Upper Mustang Trekking Holiday - 18 Days
Upper Mustang Trekking Highlights
- Venture into one of the most preserved regions in the world.
- Be amongst the few to explore the restricted and hidden treasure of Nepal: “Upper Mustang, the Lost Tibetan Kingdom”.
- Enjoy views of Kali Gandaki, the deepest canyon in the world, and trek through colorful canyons.
- Visit Chhoser and the mysterious "Sky Caves". The sky caves in Mustang remain one of the World's Greatest Archaeological mysteries.
- Discover the walled city of Lo Manthang, capital of the Mustang Kingdom, one of the most preserved medieval fortresses in the world.
- Spend time with locals and encounter the Loba, one of the most remote and isolated communities in the world.
- Instead of retracing the same route on the way back, we follow the new trail to Muktinath through the beautiful lunar landscape of the unspoiled eastern side of Upper Mustang.
The ancient Kingdom of Mustang has been forbidden to foreigners until 1992. The region is still restricted and foreign visitors need to obtain a special permit to enter the magical land of Upper Mustang. However, the reward is priceless: trekking in the Last Forbidden Kingdom is a once-in-a-lifetime experience unlike any other.
Day 01. WELCOME TO NEPAL | TREK BRIEFING
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our friendly representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign displaying your name. He will then drive you to your hotel.
Depending on your time of arrival, you are free to relax or explore the city.
In the afternoon/evening, we will conduct a pre-departure briefing.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
Day 02. POKHARA
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 03. FLIGHT FROM POKHARA TO JOMSOM (2720m) / TREK TO KAGBENI (2804m) | ≈ 3 hours
In the morning, you will embark on a spectacular mountain flight to Jomsom*. From there, we will trek to Kagbeni, the main gate to the Last Forbidden Kingdom. In Kagbeni, you will witness the great views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche peaks, and the Kali Gandaki (the deepest canyon in the world). Visit of Kagbeni and Tiri.
*The mountain weather in Nepal is always unpredictable and the flight from Pokhara to Jomsom may be delayed or canceled due to the bad weather. We advise allowing 2 extra days should our flight to Jomsom be cancelled or delayed due to bad weather. Or if you are running out of time, we will hire a private jeep and drive to Jomsom.
Accommodation: Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 04. TREK FROM KAGBENI TO CHELE (3050m) | ≈ 6-7 hours
Today, we will enter the “Kingdom of Mustang”. We will follow the Kali Gandaki river and climb up to Tangbe. Then, we will continue our trek to Chele, via Chhusang.
Accommodation: Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 05. TREK FROM CHELE TO SYANGBOCHE (3800m) VIA TAKLAM LA PASS (3600m) AND DAJORI LA PASS (3650m) | ≈ 6-7 hours
Today, we will start our trek very early. We will cross our first pass "Taklam La" (3600m) and climb up to cross our second pass "Dajori La" (3650m). We will enjoy the splendid panoramic views of the Annapurna massif and the surrounding villages. We will descend to the village of Samar, located inside a grove of poplar trees. To reach Syangboche (our final destination today), we will leave the main trail and take an alternative route via the Chungsi monastery cave (also known as "Rangchung cave").
Accommodation: Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 06. TREK FROM SYANGBOCHE TO GHAMI (3520m) VIA NYI LA PASS (4000m) | ≈ 4-5 hours
Beautiful hiking day through a magnificent desert-like landscape. We will descend to Geling before climbing up and crossing Nyi La Pass (4000m). Then, we will hike down to the beautiful Ghami village and enjoy the views of the spectacular red and blue cliffs along the way. In the afternoon, we will hike to the Mani Dong wall, the longest Mani wall of Mustang.
Accommodation: Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 07. TREK FROM GHAMI TO TSARANG (3560m) VIA MUI LA PASS (4000m) | ≈ 4-5 hours
Today, we will walk to Dhakmar, following beautiful red and ochre cliffs with troglodyte sky caves. We will cross the Mui La Pass (4000m). Then, we will descend to Tsarang village.
Accommodation: Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 08. TREK FROM TSARANG TO LO MANTHANG (3840m) VIA GHAR GOMPA | ≈ 6 hours
We will trek from Tsarang to Lo Manthang, with a detour en-route to visit the "Ghar Gompa", the oldest monastery in Mustang and one of the most ancient buddhist monasteries in the world (8th century). From Lo Gekar, we will continue our trek to the medieval city of "Lo Manthang", capital of Upper Mustang. We will reach the ancient walls of the fortified town where we will have plenty of time to marvel. In the afternoon, we will visit the walled capital of Lo Manthang and its monasteries.
Accommodation: Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 09. CHHOSER AND THE MYSTERIOUS SKY CAVES
You have 3 other alternative options instead of visiting the Chhoser valley:
Accommodation: Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 10. TREK FROM LO MANTHANG TO YARA (3650m) VIA DHI LA PASS (4100m) | ≈ 6-7 hours
Instead of retracing the same route on the way back, we will follow the new trail to Muktinath, via the unspoiled eastern side of Upper Mustang.
We will cross a small pass and enter into a beautiful lunar landscape. We will trek through a colorful canyon to Dhi (3400m) via the Dhi La Pass (4100m). We will follow the trail up to the isolated village of Yara, a place of great natural beauty with superb sandstone cliffs.
Accommodation: Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 11. YARA | HIKE TO TASHI KABUM CAVES AND LURI GOMPA
We will head to the eastern side of Yara. We will visit the Tashi Kabum caves and the monastery cave of Luri Gompa. Then, we will hike back to Yara.
