Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek

based on 80 Reviews
based on 116 Reviews on Google
Request on Price
+977 9841239938
+977 9841239938
info@himalayansummitclub.com     himalayansummitclub@gmail.com
Destination
Nepal
Region
Annapurna Region
Start/End Point
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Activity
Trekking
Duration
15 Nights 16 Days
Group Size
2-15
Accommodation
Hotel + Lodge
Max.Altitude
3800m
Meals
Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Transport
As Per Itinerary

Overviews

Hugging the edge of Tibet, The Upper Mustang Trek has a reputation for exploring the ancient culture and desert-like landscapes north to the Annapurna Himalayas. The trek explores the regions that have been able to retain authentic Tibetan culture and tradition. Providing a fabulous scenery of mountains, Upper Mustang Trek passes through one of the driest regions of Nepal and reaches its climax at the walled city of Lo Manthang and learn the history of civilization once an esteemed part of the Silk Road.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu and move on to Pokhara the next day, your 16-day tour to Upper Mustang begins. You can reach Pokhara either by flight or a road trip. After flying from Pokhara to Jomsom, the walking begins with 3 hours of trekking towards a beautiful classic Tibetan village called Kagbeni. After trekking alongside Kali Gandaki River and a series of high caves, you reach Chele. Trek from Chele to be the longest of all, so be prepared for a fantastic but tiring day. During this trek, you will pass a Cliffside village of Ghyakar. It takes quite a taxing trek from to reach Tsarang. After Tsarang, relatively easy but long and flat hike past Sungda Chorten follows. This Chorten was built as a border between Tsarang and the kingdom of Lo. With the company of stunning views, you finally reach Lo Manthang, which is probably the most unique town in Nepal due to its massive walls circling the village. On the next day, you can explore different villages in the north of Lo Manthang such as Niphu and Garphu. Lo Manthang is also home to numerous monasteries including Chodey Gumba and the beautiful Thubchen Gumba. Since it lies in the rain shadow of Himalaya, it’s a great monsoon trek. It’s best to visit Mustang from March to early November.

Himalaya Summit Club is determined to give the most satisfying trekking experience to our clients. We are licensed by the Ministry of Tourism and have affiliations with TAAN and Nepal Tourism Board. We provide all the necessary equipment, services, and facilities that you require to make your travel safe and awesome.

Trip highlights of Upper Mustang Trek

  • Explore the ancient caves and Tibetan-Buddhist culture in and around Lo Manthang
  • Visit the beautiful and iconic monasteries like Thubchen, Niphu, and Garphu
  • Witness brilliant views of the Tibetan Plateau and Annapurna Himalayas
  • Trek through the Annapurna Conservation Area to the desolate barren lands north of the Annapurna Mountains
  • Visit the UNESCO enlisted world heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley

Travel Itinerary

On this first day, after your arrival in Kathmandu, a company representative will escort you to your hotel. After exploration of the local markets, you get some much-needed sleep before the beginning of your trek! Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Accomodation:Star Level Hotel
Place:Kathmandu
Altitude:1,350m
Meals:Welcome Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, either you hop on a plane or a van to reach Pokhara. After some time of traveling towards Pokhara, gorgeous mountains will start appearing on the horizon and then you will reach your first refuge of the journey. You can enjoy the ambiance of the Lakeside area in Pokhara. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

The next day you wake up to the sight of the sun peeking out over the glistening mountains. On this day, you set off early with a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. Jomsom is a beautiful town in Mustang district that extends over the banks of Kali Gandaki River. It takes about 3 hours of climbing from Jomsom to reach Kagbeni which is the official checkpoint where you have your permits checked. Overnight stay at Kagbeni.

Accomodation:Lodge
Place:Kagbeni
Altitude:2,810m
Meals:Breakfast//Lunch//Dinner

The next day you wake up to the sight of the sun peeking out over the glistening mountains. On this day, you set off early with a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. Jomsom is a beautiful town in Mustang district that extends over the banks of Kali Gandaki River. It takes about 3 hours of climbing from Jomsom to reach Kagbeni which is the official checkpoint where you have your permits checked. Overnight stay at Kagbeni.

Accomodation:Lodge
Place:Kagbeni
Altitude:2,810m
Meals:Breakfast/Lunch//Dinner/

After you spend a night in Kagbeni, you start trekking towards Chhusang. It’s a relatively flat trek with some steep scree descents near Tangbe. During the trek towards Chele, You might encounter the midday dust storms so be sure to pack a buff and sunglasses. While trekking, you will see a series of high caves into the side of red walls. After walking for six hours you will reach Chele with an altitude of 3050m and there you will rest for the night.

Accomodation:Lodge
Place:Chele
Altitude:3,050m
Meals:Breakfast/Lunch//Dinner/

Chele to Syanbochen is one of the longest treks on the track so get ready for a beautiful but tiring day. This is a trek with a continuous gradual ascent passing a beautiful Cliffside village of Ghyakar, which is based around apple orchards. When you travel for about 45 minutes from there, you will reach your first vantage point of the Tibetan Plateau. Later, you arrive at Syanbochen. Overnight stay at Syanbochen.

