Upper Mustang Trekking an exciting scenic drive with walks around the high and picturesque Mustang valley to Lo-Manthang Adventure North of Dhaulagiri Himalaya within the high beautiful valley of Upper Mustang From green hill to arid, barren country of the towering canyon and eroded cliffs with varied colors Journey in an extension of South West Tibetan plateau with mind-blowing views and scenery Explore traditional Mustang and Thakali villages of colorful Buddhist culture and custom Sweeping flight from Jomsom to picturesque Pokhara valley blessed with natural beauty”.
Upper Mustang trekking is a journey of great combination which includes an exciting overland drive, scenic short flights, and walks facing incredible views of mountain panorama from the start to an end on this fantastic trip with Well Plan Treks led by our expert guides and staff.
On this Well Plan Upper Mustang Experience, we have included walks and driving within high areas of Mustang due to the facility of the motor road which started last few years ago and is nearly complete, as the region touches the Tibet Border at Kara-La pass where strong trade between the two countries still exist since past hundreds of centuries on this ancient Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade Route.
Upper Mustang Trekking leads you to fabulous scenic areas in between colored canyons and towering eroded cliffs reminding you of the ran Canyon of the USA Upper Mustang is located on an extension of South West Tibet’s vast table-land, considered the world and highest plateau on this planet.
Where our journey leads you to experience the colorful culture and traditional life of the Mustang people and its traditional life similar to Tibetans across the border of the Buddhist religion as well practice ancient pre-Buddhism known as Bon, which exists around the Mustang and Dolpo areas of Nepal Far West Himalaya region.
Upper Mustang Experience begins from scenic Pokhara city with a short flight to land at Jomsom town and then heading towards Nepal’s wild-west country visiting interesting villages of Kagbeni, Gami, and Tsarang encountering a series of prayer walls and spinning wheels as our journey leads into the walled and former kingdom at Lo-Manthang.
At Lo-Manthang explore its neat paved alley and villages visit important and impressive monasteries and as well tour of former kings or Raja of Mustang palace, after a wonderful time around Lo-Manthang within the high and Upper Mustang, our adventure leads back to Jomsom for the sweeping scenic flight to Pokhara after a glorious time and memorable journey on Upper Mustang Trekking. Similar trekking Manaslu Circuit Trek
Brief Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,345 m and then transfer to respective Hotels
Day 02: Kathmandu with an interesting sightseeing tour and preparations for the trek.
Day 03: Drive or fly to Pokhara (30 mins on air and 6 hrs overland journey)
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom 2,715 m and trek to Kagbeni 2,830 m – 04 hrs.
Day 05: Drive to Tsarang / Charang 3,560 m – 04 hrs.
Day 06: Drive to Lo-Manthang 3,700 m – 02 hrs.
Day 07: At Lo-Manthang rest day for acclimatization and local exploration.
Day 08: Walk to Dhakmar 3,810 m – 05 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to Ghami 3,806 m – 05 hrs.
Day 10: Trek and drive to Tsusang-Chusang 2,980 m – 04 hrs.
Day 11: Drive to Muktinath 3,750 m – 03 hrs.
Day 12: Drive to Jomsom 2,715 – 02 hrs.
Day 13: Fly to Pokhara 860 m and transfer to hotel by the Phewa Lake.
Day 14: Drive or fly to Kathmandu and then transfer to your hotels.
Day 15: International departure for homeward bound or to respective countries.
Trip Details Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,345 m and then transfer to respective Hotels
- Distance : 7 Km
- Duration : 30 Minutes transfer to hotel
- Max. Altitude :1345m.
On reaching Kathmandu via respective airlines well received by company guides and staff for a short drive in the hub of Kathmandu city where your hotels located.After checking into your lovely rooms getting refreshed join in at the hotel lobby for a group briefing regarding treks and other useful information to make your stay in Nepal enjoyable and pleasant. The evening includes a group welcome dinner in nice Nepalese restaurants with cultural programs as entertainment with the dinner.
- Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
- Meals Include:
Day 02: Kathmandu with the sightseeing tour, trek briefing, and preparations.
- Distance : Explore Day
- Duration : Full day
- Max. Altitude :1345m.
