Upper Mustang Trekking
Duration : 12 Days | Travel style : Eco- Friendly , Active Adventures
1850
Starting Price
More Pax, more discount
| Group Size | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 - 4 Pax | US$ 2050 |
| 5-8 Pax | US$ 1960 |
| 9 - 14 Pax | US$ 1850 |
Trip Highlights
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Country
Nepal
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Duration
12 Days
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Max Altitude
12,467 ft./ 3,800 m.
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Accommodation
Hotel and Lodge
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Fitness Level
Moderate
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Best Season
Mar to May - Aug to Dec
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Group Size
Any Private Group
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Transportation
Flight / Private Vehicle
Upper Mustang Trek enables to see forbidden kingdom with a monarch beyond the Himalayas. The cumulative trip through Lo-Manthang has many awe-inspiring trekking destination as the place endows the distinct landscapes and the typical Himalayan lifestyles in its original form.
Highlights of Upper Mustang Trek
Experience mini Tibet: Tibetan people/culture/lifestyles.
Visit the picturesque areas including magnificent barren landscapes ancient caves, century old monasteries and many other archeological sites.
- Experience the Himalayan views from its backyard.
- Test the renowned local apples, apple pie and apple wine (marpha) in Jomsom.
- Visit Muktinath important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhist.
- Fly over the Kaligandaki George, the world deepest.
- Take a sightseeing tour in the beautiful city of Pokhara (Lakes, caves and Davis fall)
Upper Mustang, the part of Tibetan Plateau and popular as the mini Tibet, lies in the backyard of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Massifs. Various passes averaging the height of 4000m has to be crossed in order to reach the place. Mustang mostly constitutes barren treeless landscapes with many ancient caves. The dried yet colorful hills manifest the incredible beauty of nature even in the green less form.
The people in the naturally isolated region of Mustang have their own distinct lifestyles, culture and traditions that have continued for centuries. The culture is dominantly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism following as the place was once a part of ancient Tibet. The historic monasteries, Chortens enrolled with prayers flags and wheels, various Buddhists arts and festivals take us closer to the spiritual ideology that has flourished beauty and happiness in spite of such a hardship in the region. Lo Manthang is the capital of the former historic and buddhist kingdom of Mustang. The early history of Lo Manthang is embroidered by myths and legends rather than recorded facts.
Upper Mustang Trekking Altitude Map:-
Fees, Permits and Facilities
Foreign travelers have been allowed to the region since 1992 but tourism in this area is regulated. Foreigners need to obtain a special permit to enter in this area. Mustang is one of the most restricted trekking area of Nepal but now it is popular destination for trekkers. Upper Mustang region is well marked by official "Mustang" boarder signs just north of Kagbeni where a police and ACAP checks permits for non-Nepalese seeking to enter the region, and at Gyu La (pass) east of Kagbeni.
Trekking permits for Mustang costs US $ 500 per person for 10 days. Note that it is defined as 10 days not nights, starting and ending at Kagbeni. Extra days are charged extra US $ 50 per day. In order to obtain the permit you need to have at least two members in a group. That means single permit won’t be allowed from the immigration. If you are single traveler, let us know, we can provide permits by joining you with other travelers group. We need your original passport copy to obtain the restricted area permits.
Best Trekking Seasons
Best of the Upper Mustang Trekking. Most of the population departs from Lo Manthang on trading expedition during the winter to avoid the cold and snow. The trekking season, therefore, is from late march until early November. The manthang trek don’t go to extremely high elevations, but the cold, dust and unrelenting afternoon winds can make it less pleasant than other treks in Nepal.
Itinerary
You can always customize this itinerary as per your preference.
1
Day
Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
You will be welcomed at Kathmandu airport by one of our representative and will take you to hotel. There will be small meeting regarding the trip at evening.
Hotel(Breakfast Included)
| Private Vehicle
2
Day
Kathmandu preparation and flight to Pokhara.
Today you will be preparing for a trek and do some last moment shopping of the essential items required for a trek. The day is allocated in order to fulfill some legal formality and prepare the required permits for trek. After finishing all formalities you will be catching a flight to Pokhara that will take about 30 minutes and rest of day you will be spending strolling around lake side or chilling at hotel.
Hotel(Breakfast Included)
| Private Vehicle
3
Day
Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni – 4 hours.
After an early breakfast you will be moving towards airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 16 minutes over the mountains of 8,000m such as Annapurna & Dhaulagiri, brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town, headquarter of the Mustang region; it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, you continue on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept villages situated on the main age old Trans-Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area.
