Upper Mustang Trek: Experience Himalayan Adventure Nepal Tour G

Overview
Itinerary
Price Details
FAQ
review

trip code
3392
difficulty
Moderate
Trip Style
Group
Start in
Kathmandu
end in
Kathmandu
group size
1 to 22
max altitude
3900m./121800ft.
Accommodation
Tea House, Local Loge
Best Season
March to early Decembe

Overview

A fascinating journey into Nepal’s most mysterious “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” the Upper Mustang Trek is nestled in the Himalayas, offering vast landscapes, rich Tibetan culture, and ancient monasteries. Over 12 days, trekking explores remote villages, stunning canyons, and the walled city of Lo Manthang-the capital of Upper Mustang.
This unique area can be entered through special permits, such as the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. The best seasons for trekking include spring-from March to May-and autumn-from September to November-when the weather conditions are perfect.

Accommodations in teahouses, offering basic yet comfortable settings, provide a very cultural experience. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or an inexperienced one heading out on an adventure, the Upper Mustang Trek offers lifelong memories and new experiences deeply connected with the rich heritage of Nepal. Ready for an adventure of a lifetime? It’s time to begin your planning to trek this beautiful Himalayan paradise!

Trip highlights

Breathtaking Scenery
By nature, the Upper Mustang Region includes a surreal landscape: arid mountains, deep canyons, and colorful rock formations. You will be trekking through a myriad of landscapes, from arid mountains and deep canyons to colorful rock formations, which constitute a photographers’ paradise with breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

Tibetan Culture
Get familiar with the rich cultural heritage of the Tibetans inhabiting this area. The Mustang Valley houses old Buddhist monasteries, traditional villages, and customs that have been preserved for hundreds of years. Interact with locals and dive into their traditions; enjoy purely Tibetan food such as momo and thukpa.

Lo Manthang The Forbidden City
One of the major attractions on the trek is Lo Manthang, which is also considered the capital of Upper Mustang. It is an old walled city with a great history behind it, giving the region its royal background. It houses fantastic monasteries such as Chodey Gompa and Thubchen Gompa, preserving their intricate murals and statues in these holy places.

Special Flora and Fauna
The rich ecosystems of Upper Mustang support a range of wildlife. Be on the lookout for rare species, including the Snow Leopard and several migratory birds. The trek also affords chances to spot unique plant life that thrives in this rugged terrain.

Off the Beaten Path
Other than that, Upper Mustang is relatively untouched by mass tourism compared to other trekking areas of Nepal and hence is an ideal destination for trekkers who seek solitude and the opportunity to connect with nature away from the hustle and bustle.

itinerary

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day 1

Kathmandu Arrival

At your arrival to Kathmandu Airport, you will be welcomed by your trek guide and then transferred to the hotel. Spend your day roaming around Kathmandu City, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Durbar Square. Final preparation of trek!
day 2

Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight

After breakfast, fly to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside mountain city. Afternoon free: take an easy afternoon relaxing around Phewa Lake or browsing the local markets.
day 3

Pokhara Drive to Jomsom

Commence your tour with driving from Pokhara to Jomsom. This pictorial journey takes you along the Kali Gandaki Valley. For breathtaking views, watch the scenic beauty of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Night stay in Jomsom.
day 4

Jomsom to Kagbeni

The first day trekking starts from here to the beautiful village at the conjunction of Kali Gandaki and Jhong rivers. Also, dramatic landscapes and peculiar rock formations greet you on the route. Upon arriving in Kagbeni, visit some ancient monasteries.
day 5

Kagbeni to Chele

From Kagbeni, trek to Chele via some breathtaking canyon and colored cliffs. Traditional villages of Tibetans can be found here. The following peaks are visible: Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Tilicho, and others. Overnight in Chele.
day 6

Chele to Geling

On this day, your trek continues to Geling via a typical Shangri-La landscape with juniper trees and traditional mud-brick houses. Enjoy the marvelous views and hospitality of locals.
day 7

Geling to Tsarang

While you were trekking to Tsarang, a nice valley and old monasteries welcomed you. You will visit the historical Tsarang Monastery, which is treated as one of the most marvelous architectural structures in the region and a holy place.
day 8