The morning after hearty breakfast, as per the given time our city and tour guide will lead you in the heart of Kathmandu city, for an exciting historical and heritage tour of old Durbar (royal palace and courtyard) square, of historical importance includes Temple of Kumari (Living young virgin Goddess) Kastamandap Temple where Kathmandu name derived from, a temple built with the wood of a single tree, tour of the old palace during the reign of Malla and late Shah kings. Tour leads to the famous landmarks of Nepal at Swayambhunath Stupa of more than 2,500 years old a Buddhist Chaitya or Stupa with all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha, afternoon back to the hotel, after an interesting tour rest of the day free at leisure and preparation for Upper Mustang Experience.
- Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
- Meals Include: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive or fly to Pokhara (30 mins on air and 6 hrs overland journey)
- Distance : 200 km
- Duration : (30 mins on air and 6 hrs overland journey)
- Max. Altitude :820m.
Upper Mustang Experience begins with the overland drive to Nepal Mid West taking a comfortable coach or in Tourist Bus to reach at scenic Pokhara, a beautiful and leading touristic place in all Himalaya range, with warm sub-tropical temperatures and close views of Annapurna Himalaya with Mt. Manaslu. Pokhara beautiful and leading tourist spot in all Himalaya range, with warm sub-tropical temperatures and close views of Annapurna Himalaya with Mt. Machhapuchare ‘Fish Tail’.On reaching Pokhara transfer to respective hotels by the Phewa Lake with views of Annapurna and Machhapuchare peak, afternoon at leisure for short walks around the lakeside.
- Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
- Meals Include: Breakfast
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom 2,715 m and trek to Kagbeni 2,830 m - 04 hrs.
- Distance : 161 km
- Duration : (25 mins on air and 3 hrs Walking
- Max. Altitude :2,830 m
After a lovely stop with overnight at Pokhara, an early morning short drive to Pokhara airport for scenic sweeping flight to Jomsom, overlooking views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range of peaks as our small aircraft land at Jomsom airport situated above Kali-Gandaki River. Jomsom, the headquarter and administrative town of Mustang district, at Jomsom with time to refreshed get organized, then starting our first day walks on Kali-Gandaki River valley within the windswept area for few hours of the pleasant walk with views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiris as our daily walk ends at Kagbeni village. Kagbeni a nice village of Tibetan influence located on the starting and ending point of the Upper Mustang area and beyond to Forbidden City of Lo Manthang, located on an old Himalayan Caravan trade route of Nepal and Tibet.
- Accommodation: Tea House
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 05: Drive to Tsarang / Charming 3,560 m - 04 hrs.
- Distance : 12 Km
- Duration : 3 Hours
- Max. Altitude :3,560 m
As the mortar-able road has reached these areas making it possible for driving around Upper Mustang, where a jeep ride takes you to scenic Tsarang / Charang village for overnights stops within the Upper Mustang area. Where morning drive climbs into a canyon of the high red eroded cliff edge, following upper upstream of Kali Gandaki River, within unique landscapes of cliff walls, a nice ride with views brings past Chele, a moderate size village also spelled as Tsele. From Tsele or Chele, continue to drive with the climb to Gyakar village, and from here into dry and barren landscapes to reach at Samar village, one of the lovely looking villages of Mustang area. After Samar village with short stops drive leads to Bhena and then climb to a ridge top of Yamada La pass at 3,860 meters high, offering the grand vista of Mustang area with high mountains of Mt. Dhaulagiri. From here to Dhakmar village, after hours of pleasant ride reaching Tsarang village surrounded by large fields of crops buck kinds of wheat with overnight stop and time to visit Tsarang old monastery.
- Accommodation: Tea House
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 06: Drive to Lo-Manthang 3,700 m - 02 hrs.
- Distance : 25 km
- Duration : 4 hours
- Max. Altitude : 3,700 m
Today drive leads to our main destination at Lo -Manthang of few hours ride on scenic and dusty tracks to reach the former walled Kingdom of Lo-Manthang surrounded by the high wall. At one time stood as a forbidden kingdom after monarchy rule ended in Nepal a few past decades, on the walk coming across several chortens and mani stones, between Tsarang and on Lo Manthang trail with grand views of arid landscapes in the shade of Nilgiri’s, Tilicho and Bhrikuti peaks. Drive leads over Lo La pass above 3,950 meters with views of Lo Manthang walled city and then descend reaching a nice trail to Lo Manthang for overnight stops.
