Upper Mustang trekking   |  15 Days

adventure beyond Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya towards high Mustang areas

Upper Mustang trekking , a great fascinating trip combination of all scenic flights to and from Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara, with exciting hikes and interesting overland drive towards high areas of Upper Mustang one of the most photogenic countries with amazing views of its colored canyons, high eroded cliffs like of USA Grand Canyon.

Upper Mustang trekking  of a lifetime experience drive and trek within charming and lovely villages enriched with ancient Bon culture and practice (pre-Buddhism) as well Buddhism religion similar to its across the border neighbor the Tibetans, which you can witness in this windblown areas of Upper Mustang.

Upper Mustang trekking  for all beginners to veteran travelers with all age groups as this trip leads you to the high former walled kingdom at Lo-Manthang which is above 3,700 m high with time to explore its interesting villages and alleys including the visit of former Raja (Monarch) of Mustang palace and famous old monasteries enriched with ancient artifacts of painting-idols of various Buddha and other high Gurus.

Starting our marvelous Upper Mustang trekking  from scenic Pokhara city and beautiful valley where a short overwhelming flights in a smaller aircraft brings you at Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang district, where adventure begins with exciting walks on Kali-Gandaki River valley to reach at Upper Mustang via interesting Kagbeni village.

As drive continues within highest and largest country, which is an extension of vast south west Tibetan plateau that touches Upper Mustang on the old Trans Himalayan Salt and Caravan route of Nepal and Tibet, where trade still flourish to this day.

Finally our drive reaches mystical former kingdom at Lo-Manthang with enough time to enjoy the local traditions and culture and then a hike towards Ghami where drive takes you to holy premises at Muktinath, regarded as sacred spot for both Hindu and Buddhist with excellent views of Dhaulagiri and other adjoining peaks.

Ending our great adventure at Jomsom where thrilling flight brings you back at scenic Pokhara to conclude our marvelous Upper Mustang trekking  of great fascination.

Trip Highlights

  • Adventure beyond Kali-Gandaki River valley towards restricted areas of Upper Mustang
  • Daily views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range with high Mustang Himal
  • Exploring traditional villages of native Mustang and Thakali tribes of great cultural interest
  • From moderate to adventurous e walks towards former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang
  • Following the path on old Trans Himalaya Salt and caravan trade route of Nepal and Tibet
  • Flying high to and from scenic Pokhara and impressive Jomsom town with mind-blowing views

