Upper Mustang Trek

Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu

• Wake up early in the morning and have a sumptuous breakfast in your hotel before 8.30 am.

• Get ready for the sightseeing tour of the ancient city with a specialized tour guide in a comfortable private vehicle.

• The first stop on the sightseeing tour is Pashupati Nath, which is the largest Hindu temple in Nepal that dates back to the Lichhavi period.

• Moving further, you will visit Boudha Nath, Swayambhu Nath, and the shrines of Lord Buddha that have been uniquely created in the Shikhara style.

• In the evening, you will be taken to Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is the epitome of middle-age architecture.

• After that, you will be given a brief of the trekking journey you will start the following day.

• The trekkers can indulge in the last-minute shopping experience for Upper Mustang in New Road or Thamel.

• Have dinner and take a rest for the day in your hotel.

Drive to Pokhara

• After a delicious breakfast early in the morning, you will take a six to seven hours drive to Pokhara through the scenic routes of Prithvi Highway.

• On your way to the gorgeous valley of Pokhara, you can admire the beautiful Himalayas.

• After reaching Pokhara, you can either take an exploration walk around the beautiful lake city or indulge in boating in the magnificent Phewa Lake.

• Spend your night at a local hotel in Pokhara.

Fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni

• Day 4 of the Upper Mustang trek will start with a 20 minutes flight from Pokhara to Jomsom.

• This flight will fly in the northwest direction from Pokhara between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

• During the flight, you can relish the beautiful views of the giant snowclad mountains and hills.

• After reaching Jomsom, you will start your three hour long trek along Kali Gandaki to reach Kagbeni, which is a portal to the Upper Mustang.

• Upon arrival at Kagbeni, you can rest for the day in the guesthouse.

Trek to Chele

• Your trekking experience to Upper Mustang will continue towards the east bank of Kali Gandaki through several ridges.

• After reaching the Tangbe village, you can witness the scenic views of the natural alleys amidst white-washed mud, buckwheat fields, apple trees, and stone houses.

• You can also admire the dominating majesty of Nilgiri in the southern sky of Kagbeni.

• Continue your trek to Chhusang village for two hours and then move past the twisting Kali Gandaki.

• Go uphill the giant red mass of Conglomerate that has been formed in the form of a tunnel after falling from the cliff, through which Kali Gandaki flows.

• Climb towards Clele after crossing the Kali Gandaki valley and discover the gentle transition from the Manangi culture to Tibetan.

• Enjoy an overnight stay at your guesthouse in Chele.

Trek to Syangbochen

• On the sixth day of the trek, you will hike along a steep barren land and the red copper canyon.

• After that, you are required to take a gradually descending trail to some Chortens on a ridge and visit the alluring village of Samar.

• From here, trek downhill through a ridge and enter a large gorge.

• Keep walking through the valleys, streams, and fields and take the ascending trail towards the ridge situated at a height of 3800 meters.

• Move past another pass and ridge, and walk downward towards Syangboche.

Trek to Ghami

• The next day of the trek will start from Syangboche with a gentle climb to a pass and walk downwards towards the Gelling village.

• You can move uphill through the meadows to the middle of the valley and cross a tough terrain across the valley head to the Nyi La pass.

• Then, you can take a descending walk for about half an hour to reach a trail junction, from where you will take the left trail to Ghami.

• Cross the assembly of whitewashed mud and stone houses with an overhanging cliff to reach Ghami.

• Enjoy an overnight stay at the guesthouse in Ghami.

Trek to Charang

• Today, you will go on a trekking expedition to Charang, which is the driest part of the Mustang.

• After reaching Charang, you can relish the magnificent views of the remote countryside bordered by rocky mountains in different directions.

• You can spend some leisurely time at the large village situated at the top of the Charang Chu Canyon.

• Take a tour of the giant fort from ancient times and a red Gompa that showcases a remarkable collection of thangkas and statues on the eastern side of the village.

• Have dinner and rest for the day at the guesthouse in Charang.

Trek to Lo-Manthang

• This day of the Upper Mustang trek will allow you to hike to some of the fundamental attractions of Lo-Manthang, which includes 150 residences and households for lama gurus.

• Start your day with a moderate trek through Lo-Gekar, which is the most ancient Gompa in Nepal.

