Detailed itinerary of Upper Mustang Trek

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival

Welcome to Nepal, Nepal Hiking Trek will be there to greet you and transfer you to your hotels. If you reach early, you can spend your time exploring the Thamel city. Overnight at Three Star Hotel, Kathmandu.

Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing

On the second, after the early breakfast, you will enjoy a beautiful sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu valley-the capital of Nepal and also very known as the "City of Temple". This valley host a UNESCO world heritage site with the seven preserved location: the centers of the three primary cities, Kathmandu Hanuman Dhoka, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the two most important Buddhist Stupas, Swayambhunath and Boudhanath and two Famous Hindus Shrines, Pashupatinath Temple and Changu Narayan. You can enjoy the day exploring this place. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 03: Fly/Drive to Pokhara

On the third day of your trek, after the early breakfast, you will head to Pokhara. The route to Pokhara offer you the two transportation facilities. One is through the air (fly) and another is through the land(drive). If your drive to Pokhara it takes around 5-6 hours. Pokhara is another largest and the beautiful city which offers you peace and friendly environment with different adventure activities. Overnight at Pokhara.

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom, Trek to Kagbeni

On the fourth day of your trek, you will experience the short morning flight to Jomsom, this flight takes around 20 minutes the headquarters of the Mustang, through the world's deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge with the heart touching view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Offers the great view with the dozens of the Himalayan giants poking into the sky, enjoying the Kali Gandaki flowing from the Tibetan Plateau. Then we will ahead to Kagbeni, the gateway of the Upper Mustang Through the ancient salt trade trial is unique. If you have some leisure time you can explore the Kagbeni. Overnight at Kagbeni.

Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele

On the fifth day of your trek, after completing the permit formalities you will enter to the restricted area of Upper Mustang. As this region is said to the Desert of Nepal because the area is barren and surrounded by the village in the middle. Walk ahead leaving the Kagbeni and Nilgiri mountain at the back is very dazzling. You can enjoy the views of the land of historic stone with striking views and during the walk, Kali Gandaki gives u the ancient history of its existence, views of the diverse landscapes. Chele is a small and beautiful settlement of the Gurung and Tharu people where you can enjoy the valley with its picturesque setting Explore the place. Overnight at Chame.

Day 06: Chele to Syangboche

On the sixth day of your trek, you will walk a more adventurous and into undulating trials with a couple of the steep climb and descent. With 6-hour walk leaving the Chele through the farming fields with red buckwheat and brilliant green and with the breathtaking views of the Nilgiri, Annapurna, Tilicho Peak, and other surrounding peaks are extraordinary. Climb up t the pass before heading down to Syangboche is very remarkable and very beautiful. Overnight at Syangboche.

Day 07: Shangbochen to Ghaymi

On the seventh day of your trek, from the Shangboche we generally climb the pass of 3800 meters with the beautiful views of the mountain like Nilgiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchre and many more and valley. Today walk is effortless compared to the other walk because we will enjoy the short climb and after a walk, you will reach to Ghaymi at lunch. After lunch explores Ghami, the ancient village with many monasteries, Chortens and mani walls.

Day 08: Ghyami to Tsarnag

On the eighth day of your trek, you will walk to starting which takes you into "Land of Chortens". A half hours walk from Ghami you can see the longest ancient mani wall of Mustang and the soaring red cliff to the west that tells you the legends of Padmasambhava is intriguing, and around 4 hours walk brings you to the Tsar and valley that looks dramatic, after lunch explore the village, ancient monasteries, white palace of Tsaang. Overnight at Tsarnag.

Day 09: Tsarnag to Lo Manthang

Lo Manthang is the capital of the Mustang city about 150 house and has some of the longest and the ancient Tibetan Buddhism gompas in Nepal. The city is very fascinating and inspiring with major ancient monasteries which are very impressive. After the early breakfast, we leave Tsarnag and continuous the walk. Around 4-5 hours walk, you will reach to you today's destination. Explore the place if your time. Overnight t Lo Manthang.

Day 10: Explore Lo Manthang

Today is your spare day, you can enjoy this day by exploring Lo Manthang, the ancient capital of the Mustang region. Explore the place and catch the sights and unique settlements and also the ancient heritage, gompas, monasteries. During afternoon if you are exhausted you can walk to Thinker Summer palace or explore the extraordinary ancient monasteries, unique arts, and ancient local goods. Overnight at La Manthang.

