a suspension bridge over a stream ascends a while and walks in the villages of Muktinath. The trail is popular for fossil stones “Saligrams” manly found between Tetang and Gyu La pass and offers mesmerizing views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, etc. Muktinath is a holy temple of both Buddhists and Hindus at an elevation of 3760m.

Overnight at Muktinath.
Walking Time: 6 to 7 hours.

Observe early morning praying at Muktinath. As it is a holy place of both Buddhists and Hindus, you can observe Buddhist monks praying and Hindus worshipping around Muktinath. The breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri will amaze you along with the 108 waterspouts running above the temple. Exploring some more time at Muktinath, the trail descends through the village of Jharkot and observes Jharkot monastery; a Tibetan herbal center. Leaving Jharkot behind, we trek further ahead enjoying the natural scenery of Kali Gandaki valley and Kagbeni village leading us to Jomsom at an elevation of 2700m. Explore around Jomsom village in the evening and observe apple orchards en-route.

Overnight at Jomsom.
Walking Time: 6 hours.

Take a morning flight to Pokhara and observe an aerial view of Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapcuhre and deepest gorge Kali Gandaki. Upon arrival at Pokhara, check-in at the hotel. Remaining day free for self-relaxation and pleasure. Roam around lakeside in the evening for shopping Overnight at Pokhara.

Drive back to Kathmandu observing the lush green forests, terraced farmlands, dispersed local settlements, and fast-flowing Trishuli River. Driving along the countryside leads us to Kathmandu. Check-in at the hotel. Roam around the streets of Kathmandu.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

Our Upper Mustang trek ends today. Free till departure. Our representative from Moonline Tours P. Ltd will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours prior to your departure schedule/ time to board your onward journey.

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