Itinerary

  • 1 Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotels.On reaching Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be warmly received by our guide and staff and then transfer you to your respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city. First check into your hotel rooms on getting refreshed from the flight and with Jet-Lag, then join with other members of Upper Mustang Journey for group briefing, where our expert guides will inform regarding your stay in Nepal, hotels, trekking, local lodge and overland drives with do’s and don’ts information, evening welcome group dinner in authentic Nepalese restaurants with Folk cultural programs to entertain you during your meals.
  • 2 Day 2: In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour around world heritage sites.Morning after breakfast leave the hotel for exciting guided sightseeing around Kathmandu where our city guide will lead you to places of interest, Kathmandu a metropolitan city still retains its ancient heritage and varied ancient culture where you will visit world heritage sites around Kathmandu for half day or full day. After an interesting and wonderful tour of ancient historical and religious sites around Kathmandu, with afternoon free preparation for next day journey to Upper Mustang Journey.
  • 3 Day 3: Drive to Pokhara 860 m - 06 hrs journeys.Morning taking an exciting drive with scenic views of Himalayan peaks, as ride leads on Nepal’s busy highway past many towns and farm villages then reaching at Nepal Mid West warmer areas at beautiful Pokhara city and its scenic valley. Pokhara blesses with natural beauty of rolling green hills, high and massive Annapurna Himalaya with magnificent Machapuchare Himal ‘Fish Tail’ that reflects on its serene Phewa and Begnas Lakes. On reaching Pokhara transfer to hotel by the Phewa lakes with time for stroll around the lake side of great interest with views of Annapurna mountain range.
  • 4 Day 4: Fly to Jomsom 2,715 m and trek to Kagbeni 2,830 m - 04 hrs.After a pleasant overnight in Pokhara, morning drive for short scenic flight to Jomsom with close views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range of mountains as the flight touches at Jomsom airport located on the shelf of Kali-Gandaki River. Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang district, after Jomsom first day adventure and walks begins on Kali-Gandaki River valley and its windswept country, few hours of good walk with great views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiris brings you at Kagbeni village. A nice village of Tibetan style located on the start and ending point of Upper Mustang area and to Forbidden City of Lo Manthang, on an old Himalayan Caravan trade route of Nepal and Tibet.
  • 5 Day 5: Drive to Tsarang / Charang 3,560 m - 04 hrs.Due to possibility of driving within Upper Mustang, where we will take a jeep ride to reach at charming Tsarang or Charang village for first overnights stops around Upper Mustang region. Morning drive climb into canyon of high red eroded cliff edge, following upper upstream of Kailgandaki River, within unique landscapes of cliff walls, a nice ride with views brings past Chele, a moderate size village also spelled as Tsele. From Tsele or Chele, continue drive with climb to Gyakar village, and from here into dry and barren landscapes to reach at Samar village, one of the lovely looking villages of Mustang area. After Samar village with short stops drive leads to Bhena and then 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 Geling village past Syangboche village, as our journey carries on with time to visit old monastery full of Buddhist mani prayer wheels propelled with water power, after monastery tour drive to Ghami village and then cross Ghaymi Khola (stream) as drive leads following a long and interesting line of Mani walls (holy prayer stone). From here to Dhakmar village, after hours of pleasant ride reaching at Tsarang village surrounded by large fields of crops buck wheat’s with overnight stop and visit of Tsarang old monastery.
  • 6 Day 6: Drive to Lo-Manthang 3,700 m - 02 hrs.Today a day drive to Lo -Manthang of few hours ride on scenic and dusty tracks to reach our main destination of this great adventure, and to enter the former walled Kingdom of Lo-Manthang surrounded by high wall. At one time stood as a forbidden kingdom after monarchy rule ended in Nepal few past decade, on the walk 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. Drive leads over Lo La pass above 3,950 meters with views of Lo Manthang walled city and then descend reaching a nice trail to Lo Manthang for overnight stops.
  • 7 Day 7: At Lo-Manthang for acclimatization and local hike.Lo Manthang highest overnight stop of the 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.
  • 8 Day 8: Walk to Dhakmar 3,810 m - 05 hrs.After an interesting time in Lo-Manthang morning start walk on the trail back to Marang village, and then towards west using an old path to Dhakmar village for overnight stop.
  • 9 Day 9: Trek to Ghami 3,806 m - 04 hrs.From Dhakmar village, morning walk leads towards long Mani (Prayer) Walls, and then cross a bridge over Ghami Khola to reach at Ghami village for overnight, time permitting visit its old interesting monastery.
  • 10 Day 10: Trek and drive to Tsusang-Chusang 2,980 m - 04 hrs.Slowly this fascinating journey comes to an end as our drive leads to Syangboche village and to Yamda La with grand views, then downhill to Bhena and Samar villages. Drive across stream past Gyakar and Chele villages and finally ending the ride at Tsusang or Chusang village for last overnight stops in Upper Mustang.
  • 11 Day 11: Drive to Muktinath 3,750 m - 03 hrs.Morning drive leads to a climb of an hour and the heading past several villages and then back at Kagbeni, and then towards holy area at Muktinath, reaching height of 3,750 meter, drive leads through interesting village of Jharkot, from here the trail climbs gradually for short hour to reach holy Muktinath. Muktinath, located in between the popular trek to Manang via the high pass of Thorang la and the trail also joins from upper Mustang region, in the auspicious time this place is flooded with pilgrims of both Hindu and Buddhist, a nice walk to the Temple of Muktinath and with its 108 water spout, which is also the source of Kaligandaki river. Superb views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche can be seen from the campsite and as well from Muktinath itself including the Tilicho and Nilgiris peaks to the left.
  • 12 Day 12: Drive to Jomsom 2,715 m - 02 hrs afternoon free at leisure to explore the town.From this peaceful religious and holy site of Muktinath with views of Dhaulagiri range, at Muktinath our trekking completes taking a ride to reach lower areas of Mustang, since the motor-able came walking is disturbed by movement of vehicles, so taking a drive instead of walking. Drive leads towards wide Kaligandaki River within its windswept landscapes to reach at Jomsom the headquarter town of Mustang area, an interesting town inhabited by Thakali people of Buddhism religion, as these tribe on long history of trade with Tibet as this town situated on main old Trans Himalayan salt and caravan trade of Nepal and Tibet. With time here to enjoy walks and observe the local people fascinating culture and traditions.
  • 13 Day 13: Fly to Pokhara 860 m - 22 mins and transfer to hotel by the lake of Phewa.Our last day of the adventure early morning walk to Jomsom small airport for super scenic short flight to land at picturesque Pokhara and then transfer to respective hotels by the Phewa lake side.
  • 14 Day 14: Drive or fly to Kathmandu and then transfer to your hotels.Morning transfer either car-coach or tourist bus (as per the size of the group), for drive back to Kathmandu with scenic views of mountains, green scenery of hills and farm fields within nice villages and towns as drive brings you back at hustle and bustle city life of Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu transfer to your respective hotels with time for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.
  • 15 Day 15: Depart for international flight home ward bound or to respective countries.Your last memorable day in Nepal after a wonderful adventure and experience on Upper Mustang Journey with great service of Explorer Adventure, and as per your international flight then transfer to Kathmandu international airport for homeward bound or to your respective destinations.