Day 11: Lo Manthang to Darkmar

Today after the early breakfast you will walk to the different west terrain which offers you the most beautiful views with few down steep downhill trials, also visit the world's oldest Tibetan monasteries Ghar Gompa built 7th century by the incarnated monks Padmasambhava. During the walk, the views of the landscapes and monasteries in the south are very amazing. You will observe the walk to Dhakmar very thrilling with different trial high above the canyons and eroded hills. Overnight at Darkmar.

Day 12: Drakmar to Syangmochen

On the twelfth day of your trek, you will trace back to the village of Syanboche where on the way to back you can enjoy the fabulous views of the mountain and also opportunity to look back into the missed out the views.

Day 13: Syangmochen to Chhuksang

We start early walk after having the early breakfast to visit the Chungsi Cave Monasteries which is the one of the most attractive among all the monasteries present in the Mustang, it was built on the side of the vertical canyon wall. During the walk, you will enjoy the lunch at a charming village of Samar, this village is very famous for its popular grove while descending to the Chhusang, you can enjoy the great views of Nilgiri and Kali Gandaki which is very significant. Chhusang is a charming village with an apple orchard and also tradition Nepali and Tibetan songs will melt you, explore the village. Overnight at Chhusang.

Day 14: Chhuksang to Jomsom

Today, you will trek along with the wonderful trail through the more scattered Mustang villages, where you can enjoy the delicious apple, see the traditional back-Loom weaving techniques being practiced by the local women. And also you can enjoy the night fun activities like dancing, eating, drinking and tipping the local staff you're making your adventure walk very memorable. Overnight at Jomsom.

Day 15: Fly to Pokhara (half-day sightseeing)

After the early breaks of the fifteenth day of your trek, you will take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara- A beautiful and adventure mountains as well as natural beauty flight along the Kali Gandaki gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Overnight at Hotel, Pokhara.

Day 16: Drive/fly to Kathmandu

Today, you will back the scenic drive back to Kathmandu which takes around 6 hrs. there is also an option to enjoy the short flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu but some extra cost required. You will have extra time, you can spend the time by exploring the Kathmandu city, by enjoying the shopping, enjoy the message and Spa in the Thamel and in the evening, Nepal Hiking Trek will host a farewell dinner for the beautiful success of the adventure trek.

Day 17: Final Departure

is your last day in Nepal if you have time you can meet and say a final goodbye to your friends, Nepal Hiking Trek representative will leave you 3 hours before your flight by saying the final goodbye, have a safe journey.

Trip facts

• Destination: Nepal
• Trekking Region: Upper Mustang Region
• Trip Difficulty: Moderate
• Best season to trek: Monsoon season (June to August) and winter season
• Trip Style: Trekking and tour
• Trek start: Kathmandu
• Trek ends: Kathmandu
• Accommodation: a three-star hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara and a basic teahouse on the trial.
• Food: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner
• Altitude elevation: 4030 meter
• Restricted: required to pay $50 per person to enter the cave and monasteries in the Upper Mustang region
• Price: $2050

Upper Mustang trek Highlights:

• After you have arrived in Kathmandu you can rest and can explore the Kathmandu valley on the second day.
• You get the chance to visit the UNESCO world heritage sites and can explore the Hindu and Buddhist culture visiting Temples and monasteries.
• The next day from Kathmandu, you will fly to Pokhara or get to Pokhara by bus. It about 6 hours drive. You can also enjoy the sightseeing in Pokhara "The city of Lakes" and also offer you the many adventure activities.
• From Pokhara, you will fly to Jomsom. Landing in the Jomsom you can enjoy the breathtaking moment, Jomsom is very popular for the apple, and stunning Himalayan Landscapes.
• You will trek to Kagbeni, from Kagbeni after getting trek permit you will trek further for Lo Manthang.
• Explore the lo Manthang- the ancient capital of the Upper Mustang Region.
• Trekking in Upper Mustang is a rare privilege and you will get the chance to explore lifestyle, culture, and tradition with the breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscapes.

