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Our Upper Mustang Trek is one of the finest itineraries Nepal has to offer. A spectacular walk through arid trans-Himalayan landscape: eroded sandstone pillars, wind-swept moraine terraces, and huge brown and red hills brought alive by the occasional splash of irrigated oases of pink buckwheat fields and tiny whitewashed villages.
Shielded from the monsoon by the Himalayas, the area gets much less rain than the rest of Nepal. Relatively easy trekking takes you along the ancient salt-trade route between Tibet and Nepal, following the Kali Gandaki River, all the way to the walled city of Lo-Manthang.
Isolated from the rest of the world and forbidden to foreigners until 1992, Lo-Manthang was ruled by the King of Mustang until 2008, when Nepal abolished its own monarchy. It is home to rich cultural traditions, including the famous annual Tiji Festival. Life here goes on as it did centuries ago, largely unchanged by modern civilisation, making it possibly the last enclave of pristine Tibetan heritage.
And of course, as always in the Himalayas, there are spectacular mountain views. With no less than 35 peaks over 6000 metres surrounding you, including Dhaulagiri [8167m] and Annapurna I [8091m], this is a true journey into one of the most remote corners of Nepal.
A representative from Himalaya Trekking Team will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival and transfer you to your hotel.
After a short briefing with our trekking guides, you begin your sightseeing tour, using private transportation. The Kathmandu Valley is home to no less than seven World Heritage sites. Accompanied by your guide, you visit four of them: the famous Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath temples, and Durbar Square in Patan.
Early in the morning, we take a tourist bus to Pokhara [884m], a 200-kilometre journey along a very scenic route. If you prefer, you can fly instead. Your guide will transfer you to your Lakeside hotel. You will then have the rest of the day to relax and explore Nepal’s second largest town, wandering along the shores of Phewa Lake and absorbing magnificent views of the entire Annapurna range, Manaslu [8156m], Machhapuchhare [6993m] and Dhaulagiri [8167m].
Driving: 7-8 hours / Flight time: 20 minutes.
Early in the morning, we take a 25-minute scenic flight to Jomsom [2720m], Mustang's administrative headquarters. In Jomsom, we have breakfast and begin our trek, walking on slowly rising, sometimes windy paths along the Kali Gandaki River, past the small settlement of Ekle Bhatti [2740m] and all the way to Kagbeni [2800m]. Lying at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Khola, Kagbeni was originally surrounded by a defensive wall. Two female and male clay khenis or ghost eaters, remains of ancient Bön traditions, still guard its gates at each end of the village. Kagbeni is also home to an impressive Buddhist monastery and the ruined Kag Khar fort, which once housed 108 rooms.
Flight time: 25 minutes.
Trekking: 3 hours.
At the northern end of the village, a police checkpost marks the beginning of the restricted area. We have our special permits stamped and take our very first steps into the Kingdom of Mustang, climbing along the east bank of the Kali Gandaki until we reach the village of Chhuksang [3050m], with spectacular views of red organ-pipe eroded cliffs and inaccessible caves. After crossing the river, we head towards a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliffs above, forming a tunnel through which the Kali Gandaki flows. We keep on going, leaving the Kali Gandaki Valley, and climb steeply up a rocky gully to Chele [3100m].
Trekking: 5-6 hours.
We continue our trek and climb through plateaus and narrow stretches to the Taklam La [3624m], with breathtaking views of Tilicho Peak [7132m] and Yakawa Kang [6482m]. After crossing the Dajori La [3630m], we descend slowly to the village of Samar [3620m] where we have lunch. We then climb above Samar to another ridge before descending steeply to a stream. A further 3-hour walk through similar up-and-down terrain, across the Bhena La [3830m] and Beg La [3840m], takes us to Syangboche [3850m]. Or, from Samar, we can also take an alternative route through amazing canyons to visit the famous Ranchung Cave, also known as Chungsi Cave, where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. A single monk now cares for this holy site, reached via a steep 10-minute climb above the Syangboche Khola.
Trekking: 6-7 hours.
After breakfast, we start our trek with an uphill walk to the Syangboche La [3850m]. Passing typical Tibetan villages, houses and imposing chortens painted in red, yellow, black and white, we climb to the highest point of our trek thus far, the Nyi La [4020m], and descend steeply to the village of Ghami [3510m] where we break for lunch. The trail then drops to the Ghami Khola. We cross it and continue uphill past a spectacular 305-metre-long mani wall, one of the longest in Nepal, to the Choya La [3870m]. Here we begin a pleasant, gentle descent to Charang [3560m], with its spectacular gompa, chorten and five-storey dzong.
Trekking: 7-8 hours.
