Mustang Trekking

Mustang is an arid and starkly beautiful area of Nepal. This region was only opened to trekkers in 1991 and remains a restricted area with only a small number of special permits issued each year. The permits restrict the visitor to a 10 or 13 day group visit (2 minimum to 14 people maximum). Keeping the cost of the permit high, and the amount of time spent in the area restricted is an attempt by the Nepalese Government to protect the local Tibetan traditions from outside influence as well as to protect the fragile environment. Your journey will take you back nearly 400 years in the cultural history of this isolated region of Nepal. Mustang is situated in the trans-himalayan area of Nepal. The district of Mustang is where the Nepalese mountains yield to the Southern Tibetan Plateau, a transition zone between these two extreme environments.

Mustang: caves, forts, monasteries and temples, which date to past millennia and carry echoes of a rich history. Mustang's history, as well as it’s natural and cultural treasures have made it one of the most mysterious and intriguing trekking destination’s in Nepal. The people who live in this area continue to live their daily lives in much the same way as their forefathers, with very little intrusion from the modern world. Mustang trekking is the popular in Nepal for its natural and cultural treasures.

Trip Highlights:

Scenic flight to and from Jomsom, Discover the hidden Himalayan kingdom, Explore the Kali Gandaki River Valley, Witness amazing landscape, Forbidden kingdom of Mustang, Spectacular views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, & Nilgiri Himal ranges. Buddhist monasteries, Plentiful cultural encounters with the ethnic people of Tibetan descent

Fact File:

Trek Name :Upper Mustang Trek

Trek Duration:17 Days

Best Season:February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November are the best seasons. However, July & August are okay and trekking can be done but not so clear visibility due to rain.

Trek Grade :Moderate + Fairly Strenuous

Accommodation: Basic Tea House

Group Size:Min.2 to Max 18 persons in a group

Min. altitude: 2713m

Max altitude:4320m

Mode of Travel:Car/Van/Bus to Pokhara and Flight: Pokhara

Price:For the most up-to-date and competitive price, please Contact Us

Trekking Map

Upper Mustang Trek itinerary details:

Day 1: Arrival in Airport and transfer to hotel, rest day, itinerary briefing

Day 2: Sight-seeing of Kathmandu: Leave for full day sightseeing in Kathmandu valley includes the Hindu temple complex at Pashupatinath ( An UNESCO world heritage site) & the biggest Buddhist Stupa at Boudhanath. Also visit Monkey Temple the Swyambhunath (2000 years old temple) and visit Patan city of fine arts. Back to hotel and stay.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara: about 6 hour drive by tourist bus or 30 minuates fly to Pokhara.

Day 4: Pokhara-Jomsom ( District headquarters of Mustang and start trek to Kagbeni, the starting point of the Upper Mustang, where you can make your eyes busy for The spectacular views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak and Dhampus. Kagbeni is the most interesting typical Tibetan village and the entry point of the upper Mustang for overnight stop. Overnight camping at Kagbeni

Day 5: Kagbeni –Chele - The trail leads up toward the east bank of the Kaligandaki that climbs over many ridges as it heads north and reaches Tangbe Village. The town is labyrinth of narrow alleys amongst white washed house, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. The Nilgiri peaks,which dominates the southern skyline of Kagbeni. Continues to loom massively at the foot of the valley.Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang Village and crosses the river, continue climbing north up the trail to a huge red chunk of conglomerate that ahs fallen from the cliff above.forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. The trek now leaves the Kaligandaki valley and climb steeply up a rocky gully to chele at 3030m.

Day 6: Chele- Geling - The climb continues along step, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to pass and cairn of rock at 3540m. Then the trail makes a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge, and then the trail descends further on a pleasant trail to Samar. The Annapurna, still dominated by Nilgiri, is visible far to the south. Climb above Samar to a ridge, then descend into a large gorge and the trail goes into another valley field, crosses a stream and climbs up to a ridge at 3800m. The route climbs sharply up and down over a series of high passes, before the final descend to Geiling.

Day 7: Geling - Charang - From Geling, the trail climbs gently to the interesting pass on our trek NYILA and descends below the blue, gray and red cliffs. After crossing a steel bridge of the Tangmar chu (river) we will arrive to a MANI (Prayer WALL) perhaps the longest and most spectacular stretch and main wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600m the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang. The huge five – story white Dzong and red Gompa is an interesting visit to observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as many large paintings of seated Buddha’s.

