Upper Mustang Trekking-14 Days
| Activity type: | Trekking |
| Activity level: | Easy/ Moderate |
| Availability: |
31 Jul 2020 - 31 Dec 2021 |
| Duration: | 14 Day(s) / Tour with flexible start dates |
| Price: | from $2400 / Negotiable |
Full description
Upper Mustang trekking in Nepal was officially opened in 1992. Particularly limited numbers of trekkers are only allowed each year. Thus to protect and conserve the local Tibetan tradition and the fragile environment. Upper Mustang Trekking unfolds the fabled forbidden kingdom’s vast and arid valleys, eroded canyons, yak caravans. The Upper Mustang trek brings you into the hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. Lo used to be part of the Tibetan empire and is therefore closely tied to Tibet in culture, language and geography.
Upper Mustang trail follows the ancient salt caravan route through which the people of Mustang traded Tibetan salt for grain from the lowlands. The goal of the Upper Mustang trek is the capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang. From the pass Lo La (3950 m) you can see the walled medieval capital in the distance, the white-washed 6-meter tall wall sticking out in sharp contrast to the barren landscape. Upper Mustang is a restricted area and up till 1992 it was forbidden for foreign visitors to enter the kingdom. The remoteness and inaccessibility of Mustang have preserved the distinct Tibetan Buddhist Culture. Nowadays foreigners are welcome to Upper Mustang for a permit fee of US$ 500 (to be arranged through a trekking agency and valid for 10 days, each additional day costs US$ 50).
To trek in Upper Mustang is a rare privilege. Here you will experience a way of life of true mountain people, who for hundreds of years, had very little contact with the rest of Nepal and retained their rich cultural heritage. Until recent times their king was officially recognized by the Government of Nepal. Within Lo Manthang itself a visit to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar, the last main village in the northwest of the area, as well as the King’s palace, brings further cultural understanding of the area. Annapurna region is the best arrangement of Himalayas Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna (8091m), Manaslu (8156m), Lamjung Himal (6983m), Machapuchhre (6993m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Tilicho Peak (7134m) and Nilgiri (6940m) with The Kaligandaki passing between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, the deepest gorge of the world.
Price includes
- Airport picks up & drop by private vehicle to hotel.
- Transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu.
- Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara.
- Accommodation during trek and Meal (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea).
- Licensed English or Chinese or Korean or Hindi along with Nepali speaking Friendly trekking guide.
- Coverage of Guides including their Meals, Insurance, Salary, Lodging, transportation and other necessary equipment.
- First Aid Medical Kit (Carried by the guide).
- Sleeping bag, down jackets and trekking map, if necessary.
- Emergency Evacuation Assistance Service (The cost of the helicopter, hospital and necessary transport are not payable by the company).
- Welcome or farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a cultural restaurant (complimentary).
- A nation-wide operated Mobile SIM Card and a map of the trekking region.
Not included in price
- International airfare.
- Nepal Entry Visa fee: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport.
- Personal Travel insurance which has to cover emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation compulsory.
- Personal expense (shopping, snacks, boil bottle water, hot and cold drinks, hot shower, Alcohol, Wi-Fi, telephone call, battery re-chargefee).
- Accommodation, Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu, except the farewell dinner.
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on charted helicopter.
- Additional costs or delays caused by out of management control, for example, landslide, weather condition, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies etc.
- Gratitude and tips for your guide, porter and driver.
Service Provider
Nepal Lion Tours and Treks Pvt. Ltd is a Nepal Government Authorized trekking company in Nepal. We are a highly qualified and professional for tours, trekking & expeditions in Nepal, Tibet & Bhutan. We have 11 years of excellence in tours and trekking. We are highly recommended by Bookmundi, TourRadar, Trip Advisor, Viator and many Travelers.
Location
Nepal, Kathmandu, Central Development Region, Bagmati
Day 01
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara [830m, 6 hrs]
After breakfast, we leave our hotel early morning for a drive with scenic views along the road to Pokhara via Prithivi national highway. The drive could take roughly 6-7 hrs to reach Pokhara. We also have the option for a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara for 35 minutes. You have choice to relax in Pokhara or have a sightseeing or walk around beautiful Phewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 02
Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, Trek to Kagbeni
A short morning flight to Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang, through the world’s deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge with the glorious view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is exceptional. Jomsom is where your actual trek of foot begins. After checking out from the airport, you will start your 3 hours trek. You will trek uphill alongside Kali Gandaki River to reach Kagbeni.
