Upper Mustang Trek is journey to the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal. This Himalayan nation is worldwide popular for ethnic diversity and natural beauty. Moreover, holiday in Nepal never fails to surprise tourists with its peculiarity. Journey of Upper Mustang too is not an ordinary holiday rather it is a voyage beyond mountains. Marked by great history and blessed by nature’s unique creations this place is a perfect hideaway destination. Nepal Adventure Pilgrimage Treks & Expedition offers this package to our valued clients for magnificent experience of off the beaten trekking region of Nepal.
Upper Mustang Trek is similar to Annapurna Base Camp Trek in terms of starting point of journey.Trekking in Nepal It too starts from Pokhara. However, trekkers will take morning flight to Jomsom instead of drive to Nayapull. After reaching the windiest town of Nepal trekkers start the walking activity. Trail along the Kaligandaki River can be blissful act. You can find the sacred fossils which resemble the lord Vishnu as well. Traversing through some abandoned villages and world’s deepest gorge of Kaligandaki trekkers will finally reach Lomanthang the capital of Upper Mustang. Lomanthang means the walled city where once the last kingdom of Nepal was existed. In order to preserve these Tibetan origin people Nepal Government has denoted this area as restricted region. The culture and traditions of these people are more inclined to Tibetans. The Tiji Festival is highly popular in this area. This festival is marked to celebrate the victory of good over evil. The trip of Upper Mustang also features mysterious man made holes on hills as well. Explore this magnificent society clustered together and witness rich traditions of people of Upper Mustang.
Trekking in Upper Mustang Trek, trekkers can get opportunity to witness the majestic Muktinath temple and nunnery as well having Mt. Neelgiri on the backdrop. Nepal Adventure Pilgrimage offers competitively priced package. You will get plethora of knowledge about geographical, cultural and traditional facts of Upper Mustang region.
Start/End: Kagbeni/Jomsom
Permit: 500 USD Restricted Area Permit
Guide: Compulsory (plus a minimum of 2 trekkers)
Season: March – November best for trekking
Route: Mix of road and trail walking
Culture: Traditional Tibetan Buddhist heritag
Landscape: Semi-arid, plateaus, steep-sided gorges
You almost forget that you can trek there. You certainly can. The Upper Mustang Trek is the perfect combination of culture and trekking as it is intended. Far away from the more inhabited world and in the middle of the wilderness. Let the Himalaya embrace you and immerse yourself in the mysticism of the Mustang.
The spectacularly tanned red cliffs and the endless variety of grey rolling hills of the Mustang will be engraved in your memory long after your return home. Add to that your experiences in the incredible towns of the Kingdom and the friendliness of the people of the Mustang.
Trekking in the Upper Mustang is a special privilege. Here you will mee the lifestyles of true mountain people, who, for lots of years, had very little contact with the rest of Nepal and managed to retain their wealthy cultural heritage. Until recently, their king was formally recognized by the Government of Nepal.
In many ways, a trek into Upper Mustang is comparable to trekking in Tibet, as geographically it is a part of the Tibetan plateau. The district of Mustang was, till 1950, a separate kingdom inside the boundaries of Nepal. The remaining king, the Raja of Mustang, still resides in the historical capital recognized as Lo Manthang.
If you are looking for the perfect option for trekking in Nepal during the summer months, the Upper Mustang will automatically come on your radar. Thanks to the Upper Mustang being in the rain shadow of the Annapurnas, you can experience crystal clear days and dry weather this time of the year. Interestingly enough, the summer months are also relatively quiet. The best teahouses will be yours. The most popular times of the year are Spring and Autumn.
In May the Tiji Festival is held. Many trekkers like to combine their adventure with this traditional festival. The three-day festival takes place on the premises of the former king of Mustang’s palace. The locals from far and wide visit Lo Manthang (Upper Mustang) to participate in the festival. You can also go trekking in the Upper Mustang in winter, but you will have to make sure you are bringing the right gear.
It can be hard to choose a fitting Upper Mustang Trek. If you want to do the Upper Mustang the right way, you try to take as much time for it as possible. As transfers from Kathmandu to Pokhara are usually included, you want to spend some time in Pokhara as well. The town is just too pretty to simply skip it. Besides, you will be traveling quite a bit to get there, so you might as well stretch your leg a little.
If you live anywhere else other than the Himalayas, it will be hard to get your legs ready for higher altitudes. After all, it doesn’t get much higher than Nepal. This is why we have to be clear upfront: Unless you have hiked at a higher altitude before, it will be difficult to get a 100% ready for your adventure. If that sounds bad to you, then comfort yourself with the fact that there is absolutely no need to be 100% ready.
