The Upper Mustang region is one of the few places where the old Tibetan culture is preserved. It has an ancient history and is close to the Tibetan border, Korala. The Upper Mustang is a restricted area in the Dhaulagiri district and offers unspoiled beauty.
Journey of Upper Mustang is about exploring the monasteries and learning about the people’s culture and ancient people. Mustang has many monasteries and gompas, each a part of the region’s spiritual and cultural region. The monasteries in Mustang have colorful paintings, artwork, and old writings that show how people in Mustang have been practicing their religion for a long time.
Throughout the Upper Mustang journey, you’ll see the local culture and how the people traditionally live their lives. The inhabitants of the upper Mustang, called Loba, are friendly and hospitable, providing you with the best hospitality you’ll ever get. From participating in local festivals to eating meals in traditional homes, the trek lets you fully experience the place instead of just being a trekker.
The Upper Mustang journey begins with a flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. Within 14 days, one can explore the hidden beauty and traditions of the Upper Mustang. The itinerary can differ from several factors, including trekking agency-wise, but Boundless Adventure’s itinerary includes adventure and every place you need to visit.
Per Boundless Adventures itinerary, your first day will be a flight or a drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu Domestic Airport or by Kathmandu Buspark. The second day begins with a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and then a trek towards Kagbeni. On the third day, you’ll enter the restricted area, find the Kali Gandaki River gorge, and get to Chele. The fourth day is a trek toward Syangbochen, and the fifth day will lead you to Ghami. On the sixth day of the Upper Mustang journey, trekkers trek to Tsarang(Charang), where they’ll learn about historical monasteries. LO Mangtang is a beautiful destination and the highest point on the seventh day of the Upper Mustang journey. Lo Mangtang is the capital city of Upper Mustang and is rich in old monasteries. It has a hidden beauty that you’ll explore for eight days. The ninth day takes trekkers to Drakmar and Ghiling on the tenth day. The eleventh day leads you to Chhuksang, and the twelfth day to Jomsom. Travelers leave Upper Mustang to Pokhara to return to their homes on the thirteenth day. The journey to Upper Mustang ends with a flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara.
The trek to Upper Mustang is more than just a walk through a remote location; it’s a journey into an old king. It has stayed the same for a long time. From the beautiful desert landscape to the traditions of the Mustang people, every step on this journey reveals more of the region’s charm. Trekking through remote areas, exploring the ancient monasteries, and interacting with locals will always be remembered in your lifetime.
Highlights of the trekking holiday in Nepal:
Experience the local way of living with local communities.
The mesmerizing view of Mount Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Exploration of ancient monasteries and caves.
Experience the warm hospitality of Mustang’s people by tasting loMustang\’sne.
Hidden history of the royal family.
Overview
Enjoy a trekking holiday in Nepal! Explore preserved Tibetan culture & admire breathtaking landscapes along the Upper Mustang trek
Itinerary
Itinerary for the trekking holiday in Nepal: Upper Mustang trek
Day 1: Drive to Pokhara (820m)
The journey towards Upper Mustang begins with the drive towards Pokhara from Kathmandu—Prithvi Highway road, which will connect with Pokhara through Thankot as an entry point. Following the Prithivi highway, you\'ll pass Naubise, Galchhi, Malekhu, and Muglin before reaching Pokhara. After Muglin, travelers pass through Trishuli River, a famous rafting place. Within 4-5 hours of driving by van, one can get to Pokhara. Overnight at Pokhara.
Day 2: Fly to Jomsom (2743m) and trek to Kagbeni (2810m)
From Pokhara, visitors have a short flight to Jomsom, the headquarters of the Mustang district. There, facilities such as a hospital, school, ATM, internet, and everything else are accessible. Breakfast is at Jomsom, which has a stunning view of Tilicho Peak, Nilgiri, the Annapurna range, and surroundings. After breakfast, the trekking journey starts towards Kagbeni, north of Kali Gandaki River.
Passing through Ekle Bhatti with the view of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountain view, trekkers get to Kagbeni. When getting close to Kagbeni, the road has two sides: the right side leading to Muktinath and the left to Upper Mustang. At Kagbeni, one must show their ACAP, as there is an ACAP check post. The trekking duration from Jomsom to Kagbeni takes 4-5 hours. Overnight at Kagbeni.
Day 3: Trek to Cheile (3050m)
You\'ll enter the restricted area by showing your permits at the ACAP check post in Kagbeni. Trekking through arid and windswept landscapes through the Kali Gandaki River, you\'ll head towards Chele. Moving further, passing through Kalobhir, Tangbe, and Chuusang, one gets to Chele. At Chhusang, you\'ll stay to have Lunch. Crossing some rivers during the trek takes trekkers to Chale after 6-7 hours. Overnight at Chele.
Day 4: Trek to Shyangbochen (3800m)
With a warm breakfast at Chele, trekkers move their feet towards Shyangbochen. Passing through Ghyakar, a Gurung village, takes to Samar at 3660m. It takes 3 hours to get to Samar; after reaching there, you\'ll have an early Lunch and continue trekking towards Shyangbochen. Before reaching the journey, one can explore a beautiful cave, Chungsi Cave. The trek involves passing through Taklam La (3624m), Dajora La (3735m), and Bhena La (3860m). The overall journey takes 7 hours. Overnight at Shyangbochen.
