Upper Mustang Trek

The literal meaning of Mustang is “Fertile Plain”, former kingdom of Lo and now it is a part of Nepal, bordering the Tibetan plateau, which was opened for the tourist in March 1992. Upper mustang is a barren valley with Trans Himalaya. Mustang was once an important route for crossing the Himalaya between Tibet and Nepal, and many of the old salt caravans passed through Mustang. This is an area where we will trek to, discovering the wonders of the architecture, language, their interesting culture and traditions which are almost purely Tibetan.

Trekking in Mustang region is a unique experience, which takes you to an arid region beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The route entails traveling across desert like landscape, barren ridges, deep canyons, eroded cliffs and moraine valleys. Trekking in Mustang is truly one of the most rewarding experiences in Nepal. Therefore, through this trek you will have a close up view of the primitive society that has remained unaffected by modernization for centuries.

Trip Highlights

• The exploration of cultural heritage sites of Kathmandu prior the trek begins.
• The short cultural tour of Nepal’s most beautiful town, Pokhara on the second day of the trip
• The walk through the trails of Apple Orchard of Nepal, Jomsom all the way to Upper Mustang via many culturally opulent villages
• The ancient Monasteries of the region, where travelers experience spiritual peacefulness
• The landscapes dominated by barren valleys, colorful mountains having interesting myths and widespread Himalayas to the north
• The remains of ancient Lo Kingdom at Upper Mustang and western and valleys, which lie in close proximity of Lo-Manthang
• The amazing culture of people of Lo, which they have been practicing for centuries
   

Day 01 Arrival day in Kathmandu
Altitude: (1350m/4428ft)
Meals Plan: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

After your Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and then you will be taken to the hotel. Our tour operator will explain briefly about the program about your upcoming Mustang Trek with us and introduce our trekking guide. Depending on your arrival time in Kathmandu, you may explore "Thamel". In the evening we host welcome dinner at one of the typical Nepalese restaurant with local music and ethnic dance.O/N Kathmandu. 

Day 02 Kathmandu Sightseeing 
Altitude: (1350m/4428ft)
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Activities: Sightseeing tour
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

After breakfast we depart for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the “City of Temples” to Visit Durbar Square (place of Palace) with the Kasthamandap temple, Kumari Ghar (Home of Living Goddess), Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka and Taleju Temple. Afterwards, we will take you to visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world and also be said as a monkey temple, which is located at top of the hill from where one can have a great view of Kathmandu Valley.

We will drive towards Pashupatinath, which is one of the most important Hindu temple in Nepal. After exploring the Pashupatinath temple, we move towards Bouddhanath Temple, Bouddhanathis one of the largest Stupas in South Asia and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. O/N Kathmandu.

Day 03 Drive to Pokhara 
Altitude: 823m/2,700ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Activities: Drive 5 – 6 hours 
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara 

Early morning drive to Pokhara through the beautiful Nepalese countryside where one will explore the landscape, beautiful valley with interesting settlement on the mountain. The bus will have twice break on the way, once for the breakfast and once for the lunch. Once you reach in Pokhara, transfer to the hotel in lake side and evening stroll around the lake and overnight at hotel.

Day 04 Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kegbeni 
Altitude: 2,858/9,374ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 
Activities: Fly 25 minutes & 3 – 4 hours walk
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Today we fly to Jomsom (windy valley) in the early morning, then after some initial preparation of loads, our trek leads towards northern valley of Kaligandaki by crossing suspension bridge. It is tiring walking through the bank of the river where one can enjoy the views snow peaked mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Nilgiri, whilst to the south can be seen the entire Annapurna massif. Enjoy your evening to walk around the village which is very interesting with its settlement where clustered type of house can be found. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 05 Trek to Chele
Altitude: 3050m/10,004ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 
Activities: 5-6 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

The trek starts towards north valley of Kagbeni to Chele where we pass the beautiful village of Tangbe, with its picturesque traditional houses  and fields of barley, buckwheat and apple orchards. We enjoy views of the magnificent Nilgiri peak and cross several ridges. After Chhusang village, we cross a stream and leave the Kaligandaki valley behind to reach the village of Chele, where we stop for overnight.

Day 06 Trek to Geling
Altitude 3520m/11,546ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 
Activities: 5-6 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

After breakfast the trail leads you to the village of Samar to a ridge and then descend into a large gorge past a Chorten before entering another valley which filled with juniper trees. Then cross a stream and after climbing to a pass, we descend along a ridge to Shyangmochen, a tiny settlement with a few tea shops. Nearby is Rangbyung, a cave containing stalagmites in the form of a Chorten and one of the holiest places in Mustang. The trail continues descends to Geling, with its extensive fields of barley and stop for overnight.

Day 07 Trek to Charang
Altitude 3500m/11,480ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 
Activities: 4-5 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Today’s walk is through perhaps the driest part of Mustang, and much of our energy will be spent negotiating the loose, dry soil. However, the magnificent views of the countryside, from the gentle contours of the north to the rugged mountains in the east and west, more than compensates for the hard climb. Finally, we come to Charang, a large spread-out village at the top of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the village are a huge dzong [fortress] and a red gompa (monastery) which houses an excellent collection of statues and thangkas.  

