Upper Mustang Trekking
Major Highlight Of Upper Mustang Trekking
- Traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture.
- Walled town of Lo Manthang.
- Ancient Buddhist cave art.
- Monasteries and Buddhist architecture.
- Witness Deepest gorges.
- Explore Local Culture and Lifestyle.
Overview of Upper Mustang Trekking
Upper Mustang Trekking
The Upper Mustang trek takes us to the way of hidden Buddhist world of the Kingdom of Mustang, also known as Lo. This village is in border of Tibet where we can have some Tibetan influence both in its people and culture and in its arid landscape of high cliffs and rocks of unusual formations and colour.
This trek will take us through Kagbeni, which is also the gateway to Upper Mustang, then through a stark landscape in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif to Lo-Manthang, the seat of past Kings of the Kingdom of Lo.
You can witness many caves, paintings over rocks , Buddhist monasteries, and basically explore local culture of this area. Along with that you will get to witness the Panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and others, are very much part of this exciting trip.
Within Lo Manthang itself, a visit to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar, the last main village in the northwest of the area, as well as the King’s palace, brings a further cultural understanding of the area.
You can also meet an amchi (traditional Tibetan doctor) museum and school where visitors can learn about ancient healing art.
The trek is at a relatively high altitude (3,000m to 3,800m), intensified by the dry air.
On average, walking takes 5 to 7 hours a day, and some paths are particularly windy and dusty.
Itinerary of Upper Mustang Trekking
Day 1:Day 1:Welcome to kathmandu
You will be welcomed by our staff guide at Tribhuwan International Airport arrival section and taken to hotel on a private car. After you check in your hotels, you will have some meal and began your exploration of Kathmandu Valley.
Day 2: Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu is also known as city of temple as you can see temple and monasteries at every corner of the street. Morning in Kathmandu is actually very soothing as everyone will be starting their day gradually we can witness the beautiful view of Kathmandu. Kathmandu has a special atmosphere during the early morning hours. It’s a great time to walk and explore the streets or have a chai overlooking one of the local courtyards or durbar squares, Bouddhnath stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and so on
Day 3 – Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
It will take around six to seven-hour drive when you go up to Pokhara,. You will have a lot of things that you can do so that you can have more fun around Pokhara . This means that you see it all, and you will feel like you are seeing more than you would have otherwise.
Day 4:Pokhara to Jomsom to Kagbeni
Today morning we will take short flight from Pokhara to Jomson.
After reaching Jomsom we will have breakfast over there and we will gradually ascend through the town, over a small bridge then hit the trail proper to take an easy yet interesting hike to Kagbeni.
Here we can explore the small village Kagbeni with its walled passages and strange clay effigies decorating the walls.
If you like you can hike up the nearby hill to get a good view up the Kali Gandaki River to Upper Mustang and map out the zig zag trail that leads over the opposite hill to Dolpo
Day 5:Kagbeni to Chele
After having our breakfast early in the morning today we will gradually ascend toward Upper Mustang.The trail will take us through the beautiful Kaligandaki river. Following a ridge, we reach the village of Chele.
Day 6:Chele to Syangmoche
After having our early breakfast in beautiful Chele village today our trek will be little harder as we will be crossing the Taklam La pass (3,624m) and the Darjori La pass (3,735m). But in reward we will get to witness majestic mountain views and intriguing caves along the way to keep our minds off our hard-working legs. After then we will gradually start descending into Samar Village from where we walk to a ridge and down another steep trail on to Syangmoche.
Day 7: Syangmoche to Ghami
Today we will be crossing t another big pass, the Yamada La(3,850m) as well as chortens and beautiful villages. Walking through dense forests we will then have another pass to cross. Nyi Pass which is 4,010m now from here we will gradually start descending down to Ghami. Ghami is one of the large village for this area and is beautifully located and surrounded by fields
Day 8: Ghami to Charang
After having our breakfast we will start to trek sometimes slippery ground as we descend to a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola. The way will take us through passed mani walls (stone-built walls with Tibetan mantras carved into the stones) and over the Charang La Pass (3,870m).
At the top of the Charang Chu canyon lies the village of Charang. This village also has a fortress and red gompa to the east of it. There is plenty of time to explore after lunch!
Day 9: Charang to Lo Manthang
After having breakfast in Charang today we will descend down into a canyon we cross a river and ascend to the Lo La pass (3,950m). From the pass we will witness first look at the historic and amazing village of Lo Manthang.
This walled village is the traditional home to the King of Lo and is still the scene of many interesting and colourful Buddhist festivals. We will also explore many mountains –such as Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna and Bhrikuti Peak at to the atmosphere of the place.
Day 10: Day Trip to Chhoser Cave
After having our breakfast in Beautiful Lo Manthang today we will get to explore some of the mysteries of Upper Mustang. A short trek to the area of Chhoser Here we find about Jhong Caves or even Sky Caves.
What these are five-storey high caves built into the side of cliffs. Researchers are still puzzling as to whom these caves were built and for what purpose . Local assume that they were used as burial chambers, hiding places, places of meditation and later, monasteries.
But no one really knows about the actual origins of these suspicious amazing caves. We can explore some of these caves, taking a packed lunch with us so we can enjoy the atmosphere of the caves, lunar-like landscape and mountains while relaxing also. Then we head back to Lo Manthang were we overnight again.