Accommodation: Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 12. TREK FROM YARA TO TANGE (3240m) | ≈ 7 hours
Long trekking day from Yara to Tange through many colorful canyons. We will climb up to a large plateau and cross a pass at 3900m. Enjoy the beautiful views on the Annapurnas and Mustang. Then, we will descend to the small village of Tange.
Accommodation: Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 13. TREK FROM TANGE TO CHHUSANG (3000m) | ≈ 8-9 hours
Today will be our longest trekking day but also, one of the most beautiful. We will wake up very early and cross the Paha La Pass (4200m) before reaching Paha. We will have spectacular panoramic views on the Annapurna massif, the desert of Mustang and the Dhaulagiri. Then, we will hike down to Chhusang.
Accommodation: Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Day 14. TREK FROM CHHUSANG TO MUKTINATH (3710m) VIA GYU LA PASS (4080m) | ≈ 6-7 hours
We will trek to Muktinath, via the Gyu La Pass (4080m). Temples and religious shrines are the major attractions of this holy place. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. In Muktinath, if you have the courage to do so, you can follow Hindu devotees and take a holy bath under the 108 chilled fountains (Muktidhara).
Accommodation: Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.
Accommodation: Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Day 16. FLIGHT FROM JOMSOM TO POKHARA
Scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Free time in the afternoon.
*The mountain weather in Nepal is always unpredictable and the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara may be delayed or canceled due to the bad weather. We advise allowing 2 extra days should our flight to Pokhara be cancelled or delayed due to bad weather. Or if you are running out of time, we will hire a private jeep and drive to Pokhara.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast.
Day 17. POKHARA TO KATHMANDU
We will head back to Kathmandu (6 to 7 hours' drive).
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner.
Day 18. DEPARTURE
After a fun-filled trekking holiday, our journey ends. We hope you thoroughly enjoyed your trip. We will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you have time and would like to extend your stay in Nepal, we would be happy to offer our recommendations.
Meals: Breakfast.
We organize this trek as a "Small group Trek" - limited to 8 travelers.
- Rucksack or duffle bag.
- Daypack.
- Outdoor clothing: Outdoor clothing should be tough and comfortable. Wearing several thin layers is better than a few thick layers.
- Trekking boots, trainers & sport sandals. Lightweight socks & med-heavy wool socks.
- Crampons.
- Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder with Water Purification Tablets. We recommend LifeStraw, an advanced water filter bottle.
- Trekking Pants & Shorts.
- Trekking shirts.
- Breathable underwear.
- Lightweight thermal pants.
- Fleece jacket.
- Down jacket.
- 1 waterproof jacket.
- Gloves.
- Scarf.
- Sun hat and knit cap.
- Sunglasses.
- Balaclava.
- Trekking poles.
- Sunscreen.
- Flashlight.
- Sleeping bag.
- Wash kit & Travel towel.
- Medicine (in particular, diarrhea medication): Isotonic Powder/ Basic First Aid Kit/ Diamox/ Oximeter / Ibuprofen for general aches and pains/ Imodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Copies of important documents (passport, vaccination certificates, travel insurance), air tickets & extra passport photos.
- Power adapters.
- Padlocks.
- Camera with extra cards and extra batteries.
- Little trash bags to carry your waste during your trek.
*THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE.
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Airport pick-up & drop-off (private vehicle).
- Experienced and government licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
- Porter service (2 members : 1 porter).
- All ground transportation (tourist buses).
- 2 Flight tickets: Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara.
- Accommodation: 3-Star Hotels on twin sharing basis in Kathmandu and Pokhara / Lodges during the trek.
- Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan).
- All necessary trekking permits (ACAP & TIMS).
- Upper Mustang special trekking permit ($500 per visitor for the first 10 days + $50 per extra day).
- Entrance fees (Upper mustang caves and monasteries).
- Trekking map.
- First aid kit/s including a pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen during your trek.
- Little trash bags to carry your waste during your trek.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- All government taxes, VAT and service charges.
What’s NOT included
- International flights.
- Extra domestic flights.
- Excess baggage fees (domestic flights).
- Tips for porters, guides & others.
- Personal climbing boots, clothing & equipment.
- Personal expenditures, all bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
- Medical examination (if required) & vaccination costs.
- Visa fees.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.
Accommodation:
Kathmandu: 3-Star Hotel.
Pokhara: 3-Star Hotel.
During trek: Lodges.
The lodges (between tea houses and family homestays) on the Upper Mustang trek are basic; the quality varies and the comfort becomes more rudimentary as you ascend in altitude (except in Lo Manthang). Showers mean most of the time a bucket of water. Most of the tea houses have basic access to electricity and WiFi is not often available. The rooms do not have heaters; bring a sleeping bag with you for the nights at high altitudes. Toilets (squat toilets) are outside the rooms; tea houses do not always provide toilet paper; do not forget to bring a couple of rolls with you. In high season (Tiji festival), most of the rooms are full and as it is not always possible to book them in advance, it is sometimes necessary to do this trek as a "tea house and camping trek".
Meals:
Kathmandu: Breakfasts & Farewell Dinner.
Pokhara: Breakfasts.
During the trek: Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners.
Health:
Excellent level of fitness.
Very active walker-climber in good health.
Experience:
You should be able to walk for 6 to 10 hours in a day.
You are required as a condition of booking to have an adequate travel insurance.
Please note: Before your arrival, we will send you a complete detailed brochure regarding Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and how to prevent it. Please read this brochure carefully.
Our local trekking guides are highly experienced in preventing, recognizing and treating altitude sickness. They will monitor your health closely during your trek. A proper acclimatization is not only essential but also a necessary life-saving measure.
