Upper Mustang Trek – 15 Days

Trip Facts

Trip Points Pokhara –Jomsom –Kagbeni – Chele – Geling – Tsarang – Lo Manthang – Drakmar – Shyangmochen – Chhuksang – Jomsom – Pokhara
Duration 15 Days
Max. Altitude: 3,840 m
Group size Min. 2 – Max. 12
Best Time for Visit Spring (February – May) and Autumn (September – November)
Activity Trekking
Trip Guide & Porter Experienced | Licensed | Strenuous
Facilities Meal | Breakfast | Accommodation | Porter
Meals Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Accommodation Tea-House / Lodge Basis
DIFFICULTY Difficult
LOCATION Upper Mustang
Departure From Kathmandu Nepal

Trip Attractions

  • Enjoy one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna Region
  • Offers comparatively easier, safer, economical (time & money) than Everest Base Camp Trip
  • Average physical fitness trekkers can easily accomplish
  • Indulge with 3600 dazzling close views of Annapurna range – Annapurna–I (8,091m/26,454ft), Mt. Machhapuchre (6,997m/22,956ft), Bharha Chuli (7646m/25,085ft), Gandharva Chuli (6,248m/20827), and more
  • Be with charming local people (mostly Thakalis, Gurungs&Magars), their settlements and culture, fertile farmland, and traditional farming.
  • Enjoy Hot Spring at Jhinu Danda (Hill)
  • Well-experienced licensed guides, strong porters, and support crew members
  • Physically less challenging journey and heavenly natural pleasure – Collect lifetime experiences
  • One of the most satisfying treks among all destinations in Nepal.

Overview

Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna Region. During this Trek, you reach Mustang – the last forbidden kingdom and lost region of Nepal. You get a rarechance to travel Nepal’s most beautiful, deserted land with dotted human settlements.

Your Trek to Upper Mustang commences with a 20 min flight from Pokhara to Jomsom – a great place with diverse sceneries and ethnic people with their cultures. Then, strolling along the Kali Gandaki River gorge, you reach Kagbeni. Upper Mustang Trek makes you feel like being in a different world – Kagbeni, Muktinath, Kali Gandaki River and gorge – the deepest gorge in the world, Chele, Lo Manthang, and many more.

In addition, you pass through rocky, dry, and narrow ridges, cross streams, walk through green fields, orchids, villages, and forests. You meet people from various ethnic communities – Gurungs and Magars in the lower regions of the Kali Gandaki, Thakalis around Jomsom, and people with strong Tibetan roots, the Lopa, around Muktinath and up in Mustang. You observe their lifestyle, enjoy their culture, and receive their organic hospitality.

Geographically, Upper Mustang is a part of the Tibetan Plateau. So, you can mostly see and enjoy people enjoying the Tibetan lifestyle, traditional Tibetan culture, and religion. You get a chance to explore and experience trekking on the unexploited trails, experiencing the typical lifestyle and culture of the people who had no contact with the outer world for over 100 years.

You also get some astonishing views of the mountains during your Trek – Niligiri Himal, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna massifs, and many more. When you reach Lo Manthang, the region’s capital, you feel blessed after seeing encircled settlements. You can hire a pony if you desire to ride.

Upper Mustang opened to non-Nepali trekkers15 years ago, and you need a special trekking permit and must be accompanied by a government-appointed official. Being Himalayan rain shadow and dry, you can trek during monsoons as well. However, winter treks are best avoided due to windy, dusty, and harsh weather.

Book your Upper Mustang Trek with Nomadways Adventure We promise you to provide the best quality trekking services, security, proper guidance, and assistance. So be ready to collect the most beautiful memories, natural-thrilling moments, and life-changing activities.

Itinenary

You will meet our representative when you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport. He/she will greet you, drive to our luxury Nepali authentic restaurant, and assist you in checking in at Thamel. So, please keep your eyes on someone holding a placard with your name or our company’s name – Nomadways Adventure.

In the evening, we arrange a short introduction meeting. After that, you will meet your guide, and our trekking expert will provide you with all the detailed information about the Trek.

We offer you a welcome dinner, and you simply take a rest at the restaurant. Then, overnight, you stay at our restaurant and restore your energy to accomplish your upcoming adventurous trip – Upper Mustang Trek.

