The Upper Mustang trek is beyond the majestic Annapurna Range, the forbidden Kingdom of Mustang boasts desert-like landscapes found nowhere but there. With Lo Manthang as their capital, 13 different hamlets, including Tsarang, were once collectively known as the Kingdom of Mustang and were ruled by the King even though the kingship is long gone and the ancient palace lays in ruins, the King is still considered as a symbolic figure around the region.
In the rain shadow of the Annapurna region and Dhaulagiri Ranges, the region sees little to no rainfall making it one of the driest places in the nation. Even in such arduous conditions, the populace around Mustang is welcoming proving hospitality comes from the heart. A unique culture in similar cohorts to the Tibetan culture the way of life around the region has been shaped by the landscape as well as the religious values.
Home to some of the most stunning caves, it is believed that the lands are not yet fully explored. Drilled within the majestic mountains are cave-like structures the origination of which is yet to be known. And while some claim it was used for Sky Burials, many theorize that it was used by people to protect themselves from the cold. A land of myth, mystery, and discovery the trek to Upper Mustang has everything you are looking for.
Upper Mustang Trekking begins from Kathmandu as we drive to the city of Pokhara, enjoying the lush green valleys and mesmerizing Himalayan landscape en route. A flight takes us to the picturesque town of Jomsom before we set off towards the hamlet of Kagbeni for our first night on the trail. Past Kagbeni the journey follows the banks of the Kali Gandaki River heading towards the hamlet of Chele which lies right on the river bank.
Heading to Syangbochen next, the journey takes us to Tsarang which marks our entry into the forbidden kingdom. Taking a day off to explore Lo Manthang as well as the northern hamlets of Nyiphu and Garphu, we continue our Himalayan adventure heading towards Dhakmar and crossing the ancient Ghar Monastery en route. The final stretch of this adventure takes us to the hamlet of Ghiling before reaching the hamlet of Samar. Meeting up with the stunning Kali Gandaki River once more, we continue our journey to the hamlet of Kagbeni before finally dropping down to Jomsom.
High Route Adventure has been accompanying trekkers and adventurers for over a decade fine-tuning ourselves to the needs of our clients. A satisfied clientele tells you everything you need to know about our services and we can’t wait to start this adventure with you.
Touching down at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by the representatives from our office who will guide you directly to the hotel. Freshening up from the days of journey you will be further introduced to other staffs including your guides for the trek who will brief you on the day to day itinerary for the journey. Wrapping up things for the day you are free to head down to the local region enjoying the pleasant evening.
An early start to the day, we begin our Himalayan adventure with a drive to the city of Pokhara. Over the Himalayas, the 6-7 hours drive takes us through lush green valleys of Nepal touching at Pokhara. Reaching the city in the afternoon, we make our way directly to the hotel after which you are free to head down to the local region enjoying the pleasant evening. You can also choose to drive to Pokhara which will take you through the winding bends of Prithivi Highway with the stunning Trishuli River by your side. Overnight stay at Pokhara.
Exiting the stunning city of Pokhara, we make our way beyond the Annapurna Himalayas to reach the arid Himalayan landscape. With deserts like landscapes and majestic mountains all around the town of Jomsom, it is known for its sharp winds and picturesque houses. Reaching Jomsom, we take a brief look around the city before beginning our uphill ascend to the hamlet of Kagbeni. The journey is a lovely one as we follow the banks of the stunning Kali Gandaki River to the traditional hamlet.
Exiting the hamlet of Kagbeni, the journey climbs alongside the Kali Gandaki River heading through the arid Himalayan landscapes accompanied by sands and strong winds. Climbing atop the hill, the journey reaches the hamlet of Tangbe adorned with narrow cobbled streets and white-washed houses. Surrounded by fields of barley and buckwheat, the quaint hamlet introduces us to the landscape of Upper Mustang alongside the way of life. Past Tangbe we make our way through another hamlet before crossing a river over to Chele.
An early start to the day, we begin our journey exiting the hamlet of Chele following the dust trail through the foot of majestic mountains. Ascending to the summit of Taklam La Pass (3,624m) we continue our journey to the hamlet of Samar crossing the Dajori La Pass en route. The next stretch of the journey takes us through a series of the cave including the Ramchung Cave where statues of Gurung Rinpoche and Padmasambhava are housed. Overnights stay at Syangmochen.
Exiting Shyangbochen, the trail climbs through the Yamada La Pass (3,850m). Past the quaint hamlet of Tama Gaon, the journey takes us through Nyi La Pass which forms the southern boundary of Lo. Passing the whitewashed settlement of Ghami, the trail crosses the stunning Tangmar Chu River. We can see many colorful subways to the north, east, and west around the ancient Ghami village. Tall mountains of Annapurna range like Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna treks along with us to reach Ghami. Overnight Stay at Ghami.
Today, we trek to the hamlet of Tsarang crossing several mountain passes and picturesque hamlets en route. Tsarang is known as 'Land of Chortens' and encloses a history of the Indian Tibetan Buddhism culture. The final stretch of the trek takes us to the hamlet of Tsarang well known for its populace and ancient monasteries. We will visit different monasteries around Tsarang village. Overnight stay at Tsarang.
