We are open, 24/7!
+977984376024217 Days
$ 1800
Grade:
Moderate
Group Size:
2+ pax
Transport:
Plane / Car / Tourist Bus
Altitude:
3,840m
Meals:
Breakfast
Accommodation:
Hotel and lodges
Starts At:
Kathmandu
Ends At:
Kathmandu
The Glorious Himalaya team proudly and sincerely welcomes all the trekkers and urges them to join our 18-day Upper Mustang trekking package program. Upper Mustang trekking takes you to the remote and semi-independent Tibetan kingdom, which became independent in 1380. It is located north of Annapurna on the Tibet border in Nepal’s Mustang district of the Dhaulagiri zone. It is situated at an average altitude of 4,000 meters.
The valley of Mustang is a part of the Tibetan plateau geologically and culturally. Lo-Manthang is the capital of the Mustang district, and it’s possible to visit the king’s palace in Lo-Manthang. It is a medieval city surrounded by a big wall. The valley has arid and rainshadow deserts. So, you can do this trek even in July, August, and September (the rainy season of Nepal). In the upper Mustang, colorful rock formations consist of many caves high up in the cliffs.
People belong to ethnic groups viz-Bista, Gurung, Thakali, Damai, Sharki, etc, and reside in and around the valley of Mustang. They are friendly, hardworking, and nature-loving. People of the Mustang district follow Tibetan Buddhism in a pure form, and the houses are built whitewashed with firewood tucked on the roofs. Tiji is a prominent festival that locals celebrate three days yearly in May. Some ancient and critical significant monasteries in Mustang Valley have their own spiritual numbs and values.
Once an essential part of Tibet for trading, the upper Mustang is used by salt caravans crossing the Himalayas into Nepal. Besides, its beautifully rugged landscape offers majestic and eye-catching views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and more. Mani walls, Buddhist shrines, gompas, a palace, and a mandala are other prime attractions here. Upper Mustang trekking requires a special permit for foreigners since it is a restricted valley or region for outsiders.
The prohibition was lifted, and the first group of trekkers got an entry in 1992. After that, hundreds of visitors visit yearly to enjoy and explore the beauty of the place and its people.
Upper Mustang trekking with the Glorious Himalayas team would be your lifelong holiday experience physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Check out our itinerary for Upper Mustang Trekking, or contact us, and we’ll tailor-make an itinerary based on your requirements.
After you land at Tribhuwan International airport, you will be welcomed by our office representative. As he will be holding your name plate, it will be easy for you to recognize him. Then after, he will transfer you to the hotel. You can freshen up and have some walk around Thamel. At the evening our guide will give some briefing about our trek and routes. Overnight at hotel inclusive Bed & Breakfast.
To make your trip more memorable, we will take you to have some sightseeing in the Kathmandu valley. We will be visiting some historical and cultural places. Our program includes sightseeing around Swyambhunath stupa, Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple and Kathmandu durbar square.
Swyambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath Stupa are famous Buddhist holy places whereas Pashupatinath temple is famous Hindu holy site. Similarly Kathmandu durbar square carries historical values. You can also have some shopping of Nepalese product. Overnight at hotel inclusive bed and breakfast.
After having breakfast, we will be ready to travel to Pokhara. Kathmandu-Pokhara is about 6-7 hour journey which goes by the side of Trishulu River and Marshyangdi River. You can watch out the living style of people living all along the side of highways. After we enter Pokhara valley, views of mountains will be in front of our eyes. Overnight at hotel inclusive Bed & Breakfast.
After having our tasty breakfast, we will leave for Kagbeni via Jomsom. We will set off to airport for our flight to Jomsom. It is about 30 minutes flight over mid-hills with the scenic views of mountains like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Jomsom is the district headquarter of Mustang from where our trekking starts. The trial goes along Kali Gandaki River for about 3 hours and then we will reach to Ekklibhatti.
