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Upper Mustang Trek

Restricted Trekking Region

Upper Mustang Trek
Trip Facts
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Mode of Trip Lodge/ Tea house
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Trek Grade Moderate
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Highest elevation 4200 m
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Trip Duration : 16 Nights & 17 Days
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Best Season Sep/Dec and Feb/ Jun

Overview

Upper Mustang Trek a unique journey, a favorite destination of professional photographers and travelers as this high and dry country offers tremendous scenery of mountains, amazing landscapes with immense culture retaining its past glory to this day untouched by modernization.

Adventure Great Himalaya introduces this fascinating and classic journey on the old and ancient Trans Himalayan Caravan Route to Tibet with overnights around interesting villages and towns of Jomsom-Kagbeni-Chele-Ghami-Tsarang to the forbidden walled city / village in Lo-Manthang.

Mustang area located on Nepal Far North West which is an extension of high and vast Tibetan plateau with arid and dry landscapes with dramatic landscapes including snow capped mountains views.

This marvelous Upper Mustang trekking starts with an overland drive on an interesting busy highway to reach famous and popular touristic city of Pokhara, an amazing and unique place with warm climate and close views of high Annapurna Himalaya.

After Pokhara taking a short scenic flight to Jomsom with alluring views of Dhaulagiri-Annapurna to Manaslu range of mountains, on reaching Jomsom the headquarter town of whole Mustang area.

From Jomsom walk enters into Upper Mustang area through Kagbeni village and several interesting villages exploring the culture and old monasteries to reach the famous walled city of Lo-Manthang after a scenic and enjoyable walks.

Around Lo-Manthang and Upper Mustang visiting classic and medieval period villages and monasteries including the palace of Mustang Raja, and then heading back to Jomsom after a enjoyable and fascinating time around Upper Mustang Trek.

Finally this marvelous classic journey ends at famous touristic city in Pokhara after flying out from Jomsom and then back to Kathmandu.

Highlights of Upper Mustang Trek

  • Fascinating and classic journey on the old and ancient Trans Himalayan Caravan Route.
  • Interesting villages and towns of Jomsom-Kagbeni-Chele-Ghami-Tsarang to the forbidden walled city/village in Lo-Manthang.
  • Explore the less explored trails of the restricted area.
  • Vast Tibetan plateau with arid and dry landscapes with dramatic landscapes including snow-capped mountains views.
  • Magnificent monasteries, jampa gompa and many more.
  • Encounter the glorious Tiji festivals with local people.
  • Ancient classic villages.
  • Spot the magnificent Tibetan art and architecture.
  • Explore the ancient capital of upper mustang lo-manthang, Incredible palaces.
  • Journey around Mustang concludes with a short scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
  • Overnight in the beautiful city Pokhara.
  • Exploration of trans Himalayan cultural.

Upper Mustang Trek Permit

It is the most important thing to know that trek to Upper Mustang requires a restricted area trekking permit. It is considered as one of the most expensive trekking permits in Nepal. Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for all foreigners The Cost US $500 per person for the first 10 days and additional day Cost  US $50 per person per day .

Like in other restricted areas, individual trekkers are less allowed in this area. This means you must find a reliable and experienced trekking agency to process the permit and do the necessary arrangements for you. By the law of Nepal government, you are also required to be accompanied by a guide or porter. There are several checkpoints you see during your trek in the region.

Upper Mustang lies entirely within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Kagbeni is the border between the upper and lower mustang. Apart from ACAP entry permit trekkers needs to issue a special restricted permit from the Nepal Immigration office. Two different permits are needed to make your trek real.

RAP (Restricted area permit) upper mustang

One scanned copy of the passport size picture is required for this permit. However, you have to hand over two pictures. This is because sometimes immigration’s database doesn’t work, and we have to attach a picture manually. Original passport is required at immigration. The permit cannot be issued on Saturday and Government Holiday.

ACAP (Annapurna conservation area project) Entry Permit.

