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Upper Mustang Trek

Recommended by 99% of travelers
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    Trip Duration 16 Days

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    Max, Altitude 3800 meters

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    Type Trekking

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    Best Season March - Nov

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    Meals Included

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    Accommodation Guest House

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    Activity Trekking

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    Difficulty Moderate

The Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal is an unforgettable experience. It is a hidden treasure in a remote corner of Nepal. Visitors will get to experience the real, untouched Tibetan culture and utterly breathtaking natural beauty. 

Mustang is tugged up in the northern part of the Kali Gandaki River. It has a really fascinating history that goes way back, like to the 8th century! Some say even the famous Tibetan poet Milarepa might have visited here once.

Thus, the Upper Mustang Trek brings trekkers closer to one of the most isolated and spiritual places in the world. Situated on the north of Annapurna on the Tibetan border at a height of around 4000 meters, the area is topographically and culturally a part of the Tibetan plateau.

Its valleys are bone-dry and dry with beautiful rock formations and cliffs. Behind them stand the Himalayan pinnacles, strikingly delightful and snow-topped. 

A piece of Mustang’s excellence lies in the fact that this district has been visited by very few numbers of travelers, which leaves it as one of only a handful of places on the planet where one can witness untouched Tibetan culture.

In addition, Mustang is popular among people not just as a place with remarkable scenes that will blow your mind but additionally for its great food and the production of a top-notch apple alcohol. 

Nevertheless, the tasting of the butter tea is an extraordinary affair and an opportunity to get close to the way of life of the locality. 

Advance up the Kali Gandaki River’s banks, seeing the excellence of its stunning blue waters and desert surroundings in the old kingdom of Mustang. 

What It Feels Like in the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal:

Imagine a landscape that is a lot like Tibet, with big stretches of yellow and gray hills shaped by the forces of nature over time. The villages, few and far between, seem almost like mirages on the horizon. 

The crisp mountain air fills your lungs as you ascend into the Himalayas. As you trek through this dreamland, you will feel like an explorer, discovering hidden monasteries, ancient villages, and understanding the way of life in Mustang region.

This journey is not just about conquering peaks; it’s a spiritual and cultural experience. The sense of achievement you will experience here goes beyond reaching a summit. It is about connecting with a land and its people in a profound way.

Best Time for the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal:

When it comes to exploring Upper Mustang, the best time to go is in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). 

During these months, during the Upper Mustang Trek, the weather is just right—not too hot or too cold. You will get to enjoy clear skies and beautiful landscapes.

In the spring, you will see colorful rhododendron flowers blooming, making the rocky terrain look really pretty. In the fall, you will get to see the mountains clearly because the skies are nice and clear. 

How Difficult Is This Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal?

The Upper Mustang Trek is rated as a moderate trek. It is like a fun adventure for most people. You don’t need to be a pro hiker. Just be fit and ready for some long walks in the mountains.

During the trek, you will walk for about 5-6 hours every day. Sometimes the path goes up and down, but it’s not crazy tough. 

The only thing to watch out for is altitude sickness. You will go up to 3,840 meters (that’s about 12,600 feet). But don’t worry; there are acclimatization days to let your body adjust to the higher elevations.

Conclusion:

The Upper Mustang Trek promises a truly unique exposure for everyone who experiences it. This isn’t just a trek; it’s a journey. This will challenge your body and mind, yet nourish your spirit. It will introduce you to a world of ancient traditions and captivating landscapes.

Join us on this adventure with Himalayan Trekking in Nepal and let the magic of the Upper Mustang leave an indelible mark on you.

Itinerary of Upper Mustang Trek

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After landing at the Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be picked up by our representative who will drop you off at the hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

With breakfast done, we prepare for an early morning flight or a drive to the beautiful city of Pokhara. It’s a fantastic place to chill and relax.  If flying isn’t an option, you can easily get to Pokhara on a tourist bus. The journey is 6-7 hours long but pleasant with nice views of green hills and rivers flowing below. Overnight in Pokhara.
Note- If you take a plane instead of overland drive, the flight fare is extra.

On day 3, we take a 20-minute scenic flight from Kathmandu to Jomsom. On reaching we head towards Kagnbeni. The trek is moderate and filled with beautiful views. We lunch at Kagbeni and go on an excursion around the ancient village. Today’s highlights include exceptional views of the Himalayas including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, the deepest gorge in the world- the Kali Gandaki Gorge, and Kagbeni- the gateway to Upper Mustang. Overnight at Kagbeni.