It is an easy walk up to Kagbeni from Ekklibhatti. Kagbeni was once a route to maintain trade relation with Tibet. You can see Kak Khola coming from Muktinath mixing up with Mustang Khola, which we name as Kali Gandaki River. It is a beautiful valley surrounded by high hills and mountains. Overnight at Lodge.
Following our itinerary, today we will head towards Chhuksang. Chhuksang is about 5 hours trek and a phase from where we start entering upper Mustang from Lower Mustang. After having our hot breakfast, we will start our journey through the bank of Kali Gandaki River. You can have a glance of Gompa Kang and many caves on the way. After about 3 and a half hours, we will reach Tangbe.
This village seems to be attractive because of its typical whitewashed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. You can enjoy the view of the Nilgiri peak from Tangbe and have some rest. This will help you regain your stamina. Moving on, we will finally be at Chuksang after about an hour. Chuksang village is mostly inhabited by Bhotias, Gurungs and mostly Thakali. Overnight at Lodge.
There is a distinct change here, not only in the topography, but also in the culture, lifestyle and people, and the settlements become more scattered, smaller and more basic. The people of Lo or Mustang do practice agriculture, but because of the lack of rain and fertile soil, cultivation is in sheltered plots of land, scattering the brown landscape with patches of green. We carry on the north when you reach a huge red chunk of rock that has fallen from the cliffs above, forming a tunnel through which the river flows. A steel bridge spans the river just in front of the tunnel and north of here the Kali Gandaki becomes impassable on foot.
The trek now leaves the valley and climbs steeply up a rocky alley to the village of Chele. Watch out here for the ferocious Tibetan mastiffs which are chained to many of the houses. From Chele, you climb a steep spur and then continue ascending along the side of a spectacular steep canyon to a pass. Beyond the pass, you descend on a pleasant trail to Samar, situated in a grove of poplar trees. This is a major stopping place for horse and mule caravans. Overnight in a lodge.
Starting the journey with climbing, we will ascend for about half an hour up to the point. Moving on we need to cross a small river and then we will be at the base of Shyangbochen. You can see some Chortens which is believed to be the most sacred place of Mustang. Finally descending for some more times we will reach to Gheling- a small village with mud houses and the least population. Overnight at Lodge.
After our breakfast, we will start our trek with the climbing up to Nyila. And then we need to descend down below the blue, gray and red cliff to Ghaami- the biggest settlement of Upper Mustang. Continuing our trek, we move to Dhakmar through colorful cliffs and green scenery. After about 5 hours walk we will be at Dhakmar. Overnight at Lodge.
The next 7 hours walk to reach to Lo- Manthang. After our breakfast, we will leave for Lo- Manthang. The trial goes ups and downs with the beautiful views on the way. The scenic view of beautiful hills, glittering white snowy mountains, colorful Chorten will surely make your journey good and tireless. On the way, we pass Gumba Ghar- a monastery. Moving further, we will be at Lo-Manthang. Overnight at Lodge.
So tired of walking? Today, we will take some rest and have some visiting in and around Lo- Manthang. Lo- Manthang is a walled city with about 150 houses. It is believed that this city existed before 1390 and Ama Pal is believed to be the pioneer of this city. Though Nepal has become a republic, this is the only Nepalese land where you can still witness the king. This city is identified for its tall white washed mud brick walls, Gompas and Royal Palace.
The Royal Palace was built around 1400. You can visit the four major Gompas of this city- Jampa Gompa, Thubten Gompa; Chodey Gompa and Choprang Gompa. You can even visit Tingkhar- home to 40 houses. This route was made free only after 1992. Finally, we will get back to Lodge.
After exploring Lo- Manthang, today we will move to Chhosser cave. Chhosser cave is a mysterious but stunning cave famous for its architectural beauty. This cave looks alike cliff but you will be amazed after you enter to explore this cave. You can see 44 rooms and many steps inside the cave. This cave somehow makes you feel of being in some wonderland different from rest of other places. After then we will return back to lo- Manthang on a jeep or horse. The horse ride can be a different experience to you and probably you will not want to miss it out. Overnight at lodge.
