Upper Mustang Trek is an amazing adventure in Nepal, near Tibet. It used to be its own kingdom long ago, but now it's part of Nepal. The area was closed to foreign tourists until 1992, so it's quite remote and special. The trek usually takes about 14-18 days, depending on the plan.
During the trek, you'll see a unique landscape that looks like a desert, but it's actually a part of the Tibetan plateau. There are high cliffs, deep gorges, and interesting rock formations. The colors of the land change with the time of day and weather, making it a visually stunning journey.
Upper Mustang Enchanting Terrain
Upper Mustang Trek is an attractive adventure that takes you through the ancient kingdom of Lo-Manthang, located in the Mustang region of Nepal. This off-the-beaten-path trek offers a unique opportunity to explore a remote and culturally rich area, tucked away in the Trans-Himalayan region.
The trek starts from Jomsom, a quaint town in the Kali Gandaki River Valley, and follows the ancient trade route to Tibet. As you ascend, you'll be greeted by dramatic landscapes of barren cliffs, deep gorges, and soaring peaks, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the Upper Mustang.
The region is filled with ancient Buddhist monasteries and traditional villages that are built in the Tibetan style. The people here follow Tibetan Buddhism and have been influenced by their proximity to Tibet.
Accessing and permit for upper Mustang trek
You'll start the trek in Jomsom and end in Lo Manthang, the capital of Mustang. To get to Jomsom, you can take a short flight from Pokhara or a jeep ride from Kathmandu. But remember, this is a restricted area, so you'll need a special permit to enter. which ensures that the unique cultural heritage is preserved.
This also means that the number of trekkers is limited, creating a more exclusive and intimate trekking experience. The permit costs $500 per person for 10 days, and if you want to stay longer, each additional day will cost $50. You'll also need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which is $30 USD per person.
Best Time for Upper Mustang Trek
The best time for the Upper Mustang Trek is during the spring (March to May), and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, providing awe-inspiring views of the surrounding mountains. Even June, july, and August are perfect because the region lies in the rain shadow.
Trekking in Upper Mustang is a unique opportunity to experience a fascinating culture and witness breathtaking scenery in an ancient kingdom. It's a challenging journey, but the beauty and cultural richness make it all worthwhile.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
Transfer to hotel
Final altitude: approximately 1350 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Have breakfast and then you have the whole day to explore the best Kathmandu Sightseeing spots with your guide. You can visit and explore one of the most famous Shiva temples, Pashupatinath, recognized as the monkey temple; Swyambhunath, the largest Stupa in the world, also called Boudhanath Stupa; and finally the Royal Palace, Kathmandu Durbar Square. The next day, you will begin your trek on the Annapurna Circuit, so you have to check your equipment to make sure that you are ready for your adventure and climb. Have dinner and stay overnight in the same hotel in Kathmandu
Day tour
Final altitude: approximately 13,50 m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Bus trip to Pokhara, which allows you to have a first glimpse of life in Nepal. Located on the shores of Lake Phewa, Pokhara offers a famous view of the Annapurna massif. Its lively streets are an opportunity for the last shopping before heading to Mustang.
6 to 7-hour drive
Free meals in Pokhara.
Night at the hotel.
Morning transfer to Pokhara airport for the flight to Jomsom. Then departure for our first day of trekking in a world of exceptional mineral beauty, along the Kali Gandaki where a good number of marine fossils abound. Arrive at the beautiful fortified village of Kagbeni with Tibetan architecture, which is closes to the Mustang valley.
Transfer: plane, about 25 minutes. 1-hour transfer to Kagbeni.
Final altitude: approximately 2800 m
Meal: Breakfast- Lunch- Dinner
Accommodation: Night in lodge.
We take a vehicle to go to Samar. Indeed, for this stage, there is no alternative but to walk on a track. So we opted for a jeep transfer. On leaving the village we pass the check post and show our permits for the upper Mustang. We leave Lower Mustang, and pass through the village of Tangbe. We then continue our journey along the torrent to arrive at Chuksang. In front of the village a magnificent cliff and many caves. We follow the Kali Gandaki called Mustang Khola here. We cross on foot a bridge and we change vehicle. The track leads us to Chele where we discover vertical manis, which is unusual. We arrive at a pass at 3,500 m from where the view of the snow-capped mountains is magnificent. We descend towards the village of Samar which is an important caravan stopover. Samar in Tibetan means "red earth". Walk in the wooded village of willows and poplars. We see the fields of barley and wheat. In the distance the Nilgiri (7,134 m) and Tilicho (7,161 m) dominate us.