Acap entry permits can be issued at the Nepal Tourism Board office. Either in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Regardless of the period, this single entry permit cost Nepali Rs. 2000 (Approximately USD 20). Trekkers need to provide all passport details at the Nepal Tourism board. One passport size picture is needed. Acap permits can be issued in advance before the arrival of trekkers.

Remember: After earthquake ACAP is planning different ideas. Acap permit can be used multiple times within one month but it has not been implemented.

Upper Mustang Trek Permit Summary

  • Valid Passport with minimum 6 months to expiry
  • RAP Upper Mustang – USD 500 Per Person for first 10 days |Scanned Copy of Passport Size Picture | One Printed Passport Size Picture
  • Minimum two trekkers are needed with the guidance of the authorized local operator

Meals and Accommodations

Tea houses or basic lodges serves local and international dishes and also provide basic lodging facilities. Most of the tea houses and lodges provide basic food like Dal, Bhaat and seasonal veggies. If you prefer Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, you can add as much food you can consume at the same price. Besides, western food such as Pizzas and other desserts item are also available in the menu.

Tea houses, Guesthouses and accommodation are easily available due to the increasing number of trekkers. The cost of accommodation depends on the type of room you choose. Taking a common room costs less than single, double or triple sharing rooms.

Weather and Temperature

Upper Mustang has a trans-Himalayan climate which is pretty cool in the range of 250–400 mm (9.8–15.7 in). During spring weather is very mild and moderate as compared to other seasons.

Upper mustang is the rain shadow of the Annapurna region, so you may experience very low rainfall. Generally, the weather temperature remains pretty moderate during the spring season.

December, January, And February: During this time the day time temperature remains very cold. The average daytime temperature is between 0 to  5-degree centigrade (32 to 41degree Fahrenheit). The night starts to get very cold with temperatures between -25 to -20 degrees centigrade (-13 to -4 degree Fahrenheit).

March, April, May, June: During this time of spring you can find moderate temperatures between 16 to 22-degree centigrade ( 61 to 72-degree Fahrenheit) in the daytime. The night time temperature gets close to -6 to -2 degree centigrade ( 21 to 28-degree Fahrenheit)

July, August, September:  This time of the season, the weather remains very delightful. The daytime temperature is between 20 to 33-degree centigrade ( 68 to 73 Fahrenheit). Temperature increases to -3 to 0-degree centigrade (27 to 32-degree Fahrenheit) during the night.

October, November: The daytime temperature in this session lies between 12 to 20-degree centigrade (54 to 68-degree Fahrenheit). Whereas the night time temperature lies between -8 to – 4 centigrade  (18 to 25-degree Fahrenheit).

Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

At Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport you will be well received by AGH guide and staff for transfer to your hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city, after getting refreshed our guide / leader brief of the trip to Langtang Valley, hotels, lodge, includes responsible trekking with welcome dinner in a nice Nepali restaurant with entertainment and culture programs.

Accommodation –  Hotel
Meals –  No

Day 2

In Kathmandu Prepare All Permit.

In Kathmandu free day preparations for the trek with last minute of buying and hiring of gears required for the trip, optional half day sightseeing tour at places of interest around Kathmandu around world heritage sites with temples-monasteries-Stupas and of old royal palace courtyard.

Accommodation –   Hotel
Meals – Breakfast , Dinner

Day 3

Drive to Pokhara 860m (220 k.m) -6, 7 hour

Ealy morning 6:30 , The guide will meet at your hotel and walk to tourist bus stop, catch the bus and travel to Pokhara,  Over night Hotel.

Accommodation –   Hotel
Meals –  Breakfast

Day 4

Morning Flight to Jomsom 2,700 and trek to Kagbeni – 04 hrs.

With a pleasant stop at Pokhara, early morning drive to Pokhara airport for short scenic flight to Jomsom, on flight views of beautiful mountains and then landing at Jomsom airport located on the shelf of Kali-Gandaki River. Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang district, after Jomsom first day trek begins on Kali-Gandaki river valley around windswept country. Afternoon will be very windy, after few hours of good walk with great views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri’s reach at Kagbeni village. A nice Tibetan like village located on the starting and ending point of Upper Mustang area towards forbidden city of Lo Manthang, on ancient Himalayan Caravan trade route to Tibet.

