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Upper Mustang Trek


Itinerary

Day 01 - Arrival in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,430ft]

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Nepal. Upon completing the visa formalities and collecting your luggages in the airport, kindly proceed to the exit of the arrival hall. Your trip leader will await you just outside the arrival hall and will escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Please look out for a placard of Highland Expeditions at the exit of arrival hall. Welcome drinks will be served and after you’ve refreshed, your trek leader will brief you about your trip in the lobby of your hotel in the evening. Get familiar with your surroundings by taking a walk down the street

Day 02 - Exploration of Kathmandu and trek preparation [1350m/4455ft]

After an early breakfast, we set out on a guided tour to the primary historical spots in Kathmandu. We will tour symbolic monuments, temples, monasteries, palaces and UNESCO World Heritage Sites that include: Boudhanath, and the temples of Pashupatinath. As we stroll along the exotic locales of Kathmandu, more diversified cultural settings in the valley welcome us with warm hospitality. At Boudhanath, one of the biggest stupas in Asia, we get deep insights into Buddhism. This may invoke your spiritual senses. There will be a brief orientation followed by trek preparation during late afternoon at the hotel lobby.

Day 03 - Drive to Pokhara [827m/2,714ft]

After breakfast, we hop on a coach for 6-7 hrs drive to Pokhara. We reach our hotel, refresh & get familiar with our surroundings. We can go for a stroll down the Fewa Lake & also do some boating. We could also visit David’s fall and visit the peace stupa. The city of lakes – Pokhara is a wonderful city to explore around.

Day 04 - Fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni [2,895 m/9,490ft]

After touchdown at Jomsom, we hit the trail to the Kaligandaki plains. The road diverts to the right bank of the river plain, and our hike is pretty easy going with few ups and downs most of the way to a place called Ekali Bhatti (lonely inn) where there are three or four tea-houses at present. Earlier, it used to be the only teahouse in the area when it got its namesake, ‘Ekali –Bhatti’. From here, the path splits into two ways, the one higher up leads to Muktinath and the other route takes us to upper Mustang and Tibet via Kagbeni. Our trail heads past Eklai-bhatti towards North West and the walking gets much easier on a gradual winding route as the road widens and we walk further on the river bed towards the windswept village of Kagbeni for the overnight. The famous film ‘Caravan’ was shot in this area some years ago.

Day 05 - Trek to Chele [3,050m/10,007ft]

Our day pans out with a special permit checkup and we proceed from here on to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we come across scenic quaint places to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trail fluctuates up and downhill. We first reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges before we reach the village of Chele and our teahouse lodge for the night.

Day 06 - Trek to Syangboche [3,475m/11,401ft]

Today, we begin our trek further to Ekle Bhatti. We climb to Taklam La Pass at (3,624m) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. We then descend a little to the village of Samar. And then climb the trail that goes above Samar village to the ridge which descends steeply to a stream. Another 3 hrs of continuous hiking brings us to Syangboche. On the way, we relax along the surrounding of cool streams and juniper trees. Locals hereabouts use the dried leaves of junipers as incenses to invite deities and start any auspicious work. We also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave. After exploring the cave, we go to our lodge for the night.

Day 07 - Trek to Ghami [3,520m/11,546ft]

Today's journey is pretty more or less of a descent with a few short climbs all the way to Ghami, once outside the walled Lo Manthang village-town the path leads to a steady climb to a pass which offers the last glimpse of Lo Manthang. The walk then from hereabouts on is more or less gradual on downhill slopes most of the way to the village of Ghami. Ghami is another important village in this once upon-a-time thriving region. We get set for the night in our teahouse lodge.

Day 08 - Trek to Tsarang [3,500m/11,483ft]

From Ghami, the route climbs slowly through fields up the centre of the valley, passing below the Tama Gung settlements, our hike continues along a climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La pass at 3,950m, the highest point of this trek. The pass itself happens to be the southern boundary of Lo. From here a gradual descent for half an hour brings us to a junction; the right path leads direct to Tsarang while the left goes to Ghami village, one of the main areas of the Lo region we passed through previously. Our route drops below the blue, grey and red cliffs across the valley to a steel bridge across the Tangmarchu River, the path then climbs past to the long and magnificent stretch of a Mani wall, probably the longest one in Nepal. From hereabouts, the final climb of the day brings us to a 3,600m pass, after the last pass a gentle descent leads to our overnight halt at Tsarang, an interesting village with a maze of fields, willow trees and a huge five storey white Dzong with a red gompa perched on the edge of the Kali Gandaki gorge. Tsarang has its own electricity system. This is an interesting area to spend the night

Day 09 - Trek to Lo Manthang [3,840m/12,599ft]

This is an interesting day because we trek to Lo-Manthang with superb views 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-Manthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Manthang, views of the walled city appear outstanding with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay at a hotel in this ancient capital for our overnight stop.