Cost Includes:

    • Deive from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathamndu
    • Domestic flights fare as per the itinerary from Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara
    • Upper Mustang Special permit 
    • Annapurna conservation area project [ACAP}entry permit
    • two night standard hotel in pokhara on bed and breakfast basis 
    • In all your arrival and departure private transportation
    • Three night hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis  in standard hotels on bed and breakfast basis.     
    • Full board trekking includes all meals with twin sharing rooms in local lodge on route trekking,
    • TIMS (Trekking Information Management System
    • Government license holder guide 
    • Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for guide and porters
    • Tea house/lodge accommodation during the trek on twin sharing basis 
    • Half Day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu as per the itinerary.
    • Hire sleeping bag and down jacket for the trekking.,
    • duffel bag for packing your things for the trekking 
    • Government taxes and official expense
    • Welcome Dinner.

Cost Excludes:

    • Nepal entry visa personal travel and medical insurances.
    • Expenses of personal nature and meals in Kathmandu as well gratitude (tips).
    • Emergency  evacuation by any means of transport including Helicopter and personal medical kit.              
    • Lunch and Dinner whilst in Kathmandu
    • Lunch and dinner whilst in pokhara  
  • Leo
    Leo
    Canada Published: Monday, January 19, 2015

    Mustang , 2014

    Rating:

    Mustang, 2014 We did some research to find the most reliable and knowledgeable team for our trip to the Mustang region of Nepal. We chose Explorer Adventure for a private trek (2 person) as they offered the best options available. They take care of booking all accommodations (hotels and tea houses), transportation (car and airplane), permits, etc... and provide the guide and porter required for a safe and enjoyable trek. Our guide, Bam Magar, and our porter were very familiar with the area and both were an unbelievable source of information. They selected the best route and tea houses along the way. We just had to enjoy the trek and the beautiful views of the Himalaya's. After visiting the walled city of Lo Mangthang, we went to visit the 2000 years old Jhong caves. Bam had schedule a horseback ride to/from the caves. It was a wonderful experience and we were amazed to visit this historical site. Our trek was a fantastic experience and we are planning to go back for more exciting treks. It's a pleasure to recommend Explorer Adventure and it's great team for this trek to the Mustang region or any other treks in Nepal. Leo, BC,Canada [email protected]

Our itineraries of any trips are based on our leading experience in the Himalayas. But, we also organize the trips according to your special requests or your personally given itinerary. Please, feel free to contact us for your questions and queries.

INSURANCE POLICY:

Traveling to Himalayan countries specially on treks and other adventure with Nepal-Bhutan and Tibet, where clients should purchase travel and medical insurance covering immediate evacuation by any means of transportations, like helicopter or fastest way vehicle to reach nearest city and town hospitals.

Insurance Policy should cover all medical expenses incurred during your holidays in Himalayan countries, including travel insurance where sometimes Himalayan weather even in best times can be unpredictable, where trekking routes can be re-routed of cancelled in this case local company will not entertain you with refund, however provides you with letter so that one can claim from your respective insurance companies.