- Accommodation: Tea House
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 07: At Lo-Manthang for acclimatization and local hike.
- Distance : Explore day
- Duration : Explore day
- Max. Altitude :3700m.
Lo Manthang highest overnight stop of the journey, with time to explore this fascinating village with old Tibetan like houses enclosed within the great high wall, visit the historical and cultural center the main attraction of Lo-Manthang. The four main monasteries are Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House), Red Thubchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and the great Entrance Hall.
Advance permission required to enter the king’s palace to visit the interior of the old palace and to grant the audience the former king or Raja of Mustang if possible.
- Accommodation: Tea House
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 08: Walk to Dhakmar 3,810 m - 05 hrs.
- Distance : 11 Km
- Duration : 5 hrs
- Max. Altitude :3,810 m
After an interesting time in Lo-Manthang morning start the walk on the trail back to Marang village, and then towards west using an old path to Dhakmar village for the overnight stop.
- Accommodation: Tea House
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 09: Trek to Ghami 3,806 m - 04 hrs.
- Distance : 9 km
- Duration : 4 hrs
- Max. Altitude :3,806 m
From Dhakmar village, morning walk leads towards long Mani (Prayer) Walls, and then cross a bridge over Ghami Khola to reach at Ghami village for overnight, time permitting visit its old interesting monastery.
- Accommodation: Tea House
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Trek and drive to Tsusang-Chusang 2,980 m - 04 hrs.
- Distance : 25 km
- Duration : 5 hours
- Max. Altitude : 2,980 m
Slowly this fascinating journey comes to an end as our drive leads to Syangboche village and to YYamadaLa with grand views, then downhill to Bhena and Samar villages.D rive across the stream past Gyakar and Chele villages and finally ending the ride at Tsusang or Chusang village for the last overnight stops in Upper Mustang.
- Accommodation: Tea House
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Drive to Muktinath 3,750 m - 03 hrs.
- Distance : 15 km
- Duration : 3 hrs
- Max. Altitude :3,750 m
Morning drive leads to a climb of an hour and then heading past several villages and then back at Kagbeni, and then towards the holy area at Muktinath, reaching the height of 3,750 meters, drive leads through the interesting village of Jharkot, from here the trail climbs gradually for a short hour to reach holy Muktinath. Muktinath, located in between the popular trek to Manang via the high pass of Thorang la and the trail also joins from upper Mustang region, in the auspicious time this place is flooded with pilgrims of both Hindu and Buddhist, a nice walk to the Temple of Muktinath and with its 108 water spout, which is also the source of Kaligandaki river. Superb views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche can be seen from the campsite and as well from Muktinath itself including the Tilicho and Nilgiris peaks to the left.
- Accommodation: Tea House
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Drive to Jomsom 2,715 - 02 hrs.
- Distance : 02 hrs.
- Duration : 16 km
- Max. Altitude : 2,715m.
From Muktinath, the rest of the journey is much easy on downhill hills where our walk stops of the great adventure for a short motorable drive, taking a drive with a big drop of 1,200m to Kaligandaki river valley, within vast Kaligandaki river valley to reach Jomsom
- Accommodation: Tea House
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Fly to Pokhara 860 m and transfer to the hotel by Phewa Lake.
- Distance : 161 Km
- Duration : 25 Minuets
- Max. Altitude : 860 m.
Early morning as per the flight time for Pokhara transfer to Jomsom airport and then board in a small aircraft and then on air the for 20 minutes or more to land at beautiful and scenic Pokhara, during flight exceptional views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalaya range. Our adventure finally ends with a short drive to Pokhara by the Phewa Lakeside after completing a grand adventure around Upper Mustang.
- Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
- Meals Include: Breakfast
Day 14: Drive or fly to Kathmandu and then transfer to your hotels.
- Distance : 200 KM
- Duration : 8 Hrs
- Max. Altitude :1345m.
