Upper Mustang trek is a region in the north-central part of Nepal, bordering Tibet. The history of Mustang merges with Tibet, of which it was for centuries one of the kingdoms, before being attached to Nepa. It is a remote and restricted area that has only been open to foreign tourists since 1992. The trek usually takes around 12-14 days hike, depending on the itinerary. The Upper Mustang region is known for its unique landscape, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and traditional Tibetan culture. The trek takes you through several ancient Buddhist monasteries and traditional villages, which are built in a unique Tibetan style. The culture and traditions of the people in Upper Mustang have been influenced by their proximity to Tibet, and they practice a form of Tibetan Buddhism. The region is a restricted area, and trekkers need a special permit to enter.
A trek in Mustang is an exceptional trip to meet a long-ignored culture. You go up the upper basin of the Kali Gandaki to reach Lo Mantang, the mythical capital of Mustang, where you share the life of the inhabitants for a few hours. Here the king of the "country of Lo" still has his palace. A trip combining trek, culture, and traditions in an ancient Tibetan kingdom
Upper Mustang terrain
The terrain of Upper Mustang is unique and different from other trekking regions in Nepal. The Upper Mustang trek takes you through a semi-arid desert-like landscape, which is sometimes referred to as the "Tibetan plateau". The trek is characterized by high cliffs, deep gorges, and unique rock formations. The terrain is mostly barren and rocky, with occasional green patches of land, and the colors of the landscape change from ochre to red, yellow, and brown, depending on the time of day and the weather. The region is also home to several high passes, including the Annapurna Circuit and Thorong La Pass. The trek takes you through several ancient Buddhist monasteries and traditional villages, which are built in a unique Tibetan style. The terrain can be challenging due to the altitude, steep ascents and descents, and harsh weather conditions, but the unique and breathtaking scenery is worth the effort.
Accessing and permit for upper mustang trek
the trek starts from Jomsom and ends at Lo Manthang, the capital of the Mustang region. To get to Jomsom, you can take a short flight from Pokhara or a jeep ride from Kathmandu. The Mustang region is a restricted area, and trekkers need a special permit to enter.
An upper mustang board is close to Tibet and it is considered a Restricted Area. All trekkers, trekking to the Upper Mustang require to purchase a permit of $500 per person permitted. which is valid for 10 days. You can stay longer, but every day after that will cost $50. At Kagbeni, you'll need to show your permit both on the way and the way out. In addition to the restricted permit, you'll also need to purchase an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which is $30 USD per person.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrived in Kathmandu, we are greeted at the airport by our local team and transferred to the hotel, to take advantage of a time of rest, briefing of presentation of the progress of the trek, then free time. In case of arrival in the morning, free day: rest or the possibility of making free visits for those who wish. This is the perfect opportunity to immerse you in Nepalese culture and to test the local gastronomy
approximately 15 hours of driving to the hotel
Final altitude: approximately 13,50 m
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: night in the hotel
Day 2
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
Day 3
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.
Day 4
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.
Day 5
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
Day 6
Descente dans le lit de la rivière suivie d’une montée tranquille. Puis c’est un magnifique sentier balcon face au Nilgiri et la chaîne des Annapurnas. Ici, quelques alpages où les bergers s’installent en été. Nous plongeons rapidement dans un superbe canyon aux parois abruptes. Un aller et retour de 40 minutes à une heure pour visiter la grotte sacrée, où viennent prier de nombreux pèlerins, avant de rejoindre tranquillement Syangboche, minuscule village blanc aux toits plats, resserré sur lui-même. La montée continue jusqu’au col vers 3850 mètres. Descente vers Ghiling dans lequel nous entrons en suivant un mur de mani ocre rouge. Ghiling est vaste, ses champs largement irrigués sont protégés par un long mur de pierres sèches. Un très beau monastère datant des années 1400 précédé d’un très joli chorten dominent Ghiling ; nous visitons le monastère.
6hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 1900 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Day 7
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 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 close the horizon and overlook Dhakmar.
6hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 1900 m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Day 8
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
Day 9
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.
Day 10
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
Day 11
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
Day 12
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
Day 13
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
Day 14
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
Day 15
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
Day 16
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.
Day 17
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
- transfers in private vehicles as mentioned in the program.
- 2-night hotel in Kathmandu and 1-night hotel in Pokhara on twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.
- Lodge accommodation as described in the program.
- Full board during the trek except meals mentioned as "free".
- camping equipment
- Supervised by an English-speaking Nepalese guide throughout the trip.
- Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment, transportation, and local tax for guides and porters
- Ground Transportation Charge while returning back to Kathmandu from the trekking destination
- All necessary staff with the experienced leader (guide), and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
- All necessary paper works; trekking permits.
- Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bags, duffel bag, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
- All government taxes, VAT, and service charges
- Farewell dinner prior to departure
- First Aid Kit
Trip Excluded
- Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
- Travel Insurance
- Any kind of Drinks and Liquors
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, heater, etc.)
- Optional trips for activities and sightseeing if extended
- All items not listed in Cost included a section
- Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Tips for Trekking Staff
Tipping is an integral part of the country's culture. This gesture of thanks, which varies according to the itinerary and the duration, has become an obligation. A tip is given at the end of the trip to the members of the team. However, it is important that the tip remains a gratuity, our teams being very well remunerated elsewhere. We invite you to distribute tips only if the service has met your expectations,
Notes: Costs may prone to change in itinerary. So costs will be recalculated if the trekking/tour days get modified.
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 Cook is responsible for all meals and is on a trek that doesn’t use lodges for meals. (camping trek )
The Kitchen-boy is an assistant to the cook. ( camping trek )
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 Vaishali: 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:
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 1
- fleece hat 1
- T-shirt 3
- Thermal full t-shirt (base layer) 2
- Fleece jacket 2
- Down jacket
- light insulating wear (mid-layer) 1
- Gore-Tex jacket 1
- Thermal Trouser (base layer) 2
- Trekking trousers (flexible ) 2
- down pant 1
- Gore-Tex pants 1
- Gore-Tex gloves 1 pair
- thin/warm gloves 2pairs
- Rain punch 1
- woolen shock (thick) 3 pairs
- sandal 1
- camp shoes (sports shoes) 1
- Trekking boot 1
- sun /glacier glass (uv protect ) 2
- snow gaiter (also buy in Nepal ) 1
- sleeping bags or liners (if possible ) 1
- personal first aid
- pocket knife` 1
- washing soap, towel, tooth pest/ brush
- sun lotion enough +30 /50 & lip guard 1+1
- Trekking poles (u can buy in Nepal as well) 1 pair
- headlights, water bottles, Thermos 1+1+1
- books, a camera, playing car
