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Upper Mustang Trek

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Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek

Trip Facts

  • Destination:Nepal
  • Trip Grade:Moderate

Enter Nepal’s rain shadow district, a land shrouded in mystery and home to the ancient kingdom of Lo where the Tibetan – Buddhist culture remained largely untouched by the outside world has a forbidding desert landscape

To trek into Upper Mustang is a rare privilege. Here you will experience the way of life of the true mountain people, for years, cut off from the rest of Nepal. In many ways, a trek into Upper Mustang is similar to trekking in Tibet, which geographically it is a part of. The district of Mustang was, until 1950, a separate kingdom within the boundaries of Nepal. The last king, the Raja of Mustang, still has his home at the ancient capital, Lo Manthang.

Access to Upper Mustang has only been possible for non-Nepalese trekkers for around ten years and, even today, access is still heavily regulated and restricted. To enter Upper Mustang, that is to travel further north than Kagbeni, trekkers need a special trekking permit and must be accompanied by a government appointed environmental officer. The expenses of the environmental officer have to be borne by the group. Trekkers must have arranged their trek through a government recognised trekking agency in order to be issued permits. The cost of the trekking permit is US$ 700 per person for a ten-day trek in the restricted area.

Upper Mustang, being in the Himalayan rain shadow, is one of the few parts of the country that re suitable for trekking during the summer monsoon period. Even at this time, the Upper Kali Gandaki Valley is still quite dry with only occasional rainfall. The Mustang trek is not particularly difficult, the highest point reached is only 3800 meters, but the conditions at times can be arduous. Cold in winter and windy and dusty all year; winter treks are best avoided due tot eh cold when many of the locals migrate to southern parts of the country and even to India.

There are few accommodation facilities available above Kagbeni so groups must be fully self-sufficient, especially in fuel. While porters are available in Jomsom it is preferable, in Mustang, to use mules to carry the loads. These pack animals are available locally and are more economical, and certainly more environmentally friendly, then human porters.

The Mustang trek requires a minimum of nine days starting and ending in Kagbeni. This allows the trek to be completed within the ten-day permit period. The route basically follows the Kali Gandaki valley, but, on occasions, climbs high above the valley walls. The settlements are scattered little sigh of cultivation between villages. In Mustang, little will grow without irrigation which makes the settlements reminiscent of oases.

Lo Manthang, the old capital, is reached in four days and at least one extra day should be spent here for local sightseeing. Ponies are available for hire for this purpose.

The return trip can either follow the upward route or, for an alternative, the eastern bank of the Kali Gandaki may be followed.

Day

1Arrival in Kathmandu 1300m/4264ft

Welcome to Nepal! A friendly representative from Purple Journeys will meet-and-greet you at the arrival area of the Tribhuvan International Airport with a flower garland – a tradition gesture of Nepalese hospitality. You will then be ushered to your pre-booked hotel. Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening at a traditional Nepalese restaurant for a fine meal accompanied by folk music and a cultural program.

Explore the cultural treasures of Kathmandu in our guided tour and immerse yourself in the vibrant array of bustling streets, incomparable historic buildings and heritage, exquisite temples and religious sites. The tour includes the holiest Hindu pilgrimage site of Pashupatinath Temple, the colossal stupa of Bouddhanath, Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as The Monkey Temple and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square with ‘Kumari Ghar’. There will also be time for shopping, picking up a thing or two for your trekking, if you have not done it back home. In the evening, we will have a pre-trek discussion and familiarize with our leader, other crew and participants.

We’ll depart Kathmandu this morning by private van or bus for Pokhara. The scenic drive will take us through scenic countryside to the famous lakeside city where we can relax for the evening and savor the spectacular mountain views over Phewa Lake.

Our day starts with an early flight to Jomsom, district headquarters of Mustang. From Jomsom we follow the banks of the Kali Gandaki to Kagbeni, a medieval village situated on the ancient salt trade route to Tibet.

We follow a sandy trail along the banks of the Kali Gandaki, passing the picturesque villages of Tangbe and Chhusang. Our scenic trail winds passed fields of wheat, barley, and buckwheat. Cresting a ridge, we reach the small village of Chele.

After passing the village of EkloBhatti, we cross the Taklam La pass 3624m/11923ft accompanied by excellent views of Tilicho, Yakawa Kang, and DamodarDanda. We will pass an interesting cave called Ramchung on the way to Syanbochen.

After an uphill climb to Yamda La we pass several chortens and charming villages with a distinctly Tibetan feel. A scenic expanse of poplar trees and barley fields leads to Nyi pass 4010m/13193ft, and finally to our overnight stop at Ghaymi.

Climbing to a high plateau beyond a crossing of the GhaymiKhola, we follow an impressive mani wall to Charang. Surrounded by a breathtaking expanse of fields, farm houses, stone walls, and a hilltop gompa, we settle for the night in Charang.

Descending into the stark beauty of the Charang Chu Canyon amid the majestic peaks of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Bhrikuti, and Annapurna I, we cross a river and enter Lo-Manthang Valley. On our approach, the views of the fabled walled city of Lo-Manthang perched on the Tibetan border are utterly magical.

Spend the day exploring Lo-Manthang and enjoy a visit to any number of its cultural sites – the hilltop NamgyalGompa, the King’s palace, or the nearby village of Tingkhar.

Our return journey begins with a stop in Gyakar to visit the 1200 year old Ghar gompa and the fascinating rock paintings nearby. End the day in Dhakmar village.

We traverse the stark and windswept plains to Ghiling. Crossing this remote and rugged area will require us to rest depending on wind conditions, as the dusty wind can be abrasive.

Our last day of trekking through the Upper Mustang trails is today. The haunting landscape will be something to remember. Savor the last hours in this remote and unique area on before the sun sets over Chhuksang.

An early morning start is best to enjoy the walk to Kagbeni. From here, we join the Annapurna Circuit trail en route to Jomsom.

We depart in the morning for an amazingly scenic flight to Pokhara between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Arrive in Pokhara in the afternoon and enjoy the evening relaxing by Fewa Lake.

Depart by private van or bus this morning for Kathmandu. Spend the evening in Thamel reminiscing after an amazing journey.

Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits. You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight. Thanks for traveling with Purple Journeys. Farewell and Namaste.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • Airport pickup and drop off in private vehicle
  • Hotel with included breakfast in Kathmandu
  • Private transportation and government licensed guide while sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
  • Entrance fees for attractions (UNESCO world heritage sites, museums, etc.) during sightseeing in Kathmandu
  • Government licensed, experienced trekking guide and porters during trekking
  • Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara return airfare with taxes
  • Insurance for trekking crew (guides and porters)
  • Accommodations in tea-houses during trekking
  • Three daily meals while trekking
  • All required conservation fees and trekking permits (TIMS)
  • Air ticket to and from Nepal from your point of origin
  • Visa fee for entry into Nepal
  • Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu
  • Personal insurance or cost of air rescue in the event of emergency
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, hygiene items, staff tips, etc.)

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