6 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 1900 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Descent into the river bed followed by a leisurely climb. Then there is a magnificent balcony path facing the Nilgiri and the Annapurna range. Here, are some mountain pastures where shepherds settle in summer. We quickly plunge into a superb canyon with steep walls. A round trip of 40 minutes to an hour to visit the sacred cave, where many pilgrims come to pray, before quietly reaching Syangboche, a tiny white village with flat roofs, tight on itself. The climb continues to the pass around 3850 meters. Descent towards Ghiling which we enter following a red ocher wall. Ghiling is vast, its largely irrigated fields are protected by a long dry stone wall. A very beautiful monastery dating from the 1400s preceded by a very pretty chorten dominates Ghiling; we visit the monastery.
6 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 1900 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Quiet start in the pastures of Ghiling before the steep climb by a good path to the Nyi La pass (4010 m). The view is clear on the Annapurnas. From there, we descend into a deep gorge with sculpted walls. A crossing on the side takes us to the small pass of Ghemi which opens the view of the eponymous village. White houses pierced with windows with woodwork painted in bright colors, chortens, and prayer wheels make Ghemi a very pretty village that dominates its beautifully drawn fields. After lunch, possible to walk there and back (approximately 1 hour) to discover the longest mani wall in Mustang (350 m). We leave Ghemi; the path takes us to a new small pass. Quickly, we discover the extraordinary red Ocher cliffs which are close to the horizon and overlook Dhakmar.
6hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 1900 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Our winding path zigzags through dirt penitents to the first pass of Mui La, then crosses a pretty plateau to the real pass of Mui La. The path, now a balcony, winds through mountain pastures where goats and yaks graze, to the very lively monastery of Ghar Gompa (8th century) decorated with beautiful frescoes. Visit of the monastery. Small descent in the thalweg and we gradually climb to Ghar La, accompanied by the song of a small stream. A first pass before crossing the side that bypasses the valley takes us to the second pass of Ghar La at 4280 meters. In a landscape of magnificent colored hills ranging from white to red ocher with all the shades of yellow, all crowned with snow-capped peaks, we reach Lo. Lo Manthang is the fortified capital of the ancient and mythical Kingdom of Lo.
7hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3810 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
There are many walks around Lo Manthang, in the middle of fields of barley, mustard, and buckwheat. Walk through the small narrow streets of this old town to meet the inhabitants chatting on the square of the royal palace, returning from the fields or bringing in the herds. Ancient monasteries with very beautiful paintings and magnificent mandalas are worth a visit.
Possible optional excursion to Choser, in the direction of Tibet: its caves, its monastery half built in the cliff. In this case, we have to hire horses to go back and forth during the day.
We recross the pass above Lo Manthang. The path branches off into an adjacent valley of the Mustang Khola. A magnificent balcony path, with a splendid view of the high peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, leads us to a small pass around 4000 meters above sea level. Then, we descend to the Dhi Gaon. Magnificent view of the village and the river. Rise, for a good hour, in the bed of the Puyun Khola river, dominated by cliffs hollowed out by ancient troglodyte dwellings forming a real city of 17 floors. The path straightens out and it's Yara, a small hamlet with houses huddled together.
6hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3650 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
The path descends to cross a ravine. Slight ascent to reach a large plateau of around 3,750 meters, overlooking a spectacular relief: huge organ pipes! From this plateau, very beautiful view of the Dhaulagiri. Descent via fairly steep hairpin bends to the Dichvang Khola river, which we ford. Long climb to the pass around 4000 meters before plunging again towards the village of Tangye (3340 m). The arrival above the village and its fields is superb! Visit of this lost village with remarkable architecture with its magnificent alignment of chortens.
6hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3400 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
The stage is long, with many climbs and descents! After a short descent into the gorge, the path, initially horizontal to the torrent, climbs “dry” to 41,000 meters to arrive at the Paha pass (4,220 m) (4-hour walk). This is followed by three hours of “Nepalese flat” between 4,200 and 4,300 meters; the path zigzags from plateau to plateau, from ridge to ridge, between very jagged rock formations, before a dive on Chhusang (2980 m), a village that we already know. Very nice day in a wild landscape where we enjoy superb colors and magnificent rock formations.
8 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 2980 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Nice step to reach the Hindu sanctuary of Muktinath via the Gyu La pass (4077 m). The climb is tough, but in a dazzling setting. At the pass, the view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna rewards us for our efforts. The path descends, then continues on a balcony to join the one coming from Thorung Pass (Annapurna tower). Descent to Muktinath. Arriving at Muktinath, short stop to visit the Hindu shrine, attracting many pilgrims.
6hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3400 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Arid landscapes open onto the Tibetan plateaus to the north and high snow-capped mountains to the south: the Nilgiri and especially the formidable Dhaulagiri. A short climb to a pass (4000 m), an exceptional view of the Dhaulagiri. Descent to Lupra, the only Bon village on our route. The Bon religion is the pre-existing Tibetan religion of Buddhism. Descent to Jomosom.
7 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 2700 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
This morning superb flight over the Annapurnas between Jomsom and Pokhara. You continue with a flight to Kathmandu. End of a free day in the capital.
NB: If the Jomsom / Pokhara flight is canceled you return to Pokhara by car. you then spend the night in Pokhara before flying to Kathmandu the next day
The free day in Kathmandu also serves as a safety day in case something goes wrong while trekking. During the monsoon, which lasts from the end of June to the end of August, it is possible that domestic flights are delayed or canceled due to bad weather conditions. Vehicle transport from Jomosom to Kathmandu can be arranged. Or you have a rest day to relax or you can al so go shopping in Kathmandu or you can do whatever you want by yourself.
free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.
Trip Included
- AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP : Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
- ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : 3 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast basis.
- WELCOME DINNER : One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.
- PERMITS : All necessary paper works: Trekking Permit including ACAP and special permit, TIMS Card & conservation entry fee.
- SPECIAL PERMIT: Mustang restricted permit
- STAFF INSURANCE : Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
- MAP : Manaslu Region Trekking map.
- LAND TRANSPORTATION: Pokhara to jomsom
- MEMBER TRANSPORTATION : Air Transportation: Kathmandu – pokhara and while returning jomsom - pokhara - kathmandu
- MEMBER LUGGAGE : Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
- FOODS & LODGING : 3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/camp during the trek.
- GUIDE : Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
- PORTER : Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
- STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE : All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
- MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit.
Trip Excluded
- INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
- NEPAL VISA FEES : Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
- LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu & Pokhara (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
- EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU & POKHARA : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- INSURANCE : Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
- PERSONAL EXPENSES : Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
- PERSONAL EQUIPMENT : Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
- TOILETRIES : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
- FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
- INTERNET SERVICE : Internet facility during the trek is not included.
- TIPS : Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
- EXTRA : Any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
Notes: Costs may prone to change in itinerary. So costs will be recalculated if the trekking/tour days get modified.
Note: For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of force majeure . your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.
Trip Organization
Your Guide and Team
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:
The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
The Assistant Guide is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
The Porter is the load carrier for the trekking group. As Nepal is a mountain country with few roads, porters are employed to carry loads. Compliance with regulations and common courtesy dictates the maximum weight carried and the minimum wage paid. Porters are provided with gear based on the routes they follow and with insurance for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person: Lodge (tea house) Accommodations: 15 kg maximum; Tent Camping: 22 kg maximum; Expeditions/summit ascents: 20 kg maximum. The porters are given a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg.
In addition, the Nepal Alpinist Club takes care to take out insurance for the Guide and porters. Specific equipment is allocated to them for crossing passes at altitude (even if wearers often refuse to put on shoes due to lack of habit).
Accommodations in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will accommodate in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
Hotel Ramada: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation during the Tea house/ Lodge trek
For lodge accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room. Here is a typical one-day menu:
breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee
During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
Water: provide tablets (Hydroclovazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.
Preparation for the Trek
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that required short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up
Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Alpinist Club trip. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness
This trip takes place at high altitudes, so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
Your Personal Trekking Gear
- woolen hat
- fleece hat
- T-shirt
- Thermal full t-shirt (base layer)
- Fleece jacket
- Down jacket
- light insulating wear (mid-layer)
- Gore-Tex jacket
- Thermal Trouser (base layer)
- Trekking trousers (flexible )
- down pant
- Gore-Tex pants
- Gore-Tex gloves
- thin/warm gloves
- Rain punch
- woolen shock (thick)
- sandal
- camp shoes (sports shoes)
- Trekking boot
- sun /glacier glass (uv protection)
- snow gaiter (also buy in Nepal )
- sleeping bags or liners (if possible )
- personal first aid
- pocket knife
- washing soap, towel, tooth pest/ brush
- sun lotion enough +30 /50 & lip guard
- Trekking poles (u can buy in Nepal as well)
- headlights, water bottles, Thermos
- books, a camera, playing car
