Upper Mustang Trek

Attractions

  • Scenic view of Dhaulagari and Annapurna Himalayan range
  • Explore oldest cave and Monastery.
  • Forbidden kingdom of Mustang Culture influenced by Tibetan.
  • Sightseeing tour of historical, world heritage sites and many other views.

OVERVIEW

Culture In The Forbidden Kingdom

Mustang was once an independent kingdom culturally linked to Tibet. From the 15th to 17th centuries it was an important hub for trans-Himalayan trade. Upper Mustang comprises the northern two-thirds of Mustang District of Dhawalagiri Zone, Nepal. The southern third of the district is called Thak and is the homeland of the Thakali who have their own language. Their culture combines Tibetan and Nepalese elements.

Tourism, trade and animal husbandry form the basis of the local economy. This tour offers spectacular trekking into the remote and isolated Trans-Himalayan mountain area with Tibetan influenced culture. The Upper mustang Trek has many unique features and is an ideal trek for travellers seeking to absorb themselves in an unspoilt and remote ancient society.

Why we love it ?

Guest House

Mountain view

Camping

Hiking

Dining

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu [1300 m / 4264 ft]

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM) you will be greeted by a representative from Apoorva Tours. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with our display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel. After check in, you will meet your trekking guide as well as other participants and do final preparation for the trip. Later in the evening we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program along with a fine meal.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Sightseeing and Trek Preparation. Some of these landmarks include the World Heritage Sites: the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Himalayan Glacier Trekking briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 03: Kathmandu to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft]

Early morning at around 7 am, we set off for Pokhara on a tourist bus. Enroute we will see more of countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain sceneries. Afternoon, we reach Pokhara. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara is city of lakes and has numerous beautiful lakes. We can explore the most accessible and beautiful, Fewa Lake during the afternoon -enjoy boating too. Explore, relax and dine by tranquil Lake Fewa. You can even do some shopping during evening hours. Overnight in Pokhara.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni [2,858m/9,375ft]

After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 20 minutes over the mountains with views of 8,000ers such as Annapurna & Dhaulagiri, brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town, headquarter of the Mustang region; it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, Continue on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept villages situated on the main age old Trans-himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. In Kagbeni a major tributory, Kak Khola, coming from Muktinath, meets Mustang Khola, and from there the river is called the Kali Gandaki.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele [3.050m/10,004ft]

Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we have scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trails follows the up and downhill. Firstly we reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges reach at Chele village.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 06: Chele to Syanbochen [3475m/11,398ft]

Today, we start our trek again and walk further to Eklo Bhatti. We climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. Further descend a little to the village of Samar. Climb the trail that goes above Samar village to the ridge then descending steeply to a stream. Another 3 hrs similar walk takes us to Syanbochen. On the way, we relax along the surrounding of cool streams and juniper trees. Locals use the dried leaves of junipers as incense for deities and start any auspicious work. We also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 07: Syanbochen to Ghaymi [3,520m/11,546ft]

After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) passing a few teahouses, chortens and local villages which is like Tibetan style of houses with open Varanda. We cross mountain passes, and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barley. The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) would be a little longer. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi. the third largest village in the Lo region, Ghayami is surrounded by large fields most of which are barren.Included meals: BLD

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 08: Ghaymi to Charang [3,500m/11,480ft]

Start the trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk. After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall, a sacred stone wall made by the followers Buddhism. From the end of the wall the trail heads east to the village of Charang with a maze of fields, willow trees and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the Tsarang Chu canyon. There is also a huge white dzong and red Gompa to get to our teahouse for tonight’s stop.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 09: Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3,700m/12,136ft)

Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay at hotel for the overnight stop.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 10: Explore Lo-Mangthang

Today we explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to hotel. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang “God house” the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- storey building of the Raja’s palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 11: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar [3810 m/12,500ft]

While returning from Lo-Mangthan, we take a different route than that we came by. Trek to Drakmar via Gyakar with more than 1200 years old Ghar Gompa with Guru Rinpoche as the primary figure. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. According to the legend, anyone who makes one wish at the Ghar Gompa, their wish is fulfilled. Explore the local area. Likelihood of dusty wind, so suggested to walk in the morning.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806m/12,484ft]

Today, we get back to Ghiling as our journey for our overnight stay after a long walk takes 5-6 hrs. After arrival and lunch enjoy the day exploring the area, but it will be dusty wind in the afternoon, better to walk in evening time.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 13: Ghiling to Chhuksang [3050m/10,004ft]

We re-track back to Ghiling for the overnight stop after 5 hrs walk. You will have wonderful scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view. Enjoy your trip and overnight at teahouse.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 14: Chhuksang to Jomsom [2700/8,856ft]

Our last day of the day would be a long one. Better to walk early start as before and trek to Kagbeni. Finishing the upper Mustang trails and we join the normal Annapurna circuit trek. After lunch at Kagbeni will head on to Jomsom for the overnight stop. Or, if you can spare one more day, our guide would take you to Muktinath as well.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara

After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. A 30 min dramatic flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. Rest of the time explores the lake and overnight at hotel.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we start our 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. Better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the sceneries through the route. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in Kathmandu where we can pick our meal from their carefully crafted menu that offers a wide range of choices.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Day 17: Fly Home: Farewell Friend

The journey within the mountains of Nepal comes to an end today. There is nothing to do but we just trade emails to travel companions and organize our photos. If we have more time we can do some shopping or sightseeing. At last approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight, a representative from A One Treks escorts us to the airport. On our way to home we will have plenty of time to plan our next adventure trip in the wonderful country of Nepal.

ACCOMMODATION

LUNCH

HOURS

SIGNAL

Our Price

At Apoorva tours we recognise that not all of our visitors require a set and rigid experience, and there are many options based on the potential tours we have identified. We hope that these have whetted your appetite. Also we realise cost is a prime factor in choosing a tour so we wish to give you the best overall package to suit your needs.

Please contact us with your requirements and we will tailor a package for you. No need to hesitate, it costs you nothing and you can always say no.Our overriding aim is to give you the best, and your satisfaction is our reward.

Important notes

A Few reasons to choose our Tour package

If your vacation involves any degree of risk or is subject to weather conditions our guides and tour leaders are instructed to make any essential changes to the itinerary that are required for your own health and safety. Your well being is important to us and we want your tour to be memorable for all the right reasons. However we will always make every effort to ensure that you are happy and that your hopes and expectations are realized.

Head For The Wilderness

Top Reasons to Visit

A Magnificent Trek

The route traverses wilderness landscapes, weather-beaten cliffs, desolate ridges, yawning canyons, moraine valleys and magnificent mountain views including Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. Trekking in Mustang is overall one of the most rewarding experiences in Nepal.

Mustang

Mustang is a remote and spectacular region. It was once an independent kingdom closely culturally linked to Tibet. During the period from the 15th century to the 17th century it was an important hub for trans-Himalayan trade.

Ancient Temples and Monasteries

The Upper mustang trek encounters some of Nepal’s oldest Buddhist Monasteries such as the 1200 years old Ghar Gompa famous for its rock paintings.According to legend, anyone making one wish at the Ghar Gompa will have it fulfilled.