Upper Mustang trek offers a spectacular trekking into the remote Trans-Himalayan mountain area with Tibetan influence culture. The area from the Tibetan border in the north to Kagbeni in the south, is generally referred to as Upper Mustang. It is a rain shadow area of Nepal. The area is also…
Day 01: Arrival
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport you will be received by a representative and transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you can either take rest or spend your time exploring the city.
Day 02: Rest Day/Trek Preparation Day in Kathmandu
Briefing and preparation about the trek after breakfast at the hotel. A detail information about the route, its geographical condition, places of interest in the entire route will be discussed. Verification and checklist of all necessary personal items. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 03: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
After having breakfast at the hotel we will set out for city tour (sightseeing). We will go around the important heritage sites of Kathmandu which has been enlisted in UNESCO world heritage sites. First we will go to Swayambhu stupa (the monkey temple) then we will drive to Bouddha to see the majestic Bouddha stupa. We then have our lunch there before heading to Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world.
Day 04: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Drive or fly to Pokhara and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 05: Fly to Jomsom (2700m) and same day we trek to Kagbeni (2800m); Trek (2-3) Hrs.
Jomsom, the administrative headquarter of Mustang. During the flight time, you will witness excellent view of Ganesh peak, Manaslu peak, fishtail peak, Annapurna range, Nilgiri peak, Dhaulagiri peak and Tukche Himal. From Jomsom the trail goes along the sandy and graveled river bed of Kaligandaki. While walking on the riverbed one can find the ancient holy stone “Saligram” which was formed some 300 million years ago. After about 45 minutes’ walk you will arrive at Aklai Bhatti. There are 2 hotels here. Form Aklai Bhatti the trail becomes gently ups and downs to the Kagbeni. It takes about one hour to Kagbeni from Aklai Bhatti. Total 3 hours’ trek approx.
Day 06: Kagbeni to Chele (3050m) Trek (5-6) Hrs.
From Kagbeni there is a trail up to the bank of Kaligandaki that climbs over many ridges. After about 3 and half hours, you will arrive at Chhuksang. Continuing north, the trail now leaves Kali Gandaki Valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chele. This is the first village of upper Mustang valley. From here the culture changes from Manang culture to Tibetan culture. The approx. walking is 5 hours.
Day 07: Chele to Shyammochen (3806m):Trek (5-6) Hrs.
From Chele the trail is steep up to the Gyanger village. From Gyangar the climb continues a long, treeless, waterless desert-like sandy field up to the pass of 3806m and the trail gradually descend about 1hour to the village of Shyammochen.
Day 08: Shyammochen to Ghami (3520m); Trek (4-5) Hrs.
After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) passing a few teahouses, chortens and local villages which is like Tibetan style of houses with open Varanda. We gently climb for about 1 hour to reach Giling. We cross mountain passes, and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barley. The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) would be a little longer about 2hrs. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghami. The third largest village in the Lo region, Ghayami is surrounded by large fields most of which are barren.
Day 09: Ghami to Tsarang (3560m); Trek (3-4) Hrs.
We start the trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk. After crossing Ghami Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall, a sacred stone wall made by the followers Buddhism. From the end of the wall the trail heads east to the village of Charang with a maze of fields, willow trees and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the Tsarang Chu canyon. There is also a huge white Dzong and red Gompa to get to our teahouse for tonight’s stop. There are old museums and Gompas, stupas to ramble around.
Day 10: Tsarang to Lo – Manthang (3660m); Trek (3-4) Hrs.
Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay at hotel for the overnight stop.It is about 4 hrs gentle walk to reach Lo-Manthang.
Day 11: Excurison day in Chusar.
On this day, we will explore some of the mysteries of Upper Mustang. A short trek to the Chusar cave, built into the side of cliff, which makes us wondering how and why these caves were built. The origin of this cave is still mysterious. We will enjoy the atmosphere of the cave, landscape and the mountains. Back to Lo-Manthang.
Day 12: Excursion of Lo –Manthang Village (Thinkar Valley)
We will explore the beautiful and historic village of Lo-Manthang. This village is the kingdom to the king of Lo and is still the scene of many interesting and joyful Buddhist festivals. The mountains and the landscape compliments this place, which makes the atmosphere more beautiful.
Day 13: Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar (3200 m) via Lo Gekar; Trek (5-6) Hrs.
It is about 4 hrs trek. We have our lunch in Lo Gekar and then two hours trek to Dhakmar. While returning from Lo-Manthang, we take a different route than that we came by. Trek to Dhakmar via Gyakar with more than 1200 years old Ghar Gompa with Guru Rinpoche as the primary figure. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. According to the legend, anyone who makes one wish at the Ghar Gompa, their wish is fulfilled. We explore the local area. Likelihood of dusty wind, so we should walk in the morning.
Day 14: Dhakmar to Syammochen (3820m); Trek (5-6) Hrs.
Today, we cross through the dry plateau and some agricultural field to reach Ghiling village and to avoid the strong wind during our trek, we will start our trek early morning. The day will be little challenging due to the strong wind, but the stunning views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri will compensate. We will cross the small village to reach Syammochen.
Day 15: Syammochen to Chusang (3240m); Trek (5-6) Hrs.
Today, we will gently pass through the Village of Syammochen to reach Chusang.
Day 16: Chusang to Jomsom (2750m); Trek (5-6) Hrs.
Our last day of the day would be a long one. Better to walk early start as before and trek to Kagbeni. Finishing the upper Mustang trails and we join the normal Annapurna circuit trek. After lunch at Kagbeni will head on to Jomsom for the overnight stop. On the other hand, if you can spare one more day, our guide would take you to Muktinath as well.
Day 17: Jomsom to Pokhara by flights.
On this day, we take anearly morning flight to Pokhara. The flight duration is very short but is very scenic and adventurous.
Day 17: Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight
Day 18: Rest Day/ Free Day in Kathmandu
Day 19: Departure