Best of Upper Mustang Trek are:

Lo Manthang

Lo Manthang was the ancient capital of the Upper Mustang Trek and The Kingdom of Lo. Lo Manthang is culturally lying in the northern two-thirds of Mustang District, while the southern third is called Thak, the homeland of Thakali people who speak a different Language and have a synthesis of Tibetan and Nepali Culture. The village is also famous for the whitewashed mud-brick walls, gompas and King's Palace. You can also enjoy the views of the major temples in this village: Jampa Lhakhang the oldest temple and also known as "God house", Tubchen Gompa, a huge, red hall located just southwest of Jampa Gompa, Chodey Gma, now it is the main city gompa and the Choprang Gompa, which is also known as the " New Gompa".

Tiji Festival

Tiji festival is the most auspicious festival celebrated in the Upper Mustang Trek Region of Nepal. Acco, riding to the ancient mythology Tiji festival is celebrated to mark the victory of the good over the evils. It is believed that what is now the Mustang region was in trouble and was being destroyed by a demon who spread disease and took away water. Dorje Jono fought and defeated this demon and the festival celebrates his victory with prayer chants and colorful dances.

The Teji festival is the annual three days monks dance celebrated every year in the upper Mustang region and Lo Manthang. According to the locals, Tiji means " prayer from the world peace". The three days victory mask dance performed by the monks from the Chhyode Gumba, a unique dance with the ancient masks and swords. Tiji festival is celebrated in by performing the unique dance. The first day of the Tiji Monks dance called " TSA CHHAM" and second dance called " NGA CHHAM".

Jomsom

Jomsom is the beautiful gateway village to the Upper Mustang Trek. it is located at the elevation of 2800 meters over the bank of the Kai Gandaki rivers. The main inhabited of the place id Thakali people. Jomsom is the headquarter of the Mustang District and is accessible road and flight from Pokhara. You can also enjoy the ATM facilities in the Jomsom, get Cofee shop, a department store for shopping and many more. Jomsom provides the beautiful views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri and completely lie in the rain shadow. So they place to get the rare rainfalls, feel free to explore the place. You can explore the Buddhist Monastery and museum in Jomsom.

Kagbeni

Kagbeni is one of the beautiful villages in the Upper Mustang Trek located in the valley of Kali Gandaki rivers. It is a beautiful medieval village with closely packed mud and brick houses, dark alley. The major attraction of the Kagbeni village if the stunning views of Nilgiri, Kaligandaki valley, local houses, monasteries, apple farming and many more. This village is far from the modernization and commercialization, you can enjoy the peace and natural beauty trekking in this valley.

Muktinath temple

Muktinath temple is the popular Vishnu Temple located at the first highest altitude in the world and a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhist located in Muktinath valley ar the altitude of 3,710 meters at the foot of the Thorong La Mountain pass in the Mustang district and a holy spot for the Hindu and Buddhist. The Hindu believes that the Lord Bishnu got salvation from the curse of the Brinda here. It is named which means Mukti" means salvation Nirvana and Nath mean God of Master" Muktinath holds the great significance for the spiritual people in South Asia. The temple is surrounded by the 108 stone and holy taps at a height. The people who visit the Muktinath got a holy shower from the top of these taps.

Chooser caves and other Monasteries

Chooser is an are an of Upper Mustang Trek and very famous for its historical and religious sites. Garphu and Nymphs gompa is located in the Chaser as well as the ancient village where the houses are built in the cave. Upper Mustang region is very famous for its unique gompa and monasteries. You can explore the monasteries and collect unique experience and memories. You need to buy tickets of 1000 NRS to the entrance to the religious sites and caves scattered throughout the Chooser area and can enjoy the diverse landscapes and mountain views.

Luri Gompa

Luri Gompa is the attractive and the famous sight in the Upper Mustang Trek locate near the village of Ghara and Yara about a day's walk from Lo Manthang. Lauri is the ancient monasteries filled with Buddhist frescos, shortens. Luri is a well worth a visit set in the cliffs, visitors must scramble up a dirt trail, and then climb up a wooden ladder to access the lower caves. You can also explore the cave near the Luri Gompa of Tashi Kabum. You can collect and experience the unique culture while trekking in this area, experience the new things, diverse landscapes and beautiful views of the highest mountains.