  Activity Duration : Breakfast
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

Today, you are going to enjoy the Kathmandu Valley Tour – the city full of World Heritage Sites, Nepali culture, and many more to explore.

Early morning, we offer you a warm breakfast, and your sightseeing starts with our city guide. At first, you visit Pashupatinath Temple – the holiest Hindu Temple on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, then move to Boudhanath Stupa – the most significant Buddhist Stupa architecture in the world. After that, we will drive you to Patan Durbar Square. In addition, we take you to Swayambhunath Stupa – the 2000 years old legendary stupa on the hilltop also nick-named monkey temple. Finally, we come to Kathmandu Durbar Square, observe Kumari Temple (living goddess temple), Nautale Durbar, the Kaal Bhairav, the Swet Bhairav, the freak streets, and more.

Your exciting city tour finishes in the evening. Then, you take a delicious dinner and rest, collecting energy for the upcoming adventure.

  Activity Duration : Full-Day City Excursion
 Meal : Full-Day City Excursion
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

Early in the morning, we take a warm breakfast. Then, we start our lovely trip to Pokhara via a luxury tourist bus. On the way, you witness the picturesque green landscapes, farm terraces, and rows of settlements on both sides of the road. Also, capture the beauty of distant mountains, close gigantic hills, rural settlements, fast-flowing rivers (Trishuli, Narayani, and Marsyangdi).

If you feel tired of a long bus journey, then you have the option of flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara (about 25 minutes) at an extra cost. The choice is yours.

Ultimately, you reach Pokhara – the city of lakes, multi-culture, and the main tourist hub. We will transfer you to the hotel. You get up and take a rest. Then, you can go for an evening walk around the lakeside city and explore vivid Pokhara in the evening.

Before you go to bed, you will receive a short briefing about thePokhara – Ghorepani – Ghabdruk Trek.

  Activity Duration : 5-6 Hours' Drive
 Meal : Breakfast
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

After early breakfast, we drive you to the Pokhara airport and catch the flight to Jomsom. During 20 minutes flight, enjoy the scenic view of Annapurna,Machhapuchhre,Dhaulagiri, and massif mountain ranges.

You land at Jomsom airport. Jomsom is a great place with different landscapes and Himalayan ethnic cultures.

From Jomsom, you start trekking towards Kagbeni – a beautiful place on the bank of Kali Gandaki River in the Upper Mustang. First, we walk along the Kali Gandaki River on the barren, rocky, and arid salt trading routes used by the trekkers of ancient times. Then, we reach Kyanjin Gompa – a beautiful village and the gateway to Upper Mustang. In addition, this place is famous Yak Cheese factory, huge red Gompas, and green fields.

Overnight, we stay, enjoy and rest at Kagbeni.

  Activity Duration : 20 min Flight, 8km, 3-4 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

On this day, our trek heads to Chele. We submit Trekking permit at check-post, then ascend towards north leaving riverbed. This high route offers more panoramic scenery and accessible accommodation than the riverbed route. Climbing ups and downs on several ridges above Kali Gandaki River, then passing through narrow alleys and green orchards, we reach Tangbe – a finely decorated agricultural village.

Our trails continue to Chhuksang – the convergence of Kali Gandaki and Narshing Khola (river). Ahead, we cross Narshing Khola and go down to the red hill, leave Kali Gandaki River and climb rocky gorge. During the journey, we pass through 5 Gurung villages with their traditional houses, visiting ancient Gompas and natural caves along the paths.

Finally, we each Chele, and spend overnight here.

  Activity Duration : 17km, 6-7 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

Today, be ready to conquer one of the longest and difficult trails of the Trek– cross several passes, walk-ups, and downs through the ridges and rocks.

After a warm breakfast, we climb the steep, rocky, and dry trails. Crossing the canyon to traverse, we come to Dorji (3,630m). Enjoying the picturesque scenery from the pass, the trail descends steeply down to green Samar village. You witness Nilgiri Himal appearing close and the gigantic Annapurna in the distance.

Ahead, we go down the stream and then climb to the ridge of Bhena La Pass (4,010 m). Then, again, we descend to Syangboche and climb up to Syangboche La Pass. Finally, we reach Gelling after crossing several bridges.