Day 03
Trek to Chele [3050m, 7 hrs]
You will get our permits checked then begin our trek on a trail alongside the Kali Gandaki River. Today you will pass by villages Tangbe and Chusang. Made with mud and white painted narrow alleys, you will pass through apple garden and colorful buckwheat field. You traverse several ridges to Tangbe village. This village is a labyrinth of narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards.
Day 04
Trek to Syangmoche [3475m, 6 hrs]
Today’s walk is more into undulating trails with couple of steep climb and descents. Despite 6 hour walk the tremendous canyons with its unusual colour that opens out is extraordinary. In this bizarre the farming fields with rich red buckwheat and brilliant green and the south view offering you a panorama of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Tilicho Peak, and YakawaKang adds up to its magnificence.
Day 05
Trek Ghaymi [500m, 5 hrs]
We ascend to the Yamda La pass at 3,850m. On the way, we pass by a few teahouses, chortens and beautiful villages. We trek through poplar forests and barley fields and reach Nyi Pass at 4,010m. From here, we descend to Ghami which is one of the biggest villages in the Lo region. The village is beautiful with fields surrounding the entire village. Overnight in Ghami.
Day 06
Trek to Charang [560m, 4 hrs]
This day is the continuation of gaining high altitude through constant changing up and down. We have one other high passes to conquer ahead of us call Yamda La pass at 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, while below Syngbouche it is more of a Gurung and Thakali culture influence from lower Mustang and Manang area (District next to Mustang)
Day 07
Trek to Lo Manthang [3770m, 5 hrs]
You begin your trek by descending to a canyon and cross a river before beginning our uphill trek to Lo La pass which at 3950m. From the top of the pass you can admire the beautiful Lo Manthang village. From the pass we descend to Lo Manthang which is a beautiful walled village. From here the views of the Himalayas including Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak as well as Damodar Kunda (pond) is quite good. Overnight in Lo-Manthang.
Day 08
Day Trip at Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang the capital city of Mustang contains about 150 houses and has some of the largest and finest Tibetan Buddhism gompas in Nepal. The city itself is absolutely fascinating place with four major ancient Monasteries which are impressive and an enormous 14th century palace imposing 4-storey building in the centre of the city.
After breakfast your leader will organize a jeep for Chhosar excursion.
• Nyphu Cave monastery built into the side of a soaring cliff.
• 2500 years old Jhong Sky Cave that has more than 44 compartments and gives u the pre historic settlement of humans.
• During afternoon if you are not exhausted you can walk to Thinkar summer palace or explore the extraordinary ancient monasteries inside the walled city itself which is exceptional.
Day 09
Trek to Drakmar [3800m, 6 hrs]
You will take the upper highland trail to bid farewell to Lo-Manthang. This gives you splendid views of both Lo-Manthang and Charang Valley. You can also see the snow-capped mountains in the background. On the way, you can visit the oldest Tibetan monastery- Ghar Gompa.
From here, you will cross one of the last passes, Dhi Pass at 4100m. Onwards you will trek to Dhamkar.
Day 10
Trek to Ghiling [3860m, 5 hrs]
From today the trail connects to the same path as we hiked up. For 14 days itinerary, you can’t extend via Yara Gomba due to the short time. If you wish to make an alternative circuit route, you may need to add two extra days. 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.
Day 11
Trek to Chuksang [3050m, 5 hrs]
You will continue your trek back. If you want you can visit some of the attractions you missed on the trek like the Chungsi Cave monastery. We can stop for lunch at Samar village once again. From here, we make our descent down to Tetang. This upper village of Chuksang lies between two hills. It gives you some escape from the fierce wind that Kali Gandaki valley is known for. Chusang is yet another beautiful village you will spend the night at.
Day 12
Trek to Jomsom [2714m, 5 hrs]
Walking through the river valley, today you will exist the restricted area. You spend an exact ten days in a forbidden area. Leaving behind all the memories of Upper Mustang we are ready to set off for Pokhara. It is our last night in the Mustang area. This is the last camp before you leave this region. You may want to enjoy the last toss of local Marpha alcohol cider or apple brandy from the area with your guide support crew.
Day 13
Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara [830m, 30 min]
You will catch an early morning flight to Pokhara. It is a fantastic way to finish off your Upper Mustang trek. This flight takes you along the Kali Gandaki Gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Day 14
Drive to Kathmandu [1380m, 6hrs]
Today you will take back the scenic drive back to Kathmandu which takes around 6 hrs. There is an option to have flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara on added extra cost as required.
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Last update: NEPAL LION TOURS AND TREKS SHIVA
(1 Jan 2022)