Kali Gandaki Gorge

The Kali Gandaki rivers flow through the ancient kingdom of Upper Mustang Trek flows through the Sheer-shaded deep canyon immediately south of the Mustang Capital of Lo Manthang then approaches Kagbeni where the high Himalayan ranges begin to close. The river continues southwestern part from Jomsom, Marpha and Tukuche to the deepest part of the gorge. The color of the water flowing in this river seems to be black so it is named as the Kali Gandaki rivers. The Kali Gandaki Gorges separate the major snow-capped peaks, Mount Dhaulagiri in the west and Mt Annapurna in the east. Kai Gandaki gorge is known as the world deepest gorges. The upper parts of the Gorge are named as the Thak gorge named by the Thakali people. There is the popular belief that if you visit the Kali Gandaki river you all pain and sorrow will also blow, you can also see the many unique rocks which are also popular;y is known as Saligram in this rivers. Kali Gandaki river and gorge is the major attraction of the upper Mustang trek and also help to reach in the destination if you miss the trial.

The things to know about the Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang trek comes with some unique surprise, adventure and some lifetimes memories of the Himalayan monasteries. but while trekking to the Upper Mustang trek, the below-listed things should be well known.

Forget the deluxe and Luxury on the Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek is very far from the modernization and commercialization so you will not get any deluxe and luxury hotel of the tea house for your accommodation while trekking Upper Mustang Trek. Not even close as you experience and hear in the Everest region trekking and Annapurna Region Trekking and also you will not get the standard of accommodation. The best accommodation you will experience in the Lo Manthang and worse accommodation will experience in Samar.

• The normal rule is as you increase you walk in altitude the best accommodation and services in the place also decreased.
• You will get the common room whereas the toilet and Shower are usually outside of the room but in the same building.
• You may not offer the wide range of the menu and you will experience the taste of the same dishes with different taste in different places.

Prepare for the dust while trekking in Upper Mustang Trek region

Monsoon Season, June to August is the best season to trek upper Mustang region. Most of the trekking trail to the Upper Mustang turned into dirt motorable road. Local people and tourist use this means of transportation, which make smog and dust in your trekking trial. During the monsoon season, all the rivers are in full flow and wetland you will not able to drive as you want but you can experience the natural beauty, far from the smog and dust and can enjoy the journey.

• enjoy the Upper Mustang tour instead of the Upper Mustang Trekking
• if you don't choose the Monsoon months, June-August for upper mustang trekking then we will suggest you trek Upper Mustang drive tour instead of trekking.
• With the four wheel jeep, you will almost follow the same trekking route while traveling.

It will save time and also will fulfill your dream to experience the Tibet, tradition Buddhism, Caves, Monasteries, remote lifestyle and also Upper Mustang tour is very useful for old people, elder trekkers, Lazy person, families with the children and also upper mustang drive tour is very best with the flexible itinerary.

Every town have old monasteries to explore

You must know this where are the monasteries in the trial of the upper Mustang trek. during the adventure hike almost all town on the trekking of the Upper Mustang, you can explore different Buddhist monasteries, a small village like Samar, Ghemi, Dhakmar, Tsaharang have a big and ancient Buddhist monastery to explore and also you will find the bog monasteries in Jomsom, Kagbeni and Lo Manthang. After you reach to these towns carry your camera and explore and walk around, collect the beautiful memories.

Ready to face blackout, carry your own power back

Most of the town in the trial of the Upper Mustang Trek has the electricity, you can use this power to change your personal electronic device like Gadget, mobile and much more without extra cost if available. But due to the poor electricity and far from the modernization, upper mustang gets blackout frequently. So I request you to carry a small solar charger of power bank about 10000 Mah, which will fulfill the power need to your personal electronic devices and also don't forget to carry a small flashlight for the personal use in Upper Mustang trek either with solar charger or AA battery size.

Be ready to pay extra fee for the caves and Monasteries of the Upper Mustang

At the time of exploring the walled city, Ancient caves and monastery you must need to pay extra. You need to pay $10 per person to the student welfare committee of Tsecchen Shebdruling Monastic School to Explore the Monastic Museum, Thupchen Gompa, the Jampa Monastery and the Chode Gompa, it is also known as Drakkar. In the Chhoser- upper mustang trek also charges you the additional $10 for the ticket to explore the Lo-Guru, Lo-NiFu Gumba, Sija Cave and Chembe Controlling Cave and also on a free day you can explore the horse ride to explore the cave, villages, and gompas.

