Nepal is a secular federal state as of 28th May 2008. The name of this country used to be the Nepal Kingdom before as it was ruled by the Shah dynasty king. Interestingly, Upper Mustang still practices the monarchial system at least in its area. Therefore, the place is also famously known as the Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal.
Trekkers who visit the region can experience the contrasting diversity of landscape, nature, and culture. Relish the chance to experience the Himalayan desert, caves, and the last village of Nepal bordering China. Upper Mustang Trek can be a splendid walking trip so far in your life as it endows attractions ranging from cultural to natural aspects with the mountain vistas as some added incentives.
The Upper Mustang region Trekking of Nepal is a mythically and naturally significant area. It is under a restricted trekking zone. Earlier, foreigners were not allowed to enter the place. Nowadays, people can visit the place only after getting a special permit. Trekkers have to fulfill certain requirements.
Overview
Somewhere in the Midwestern Himalayas of Nepal exist two small villages that feels so mysterious so out of this world. The ultimate gateway to the mysterious world of the vanishing mountains, while discovering the mysterious culture of Yara and Ghara village. The place where matriarch is still in practice. This may be the last generation of Yara and Ghara village who run through matriarch. In today’s modern world were we search for sophisticated luxury, this trek take you behind the times.
Trip Highlights
- Experience your spiritual aspect during upper mustang trekking by several Gompas, chortens, waving prayer flags, and caves.
- Spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna (8,091), Thorung Peak, Nilgiri (7,061m), Chulu West, Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Lamjung Himal,
- Mountain ranges like the Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and others may be seen in a beautiful way.
- Muktinath - a holy site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
- Organic apple farms with apple products like pie, dried apple as well as apple brandy aka marpha.
- Visit the picturesque areas including magnificent barren landscapes ancient caves, century old monasteries and many other archeological sites.
- Amazing landscapes with ancient monastery, caves and archeological sites.
- Ancient Buddhist monasteries.
- Jomsom (2,720m) - the headquarter town of Mustang District.
- Fly over one of the deepest gorges of Kaligandaki River.
Itinerary
After landing your flight at TIA, representative of Everest Alpine Trekking. will warmly welcome you to Nepal. Then we will shift you toward your Hotel. In the evening our guide will meet you for the discussion of Upper Mustang trek with a delicious dinner.
We will spend our second-day sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley. Pashupatinath, regarded as the holiest temple of Lord Shiva, Bauddhanath was known as Little Tibet and Swayambhunath knew as Monkey Temple will be our main sightseeing destination. Then we will enter Basantpur Durbar Square. After visiting Kathmandu valley we will return back to the hotel and make preparation for tomorrow.
From today our journey starts. Early morning we will drive to Pokhara after having our breakfast. It takes us about 7 to 8 hours. In our journey toward Pokhara, we will be enjoyed with the spectacular scenery of roadside houses and forests. After reaching Pokhara we will spend our leisure time visiting the beautiful area of Lakeside.
We will catch the early morning flight over to Jomsom. From the flight magnificent view of mountain ranges with snow, a cap can be seen. After reaching Jomsom we will carry our bag and start our trek which leads us to Kagbeni (desert of Nepal).
After check our special permit at Kaagbeni we will continue our journey toward Chele. We will unknowingly picturesque desert valley of Nepal which will be so much interesting. We will walk in sandy and windy trails with up and downhill. Slowly walking we will reach the small ridges at Chele Village where we will spend our night.
From Chele, we will continue our walk toward Syangboche. We need to walk through Ekle Bhatti. After crossing Taklam La pass (3624m) we almost complete today’s walk. We need to walk on plateaus and narrow stretches. The panoramic scene of Tilicho Peak, Damodar Danda, and Yaskawa Kang will be so much memory.
After having breakfast we resume our trekking to Ghaymi. Walking uphill to Yamada La (3850m) our journey starts. Many teahouses and local villages with Tibetan culture and traditions can be seen during our walk. Climbing the Nyi Pass (4010m) and descending for a while lastly we will reach Ghaymi village.
Early morning we walk toward Charang. First of all, we need to cross Ghaymi Khola to start our journey. Ascending on the plateau and passing beside a very long Mani wall (a sacred stone wall made by the followers of Buddhism) we will Charang village of a maze of fields for our cool night.
After having breakfast we trek toward Lo-Manthang. We need to walk through the main trail. Magnificent views of Tilicho, Annapurna I, Nilgiri, and Bhrikuti Peak can be seen through our trial. Finally, we will be at Lo from where we can observe the panoramic view of Lo-Mangthang valley.
Today we spend our whole day exploring at Lo-Manthang. First of all, we will visit Namgyal Gompa (situated on a hilltop considered as an important monastery in the local community) and Tingkhar (the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Manthang). In this way, we will spend the whole day.
From Lo-Manthang our returning journey starts through different parts. Our walk goes through Gyakar with Ghar Gompa (more than 1200 years old) with Guru Rinpoche as the primary figure. We continue our trek by exploring the local area and at the end of the day, we will reach Drakmar.