Crossing the stunning Tsarang Chu River, the trail heading away from Tsarang steadily climbs through the arid Himalayan landscape. Through a series of Chortens and Mani walls all along the way, the journey steadily climbs past the mountain pass of Lo with glimpses of the forbidden kingdom. The final stretch of the trek takes us on a descending run as we reach the ancient kingdom of Lo Manthang.
A relaxed start to the day, we make our way around the ancient city visiting the quaint monasteries and majestic palaces much of which is in ruins. Heading towards the north, the trail takes us to the hamlets of Nyiphu and Garphu which alongside Namdo and Tinggar, are some of the most frequented destinations around the region. Home to countless monasteries, the region reflects light on the local culture and the unique way of life. Overnight at Lo Manthang.
As the ancient city of Lo Manthang slowly disappears behind the majestic mountains, the arid trail takes us to the summit of Chogo La. Chogo La lies at an altitude of 4,210m and is the highest point of the journey. Crossing the Charang River, the journey takes us to the hamlet of Lo Gekar beyond which lies the Ghar Gumba. Taking some time off at the picturesque hamlet, we begin our descending journey heading to the hamlet of Dhakmar for the night.
Exiting the hamlet of Dhakmar, the trail follows the stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri Ranges to reach the hamlet of Ghiling. This is a largely uninhabited section of the trail that offers us a chance to explore the desert-like Himalayan landscape. Reaching the hamlet of Ghiling, we take some time to explore the local regions while also talking to the locals learning more about their culture and way of life. Overnight stay at Ghiling.
We continue our journey down the hill reaching the hamlet of Syangboche once more. Retracing our steps alongside the Kali Gandaki River, the next stretch takes us past the hamlet of Bhena to reach Samar. The quaint hamlet lies on the foot of Dajori La Pass boasting stunning views of the Annapurna Ranges. The trail takes us past the picturesque hamlets of Ghyakar and Chele to meet the stunning Kali Gandaki River. For the next part, we continue our journey through the river banks heading past the vibrant hamlets to reach Chhuksang. Overnight stay at Chhuksang.
Today, crossing the river beyond Chhuksang, the trail climbs atop a ridge heading past the hamlet of Tangbe to reach Jomsom. We make our way over to the hamlet of Jomsom for the night. The journey follows the dusty pathways of Kagbeni Sadak alongside the stunning Kali Gandaki River. Enjoying the pleasant Himalayan views of the Annapurna Range, we continue our descending journey to reach Jomsom. Heading directly to the hotel, we freshen up from the days of traveling. Enjoy the pleasant evening in the picturesque town of Jomsom. Overnight stay at Jomsom.
Today is our final morning in the Mustang valley. The day’s journey begins with a scenic flight back to the city of Pokhara. The 15-minute flight takes us back to the lush green valley adorned with stunning lakes and pleasant natural views. After a short rest at the hotel, we will explore the Lake Side area and boat in Phewa Lake. If time permits, we will visit other places around Pokhara. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.
After a relaxed night at Pokhara, we take our scheduled drive towards Kathmandu. we take a bus to Kathmandu, the drive will last for 6-7 hours passing through several small settlements around Prithivi and Tribhuvan Highway. After reaching Kathmandu, we can relax in Thamel and share our experiences from the Upper Mustang Trek journey. Either way, the day ends with a lovely farewell dinner as we celebrate our successful journey.
Our representatives will drop you back to Tribhuvan International Airport just in time for your flight back home. We hope you had a lovely time with us and we look forward to seeing you again.
You will stay at Kathmandu and Pokhara, Breakfast will be complimentary. There are many multi-cuisine restaurants in Thamel Kathmandu and the lakeside area in Pokhara which serve delicious food. On the last night in Kathmandu, we will provide you with a complimentary farewell dinner in a Nepalese restaurant with cultural slow.
On the trek, you will enjoy a full board trekking meal (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) cost is included in the package. You will be taking breakfast and dinner at the teahouse where you can stay overnight and for Lunch, you will be taken to a teahouse on the route. In all treks including the upper mustang trek in the Annapurna Himalaya region, good food is very important and to keep all the members fit and healthy throughout the trip.
Meals are served in a large dining hall, some higher cold places furnished with the pot-bellied stove to keep the dining room warm and cozy. Items of foods can be ordered on choosing two types ‘a la carte’ or set menus, for a la carte with wide listed food and drink menu from Farmers, American or simple breakfast to Lunch, Dinner and light snacks.
Most tourist standard average lodge, managed and run by family members including cooking, the menu laden with popular and famous Nepalese meals, known as Dal-Bhat (boiled rice, lentil soup to add with mild seasonal vegetable curry), Continental, and Chinese to Tibetan with Indian as well Italian and Mexican dishes. In some good lodges on route trekking Korean and Japanese foods are also available.
