• Accommodation Hotel & Lodge
  • Best Season Mar-Apr & Oct-Nov
  • Meals Breakfast, Lunch & dinner
  • Group Size 01-16 people
  • Max-Altitude 3,800m/12,467ft
  • Difficulty https://himalayanexcursionnepal.com/img/difficulty.jpg https://himalayanexcursionnepal.com/img/difficulty-angle.png

Starting Price

$1850

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Upper Mustang Trekking - The Lost Forbidden Kingdom in Nepal

Upper Mustang is "The Lost Forbidden Tibetan Kingdom" in Nepal because until the 1990s tourists were not allowed to enter this region. Even this day upper mustang is a restricted area and foreigners are allowed for trekking and Jeep tour for a permit fee of 500 USD for 10 days and to be arranged through fully registered trekking agency with professional license holder trekking guide and should be two persons group size. This trek offers a breathtaking trekking experience in the magnificent Trans-Himalayan mountain region.

 

The trip begins from sightseeing tours of World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu valley. Then we drive 5 hours or fly 25 minutes to reach Pokhara, the city of lakes. The next day early morning fly 17 minutes to Jomsom and begin trekking. The trek takes you into the hidden world of the ancient Tibetan kingdom of upper Mustang. The main highlight of the Upper Mustang trekking is the Lo-Manthang, old capital of Upper Mustang.

 

Restricted area permits for Upper Mustang

Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang used to be restricted area until it was opened in 1992 AD for a foreigner which makes it one of the most conserved areas in Nepal. Foreigners need to get special permit to enter inside restricted area. In order to get the special permit, you need to have at least 2 peoples in a group. If you are solo traveler, we can arrange permit by group joining with other travelers group. Special permit charge for restricted area costs 500 USD per person for 9 nights and 10 days, if you want to stay more days we have to charge extra USD 50 per night, Kagbeni is starting and ending point of restricted area. For special permit we need original passport and photo. 

 

Trip Highlights

  • Witness incredible views of Mt. Annapurna, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri.
  • Explore ancient monasteries, caves and Buddhist shrines.
  • Visit ancient Chhoser caves where 44 living rooms.
  • Visit the ancient Kingdom of Lo-Manthang.
  • Experience the real Tibetan culture, religion & lifestyles.
  • Scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom.
Itinerary

Our office representative will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel, you will be briefed about your daily activities. Overnight at hotel with Bed & Breakfast basis.

Today, after breakfast you'll visit different historical and cultural sites of the Kathmandu valley with our professional guide. You will go for the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, the world biggest Boudhanath stupa and visit Swoyambhunath stupa also known as monkey temple. After exploring the surrounding areas visit historical Kathmandu Durbar square with temple, unique architectures and Kumari (living goddess). Evening pre-trip discussion and introduce with our fellow trekking staff for your adventure trip. Overnight at hotel with Bed & Breakfast basis.

Today, after breakfast we will take a scenic drive 5-6 hours to reach Pokhara. Walk around the lake side and explore Pokhara city on your own. Sitting at hotel balcony you can have an excellent view of the mountains as they are only 28 km away from Pokhara city, which lies at an altitude of 900 meters. Overnight at hotel with Bed & Breakfast basis.

We take the spectacular early morning flight to Jomsom (famous for apples) where we will be met at the tiny airstrip by our trek crew. After some initial preparation of loads, we begin our trek to the beautiful village of Kagbeni. Just out of Jomsom we cross a small suspension bridge and then walk along the riverbank of the Kali Gandaki. The trail is flat and quite barren, with craggy rocks and sand Littering the trail. This makes it very easy going. We will get magnificent views of huge peaks such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Nilgiri, whilst to the south can be seen the entire Annapurna massif. Overnight at Guesthouse with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis.

Today, after morning breakfast we will leave lower Mustang and enter Upper Mustang. After walking for some time we can see the Gompa Kang and numerous caves in the west. At Tangbe we will get a good opportunity to stretch our legs and try our stamina as we climb up to 3,060 m. Tangbe is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways. Here we will find the typical Mustang chortens painted in black, white and red. After 1 hour of further walking we reach the village of Chhuksang. Where there is majority of Thakali people but they live in harmony with the Bhotias and Gurungs. Overnight at Guesthouse with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis.