Today, we walk through a restricted area of Upper Mustang, after we get all permits done. Witness the great Kagbeni and Nilgiri mountain in the background, the arid desert-like mountainous surrounding. On our way we stop by at Tangbe, an ancient Himalayan village. Overnight at Chele.

Today’s trek is filled with many ups and downs, the sky caves, magnificent canyons, beautiful farming fields and the panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Tilicho Peak, and YakawaKang. We start off with a steep climb through a hill cut trail one of the canyons. You get good views of the ancient sky caves with date almost 3000 years. We luch at Bhena, then ascent a pass and descend to Syangboche, a tinyvillage deep in the valley. Overnight in Syangboche

Today we ascend a small pass at 3800 meters. The view from the pass is extraordinary – see great views of the deep valleys, canyons and giant mountains. The trek is moderate with a few climbs here and there. We reach Ghami, an ancient village filled with monastery, Chortens and mani (prayer) walls, by lunchtime. Overnight in Ghami.

Half an hour into the trek we come up to the longest ancient mani wall of Mustang as we make our way to the ‘Land of Chortens”. We walk the trail walked by the ancient Indian saint Padmasambhava (750-810 AD), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. Witness rising red cliffs to the west as we make to Tsarang by lunchtime. After lunch, you have enough time to explore around Tsarang. Visit the white palace and the ancient monastery at Tsarang. Overnight at Tsarang.

Today after 4-5 hours of trek we reach Lo Monthang. On our way we pass by an interesting ancient chorten, we see great views of Lo Manthang, the valley of Thinkar and Chhosar from the Lo-La pass at 4000 meters. We also get to see ruins of ancient forts on the high hills. We enter through a gateway, the single gateway to the forbidden kingdom, that welcomes us to Lo Manthang. Overnight at Lo Manthang.

After breakfast, we head for Chhosar, where we visit the Nyphu Cave monastery built into the side of a high cliff, the 2500 years old Jhong Sky Cave, and we can also visit the Thinkar summer palace or explore the extraordinary ancient monasteries inside the walled city itself.  The capital city of Lo Manthang houses one of the largest and finest Tibetan Buddhism gompas in Nepal which include 4 major ancient monasteries. The city also is home to 14th century royal palace. Overnight at Lo Manthang.

Today, while on our way to Dhamkar we pay a visit to the Ghar Gompa, the world’s oldest Tibetan monastery. The monastery was built by the ancient Indian saint Padmasambhava in the 7th century. The trail is beautiful and moderate with a few steep downhill trails. We stop by at the oldest monastery for a lunch! We walk high above canyons and hills to reach Dhakmar which is known as the ‘Land of red cliffs. Overnight at Dhamkar.

Now, it’s all about tracing our steps back from where we came from. But, it is also an opportunity to check on the great views we might have missed out! Overnight at Syanboche.

Wait, the trip isn’t over, yet! We start early for a trip to one of the most beautiful monasteries in all of Mustang- Chungsi Cave Monastery. It is said that the Saint Padmasamvaba meditated here. We climb a steep trail to reach the cave, so the trail can be challenging. The cave lies on the side of a vertical canyon wall. We stop for lunch at Samar and then we start descending towards Chusang, a beautiful village with an apple orchard. Witness great views of the Nilgiri and the Kali Gandaki. Overnight at Chusang.

Today, we trace our steps back heading south towards Kagbeni today. We will be exiting the restricted area of Mustang. Overnight at Jomsom.

With breakfast done, we prepare for an early morning flight to the beautiful city of Pokhara. Pokhara is a backpacker’s paradise. It’s a fantastic place to chill and relax. The flight is also scenic as you will be flying along the Kali Gandaki Gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Today we drive back to Kathmandu. The journey is 6-7 hours long but pleasant with nice views of green hills and rivers flowing below. If you want, we can also arrange a flight to Kathmandu which will cost you extra. Overnight in Pokhara.

This is it, your last day in Nepal. It’s time to say goodbye, but we hope we’ll meet again! Our representative will escort you to the airport three hours before the scheduled flight.

Have any Questions? Check out FAQ'S

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

No, previous trekking experience is not mandatory, but it’s advisable to be in good physical condition and prepared for moderate physical exertion.

The highest point you will reach on the Upper Mustang Trek is Lo Manthang at approximately 3,840 meters (12,600 feet).

We at Himalayan Trekking and Tour will assist you in obtaining the required trekking permits, including the Special Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang.

We provide a comprehensive packing list upon booking, ensuring you have all the essentials for a comfortable and safe journey.

Yes, we cater to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian, and can accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice.

Yes, the Upper Mustang is considered a safe trekking destination. Our experienced guides and staff prioritize your safety and well-being throughout the journey.