UPPER AND LOW MUSTANG PROGRAM.
The Upper Mustang trek winds its way to the hidden Buddhist world of the Kingdom of Mustang, also known as Lo. This remote trans-Himalayan mountain area borders Tibet and has a distinct Tibetan feel, both in its people and culture and in its arid landscape of high cliffs and rocks of unusual formations and colour.
The trek visits Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, then through a stark landscape in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif to Lo-Manthang, the seat of past Kings of the Kingdom of Lo.
Explore caves, rock paintings, monasteries, and gompa and learn something about the culture of this area. Panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and others, are very much part of this exciting trip!
Within Lo Manthang itself, a visit to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar, the last main village in the northwest of the area, as well as the King’s palace, brings a further cultural understanding of the area.
There is also an amchi (traditional Tibetan doctor) museum and school where visitors can learn about this ancient healing art and how it is being adapted to meet modern-day situations.
A few hours’ walk from Lo Manthang is Gyakar, with its famous Gompa. Ghar Gompa is over 1,200 years old, is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, who traveled these areas then.
The Gompa is famous for its rock paintings and the fact it is believed that if you make a wish here, it will come true. So make a wish at the Ghar Gompa, and hope to return again someday!
The trek is at a relatively high altitude (3,000m to 3,800m), intensified by the dry air.
While it is no problem for those born at this altitude to travel at speed, visitors will be more leisurely in their hike to avoid any altitude-related problems. On average, walking takes 5 to 7 hours a day, and some paths are particularly windy and dusty.
But this trek into the restricted area of Upper Mustang, which in part follows the ancient salt route, will remain in one’s memory forever.
Difficulty Level of the Upper Mustang Trek
Due to the altitude and dry atmosphere, there is considered a challenging trek. While you watch the locals whizz past you at speed, you are working hard to catch your breath and wonder ‘why?’
Remember that they were born at altitude. Like the Sherpas living in the Khumbu (Everest) Region, the Tibetan Buddhist origin locals of Upper Mustang were born to less oxygen content and the dryness of the air.
Like all treks in the Nepal Himalayas, there are ups and downs to challenge you. High passes to cross and steep descents to negotiate.
But then there are the wonderful mountains and the fact you are in the stunning Kingdom of Lo to compensate for you.
As far as weather is concerned, being that this trek is in the rain shadow, you can do this trek almost year round.
Although we don’t recommend doing it in the winter when the snow is deep, and many locals leave for Pokhara or Kathmandu to ride out the winter. You can do this trek in the monsoon (June – September) without fear of rain and muddy trails.
Like all treks in Nepal, we recommend you have a good fitness level and put in a bit of extra gym or hiking time before you come! Work on both cardio and those leg muscles! And don’t forget to mention high-altitude trekking when arranging your travel insurance.
Trekking Permits Required for the Upper Mustang Trek
Due to the fact Upper Mustang lies near the border with Tibet, it is considered a Restricted Area. This means that thecost of the permit to enter the area is high at $500 per person for 10 days and $50 per day after that.
This Restricted Area Permit (RAP) runs from when you leave Kagbeni (on this trek) to when you re-enter Kagbeni again. Therefore on this Magical Nepal Upper Mustang Trek, you only need the 10 days RAP.
Restricted Permit Cost: $500 per person for 10 days. $50 per day if the trek is longer than 10 days (within the Upper Mustang area proper)
In addition, each trekker needs to pay $20 for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). This permit is valid for however long the trek takes.
** Please note that you cannot do this trek alone. You need to be a minimum of two trekkers traveling with an authorized trekking company.
Upper Mustang Trek Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel –1,324 m.
Day 2: Soyambu, Buddha, Pasupati sightseeing and prepare Mustang Permit.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive) Pokhara – 830 m. 7 hrs
Day 4: Pokhara to Jomsom (Flight) to Kagbeni Kagbeni –2810 m. 3 hrs
Day 5: Kagbeni to Chele Chele – 3050 m. 6 hrs
Day 6: Chele to Syangmoche Syangmoche – 3475 m. 6 hrs
Day 7: Syangmoche Ghami Ghami – 3500 m. 5 hrs
Day 8: Ghami to Charang Charang – 3560 m. 4 hrs
Day 9: Charang to Lo Manthang Lo Manthang – 3770 m.5 hrs
Day 10: Day Trip to Chhoser Cave Lo Manthang – 3770 m. 6 hrs
Day 11: Lo Manthang to DhakmarDhakmar – 3800 m. 7 hrs
Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling Ghiling – 3860 m .6 hrs
Day 13: Ghiling to Chuksang Chuksang – 3050 m. 6 hrs
Day 14: Chuksang to Jomsom Jomsom – 2715 m.5 hrs
Day 15: Jomsom to Pokhara (Flight) Pokhara – 830 m. 15 min
Day 16: Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive) Kathmandu – 1300 m. 8 hrs
Day 17: Bhaktapur and patan sightseeing
Day 18: drive to airport 3 hours before departure the flight
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Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel –1,324 m.
