Upper Mustang Trek – 15 Days
Trip Facts
Duration
09 Days
Max. Altitude:
3,840 meters (12,600 feet)
Group size
1-25
Best Season
Spring (Feb-May) & Autumn (Sep-Dec)
Trip Mode
Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse/Tea Houses
Activity
Trekking
Meals
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
DIFFICULTY
Moderator
LOCATION
Upper Mustang
Start/End
Kathmandu, Nepal
Highlights
- Scenic flight round trip over the mountains from Pokhara & Jomsom.
- Explore the hidden kingdom in trans-Himalayan land.
- Tour around manmade sky caves.
- A picturesque view of the Himalayas.
- Visit the walled city; Lo Manthang.
- Visit Muktinath, the holiest temple in both Hinduism and Buddhism.
- Discover what it’s like to live in the mountains.
Overview
Upper Mustang offers an experienes of Trans Himalayan Landscape and exotic Himalayn cultures and religion livlihood experience. Lo manthang in upper mustang is an experince exotic destination too. During the heavy rainy season also can visited in this area. The local organized Teeji festival once in year with monk musk dancing. The upper mustang is still in protected area and need special permit for the trekking.
The Upper Mustang Trek is a unique and exciting journey to the hidden kingdom of Mustang in Nepal. This trek takes you to a remote and magical land with stunning desert-like landscapes, deep canyons, and ancient caves. The region has a rich Tibetan-influenced culture, with beautiful monasteries and traditional villages. Trekking in Upper Mustang feels like traveling back in time, as the area has remained untouched for centuries.
Monviso Trek organizes this trek with expert guides and a carefully planned itinerary. The trek usually takes about 12 to 15 days, depending on the route. Along the way, you will walk through breathtaking rock formations, colorful cliffs, and ancient Buddhist settlements. One of the main highlights is visiting Lo Manthang, the old walled capital of Mustang, where you can explore historic palaces and monasteries.
Unlike other treks in Nepal, Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, meaning it has dry weather and can be trekked even in the monsoon season. The landscape is unique, with red cliffs, barren hills, and deep gorges. With Monviso Trek, you will have the opportunity to experience this stunning region with a well-organized and comfortable trekking experience.
This trek is also a cultural adventure. You will meet friendly locals who follow traditional Tibetan customs and visit ancient monasteries decorated with beautiful paintings and statues. The Tiji Festival, a famous Buddhist celebration in Lo Manthang, is a special event to witness. Monviso Trek ensures that you get the best cultural experience while respecting the traditions and environment of Mustang.
Overall, the Upper Mustang Trek is perfect for those who want to explore a remote and unique part of Nepal. It offers a mix of adventure, history, and breathtaking scenery. With Monviso Trek, you can enjoy a hassle-free and unforgettable journey to this hidden gem of the Himalayas. If you love trekking in peaceful and culturally rich areas, this trek is an excellent choice.
Itinerary
Your adventure begins as you land in Kathmandu, where a representative from Monviso Trek will welcome you at the airport and take you to your hotel. After some rest, you can explore the lively streets of Thamel, where you will find trekking shops, restaurants, and historical sites. In the evening, Monviso Trek will organize a pre-trek briefing, where you will meet your guide and fellow trekkers. You will also go through the final preparations, including checking your gear and ensuring you have all the necessary permits for the restricted Upper Mustang region.
Before heading to the mountains, you will spend a full day exploring the cultural wonders of Kathmandu. Monviso Trek will arrange a guided tour of some of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. This tour will give you an insight into Nepal’s rich history, religious traditions, and vibrant culture. Later in the day, you will finalize your packing, and the team will ensure that all trekking documents and permits are ready for the journey ahead.
After breakfast, you will take a scenic flight to Pokhara, a beautiful city known for its lakes and stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Once you arrive, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to relax or explore. You can take a boat ride on Phewa Lake, visit Davis Falls, or walk around Lakeside, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Monviso Trek ensures that you have a comfortable stay before your trek officially begins.
Early in the morning, you will take a thrilling flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, the headquarters of the Mustang district. The short flight offers breathtaking views of Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri before landing in the windy valley of Jomsom. After breakfast in Jomsom, you will begin your trek, following the Kali Gandaki River towards Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. The trail is mostly flat, passing through dry landscapes and small villages with traditional Tibetan-style houses. Upon reaching Kagbeni, you will explore the ancient Buddhist monastery and narrow alleys, where you will get your first glimpse of Tibetan-influenced culture. Monviso Trek will arrange a cozy teahouse stay in this fascinating village.
After breakfast, you will enter the restricted Upper Mustang region, following the Kali Gandaki River into the heart of the ancient kingdom. The trail gradually ascends through arid, desert-like landscapes, passing eroded cliffs, red rock formations, and small settlements. Along the way, you will see traditional Tibetan-style villages, chortens, and Mani walls decorated with prayer inscriptions. After a few hours of walking, you will reach Chele, a small but beautiful village where you will stay overnight. Monviso Trek ensures a comfortable stay in a traditional teahouse, where you can enjoy a warm meal and relax after a day of trekking.