Symptoms of AMS start to show within a few hours after arrival at high altitude and include nausea, shortness of breath, headache and inability to exercise. An overall feeling of fatigue will take all the joy away that you were experiencing until things got bad. You may struggle to fall asleep, experience dizziness and you could be suffering from a severe headache. You may also lose your sense of coordination, have trouble walking and have a tight chest. If things progress to HAPE or HACE, you might get confused, have a shortness of breath at rest and you will likely be unable to walk at all. AMS is not only restricted to the treks to the Everest Base Camp or to the highest peaks.
The Upper Mustang Trek is not accessible to anyone who prefers to travel alone. You may have to save your Alexander Supertramp enthusiasm for another journey. A solo trekker has been limited by the authorities. A minimum of two people must be in a group with a guide. If you want to go the opposite way, you'll need a 'ghost' trekker permit (which will still require a foreign passport) and a guide (obviously). Restricted Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit are the other permissions you'll require
All foreigners, except Indians, require a visa to enter Nepal. Visa is available on arrival at the Tribhuvan international airport, and you can extend your visa at the central immigration office. Visit www.immigration.gov.np to know more.
The visa application will require a passport valid for at least 6- months and a passport-size photo. The current visa fee costs USD 50 for 30 days, which you need to pay in cash onarrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. Citizens of China and the SAARC countries will receive a free visa.
Some countries - Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan- may not receive an on-arrival visa. If you are from these countries, you may need to contact your local Nepalese embassy.
The Upper Mustang Trek is a popular trekking destination in Nepal that offers a unique experience of exploring the ancient kingdom of Lo. As this is a remote area, the availability of food and accommodation can be limited compared to other trekking routes in Nepal.
During the Upper Mustang Trek, most of the tea houses and lodges will provide meals in a set menu system. The food available will mostly be Nepali and Tibetan cuisine, including rice, noodles, soups, and stews, with options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians. As the trekking route is at a higher altitude, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids and eat light meals to avoid altitude sickness.
Accommodation options during the Upper Mustang Trek are limited, and you will mainly find tea houses and lodges for overnight stays. These tea houses and lodges usually offer basic facilities, including a bed with blankets, pillows, and shared bathroom facilities. Some tea houses and lodges may have hot showers available for an extra charge. It is important to note that the accommodation can be basic, and you should not expect luxury amenities during your stay.
It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance during peak trekking seasons to avoid any inconvenience. Additionally, it is always good to carry a sleeping bag, as the blankets provided by the tea houses and lodges may not be sufficient to keep you warm during colder nights.
The Tiji Festival is an annual three-day event held in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal, which is a restricted area that requires a special permit to visit. The festival is celebrated by the local people, who are predominantly of Tibetan origin and follow Tibetan Buddhism.
During the festival, masked dancers perform traditional dances that depict the triumph of good over evil. The festival is held in the courtyard of the 600-year-old palace in the town of Lo Manthang, the capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang. The festival is believed to have originated in the 15th century, and it is still celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by the local people.
The Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Trek is a popular trekking route that combines the cultural experience of the Tiji Festival with the natural beauty of the Mustang region. The trek usually takes around 16-18 days, starting from Jomsom and following the Kali Gandaki River upstream to the town of Lo Manthang. The trek passes through barren landscapes, ancient caves, and traditional villages, providing a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life of the people in the region.
The best time to undertake the Tiji Festival Upper Mustang Trek is during the spring season (March to May) when the weather is mild, and the rhododendron flowers are in full bloom. The trek requires a special permit, which can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. It is recommended to undertake this trek with an experienced guide who is familiar with the region and the festival.
Above itinerary is basically a guideline. If you're not satisfied or have an alternative plan please feel free to discuss it with us.
Accommodation:3 Stars Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Null
When you arrive at the Tribhuvan international airport terminal, our airport team will be there waiting to greet you. They'll assist you with your luggage and take you to your hotel. Once you've had some time to rest, we'll schedule a meeting with the core team members at our Nepal Adventure Pilgrimage office. Here, we'll introduce you to your trek leader and go over any final preparations needed for your upcoming journey. With the evening free, feel free to explore the lively streets of Thamel and pick up any last-minute items you may need.
Having breakfast then start an interesting tour around Kathmandu. We will arrange a tour guide of your chosen language to give you a tour and introduction to our rich culture amongst our ancient and fascinating history and religion. Am: Boudhanath & Pashupatinath. Pm: Patan Durbar Square and Soyambhunath then back to hotel.Overnight at hotel.