Accommodation –  Lodge
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Diner

Day 5

Trek to Chele 3,050m – 06 hrs.

Morning walk leads on uphill trail into canyon and high red eroded cliff edge, then following upper Kailgandaki River upstream, around unique landscapes of cliff wall in-between walking trails. This nice walk with views leads to our overnight stop at Chele village, a moderate size settlement.

Accommodation –  Lodge
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Diner

Day 6

Trek to Geling 3,540 m – 05 hrs.

From Chele (spelled as Tsele also), morning walk begins with a climb to Gyakar village, and from here trek around dry and barren landscapes to reach at Samar village, one of the lovely looking villages of Mustang area. After Samar village with short stops walk to Bhena and then leading with a steep climb to a ridge top of Yamda La pass at 3,860 meters high, offering grand vista of Mustang area with high mountains of Mt. Dhaulagiri. From here on down-hill to overnight stop at Geling village via Syangboche

Accommodation –  Lodge
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Diner

Day 7

Trek to Tsarang (Charang) 3,560 m – 06 hrs.

Morning visit old Geling monastery and explore the Buddhist mani prayer wheels propelled with water power, after monastery tour trek towards Ghami village, and then leading to cross Ghaymi Khola (stream) walk leads following a long and interesting line of Mani walls (holy prayer stone) from here walk to Dhakmar village. After few hours of pleasant walk reaching at Tsarang village surrounded by large fields of crops like buck wheat’s for overnight stop and visit of Tsarang old monastery.

Accommodation –  Lodge
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Diner

Day 8

Trek to Lo-Manthang 3,700 m – 04 hrs.

Today a short day walk to Lo –Manthang our main destination of this classic journey to the wall city (actually a large village) guarding this city / village surrounded by high wall. At one time stood as a forbidden kingdom after monarchy rule ended in Nepal few past decade, morning walk starts crossing a steel bridge, and then to Marang village. From this village climb to reach a scenic ridge top, coming across several chortens and mani stones, between Tsarang and on Lo Manthang trail with grand views of arid landscapes in the shade of Nilgiri’s, Tilicho and Bhrikuti peaks. Walk leads to a climb over Lo La pass at 3,950 meters with first views of Lo Manthang walled city and its fort like village. From here descend to the bottom of the pass and on nice trail to reach at Lo Manthang for two nights stop.

Accommodation –  Lodge
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Diner

Day 9

In Lo-Manthang for acclimatization and local hike.

Lo Manthang highest overnight stop of this journey, with time to explore this fascinating village with old Tibetan like houses enclosed within great high wall, visit historical and cultural centre the main attraction of Lo-Manthang. The four main monasteries are Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House), Red Thubchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the great Entrance Hall. Advance permission required to enter king’s palace to visit interior of the old palace and to grant audience with former king or Raja of Mustang if possible.

Accommodation –  Lodge
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Diner

Day 10

Trek to Dhakmar 3,810 m – 06 hrs.

After an interesting time in Lo-Manthang morning walk starts on the same route back to Marang village, and then walk west using an old path to Dhakmar village for overnight stop.

Accommodation –  Lodge
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Diner

Day 11

Trek to Ghiling 3,806 m – 06 hrs.

From Dhakmar village, morning walk heading on the same route with long series of Mani Walls, and then cross a bridge over Ghami Khola to reach at Ghami village for overnight, time permitting visit Geling monastery.

Accommodation –  Lodge
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Diner

Day 12

Trek to Tsusang 2,980 m – 06 hrs.

Slowly this fascinating walk comes to an end after a short climb to Syangboche village, and to Yamda La with grand views, then downhill to Bhena and Samar villages. Walk leads by a stream passing Gyakar and Chele villages and finally ending this nice walk at Tsusang village.

Accommodation –  Lodge
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Diner

Day 13

Trek to Kagbeni 2,830 m – 05 hrs.