Today’s trek is a bit challenging as you cross several passes, including the Taklam La Pass (3,624m) and Dajori La Pass (3,735m). The landscape becomes more dramatic, with barren hills, deep canyons, and distant snow-capped peaks. As you walk, you will pass through Samar Village, where you can take a short break and admire the traditional mud-brick houses and Buddhist chortens. The trail then continues through a mix of ascents and descents, finally reaching Syanboche, a small village offering magnificent mountain views. Monviso Trek will arrange a peaceful teahouse stay where you can rest and enjoy the evening in a remote but beautiful setting.
The trek today takes you through high mountain passes, deep gorges, and colorful rock formations, making it one of the most scenic days of the trek. You will first cross Yamda La Pass (3,850m), where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Mustang valley. The trail then passes through small Tibetan-style villages with barley fields and prayer flags, adding to the mystical charm of the region. After crossing Nyi La Pass (4,010m), the highest point of the day, you will descend to Ghami, a beautiful village known for its long Mani walls and traditional lifestyle. Monviso Trek ensures a cozy stay where you can relax and enjoy a warm Sherpa meal.
After breakfast, you will continue towards Tsarang, one of the most important villages in Upper Mustang. The trail takes you through a rugged landscape with ancient chortens, stone walls, and isolated monasteries. One of the highlights of today’s trek is the long Mani wall of Ghami, considered the longest Buddhist prayer wall in Nepal. As you approach Tsarang, you will see the massive Tsarang Monastery and palace ruins, which tell stories of the former Mustang kingdom. Monviso Trek will arrange your stay in a traditional teahouse, where you can explore the village and learn more about its rich history.
Today is a special day as you finally reach Lo Manthang, the ancient walled city of Upper Mustang. The trail follows a gentle ascent to the Lo La Pass (3,950m), from where you will get your first view of Lo Manthang, surrounded by barren hills and distant snow-capped peaks. As you enter the city, you will feel like stepping back in time, with narrow alleys, white-washed houses, and centuries-old monasteries. Monviso Trek will ensure you have enough time to explore this magical place and experience its rich Tibetan culture.
Today, you will spend the day exploring Lo Manthang, visiting its ancient monasteries, royal palace, and Buddhist caves. You can also take a short hike to Chhoser Village, where you will find the famous Jhong Cave, a fascinating multi-story cave believed to be over 2,500 years old. The people of Lo Manthang still follow their traditional way of life, and interacting with them will give you a deeper insight into Tibetan culture. Monviso Trek will ensure you have a well-organized day to fully enjoy this cultural treasure.
Includes
- All (international and domestic) airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
- All your standard meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) including seasonal fruits
- Permits for Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) and Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS)
- Wages, accommodation, meals, gear, insurance, and medications for all staff
- All administrative expenses and government taxes
Excludes
- Meals (lunch and dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- International flight fare and airport departure tax
- Any beverages including bottled and boiled water
- Tips to trekking staff and driver
- Personal Trekking gear and equipment
- Any expenses other than the Price Include section
Equipment
Head
- Sun hat
- Scarf
- Light balaclava
- Warm wool hat
- UV protection one Sunglasses
- Head torch with extra batteries.
Upper Part of The Body Upper
- Tshirts
- Shirts
- Sleeveless or body warmer type fleece.
- Long sleeve shirts
- Thermal Vest
- Down Jacket
- Fleece Jacket
- Pullover
- Sports bras (women)
- Waterproof outer jacket
- Raincoat
- Hand wear
- Fleece gloves.
- Warms mittens or gloves.
Lower Body
- Long Under Wear
- Short Under Wear
- Lightweight Cotton Long Pants
- Warm Trousers
- Tracksuit pants
- Lightweight thermal trouser
- Fleece pants
- Cotton paints
Footwear
- Thin inner socks
- Thick warm wool hiking socks
- Walking boots with ankle support
- Trainers or trail shoes
- Gaiters
- Micro spikes
Electronics
- Camera and Accessories
- Phone
- Power Bank
- Solar Panel
- Travel Adapter
Miscellaneous
- Book
- Playing Cards/Games
- Journal and Pen
- Snacks and Specialist Food
Hygiene & First Aid
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toilet Paper
- Wet Wipes
- Pocket Hand Warmers
- Moisturizing skin cream and Lip balm
- Toiletries
- Water purifier
- First Aid
Trek Essentials
- Passport and Copy
- Travel Insurance Details
- Trekking Permit(s)
- Waterproof Document Wallet
- Cash
Recommended Medications
- Guide will take a group first aid kit but please bring personal medications and other items you might use regularly such as
- Any personal medications
- Malaria prophylactic tablets
- Blister treatment
- Rehydration powder
- Analgesics (Paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin)
- Plasters and zinc oxide tape
- Throat lozenges
- Diamox
Other Equipment
- Duffel Bag or Suitcase
- Day pack
- Sleeping bag
- Water bottle
- Trekking poles
- Towel