From today, we will start our journey back to Jomsom. We will follow the same trial back to Ghaami. We can get some alternative routes on the way but very short ending up at the main trial in a short span of time. Eventually, we will be at Ghaami. Overnight stay at Ghaami.
Wake up, freshen up and have breakfast. Then we will leave for Chhuksang. On the way to Chhuksang, we have to cross Kali Gandaki River and pass some desert alike lands. Finally walking for about 6 hours, we will be at Chuksang. Overnight stay at Chhuksang.
Today is a wonderful trek to the holy land of Hindus and Buddhist- Muktinath. The trail goes through beautiful apple orchards, agricultural fields and pretty villages. Muktinath has worshipped Hindus as Lord Vishnu and Buddhist as Avalokteshowrs. You can see 108 stone spots from where holy water comes and is believed to wash out our sins. You can take bath in the spots. But the water is so cold that you need to be cautious about your health before you march to the bath. Overnight stay at Muktinath.
Today is the last day of our Upper Mustang Trek. After having breakfast, we will drive to Pokhara via Jomosom.
While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, we head up to Damauli, Dumre, Mugling, and Kurintar where Nepal’s first Cable car is operated to reach Manakamana Temple, this is a temple where most Nepalese come to have their wishes granted before leaving home or getting married. From Naubise we climb up to Thankot, the gateway to Kathmandu and finally reach our hotel & a lovely soft warm bed and farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with the cultural dance program.
After breakfast and our last day in Kathmandu, our vehicle and escorts will be on standby to drop you to the international airport three hours before our scheduled flight back home. At Glorious Adventure, meeting you has been a great honor and we pray for your Safe journey home and will reflect on the wonderful times we spent together. Bon Voyage!!! We hope to see you again someday…
If our above-designed itinerary does not meet your expectation, we’ll craft an itinerary based on your requirements. Just tell us your holiday plan.
The Upper Mustang Trekking is a moderate-grade venture suitable for beginners and seasoned trekkers in good health. Trekkers will also require reasonable fitness as they ascend and descend on varied terrains. Compared to other moderate treks in the Annapurna region, such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek or Annapurna Base Camp Trek, the Upper Mustang area is relatively more straightforward and more accessible.
The trek will take 12 to 18 days, but trekkers can adapt the itinerary to match their needs. On average, trekkers must hike for 6 to 7 hours daily throughout the trek. They will have to climb up to an elevation above 3500 meters, which requires good strength, stamina, and endurance. The semi-arid landscapes with rocky and rough terrains can be physically challenging for trekkers, and the remote nature of the trek can take a mental toll on some.
Trekkers can also succumb to altitude sickness as they climb higher elevations. It can cause various problems, such as shortness of breath, headache, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, etc. Hence, trekkers must take proper precautions and acclimatize to minimize the risk. Likewise, the weather becomes more unpredictable as you go to higher elevations. It can make ascending further more challenging. Therefore, good physical and mental preparation and gear preparation is required for this beautiful trek.
All foreign travelers except Indian nationals must obtain valid visas to travel, tour, and trek in Nepal. You can get the visa on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Your passport must have at least six months of validity for the visa. Similarly, you must also provide a passport-size photo. Travelers can also apply for a visa back in their home country.
The visa fees will vary depending on the duration of your stay. Likewise, you can apply for a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. The costs are as follows:
Note: Nationals from Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Swaziland, Liberia, Somalia, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Palestine are not eligible for an on-arrival visa.
For the latest arrival Nepal tourist visa updates visit here.
Aside from a valid visa, trekkers must also obtain travel insurance for the Nepal trek. All foreign trekkers must have travel insurance to trek in any region of Nepal. The Upper Mustang is a high-altitude trek that takes you above 3800 meters above sea level. Hence, there are few risks, and travel insurance helps to provide financial safety and peace of mind during the trek.
Travel insurance should cover altitudes up to 4000 meters for the Upper Mustang Trek, including medical bills and emergency expenses. Similarly, it must cover altitude sickness, helicopter rescue, and evacuation. Most insurance policies also cover baggage loss/ damage, electronic gadget loss/ damage, trip cancellation, and postponements. Trekkers should understand the travel insurance policy, terms, and conditions before they get one.
