Upper Mustang Trekking, a journey to the picturesque wild country of Nepal North Western Himalayas, beyond Mt. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range. Situated in the Annapurna Conservation Area, this region is designated as a restricted area, where not more than 1000 tourists are allowed. First opened for tourists in 1992, a special permit is required for international tourists.
A southern extension Tibetan plateau, the culture is deeply influenced by Tibet including language, spirituality, and lifestyle. Settlements are infused with the Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and Chhortens decorated with colorful prayer wheels and flags. It is truly a remarkable country to experience once in a lifetime, exploring the moonscape terrain. Which makes the Upper Mustang, a unique place to visit for various types of adventures, culturally rich along with spectacular scenery. Formerly Trans Himalaya Salt Caravan Trade Route passed through Mustang. Trade still exists between Nepal and Tibet, the border with Tibet is close to the Kora-La pass of Upper Mustang.
The trek begins after a short scenic flight from beautiful Pokhara city to Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang. Walk follows through Kagbeni to enter Upper Mustang territory within the last forbidden kingdom of Himalaya. The adventure goes through the huge red-colored canyon and wind-blown eroded towering cliff walls, visiting the nice villages of Chusang, Ghiling, and Charang, then to the former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang.
An exciting journey that takes you back to a medieval era, of narrow paved streets, and houses lined closed to each other. The town of Lo-Manthang amid a wild mountainous country offers the tour of its old monasteries and other places of historical and religious interest, after an amazing time in Lo-Manthang trek back to Jomsom for a panoramic flight to Pokhara, where our fascinating and memorable adventure to Upper Mustang trekking completes.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Tour of Kathmandu including UNESCO world heritage sites.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara 860 m -06 hours on road.
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom 2,715 m and trek to Kagbeni 2,807 m -04 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Chusang 2,920 m – 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Samar 3,290 m -06 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Ghiling 3,600 m -06 hrs.
Day 08: Trek to Charang 3,520 m -05 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to Lo Manthang 3,780 m /12,402 ft. -05 hours.
Day 10: At Lo Manthang rest day for local excursion.
Day 11: Trek to Ghami 3,440 m – 06 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Samar 3,150 m -05 hrs.
Day 13: Trek to Kagbeni -05 hours.
Day 14: Trek to Jomsom -04 hours with a free afternoon.
Day 15: Fly to Pokhara at 860 m, the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 17: Farewell and departure to respective countries.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,300 m and transfer to hotel.
On arrival at Kathmandu, our staff welcomes you and transfers you to your hotel. After checking in, a briefing is held by our guide and leaders regarding the necessary information for Upper Mustang Trek. The evening is reserved for a typical Nepali dinner with cultural dance and music.
Day 02: Tour of Kathmandu UNESCO world heritage sites.
Enjoy an exciting tour around Kathmandu steeped with UNESCO world heritage sites adorned with the country’s ancient religious and historical monuments. The tour allows visitors an explore Nepalese cultures of both Hindu and Buddhism religions.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara 860 m -06 hours on road.
Drive takes you to Nepal Mid-West beautiful Pokhara city via the winding Prithvi Highway. After checking into the hotel at Phewa Lakeside, free time to browse around. (Options for flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu with additional cost)
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom 2,715 m and trek to Kagbeni 2,807 m -04 hrs.
After breakfast, a scenic flight of 30 minutes takes you to Jomsom, the headquarters of the Mustang district. Hike towards the Kagbeni village of Kaligandaki River valley via Ekle Bhatti overlooking the pristine landscape adorned with beautiful mountain vistas.
Day 05: Trek to Chusang 2,920 m – 06 hrs.
From Kagbeni, enter the arid alpine territory of Upper Mustang as the walk continues through wild windswept terrain amidst red canyons and high cliffs. Walk beneath towering eroded cliffs and a wide canyon, as they walk slowly ends at Chusang village for an overnight halt.
Day 06: Trek to Samar 3,290 m -06 hrs.
An interesting day walks from Chusang with an ascent to scenic high passes, facing a grand vista of snow-capped peaks. The walk follows through dramatic country landscapes the walk leads to a nice village of Samar for an overnight stop.
Day 07: Trek to Ghiling 3,600 m -06 hrs.
Today’s hike follows a gradual wide path with the strong wind blowing during the afternoon. Walk follows several smaller settlements and isolated huts of Yak herders then concludes at lovely Ghiling village. Overnight at a comfortable local lodge.
Day 08: Trek to Charang 3,520 m -05 hrs.
After breakfast, the trekking trail crosses high scenic passes, traversing the remote valley. The route is well established as you follow through a number of interesting villages lined with long prayer flags, walls, and wheels. Climb to a high ridge, and then descend to Charang village surrounded by wide crops fields. Explore around the village and monastery then return to the lodge.
Day 09: Trek to Lo Manthang 3,780 m /12,402 ft. -05 hours.
Walk on a gradual path to a bridge followed by a short climb to a high ridge overlooking the walled settlement of Lo-Manthang. Descend to a small stream then head towards the entrance of the ancient settlement infused with modern-day facilities. Check into the lodge for two overnight stops.
Day 10: Acclimatization and Local excursion.
The day’s activities include a tour around the town exploring the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lo including the fort and palace. Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House), Red Thubchen Gompa, ChyodiGompa, and the great Entrance Hall are the major attractions. Tiji festival which falls in mid-May is a major attraction for tourists seeking to explore the vivid culture of Upper Mustang.
Day 11: Trek to Ghami 3,440 m – 06 hrs.
A pleasant long day walk along the deserted trail, following short ascents and descents with beautiful scenery of red landscape takes you to Ghami village within red cliffs. After checking in the lodge, visit Thubten Shedrup Dhagyeling Monastery and around the village.
Day 12: Trek to Samar 3,150 m -05 hrs.
From Ghami walk uphill and down towards Syangbochen, passing through small villages. The trail continues on the rugged path to reach Samar village for the last overnight around Upper Mustang.
Day 13: Trek to Kagbeni -05 hours.
An interesting trek retracing back to Kagbeni via a red-colored canyon amidst arid cliffs, the day’s walk crosses several passes finally exiting the restricted area of Upper Mustang. The village situated on the confluence point of Kaligandaki and Gandaki River is adorned with age-old Buddhist monuments including ruins of the royal palace making it a major attraction.
Day 14: Trek to Jomsom -04 hours with a free afternoon.
From Kagbeni, an easy short day as a morning walk follows then main Kaligandaki River flat plain and then reaching back at Jomsom for last overnight around Mustang area. Jomsom provides lovely hotels and lodges of great comfort with comprehensive food menus to enjoy the final day.
Day 15: Fly to Pokhara at 860 m and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
A short walk to Jomsom airport terminal, as the plane arrives from Pokhara, then board in a small airplane. A swift scenic flight brings you to beautiful Pokhara. After checking in to your respective hotel, time for individual activities.
Day 16: Drive to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Drive for around six hours on a winding Prithvi Highway, along the banks of Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. Check in to your hotel and remain a time for extra activities like souvenir shopping or exploring the Thamel area. (Options for a short 30 minutes scenic flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara with an additional cost, )
Day 17: Farewell and departure to respective countries.
A representative from Vertex Holiday will assist you to the International airport as per your scheduled return flight, after a successful Upper Mustang trekking.
Congratulation!