Overnight, we stay and take a rest here at Gelling.

  Activity Duration : 18km, 7-8 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

Enjoying a lightearly breakfast, we start hiking to Tsarang from Gelling. First of all, we pass through wide pastureland and then climb to Nyi La Pass (4,020m). Further, we climb another pass – Ghemi La and descend to the largest barren land of Lo: Ghemi.

From Lo: Ghemi, we slopedown to the trail to Tsarang. We continue following the trail Tsarang descending from blue, grey, and red cliff to suspension bridge; and climb to the ridge of Choya La (3,870m).

Be careful! The path from Choya La to Tsarang is one of the most challenging trails of thehike. However, when you reach Tsarang, you forget all the hardships after witnessing the monastery built in the 14th century, a five-story white fortified building, and a few more Gompas. Also, you see the mysterious hand of the monk in Garuda’s (mythological bird) claws.

Overnight, we stay and rest here at Tsarang.

  Activity Duration : 16km, 6-7 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

On this day of your Trek, you feel easier to proceed and shorter time to walk. After having breakfast, we can visit the monastery and fort of Tsarang. After spending some good moments here, we descend and cross Tsarang River before climbing over the ridge.

Further, the trail from the ridge ascends to the Lo La,from where you can observe the first glimpse of Lo Manthang. Finally, you trek through the trail, cross a stream irrigation canals and reach the plateau of Lo Manthang. At Mathang, we can enter inside 750m long, 9 m high, and 14 towering walls of Lo Manthang.

We spend the whole night at Lo Manthang.

  Activity Duration : 12km, 5-6 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

Today is the rest and exploration day. Being culturally and historically rich, Lo Manthang is the main highlight of the Trek. Here, we explore and visit many beautiful sites, Gompas, and historical caves in the region.

Also, we visit the four main monasteries (gompas) of Lo Manthang: Jampa, Thupchen, Choden, and Choprang. In addition, the ancient, fortified caves are of great attractions at Lo Manthang.

We also go to Mosaic Museum at Lo Manthang and travel to Lo: Tingkhar – the most beautiful village.

Overnight, we stay and rest at Lo Manthang.

 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

This day, we follow an alternative route from Lo Manthang. First, we pass the irrigation canal and irrigation fields. Further, we follow the herders’ trail and climb steeply up a ridge. From the ridge, enjoy the beautiful view of Lo Manthang village. On the way to Lo Gekhar, we cross the highest Pass, Chogo La (4,325m).

Next, we follow the traildown to the grassy valley and then climb another ridge. After that, we descend steeply down to Lo Gekhar. We stop here for a while and visit Ghar Gompa – one of the oldest gompas in the region. Then, we continue ascending to another ridge and take the final steep descent through an eroded gully to Drakmar.

Overnight, we stay and take a rest at Drakmar.

  Activity Duration : 17km, 7-8 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

Taking a warm breakfast, we descend from Drakmar for a few minutes. Then, we ascend to a ridge and go down to a small stream. From the stream, we climb to another ridge and reach Upper Ghemi.

From Ghemi, weclimb steeply up to Upper Ghemi La and Nyi La, and then we go down to Gelling valley. Further, we pass through orchards and several villages such as Jaite, Chhungar, and Tama Gaon. After crossing Syangmochen La, we reach Syangmochen village.

Overnight, we stay and take a rest at Syangmochen.

  Activity Duration : 14km, 6-7 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

On this day, enjoying alight breakfast, we start trekking from Syangmochen to visit the most attractive Chungsi monastery (Gompa). Then, we follow the trail from Syangmochen descending to Samar village. On the way, we enjoy the fantastic view of Nilgiri Himal and Kali Gandaki River.

Steeply, we descend to Chhuksang – the beautiful village with orchards. After walking for a few hours, we reach Chhuksang – our last shelter for today’s night.

  Activity Duration : 12km, 5-6 hrs.
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

Today, you feel a rush and tired – be ready for the longest Trek for your whole journey. From Chhuksang, we catch the trail and descend to several Mustang villages passing through the apple orchards, ridges, and narrow alleys. Then, after 7-8 hours of the uphill-downhill routes, the trail traces back to Kagbeni and Jomsom.