The Upper Mustang permits are as follows:
The TIMS card is mandatory for trekking in all regions of Nepal except the Everest region. When applying for the card, Trekkers must provide their personal details, itinerary, and emergency contact information. The card helps ensure the trekker’sfety during natural disasters and mobilizes rescue operations.
Trekkers can obtain the card through a government-registered trekking company in Kathmandu or Pokhara. They must provide a copy of the passport and two passport-size photos for the card. The cost of the card is different for SAARC nationals and non-SAARC nationals, which are as follows:
The Upper Mustang lies in restricted parts of Nepal in the Mustang region and requires a special permit to access. It was a restricted kingdom, and the Nepal government only opened its route to outsiders in 1992. Hence, trekkers can only visit the area with a restricted area permit and a licensed guide. The Department of Immigration issues the permit, and trekkers can only obtain it through a registered trekking agency.
The restricted permit is comparatively more expensive than regular permits. It costs USD 500 per person for 10 days, and trekkers must pay an additional USD 50 per day for extra trek days. The cost is the same for both SAARC and non-SAARC nationals.
Trekking to the Upper Mustang also requires an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, as the region lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area. Nepal’s richest conservation area has thousands of flora and fauna and diverse ecosystems. Hence, trekkers must obtain a permit to access the region.
The permit costs NPR 1000 per person for SAARC nationals and NPR 3000 per person for non-SAARC nationals.
Teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses are the standard accommodations along the Upper Mustang route. Since the trekking routes are in remote areas, these places are usually basic with limited amenities. Often, these places offer rooms on a twin-sharing basis, beds, mattresses, bedsheets, blankets, and pillows. Similarly, the bathrooms are squat-style and communal.
The rooms do not have heating facilities, so the trekkers should carry sleeping bags to stay warm at night. Most teahouses and lodges have a huge stove in the middle of the communal dining space for heating. Trekkers must pay additional fees for hot water/ hot showers, internet, charging devices, etc. The cost can vary from one place to another.
Nepal experiences four seasons each year, i.e., spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The best time to trek in Nepal is spring and autumn. However, Upper Mustang is in the rain shadow and receives very little rainfall annually, so summer is also a good time to trek in this region. Here is a briefing on each season:
March to May are some of the best times for a trek to Lo Manthang. It is springtime, and the weather is warm and pleasant. The temperature is moderate and favorable for trekking all over Nepal. The daytime temperature is around 15 to 20°C, while the nighttime temperature can drop to 5°C. Additionally, the precipitation level is low, and the flora and fauna are the most active at this time of the year. Trekkers can enjoy the blooming rhododendrons, magnolias, and colorful meadows in the lower region. Moreover, the famous and vibrant Tiji Festival of Lo Manthang falls during spring.
The summer season coincides with the monsoon in Nepal. However, as mentioned above, Upper Mustang falls in a rainshadow area and receives low rainfall. Hence, summer is also an excellent time for the Upper Mustang journey. The average temperature is around 20 to 25°C during the day. The hilly region of Nepal receives heavy rainfall, and the trekking trails can get wet and slippery due to rainfall. Thus, trekkers should prepare proper rain gear. On the other hand, the rain cleanses the atmosphere and surroundings.
The peak trekking season in Nepal, including the Upper Mustang region, is from September to November, or the autumn season. The pleasant weather, crisp air, and mild temperatures make it ideal for trekking. Similarly, the rain from prior months leaves the vegetation clean and fresh. The average temperature during the day is around 10 to 20°C, but the nighttime temperature can get chilly and drop below -4°C. Since it is the peak trek season, the trails can get crowded. So, it is best to book everything in advance.
The Upper Mustang is closed to visitors during the winter due to extreme and harsh weather conditions. There is heavy snowfall, and the temperature can drop below -20°C. The locals also migrate to lower regions and return when it becomes warmer. So, it is not possible to trek to Upper Mustang in winter.
"*" indicates required fields