Crossing a stunning desert-like landscape, we follow an easy trail to the recently restored Sungda Chorten and climb across the Lo La [3950m]. Finally, we catch our first sight of the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang [3840m] and its imposing four-storied palace, home of the last King of Mustang (Raja) or Lo Gyelbu, Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista (d.2016). A descent through the plateau of Lo-Manthang takes us to the city's only entrance.
Trekking: 4-5 hours.
Today, we spend all day exploring Lo Manthang. The town, founded in 1440 by the first King of Lo, Amedpal (1388-1447), is surrounded by a 6-metre-high and 725-metre-long wall with massive square towers. Within these walls are some of Nepal’s finest and largest Tibetan Buddhist gompas. We visit Thubchen Lakhang, Jampa Lhakhang, Chhoede Gompa and Choprang Gompa, as well as the royal palace.
From Lo Manthang, we head south towards Kagbeni. However, we will not take the same route we took to arrive at Lo Manthang. As our journey passes through Drakmar, we will also make sure we head to the famous Ghar Monastery decorated with beautiful wall paint. Our trek continues until we reach Ghami.
Trekking: 5-6 hours.
We trek through the remote and arid landscape carefully, enjoying the magical views all around the path. You will be ascending to reach Chemi La and Yiy La passes and then descend steeply to reach Geling. After Geling, the descent eases as you reach Syangboche, but our destination lies further at Samar. Samar is a Tibetan-style village, complete with mani walls, monastery, and terraced fields.
Trekking: 5-6 hours.
From Samar, we join the regular trekking trail to Chhusang. The trails lead to the Kali Gandaki riverbed. We cross this river through a rock tunnel and trek forward to reach Chhusang.
Trekking: 5-6 hours.
Today you will be crossing Gyu La Pass (4077m) as the trek follows the world-famous Annapurna circuit, but you will cross the pass from a different direction. From this pass, you can see several majestic Himalayan peaks extending northwards into Tibet before you, and as you look behind, you can see the Annapurna range.
The trail passes through several ancient villages before reaching Muktinath - a common Hindu and Buddhist holy site. Buddhists call Muktinath ‘Chumig Gyatsa’, which in Tibetan means "A Hundred Waters". The walled Muktinath temple complex houses a Buddhist monastery, several Hindu shrines, 108 bathing spouts, and an eternal flame.
Trekking: 7-8 hours.
In the morning, we explore Muktinath, an ancient sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists. We visit the complex including the Vishnu temple, with its 108 spouts in the shape of a bull’s head through which flows ice-cold, holy water from the Kali Gandaki. Then we resume our trek with an easy and enjoyable descent to Ekle Bhatti [2740m] and follow an almost flat, windswept path along the Kali Gandaki Valley for slightly over an hour, until we reach Jomsom [2720m].
Trekking: 5-6 hours.
After an early morning breakfast, we walk to the airport and check in for our return journey to Pokhara, a dramatic flight between two huge mountains: Annapurna [8091m] and Dhaulagiri [8167m]. After landing, your guide will transfer you to your Lakeside hotel. The rest of the day will be yours to further explore Pokhara.
Flight time: 20 minutes.
After breakfast, we start our 200-kilometre drive back to Kathmandu by Deluxe tourist bus. Sit on the left-hand side of the vehicle if you can. It offers better views of the scenery. If you prefer to shorten the journey, we can also fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara, a spectacular mountain flight past the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang ranges. In the evening, we get together to celebrate the successful completion of our Upper Mustang journey around a farewell dinner.
Driving: approximately 7-8 hours / Flight time: 25 minutes.
Your Nepali adventure comes to an end today. Approximately two hours before your scheduled international flight, a representative from Himalaya Trekking Team will escort you to the airport and bid you farewell, until your next visit!
Important note
Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly. Poor weather conditions in Jomsom may result in our return flight to Pokhara being delayed or cancelled. We strongly advise that you plan extra days at the end of your trek to allow for such delays, and that you take out adequate insurance prior to your departure to cover the cost of chartering a helicopter flight back to Pokhara should you need to ensure you are on schedule for your international flight.
Accommodation
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay in 3-star hotels, on a bed and breakfast basis. On trek, we will use trekking lodges. These are locally owned and provide accommodation in basic single, double and triple rooms, depending on your preference. Rooms with attached bathrooms and hot showers are sometimes available.
Single supplement
Accommodation on all proposed treks, tours and climbing packages is based on a twin-sharing basis. A single supplement of US$ 350 will apply if you are a solo traveller or do not wish to share.
Meals
Our package covers all meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Trekking lodges offer hearty Nepali dishes like dal bhat, as well as a variety of more familiar Indian or international dishes to sustain your energy levels during the trek. Vegetarian options are always available.
What you carry
On trek you will only need to carry your daypack for personal items like your water bottle, camera, waterproof jacket, valuables, sunscreen, medication etc. A porter will carry your main luggage. If you are likely to need any additional items like extra warm layers from that main luggage, your guide will let you know the evening before. Your daypack should be comfortable and stay light, a few kilograms at most.
