Upper Mustang Trekking
OVERVIEW
Duration
16 Days
Activity
Best Season
Difficulty
Group Size
Transportation
Meals
Accomodation
The trek to Upper Mustang is through off-the-beaten-path, an almost tree-less barren landscape, along with a deeply undulating rocky trail, with the panoramic view of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and a range of other soaring Peaks. The region also presents you with a lost culture of the forbidden lands of the past. Mustang is an ancient forbidden territory, bordered by the Tibetan Plateau in north and world's deepest gorge in South.
Upper Mustang was restricted area until 1992; it is one of the most preserved regions in the world due to its hidden isolated nature from the modern world, having the majority of the population still speaking traditional Tibetan Languages. Mustang is driven from the Tibetan word 'plain of aspiration' which was opened to foreigners after 1992. It is one of the popular trekking routes of Nepal. The territory of Upper Mustang remained isolated from the 14th century.
The entire area of Mustang is included in the Annapurna Conservation Area. The monarchy in Mustang was kicked out by the republican government of Nepal on October 7, 2008. The monarchy in Mustang ceased to exist by order of the Government of Nepal in 2008 after Nepal became a federal democratic Republic. It is also known as mini Tibet of Nepal.
The local residents of Upper Mustang are the Lobas. The language, tradition, customs, and heritage are very similar to the neighboring land of Tibet. The territory of Upper Mustang is walled by stone and Mud is named Lo Manthang. Long wall of beautiful prayer wheels, herds of farm animals, Old King Palace and historical Monastery inside wall, similar types of houses near the area makes your trip historical. The Amchi museum and school are a must-visit to further comprehend the heritage.
Mustang is Tibetan influenced culture and tradition with semi-arid desert with deep ravines, rock shelves, snowy peaks having less rain and an amazing view of Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri. Choser cave located in Upper Mustang is an amazing destination having 50+ Private room and community Kitchen. When Tibetan people were chased away from Tibet, they hide inside this cave to protect their life. Monasteries build in the 13th century is also another focal point of your trip to Mustang.
Now, due to road construction, even one can go by private Jeep to Lo- Manthang. We recommend you to hike from Jomsom to Lo-Manthang and way back by Jeep to Jomsom. On the way to Lo-Manthang, we escape the road path; explore trek to off-the-beaten-path to Lo-Manthang where possible.
Highlights
- Walk through off the beaten path, Hidden Valley and barren land
- View the amazing Himalayan sights of Annapurna, Dhalulagiri and Nilgiri
- Encounter Old King Palace, Historical Monastery, walled Lo – Manthang Village
- Visit Choser Cave, Tsarang Monastery, and Kagbeni Monastery
- Scenic flight from Pokhara – Jomsom
Itineraries
Your adventure and cultural trip to Nepal begins after your arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu. After you will land, get your hand bag and go to immigration office where you can get your Nepal visa. There must be many people; need fill form before apply for visa and get down to 1st floor where you will wait your suitcase. After getting suitcase, go outside where our office member shows your Name in white paper sheet and transfer to Hotel. We have booked your hotel in Thamel which is the touristic hub of Nepal.
After breakfast, your cultural tour begins where our Guide will brief to you about whole Nepal including history, culture, people, religion, geography and living standard of People. You will visit popular world Heritage sites of Nepal such as Swyambhunath (Monkey Temple) - Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage site, Patan Durbar Square – Old King Palace with Beautiful Temples and Houses, Pashupatinath Temple - popular Hindu temple of South Asia and Boudhanath Stupa – biggest Buddhist stupa with monastery around. It is full day guided city tour where you will learn most important historical and cultural things of Nepal. After you will return back to Hotel from sightseeing, meet with your Trekking Guide and brief about trekking program.
We recommend you to drive by Private Transport to Pokhara. It takes 5-6 hrs to drive from Kathmandu with views of local villages, Rivers, Forests, Hills and Snowcapped Himalayan Peaks. The road drive goes along with Prithivi Highway with scenery of Trishuli River through Muglin, Khaireni, Dumre, Damauli and finally reach Pokhara. In the evening, you can have beautiful walk near Phewa Lake.
In the morning, have scenic mountain flight to Jomsom from Pokhara where your guide will fly with you. It takes a fifteen-minute fly to Jomsom from Pokhara via world's highest gorge. During the short flight, enjoy the stunning view of Machhapuchhre, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalaya from Twin-Otter Plane. In Jomsom, meet with your trekking Porters and 3 hours straight walk to Kagbeni by following Kali-Gandaki River. Today is a very easy and short walk.