Day 10 - Explore Lo-Manthang [3,840m/12,599ft]

Today we do some foraging around the areas. We check into Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa, situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa we continue to explore Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Manthang and stroll back to our hotel. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang "God house" the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attractions of this walled town. Another attraction is the four-storey building of the Raja's palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya.

Day 11 - Trek to Drakmar [3,810m/12,500ft]

While returning from Lo-Manthang, we head down a dissimilar route than the one we came by. We trek to Drakmar via Gyakar with more than 1200 years old Ghar Gompa with Guru Rinpoche as its central figure. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. According to a mythical legend, anyone who makes one wish at the Ghar Gompa will have their wishes fulfilled. We explore the local area with the likelihood of dusty wind, so its suggested we do the hike in the morning.

Day 12 - Trek to Geiling [3,806m/12,487ft]

Today we head back to Geiling as our journey for our overnight stay after a long walk takes about 5-6 hrs. After arrival we enjoy lunch and use the rest of the day exploring the area, but we reckon it will be dusty and windy in the afternoon, so it’s better to walk in the evening time. We do an overnight halt at the village of Geiling.

Day 13 - Trek to Chuksang [3,050 m/10,010ft]

From Geiling onwards, it will be one of the most pleasant walks as we will loose altitude day by day. The trek follows an easy descent towards the Kaligandaki River Valley passing through the old villages. Overnight at Chuksang

Day 14 - Trek to Jomsom [2,700/8859ft]

On reaching the river bed at Ekale-bhatti, we reach a small settlement with about 3-4 teahouses, where we can take a breather for some time. From here onwards, it can get very windy in the afternoon time, as our walk follows a gentle trail for another two hours till the large town of Jomsom is reached for our overnight camp. Jomsom, a large village town is the headquarters of the Mustang region with a small airstrip just above by the river Kaligandaki. Here, we will have sufficient time to celebrate with the local apple products like cider, brandy and pure apple juice. This area from Kagbeni to Larjung is famous for its delicious apples and its by-products. A few swigs of the apple brandy could set our moods on a high after a wonderful memorable trip we just completed.

Day 15 - Fly back to Pokhara [827m/2,714ft]

After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. This dramatic 15 minutes flight to Pokhara between the gorge of the two huge mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri is a nervy tingling experience we will enjoy. On arrival at Pokhara airport our guide will transfer us to the lakeside hotel. We use the rest of our time exploring the lake and then spend our overnight at our hotel down by the lake.

Day 16 - Drive back to Kathmandu [1,350m/4,455 ft]

We will return to Kathmandu on this day. Kathmandu is separated from Pokhara by 200km. Prithvi Highway links Pokhara with Kathmandu. It takes 6 hrs to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara by bus. You will be transferred to the hotel where you will have a pleasant stay.

Day 17 - Free day in Kathmandu [1,350m/4,455 ft]

Free and easy day to spend, perhaps doing shopping or rest at hotel’s beautiful court-yard. At eventide, we will relish a farewell dinner to celebrate your successful completion of the ‘Upper Mustang Trek.’ While enjoying our supper, we will also be entertained to a scintillating cultural dance performed by the local belles Please do not hesitate to let us know if you would like to extend your stay. Kindly email us for more details on extensions.

Day 18 - International departure

Thank you for joining us on this trek and it has been a pleasure getting to know you during this time. We hope this venture has enriched your experience with happy memories. Keep in touch and hope to hear from you soon. Bon voyage for a safe and pleasant trip home.

Trip Includes

  • All meals (B,L,D) on OPEN/CHOICE Menu whilst on trek with tea & coffee.
  • Twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category for 4 nights with breakfast
  • Twin sharing accommodation at 3 star hotel in Pokhara for 2 nights
  • Internal flights (PKR-Jomsom-PKR)
  • All required permits for trek  (USD 520)
  • Accommodation at clean and cozy teahouses/lodges on trek
  • All ground transfers as per mentioned in the itinerary
  • Experienced local trek leader with 1:4 assistant guide to client ratio
  • Full support crew with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
  • Sightseeing of Kathmandu including guide and entrance fees
  • Kathmandu airport transfers and escorts
  • All ground transportation as per mentioned in the itinerary on private vehicle
  • Comprehensive first aid kit.
  • Duffel bag, Sleeping bag with liner and Down Jacket (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of trek)
  • Staff insurances and allowances
  • Trek completion certificate (Upon request)

Trip Excludes

  • International airfare, Visa and travel insurance
  • Meals at Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason)
  • Personal expenses - Drinks & Souvenirs
  • Gratuities for staff