Upper Mustang
Highlights
- Trekking to the altitude of 3840m
- Explore Tibetan culture and lifestyle
- Observe 1300 years old Tibetan monasteries
- Visit the ancient forbidden Lo Kingdom with a closer glimpse
- Spectacular view of Mt. Nilgiri, Kaligandaki Gorge, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri
Overview
Upper Mustang is one of the amazing places in Nepal suitable for trekking. Once a Buddhist kingdom, Mustang in itself is a different world on Earth.
Explore the mysterious territory of Upper Mustang located in an isolated area of Western Nepal towards the Tibetan border. Upper Mustang is one of the popular trekking destinations due to its unmatched geographical beauty and traditional ambiance.
Upper Mustang trekking in Nepal is a long trek that encompasses spectacular views of small villages and Buddhist monasteries surrounded by snow-capped high peaks.
Upper Mustang trek is nothing like other treks in Nepal. You will not find dense forests and conventional trekking trails. Get ready to be blown away by the challenging and offbeat trekking trails. It is a fascinating place to explore the lesser-known culture of people living in Upper Mustang.
Since Upper Mustang lies in an isolated and remote part of Nepal, it lacks proper facilities like in the city. The majority of people living here follow Thakali and Tibetan culture.
The people here are invested in agriculture, animal husbandry, and trading. Their lifestyle has Tibetan influence which is apparent from the architecture of their houses, clothes, ornaments, festivals, monasteries, sports, food, language, and many more.
Upper Mustang weather
Though Upper Mustang is situated at a high altitude, you will not encounter snowfall even during the winter season. The weather of Upper Mustang is usually dry and windy.
Our trekking will end at an altitude of 3840m, which is quite a high altitude for trekking. The dry and windy environment will certainly make your journey to the top a little difficult. The coldness increases with height. Moreover, it also becomes difficult to breathe causing altitude sickness.
It is very difficult to trek during winter due to increasing cold and during summer due to dryness. So it is better to choose autumn or spring season for the Upper Mustang trek.
Required permits
Trekkers should acquire few permits to be eligible for trekking. Generally, you are required to have three permits. These include the Annapurna conservation area permit (ACAP), TIMS card, and Upper Mustang special permit.
ACAP and TIMS cards are required to enter the Annapurna conservation area. The Upper Mustang special permit is checked while entering the Mustang district.
Upper Mustang Itinerary
Upper Mustang is a popular trekking destination among avid trekkers. The route to reach Upper Mustang is quite long and difficult. It takes around 17 to 19 days to complete the Upper Mustang trek.
You will encompass some amazing villages and landmarks throughout the trek. You have two options to complete the Upper Mustang trek. You can either take the route via Yara and explore the Ghara village or you can skip it directly by taking a route from Syangbochen to Tsarang.
Itinerary 1
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350 m). Overnight at the Hotel. B/B
On the first day, you will arrive in Kathmandu. Our agent will receive you upon your arrival. The agents will take you to a nice and cosy hotel where you can sit and relax. Stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Sightseeing around Kathmandu world heritage site.
Kathmandu is a beautiful place with several tourist destinations to visit. So on the second day, you will be visiting some amazing world heritage sites located in Kathmandu such as Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Temple, Basantapur Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and many more.
Day 3: Fly to Pokhara (890m), Overnight at the hotel. B/B
On the third day, you will fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The flight will take 30 minutes so you will have ample time for an excursion to Pokhara.
Pokhara is known as the city of lakes since the city includes several lakes. Fewa lake is one of the popular lakes of Pokhara where you can go boating. Then, you can hike up to peace pagoda, a wonderful place to explore in Pokhara. Call it a day and stay overnight at a hotel.
Day 4: Early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2750m), 3 hours trek to (Kagbeni 2870m). Visit Tibetan monastery and hike up to Tiri Village. Overnight at a guest house. B/L/D
On the fourth day, you will take a morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. Enjoy the scenic flight of 20 minutes. Then, from Jomsom, it will take 3 hours of walking to reach Kagbeni.
After a quick refreshment, you will begin an afternoon excursion to Kagbeni. Kagbeni is a spectacular village to explore. You can visit Tibetan monasteries and hike up to Tiri village. Stay overnight at a guest house at Tiri village. Tiri village is just 30 to 45 minutes far from Kagbeni. You will observe a great view of Kali Gandaki on the way. Stay Overnight at Kagbeni.
Day 5: Kagbeni to Chele (3170 m)/ 6-7 hrs. Overnight at Chele.B/L/D
On the fifth day, you will move ahead to Chele from Kagbeni. An uphill of around 6 to 7 hours will take you to a spectacular village of Chele.