Day 8: Charang –Lo Manthang - The trail descends about 100 meters down from Charang, crosses the Charang- Chu and climbs steeply up a rocky trail to a cairn on a ridge and continues to climb. Finally, from a ridge at 3850m. There is a view of the walled city of LO. After a short descent, cross a stream then climb up into the plateau of Lo- Manthang.

Day 9: Lomanthang – Ghami vial Gekar - This is an opportunity to visit two other villages on our return trek. The trail climbs steadily to the pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lo Manthang. The descends across to the south through two more valleys and across a ridge at 4070m then descends across to the sough through two more valleys, meadows and a stream. The trail then makes along rocky descent to Gekar. Lo Gekar Gompa is older then Samye Gompa in Tebet and one of the oldest Gompa in Nepal. Then crosses a ridge after a little climbing and drops down steeply to Thamar village. The trail descends along the side of the stone walls and fields of extensive villages, and then climbs to a ridge. It is a short descent to Ghami.

Day 10: Lomanthang Rest day Explore around,
Another day in LO-Manthang gives you to chance to explore its many sights. The tall Champa Lakhang (God- house) the red Thugchen Gompa,Chyodi Gompa and the Raja's Palace, as well as to gaze at the surrounding panoramic views of the Tibetan plateau and the Himalaya.

Day 11: Rest day Explore around
there are two other interesting valleys worth visiting. The western valley Tingkhar,the sight of Raja's summer palace. Kimling and Phuwa as well as the Gompa of Namgyal( The Monastry of Victory is the newest and most active Gompa in Lo. In the eastern valley lies the villages of Chosar, aloso rich in Gompas a;nd the valley is the main trading route to Lhasa.

Day 12: Lo-Manthang Via Geker – Ghami
Visit Lo-Geker Gompa on the way, which is one of the oldest Gompas in Nepal.It is older than the famed Samye Gompa in Tibet

Day 13: Ghami – Samar

Day 14: Samar To Kagbeni

Day 15: Kagbeni to Jomsom

Day 16: Jomsom to Pokhara- Kathmandu joins evening cultural show Dinner

Day 17: Final departure,transfer to hotel

If above itinerary couldn’t meet your needs, we can design a tailor-made itinerary to suit your needs. Please let us know whether you would like to make it shorter or longer.

Price For The Trip:

The total cost for the trek or tour you decide you want to do will depend on several different factors. The type of accommodation you prefer in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara will make a difference to the overall cost (budget to 5 star accommodation) The mode of transport you prefer will also affect the cost of your package, for example prices vary greatly between flying versus private car/van, tourist or local buses. The number of guides and/or porters required will also affect the total cost of your trek. For these reasons the same trek/tour can vary in price quite substantially.

Please mail us for up to date prices for the above itinerary

Cost Include:

Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car/van depends on group size.
3 night’s accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.
2 nights’ accommodation in Pokhara on a twin sharing bed and breakfast basis.
Guided Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing tour with English speaking Tour guide, and transport by private car / van depends on group size.
Special Permit for Upper Mustang
Annapurna Conservation Area Trekking Permit.
TIMS Permit (Trekking Information Management System) Card for the Annapurna Trek.
Full board meals during the trekking (Meals are choices from Menu) Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).
Twin sharing Lodges, Guesthouses accommodation during the trekking on local tea houses
Seasonal fresh fruits like orange, apple, banana and grape etc
An Experienced & Professional Government license holder Trekking guide trained in wilderness first aid.
Above The Himalaya’s duffle bag if necessary, let us know before your arrival in Nepal.
Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
Trekking porter carry all personal gear and group equipment( 1 porter for 2 person basis)
Food, accommodation, salary, local tax, all trekking equipment and medicine for all trekking staff.
Proper Insurance for all trekking staff including porter.
All necessary paper works, office Service charge and all Government Taxes
Comprehensive pre-departure information and trip dossiers
Above the Himalaya Special Gifts (T shirt, Pashmina shawl, Trekking certificates and others)
Welcome/Fare well Nepali Culture Dinner in Kathmandu.
Local transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek by Tourist bus/Private Car/Van and Flights depends on Clients requirement and budget.

Cost Exclude:

Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara ranges from US $ 12- US$ 14 per day.
Nepal entry Visa Fee (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Nepal’s Airport in Kathmandu).
International/Domestic Airfare and Airport Tax, sightseeing entry fee for the city tour.
Any kind of Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, hot water, hot shower
Dessert, chocolates, personal shopping, laundry, phone call, internet, Camera battery charging.
Personal trekking Equipment, travel and medical insurance & helicopter rescue, personal expenses.
Tips and Gratitude (Tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory)
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section