• Moving forward, pay a visit to the old monasteries and temples of the area and the residing palace of the king and queen of Lo Manthang.

• Visitors can also take horses on lease to explore the beautiful valley of Lo-Manthang.

• Have an overnight sleep at your guesthouse.

Explore Lo-Manthang

• It is your second day in Lo-Manthang as one day is not enough to explore the entire beautiful place.

• The first stop of the day is Namgyal Gompa, which will take you about two hours to reach there. This attraction is located on the top of the hill and holds a significant place socially, religiously, and legally.

• Proceeding further, you will visit the Tinghkar village which consists of about 40 households situated northwest of Lomanthang.

• Do not forget to pay a visit to the Champa Lhakang, consisting of a giant Buddha statue and detailed mandala carvings on the wall.

• Spend your night at the guesthouse in Lo Manthang.

Trek to Dhamkar

• On this day, you will leave Lo Manthang and take the upper highland trail with a backdrop of the mighty mountains while enjoying the gorgeous glimpses of Lo Manthang and Charang Valley.

• Move past the Dhi Pass and reach Dhamkar.

• Have dinner and rest for the day at your guesthouse in Dhamkar.

Trek Down to Syangboche

• Trek down to Syangboachen through Rachen Gompa with the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains in the backdrop.

• Spend the night in your respective camp at Syangboche.

Trek to Chhusang

• Start your day with a trek through steep ridges and hills along the wonderful sceneries of hills and mountains.

• Visit Tetang, which is the upper village of Chuksang situated between two hills.

• Enjoy an overnight sleep in Chhusang.

Trek to Jomsom

• Day 14 is the last day of your enjoyable trek to Upper Mustang.

• Start your day with a trek through the Jharkot Village and pay a visit to the Tibetan Herbal Medicine Centre, Jharkot Monastery, and the old fortress of Jharkot that once used to be a palace.

• Enjoy the views of Kagbeni Village and Kali Gandaki Valley with your fellow trekkers while descending to Jomsom.

• Have dinner and spend your night at the guesthouse in Jomsom.

Fly to Pokhara and Indulge in a Sightseeing Tour

• Take a 20 minute flight to Pokhara and spend the rest of the day exploring the attractive lake city.

• You can go boating with your fellow travelers in exotic Rupa, Phewa, and Begnas Lake.

• Visitors can also pay a visit to the hilltop monastery, explore the mystical caves, and indulge in paragliding and ziplining activities if the weather is clear.

• In the evening, you can shop your heart out at Pokhara and rest for the day at your hotel.

Drive Back to Kathmandu

• Have a tasty breakfast in the morning and get ready to travel to Kathmandu through Prithvi Highway.

• The beautiful scenery along the way is indeed a refreshing experience.

• After reaching Kathmandu, you can wander around the lively city and purchase souvenirs to take back home for your friends and family.

• Go for an overnight sleep at your hotel in Kathmandu.

Final Departure from Kathmandu

• This is officially your last day of the trek when you will be returning to your homes along with plenty of memories of the trek.

• A representative will transfer you to the Kathmandu Airport for your onward journey to home.

• Backpack or daypack (depending on the size of the porter, if you take one)

• Sleeping bag

• Headlight with extra batteries

• Thermal bottle

• Trekking pole

• Water purification tablets

• Hiking boots

• Thick wool socks (along with an extra pair of thick light socks)

• Biodegradable bar soap

• Deodorant, floss

• Face or body wipes

• Medium-sized drying towel

• Sunscreen

• Toothbrush

• Toothpaste

• Camera

• Cell phone

• Money

• UV-protected sunglasses

• Watch

Although the Upper Mustang trek is moderately difficult, there are a few tips that trekkers should keep in mind before and during the trek. These tips will help them stay connected with their fellow travelers and prevent them in case of any emergency situation. Some of the tips that trekkers should keep in consideration in the Upper Mustang trek are:

• Take your time to slow down, and do not rush the ascent if you are facing the effects of altitude sickness.

• Consult a medical practitioner to ensure that you are fit for the Upper Mustang trek itinerary.

• Carry a bandana or a face mask to protect yourself from the pollution in Kathmandu and bordering areas.

• Pack a reusable water bottle and water purification tablets as it is eco-friendly compared to bottled water.