Day 11: Lo Manthang to Dhakmar
Today after having breakfast we will gradually start walking on the way we will get to see many things such a Gyankar village. Gyakar Village is home to the century-old Ghar Gompa which has stunning rock paintings. Here you must make a wish, as is tradition. We will explore the gompa and after then we will ascend toward Dhakmar.
Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling
Today after having our early breakfast we will start walking normally there is strong winds on this part of the trail so we start early in the morning to descend through a dry plateau and some cultivated fields to reach the village of Ghiling. Although it may will be a challenging and tiring day because of the wind, we get great views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri to compensate.
Day 13: Ghiling to Chuksang
After having breakfast in Ghiling Today we will gradually pass through small villages along with the views of beautiful mountain around. Plus we will observe the local people as well and we will reach Chuksang where we will be staying overnight.
Day 14: Chuksang to Jomsom
After having break in Chuksang Today we say goodbye to Upper Mustang and enter the lower regions (or Lower Mustang as it is also called) of the district at Jomson. On this, our final trekking day, we will have lunch at Kagbeni and perhaps this time explore the little monetary and look fondly up the Kali Gandaki gorge as we head from Kagbeni to Jomson.
Day 15 – Fly back to Pokhara
After spending a night in Jomsom again , today you’ll have breakfast early in the morning and you’ll be transferred to the jomsom airport to catch your flight to Pokhara.The gorge flight back to Pokhara is a lot of fun, and it is a good time to rest when you are basically done with your Mustang trek.
Day 16 – Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
This is the six or seven-hour drive back to the city. The Upper Mustang trek has ended, and you get to have a farewell dinner that night, ending your life’s memorable mountaineering hike. The magical experience will help you become a better person personally and professionally. It’s a day to rest at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 17: Back to your Home Country
It’s the time to say bye-bye to the land of Heaven. Our Vehicle will take you to the departure section of Tribhuwan International Airport.
What Does Include and Exclude
What's Included?
- Transfer from Airport – Hotel
- Accommodation during the trek according to the itinerary
- All standard meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner /tea or coffee) during the trekking
- English speaking experienced sherpa guide (Govt. Licence holder)
- First aid medicine kit.
- Upper Mustang restricted area Fee, TIMS permits & all required permits or Official Documentation
- All ground transfers.
- All government and local taxes.
- Farewell dinner
- Rescue arrangement( in case of natural calamity, unforeseen circumstance, Physical condition)which will cover by your travel insurance
What's Excluded?
- Your Personal Travel Insurance.
- Nepal Entry Visa Fee.
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Beverages (drinks, mineral water,boiled water and beer)
- Tips for guide/Porter.
- Any personal expenses (phone calls, laundry,bar bills, cold drink.
- Extra accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara apart from itinerary incase of early arrival or late depature.
- Any loss arising due to unforeseen circumstances is beyond Khumbu Excursion
- Travel and rescue insurance
Trekking Checklist Trekking to Upper Mustang trekking
Best Season For Upper Mustang Trekking
Most of the local descent down from Lo Manthang on trading expedition during the winter in order to avoid the cold, therefore, the favorable season is from late April until early November. During this time The trip don’t go to extremely high elevations, but the cold, dust and unrelenting afternoon winds can make it less pleasant than other treks in Nepal.
Trekking Checklist Trekking to Upper Mustang Trekking
Some of the essential gears for trekking are:–
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Backpack
Refillable water bottles
Good quality, super-warm 4-season sleeping bag (these can be rented from local vendors)
Hand towel,
Energy Bars
Wet wipes
Toiletries
Frontal torch and flashlight with spare batteries
Sunblock and high SPF lip balm
Guidebook
Map
Compass
Penknife
Washbag (Toothpaste, Toothbrush, and other personal hygiene items)
Sewing Kit
Trekking poles
Sleeping bag
Duffel Bag
For Clothing, you may just add the following clothes to your backpack
Down jacket x 1
Fleece x 1
Thermal top x 2
T-shirts x 3, long sleeve shirts x 2-3
Waterproof trousers x 1
Warm trousers x 2
Hiking shorts/trousers x 1
Long thermal pants x 1
Thermal underwear
Socks thin and thick x 6
Hiking boots
Gaiters
Comfortable closed shoes (for around camp)
Mittens and ski gloves
Balaclava and woolen hat
Scarf
It is very important to carry a First Aid kit while trekking in the mountains. Some of the essential medicines and first aid kits are as follows.
- Small first aid kit
- Sprint Bandage
- Headache tablets
- Imodium (loperamide)
- It is good to consult your physician for Acetazolamide (Diamox), a drug that mitigates the effects of altitude, headache, diarrhoea & vomiting.
Trekking Tips
- Always carry a First Aid Kit while trekking.
- Do not touch people when they are on the way to temples.
- Beef is prohibited in Nepal. No female animal is killed for food.
- You may not be allowed to enter the inner part of temples and stupas.
- It is better to take permission before using cameras while visiting temples, stupas, and heritage sites.
- Briefs, shorts, bare shoulders, and backs may not be appreciated in rural villages. So, stay comfortably and decently covered.
- Public display of affection is not entertained nicely in rural parts.
- If a Nepali lady hesitates to shake hands with you, it is common in rural parts. It is better to greet with ‘Namaste’ by joining both the palms and it is an appreciated gesture.
- Use a hotel safety box for your valuables.
- While visiting villages, you may not get all the luxuries and modern amenities. So, expecting modern services in rural villages is futile.
- If you have any problems, do not hesitate to ask your guide for solutions
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