Day 08 Trek to Lo-Manthang
Altitude 3700m/12,136ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 
Activities: 5-6 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

We will spend part of the morning exploring the interesting village of Charang and its large monastery, before setting out for Lo Manthang. We climb gently above the valley to a large isolated Chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo Manthang. The trail then broadens and eventually we get our first view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The city has only one entrance so we circumambulate the wall to the gate on the north-east corner. We begin our return journey from Lo Manthang, taking the upper highland route. This highland route offers dramatic views of Lo Manthang and the Charang Valley, with snow clad peaks in the background. Just past the settlement of Lo Gekar, we reach the oldest monastery in Mustang, the Ghare Gompa. Stay overnight at Lomanthang.

Day 09 Explore Day at Lomanthang 
Altitude 3700m/12,136ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 
Activities: Explore 
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

We have allowed full day to explore this outstanding historical and cultural centre. There are 4 major Gompas to visit during our stay. The palace is the home of the raja (King) and his rani (queen) is the attraction as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya. Although the raja's function is now finished as we have republican democracy. The town itself is fascinating, and offers countless opportunities to observe a vibrant Tibetan culture. There are many places to explore and manage your time to explore the places. Every monastery requires the donations and entry fees which is made by your own.Overnight at Lomanthang.

Day 10 Lo-Mangthang to Ghar Gumpa 
Altitude 3942m/12933ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 
Activities: 4-5 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

After a wonderful time at Lo-Mangthang  we depart to Ghar Gumpa which is also interesting place to explore the local area. Climbing the ridge, we get our last view of the walled city and descend the valley towards Ghar Gompa. During the walk you'll suffer the dusty wind so we suggest walking in the morning. Overnight at Ghar Gumpa.  

Day 11 Ghar Gumpa to Ghiling 
Altitude 3806m/12,484ft 
Meals Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 
Activities: 5-6 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Today, we continue down to the valley at Ghiling which will be dusty day. Evening we explore area but we explore evening time due to the windy and dusty. Overnight at Ghiling.  

Day 12 Ghiling to Chele
Altitude 3050m/10,004ft 
Meals Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 
Activities: 5-6 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

Today we walk same trail back to Chele. You will have wonderful scenery during your walking with the great Himalayan view with wonderful landscape. Overnight stay at Chele.

Day 13 Chele to Jomsom
Altitude 2700/8,856ft 
Meals Plan: Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner 
Activities: 6-7 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

This will be our last day of trek which is quiet long. We will be walking through the valley all the time to get in to the Kagbeni where we had our first night of the trek at the beginning. Once we reach Jomson, we will celebrate the achievements of the trek with the crew and reflect on our journey. Stay overnight at Jomsom.

Day 14 Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara   
Altitude: 823m/2,700ft 
Activities: 25 minutes flight
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara

After breakfast we check in the Jomsom airport to fly back to Pokhara. This is a dramatic flight between George of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri which is known as the deepest George in the world. On arrival at Pokhara airport guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. Rest of the time explores the lake and overnight at hotel. 

Day 15 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu 
Altitude: 1300m/4264ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Farewell dinner
Activities: 5-6 hrs drive
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Morning at 7 am, we'll drive to Kathmandu through the Prithivi highway which is the same route we drive to Kathmandu on our way to Pokhara. It is interesting driving route where one can enjoy the scenery of natural beauty. Afternoon arrive Kathmandu and we will host farewell dinner at Nepalese restaurant and overnight at the hotel.  

Day 16 Departure day
Altitude: (1350m/4428ft)
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Activities: Departure

After breakfast in to your hotel, we will drop you at the airport to take your onward flight as per time. If you have late flight, you will have time to do last minute shopping if you deserve.
End of the Trip! 

Cost Includes:

• Airport picks up/ transfer
• 3 nights in 3 star standard hotel in Kathmandu with BB plan 
• Guided tour of Kathmandu valley with private car, entrance of all the temples and monuments fees
• Welcome and Farewell dinner at one of the typical Nepalese restaurant
• Mustang special permit and other necessary permits
• Drive from Kathmandu-Pokhara by private vehicle
• All monuments/ entrance fees
• 2 nights hotel in Pokhara on BB plan as per as itinerary suggested
• Pokhara -Jomsom-Pokhara by plane
• 12nights/ 13 days of complete trek of Upper Mustang Trek will full board of meals( Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, tea coffee)
• Mt. accommodation twin share- comfortable and clean (two nights attached bath)
• One Advance Adventures Trek Leader( Gov. Licensed, first aid and eco trained), his entire expenses, equipment and insurance
• Entire cost of porter and Sherpa’s- one porter for each two member in a group
• All the Gov and local taxes
• AA duffle bag 
• Down Jacket and Sleeping Bags
• Group medicine kit box
• Departure transfer

Cost not Includes:

• Nepal Visa, in/out flight to Kathmandu
• Your meals at Kathmandu & Pokhara, except provided dinner and breakfast
• Entire beverages, mineral water, beer etc. while on trek
• Travel Insurance(Must includes Helicopter evacuation and trip cancellation)
• Personal Nature Expenses/ Tips to guide and porter
• Any Extending Trips

Passport & Visa Information
Nepal visa is the easiest visa to obtain; you may buy your Nepal visa at your nearest Nepalese Embassy/ Consulate or Mission offices abroad or buy this upon on arrival to Kathmandu international airport as per your convenient. You have to have 2 passport size photographs, Visa fees in US cash & valid passport at least for 6 months valid at the starting of the trip.

