Overview
Upper Mustang is the continuation of Mustang district, which you might be familiar with if you have trekked the Annapurnas. With its proximity to Tibet, a special permit is required to enter Upper Mustang. Known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, or the Kingdom of Lo, a visit to this area is something extraordinary as this area looks and feels remarkably like Tibet, as do its people. This is a demanding trek with relatively long days at high altitude. Excellent general fitness is a must. But the rewards for your hard work are many!
Upper Mustang starts at Kagbeni, a short walk from Jomson, a big market town with an airport linking it to Pokhara. Kagbeni itself is a fascinating little village, with covered streets and strange clay figures. Look up the valley from the edge of the village - that is Upper Mustang! Already surrounded by high mountains such as Machhapuchhre (or Fishtail) and others of the Annpurna range when you landed in Jomson, Upper Mustang is in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif. The air and the land are arid and bare, with rock cliffs with puzzling high cave and rock paintings. The center of this area was Lo-Manthang, the seat of the King of Lo (or Mustang) until very recently when Nepal became a Republic. Visit Namgyal Gompa and the Kings palace within this walled city and also, a few hours away, Gyakar with its famous monastery, Ghar Gompa, which is over 1,200 years old. Dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, another traveling Buddhist teacher many centuries ago, the gompa is renowned for its rock paintings.
Highlights of Upper Mustang Trekking
- Fly into Jomson Airport, in the very heart of the Himalayas
- Enter a Forbidden Kingdom – something not many many have done
- Marvel at the high cliff dwellings and wonder who lived there
- Explore Lo-Manthang, home to ancient kings
- Encounter Buddhism and feel like you are in Tibet itself
- A photographers wonderland – from the arid cliffs to the snow-capped mountains
- Luri Gompa
- Kagbeni Village
The Cost Includes
- Government licensed guide during the trek including his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance
- Porter service during the trek (1 porter for two trekkers)
- Upper Mustang restricted area entry permit
- Annapurna conservation area entry permit
- Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by private jeep
- Two night 3-star hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
- Round trip flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara including departure taxes
- Three times meal in a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- Best available twin sharing tea house accommodation during the trek
- Basic first aid kits and a Pulse oximeter
- Sleeping bag during the trek
- Water bottle with purification tablet
- All government and local taxes
The Cost Excludes
- Food and accommodation in Kathmandu
- travel insurance
- Any kinds of drinks in the mountain
- Tip and donation
Itinerary
We will pick you up from your hotel in Kathmandu and drive to airplane terminal which is a 30 minutes trip to Pokhara. You will be dropped at your inn in Pokhara as well. After taking some rest, we will explore around the lakeside at night and spend overnight in Pokhara.
The exceptionally following day, with an energizing trip of around 30 minutes we will reach to Jomsom from Pokhara. Additionally, we will have our morning meal on the way. We will begin our strolling on the riverbed of the Kaligandaki River. After walking for 3 to 4 hours in flat trail loaded up with rock and sand, we will reach to Kagbeni. On the way, we will appreciate the all-encompassing Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri ranges. Kagbeni has known as a traditional town where we will stay overnight.
Today, after the checking of your permit in Kagbeni, the trek to confined territory upper Mustang begins. While in transit a few caves on the western side of Kaligandaki can be seen. Also, we will stroll for 5 to 6 hours for the most part in sandy road passing the Gurung village called Tangbe. You can see black, red and white Chortens in Tangbe. On the way, we will have our lunch in Tangbe. You will cross the Kaligandaki river and move up to reach Chele. Chele is the attractive little village which you can walk around we will stay overnight there.
Today is the day when we will stroll in a bit troublesome street with some precarious climb. We will walk for around 6 to 7 hours from Chele en route to Syangboche and cross the Dorji La Pass(3735m). After Dorji La Pass there is just a single village called Samar. There you will see observer Chungsi cave after walking 2 hours from Samar. You will experience forest of green bushes and little tree crossing some suspension bridge to reach Syangboche.
Strolling for 5 to 6 hours step by step up we will reach Ghilling town after we will cross Nyi La Pass(4010m) and cross the longest mani wall in Mustang. Essentially, we will cross the small strems and stroll through the terraced fields to reach Dhakmar.
With the gradual up and downhill, we will walk for 6 to 7 hours. On the way, we will see Ghargumba, which is one of the oldest Monastries in Mustang built by Guru Rinpoche in the eighteenth century. After the ghargumba trail, we will descend to a wooden bridge over CharangKhola and move up to Marang. Having our Lunch in Marang, we will cross the Marang La (4230m) to reach the walled Kingdom Manthnag
Today is the rest day of our Trip at Lo Manthang. You can ride ponies or horses to go to Chosar if you want. After, we will head to the Niphu monastery and explore the old caverns which are around 2500 years of age. There is one mademan made cave in Mustang called Chosar cave that has 40 rooms and is embellished with Buddhist murals.
After leaving the excellent village Lo-Manthan, you will push ahead to Yara. Strolling for around 6 to 7 hours, you will cross the Dhi La Pass (3400m) steeping descent to Dhi Village. After coming to Yara from that point, we will remain in Yara overnight.
Early in the morning, after breakfast, we will set out toward our next destination Lurigumba. Strolling for around 4 to 5 hours and investigating the excellence we will return to Yara.
The following day we will stroll for 6 to 7 hours. Once more, we will head towards the riverbed of DhechyangKhola to Tangge. In like manner, you will discover some Shaligrams(black rock)in the riverbed. We will cross the river and stroll to tange village and remain overnight.
Strolling for 5 to 6 hours today we will cross the suspension bridge and pursue the short course. After 3hours of walking tough, you will reach at Pa (shelter house).On the manner, you will cross numerous small pass and arrive at the Chussang.
Today we will trek to Muktinath from Chussang strolling 5 to 6 hours and walking steep as up until 6 hours with the all-encompassing perspective of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Himala ranges. Step by step, we will come down to Muktinath from Guy La.
Today we will return back the same way to Jomsom from Muktinath.
Today is the farewell day when we will say goodbye to the beautiful place and fly back to Pokhara. From Pokhara we will be driving back to Kathmandu.
Frequently asked Question
Expand/CloseThe best time to Trek Upper Mustang is May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
For Upper Mustang you should have normal fitness. The trek is specially for people who love walking, so daily walks and exercise can be helpful.
Upper Mustang is a little difficult trek as you have to walk 5-6 hours a day. Although you have to walk for long hours, the trails are not that messed up.
A person with normal fitness can also trek to Upper Mustang as there are many people who have gone to Upper Mustang for the first time with normal fitness and came back with a positive review.
As Upper Mustang lies in the Annapurna region, We need to have a conservational area project (ACAP) permit to enter. The cost of the permit is Rs 3000 for foreigner and Rs 300 for the SAARC countries including vat.
Basic hiking gears are enough for Upper Mustang trek. You can read the equipment checklist on our website.
Yes, there is electricity in the Upper Mustang. You can charge your gadgets there and enjoy the trek. However, you will be charged some money for it.
Yes, there is. You can even get the 3G services there. For wifi, you have to pay some money and use it anytime you want to.
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