Upper Mustang Trek

Trip Summary

Geography

Arid landscapes/Himalayas/Valleys

Location

Mustang

Level Of Difficulty

Moderate

Duration

17 Days

Max Aaltitude

4280m

Religion

Tibetan Buddhist/Bon

Upper Mustang Trek Highlights:

Enjoy a trans-Himalayan flight to/from Jomsom, Mustang

Witness majestic panorama of Annapurna I (8091m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m)

Trek to the ancient civilization of Tibetan-influenced communities

Explore ancient monasteries and mysterious sky caves in Lo Manthang

Traverse the barren landscapes similar in nature to those in Tibet

Upper Mustang Trek is a trekking adventure in the remote trans-Himalayan Mustang region with similar landscapes to those in Tibet. Formerly an independent kingdom, Upper Mustang was opened for trekking in 1992. This trek explores the rain-shadow area filled with bountiful of cultural monuments and mysterious caves dating back to centuries ago. The trek incorporates all the Tibetan cultural drama and glorious Himalayan panorama to the north of the famed Annapurna region.

The 16-day Upper Mustang Trek begins upon your arrival at Kathmandu. You’ll be transferred to your hotel in Pokhara from where you’ll catch a short trans-Himalayan flight to Jomsom. The trek begins at Jomsom and gradually advances northwards through the Kali Gandaki Valley. You’ll trek through the quaint villages of Kagbeni, Chele, Shyangbochen, and Tsarang before entering the walled city of Lo Manthang. You’ll encounter numerous Buddhist Chortens, Mani walls, canyons and man-made caves en route to Lo Manthang. Formerly the capital of Mustang, today, Lo Manthang remains the popular tourist landmark in the region. Due to its close proximity to Tibet in the north, the lifestyle, culture, and tradition of the region resemble that of Tibet. Afterward, you’ll explore the northern territories of Upper Mustang including Niphu, Garphu, and Ghar Gumba before heading back. The inhabitants of Mustang were formerly the adherents of Bon-religion, a Shamanistic sect close to nature that predates modern-day Buddhism. You’ll retrace your path and trek back to Jomsom via the villages of Dhakmar, Ghiling, Samar, and Kagbeni. The trail offers a wonderful panorama of Annapurna I (8091m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) en route. A short flight will take you back to Pokhara and later Kathmandu where the trek concedes. Upper Mustang Trek can be undertaken throughout the year thanks to its location in the rain-shadowed region beyond the Dhaulagiri Himalayas.

Nepal Alibaba Treks is a travel and tours company which caters to their need for adventure and comfortable journeys. We are the pioneers of Himalayan travel in Nepal and allow you to choose from a plethora of options. Moreover, we also provide you the liberty to customize your trips to help you decide the pace of the journeys.

Day Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300 m). Meet and transfer to the Hotel.

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, a company representative will receive you and bring you to your hotel. You’ll meet the trek guide at the hotel and discuss the trip. Afterward, you can choose to relax or go out to take a stroll. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day Day 02: Fly Kathmandu/Pokhara 30 Minutes or drive 6-7 hrs.

After breakfast, you’ll drive to the airport to catch a short flight to Pokhara. The 30-minute flight will take over the forested hills, massive rivers, and colorful towns towards the touristic city of Pokhara. You can catch the beautiful sight of Mt. Machhapuchhre (6997m) and Mt. Annapurna (8091m) on the flight. You can also choose to drive all the way to Pokhara riding along the Trishuli River for most of the road. Once at Pokhara, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. You can head to the Lakeside area and indulge in boating around the Phewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day Day 03: Fly Pokhara/Jomsom (2720m), trek to Kagbeni (2810 m) Approx. 3 hrs.

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll embark on a trans-Himalayan flight to Jomsom. Lying on the other side of Annapurna massif, the flight offer quite a scenery of the high mountains, lush forests of Annapurna Conservation Area, and the vast Kali Gandaki valley. Don’t forget to grab a window seat so you can relish this beautiful scenery. Once at Jomsom, you’ll commence the trek north to Kagbeni village through Kali Gandaki valley. The village is also the entry point into the Upper Mustang. Overnight in Kagbeni.

Day Day 04: Trek to Chele (3050m) 6 hrs

After getting your TIMS/Restricted Area permits checked at Kagbeni, you’ll begin trekking through the Kali Gandaki valley towards Tangbe village. You’ll walk along the narrow alleyways, white-washed houses, and sparse vegetation field consisting of barley and buckwheat, and apple orchards. You’ll arrive at the bridge that leads directly to Chele village. Overnight in Chele.

Day Day 05: Trek to Shyangbochen (3800m) 7-8 hrs

You’ll encounter a longer trail today as you take multiple detours through Kali Gandaki valley. En route, you’ll encounter large, colorful rock canyons which are the highlights of Mustang region. You’ll also encounter numerous man-made ‘sky caves’ built on the high canyons. Some of these caves date back 3000 years and are believed to have been built as a burial site and war-shelters. Along the way, you can enjoy the majestic panorama of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Tilicho ranges. Overnight in Shyangbochen.