Early morning heading to Pokhara via Tourist bus which takes 6-7 hours. You may use flight which takes just 25 min.Evening Boating at fewa lake and rounding near the lake side area. O/N at Hotel.
Early in morning having breakfast then transfer to the airport. Then flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 20 minutes brings you at Jomsom.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. In may visit an interesting wind swept villages situated on the main age old Trans Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. O/N at Lodge.
Kagbeni to Chele Actually, Kagbeni is the entry point to upper Mustang. From Kagbeni, trail leads up the east bank of Kali Gandaki and climbs over many ridges as it head north. After, that, through the interesting cave, Gompa crossing place of Tangbeegetation is almost non- – existent except for small shrubs and thorn bushes. The Kaligandaki canyon is awe-inspiring. However, the trail is kept lively with several passing mule trains and horsemen bearing wares from after. This day is uphill, quite steep at times up to the little village of Tangbe 2900m where we stop for lunch. Then after the path flattens out up to Chusang a fairly large settlement inhabited mostly by a mixed ethnic group of Gurungs, Thakalis and some families from the land of Lo. There is a small Buddhist Gompa constructed out of stone and mud across the river, which can only be reached during the colder months when water is low. By itself Chusang is a very interesting village with narrow covered alleys running through the cente, Chhuksang 5/6 hours. Overnight at Lodge.
The trail widens significantly an en Chusang-Samar (3050 m) approx.,4 hrs
Having entered this long and secluded valley one feels also a distinct change, not only to topography but there is a world of difference in culture, lifestyle and landscape. Settlements are more scattered, smaller and basic. The people of Lo or Mustang practice agriculture but because of the lack of the rain and fertile soil, cultivation is in sheltered plots of land making the landscape of a pattern of brown with scattered patches of shaded greens. A little ahead of Chusang we cross a small bridge across the Mustang Khola River, across which is colorful little village called Chaili. The trail then veers northwest along steep lines right up to the village of Samar, out campsite, making it a tough four hours walk. Samar is a very old and small village situated amongst a grove of trees with a stream running through the middle.
As in all desert lands, settlements in Mustang are in oasis village most houses are constructed out of mud and stones with roof cast out of twins, straw and a mixture of mud and pebbles. The trail descends crossing couple of mountain streams followed by a fairly flat stretch of two hours before we arrive into a wide valley. The Gelling village is located an hour walk away to the right of the main trail and in a valley between two hills. North of the village lies a Buddhist Gompa, which, though new contains exquisite wall paintings.
At the place of Geling, the trail climbs gently through field up the centre of the valley; it passes above Tama Gaon and its imposing Chorten. After crosses Tangmar Chu River, with a short climbing enters Charang (3490m). Walking time takes about 5/6 hours, Overnight at Lodge.
Lomanthang is the capital city of upper Mustang. We will spend part of the morning exploring the interesting village of Charang and its large monastery, before setting out for Lo Manthang. We climb gently above the valley to a large isolated Chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo Manthang. The trail then broadens and eventually we get our first view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The city has only one entrance so we circumambulate the wall to the gate on the north-east corner’s/N at Lodge
Today, you are free to explore the fascinating Village of Lo Manthang. The city contains about 150 houses, as well as residences for its many lamas. There are four major temples within the village and one of these, Champa Lhakang, contains a huge clay statue of Buddha as well as elaborates mandalas painted on the walls. The king’s palace is an imposing building in the center of the city and is occupied by the current King and Queen. Although his duties are largely ceremonial, the King is respected by the people. Throughout the kingdom, the villagers continue to seek his advice regarding many issues. It is possible to hire horses to visit these valleys, but this short tour will incur extra costs./N at Lodge.
We begin our return journey from Lo Manthang, taking the upper highland route.
Today the trail climbs steadily to a pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lo Manthang. The trail contours across the head of a valley and crosses another ridge, then drop into another large desolate valley. After ascending to the valley floor, the route heads to the right, up the center of the valley to it head. Cross a ridge at 4070 meters & traverses across the heads of two more valleys to an indistinct pass. Cross the pass to some meadows & a stream. The trail then makes a long rocky descent down a ravine to a grassy valley where LO Geker is situated in a grove of large trees alongside a stream. This highland route offers dramatic views of Lo Manthang and the Charang Valley, with snow clad peaks in the background. Just past the settlement of Lo Gekar, we reach the oldest monastery in Mustang, the Ghare Gompa. over night at LO Geker.
