Overview
The history of the Mustang is intertwined with Tibet. Before being attached to Nepal, this region was once part of Tibet for centuries. The maximum altitude of 4,100 meters will be done through this trek. We will discover fascinating mineral landscapes, tinged with ochre, brown, and red. The trek's initial section is quite easy and passes through numerous communities. We stayed at Lo Manthang for two days, one of which was dedicated to the amazing trek to the Konchok Ling cave which was discovered in 2007-discovered. The high passes are followed by the Paha Pass (4,220m )and Gyu la (4,077m ) on the way back.
The trek's major highlights are the "Kingdom of Lo" (Mustang) and its capital. We will visit the walled city and its beautiful lanes. We tour the city's three gompas. We will see the Champa Lhakang palace, where one may occasionally ask to see Jigme Dorje Wangchuk, the monarch of Mustang. The museum and the monasteries of Tupchen and Choede.
There will be times when you can pick through vendors selling small ornaments. Throughout the afternoon, we can explore the tranquil and unexplored North-West district of Lo Manthang, which is near the city but has been overlooked by tourists. We set out on a fresh ridge route to see Ame Pal, the first king's fort.The upper Mustang trek is filled with stunning scenery, rugged terrain, eroded cliffs, and deep gorges. You will also witness the panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain regions. Trekking to Upper Mustang will give you an unforgettable adventure, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon 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 1,350m
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 Upper Mustang Trek, 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 1,350m
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
flight is an option (100 USD )
Free meals in Pokhara.
Night at the hotel.
Morning transfer to Pokhara airport for the flight to Jomsom. Then we will depart for our first day of trekking in a world of exceptional mineral beauty, along the Kali Gandaki where many marine fossils abound. Arrive at the beautiful fortified village of Kagbeni with Tibetan architecture close to the Mustang Valley.
Transfer: local/private vehicle 6-7 and 1-hour transfer to Kagbeni from Jomsom.
Final altitude: approximately 2,800m
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 vehicles. 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 (7,134m) and Tilicho (7,161m) dominate us.
6 hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 1,900m
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 1,900m
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 (4,010m). 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 (3500ft). 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 1,900m
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 3,810m
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 3,650m
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 (3340m). 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 3,400m
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 4,100 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 (2,980m), 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 2,980m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
Nice step to reach the Hindu sanctuary of Muktinath via the Gyu La pass (4,077m). 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, a short stop to visit the Hindu shrine, attracting many pilgrims.
6hours of walking
Final altitude: approximately 3,400m
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 (4,000m), 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 2,700m
Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
Accommodation: night in a lodge
This morning We will Drive over the Annapurnas between Jomsom and Pokhara.
6 to 7-hour drive
flight is an option (150 USD)
Night at the hotel.
6 to 7-hour drive
flight is an option (100 USD )
Free meals in Pokhara.
Night at the hotel.
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.
Included & Excluded
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AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP :
Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
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ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU AND POKHARA :
2 nights sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu and 2 night in Pokhara on a bed & breakfast basis.
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WELCOME DINNER :
One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.
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PERMITS :
All necessary paper works: Trekking Permit including ACAP and special permit, TIMS Card & conservation entry fee.
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SPECIAL PERMIT :
Mustang restricted permit
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STAFF INSURANCE :
Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
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MAP :
Mustang Trekking map.
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LAND TRANSPORTATION FOR TREKKING STAFF :
Kathmandu -Pokhara - Jomsom to Kagbeni And while returning from trek local transportation
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MEMBER TRANSPORTATION :
land Transportation: Kathmandu -Pokhara - Jomsom to Kagbeni transportation with private jeep ( in groups above 4 people) while returning Jomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu
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MEMBER LUGGAGE :
Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
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FOODS & LODGING :
3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/ lodge with attached bathroom
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TREKKING GUIDE :
Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu valley.
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PORTER :
Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
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STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE :
All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
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COMPLIMENTARY SERVICES FROM ALPINIST CLUB :
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INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE :
International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
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NEPAL VISA FEES :
Nepal Visa fee is US$ 40 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 100).
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LUNCH & DINNER :
Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu & Pokhara (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
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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.
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INSURANCE :
Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
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PERSONAL EXPENSES :
Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
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PERSONAL EQUIPMENT :
Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
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TOILETRIES :
Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
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FILMING :
Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
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INTERNET SERVICE :
Internet facilities during the trek is not included.
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TIPS :
Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
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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 be 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 your trip's smooth running. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from participant to participant. |
Trip Organization
Upper Mustang circuit trek Details
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.