Transportation
In the Kathmandu Valley, we use a variety of vehicles including cars, jeeps, vans, minibuses, buses and coaches, depending upon the size of the group. From Pokhara to Jomsom, and from Jomsom to Pokhara, we fly local airlines. Once we start our trek, we walk, sometimes supported by yaks, horses or donkeys. For trekkers that cannot or prefer not to walk too long, we can hire jeeps all the way to Lo Manthang and back. If our flight back from Jomsom to Pokhara is cancelled, private jeeps can also be hired to drive all the way back to Pokhara.
Trekking staff
At Himalaya Trekking Team, we are passionate about Nepal, its mountains and its people. All our guides are Nepali, government-licensed professionals. They are there to look after you and they are the persons you should go to with any problems, concerns and questions. They are not only highly experienced, having spent many years in the field. They are also trained in remote first-aid and emergency procedures. Like our friendly and reliable porters, who are an integral part of our team, they are selected for their incredible local knowledge and their desire to share it with you. Together they take every precaution to ensure smooth logistics and to provide the highest quality services while keeping you safe, happy and well throughout your trip.
Porters
A porter will carry your main luggage. Normally we provide one porter for every two trekkers on trekking lodge and camping treks, depending on your luggage and the equipment we need.
Health
There are no specific health requirements to travel Nepal. However, to enjoy trekking in the Himalayas, you should be reasonably fit and physically prepared to walk up to 6-8 hours per day for several consecutive days. Our Upper Mustang Trek is well within the capabilities of all fit hikers with a positive attitude, self-confidence and strong determination. You should nevertheless consult your doctor to obtain up-to-date advice on altitude sickness prevention and to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive medication whilst traveling in Nepal. Please note that some medication, including anti-malarial drugs, can have side effects at altitude. Discuss this carefully with your doctor. There are small health posts for emergency treatment along the route. But, in such remote areas, these have limited equipment, limited medical staff and limited medication. We therefore strongly recommend that you carry your own first-aid kit as well as sufficient quantities of any medication you are taking (together with as a spare pair of glasses if you need any).
Altitude sickness
AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a serious issue. It occurs as the result of failure to adapt to a higher altitude and can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. Most people living at sea level can climb rapidly to a height of 2800m without getting ill. Above 2800m, the likelihood of being affected increases as you ascend. To minimise the effects of altitude, it is best to ascend relatively slowly, less than 300m per day, in order to allow acclimatisation to occur. Your best strategy above 2800m is to take your time, not to walk too fast, and to drink plenty of water. Poor acclimatisation results in symptoms including headache, nausea, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, and swelling of the fingers and glands. If you experience such symptoms, please consult your guide. The only cure for AMS is to descend to a lower altitude, at least 500m, to recover. Your guide's decision in this matter is final.
Visa
A visa for Nepal can be obtained on arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. You will need a passport with at least 6 month validity and a passport-sized photograph with a light background. Visa fees can only be paid in cash in the following currencies: Euro, UK Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar, Swiss Franc, and Japanese Yen. The fee for a 15-day multiple entry visa is US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency. For a 30-day multiple entry visa: US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency. For a 90-day multiple entry visa: US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency. You can also obtain a visa for Nepal before your arrival, at the nearest Nepali Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.
International flight
Himalaya Trekking Team cannot book international flights. Please book yours to arrive and depart from Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, using a travel agent or internet platform that you trust. Your trip starts on the day you arrive, but you can also travel earlier. Once booked, please let us know your international flight details. A representative of Himalaya Trekking Team holding a signboard with your name on it will welcome you outside the terminal and take you to your hotel.
Money
The official currency of Nepal is the Nepali rupee (NPR). You cannot get rupees outside of Nepal, but major currencies can easily be exchanged upon arrival. ATMs are also available Kathmandu and Namche Bazaar. Some shops and restaurants take credit cards. On trek, only Nepali rupees are accepted. It is therefore best to change all the money you need in Kathmandu.
Deposit
A deposit of 20% of the total trip cost per person is required to confirm your booking.
Deposit payment
You can pay online by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) via our Payment Form or by bank transfer to the following bank account:
US Dollar Account No: 019 06319090013
Account Name: HIMALAYA TREKKING TEAM PVT.LTD
SWIFT CODE: HIMANPKA
Bank Name: Himalayan Bank Limited, Thamel Branch, Kathmandu, Nepal
Final payment
The full balance is due five weeks before your departure. If payment is made by credit card (Visa or MasterCard), a handling fee of 3.5% of the outstanding balance will be added to the total cost. If payment is made by cheque, bank transfer or cash, there is no handling fee. We reserve the right to cancel your trip if the full amount is not received by this date.