Overnight at Lodge (Breakfast Included)
4
Day
Trek Kagbeni to Chele 5hrs walk
From here, the Upper Mustang Trek starts. Our journey starts with a special permit checkup and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we have scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trails follows the up and downhill. Firstly we reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after crossing the Kaligandaki river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges reach at Chele village.
Overnight at Lodge (Breakfast Included)
5
Day
Trek Chele to Syanboche (3475m) 6-7 hrs.
Today, we start our trek and walk further to Eklo Bhatti. We climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. Further descend a little to the village of Samar. Climb the trail that goes above Samar village to the ridge then descending steeply to a stream. Another 3 hrs similar walk takes us to Syanbochen. On the way, we relax along the surrounding of cool streams and juniper trees. Locals use the dried leaves of junipers as incenses to invite deities and start any auspicious work. We also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave.
Overnight at Lodge (Breakfast Included)
6
Day
Trek Syanboche to Ghami (3520m) - 5-6 hrs.
After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) passing a few teahouses, chortens and local villages which is like Tibetan style of houses with open Varanda. We cross mountain passes, and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barley. The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) would be a little longer. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi. The third largest village in the Lo region, Ghayami is surrounded by large fields most of which are barren.
Overnight at Lodge (Breakfast Included)
7
Day
Ghami to Lo-Mangthang via Ghar Ghompa (3700m/12,136ft): 5-6 hrs.
Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with magnificent view. Ghar Ghompa is the oldest monastery of Nepal. On the trail we come to isolated village of Dhakmar. The trail offers beautiful landscapes and it’s more like off beaten path which first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay at hotel for the overnight stop.
Overnight at Lodge (Breakfast Included)
8
Day
Explore Lo- Mangthang and Chooser.
Today after breakfast we explore the surrounding areas where we will be going to 3 monasteries like Chode Gompa, Jampa Monastery and Thupchen Gompa of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to hotel. You may have another option to visit the Tall Champed Lakhang "God house" the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- storey building of the royal palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya.
The Jhong cave in Chooser is one of the most amazing caves in upper mustang Nepal. Secrets of the sky caves Nepal are attracting attention of archaeologist from around the world. They are very curious to know more about mysteries caves in upper mustang region. Upper mustang is one of the best examples of cave civilization. There are numerous multi-storied man made caves in the hills of Upper Mustang. This place still have a culture of sky burial.
(Recommended: You either take a jeep or horse while exploring areas of Chooser as you won’t miss a lot and taking jeep is more economical and safe.)
Overnight at Lodge (Breakfast Included)
9
Day
Drive back to Jomsom via Muktinath – 6 hours drive.
Today we will be driving back to Jomsom packing all our memory from the trek. It will take about 6 hours to get to directly to Jomsom without visiting Muktinath and visiting the place adds 2 more hours approximately in order to get to Jomsom. Muktinath is one of the holy place for Hindu and Buddhist community in Nepal and it is believed that if showered in 108 taps of Muktinath you will wash all your sins. If one doesn’t want to visit there you won’t be taken via Muktinath.
Overnight at Lodge (Breakfast Included)
10
Day
Fly to Pokhara and sightseeing (Optional drive to Pokhara if flight is cancelled due to bad weather condition.)
We then fly back to Pokhara which will take about 16 minutes and rest of the day you will be exploring around Lakeside and or else you can chill in hotel. Drive from Jomsom will take you around 6/7hours.
Overnight at Lodge (Breakfast Included)
11
Day
Fly/ Drive back Kathmandu.
The tourist coach or private tourist vehicle takes about 7 hours to get to Kathmandu and if you choose to take a flight instead it will be around 25-30 minutes.
Overnight at Lodge (Breakfast Included)
12
Day
Departure
Our representative will take you to airport where you will be catching your flight to next destination.
Cost Details
"So What you are paying For?"
We would like to explain to you. We are a local company providing world-wide travelers with internationally qualified services. We provide you with the lowest cost possible for fully inclusive trips that have no hidden fees. We guarantee your safety, satisfaction, and long-lasting memories of your experience.
Cost Include
- 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 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).
- Sleeping bag and duffel bag during the trek. (Refundable after finish trekking)
- A comprehensive medical kit.
- All government and local taxes.
Cost Exclude
- 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.
- Hot shower 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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.
Yes, Global Holidays Adventure representative will be there to greet you outside of Terminal Hall. He will be displaying Global Holidays Adventure name card with your name on it. After that you will be transferred to pre-chosen Hotel.