(from 4 people of the group of trekkers: we will provide 1 Leader Guide, 1 Assistant Guide, And 2 porters ). Nepalese teams depend on the Number of Clients and Area of trekking
Each trekker is allotted the following maximum weights per person:
For Lodge (tea house) Accommodations:15 kg maximum;
Additionally, the Alpinist Club ensures that insurance is provided for the guide and porters. They are also equipped with specific gear for crossing high-altitude passe.
Accommodation and Meals in Kathmandu
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
- Hotel Himalayan Suit: 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.
Meal in Kathmandu: Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a welcome dinner is provided on the first evening. Similarly, upon return from the expedition, a farewell meal is provided. In the cities, many small (or large) restaurants allow us to discover the typical local cuisine.
Accommodation And Meals during the Upper Mustang Trek
For lodge accommodation Trek: during the Upper Mustang Trek, you will stay in the lodge or hotel with twin shared bedrooms. hotel and lodge are good in the upper Mustang Region
Meals during the Trek: for this trek, Meals are prepared by the Lodge's cook and Served in the 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: We provide water purification tablets. and Recommended to bring refilling bottles with purified water. Avoid buying mineral water due to its environmental impact.
Physical level During Upper Mustang Trek
This program is designed for those who exercise regularly, especially in endurance activities. You only need to carry a daypack with essentials. The trek lasts 17 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, with daily hikes of 6 to 7 hours and altitude changes between 400 m and 1,350 m.
Preparation for the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal
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 requires short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up Before going to Upper Mustang Trek
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.
Group size for the Upper Mustang Trek
The group is composed of 1 to 10 participants maximum. The number of participants is voluntarily limited to allow a better immersion, to not embarrass our hosts, to develop spaces of freedom and to allow a great flexibility of operation. However, the maximum number can be exceeded in the case where the last person who registers wishes to travel with another or several other people. The services will not be modified and the conditions of the trip will be identical as a result.
Personal Equipment for Trekking
Personal equipment is not provided, but a complete list will be shared later. We will refine the list with you during the preparation days and up until departure based on your questions.
sleeping bags and quality down jackets are costly items you may not use often. We offer these specific items for rent during the Trek. You must return the equipment clean and in good condition, with a deposit required.
Security And Communication
Safety has always been our top priority at Alpinist. Our team of expert guides is dedicated to leading a fun and successful climb while ensuring safety remains uncompromised. We plan carefully, considering daily weather forecasts and paying diligent attention as we venture into high altitudes. Throughout the journey, we carry comprehensive medical kits, rescue equipment, and reliable radio and satellite communication gear.
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Gears List
Trip Map
Trip Gallery
FAQ's
Expand AllThe Upper Mustang Trek lasts for 17 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. You can customize this itinerary and plan accordingly.
The highest point of the trek is Chongo La located at an altitude of 4,230m. It is near Ghar Gompa. You will pass by various other passes which are above 4,000m.
The Upper Mustang Trek is quite expensive compared to other Annapurna region treks. Since the Upper Mustang lies in the restricted area you have to pay an additional $ 500 for the special permit and other permits as well. The budget for this trek ranges from $ 1500 to $ 3500 depending upon the services you take.
The major highlights of the trek are Lo Manthang and the surrounding areas. You will be amazed by this picturesque surrounding and this remote region of Nepal.
All levels of the trekkers can do this trek. It is a moderate trek. You can customize this trek according to the requirements. You must be physically fit as you have to walk about 5- 6 hours a day for this trek. You must prepare yourself mentally as well.
The ideal time to trek in Upper Mustang is autumn and spring seasons. These seasons are ideal as the weather is perfect, the skies are clear and you can find lush greenery everywhere. However, you can do this trek in any season, since it is a fertile land rain shadow area it hardly experiences rain even in monsoon seasons.
Absolutely, Yes you can find several health posts that provide the basic facilities along the trail. You will also find a hospital located in Upper Mustang Trek. We advise you to carry medicine if you are using it regularly.
If an emergency arises, our dedicated and highly skilled trekking crew and guide will provide you with the best instruction possible. They will be in contact with the company during your trekking session and are well-versed in all potential risks and remedies, so you can enjoy the journey without worrying.
A wide range of dishes, including spaghetti, tuna bakes, Dal-Bhat, soups, fresh vegetables, and potatoes, are prepared in tea rooms and lodges. They also prepare delectable desserts including apple pie, pancakes, and custard. In addition to soft beverages, they serve tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and hot lemon.
Tap water, well water, or hand pumps would be the only sources of drinking water available during this trek because the majority of the trail is rural. These sources should be filtered before consumption. Therefore, to guarantee drinking clean water, you need to purchase bottled water, water purification tablets, or any other necessary equipment.