Day 2: Soyambu, Buddha, Pasupati sightseeing and prepare Mustang Permit.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara drive with tourists bus Drive time: 7 hours
After breakfast, we set off early to drive to Pokhara. The road winds its way out of the Kathmandu Valley along the Trishuli River until the point we stop for lunch when the road becomes flatter.
On the way, we can watch rafters tackle the rapid on the river (your next trip perhaps?), and catch glimpses of mountains in the distance. On arrival in Pokhara, there are even more stunning mountains to see. In fact, you cannot escape the gaze of Machhapucchre (also known as Fishtail) which towers over the city at 6,993m.
After checking into your hotel you have time to explore the lakeside area, boat on Fewa Lake, visit one of the many lakeside bars before dinner or simply relax.
*Note we normally use tourists buses which are to a high standard. But if you would like to hire a private vehicle please let us know.
Day 4: Pokhara to Jomsom to Kagbeni
Trek time: 3 to 4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
This morning we get up even earlier to check-in to catch the short flight from Pokhara to Jomson. Sightseeing by plane! This amazing short flight takes through the mountains to the interesting market town for the Mustang area.
Set off through the town, over a small bridge then hit the trail proper to take an easy yet interesting hike to Kagbeni.
This afternoon there is time to explore the small and very unique village of Kagbeni with its walled passages and strange clay effigies decorating the walls.
If you like you can hike up the nearby hill to get a good view up the Kali Gandaki River to Upper Mustang and map out the zig zag trail that leads over the opposite hill to Dolpo.
Day 5: Kagbeni to Chele
Trek time: 5 to 6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
After breakfast, we set off to enter Upper Mustang! The trail takes us along the Kali Gandaki River where the wind will challenge us as it whistles up the valley gorge. At Tangbe Village we notice how the houses are white-washed, set among fields of buckwheat and barley. Apple orchards also dot the landscape. Following a ridge, we reach the village of Chele.
Day 6: Chele to Syangmoche
Trek time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Today the hiking becomes a bit harder as we cross the Taklam La pass (3,624m) and the Darjori La pass (3,735m). But there are amazing mountain views and intriguing caves along the way to keep our minds off our hard-working legs. The trail descends into Samar Village from where we walk to a ridge and down another steep trail on to Syangmoche.
Day 7: Syangmoche to Ghami
Trek time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Today there is another big pass, the Yamada La, to cross (3,850m) as well as chortens and interesting villages with their barley fields to peek at. Trekking through forests we then have another pass to cross. Nyi Pass is 4,010m but from here we descend down to Ghami where we spend the night. Ghami is a large village for this area and is beautifully located and surrounded by fields.
Day 8: Ghami to Charang
Trek time: 4 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Today’s trek starts off over rough and sometimes slippery ground as we descend to a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola. The trail takes us passed mani walls (stone-built walls with Tibetan mantras carved into the stones) and over the Charang La Pass (3,870m).
At the top of the Charang Chu canyon lies the village of Charang. This village also has a fortress and red gompa to the east of it. There is plenty of time to explore after lunch!
Day 9: Charang to Lo Manthang
Trek time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Dropping down into a canyon we cross a river and ascend to the Lo La pass (3,950m). From the pass we get our first look at the historic and beautiful village of Lo Manthang.
This walled village is the traditional home to the King of Lo and is still the scene of many interesting and colourful Buddhist festivals. The surrounding mountains – Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti Peak at to the atmosphere of the place.
Day 10: Day Trip to Chhoser Cave
Trek time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Today we get to explore some of the mysteries of Upper Mustang. A short trek to the area of Chhoser is the beginning of a day you will not forget! Here we find what is known as the Jhong Caves or even Sky Caves.
What these are five-storey high caves built into the side of cliffs. Researchers are still puzzling as to who built these caves and why. It is assumed they were used as burial chambers, hiding places, places of meditation and later, monasteries.