Chele village resides at an elevation of 3050 m. This trekking trail along the Kali Gandaki River serves you astonishing views of the majestic Nilgiri mountain.
After we arrive at Chele, we will hike up to the viewpoint closest to Nilgiri View and Kaligandaki Gorge. Call it a day and stay overnight at Chele.
Day 6: Chele to Syangboche (3780 m) via Bhena La pass (3860 m). walking distance 7 hours. Overnight at the guest house. B/L/D
On the 6th day, you will depart from Chele and make your way to Syangbochen. It is going to be a difficult day filled with hours-long elevated treks. You will walk across Bhena La pass, which is about 19.6 km long.
It is quite high altitude for trekkers to suffer from altitude sickness. Bhena La Pass, located at an altitude of 3860m, links Syanboche and Chele. Stay overnight at Syangboche.
Day 7: Syangbochen to Ghami via Nyi La pass (4025 m). (3640 m) walking distance 6:30 – 7 hours. Overnight at the guest house. B/L/D
From Syangbochen, you will walk through Nyi La Pass to reach Ghami. The pass is at a height of 4025m. Once you reach the top, you will observe a splendid view of the Upper Mustang worth a capture in the lens.
As you go uphill, you may feel nausea due to high altitude. Trekking through the Nyi La pass is difficult and dangerous as there is a risk of avalanches and landslides. Similarly, there is a risk of altitude sickness so remember to acclimatize in-between. Ghami will be your final destination on the seventh day. Stay overnight at Ghami.
Day 8: Ghami to Tsarang ( 3500 m )via Ghar Gompa (1300 years old monastery and pure Virtue of lo scriptures of Padmasambhava ). Walking distance 7-7:30 Hours. Overnight at a guest house. B/L/D
From Ghami, you will make your way to reach Tsarang. You will come across Ghar Gompa, which is a 1300 years old monastery of Upper Mustang.
Explore the Gompa built in the 8th century for a while as it has a unique traditional structure and includes centuries-old sculptures and scriptures of Padmasambhava. Then, head towards the destination Tsarang. Expect to walk for about 7 hours downhill. Stay overnight at a guest house.
Day 9: Tsarang to Lo Manthang (3880 m) via Lho La pass (3950 m). Walking distance 4 hours and after the lunch excursion around Lomong Thang. Overnight at guest house B/L/D
From Tsarang, it is time to move towards Lo Manthang. Lo Manthang used to be the capital of Mustang when it was Lo kingdom. The Lho La pass connects these two destinations. It will take around 4 hours to cross Lho La pass (3950m). Then, take a break for lunch at Lo Manthang. After a quick lunch break, take a small tour of the area and stay overnight at the guest house.
Day 10: Explore Chhoser Valley. Overnight at the guest house. B/L/D
Chooser valley of Upper Mustang is one of the amazing places you must visit at least once in your life. Explore the sky caves of Chooser valley, which are centuries-old human-made caves and are visually spectacular. Also, visit the ancient Tibetan monuments and trek back to Lo Manthang. Stay overnight at Lo Manthang.
Day11: Lo Manthang to Yara (3640m). Walking distance 6 hours. Overnight at the guest house. B/L/D
From Lo Manthang, we will arrive at Yara and then visit Ghara Village. The mesmerizing Ghara village is located at an altitude of 3920m. It is one of the oldest villages and an En route to holy lake Damodar Kunda.
Yara is 16.6 kilometers far from Lo Manthang. Yara village is located at an altitude of 3640m above sea level. It takes around 6 hours of walking to reach there. After a small excursion to Yara village, rest at a guest house and spend overnight.
Day 12: Yara to Tyange (3325m) via Sertang La (4015m). Walking distance 6 hours. Overnight at the guest house. B/L/D
You will leave early in the morning from Yara for Tyange. Sertang La, located at an altitude of 4015m connects Yara and Tyange. The view from Sertang La is exceptional.
It is the best viewpoint of Kali Gandaki and mountain view. After 6 hours of walk, you will reach Tyange, where you will stay overnight at a guest house.
Day 13: Tyange to Tetang (2700 m) via Pa Pass (4170 m) B/L/D
From Tyange, you will move downhill towards Tetang (2700m). Cross the Pa Pass (4170 m) along the way. It is one of the most pleasant walks that feeds our eyes with a spectacular view of high peaks like Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Annapurna I (8090m), Nilgiri, and more than 15 snow-capped peaks over 6000 m. This is the longest day of our trekking that takes 8 to 9 hours. The trekking trail has no tea houses to have a lunch break so, carry some lunch with you. Stay overnight at a guest house.