You can get the visa at Tribhuwan International Airport after landing, furthermore it will be easier if you fill up the visa form by online (https://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa) before taking the flight to Nepal. Entry Visa fees- at present is $ 30 for 15 day, $ 50 for 30 days and $ 125 for three month visa on entry to Nepal.
You should bring following essential documents in the trip:
- Valid Passport: must be valid for up to 6 months.
- Travel insurance: you need to provide a copy of insurance paper to Global Holidays Adventure before you start the trek.
- Flight Tickets.
- Emergency contact numbers for T/C's bank, insurance, family contacts.
All types of Hotels from a budget to Luxurious including five star services are available in Kathmandu. Normally, Global Holidays Adventure offers three hotel services in our outline itinerary. We can also accommodate according to your choice.
During Trekking: You will have teahouse/Lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quit blanket. We can also offer Global Holidays Adventure's sleeping baggage if needed (which needs to be returned after the trip) but it’s always better to have a personal sleeping bag. We usually provide you single and double rooms as well as the occasional dormitory. During the peak season it is quite difficult to manage single room therefore double rooms are preferred in our outline itinerary.
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.
Normally there are hot water shower services in various teahouses and lodges. In the absence of such facility, the teahouse/lodges will provide you hot water bucket. The payment for the shower has to be made by yourself and the cost varies with the places.
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.
Most of Teahouse cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare Pasta, Tuna Bakes, Noodles, Potatoes, Eggs, Dal-bhat, Bread, Soups, Fresh Vegetable ( variety depends on the season) and even some desserts like Apple Pies, Pancakes and some interesting attempts at Custard. You will find a lot of garlic items on the menu, eat some every day because it assists with acclimatization. In many larger villages you may find some meat on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, coffee, hot lemon as well as soft drinks. Each day dinner and breakfast are used to take in the same lodge you spend the night. Lunch will be taken on the way to destination.
During the airport pick-drop and Kathmandu sightseeing we use private tourist vehicles of various categories such as cars, vans, micro, bus etc. according to size of the group. We take a domestic flight for Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu.
Upper Mustang is rain shadow area where you can go from august to mid December and February to May.
Weather in the mountains is notoriously difficult to predict. Generally, nights are chillingly cold, whereas, the days are warmer. Winter (January and February) will be a bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. There will be a bit of snow during the month of January, February and December. The temperature inside the teahouses/lodges are fairly maintained. You can always sit beside a fire to keep yourself warmer. The temperature could be as high as 20 degree c to 15 degree c low during the day time.
These facilities will be available in most of the places in your Hotel reception by paying some service charges. Don’t forget to bring your adapters!!
How is the communication facilities during the trek?
ATM and credit card facilities can be used in Kathmandu, Pokhara andJomsom. Above that, you need cash payments for various service you need.
In Kathmandu, you can allocate $ 10-15 for lunch and dinner. It all depends on your spending habits. $. 15- 20 a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolate and few drinks in Trekking.
Well it totally depends upon you. There is trend of tipping the guide and porters in trekking. Tipping is a good way to acknowledge their works and thank them in a better way, something they would cherish and support their daily lives.
In most places bottled water is readily available. If you wish to drink normal water, you need to use purifying aid, better if you have some for yourself.
In case you suffer from altitude sickness or any other problems, we will offer you the doctor’s prescribed medicines according to the type of problem facing you. We will descend you and incase of extreme cases, you will get rescued by the helicopter.
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.
Yes, all the staffs of Global Holidays Adventure including guides and porters are insured to recover any kinds of casualties.
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.
Yes, we organize 4WD jeep tour in Mustang for Physically and timely restricated travellers to reach Lo-manthang.
Yes, there are many options and choices to extend your holidays before or after your main trip. You can visit our other touring trips to add to the main event. In general, following trips are suggested for your holiday extensions.
- Trisuli River Rafting, Paragliding, bungee and other adventures.
- Chitwan Jungle Safari Package.
- Volunteering in Schools and Villages
On the top menu of our website, under the company there is "Our Legal documents" where all of our legal documents are present. We are officially registered with the followings:
- Office of the Company Registrar, Reg No: 92142/068/69.
- Company VAT No.: 600581666.
- Tourism Industry Division, License No.: 1601.
- Nepal Cottage and Small Industry, Reg No.: 12567/667.
- Nepal Rastra Bank, License No.: 1397.
- Member, Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).
- Member, Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA ).
- Member, Village Tourism Promotion Forum Nepal.
Required Equipments
We Global Holidays Adventure give you a guideline to help what equipment are necessary for Upper Mustang trekking. Normally personal equipment and items are individual choice but the most important face that one should have enough gears to tackle the weather in Himalaya.