Early morning after having breakfast, we return back to Ghiling. At midday, we will reach Ghiling. We will spend our remaining day exploring the area. But it’s more likely to get the dusty wind in the afternoon. It is better not to walk in the evening time. After exploring we will return back to our place for a night.
After having breakfast, we will continue our walk toward Chhuksang. We need to walk through the main trail. We will be pleased with the beautiful scenery which will be so much impressive. Walking slowly on Humpty Dumpty way we lastly reach Chhuksang where we will spend our night at a lodge.
From Chhuksang we will move toward Jomsom. Panoramic view of all around the surrounding with giant mountains can be seen in our way. A beautiful glimpse of great ranges of giant mountains will be joyful. We will be moving until we will reach to the Jomsom where we will stay our night.
We will catch the early morning flight over to Pokhara. From the flight magnificent view of mountain ranges with snow, a cap can be seen. After reaching Pokhara we will view and visit the local market at Lakeside in our leisure time. Then we will return back to the hotel to stay at our memorable night.
Waking early morning we will again view the rising sun piercing the white snows. After having breakfast we will return back to Kathmandu. It will take us about 7 to 8 hours. After reaching Kathmandu we will be shifted toward the hotel.
After spending last night at Nepal, we will pack our luggage to march ourselves towards TIA. We have to reach at the airport 3 hours before the flight. Before that, we will attend a small farewell program organized by Everest Alpine Trekking.
Cost Includes
- International & domestic airport transfers as per the itinerary.
- 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis on BB plan.
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara on twin sharing basis on BB plan.
- Kathmandu Sightseeing by professional english speaking tour guide.
- Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu by flight / ground transportation by private vehicle.
- Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara flight cost.
- 3 meals a day during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as mention in itinerary.
- Accommodation while trekking in twin sharing basis in guesthouses.
- Annapurna conservation area permit and TIMS card.
- Upper Mustang Restricated area permit fee.
- Professional government lisence holder English speaking trekking guide.
- The required number of porters to carry the luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests).
- Lomanthang to jomsom by local Jeep hiring.
- Sleeping bag and duffel bag during the trek. (Refundable after finish trekking).
- A comprehensive medical kit.
- All government and local taxes.
Cost Excludes
- International air fare to/ from Nepal.
- Entry Visa fees - at present $30 for 15 day, US$ 50 for 30 day, and US$ 125 for three month visa on entry into Nepal.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Insurance which covers, medical, emergency evacuation, lost, etc.
- Beverages, alcoholic drinks, mineral water, boiled water during the trekking.
- All food and beverages other than on the itinerary.
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure.
- And early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Personal gear and expenses.
- Tips and gratitude provided to staff.
FAQS
This trek is ideal all around the year as it lies in a rainshadow area. This means it won’t receive rainfall even in heavy monsoon seasons, which is off-season in other parts of the country. However, for the best experience, you can trek in peak seasons of Autumn and Spring.
Upper Mustang Trek is suitable for all kind of people who are moderately fit, not any previous adventures experience is required. Some physical fitness activities such as running, swimming and walking are recommended before your Mustang trek. Persons suffering from a pre-existing medical flaws must seek medical advice before considering the trek. Whilst on the trek, it is common to experience some discomfort before being fully acclimatized.
Normally there are common toilet facilities in teahouses and lodges, which are usually neat and clean. Nowadays, some small number of teahouses and lodges offer attached restroom. We will provide you the best option as far as possible in this regard.
Whilst on the trek, our porters who are honest and experienced, will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream, money etc. Normally, we assign one porters to carry the luggage of two trekkers.
ATM and credit card facilities can be used in Kathmandu, Pokhara andJomsom. Above that, you need cash payments for various service you need.
Yes, it is absolutely possible to add some more days to the trip. Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food.
In case of any casualties, travel insurance will be a boon to recover the incurred expenses. In case of helicopter rescue, the helicopter charge, which is little expensive, can also be recovered by your insurance. So it a good act to check you insurance validity and policy, whether it recovers the rescue charges or not.
Accommodation facilities include lodges, tea houses, and guesthouses. You will have twin beds, mattresses, sheets, warm blankets, and pillows in these rooms. You need to book these facilities in advance during peak seasons, as there are generally crowded trails.
Trekkers will require a special restricted area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit for this trek.
The starting point of this trek is Jomsom, where we arrive after we take a scenic mountain flight from Pokhara. The endpoint of this trek is Jomsom as well from where we fly back to Pokhara and finally drive to Kathmandu.
No, the solo trek is not ideal as it passes through a restricted area. There are some regulations you must complete to trek in this region. You must trek with a group of a minimum of two members and a professional guide.
This trek is relatively less challenging. However, you still have to trek through rugged terrains and remote trails at high altitudes, and therefore you should prepare well.
Upper Mustang remains located in the Mustang district in the Northern part of Gandaki Pradesh in Nepal.
Upper Mustang Trek Map
