Upper Mustang Trek

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COST FOR THE TRIP USD 2350
Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang Trek is all about exploring the hidden world of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Mustang. It can’t get much more remote. Due to its inaccessibility, Mustang has long been protected from mass tourism and is now known as the last bastion of traditional Tibetan culture.

 

Trekking the Upper Mustang is one of the most fascinating places in the Himalayas, due to a long, rich and complex history. Upper Mustang Trek is a special privilege. Here you will mee the lifestyles of true mountain people, who, for lots of years, had very little contact with the rest of Nepal and managed to retain their wealthy cultural heritage. Until recently, their king was formally recognized by the Government of Nepal.

 

The 17-day Upper Mustang Trek commences upon your arrival at Kathmandu. Accompanied by an experienced tour guide, you indulge in an exploration of a few UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square before embarking on a 200 km road journey west to Pokhara city. A short trans-Himalayan flight will take you to Jomsom city from where you’ll begin the trip to Upper Mustang. The arid and desert-like landscape will accompany you throughout the trail. Due to its acute geographic location, Mustang receives less or no rainfall throughout the year making it a rain-shadow area.

 

Key features of Upper Mustang Trek

  • Visit of the UNESCO World Heritage sites Kathmandu
  • Stay at Jomsom, the headquarter town of Mustang district
  • A day at tourist hub Pokhara
  • Spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu west
  • Chulu east, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV
  • Magnificent lakes, glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls
  • Visit Muktinath, a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists
  • Visit the beautiful mustang district and interact with its people
  • Explore Lo Manthang, “the last forbidden kingdom”.
  • Ancient Buddhist monasteries and Tibetan lifestyles.

Day 01: Arrival and transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu

Upon arrival in Kathmandu Airport, our airport representative will welcome you and give you short info about Kathmandu and directly drive to the Hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

 

Day 02: Sightseeing for a full day in Kathmandu Valley.

World heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhu Nath, Boudha Nath, Pasupati Nath, etc. Preparation for the trekking.

 

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (900m)

Early in the morning, we will travel to the beautiful valley of Pokhara via Prithvi Highway. You will see the Western Himalayas during this scenic 6 to 7 hour-long bus ride. Upon arrival you will have the opportunity to explore Pokhara, the beautiful city by the lake. Alternatively, you can go boating in the grand Phewa Lake. We will spend the night at the local hotel.

 

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2800m)

This morning we will take a 20 minute flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, one of the main towns in Mustang; Sighteeing by plane! You will enjoy beautiful views of the hills and mountains. From Jomsom, we will trek uphill for 3 hours alongside Kali Gandaki River before we reach Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. The village is located at the bank of two rivers. We will spend the night in a teahouse.

 

Day 05: Trek to Chele (3050m)

We will continue our journey towards the east bank of the Kali Gandaki climbing through numerous ridges, and then head north for the Tangbe village. This picturesque town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys amid white-washed mud and stone houses, buckwheat fields and apple trees. The majestic Nilgiri dominates the southern sky of Kagbeni. From there, we will hike to Chhusang village for 2 hours before we cross the dwindling Kali Gandaki. We will climb up to a huge red mass of sedimentary rock that had fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which Kali Gandaki flows. Crossing the Kali Gandaki Valley, we will climb uphill to Chele. You will witness the slow transition in culture, from Manangi culture to Tibetan.

 

Day 06: Trek to Syangbochen (3800m)

Our trek today has a lot of ascents/descents; it starts along a steep barren land, alongside the copper-red canyon. We will make a gradual descent to some Chortens on a ridge, and after hiking downhill for some more time we will reach the beautiful village of Samar. From there, we will climb a ridge and descend into a giant gorge. We continue the trek through another valley, cross a stream, once again climb up a ridge which lies at 3,800m. We will climb yet another pass, go through another ridge before we can finally descend to Syangbochen. Overnight at a teahouse.

 

Day 07: Trek to Ghami (3520m)

From Syangbochen, we will gently hike uphill until we reach a pass at 3770m and trek downhill to reach the village of Geling. From Gheling, we will go uphill passing through fields to the center of the valley. Then we will climb a tough terrain across the head of the valley to the Nyi La pass (3840m). From there we will descend for half an hour until we reach a trail junction, the right trail is a route to Charang while the left one leads to Ghami. It is a village of clustered whitewashed mud and stone houses canopied by an overhanging cliff.

 

Day 08: Trek to Charang (3560m)

We will trek to the driest part of Mustang today. It will be a tiring trek crossing fairly rough terrain. But upon reaching our destination, we will be rewarded with splendid views of the remote countryside, and we will be able to see mountains in all directions. When reaching Charang, a large village at the top of the Charang Chu Canyon, we are due for some rest. On the east of the village, you can find a medieval fort and a red Gompa which houses a spectacular collection of statues and thangkas.

 

Day 09: Trek to Lo-Manthang (3840m)

We will trek to one of the major attractions on this trip: Lo Manthang. This was the walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo. The city was founded in 1380 by Ame Pal. It consists of around 150 households and residences for lama gurus. We will trek through Lo-Gekar, which is the oldest Gompa in Nepal and older than the Samye Gompa of the Tibet. On reaching the walled city of Lo, you will have the opportunity to visit the ancient temples and monasteries of the region and the periphery of the King’s impressive palace, where the King and Queen of Lo- Manthang reside. You will have the chance to ride horses and see the beautiful valley.