Nationals of SAARC countries and China do not need visa when visiting Nepal.
Transit visa is provided for foreign nationality for 3 days. Visa must be obtained for staying over the initial period of three days. Currently, foreign national can obtain Nepalese visa from the following border.

• Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
• Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
• Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
• Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
• Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
• Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
• Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
• Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)

Multiple entry 15 days - US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days - US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days - US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency

Group Size:
In our trip, the minimum group size would be two and maximum group size is ten or more on request. We can also organize private trip to solo person with single supplement cost. Else, join our estimated group departure dates available online or ask us with your personal dates, we will open group date on the same date.

Our Guides, trip and safety
Because these hikes take you on the remote Himalayan region, it is very essential that you are accompanied with the very experienced and qualified & equipped leader for the safe and successful trip. We Advanced Adventure employee the local trek guide and stuff who are trained and qualified on the trip we worked on. Our guides are trained and licensed from Nepal Gov, certify from TAAN & Nepal Mountaineering Association. All of our leading Trekking and Climbing Guide are experience from last 8 to 10 years. We have train them specially for your trip, to cater the flexible needs of our peoples in the group joining from different countries, this double assure you that your trip is at the right and professional hands.

At every trip, there would be our one Trek leader and one assistance leader on each additional 2 peoples on the trek- this arrangement would ensure that even if any of our guide/ assistance guides get sick or if any travelers gets sick and need to be back or delay the days of walking, it would still works smoothly and there would not be any impact on our original trek plan. Also each two trekker would have one Sherpa helper for carrying your trekking bags.

Meals and Accommodations
While in Kathmandu and any other cities, your accommodation is at tourist standard hotels ( Attached Bath, A/C, 24 hours running hot/cold shower) similar of 3 star standard hotel and while in trek, your accommodation is at Mt. Lodge and local tea houses, they are clean and comfortable. Our entire accommodation is at twin share unless stated but single supplement accommodation is also available on personal request at the additional cost of US$- 250.

In city, only breakfast is included on the offered trip itinerary but while in trek full board of meals is included (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, and Tea- Coffee). We provide you food from the local tea- house/ Mt. Lodge from en route. Breakfast and dinner is to be provided from the same tea- house/ guest house we would overnight but lunch would be en route in between.

Foods provided are depends on the availability of the Mt. lodges we would be staying but in general, you can have Nepalese foods (Dal Bhat), Tibetan fried bread, various soups, Momo’s (steamed dumplings), potatoes, pastas and even a version of pizza! So, over all you have a different choice of food on trek.

Trekking Seasons
We do have two best seasons to attempt this trek to Upper Mustang with us. As this trip is a big trip to you, we always suggest you to come at the right time of the year as far as possible.

Spring: - (March, April, May) - Best warmest time to trek. Rhododendron flowers in bloom- excellent trails and clear skies, best visibility. Good Temperature, warmest weather of the year.

Autumn:- (Mid September, October and November) - excellent trails, clear blue skies, best visibility.

Winter Months: - (December, January and February) are also good, but it’s obviously colder. You have to be prepared for this. It is up to you to plan this trek at this cold time or not.

Summer: - Monsoon, so rain and visibility can be a big issue (from Mid June, July and August)- As mustang region is rain shadow part of the himalayas, trekking in mustang even at these month is doable so you could come to plan this trek at summer season as well without any hesitation. However, flight to/out Jomsom is weather depended flight and delay could happen so come with some extra days to trek in summer time.

Vaccination
Vaccination is required to plan to your trip to Nepal but it is not a must to have thing to come, but highly suggested. Your doctor will have the information of vaccination you would require to the country you will be travelling.

Hepatitis A, Japanese Encephalitis, Polio, Rabies, Tetanus, Typhoid and Malaria etc. are the recommended vaccination for travel Nepal.

To Book
Once you would choose which trip you would like to book with us, write us with the information or phone us on our phone number for the trip booking confirmation. We have online trip booking option, you may go on that link, choose your trip and date and follow the instruction with information required and summit us. Once your trip booking request would be received, we would suggest you the final trip booking procedure with advance payment of the trip. Non-refundable deposit of 20% (per person) is required to confirm a place on your selected adventure.

Please don't hesitate to contact us in relation to any questions you may have regarding our trip booking Process.