Accomodation:Lodge
Place:Syanbochen
Altitude:3,800m
Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/

Trekking from Syanbochen to Tsarang is a long one too. The trek starts off with a gentle meander and later turns into a solid hike through the winding road. After a long walk alongside the Mani wall, you finally get to lay eyes on the stunning Tibetan Plateau from Chogo La. From there you will follow along balcony road until you come across Gumba on the outskirts of Tsarang. Overnight stay at Tsarang.

Accomodation:Lodge
Place:Tsarang
Altitude:3,560m
Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After taking a rest at Tsarang, you start ascending towards Lo Manthang. This is the final destination of this trek. After walking some hours, the harsh landscapes open up to reveal a spectacular scene of bare eroded red and orange cliffs. The kingdom of Lo Manthang rewards you with a wildly impressive scene, rugged and remote, and certainly the most unique traces of ancient civilization in the whole of Nepal. Overnight stay at Lo Manthang.

Accomodation:Lodge
Place:Lo-Manthang
Altitude:3,800m
Meals:Breakfast//Lunch/Dinner/

Inside the massive walls circling the forbidden kingdom, you can find the Chodey Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, and the stunning Choprang Gompa. On this day you visit other villages such as Niphu and Garphu in the northern side of Lo Manthang. The Tibetan Buddhist culture here offers great insights into the history, art, and norms of the city. Once you complete exploring different villages, you retreat to your stay in the city. Overnight stay at Lo Manthang.

Accomodation:At The Same Lodge
Place:Lo-Manthang
Altitude:3,800m
Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

After two days in Lo Manthang, you trek to Ghar Gumba which is just above the bank of Tsarang Khola. There you may learn about the history of the monastery. The monastery also houses scriptures and artifacts dating back several centuries. Ghar Gumba to Dhakmar is thoroughly enticing because of the rich landscapes along the trek. Overnight stay at Dhakmar.

Accomodation:Lodge
Place:Dhakmar
Altitude:3,820m
Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Descending from Dhakmar, initially along the steep trail, it takes 6 hours to reach Ghiling. While traveling to Ghiling, you can observe the views of the Himalayas in Annapurna ranges. Passing Ghami, you cross Ghami La Pass (3765m) en route to Ghiling. Tidy mosaic of farmlands and small houses can be seen from a distance which indicates the arrival of Ghiling. Overnight stay at Ghiling.

Accomodation:Lodge
Place:Ghiling
Altitude:3,570m
Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

As you wake up, you soak in the bright sun rising up from the beautiful mountains. After a quick breakfast, you set off from Ghiling. Along the way, you pass Syanbochen and also cross the Syanbochen La Pass (3850m). Further ahead, you arrive at Chungsi Cave and can explore it. Later, you head to Samar.

Accomodation:Lodge
Place:Samar
Altitude:3,550m
Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Retracing your steps, you head back to Kagbeni. Crossing numerous passes like Taklam La (3624m) and Dajori La (3735m), you head to Chele. Again, trekking along the barren landscapes, you go past Chhusang and continue the trek to Kagbeni. You cross Tirigaon before making a final walk to Kagbeni. Overnight stay at Kagbeni.

Accomodation:Lodge
Place:Kagbeni
Altitude:2,810m
Meals:Breakfast//Lunch//Dinner/

This is the shortest and final trekking day. It takes only 3 hours of walking alongside the Kali Gandaki River to reach Jomsom. On this day there will be plenty of spare time so you should probably spend it to be familiar with the place. You can also enjoy the local cuisines in your stay in the town. Overnight stay at Jomsom.

Accomodation:Hotel
Place:Jomsom
Altitude:2,720m
Meals:Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/

After exploring all the fabled region and igniting a sense of wonder with the rich history and unparalleled adventure, you will finally fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom followed by another flight to Kathmandu. In Kathmandu, you will spend the remaining time quietly missing all the privilege you had to experience the culture that had remained hidden for so long. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Accomodation:Star Level Hotel
Place:Kathmandu
Altitude:1,350m
Meals:Breakfast & Farewell Dinner

In Kathmandu, you can tour around to your heart’s content. The city is well-known for its world heritage sites and certainly entertains its travelers with a rich combination of its art, culture, and lifestyle of people. Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square are the major destinations for the day. You can also indulge in souvenir shopping as you explore the intricate alleys in these destinations. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Place:Kathmandu
Meals:Breakfast

After spending an incredible 15 days in nature and disconnecting from the world, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure. A company representative will help you with all the necessary formalities and bid you farewell from Nepal.

