Upper Mustang Trek: A Concealed Exotic Destination

Upper Mustang Trek: A Concealed Exotic Destination Overview

Mustang is also known as the forbidden kingdom of Nepal. Sitting beyond the Annapurna Mountain Range, this place is known for its ancient civilization, ancient culture, and lifestyle.

Mainly, the Upper Mustang region is less traveled by trekkers as it is further north from the Annapurna Circuit.  Also, it is categorized as one of the must-go treks in Nepal. Moreover, the area is almost ignored by the central administration of the country.

While this has hampered the provision of facilities there, it also has kept the place unspoiled and natural from modern-day technologies. Similarly, you’ll walk through a unique tree-less landscape and rocky pathways. Moreover, you’ll get the view from the other side of mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri, among others.

You’ll travel to mysterious sites, hidden caves, and historic monasteries. You’ll witness the Tibetan culture and the lifestyle of the Sherpas. Also, you’ll understand the hardship of living beyond the mountains.

The valleys are dry and covered with colorful rocks. They are also surrounded by snow-clad mountains and are geographically a part of the Tibetan plateau. Furthermore, the place is also popular for its unique cuisine and the liquor made of Apples.

Overall, Upper Mustang Trek lets you explore the undisturbed part of Nepal. The Upper Mustang Trek itinerary will provide detailed information about all the famous places in this region.

1. day 1

   Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

   Highest Altitude	1400 m

   After your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be picked up by a private vehicle and drop you off at your hotel. You can rest in your hotel room and get rid of your jet lag from your flight to Kathmandu.

   In Kathmandu, you will be placed in a deluxe hotel. You will be provided with breakfast in the morning. So, rest well for we have a lot of new things to experience in the morning.

   • • Overnight stay at a hotel
2. day 2

   Drive to Pokhara by tourist bus

   Driving Hours	7 Hrs

   Our third day is filled with beautiful scenic views from the ride to Pokhara, we will take a tourist bus to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu. So, rest easy as you can comfortably enjoy the beautiful surrounding views of the landscapes and the mountains.

   We will stop on the way for lunch and reach Pokhara in around 6-7 hours. We will have dinner in Pokhara and stay at a hotel in Pokhara.

   • • Overnight stay at a hotel
   • • Included meal Breakfast.
3. day 3

   Fly or Drive to Jomsom

   Driving Hours	7 -8 hours
   Flight Hours	25 mins
   Highest Altitude	2743 m

   Early morning, we either take a flight to Pokhara Airport or ride a Jeep from Pokhara to Jomsom. Then we will travel for a ten-hour long journey to Jomsom. We go through Nayapul, Ghorepani, Tatopani, Kobang, and Marpha. Finally, we’ll reach Jomsom in the evening where we’ll spend the night.

   • • Overnight stay at a hotel
   • • Included meal Breakfast.
4. day 4

   Jomsom to Chele (3050m)

   Highest Altitude	3050 m
   Trek Duration	7 hours

   We begin our trail along the Kali Gandaki River. We will walk along a sandy path with strong winds running. We’ll pass through houses, barley fields and apple orchards for 7 hours to reach Chele.

5. day 5

   Chele to Syanbochen (3475 m)

   Highest Altitude	3475 m
   Trek Duration	6 to 7 hours

   The hiking starts to gain speed and become intense as we cross the Taklam La pass (3,624m) and the Dajori La pass (3,735m). The trails are rusty, but they will soothe your wandering heart. The hollow caves on the walls and the stunning view of the Himalayas will carry you through and make you descend into Samar village. Samar is the gateway to Syangboche, which is the place you’ll spend the night.

6. day 6

   Syanboche to Ghami (3520m)

   Highest Altitude	3520m
   Trek Duration	5-6 hours

   After Syangboche, we shall pass the Yamada La (3850m) with flowy barley fields with their pinkish hue in season. There will be another Pass, Nyi Pass(4010m) after clearing through the alpine forests. The final point is Ghami, which is lower in altitude. This is where we spend the night. Ghami village is welcoming, and you’ll get to taste the delicacies that the teahouse will provide.