In the morning after having breakfast, your trek route goes to the upper part of Mustang. Today, you will enter in the restricted area of Upper Musang where your permits are checked. You will enter to the deserted valley with barren land with Nilgiri Himalayan on behind. The trek route of Kali Gandaki River gives to you old history of its existence. Before you reach to Chaile, cross the classical village of Chuksang. Chaile is the small beautiful place having very few Tea-Houses having a picturesque view of Mustang.
As usual, after breakfast, trek to Syangboche from Chaile via Samar village and many steep climb and descents. After Samar, we recommend you to escape Bhena village due to Jeep drives and dust on the way. Your guide takes you from Hidden path to Syangboche via Old Monastery (Gumpa). Syangboche is small settlement deep into the valley having theatrical setting. Day 7
From Syangboche your trail goes small pass of 3800m with beautiful views of mountains, deep valley, and canyons. It takes 5-6 hours desert walk to Ghami from Syangboche. You will have amazing images of Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna range in the south. Ghami is the big classical village having an old monastery, Chorten, Mani Walls, and goat-farming houses.
Today is short trekking to Charang from Ghami. You will enter in the land and territory of Indian saint Guru-Padmasambhava (750-810 AD), who was in Tibet via Mustang. Guru-Padmasambhava is the father of Buddhism in Tibet and Mustang who had a great contribution to creating a fusion of Buddhism with original Shamanistic religion of Tibet call Bon-religion. Charang is the big village having Old King Palace and Monastery. Explore Classical Tsarang Village and territory.
Today is the final walk to Lo-Mantahng from Tsarang. Lo -Manthang is the walled city having King Palace and old monasteries. Today you will cross 4000 m of Lo-La with wonderful Chorten. You will have 3-4 hours walk to Lo-Manthang. After lunch, explore the legendary walled city. Lo-Manthang is the capital city of Mustang having 160 houses and finest existence of Tibetan Buddhism. An enormous 14th century King Palace and four major ancient Monasteries are very impressive and historical. Overnight in the Tea-House of Lomanthang.
Today is another day having exploration of Choser Cave. Choser is 2500 years old Cave having 44 Rooms, when Tibetan people were chased away from Tibet, they hide inside this Cave for security. Explore Nyphu Cave Monastery and ancient other popular monasteries of Upper Mustang.
Early Morning, we recommend you to way back by private Jeep to Jomsom from Lo-Manthang. Even one can also walk back to Jomsom if having time. But we recommend you to drive back to Jomsom. Say Goodbye to your porters. Overnight in Tea-House of Jomsom.
In the morning, fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom. We will fly to Pokhara early in the moring, whole day, have rest in hotel or free time. Overnight in 3* standard Hotel.
We recommend you fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara.
After completing, Upper Mustang Trekking, you are free in Kathmandu or you can have shopping as gift of Nepal to your family and friends. You must be very tired after trekking, can also have good body massage in Spa center. You will feel free and explore local markets and also enjoy your time in good restaurant in Thamel.
Our staff help your departure to Tribhuvan International Airport for your respective destination. Hopefully, we will wait your recommendation and suggestion and also review about your trek to Upper Mustang. Our Guide and Porters can wait for your next adventure journey to Nepal Himalaya. See you again and good bye.
INCLUSION
- Airport Pickup and drop in Private Transport
- Kathmandu Sightseeing with Cultural Tour Guide, Entrance Fees of Hindu/Buddhist Temple
- 3 star Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara with Twin Share including breakfast only
- Pokhara to Jomsom Flight (before Trek) and Jomsom to Pokhara flight (after Trek) With Guide Flight too
- Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Kathamndu to Pokhara drive by private Transport
- English Speaking Trekking Guide including his salary, insurance, equipment, Food and Accommodation
- Strong Trekking Porter including his salary, insurance, equipment, Food and Accommodation
- Twin share Tea House Accommodation with Breakfast only during Upper Mustang Trekking
- Annapurna Conversation Area Project Permit, TIMS, Mustang Special Permit and all Documents for Annapurna Trekking
- Nepal Government Taxes and Office Service Charge
EXCLUSION
- Lunch & Dinner during Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Lunch & Dinner during Upper Mustang Trekking
- Nepal Visa Fee (30$ for 15 Days and 50$ for 30 Days)
- International Flight Ticket
- Personal Trekking /Travel Insurance
- Personal Trekking equipment and Clothes
- Hot Shower, Wi-Fi in mountain, Battery Charge and all personal expenses during Trekking
- Tips for Guide & Porter
- Any other things not mentioned
16 Days
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