Climb to a ridge the across a valley to cairn and a pass 200 meters above Lo Geker. The route crosses some alpine meadows to a crest, and then drops down a steep eroded gully to the upper part of the village of Tahmar “Red Crag”. A large stream meanders through this village, making this a particularly pretty valley. Most of the surrounding hills are pastel shades of Grey & yellow, but a huge red fluted cliff provides a dramatic contrast. The trail descends alongside the stone walls and fields of the extensive village, then climbs to a ridge. It is a short descent to Ghami at 3550 meters. Ghami is a large village of whitewashed houses situated above hectares and hectares of fields. Visit the Gompa in Ghami.
From Ghami, follow the direct route to the Nyi La, climbing to a cairn on a ridge and then contouring upwards to meet the trail from Charang. Continue to the pass and descend steeply into the Gelling to an isolated teahouse and descends gently to the three houses of Tama Gung. A steep set of switchback leads to a stream, then the trail climbs to a huge painted chorten. The trail rejoins the Gelling trail near the ridge, just below a chorten and the remainder of the days is on already traveled trails to Samar.
Today is the same way that you already had. The trail passes through Chusang & other major villages like Tangbe. After Tangbe the trail still continues through the bank of Kaligandaki River as well as the windy landscapes & reaches to Kagbeni.over night at Kagbeni.
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. In may visit an interesting wind swept villages situated on the main age old Trans Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. O/N at Lodge.
Today we fly from Jomsom-Pokhara then leisure day in Pokhara
We head to Kathmandu. its takes via Tourist bus 7 hours and via flight 25 min. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Our airport team will assist with your check-out and take care of your luggage to ensure a smooth departure. Whether you're headed home or continuing your travels elsewhere, we'll make sure you leave Nepal feeling well taken care of and with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
I know Anil Dhakal for years - first time we met in 2014, at that time he was working in another agency; I needed a guide for Upper Mustang, and that agency gave me Anil as the best and the most knowledgable guide they had. And I must admit they were right! Anil not only has perfect experience in Nepali treks - he's kind and delicate as a person, and he did his best in all the complicated situations that we had while trekking. Time passed, in 2016 I came back to Nepal as group leader with 10 clients - and again I met Anil, who opened finally his own agency. This time I used him as a tour operator, for all the paperwork and I had porters from him. And again, he did his best, providing help and support on each and every stage. I can only wish success to his business - and I know who I will address in Kathmandu when I come back to Nepal again! )
We were recommended this company by a friend who recently completed the same trip. From start to finish the service was excellent. Anil organised everything so that permits, flights etc were all taken care of. Our guide kancha couldn' t have been more helpful and we felt in very good hands throughout the trip. He was very considerate re our food and drink demands! - try the curried goat if any is available. He organised a horse for one of the more demanding days and we didn't feel rushed. Its a beautiful place and I would definitely recommend the company to anyone thinking of going here or any of the other treks they cater for.
You need More or less 2 weeks for upper Mustang trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. But you can combine Annapurna trek within 3 week
Since Upper Mustang region is restricted trekking route, trekkers should have government registered guide and agency to obtain Upper Mustang permits and trek.
If you are trekking only Upper Mustang then you need, Annapurna conservation area and Upper Mustang special permits
Yes, you can do tea house trek and you do not need to carry tents and mattress.
You can have Wi-Fi all places During your Trip.
You have to walk 6/7 hrs (more or less 15 km) per day. But when you are above 3000 m then the distance will be shorter (more or less 10/12 km.)
You will have English speaking professional, experience, first aid trained and government registered certified local guide. They are mostly from all ethnic group of Nepal and picked from root of Himalaya region. We also offer language specific guides if needed such as French, Spanish, Italian etc.
June , July ,March, April, May and September, October and November are the best time of the year. But you still can trek some other month as well. For further detail please contact us.
Trekkers can trek solo with a guide only after paying twice for special permit. Can I store my unnecessary trekking stuffs in Kathmandu before starts trek?
Yes, you can store with us and it will be safe.
Altitude symptoms are vomiting, fever, headache, nausea, dizzy, losing appetite, weakness, often waking, hard to breath, feeling too cold, diarrhea etc.
Rest day is not a rest day. It is an acclimatize day where we do day hike to adapt altitude during Himalaya. This is main key factor to achieve our final destination and explore more side trip in detail.
You do not need special course for Upper Mustang Trek trek but if you have some hiking experience before visit Nepal, it will put you better position. Because the terrain of Nepal is quite rugged and challenging.
This Trek requires preparations and checklists of gears & equipment needed for the journey. It is always best to carry the essential clothing and accessories for the entire trek. We understand that you have your own preference for clothing but we recommend you to consult us before packing.