During the trek heavy items will be carried by our porters and the personal belongings which you need for daily or frequent purposes like money, water bottle, rain gear, camera, sun-cream and toilet paper etc are to be carried by yourself in the backpack. We will provide complimentary water proof duffel bag which you can use during the trek and it carried by porters. You can leave your non trekking items at the hotel or in our office and collect them after the trek.
Flowing gear list gives you some ideas that you can bring for the successful climbing.
GENERAL
- 4 seasons sleeping bag (Optional/ we can provide if you need it but is to be returned after the trek)
- Duffel or Rucksack or suitcase (We will provide one complimentary GHD duffel bag gore you to Keep)
- Daypack
- Down Jacket ( Optional/we can provide if you need one but is to be returned after the trek.)
UPPER BODY-HEAD /EARS /EYES
- Shade hat or baseball cap-some people drape a bandana down the back of their head and then put a baseball cap on to hold it in place.
- Warm wool and synthetic hat that cover your ears.
- Balaclava-lightweight, thinner variety.
- Glacier glasses- 100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case ( i.e Jumbo or Cube).
- Headlamp- Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good ones. Make sure to bring extra batteries and that they will last in the colder temperatures.
- Some people like ear-muffs; There are optional; a good hat balaclava, and hooded jacket should really be sufficient, but this is a personal choice for some people ( Optional).
- A Neck Warmer is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it ( Optional).
HAND
- 1 pair liner gloves, thins wool or synthetic, useful alone on mind days or as a layer inside other gloves/mitts for additional warmth.
- 1 pair shell gloves or mitts; Gore-Tex is preferred for keeping hands dry.
- 1 pair warm gloves ( heavier fleece or wool )
- Instant hand warmers are always nice in a pinch, but really shouldn't be necessary on the trek. Bringing appropriate hand protection as recommended above, should be sufficient( Optional).
CORE BODY
- T-SHIRTS -2
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
- Fleece jacket or pullover.
- Fleece Wind-Stopper Jacket ( Optional)
- Waterproof ( preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket.
- 2 women sports bras, synthetic, no cotton.
LOWER BODY-LEGS
- 2 pairs nylon hiking shorts-quick drying type not cotton.
- Underwear, stay away from cotton ( 4).
- 2 pairs lightweight long underwear-capilene or ther synthetic.
- 1 pair soft shell pants-synthetic, full zip from top and bottom preferable.
- 2 pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
- 1 pair hard shell pants. Waterproof/breathable, Gore-Tex or equivalent is best. Should zip from top and bottom- this makes it easier to put on over boots without getting undressed should the weather change once you are underway for the day.
- 1 pair cotton pants ( loose jeans/khakis ).
- All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture resident plastic bags.
FEET
- 4 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or capilene.
- 3 pairs heavy weight socks to be worn over liner socks.
- 1 pairs light weight socks, a good option for the lower/warmer parts of the trail.
- 1 pair light to medium weight water proof hiking/trekking boots.
- 1 pair light trekking shoes or sneakers. Good for around the camp/lodges and in Kathmandu.
- 1 pair hiking gaiters, good for keeping dust and rocks out of your shoes/boots as well as keep your feet dry as necessary ( Optional).
- 1 pair sandals (Optional).
MEDICINES AND FIRST AID KITS
(Please note our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However we still recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as well.)
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches.
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox ( Commonly prescribed as acetazolamide) 125 or 250 mg tablets for altitude sickness. Please discuss with us before starting to take his medicine.
- Water purification iodine tablets or polar-pure crystals.
MISCELLANEOUS, BUT IMPORTANT !
- Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies )
- Airline ticket ( Please make a copy and leave on at our office in Kathmandu just in case if you need to change the date of you)
- Durable wallet/pouch for travel documents, money & Passport.
- Sunscreen. SPF 40 is recommended and should be relatively new since it loses its effectiveness over time.
- Pocket knife or small Swiss army type.
- Toiletry kit, Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towels, soap, etc.
OPTIONAL
Also Check following list while packing it helps you to prepare everything properly.
- Personal medical kit
- Water purification tablets
- Earplugs
- Sewing-repair kit
- Camera
- Knife
- Water bottles
- Quick drying towel
- Toothbrush/paste
- Multi-purpose soap
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Sunscreen
- Reading book
- Note book and pen
- Trek route map
- Tissue / toilet roll
- Anti-bacterial hand wash
- Upper Mustang trek packing list for the female trekker make you clear about things that you need to take. Female need some extra female hygiene products on packing list but depending on the aspiration of the trekker and her preferences.
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Sport bras
- Lip balm
- Secretary Pad
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