Day 14: Tetang to Muktinath (3800m) Via Gyu La pass (4077m) B/L/D
The destination for the day is Muktinath, which is located at an altitude of 3800m. From Tetang, you are required to walk for 6 to 8 hours on the fourteenth day.
The distance between Tetang and Muktinath is 14.7 km. You will cross the Gyu la pass and the highest point of 4077m above sea level. The trekking trail gives you a panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Thorong peak, Tukuche Himalayan range, and others. Get down from the highest point and take a rest at Muktinath. Overnight at the guest house.
Day 15: Muktinath to Jomsom (2750m) via Lubra hill (3980m) B/L/D
Muktinath is around 20km far from Jomsom. You will walk downhill for around 7 hours. Walk across Lubra hill, which gives a spectacular viewpoint of Muktinath, Gharkot, and Jhong Village and more than 15 snow-capped mountain Views. Stay overnight at Jomsom.
Day 16: Early morning fly to Pokhara
It is now time to leave the Mustang district. Walk from the guest house to the Jomsom airport. Take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
Day 18: Pokhara to Kathmandu
From Pokhara, take a flight to Kathmandu. You can relax and take a small tour around. Get ready for tomorrow’s departure.
Day 19: Fly back home
This is the last day of the trip. Bid farewell to the team and take a flight to your homeland.
Itinerary 2
The second itinerary is slightly different from the first one. It is the same up to today 10. The trekking route changes from the 11th day.
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu 1,350m/ 4,429ft
Day 02 Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation 1,350m/ 4,429ft
Day 03 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 827m/2,713ft 5-6 hrs
Day 04 Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni 2,810m/9,220ft 3-4 hrs
Day 05 Kagbeni to Chele 3,050m/10,007ft 5-6 hrs
Day 06 Chele to Syanbochen 3,475m/11,401ft 6-7 hrs
Day 07 Syanbochen to Ghami 3,520m/11,549ft 5-6 hrs
Day 08 Ghami to Tsarang 3,870m/12,697ft 5-6 hrs
Day 09 Tsarang to Lo-Manthang 3,730m/12,238ft 3-4 hrs
Day 10 Explore Lo Manthang/ Acclimatization 3,730m/12,238ft
Day 11 Lo-Manthang to Drakmar 3,810m/12,501ft 6-7 hrs
Day 12 Drakmar to Ghiling 3,806m/12,487ft 5-6 hrs
Day 13 Ghiling to Chhuksang 3,050m/10,007ft 5-6 hrs
Day 14 Chhuksang to Jomsom 2,700m/8,859ft 6-7 hrs
Day 15 Fly back to Pokhara 827m/2,713ft
Day 16 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu1,350m/4,429ft
Day 17 Final departure
Day 11 Lo-Manthang to Drakmar 3810m 6-7 hrs
On the eleventh day, your trekking trailheads from Lo-Manthang to Drakmar. Get a chance to explore the Gyakar village, where lies the 1200 years old Ghar Gompa. Stay overnight at a guest house in Drakmar.
Day 12 Drakmar to Ghiling, 3806m 5-6 hrs
From Drakmar, you will trek downhill to Ghiling. It would hardly take 5 to 6 hours to reach Ghiling. Enjoy the amazing view of mountains, rivers, and villages along the way. Stay overnight at Ghiling.
Day 13 Ghiling to Chhuksang, 3050m 5-6 hrs
From Ghiling, move downhill towards Lo Manthang, to a village of Chhuksang. Expect a clear and amazing view of the high peaks as you walk. The trekking route penetrates several small villages, before reaching Chhuksang. Utilize the rest of the day to explore the area.
Day 14 Chhuksang to Jomsom, 2700m 6-7 hrs
From Chhuksang, you will pave your way to Jomsom. It would take around 6 to 7 hours. It is the last day of the trek at the Mustang district. Enjoy the night at Jomsom.
Day 15 Fly back to Pokhara, 827m
Catch an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The flight will take you across a large gorge between the Mt. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After you arrive at Pokhara, you can utilize the spare time to stroll around the Pokhara market where you can buy some souvenirs.
Day 16 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu,1350m
You will take an early morning drive from Pokhara back to Kathmandu. Get a chance to observe the scenic view on the road trip. After a tiring road trip, take some rest at the hotel in Kathmandu. Savor traditional and delicious delicacies for the last time in Kathmandu.
Day 17 Final departure
Your agents will bid farewell to you. Then, take a flight from Kathmandu airport and reach safely to your homeland.
Conclusion
Upper Mustang is one of the best places for remote area trekking in Nepal. The unique beauty and unconventional trekking trails make the journey a lifetime experience. If you have any queries about the Upper Mustang trek, you can simply contact us. We are open for last-minute booking as well. Our team is here to provide you instant and top-notch service at any time.
