Upper Mustang trek is a bit like life and mountaineering, never look down. We have enough time to discover some unique culture in a once ‘no entry’’ kingdom. Above all, the view of striking houses with the warm & friendly people gives us much joy on this trip. The Upper Mustang trek area is a blessing of fantastic landscapes that excites the heart.
‘Upper Mustang Trek’ is a walk through north of Annapurna at a usual altitude of 4,000m. The valleys are barren and dry with colourful rocks and many cave dwellings high up on the cliffs. The first trekking groups got an ‘okay’ to enter Upper Mustang only in 1992. Therefore, only a very few people (about 700 trekkers yearly) visit Upper Mustang. Consequently, our Upper Mustang Trek itinerary leads us through quiet trails with fewer crowds. Moreover, we get to view peaceful Tibetan culture amid friendly settlements. This outstanding trek includes several long trekking days and a hike through the deepest gorge in the world. Likewise, the hike follows wonderful trails through large villages that once were a successful trade route between Nepal and Tibet. The Upper Mustang Trek cost is so much worth the trip. In other words, Mustang is one of the finest Himalayan spots for its rich background.
The Upper Mustang trek is in an area that sees very little rainfall in a whole year. Perhaps, this is the reason why Mustang is also known as the ‘desert of Nepal’. Rocky Mountains with views of snowy peaks in the background amaze us throughout the trip. Along with this, bright white painted settlements glitter in the sunshine. All this amid fields of barley and simple colourful monasteries make this a journey to remember. A special highlight is the visit to Lo Manthang, where the King of Mustang rules over his tiny kingdom. This is a world with lifestyles closer to the heartland of Tibet than to the markets and temples of Kathmandu. We experience an outstanding journey to one of the true gems of the great Himalaya of Nepal. Encounters Nepal will escort you on this dream trip of a lifetime.
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (200km/6-7 hours)
Pokhara is 200 kilometers from Kathmandu. After having morning breakfast in Kathmandu, we take a scenic drive to Pokhara that takes approx. six to seven hours. Drive through the Prithvi Highway following the river bank of Trishuli and Marshyangdi. If the weather is clear, we will have plenty of opportunities on the way to witness some of the beautiful peaks including Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, and Manaslu. Once we reach in Pokhara, we check-in to the hotel nearby lakeside. Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 02: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, and trek to Kagbeni (2860m) – 3 Hours
Take a short scenic flight (about 20 minutes) Jomsom from Pokhara. The flight will offer you to witness the deepest river-gorge in the world at Kaligandaki. After landing at Jomsom airport starts the actual trek. Following the east bank of Kali Gandaki rive to Ekle Bhatti, we walk for another half an hour to reach Kagbeni. Kagbeni is an oasis like settlement consisting of flat-roofed houses. You can visit a Tibetan Buddhist Gompa there while enjoying the superb views of Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Mount Tilicho. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3060m) – 5 Hours
Today, after having the morning breakfast, we take a short walk through a narrow flagstone-paved path. We then enter to the restricted area of Mustang. Continuing our walk towards the east bank of Kali Gandaki, we pass by some impressive villages of Tangbe and Chhusang before we reach Chele. Stay overnight at a local guesthouse.
Day 04: Trek from Chele to Geling (3510m) – 6 Hours
We continue our trek from Chele today and after 45 minutes of our walk; you can see some good views of the Kaligandaki valley back down with some impressive sights of Mount Nilgiri and Tilicho Peak. It takes another one and half hours to reach Dajori La Pass and we reach at Samar, really a picturesque village in the region. From Samar, we continue to walk through the center of the village and descend to a stream where we can witness eroded watercourse. Ascending up and continuing to cross Bhena La and Yamda La Passes, we now make our way to Syangboche village following different mani walls and stupas. Shortly, we arrive at the village of Geling, where you can visit a couple of ancient Buddhist gompas. Stay overnight at a local guesthouse.
Day 05: Trek from Geling to Charang (3620m) – 7 Hours
From Geling, we climb a steep uphill trail and continue walking to a pass at 4025m. The pass offers the beautiful views of Annapurna range. After the pass, we descend down to Ghemi, a small village with few teahouses. From Ghemi, we continue towards a stream and cross a suspension bridge which makes our way up to upper valley. Upper valley offers you the longest mani wall in the Mustang region. We follow the route beside the mani wall and climb another pass of Charang La to eventually reach Charnag, which is the old capital of Mustang. Stay overnight at a local guesthouse.
Day 06: Trek from Charang to Lo Manthang (3890m) – 4 Hours
It's going to be the final destination of our trek today. As we are going to walk towards Lo Manthang from Charang, it's going to be relatively short and moderate walk as well. Following the Charang river to the north and then gradually climbing up to the Lo La pass, we can enjoy the panoramic views of Lo-Manthang and Upper Mustang. After the pass, we take an easy downhill walk towards Lo-Manthang, an ancient walled city, the capital of Mustang. Stay overnight at a local guesthouse.
Day 07: In Lo Manthang: Excursion to Loori Gompa, Fa, Tang, Sukhad, Yaradhara, Sarad, Chhoser, Chhongdup & Tingkar
Today is the exploration day at Lo-Manthang. Go for walking tour around the valley. You can visit four major gompas that date back to the early 15th century. Excursion to Loori Gimpa, Tang, Sukhad, Yaradhara, Sarad, Chhongdup, and Tinkar will be a good option for you today. Stay overnight at a local guesthouse.
Day 08: Trek from Lo Manthang to Ghami via Gekar – 6 Hours
Stroll the way back to Ghami today via Gekar today. It takes around six hours to reach Ghami. Stay overnight at a local guesthouse.
Day 09: Trek from Ghami to Samar (3160m) – 7 Hours
Stroll the same way back to Samar. Stay overnight at a local guesthouse.
Day 10: Trek from Samar to Kagbeni – 6 Hours
Trek the same way back to Kagbeni today. Stay overnight at a local guesthouse.
Day 11: Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom – 2 Hours
It takes only a couple of hours to reach Jomsom from Kagbeni. So, you can start late today. Stay overnight at a local guesthouse.
Day 12: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
After having your morning breakfast, catch your early morning flight to Pokhara from Jomsom. On the remaining time, you can take the sightseeing tour of Pokhara city. Enjoy boating at Phewa Lake, visit Mahendra Cave, Bat's Cave, and Davis Falls. If you wish, you can go for shopping in Pokhara. Stay overnight at a hotel.
Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu – 7 Hours
Drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara today. And join the farewell dinner with our team.