Insurance policy for Medical and Travel:

Should cover medical insurance for illness and emergency evacuation by Helicopter or other means of transportations including other expenses on treatment at respective countries hospitals, as for travel insurance against bad unfavorable weather conditions, delay or cancellation of domestic flights on mountainous area where flight involves on the start of trek and at the end.

Travel and Medical Insurance also needs to cover when clients break the journey in the middle of the trip, due to sickness-personal domestic problem etc………

Guide and Porters: 

On treks or climb where you will be accompanied by our expert guide who knows the area on route of the trek chosen, we have professional and veteran guides to led the trek where you can feel comfortable, as our guide are knowledgeable offers you various information of the country from history-geography, culture to flora and fauna.

All guides have gone through basic medical training that includes high altitude symptoms or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can help you with simple medical First Aid and for severe condition will support taking you to safe area or to nearest hospitals by any means of quick transportation.

Our guides are well versed in Eco-Trekking and Responsible Tourism as well and are committed in keeping the environment on trekking route in pristine form as it was.

Porters are picked can be regular porter of the company of hired in Kathmandu-Pokhara or in Lukla on start of the trekking, with always a strong and cheerful porters to carry your heavier luggage, baggage of 15 to 25 kg maximum weights to carry by each porters, we do not allow underage porters of below 16 years of age or above 50 years.

Porters and guide are well looked after by the company with good wages, medical insurance, travel allowance including meals on treks and climb company also provides warm gear in winter as well for high and cold altitude trips.

We are also member of PACT (Porters Act commitment).  

Altitude Sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness):
    Information of AMS and Precaution Measures:

High Altitude or Acute Mountain Sickness for short as AMS a symptom faced and can catch any people on high altitude adventure walks.

Due to high pressure and low oxygen level as certain height where some people feel uneasiness with shortness of breathiness, light headache, nausea, dizziness, lack of good sleep and with less appetite.

To avoid these whole symptoms where we always designed itinerary days accordingly with enough space, flexible days for acclimatization at high elevation, taking short walks up and sleeping and resting at low places.

The other good way to avoid AMS taking slow and steady pace on walks, stopping frequently to catch your breath and adding lot of fluid or safe drinking water at least 2-3 liters a day to support against AMS.

On high altitude take enough rest and with short slow hike above high hills to catch views as well to support acclimatization and sleeping and resting at low altitude will certainly helps you in avoiding AMS.

The company provides as precaution measures against AMS with comprehensive medical kit, oxygen and Gamma Bags / Pressure Bags in some high altitude adventure treks, where some people as per their own doctor advice use Diamox also known as Acetazolamide to prevent and reduce symptoms of AMS can lower headache when in high altitude walks and climb

Useful in situations when you cannot make high ascent, the best ways to prevent altitude sickness doing it slowly, stopping for overnights at certain altitude to adjust to the new height, and taking it easy for first one or two 2 days.

This Diamox also used for other medications to treat certain type of eye problem (open-angle glaucoma). 

Acetazolamide a "water pill" (diuretic), it decrease amount of fluids that can build up in eyes, also helps to decrease buildup of body fluids (edema) caused by congestive heart failure or certain medications. Acetazolamide can work less well over time, so it is usually used only for a short period of time.

Using this pill should get advice from your doctor before trip departure to high Himalaya.

In our list we always mention general medication to bring from home as well from your doctor advice also, your doctor might recommend you some basic medication list like medicine against diarrhea, headache, fever, cold-flu as well constipation including first aid for cuts-wounds and burns as well.

Equipments List

  • Down Jacket
  • Down sleeping bags one each with inner linear
  • Fibre pile jacket
  • light cotton trouser
  • Long sleeved cotton shirts
  • Scarf
  • Short Trouser
  • Shorts or Skirt (for ladies)
  • sun hat
  • Sun Screen Cream
  • Sunglasses
  • T-shirt
  • Track Suit Bottoms
  • Trekking pole
  • Ultra Fleece Trousers
  • Warm Gloves a pair
  • Water bottle
  • Waterproofs trouser
  • Waterproofs Jacket
  • Well fitting, comfortable boots
  • Wind Proof Jacket & Trouser a set each
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  • Trip Duration 15 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty Moderate
  • Trip Style Trekking
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