Today, we walk from Chhuksang to Samar lasts for around 4-5 hours and the day is not very tiring so you can take frequent breaks to interact with the villagers and take pictures. Villages become more scattered as you enter deeper into the region; life becomes more basic and the landscape more arid. You leave the valley today and climb steeply up to Chele home to a number of ferocious Tibetan Mastiffs, Thankfully chained to the village houses. We continue up on the side of a steep canyon to a pass after which you then descend on a pleasant trail to Samar, situated in a grove of popular trees. Overnight at Guesthouse with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis.

Today, we climb above Samar to a ridge and then descend into a large gorge past a chorten before entering another valley filled with juniper trees. We cross a stream and after climbing to a pass, we descend along a ridge to Shyangmochen, a tiny settlement with a few tea shops. Nearby is Rangbyung, a cave containing stalagmites which have formed in the shape of Chorten and one of the holiest places in Mustang . The trail climbs gently from Shyangmochen and we enter another huge valley before descending to Geling, with its extensive fields of barley. Like in all settlements of Mustang, the white and ochre-painted houses in Geling are constructed using mud and stones. The roofs are made of twigs, straw and a mixture of mud and pebbles. Overnight at Guesthouse with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis.

Today, after morning breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850 m) passing a few teahouses, chortens and local villages which is like Tibetan style of houses with open Varanda. We cross mountain passes, and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barely. The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010 m) would be a little longer descend to our overnight stop at Ghami. The third largest village in the Lo region, Ghami is surrounded by large fields most of which are barren. Overnight at Guesthouse with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis.

Today our trail is through perhaps the driest part of Mustang, and much of our energy will be spent negotiating the loose, dry soil. However, the magnificent views of the countryside, from the gentle contours of the north to the rugged mountains in the east and west, more than compensates for the hard climb. Finally, we come to Charang, a large spread out village at the top of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the village are a huge dzong and a red gompa which houses an excellent collection of statues and thangkas. Overnight at Guesthouse with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis.

Today, we explore the surrounding areas. Visit 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 continue the tour to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Manthang and stroll back to 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 attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four story building of the King's palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya. Overnight at Guesthouse with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis.

here are no rigid facts but it is said that this city was already in existence before 1390 and Ama pal, was the person responsible for constructing this beautiful town in the cold desert. The last king of Lo Manthang was Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista (born 1933) and was the 25th king of Mustang from the Bista Dynasty. The people of Lo Manthang are known as Lhobas. The village is noted for its tall white washed mud bricks walls, gompas and the Raja's or Royal or king's palace, a nine -cornered, five story structures built around 1400. There are four major temples; Jampa Lhakhang or Jampa Gompa, the oldest, built in the early 15th century. Overnight at Guesthouse with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis.

We begin our return journey from Lo Manthang and the Charang valley, with snow clad peaks in the background. Just past the settlement of Lo Gekar, we reach the oldest monastery in Mustang, the Ghare Gompa. We continue our journey on the highland route, crossing alpine meadows before dropping down a steep eroded gully to Dhakmat for Lunch. After lunch, we walk through the pretty valley, climb to a ridge and descend from there back to Ghami. Overnight at Guesthouse with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis.

Today, we will keep our views of Dhaulagiri and Nil Giri mountains and take lower trail via Rachen Gompa from Shyanbochen, Rachen gompa is mysterious Gompa grown itself lap of the rocky cave, continue to samar and then to Chaile. Overnight at Guesthouse with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis.

Now we must retrace our route back over the Nyib La to Chhuksang for a while and then can take upper route to Muktinath a Hindu’s temple located on the highest mountain 3,900 m, you can see many Nepali and Indian pilgrims even walking on their bare feet or you can trek same way back to Kagbeni. Overnight at Guesthouse with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis.

The trail is all the way flat down through the very beautiful landscapes and view of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), most of the way through the bank of Kaligandaki river where you will feel very windy but you will feel relax. Overnight at Guesthouse with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner basis.

After breakfast fly back to Pokhara 25 minute scenic flight to Pokhara airport between gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. Rest of the time explores the lake. Overnight at hotel with Bed & Breakfast basis.

After morning breakfast, we start our drive back to Kathmandu. After arrival you will transfer to hotel. You can take rest in hotel. Overnight at Hotel with Bed & Breakfast basis.

Today, our company representative will drop you to the Kathmandu airport for your final departure for your home country or onward destination.