Trek from Tsarang to Lo Manthang

The trek today takes you to Lo Manthang, an ancient capital of Upper Mustang. The whole city takes a day or two with its walled surroundings and rich culture. Pay a visit to the great Chodey Monastery and shops.
day 9

Lo Manthang Excursion

Spend the whole day exploring Lo Manthang and the surrounding areas. Visits to nearby villages such as Wangdue and Chosar, as well as some ancient caves and monasteries that reflect the rich Tibetan heritage.
day 10

Trek from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar

From Lo Manthang, proceed to Dhakmar. From here, one gets fabulous views of the landscape and oddly shaped rock formations. Over night at Dhakmar amidst these tranquil surroundings.
day 11

Dhakmar to Jomsom Trek

Commence return trek to Jomsom. This well-trodden path once again offers ample opportunities to marvel at the fantastic scenery. Have ample rest upon arrival, celebrate the successful completion of your trek.
day 12

Jomsom Pokhara Fly and Drive back to Kathmandu

Have your breakfast and then catch a scenic flight back to Pokhara. Take some time out there in the city doing whatever you please, and afterwards fly back to Kathmandu. Reflect on your amazing adventure through Upper Mustang

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Price Included

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Accommodations:

11 nights in guesthouses or teahouses on the trek route.
1 night in a hotel in Pokhara.
Meals

11 days of breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
The majority of meals are local cuisine, which at times may offer vegetarian options.
Guide and Porter Services:

Professional, English-speaking trekking guide
Porter service: 1 porter for every 2 trekkers for carrying your luggage
Transportation:

Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Jomsom
Ground transportation from Pokhara to Jomsom if domestic flights are not possible.
First Aid Kit:

A standard first-aid kit is carried by your guide, including basic supplies like bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any other items your group might specifically request.

Trekking Gear:

Renting of main trekking gear if required.

Cultural Experiences:

Visits to monasteries and villages.

Interact with the locals.

Price Excluded

International Flights

International airfare to/from Nepal.

Personal Expenses:

Snacks, drinks, and meals in cities-Kathmandu and Pokhara

Tips for Guide/Porter This will be expected.

Travel Insurance:

Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.

Extra Activities:

Pokhara activities: Paragliding, boating etc (optional)

Visa Fees:

Nepalese visa fee, can be obtained upon arrival.
Emergency Evacuation:

Cost for emergency evacuation or additional transport, which is not covered in the itinerary
Laundry and Hot Showers:

Costs incurred from laundry service and hot showers in the teahouses.

FAQ

What is the Upper Mustang Trek?

The Mustang Trek is the most breathtaking journey into the remote and culturally rich region of Upper Mustang in Nepal; the land of fantastic landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, and peculiar geology-the “Last Forbidden Kingdom.” Normally, this trek lasts 12 days, considering monastery visits and village trials.
Which permits are required for the Upper Mustang Trek?

To trek in Upper Mustang, you will need two permits: the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, or ACAP in abbreviation. These can be received through trekking agencies here in Nepal and are necessary for legal entry into the region.
Is the Upper Mustang Trek suitable for beginners?

This trek, the Upper Mustang Trek, can be done by trekkers of different levels; however, it recommends an average level of fitness. The trek demands walking for many hours a day over high altitude; therefore, beginners should prepare accordingly and may also join any guided tour for support.
What is the best time to go for the Upper Mustang Trek?

The best time to travel to Upper Mustang Trek is during the spring from March to May and during autumn from September to November. These two seasons offer a clear sky, mild temperature, and spectacular mountain vistas for perfect trekking.
What should I pack for the Upper Mustang Trek?

Packing for the Upper Mustang Trek: Include some vital items in your luggage layer by layer to deal with changing temperatures throughout the day, trekking boots, a sleeping bag, trekking poles, a first-aid kit, and personal toiletries. Remember, taking a camera is important to capture such breathtaking landscapes and the fierce culture.
How do I get to Upper Mustang from Kathmandu?

First, you will fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then take another domestic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom to reach Upper Mustang. The official trek starts from Jomsom from where you’ll take off into the beauty of Mustang.
What kind of accommodation can I expect during the trek?

Accommodation on the Upper Mustang Trek consists of normal teahouses/guesthouses, simple, and yet comfortable. The accommodation epitomizes the local spirit of accommodation providing opportunities to experience traditional Nepali and Tibetan hospitality normally with delicious food.