Cancellation
All cancellations must be made in writing at info@himalayatrekkingteam.com. Should you cancel, cancellation fees will apply as per the policy below:
Pre-trek briefing
A pre-trek briefing is generally scheduled shortly after your arrival in Kathmandu, at your hotel or our office.
Group size
There will normally be a maximum of 15 people in each group, plus the group’s own English-speaking guide. If larger, a second guide will join the group. Porters will carry your luggage (one porter for every two trekkers).
Below is a list of the equipment we suggest you take on this trek.
Luggage
Head and face gear
Hands
Base layers
Outer layers
Footwear
Drinking
Optional extras/Luxuries
Trekking in Upper Mustawng
Upper Mustang is amazing place, Very colorful Mountains, Old Monastries & Caves. We are very happy to completed our Trekking to Upper Mustang. We book our tour with Himalaya Trekking Team, The staff from Himalaya Trekking Team is so friendly, helpful. Thank you all of you.
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2019-08-28
Chiow
4th May, 2022
We have recently completed our trekking to Upper Mustang Kingdom of Mustang, The trip was supper one, My Guide has well knowledge about the history of Mustang . The trek took us through amazing scenery desert, this trek is different then others Himalaya Trekking. We Visit many monasteries during the trek there is so interesting story and very old monastery. Our tea house was clean nice and food was so good.
Himalaya Trekking Team organize very well our trip. They make everything very easy for us no we don’t have any difficult to do this trekking. Defitnately we will back again in Nepal and go with Himalaya Trekking Team. Thank you, Mr. Uttam & Mr. Ob, for your kind support to us. We will highly recommended about your service to our friends. Namaste !
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2019-08-28
Wong
4th May, 2022
After two treks with OB-ji on the Annapurna circuit and to Gokyo, we just knew that there was no better person to take our 6-year-old on his first Nepali trek. So we naturally got in touch with Himalaya Trekking Team. Their response was just as expected: swift, friendly and efficient. Our 16-day trip to Upper Mustang was a bliss. Monsoon clouds meant limited views of the snowy summits. But we saw and experienced so much more thanks to OB-ji and Som-bhai. They not only took excellent care of us, always keeping a special eye out for our intrepid little son ( who quickly found in them two new best buddies). They took us places we would probably never have seen without them. Whatever came up, they always knew what to do. Cancelled flights? They got us up and down from Jomsom in one single jeep ride. Locked monastery we had walked such a long way to see? They found that elusive keyholder! OB-ji’s incredible local knowledge and Uttam-bhai’s expert backup in the Kathmandu office meant it was never a problem. There was always a solution. And a lot of laughter. All in all, so much fun! Not just for us, but for our son. To all parents who still wonder about bringing young kids along, I could not recommend Himalaya Trekking Team more: this is a family-business with genuine values, truly committed to providing the best service to their clients. Your kids are guaranteed memories that won’t fade away - and so are you!
Himalaya Trekking Team のOB(オビ)と伴にトレッキングに行くのは三回目。一回目はアンナプルナ周回、エベレスト・ゴキョー谷が二回目だ。子供が生まれてから今回の遠征計画まで六年のブランク。目的地はムスタング地方ロー・マンタン、問い合わせをメールでするとすぐにフレンドリーな返事が来た。16日間のコースは入場制限が課せられたチベット(中国)国境エリアをカグベニからロー・マンタンまで往復(一部周回)する。モンスーン到来後の8月半ばであったため、ヒマラヤの雪の山岳の多くは雲に隠れている日が多かったが、ガイドのOBとポーター役のソムのお陰で、単独行動では見れないような場所に案内され、忘れられない旅となった。彼らは宿や食事の手配等の世話だけでなく、我々の腕白坊主の遊び相手にもなってくれ大変感謝。ガイドやポーターの経験は大事で、予想外の事象が発生した際の対応スピードを左右する。我々も何度も彼らに助けられた。ポカラ～ジョムソム間のフライトが悪天候でキャンセルされると判断すると即代わりにジープでの移動をアレンジ、限られた日程を無駄にすることなく完遂。また、ローにおいても、目当ての寺院では僧侶達がピクニック(!)に行ってしまい閉鎖されていたものの、つてをたどって仏閣の鍵の持ち主を探し当て、我々の為だけに一時開場してもらい六百年前に遡る仏教壁画を見ることもできた。ともあれ、毎日楽しく過ごせたのはOBとソムのお陰だ。小さい子供同伴でも全く問題ない。彼らのレギュラーなクライエントにも子連れの家族がいくつかいるそうで、ムスタング地方以上の遠隔地へもガイドしたことがあるとの事。家族連れをお考えの方にもお勧めできる。
Click Here for TripAdvisor Review
2018-11-14
Corinne/Masumi
4th May, 2022
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