Day Day 06: Trek to Tsarang (3560m) 7 hrs

You’ll leave Shyangbochen village and advance towards the village of Ghami. A brief uphill trek from Ghami brings to a place with large Mani walls with Buddhist graffiti and Tibetan literature. You will also encounter numerous Buddhist Chortens before arriving at the quaint village of Tsarang. Upon arrival at Tsarang, you will explore the ancient monastery and the local white palace that carries the heritage of the village. Overnight in Tsarang.

Day Day 07: Trek to Lo Manthang (3810m) 4-5 hrs

Today is a special day as you leave Tsarang and make your way into the ‘walled city’, Lo Manthang. A short trek from Tsarang through the sand dunes will bring you to Lo Manthang. The walled city will be visible from distance. Lo Manthang is surrounded by a mud and stone wall from all sides, hence the name ‘walled city’. Lo Manthang hosts the annual Tiji festival which brings in flocks of tourists and locals. Overnight in Lo Manthang.

Day Day 08: Explore Niphu, Garphu, and villages in the north of Lo Manthang.

Today you’ll leave Lo Manthang and explore the outskirts. You’ll visit the popular Niphu and Garphu monasteries. Niphu and Garphu monasteries are the cave monasteries that are built on a cliff of the large overhanging rock. You’ll also get to explore the 2500 years old Jhong Sky Cave that has more than 44 compartments and the Cave. Similarly, Lo Manthang is home to three popular Buddhist monasteries in the region namely; Jampa Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, and Chodey Gompa, which serve as the popular tourist attractions. Along with these, you’ll also get to witness the 14th Century royal palace of the former King of Mustang which is located at the center of the city. Overnight in Lo Manthang.

Day Day 09: Trek to Dhakmar (3820m) via Ghar Gumba (Lo Gekar Monastery) 6 hrs

Today, you’ll begin retracing your path and trek back to Dhakmar via Ghar Gumba. Instead of taking the usual route, you’ll advance towards the village of Dhakmar crossing Chogo La Pass (4280m) on the way. You’ll pass by Ghar Gumba or Lo Gekar Monastery, which is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the world. It is believed to have been built around the 7th century by the incarnated Saint Padmasambhava before he left for Tibet. After exploring the monastery and its nearby surroundings, you head to Dhakmar on a gradually descending trail. Overnight in Dhakmar.

Day Day 10: Trek to Ghiling (3570m) 6 hrs

You’ll descend along with the sparse settlements and remote landscape to Ghiling village. A short downhill trek offers a wonderful panorama of the Dhaulagiri peak at the distance. The trail is gentle at first, however, it advances steeply towards a spectacularly eroded gully into the village of Ghiling. Overnight in Ghiling.

Day Day 11: Trek to Samar (3550m) 6 hrs

Today you’ll descend from Ghiling to Samar village. The trail begins with a brief ascent towards Chungsi Cave containing the stalagmites formed in the shape of Chortens. Afterward, it’s a continuous descent until Shyangbochen village. You’ll pass through a stream, juniper trees, and large gorges to Samar village. Overnight in Samar.

Day Day 12: Trek to Kagbeni (2810m) 6-7 hrs

You’ll enter the Kali Gandaki valley and head towards Kagbeni. It may take longer than usual to reach Kagbeni as you make your way through the valley along the Kali Gandaki River. You will encounter numerous rock canyons en trail. Passing Chhokam Lake and the Rataula River, you reach Kagbeni. Overnight at Kagbeni.

Day Day 13: Trek to Jomsom (2720m) 3 hrs

The trek concedes at Jomsom. The trail from Kagbeni leads directly to windy-city or Jomsom along the Kali Gandaki River. The river bank is also famous for Saligram, a fossilized shell believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Relishing the gorgeous sceneries, you arrive at Jomsom. The trail offers the beautiful sights of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Once at Jomsom, you can explore the windy city and enjoy the local apple brandy ‘Marpha’. Overnight in Jomsom.

Day Day 14: Fly Jomsom to Pokhara and another flight to Kathmandu

A short trans-Himalayan flight from Jomsom will take you back to Pokhara. Once at Pokhara, you’ll catch another flight back to Kathmandu. These two flights are equally grand in nature as you fly with the sights of Himalayas all the way to Kathmandu. Once at Kathmandu, our representative will escort you to your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day Day 15: Free day Kathmandu

Today is a free day at Kathmandu. You can indulge in the sightseeing tour of the city. You can also choose to visit Thamel, the tourist destination inside Kathmandu, and enjoy dining in the finest diners. Similarly, you can also choose to indulge in souvenir and gift shopping as you prepare to head out of the nation. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day Day 16: Transfer to Airport for final departure.

Today you’ll bid adieu to Nepal. Our representative will drive you off to the airport so you can catch your flight back home. We hope to have assisted you well on the Upper Mustang Trek and hope to see you soon.

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