After a wonderful time in the high mountains and hills, taking a morning driving journey back to Kathmandu, on reaching Kathmandu after 5-6 hours of nice interesting drive, transfer to respective hotels with the afternoon free at leisure or last day shopping souvenirs and handicrafts. (Options by air 30 minutes flight back to Kathmandu with great views)
- Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
- Meals Include: Breakfast
Day 15: International Departure for Homeward bound.
- Distance : 7 km
- Duration : 30 Minutes drive to airport
- Max. Altitude :1345m.
Last day in Nepal in the country of high Himalayan mountains with fascinating culture, after a memorable adventure on Upper Mustang Experience with marvelous time, as per your international flight time our staff transfers you to the airport for the flight homeward bound or to your next port of call and respective countries.
- Accommodation:
- Meals Include: Breakfast
Cost Details
THE PACKAGE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICES
- Airports pick up and drop off, upon arrival and departure in Kathmandu.
- Pre-meeting before the trek.
- 3-night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast (3 Star Hotel)
- 2-night hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast (3 Star Hotel )
- Helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, well-spoken, government-licensed guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodations, and insurance
- Meals on full board ( Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner ) with 3 times of tea/coffee during the trek
- Seasonal fresh fruits as Available
- Guesthouse accommodation during the trek.
- Domestic flights (Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara) are inclusive of airport tax
- Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu tourist Bus
- Jomsom to Jomsom privet jeepa
- 1 Well-Plan Trekking T-shirt
- Upper Mustang special trekking permit fee
- Annapurna Conservation Area entrance permit fee.
- Annapurna Trekking Map
- Duffel bag
- Well, Plan Trekking down jacket and sleeping bag if required ( After trek Return )
- Worst case, help with all rescue and evacuation arrangements.
- First aid medical kit and oximeter to check pulse, heart rate, and oxygen saturation at higher altitudes.
- All applicable taxes are per government rules and regulations.
- Well Plan Trekking trek achievement certificate after the successful trek
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a cultural restaurant
THE PACKAGE EXCLUDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICES
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport – Kathmandu).
- Travel insurance, which has to cover emergency high-altitude helicopter rescue and evacuation in addition to medical expenses (compulsory)
- A strong, Helpful porter with proper equipment ( one porter for two people – the porter will carry a maximum of 25 kilos ), one porter costs USD 220 for the whole trip.
- Your expenses. (Phone call, Wifi, Laundry service, bar bills, battery recharge, a bottle of water or hot water, Mineral water, Hot shower, etc.)
- All the alcoholic drinks and bar bills.
- Extra Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival or late departure. early arrival from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled Itinerary.
- Services not mentioned in the ‘Services Includes’ section ( Please ask us if you are confused about any services )
- Kathmandu lunch and Dinner
- Tips for the guide and porter.
Equipment’s
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT LIST
This list is a guide to help you pack for your trip. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list; rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel necessary for your comfort and convenience .we also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.
Head
- A warm hat that covers your ears
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Headlamp with extra batteries
Upper body
- T-shirts
- Fleece jacket or sweater
- Fleece wind –stopper jacket
- Waterproof shell jacket
- Down vest and /or jacket (optional)Hands
- Lightweight gloves (water /windproof)
- Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Lower body
- Underwear
- Hiking trousers
- Fleece or woolen trousers
- Lightweight thermal bottoms
- Lightweight cotton pants
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric )shell pants Feet
- Thin lightweight inner socks
- Heavy poly or wool socks
- Hiking boots with spare laces
- Camp shoes (sneakers and sandals)
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C de 14 degrees F)
- Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)Toiletries
- Toothbrush /paste
- Multi-purpose soap
- Nail clippers
- Deodorants
- Medium-sized quick-drying towel
- Face and body moisturizer
- Small mirror
- Female hygiene products
Personal hygiene
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Tissue/toilet roll
- Antibacterial hand wash
Medical
- Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
- A cough and /or cold medicine
- Anti –altitude sickness pills; Diamox or acetazolamide
- Stomach antibiotic
Extras /luxuries
- Reading book
- Trail map /guidebook
- Journal and pen
- Travel game(chess, backgammon, playing cards etc)
- Modest swimsuit
- Binoculars
- Camera