Want a trip tailored just for you?
Customize Trip

What's Included

Cost Includes
  • Pickups and drops from hotels and airport
  • Accommodations in 3 star hotels in Kathmandu (Mandala Boutique Hotel or Yatri Suites spa Hotel or Hotel Marsyngdi and Pokhara (Hotel Lake View Resort) and teahouses during the trek
  • Breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • All meals during the trek
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • Domastic flight from pokhara-Jomsom-jomsom-Pokhara.
  • Transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • An experienced English-speaking UIAA certified trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
  • All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP, TIMS)
  • Special permit for Upper Mustang.
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • All government and local taxes
Cost Excludes
  • Nepalese visa fee
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Airplane fare
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
  • Tips for guides and porters

Useful Info

The Trekking Group

For the Upper Mustang Trek, there will be one UIAA Certified Trek leader, assistant Trek leader (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for luggage carrying (2 trekkers:1 porter) This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group is sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the trek for groups of any size, but usually, it is a maximum of twelve people as we’ve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to book this trip for a large group then that can be arranged too.

Accommodations

We will be staying at Hotel Marshyandi/Moon light Hotel/Yatri Suites Spa Hotel in Kathmandu, Hotel Mount View in Pokhara and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD. Himalaya Summit Club will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or from a lodge menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners for guests.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition upon joining any of Himalaya Summit Club trips that all clients be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we don’t arrange or sell insurance.

Acclimatization

This trek’s itinerary is planned with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Going up at higher altitudes too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to result in death. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen will be in the air. For example, at an altitude above of 5000m, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. Therefore, our body needs many days to adapt to an environment with less-oxygen. During this trip, a separate day is set aside in Lo-Manthang for acclimatization.

Himalaya Summit Club advises guest(s) with known heart, lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders are symptoms of AMS. Check out “Altitude illness” by Dr Jim Duff, whether once you getting in Kathmandu you can we will arrange to meet with Expedition Doctor Mr. Nima Namgel Sherpa. Himalaya Summit Club itineraries are designed to try to prevent AMS as much as possible. But, it is important to remember that some visitors are more vulnerable than others.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

This is a moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-7 hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes; however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, we can accomplish this trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip. It is also advised that you inform Himalaya Summit Club before booking the trek.

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for this trip. Although this trip can be taken during winter, there might be a problem due to obstructed pass due to ice or snow. The trekking routes are crowded during Spring and Autumn but during Monsoon and Winter the routes are not packed and we could enjoy rather best of nature.

Equipments & Packing List

This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Also understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

Important documents and items

  • Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
  • Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
  • Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
  • Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler’s checks, etc.

Head

  • Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
  • Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
  • Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Prescription sunglasses (if required)

Upper Body

  • Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
  • Light and expedition weight thermal tops
  • Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
  • Down vest and/or jacket
  • Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

Hands

  • 1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
  • 1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
  • 1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)

Lower Body

  • Non-cotton underwear briefs
  • 1 pair of Hiking shorts
  • 1 pair of Hiking trousers
  • 1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
  • 1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
  • 1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

Feet

  • 2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
  • 2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
  • 1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, broken in )
  • 1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
  • Cotton socks (optional)
  • Gaiters (winter only), optional, low ankle high version

Sleeping

  • 1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)
  • Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)

Rucksack and Travel Bags

  • 1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
  • 1 large duffel bag
  • A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
  • Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
  • 2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

Medical

  • first-aid kit. (simple and light)
  • Aspirin, first-aid Small, personal tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
  • 1 skin-blister repair kit
  • Anti-diarrhea pills
  • Anti-headache pills
  • Cough and/or cold medicine
  • Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
  • Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
  • Water purification tablets or water filter
  • 1 set of earplugs
  • Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Practical Items

  • 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
  • 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
  • 1 compass or GPS(optional)
  • 1 alarm clock/watch
  • 1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
  • large Ziplocs
  • 2 water bottles (1 liter each)
  • 1 small folding knife
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks

Toiletries

  • 1 medium-sized quick drying towel
  • Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
  • Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
  • Deodorants
  • Nail clippers
  • Face and body moisturizer
  • Female hygiene products
  • Small mirror

Personal Hygiene

  • Wet wipes (baby wipes)
  • Tissue /toilet roll
  • Anti-bacterial hand wash

Extras/Luxuries

  • Reading book
  • Trail map/guide book
  • Journal and pen
  • iPod
  • Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
  • 1 modest swim suit
  • Binoculars (optional)
  • Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
  • Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
  • Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow

Ratings & Reviews

5/5
Excellent
Based on 2 reviews
Excellent
2
Very Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
How was your experience with us?
All Inclusive Price
Request on Price

15 Nights 16 Days

  • Instant Booking
  • No Hidden Costs
  • Secure Payments
  • 24/7 Support
Tulsi
 Talk to Expert (Tulsi )
+9779841239938
Kishan
 Talk to Expert (Kishan )
+9779846431447 (English | Français)
newsletter
Himalayan Summit Club

Receive Travel Inspirations

We're affiliated with
  • Nepal Government
  • NTB
  • TAAN
  • NMA
Professional Affiliations
  • Nepal National Mountain Guide
  • IFMGA