Includes/Excludes
    • Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle.
    • 2 Nights twin sharing hotel accommodation in Kathmandu.
    • 2 Night twin sharing hotel accommodation in Pokhara.
    • Full day Kathmandu sightseeing tour by private tourist vehicle.
    • One professional English speaking tour guide for Kathmandu sightseeing.
    • All standard meals (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner) during the trek.
    • Best available lodge/Guesthouse accommodation during the trek.
    • License holder English speaking trekking guide for entire trek.
    • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 Porter).
    • Food, accommodation, salary, Equipment, Medicine & Insurance for all staff.
    • Necessary entry permits fees & traveler TIMS card.
    • Company provide sleeping bag & duffel bag (to be returned after trip completion).
    • Upper Mustang restricted area permit fee.
    • Salary, Food, Accommodation and Insurance for the Guide and Porter.
    • All government and local taxes.
    • International airfare & necessary airport taxes.
    • Nepal entry visa fees at present USD 25 for 15 days, USD 40 for 30 days and USD 100 for three month.
    • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
    • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early from mountain or late departure.
    • Temple & monasteries entry fees during sightseeing in Kathmandu.
    • Travel insurance which covers emergency rescue & evacuation.
    • All personal & bar expenses in Kathmandu & during the trek.
    • Tips for trekking staff & driver (tipping is expected).
    • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc) and any other expenses which are not mentioned above.
Trip Map
Upper Mustang Trek
Faq

Upper Mustang trek is suitable for any kind of person who is moderately fit, no previous experience is required. To condition yourself for the trek, some physical fitness programs such as walking, running, swimming and hiking are recommended before you embark on your journey. Any person suffering from a pre-existing medical condition or diseases must seek medical advice before considering any trek.

Yes, our company representative will be there to greet you. He will be displaying your name outside the airport terminal. You will be transferred to your hotel by our private vehicle.

Best season for trekking is usually March-April and October-November but Upper Mustang trek can be done in February, June, April, May and December as well.

Weather in the mountains is very difficult to predict. At night it is generally cold and the days are generally warm. The temperature could be as high as 30 degree Celsius to -15 degree Celsius low.

During trek guesthouse does not facilitate with heater or air conditioner, but they have facility of hitting the dining area by providing kerosene or metal heater. USD 2 to USD 5 per person would be applicable to use this service and this is payable directly to the guesthouse.

Depending on nature of travel we provide different vehicle service. We provide tourist vehicles for sightseeing, city tours and airport pickups-drops. We provide tourist bus transfer service from Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu. We book flight ticket through Simrik air, Buddha Air, Yeti air for the flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice versa.

There are landline telephone in some village along the trekking routes from which you can contact with your family and friends. Some place there is also internet access which you can use by paying some charges. Also you can buy sim card for your cell phone by giving your Xerox copy of your passport and PP size photo.

In the cities, off course yes but once you are outside of the cities, all you have to pay in cash. Also you have exchange the currency in Nepali rupees before you go outside the cities.

Generally, in Kathmandu and Pokhara you can allocate USD 15-20 for lunch and dinner. During trekking USD 10 to 15 per person a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, biscuits, pay for the hot shower and a few drinks.

Yes, charging facilities will be available in every guesthouse & lodges but sometime there maybe load shedding problem so it’s better to bring power bank or spare batteries.

There are many restaurants available in Kathmandu and Pokhara city where you can find any delight of your choice. But in trekking route most teahouses. On the menu you may find noodles soup, steam mo:mo, daal bhat, green salad, finger chips, eggs, potatoes, fresh vegetables. You can get tea, coffee, hot lemon, hot chocolate. Every day breakfast, lunch, dinner will be at a lodge.

Along your trek we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation and food. Please consult with your guide and he will update our office in Kathmandu and we can make the arrangements accordingly. If you are in private or solo trip it would be possible as your itinerary is very flexible where as if you were in group then this group the option would be limited so please make sure you discuss with your group and guide and your guide will update us accordingly.

Lodges mostly serve the vegetarian meals so there is no problem at all for vegetarian. Also we always recommend our clients to eat vegetarian meals to avoid food poisoning. Non-veg meals at the high altitude are not safe for the stomach.

Hot water in bucket will be provided for shower and you have to pay for hot water.

Yes, they have received training from NATHM (Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management).They has also received high altitude first aid training from KEEP (Kathmandu Environmental Education Project).

Actually tipping is not compulsory, but small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide.

Yes, there are a plenty of options and choices to extend your holiday before or after your main trip. Click here

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