7. day 7

   Ghami to Tsarang(3500m)

   Highest Altitude	3520m
   Trek Duration	5 to 6 hours

   The day’s trekking time will be short but daunting. The suspension bridge on Ghami Khola is tricky and will give you an adrenaline rush. The trip will continue over Charangla Pass(3,870m), crossing many Mani walls, the Buddhist walls with mantras on the stones. The end of the trek for the day is at Charang, the top of the Charang Chu canyon. Famous for its red gompa, this village will beckon you to explore its beauty.

8. day 8

   Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3700m)

   Highest Altitude	3700m
   Trek Duration	3-4 hours

   From Charang, the group passes through a canyon and crosses the river to climb the Lo La pass (3,950m). The pass showcases the culture-rich and eye-warming beautiful village of Lo Manthang. With Annapurna I, Tilicho, Bhrikuti and Nilgiri surrounding the village, the scene will look like the back of a postcard. Lo Manthang hosts numerous Buddhist festivals, and you might catch one if you are lucky!

9. day 9

   Explore Lo-Manthang

   Highest Altitude	3700m

   We will have a day trip to Choser cave lying in the height of around 4000m. The scenery on the way to the cave is something you can't ever describe with words. The cave is adorned with amazing murals of Varadhara, Chaturbhuja, Tara and Avalokiteswara.

   Known as Sky caves, the Jhong caves in Choser are the medieval hollow caves in the stones that archeologists find most fascinating. Five-storey high caves at the side of the daunting cliffs are still a puzzle since nobody knows how they were formed. They are assumed to be used as hiding places, monasteries, burial chambers and many more.Rumored to be the hiding place of Tibetan refugees who fled the Chinese, this place is a must-explore place in Upper mustang.

10. day 10

    Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar (3780 m)

    Highest Altitude	3780 m
    Trek Duration	6-7 hours

    Dhakmar is a long trek, but you will pass through century-old Gompas with extraordinary rock paintings. The Gompa is said to fulfil every wish of yours, so it is mandatory for you to wish your wishes here.

11. day 11

    Dhakmar to Ghiling (3570 m)

    Highest Altitude	3570 m
    Trek Duration	6-7 hours

    The Ghiling trek starts with strong winds and cold waves, plunging through lush horticulture and dry plateaus to set foot on Ghiling. The trek will also showcase a mesmerising view of Nilgiri and Dhawalagiri on the way.

12. day 12

    Ghiling to Chuksang (3050 m)

    Trek Duration	6-7 hours

    After leaving Ghiling, you will climb up the Syangboche and enjoy your lunch at Samar. Then with a strong stride, the group will descend to Chuksang, which will be the end of the trek for the day.

13. day 13

    Chuksang to Jomsom

    Trek Duration	6-7 hours

    This is the last day you will spend in Upper Mustang and return to Jomsom. The kingdom of Lo finishes after a final stretch of 5 hours. You might be tired, but you will definitely persevere. The Lunch will be done on the way down in Kagbeni, and on the same Kaligandaki gorge path, the group took in the beginning. The trek will again be on the Annapurna Circuit trek Path as soon as the group steps on from Kagbeni to Jomsom.

14. day 14

    Jomsom to Pokhara

    Flight Hours	20 minues
    Trek Duration	8-9 hours bus ride

    On the last day of your trip, you can again, either opt for a jeep from Jomsom to Pokhara or take a direct flight. Either way, you are back in Pokhara by night and can enjoy the city if you wish to do so. 

• Kathmandu to Pokhara both ways tourist bus
• Welcome & Pick up from the Pokhara bus station
• 11 nights accommodation during the trek
• Upper Mustang special trekking permit $500 and ACAP permit fee
• All government , local taxes & official expenses
• All standard meals ( 11 breakfasts , 12 Lunches & 11 Dinners) during the trek
• North Nepal Trek's government liscened experience local guide. Assistant guide for the groups of 10 or more trekkers
• One porter for every 2 trekkers ( 1 trekker weight limit 10 kg )
• Guide and porters expenses ( Meals ( B/L/D), insurance, transportation, salary, lodging, and necessary equipments  )
• Seasonal fresh fruits and dry fruits throughout the trek
• Souvenir – a company T-shirt
• NNTT trek appreciation certificate
• Farewell dinner