Day 5: Trek to Ghami (3520m)
After breakfast at Shyangbochen, trekkers ascend towards Ghami. Trekkers ascend until reaching to Jhaite and pass Nyi La (4010m). After passing Nyi La, trekkers descend towards Ghami for 2 hours. The villages you\'ll get to explore before reaching Ghami are Tamagoan (3710m), Chhuggar (3750m), and Jhaite (3820m). After reaching Ghami, one can explore the Longest Mani wall there. Also, travelers can visit the Japanese hospital in Ghami. The trek from Shyangbochen to Gami takes around 5 hours.
Day 6: Trek to Tsarang/ Charang (3560m)
Once you finish your breakfast at Ghami, you\'ll proceed towards Tsarang (Charang). Trekkers head northeast from Ghami over a red cliff along with the sightseeing of blue sheep. Within 4-5 hours of the trek from Ghami, they\'ll reach Tsarang/ Charang and have breakfast there. After Lunch, one can explore the village, as Charang is the second most significant area and is famous for its oldest monasteries. Overnight at Tsarang/ Charang.
Day 7: Trek to Lo-Manthang (3810m)
After a warm breakfast at Charang, trekkers move towards the beautiful destination, Lo Manthang. One can get to Lo Manthang within 4 hours of walking and exploring the different monasteries during the trek. Lo Manthang is the capital city of the Upper Mustang, and there was a royal palace in ancient times. You\'ll have enough time to visit the surroundings of Lo Manthang, including the royal palace, Buddhist monasteries, and schools. Overnight at Lo Manthang.
Day 8: Explore in Lo Manthang
Day eight is the exploration day at the beautiful village of Lo Manthang. The exploration starts with Lo Mantang at horse riding. Passing through Tilekheji, Bhankadanda, and Arka, trekkers reach Choser, where they\'ll learn about the history of different Khampa people. Enjoying the exploration of the various Buddhist monasteries, you\'ll return through the cave. With the exploration of Nyamdo, Kimaling, Thinggar, and Phuwa, you\'ll reach Namgyal at Namgyal. There, trekkers visit the Gelup Sec monastery of Victory. After a beautiful exploration day, return to Lo Manthang overnight.
Day 9: Trek to Drakmar (3820m)
After the beautiful visit to Upper Mustang, the returning journey begins. Saying goodbye to Lo Manthang after having breakfast, you\'ll start to trek. Continuing walking from Lo Manthang takes you to Ghar Gumba. 5 hours of walking brings you to Drakmar, passing through Mui La and Ghar. Overnight at Drakmar.
Day 10: Trek to Ghiling (3570m)
After breakfast at Drakmar, trekkers ascend to Ghiling. Five hours of trekking takes Gjiling through Ghemi La (3765m) and Pass (4025m). On the way to Ghiling, one will pass through alpine fields of barley, buckwheat, and sandy trails. Overnight at Ghiling.
Day 11: Trek to Chhuksang (2980m)
Once you finish your breakfast at Ghiling, you\'ll go to Chhuksang. Upon reaching Chhulsang, trekkers cross through some passes before reaching Chhuksang. Shyangbochen La (3850m), Yamda La (3860m), Bhena La (3860m), Dajori La (3735m), and Taklam La (3624m) are the passes one needs to navigate before reaching Chhuksang. 5 hours of trek from Ghiling takes to Chhuksang. Overnight at Chhuksang.
Day 12: Trek to Jomsom (2720m)
Day twelfth starts with a warm breakfast at Chhuksang. After trekking for a while from Chhuksang, you\'ll rest at Kagbeni and have Lunch there. Once you finish your lunch, you\'ll check it out from the ACAP check post. Leaving Kagbeni, trekkers descend to Ekle Bhatti through the Kali Gandaki riverside and get to Jomsom. The total walk takes 7 hours to get to Jomsom. Overnight at Jomsom.
Day 13: Fly to Pokhara
Taking an early flight from Jomsom, you\'ll fly back to Pokhara with a stunning bird\'s eye view of Himalayan scenery. A 20-minute flight takes you to Pokhara Airport. After getting fresh and having Lunch, one can explore Pokhara City. David\'s Fall, Mahendra Cave, the Mountaineering Museum, Seti River Gorge, World Peace Stupa, and Lakeside are some beautiful areas of Pokhara you\'ll get a tour of. Overnight at Pokhara.
Day 14: Bus drive to Kathmandu
Saying goodbye to Pokhara and the concluding of the Upper Mustang journey, you\'ll have a drive to Kathmandu. You\'ll drive through Prithivi Highway with a stunning view of Nepal\'s landscapes. A 7-8 hours drive from Pokhara takes you to Kathmandu. Overnight at Kathmandu Hotel.
Provider Information
What's Included
- Tourist Bus tickets from Kathmandu and Pokhara to Kathmandu.
- Twin-sharing accommodation in Pokhara and Trekking.
- Three meals during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- Special permit in Upper Mustang Trekking.
- TIMS and ACAP Permits.
- Flight ticket from Pokhara to Jomsom and end of the trek.
- Domestic Airport tax.
- A professional English speaking trekking guide.
- Salary for the guide his insurance, food, accommodation, Flight tickets, and transportation.
- First Aid Medical Kit.
- Government tax.
What's Not Included
- Your Accommodation and Meals in Kathmandu.
- Hard and soft drinks.
- Hot and Cold drinks.
- Hot Shower.
- Entrance fee in Monastery along the trek.
- Tips and Donation For Guide.
- Extra Accommodation during the trip.