Stay positive for the flight to Pokhara

If you are trekking Upper Mustang Trek from Jomsom to Jomsom and fly to Pokhara then you must need to clam and stay positive for your flight. In Comparing to the Lukla airport Jomsom have more chance to get the flight but not popular as the Everest and have less pressure for the airlines, you will also have the best option to flow the driving itinerary, though the drive is not easy between the Jomsom and Beni required 10-12 hours and full-heart pumping thrilling the deep gorges add more adventure to this drive. You can enjoy the natural beauty, experience the Himalayan flora and fauna, diverse landscapes and drive through the scattered Gurung and Magar people.

Revised the trekking Gear Check List and First Aid Kit

The trekking gear Checklist for the Upper Mustang trek is little different for the other popular trekking in Nepal like Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Base Camp trek. the upper Mustang trekking region lies in the Rain Shadow of the Himalayans above the 3,000 meters and dry land creates more adventure when it starts to wind.

Your trekking Gear Checklist for the Upper Mustang trek must include the following items:

• Windproof and dustproof light outer shell.
• Water or snow poncho
• Airlight, sunglasses
• Ear and eye drop are most important
• Proper dust mask
• Waterproof sunscreens.

Things to do during Upper Mustang Trek

Trekking and Hiking

Trekking and hiking in the Upper Mustang Trek region is the major thing to do. Upper Mustang is a very beautiful destination for exploring the monasteries, enjoy the adventure hike. At present in the Upper Mustang region, there is a gravel road to Lo Manthang and Kerala. If you want to get the closet image of the region goes through the trans-Himalayan Pleatue.

Adventure sports

Upper Mustang trek is also very famous for enjoying the adventure sport such as cycling, biking, rock climbing, and horse riding. But due to a more restricted area and expensive permit, very few tourists visit this area by mountain biking and cycling. But among the mountain lover, the mountain bike and cycling are becoming more popular day by day.

Jeep safari tour to Upper Mustang

An adventure tour to the Lo Manthang is possible from Kathmandu to Pokhara. This adventure jeep safari tour will provide you with the lifetime experience and also the main adventure of the tour is that you can collect and click the picture of nature and observe it by stopping. This tour is also very beneficial to the family with children, old people. You can experience the diverse landscapes and adventure drive too.

Horse riding tour to Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang region is also a very popular destination for the horse riding. Horse riding is the unique adventure activities that one can easily experience in the Upper Mustang trek. you can also enjoy the day tour form Lo Mathang to Chhoser in the horse during the Upper Mustang Trek. The horse is very friendly with the visitors and also you can enjoy the slow horse ride.

Enjoy the local cuisine

You can enjoy the traditional cuisine while trekking in the Upper Mustang Trek. the Thakali food is very famous meal throughout the country which you can enjoy while trekking in upper Mustang region. You can also enjoy the different local products of apple as wine, beer, and other fried items.

And also you can enjoy some local cuisine of the Upper Mustang like Tibetan Bread, local tea mixed with salt and butter, Marpha during the trek.

Witness the desert vegetation around the Himalayan

Although the Upper Mustang Trek lies in the shadow of the Annapurna region, the soil of this region is a desert-like. At the upper mustang as it is in high altitude the wind blows throughout the day. Rocky highlands make the location suitable for the rock climbing. It is one of the most popular and beautiful places in Nepal with mountain and forest. Trekking in the Upper Mustang trek provides you with the beautiful adventure experience, walk through the diverse landscapes and also the stunning views of the mountain.

Enjoy the Snow-falls

Upper Mustang Trek region is surrounded by the world highest snow-capped mountains like Annapurna, Nilgiri and many other and this region receiver the mostly rainfalls in the winter season. And the visitors can enjoy the snowfalls and games in the Mustang during the winter season. And also you can visit the snowy places on a horseback during this period.

Upper Mustang Trek Region is the classic and the popular trekking destination in the world, you can experience many adventure activities like cycling, mountain biking, horse riding, rock climbing and many more. you can also, experience the unique beauty of this region, explore the many big and ancient monasteries and gumba in the region, enjoy the gorgeous views of the world highest mountain. Explore the traditional village of Gurung and Magar, enjoy the traditional cuisine with the views of the snow-capped mountain, explore the remote lifestyle, experience the short mountain flight is the major highlights of the region.

You can make the adventure trek to Upper Mustang Trek region with the Nepal Hiking Trek: well reputed and local agency which offers the many trekking to the famous region with the reasonable price and also helps to reach your destination according to your wish and also provide you with a flexible itinerary.

If you have any question to ask about the Upper Mustang Trek Region then please email us: [email protected].