14 Days Upper Mustang Trek: Last forbidden of Kingdom in Nepal

                                                    
                                                    destination
                                                    Annapurna
                                                
                                                    duration
                                                    14 Days
                                                
                                                    grade
                                                    Moderate
                                                
                                                    start/end point
                                                    Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                                
                                                    region
                                                    Annapurna
                                                
                                                    max altitude
                                                    3860m
                                                
                                                    group size
                                                    2-12
                                                
                                                    meal
                                                    All inclusive
                                                
                                                    activity
                                                    5-6 Hrs
                                                
                                                    accommodation
                                                    Tea House
                                                
                                                    season
                                                    All Season

14 Days Upper Mustang Trek

CULTURALLY RICH TIBETAN BUDDHIST CULTURE & STEP BACK IN TIME!

This 14 days Upper Mustang trek offers a unique experience in this remote region of Nepal on the Tibetan border. No other trek in Nepal compares to this mountainous region in the Mustang district and its vastly different landscape.

This is truly a slice of Tibet in the Mustang District and Gandaki Provence. Lo Manthang, a walled city, and its capital have unique architecture and religious places of worship, such as Namgyal Gompa (temple). The landscape in this region ranges from red cliffs to rugged windswept plains. The trek begins as you pass Kagbeni, the path to Upper Mustang. , Along the trek, you will be in the shadow of some of the largest mountain ranges in the world, such as the Dhaulagiri Massif, Nilgiri, and Annapurna.

A short distance from Lo Manthang is Gyakar with its well known Gompa and Ghar Gompa (more than 1200 years old) devoted to the famous Buddhist sage Guru Rinpoche. The trek ranges from 3000m to 3,800m in altitude. Most days we trek for 5 to 7 hours through sometimes blustery and dusty conditions. This trek also follows the old salt route from Nepal to Tibet.

Upper Mustang Trek Highlights

You will trek to the historic town of Lo Manthang, the capital of the forbidden Tibetan Kingdom.
Trek in dry conditions due to Mustang being in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Massif bordering Tibet.
See various Gompa (Buddhist fortifications), chortens, fluttering prayer flags, caves (10,000), rock works of art, and age-old religious communities.
Understand the hardship of the people living in this remote region.
Stunning views of overpowering peaks, such as on Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri.
Visit Lubra Village with its Bonpo religion (older than Buddhism).
Drakmar’s famous red cliffs.

ITINERARY

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Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (8,50m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Our journey begins with a 6-7 hour drive toward the Pokhara Valley and its beautiful Phewa Tal (lake) and then checking in to your hotel close to Phewa Tal. There is plenty to see and do along Lakeside with its many shops, bars, and restaurants to choose from.

Day 2 : From Pokhara fly to Jomsom (2700m/8855ft) & Trek to Kagbeni (2800m/9185ft) Duration: 3 hours.

Today we fly from Pokhara to Jomson – a 20 – 25-minute flight scenic flight with views of the famous Kali Gandaki Gorge (world’s deepest), along with views of several colossal peaks” Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Ranges and Machapuchare (Fishtail). After landing at Jomson we begin our trek heading to Kagbeni, about a 3-4 hour trek. Kagbeni is also the checkpoint where authorities will check your documents before you enter the restricted Upper Mustang region. Along the trail, we will have views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Tukuche Peak. We will stay the night at Kagbeni.

Day 3 : Kagbeni to Chele (3110m/10200ft) Duration: 5 - 6 hours.

Today we start early in order to avoid the high winds that develop later in the day. In the early morning light, we can see Nilgiri that is orange in color due to the sun’s reflection on it. We follow the east bank of the Kali Gandaki River until we enter the wide Chhusang Valley. After leaving Kagbeni we ascend giving us spectacular views of the village and Mt Nilgiri (7061m).The trail heads east towards more arid land common to the Mustang region. We soon reach the first significant village of Tangbe with its red and whitewashed houses on the opposite banks of the river and glorious views over the Kali Gandaki River. Perched high up the cliffs above the village are caves believed to have been home to the early inhabitants of this area. The trail then comes to Chele where we have views of the Himalayan Ranges. Tonight we stay at Chele.

Day 4 : Chele to Geling (3500m/11480ft) Duration: 5 - 6 hours.

Today we will climb the rugged hills and eventually come to a stone cairn at 3540m at which point we descend to the small village of Samar with its chortens (stupa religious– monuments) and other Buddhist structures. After leaving Samar we descend into a large canyon and then again ascend to a 3800m ridge before again descending to the remote Shyangmochen Village and then head to Geling Village where we stay the night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 5 : Geling to Charang (3620m/11875ft) Duration: 5-6 hours.

From Geling, the trail leads up to of Nyi La Pass (3932m) and then heads down and follow the Tangmar Chu River and its Mani stone walls (stones inscribed with Lamaist prayers). We then follow the trail to Charang Village with its enormous five-story Dzong (monastery) and red Gompa (a type of monastery) and Thankas (forms of art). Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 6 : Charang to Lo - Manthang (3840m/12595ft) Duration: 3-4 hours.