 

Day 10: Exploring Lo-Manthang (3840m)

We will explore the mystical town of Lo-Manthang, starting with a 2-hour visit of the Namgyal Gompa. This beautiful Gompa is situated on a hilltop, which is of high social, religious as well as legal importance as it serves as a local courthouse. After that, we will visit the village of Tingkhar, northwest of Lomanthang with its 40 households. We will also visit Champa Lhakang where you have a chance to admire a large Buddha statue and intricate Mandalas painted on the walls.

 

Day 11: Trek to Dhamkar (3820m)

We will leave Lo-Manthang taking the upper highland trail. It will reward us with splendid views of Lo-Manthang and the Charang Valley, with snow-capped mountains in the background. We will cross the Dhi Pass at 4,100m and reach Dhamkar. Here we will spend the night.

 

Day 12: Descend to Syangbochen (3800m)

With Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri among other giants standing tall in the background, we will hike down to Syangbochen. On the way, we pass through Rachen Gompa, mystical Gompa which grew by itself at the lap of a rocky cave. We will spend the night in a guesthouse in Syangbochen.

 

Day 13: Trek to Chhusang (2980m)

We will continue our trek over steep ridges and over hills. We will trek to Tetang, the upper village of Chuksang which lies between two hills. It is a safe escapade from the fierce wind that hits the Kali Gandaki valley frequently. Accommodation: Guesthouse

 

Day 14: Trek to Jomsom (2720m)

On the last day of this memorable trek, we will pass Jharkot village and visit the local monastery, the grand Tibetan Herbal Medicine Center and see an ancient fortress which once was a palace. During our descent to Jomsom we will enjoy the view of Kali Gandaki Valley and Kagbeni Village. This is the gateway to Mustang. We will celebrate the last day of the trek in Jomsom with all our staff.

 

Day 15: Fly from Jomson to Pokhara (8,50M)

Today is our last day as we head to the small airport terminal at Jomson where we take a short 15 to 20-minute flight to Pokhara. Once airborne you will have some amazing views of the Himalayas. This evening you can sit back and relax, enjoy and drink or two and look back on your amazing adventure through the amazing Annapurna Conservation Area – stroll along Lakeside. Other attractions in Pokhara are the World Peace Pagoda (clearly visible across Phewa Tal (lake), Bindabasini Temple, Phewa Lake, Matepani Buddhist Monastery, International Mountain Museum and the Devi's Falls.

 

Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu (1,350M)

Today we head back on a 6 to 7-hour drive to Kathmandu with many fond memories of Nepal and its unique culture and geography. These memories will last a lifetime!

 

Day 17: Drive to the Airport, takeoff from Kathmandu

Adventure High Mountain staff will transfer you to the airport for your final departure from Nepal. We hope that this epic trek will be firmly ingrained in your memory and will be enough to prompt you to consider your next trek with us!

 

 

Note: This itinerary is meant only as a guideline and is subject to change to suit the local conditions. Walking hours are based on an average walking pace and may change as per individual pace.

Free airport transfer on arrival and departures by private vehicles.

4 Nights hotel in Kathmandu with bed and breakfast basis.

2 night hotel in Pokhara with bed and breakfast basis.

Transportation from Kathmandu – Pokhara - Kathmandu.

Meals on a full-board basis (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner/ the main course) during the trek in the mountain.

Trekking lodges (Tea House) throughout the trek.

Adventure High Mountain experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide.

Compressive first aid box (Guide will carry it throughout the trek).

All salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport, and insurance for the guide.

Upper Mustang Restricted Area special Trekking Permit US$ 500 per person for 10 days (the above price includes 10 days valid trekking permit from Kagbeni to Kagbeni. extra days (US$ 50 per day / per person).

All government, Local taxes, and official Expenses.

Jomsom to Pokhara Fly ticket.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Fee.

Kathmandu Sightseeing by Private Car/Van/Bus.

Farewell Dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant with traditional music and dance.

International airfare.

Nepal entry visa and airport fees.

Personal equipment and clothing.

Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, room service, extra hotel nights, extra meals, shopping, hot shower, hot and cold drinks, alcohols, snacks, water, Wi-Fi, battery re-charge, heater charge, etc.)

Personal porter.

Alcoholic and bottled beverages.

Travel insurance with trip cancellation, medical and evacuation policy.

All expenses associated with non-scheduled departure.

Guide Gratuity - Tip­ping is always a per­son­al choice, but is greatly appreciated by your guides.

The following booking terms and conditions represent the contract between the customer and Adventure High Mountain. Adventure High Mountain is a government registered tour and trek company based in Kathmandu, Nepal, established with an aim to provide quality travel services.

 

At the time of booking, you are expected to read all the terms and conditions carefully. The booking confirmation will be given, thinking that you have read all the terms and conditions entitled by the core values of this company. After the booking process, you are completely obliged by the conditions mentioned below.

These booking conditions are only applied to the bookings you have made with this company.

 

The following terms and conditions apply, however the circumstances and regulations, contractual obligations to suppliers and affairs related to locations, and product type may slightly vary depending upon the situation.

 

Payment Schedule

$700 deposit at time of registration, which includes a $300 non-refundable registration fee.

Balance due 60 days prior to departure.

Payment must be paid in full prior to the beginning of the trek.

 

Payment Procedure:

Bank Name : MEGA BANK NEPAL LIMITED.

Beneficiary Name : ADVENTURE HIGH MOUNTAIN (P)LTD.

Account Number : 0570010151011

Swift Code: MBNLNPKA

Bank Address: Thamel, Saraswati Sadan - 29 Kathmandu Nepal.

 

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.

 

We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage need­ed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.

 

If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility.

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