Morning walk back on same trail to Kagbeni village after an interesting and exciting time around Upper Mustang, a nice and pleasant walk brings reaches at Kagbeni village before concluding the walk at Jomsom.

Accommodation –  Lodge
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Diner

Day 14

Trek to Jomsom 2,715 m – 04 hrs.

Today final day walk of this marvelous and enjoyable trip, morning walk starts on the same route to Jomsom town, after retracing Kaligandaki river valley trail to reach in Jomsom and overnight in a nice fine lodge. Jomsom area from Kagbeni to Larjung is famous for delicious apples and products cider, brandy and juice. Celebrate last night dinner with staff and among other teams.

Accommodation –  Lodge
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Diner

Day 15

From Jomsom morning fly to Pokhara.

Our last day of this amazing journey around Mustang concludes with short scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara a lovely touristic city, overnight in Pokhara a scenic spot with many nice hotels by the serene Phewa Lake, where Annapurna Himal reflects on its pristine calm waters. (Driving options which is about 6-7 hours via Beni town to Pokhara city from Jomsom)

Accommodation –  Lodge
Meals – Breakfast,

Day 16

Drivae Back Kathmandu

After a marvelous time on high mountains and hills of Mustang and Annapurna Himal, morning depart Pokhara after breakfast with overland drive back to Kathmandu. (Flying options 30 mins by air to Kathmandu)

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals – Breakfast

Day 17

International departure homeward bound.

Today, last day in unique Nepal of Himalayan wonders, after great adventure and experience on Upper Mustang trek and as your flight time AGH staff transfer you to Kathmandu airport for your international departure homeward bound or to your next port of call.

Meals – Breakfast

Cost include/ Exclude

What’s include

  • Airport/ Hotel/ Airport Transportation
  • Three Nights  Hotel in Kathmandu including Breakfast.
  • Full Board meals During the trek ( breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Hot Drinks – Ta / Coffee, Seasonal Fruits
  • Lodge to Lodge accommodation in trekking
  • Necessary Trekking permits and Company paper work.
  • Transportation Kathmandu to Pokhara  / Kathmandu by Bus,
  • Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara flight ticket
  • An experienced, helpful, friendly and English speaking Trekking guide
  • Trekking porters to carry your bag-pack ( One porter for two members)
  • Trekking equipment: Sleeping bag, down jackets, Duffie bag and walking stick, if necessary.
  • Oxe -Meter- To Check your oxygen saturation and heart rating
  • Adventure Certificate.
  • Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • All government taxes.
  • Service charge.

What’s excluded

  • International airfare and Nepal entry visa fee
  • Travel insurance & Emergency rescue Evacuation
  • Lunch Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara City
  • All the bar bills like coke, beer, bottle of water, hot water etc.
  • International airfare
  • Tips for staff

Packing List

BAG/ RUCKSACK

  • Duffel bag or rucksack for our porter to take your gear
  • Day pack for carrying your personal things like Money, Camera,  water and snacks  etc
  • Waterproof pack cover or dry bags

FOOTWEAR

  • Weatherproof walking boots or shoes
  • Inside footwear (flip flops)
  • Multiple pairs of warm socks

CLOTHING

  • Warm base layer underwear top and bottoms (woolen or synthetic)
  • Light breathable hiking trousers
  • 1, 2  t-shirt
  • Warm mid layer top (woolen or synthetic)
  • Down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable warm clothing for at night
  • Insulated hat
  • Warm gloves
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses

GEAR

  • Sleeping Bag ( -20 Degree)
  • Trekking poles
  • Aluminum  water bottle
  • Headlamp or torch

PERSONAL ITEMS

  • Sun  screen
  • Camera & batteries
  • Power adapter & chargers your electronic device like Mobile, camera
  • Bathing Towel
  • Soap or shampoo
  • First -Aid Kit Items

Enquiry Form

Note:Please ensure names must be exactly the same as your passport (for ticketing/security purposes). You could incur extra costs or even miss your flight if the names are not correct.

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