Today the trail is mostly uphill as we initially head to Lo-Gekar home of one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in the world. Lo-Gekar Gompa is older than the Samye Gompa in Tibet. After visiting Lo Gekar we travel by horse to Lo-Manthang. The trail passes the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang before descending and crossing a stream before reaching Lo-Manthang. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 7 : Exploration of Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar and return 5-6 hours.

Today we climb to Namgyal Gompa situated at the top of a peak and then proceed to Tingkhar north-west of Lo Manthang. It is a small village consisting of about 40 houses. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 8 : Lo-Manthang to Drakmar (3820m/12530ft) 6-7 hours.

Today the trail ascends to 4070m and then heads to the Chogo La Pass (4320m), the highest point of our trek. We then head downhill and cross the Charang River and make our way to Lo Gekar, pass the village of Ghar Gompa (3839m) with its Tibetan religious structures. After passing Ghar Gompa we follow the trail down to Drakmar. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 9 : Drakmar to Shyangmochen (3800m/12465ft) Duration: 5-6 hours.

The trail today descends and passes the stone walls and fields of Drakmar before heading lower again reaching Ghami (3475m) and then Jaite (3820m) and again dropping to Chhung-Kah. From here we continue to Tama Gaon (3710m) and further downhill to Shyangmochen. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included

Day 10 : Shyangbochen to Chhusang (2980m/9775ft) 5-6 hours.

Today we follow a river to Chhusang, or alternatively, we can head to Samar and visit the Ranchung Caves. This route adds another 30 minutes to the trek. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 11 : Chusang to Muktinath (3800m/12465ft) Duration: 7-8 hours.

Today we leave Chhusang Village and head up to the valley above where we can see Muktinath in the distance. We continue along the valley and descend and cross the river via a suspension bridge. This area is well known for its fossils famous for the fossil stones often found in the Gandaki River (Shaligrams – black holy stones). As we follow the trail we have awesome views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Himalayan ranges. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Day 12 : Muktinath to Jomsom (2700m/8855ft) Duration: 5-6 hours.

From Muktinath, we pass through lush meadows, fruit trees, and streams passing through Kagbeni before we reach Jomson in the Kali Gandaki valley. We take a short detour today to Bon Punt monastery in Lubra. Bon-Po is said to be older Buddhism and Lubra, with just 14 families is one of the few Bonpo villages in Nepal. The trek today will take around 6 hours. Kagbeni has a well-deserved reputation for its horticulture industry.

Day 13 : Fly from Jomson to Pokhara (820M) & drive to accommodation; Duration: 30 minutes.

Today is our last day as we head to the small airport terminal at Jomson where we take a short 15 to 20 minute flight to Pokhara. Once airborne you will have some amazing views of the Himalayas. This evening you can sit back and relax, enjoy and drink or two and look back on your amazing adventure through the amazing Annapurna Conservation Area – stroll along Lakeside. Other attractions in Pokhara are the World Peace Pagoda (clearly visible across Phewa Tal (lake), , Bindabasini Temple, Phewa Lake, Matepani Buddhist Monastery, International Mountain Museum and Devi's Falls.

Day 14 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu; Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today we head back on a 6 to 7-hour drive to Kathmandu with many fond memories of Nepal and its unique culture and geography. These memories will last a lifetime!

SERVICES

Cost Includes

All ground transportation by private Car/Jeep including airport transfers.
Two nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
Two-night accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara
Both way flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara including departure taxes
Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
An experienced English-speaking (trekking guide), porter to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Sherpa Expedition, and Trekking duffel bag, and trekking map.
All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP, Special trekking permit), please bring 2 passport size photos for permit
A comprehensive medical kit
All government and local taxes

Cost Excludes

Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
Personal Travel insurance
International airfare
Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
Cold drinks, water, snacks, and other personal expenses
Hot shower during the trek
Personal trekking equipment’s
Tips for trekking staff

EQUIPMENTS

The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.

General

All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
Daypack

Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear

A pair of half gloves
A warmer hat that covers the ears
Sunglasses
Neckwarmer
Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
Headlamp and an extra set of batteries

Hands

A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
Warmer shell gloves and liner

Upper Body

long sleeve t-shirts
Thermal tops
wool jacket or pullover
Sports bras for women and girls
Water and windproof shell jacket

Lower Body

Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
windproof and waterproof trousers
warmer trousers
Comfortable trekking pants
Extra casual sport pants

Footwear

A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
Pair of sandals
4-5 pairs of woolen socks
Sock liners
Light shoes and sneakers
First Aid Kits and Medicines
Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
Blister treatment cream or similar
Insect / anti-itch ointment
Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
Water purifying pills

(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)

Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek

4 passport size photos with original passport
Water bottle & filter
Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)

Extra things

Comfortable trekking poles
Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
Power bank and music players
Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)

GOOD TO KNOW

Accommodation

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may find comfort and better quality teahouses - having attached bathroom at lower levels- until you reach higher elevations, where the accommodation is more basic with bare necessities.

Meals during the trek

In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of these regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew and Tibetan bread. Sherpa’s’ started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.

Transportation

We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We use public transportation or local buses during the trek.

Physical fitness

This can be a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You don’t need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus! We have met people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.