| Depature Date | Trip Status | Price (Per Person) | Action |
|---|
Upper Mustang lies to the north of the Annapurna region at an altitude of 4,000 m. Upper Mustang trek brings you into the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang. It is closely tied to Tibet in culture, language, and geography. Also called Lo and Lo used to be part of the Tibetan empire. Mustang is the hinterland enriched with mainly deep canyons, eroded cliffs, barren ridges, Moraine valleys.
Upper Mustang trek was opened to only non-Nepali trekkers some fifteen years ago. Access is still highly restricted even now. Entry to Upper Mustang, that is further north of Kagbeni, trekkers need special trekking permission. And must be accomplished by a government-appointed official. During the Upper Mustang, the highest point reached being is only 3,800 m. And trek is not particularly difficult, but the conditions at times can be arduous. The region is cold in winter and is always windy and dusty all the time of year. Treks in winter are avoided due to harsh weather conditions.
The Upper Mustang isolation from the outside world. Closed to a highly preserved Tibetan culture and unspoiled nature. The area lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif that creates a ruggedly arid landscape. Similarly, an impressive formation of surrounding rocks in all kinds of colors. The landscape is settlements with barley fields, whitewashed houses, and prayer flags which add a splash of color to the landscape. The goal of the Upper Mustang trek is Lo Manthang which is the capital of Upper Mustang. From the pass Lo La (3950 m) there you can see the medieval capital with walls in the distance. The whitewashed 6-meter tall wall sticking out in sharp contrast to the landscape.
For those who love exploring the unknown places, and adventures in Nepal, this hidden kingdom of Nepal is definitely a place you would like to get into and experience.
Journey to the Upper Mustang starts from the Kathmandu. To reach the trailhead to Mustang, you are required to travel Pokhara. Depending on your budget and the comfort you need, you can choose different options to travel Pokhara. While the tourist bus to Pokhara is the budget option that takes just 6-7 hours. You can also take a 30-minute flight to Pokhara.
Estimated Time: 6-7 hours in Tourist Bus/ 30 min on Flight
After you reach to Pokhara, second day you will fly again to Jomsom. Jomsom is where your actual Upper Mustang trek starts. This day we will walk about 4 to 5 hours to reach Kagbeni and overnight stay in Kagbeni. Late in the afternoon, we will go for a walk around the abandoned area of Kagbeni and visit Buddhist monasteries. Kagbeni is the border that splits between the upper and lower part of the Mustang.
Estimated time: 4-5 hours
The Upper Mustang trek starts towards the bank of the river of Kaligandaki. Today you will pass by villages Tangbe and Chusang. You will pass through apple garden and colorful buckwheat field along white narrow alleys made with mud.
Estimated time: 5-6 hours of hike
Total time of 7-8 hours of hike, we will cross the Taklam La pass (3,624m) and Dajori La pass (3,735). The trail offers the view of Tilicho, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda and passes by Ramchung Cave. It might be difficult days due to the two high passes, it is also considered to be the best day so far you have made it.
Estimated time: 7-8 hours of hike
The trail continues through constant changing up and down. We have one more high passes to conquer ahead of us which is Yamda La pass (3,850m). We will pass by several villages which brings a tone of Tibetian lifestyle. After the two high passes, this region gives more Tibetian vibes.
Estimated time: 5-6 hours of hike
The trail goes through the deep red rock canyon. This gives the look of Arizona in the United States. Today you will realize why they call Upper Mustang as a Grand Canyon. You will hike descent to the base of the Kaligandaki River. Then cross another side of the river before you ascend again to another high pass of 3950m (Lola-La Pass). You will enjoy the dynamic view of Lo-Manthang valley.
Estimated time: 5-6 hours
Lo-Manthang (3800 m) completely hidden from the outside world, which is the capital of last Buddhist kingdom in Nepal of around 15th century. This day, we will explore three of the major ancient monasteries in Tinggar Valley namely Thupchen , Jhampa, , and Chhoeda. This will be the most exciting day you been waiting for.
Since, the surroundings of Lo-Manthang is the major attraction you will explore around the Lo-manthang this day. We design two buffer days in order to give you more time to explore in the secret land. And we will let you experience the pony ride to the border of Tibet China then later in the evening hike to Tingkhar.
After exploring around the Lo-Manthang, we will make descent down to Dhakmar via Ghar Gomba. Ghar Gomba is the main attraction around there. Among the locals this Gomba is famous, and it believes anything you wish will be fulfilled. After a quick Gomba sightseeing, we will continue our journey towards Dhakmar and spend our night.
Estimated time: 6-7 hours
From Dhakmar, the trial connects to the same path as we hiked up. The journey in midday might be harassing due to the strong wind against us. However, the panoramic view of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri is still worth on the south side. The view is really admiring to see. If you want to make an alternative circuit route, you may need to add two extra days.
Estimated time: 7-8 hours
While trekking to Chuksang from Gelling, you will hike up on the same way. You may view the missing scene this time while way up. We will continue our journey to Chuksang. Due to the strong wind after midday, we usually start our trip early so skip the wind and later in the evening we will have time for a village sightseeing.
Etimated time: 5-6 hours
Leaving behind all the memories of Upper Mustang we are ready to set off for Pokhara. This is the last day at Mustang area. This day we trek down to Jomsom walking through the river valley and overnight stay in Jomsom.
Estimated time: 5-6 hours
Early in the morning, we will catch the flight to Pokhara. If you wish to fly again or take the local bus/ private car to Kathmandu, you may reach Kathmandu on the same day. But if you planning travel on a tourist bus, you must wait until the next day. Please note flight may delay or even canceled during the extreme weather condition.
Estimated time: 25 min
The final day of trip, as your choice we will head to Kthamandu either on Tourist bus or on flight and drive to airport to catch your flight schedule.