Overnight, we stay and take complete rest at Jomsom.

  Activity Duration : 24km, 7-8 Hours Trek
 Meal : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

On this day, our journey to Upper Mustang concludes. From Jomsom, we fly back to Pokhara.

In Pokhara, we enjoy a warm breakfast. Then, we drive you back to Kathmandu in a luxury tourist bus. On the way, you want the scenic pastoral landscapes, terrace farming, green rolling hills, fast-flowing rivers, and rows of settlements on both sides of the road.

After 6-7 hours of a comfortable journey, you reach Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. You can take a rest or explore the streets and markets in Kathmandu. Even you can enjoy various cuisines at different restaurants in Thamel – Nepal’s No. 1 tourist city.

  Activity Duration : 20 min flight and 6-7Hours Drive
 Meal : Breakfast
  Accommodation : At a Luxury Hotel/Guesthouse

On this final day, offering you a light breakfast, we transfer to the Tribhuvan International airport via our private transportation. We bid you a happy ‘Goodbye’ and wish you a safe flight.

 Meal : Breakfast

Cost Includes:

  • Trekking Permits
  • TIMS Card
  • Necessary Permit and Monuments Entrance Fees
  • Guide (Government-licensed Trekking Guide for all-round support)
  • Porter (Logistic Support)
  • Food (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Tea or Coffee)
  • City Accommodation (Normal, 3-Star and 5-Star Hotels)
  • Transportation in Cars or Jeeps (During your Trip)
  • All airport transfers
  • Luxury Hotel in Kathmandu for two nights with breakfast
  • Flights Kathmandu–Lukla–Kathmandu
  • All airport taxes
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park permit and TIMS)
  • An experienced English-speaking Govt. registered trekking guide and local porters to carry your luggage
  • Guide and porter salaries, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging
  • Full meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner of your choice
  • Supplementary snacks: energy bar and cookies
  • Seasonal fresh fruits desert every day
  • Unlimited Chlorine treated Safe Drinking water
  • Accommodation: Lodge
  • A comprehensive First Aid kit
  • Oxi-meter: To check heart rating and oxygen saturation to Everest Base Camp and return
  • All government and local taxes
  • Trekking equipment: down-filled sleeping bag, walking poles, and duffel bag
  • Souvenir: Trekking Route map printed T-Shirts

Cost Excludes:

  • International Flight Fare
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Electronic device re-charge
  • Wi-Fi
  • Hot shower
  • Travel insurance and medical evacuation
  • Tipping

Equipment

Trekking requires careful selection of gear to ensure comfort, safety, and efficiency on the trail. Depending on the conditions (terrain, weather, duration), the equipment you need may vary, but here’s a comprehensive list of essential trekking gear:

  1. Backpack
  • Capacity: Typically, for a multi-day trek, a 40-60L pack is ideal.
  • Fit: Adjustable straps for shoulder, chest, and hip.
  • Features: Hydration system compatibility, side pockets for easy access, and a rain cover.
  1. Footwear
  • Trekking Boots: Look for boots with good ankle support, durable soles (Vibram is a popular choice), and waterproof features.
  • Trail Shoes: For lighter treks or well-maintained paths, trail shoes may suffice.
  • Sock Layers: Merino wool socks or synthetic socks that wick moisture and reduce blisters. Avoid cotton.
  • Gaiters: To keep debris, mud, and snow out of your boots.
  1. Clothing (Layering System)
  • Base Layer: Moisture-wicking (synthetic or merino wool) long-sleeve top and bottoms.
  • Mid Layer: Insulating layer, such as a fleece or down jacket.
  • Outer Layer (Shell): Waterproof, windproof jacket and pants. Gore-Tex or similar fabrics are excellent choices.
  • Trekking Pants: Convertible pants (with zippers for shorts) can be useful.
  • Trekking Shirt: Lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying.
  • Gloves: Lightweight gloves for warmth, plus an additional heavier pair if trekking in cold climates.
  • Hat/Cap: A sunhat or beanie depending on the weather.
  • Neck Gaiter/Buff: For sun protection, warmth, or dust.
  1. Sleeping Gear
  • Sleeping Bag: Temperature-rated for the conditions you’ll face. Down bags are warmer and lighter but lose effectiveness if wet, while synthetic bags dry quicker.
  • Sleeping Pad: Inflatable or foam pads that insulate from the cold ground.
  • Tent: Lightweight trekking tents (1-3 person) that suit your conditions. Some options include 4-season tents if you're trekking in harsh weather.
  1. Hydration System
  • Water Bottles: Collapsible or hard plastic bottles (ensure they’re BPA-free).
  • Hydration Reservoir: Camelbak or similar bladder systems for easy access to water.
  • Water Purification: A filtration system (e.g., Sawyer, LifeStraw) or chemical tablets to purify water from streams or other sources.
  1. Food and Cooking
  • Stove: Compact gas or alcohol stove for cooking on the trail.
  • Cookware: Lightweight pots or pans, often titanium or aluminum.
  • Fuel: Compatible fuel for your stove (check for availability in the region you’re trekking).
  • Food: Dehydrated meals, energy bars, trail mix, nuts, and fruits. Lightweight, high-calorie, and easy-to-prepare foods are best.
  1. Navigation Tools
  • Map and Compass: Always have a paper map as a backup, even if you use a GPS.
  • GPS Device or Smartphone with a Trekking App: Make sure to download offline maps.
  • Altimeter Watch (optional): Useful for tracking elevation and route progress.
  1. Lighting
  • Headlamp: Hands-free lighting for night-time use, with extra batteries.
  • Flashlight: A backup to your headlamp.
  1. First Aid Kit
  • Include basic supplies: Bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister treatment, pain relievers, and any personal medications.
  • Personal Medications: Always bring enough for the whole trip, plus extras in case of delays.
  • Sunscreen and Lip Balm: Protect your skin from sun exposure.
  1. Safety Gear
  • Multi-tool/Knife: A good multi-tool (like a Swiss Army Knife or Leatherman) is very useful for repairs and emergencies.
  • Whistle: For signaling.
  • Emergency Blanket: Lightweight and compact for warmth in case of emergency.
  • Firestarter: Matches or a lighter, and waterproof if needed.
  1. Miscellaneous
  • Trekking Poles: Help with balance, reduce strain on knees, and improve traction on uneven terrain.
  • Towel: Quick-dry, compact towel.
  • Sunglasses: UV protection for your eyes.
  • Camera/Smartphone: For documenting the journey, with extra storage or a portable charger.
  1. Personal Hygiene and Toiletries
  • Toilet Paper: Always carry biodegradable toilet paper and a small trowel for digging a "cathole" if there are no facilities.
  • Hand Sanitizer: To keep clean without access to water.
  • Wet Wipes: For cleaning yourself when there's no shower.
  • Biodegradable Soap: If you need to wash, use eco-friendly soap.
  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste: Compact travel versions.
  1. Weather Protection
  • Sun Protection: Sunglasses, sunblock, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection.
  • Rain Gear: A high-quality waterproof jacket, pants, and gaiters, especially if you're trekking in areas with unpredictable weather.
  • Cold Weather Gear (if needed): Depending on the trek, you might need additional gear like down jackets, insulated gloves, or even crampons for ice or snow.
Extra Considerations for Specialized Treks:
  • High-altitude Treks: Consider gear for altitude sickness (like Diamox), extra layers for extreme cold, and an oxygen system if necessary.
  • Long-distance Treks: You might need additional gear like extra food storage, a larger stove, or a lightweight trekking umbrella.
Always check the weather forecast and understand the terrain and altitude of your trek to fine-tune your gear selection.

FAQ's

Upper Mustang is a restricted area in Nepal, known for its Tibetan culture, ancient monasteries, and stunning landscapes. It is located in the Mustang District and is often called the "Last Forbidden Kingdom" due to its historical isolation from the outside world until the 1990s.

The journey to Upper Mustang typically starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Jomsom, the gateway to Mustang. From Jomsom, you can either trek or take a jeep ride to reach the upper regions.

Visitors can explore ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, caves with centuries-old paintings, traditional villages, and spectacular desert-like landscapes with dramatic cliffs, rock formations, and the distant snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The culture is strongly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.

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