But no one really knows the origins of these amazing caves. We can explore some of these caves, taking a packed lunch with us so we can enjoy the atmosphere of the caves, lunar-like landscape and mountains while relaxing also. Then we head back to Lo Manthang were we overnight again.
Day 11: Lo Manthang to Dhakmar
Trek time: 7 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Today is a longer trekking day but as usual, there is plenty of interesting things to see on the way! Gyakar Village is home to the century-old Ghar Gompa which has stunning rock paintings. Here you must make a wish, as is tradition. We have time to explore the gompa before heading on to Dhakmar.
Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling
Trek time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
There are normally very strong winds on this part of the trail so we start early in the morning to descend through a dry plateau and some agricultural fields to reach the village of Ghiling. Although a challenging and tiring day because of the wind, we get great views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri to compensate.
Day 13: Ghiling to Chuksang
Trek time: 6 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Today we pass through small villages, have time to observe how the local people live and take in the mountain views.
Day 14: Chuksang to Jomsom
Trek time: 5 hours
Accommodation: Tea House
Today we say goodbye to Upper Mustang and enter the lower regions (or Lower Mustang as it is also called) of the district at Jomson. On this, our final trekking day, we will have lunch at Kagbeni and perhaps this time explore the little monetary and look fondly up the Kali Gandaki gorge to where we have spent the last 10 days – the Kingdom of Lo. Our trek has in fact, rejoined the Annapurna Circuit Trek as we head from Kagbeni to Jomson.
Day 15: Jomsom to Pokhara
Accommodation: Hotel
Today we rise early to catch the morning flight to Pokhara. The mountains seem to have taken on a new meaning to us now that we have seen them from all angles.
After checking into the hotel in Pokhara you are free to enjoy the city and do a bit of shopping at Lakeside. With its vibrant bars and nightlife perhaps you wish to celebrate the end of your trek with a few drinks and a bit of dancing – Nepali or Western club style! Or simply enjoy the lights over Fewa Lake.
Day 16: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 17: Bhaktapur and patan sightseeing
Day 18: drive to airport 3 hours before departure the flight
Mustang Permit USD 500 per person for 10 days if you stay more US 50 per day per person. Pokhara/Jomsom/Pokhara flight fear INR 5500 X2= INR 11000,.00 per person both way. If you need private jeep Pokhar/Bine and back you need to add + INR 43750.00
INCLUDES
All Arrival/Departure transfers in a private vehicle
Twin/Double Sharing 3* Standard category accommodations in Kathmandu
Daily Breakfast at Hotel in Kathmandu
Guided Sightseeing in Kathmandu with a professional English-speaking guide
Best available teahouse/lodge/guesthouse accommodations during the Trek
All meals (Breakfast, Lunches & Dinner with Tea/Coffee) during the Trek
All required ground transportation as per itinerary
Domestic (Ktm-Nepalgunj-Juphal-Jomsom-Pokhara) airfare and taxes as per itinerary
An Experienced GOVT licensed Trekking Guide & required No. of Sherpa Porters & Crew
All wages, allowances, insurance, medical, and equipment for supporting crewmembers.
Shey Phoksundo National Park Fees
Upper Dolpo Special permits
TIMS fees & Local Province (Municipality/Village) Fees
Trekking & Camping / Kitchen Equipment as per itinerary/necessary
Welcome/Farewell Dinner
All applicable government taxes
ACCOMMODATION
The Upper Dolpo Trek is primarily a camping trek lasting. You will be given a high-quality tent to share with one other member. For added comfort and warmth, each tent will contain a thick down-filled mattress. We also provide a kitchen tent, a dining tent, a staff tent, and a toilet tent with a commode.
Your stay in Kathmandu before and after the trek will be at a 3-star category hotel/resort accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis with breakfast. However, you can also upgrade the services and choose to have luxurious accommodation in the city by informing us prior and with an additional cost. Also in Nepalgunj, you will be stationed at the best available lodge on a twin/double sharing basis.
Meals During Upper Dolpo Trek
Except for lunch and dinners in Kathmandu, all the food costs are included in the package.
Note: We have not included lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu in the package because you will have plenty of choices from a vast variety of cuisines and restaurants/cafes/pubs accessible in the cities. But, we can recommend some of the bests that match your preferences and Temple entrance fee in Kathmandu entrance fee.