During the upper mustang trek, you will be accommodated in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and on the path area unit enclosed within the package price. You will be staying at 3-star deluxe hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara,
While trekking you will be staying best available teahouse. The teahouse is run by familiar and mountain communities. Accommodation around the upper mustang region varies from deluxe to simple and basic standards, depending upon the traveler’s choice and budget. Trekkers and other visitors will be much delighted to find nice cozy comfort accommodation in Jomson, Muktinath, and other Kaligandaki valley areas, on route Annapurna Circuit and Upper mustang.
Please note that the standard of accommodation in each place may vary from one lodge to another. Thus, trekking in Nepal in a "lodge" also known as Tea-House from early days, which is a typical local inn with minimum western facilities due to harsh terrain, high elevation, and extreme cold conditions. However, all lodges are better than the higher ones with neat and hygienic and cozy rooms with good food menus with friendly service.
Nepal, has four main seasons, namely the spring season (mid-February to May), the summer season as well the monsoon season and wet times (June to August), the autumn/fall season (September to November), and the winter season (December to mid-February).
One can travel the Upper Mustang trek nearly all months of the year, the best time is spring from March to May and autumn/fall to pre-winter seasons. Depending upon your choice of interest, likewise Upper mustang trek, one can visit during winter months also.
Springtime and autumn/fall, the peak season for treks and other adventures around Nepal Himalaya, including the Annapurna region. The other best time is autumn/fall which is also a high season.
The upper mustang trek begins from the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. you can experience clear day and dry weather in the hold year. The summer season is also the perfect time to travel to upper mustang.
All trekkers require to obtain trekking permits known as TIMS (Trekking Information Management Service), for the Annapurna region. Issued and controlled by TAAN (Trekking Agent Association of Nepal). Entry Permits TIMS will be collected by your guide from High Route Adventure, associated as well lifetime member of TAAN. The entry permits TIMS, will be kept by your guide as it needs to be registered on every check-post on major villages on route trekking.
The TIMS card will be handed to you at the end of the trip, as a good memorable souvenir of the treks. The other permit required is the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) entry fee ticket, which will be obtained by the company in Kathmandu, or on the first entrance of the ACAP check post. These are the main entry permits required on the trek to Upper mustang The permits are important to ensure and safeguard all trekkers from safety, especially for individual or solo trekkers if they are lost this will help to track the missing person on route trekking.
The fact of upper mustang, lies is near the border of Tibet and Nepal, and Last forbidden kingdom of Nepal, it is considered a restricted area of Nepal so you need to get a Special Permit, cost of a permit to enter the area at 500 USD per person for 10 days and after then 50 USD per day.
To get the permits you need to provide the following documents and information:
In and around the Annapurna Himalaya region, altitude sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) does not affect much, unless you are trekking above over 3,000 m to 5,000 m elevation.
For Upper Mustang Trek where trekkers sometimes catch the symptoms of altitude sickness with light headache, nausea or lack of appetite. The area is safe if AMS occurs, where one can descend to lower areas.
Trekkers joining for Upper Mustang trek as it involves high altitude walks, walking at a slow pace, Preventive measures against AMS using Diamox or Acetazolamide tablets as per your doctor and guide advice. The major problem is when one catches symptoms of HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) which is water in a brain and HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), a symptom with some water in the lungs. Where the victim needs rescue or immediate evacuation for proper medical treatment.
Drinking water available in every shop, store as well in restaurants and in the lodge that you stay, depending upon your requirement, medically on treks and in high altitude, where one needs 3-4 liters of safe drinking water every day. One you can buy safe drinking water served boiled and filtered. Where some trekkers enjoy free drinking water from the nearby fresh clear stream, water spouts, and creeks which need much filtration adding water purifying tablets, or iodine.
The best is to buy from the lodge, where drinking water is much safe boiled and cooled. upper Mustang trek, there are some places with water stations, at affordable prices, like on route Upper Mustang. The water station is run and managed by the local community and ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project).
Other options are bottled mineral water available in every village store and shops as well at the lodge, the cost can be dear as you trek further high. But we at High Route Adventure, do not encourage trekkers to buy bottled water, as it creates much rubbish as we follow the concept of Responsible Tourism or Eco-Trekking to preserve the surrounding pristine environment.
Most important that you purchase at the home country through good and reliable Insurance companies, that should cover medical condition including rescue service, by fastest means of transport like a chopper.
In all Himalayan countries including Nepal and Annapurna region, where even a healthy and physically fit can get sick, either from the past personal medical side or other reasons like AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
For severe illness, one needs immediate evacuation, and the quickest way to reach a safe place with good medical facilities like in Pokhara city, or at Kathmandu. Travel Insurance, should cover your holiday duration in case of bad unfavorable weather conditions even in the best time of the season.
In the Himalayas or in the Annapurna region, where trail conditions can be affected by landslides, or with heavy snow that might create a situation to delay or cancel the trip. For unforeseen circumstances where you will be safe with your Insurance policy, which you claim back at home after providing the official letter from your local agent or High Route Adventure.
Clients' safety is our top priority, including guides, field staff, and porters in all our programs and itineraries, which are well planned and designed to keep our trip as per the standard itinerary. It is also a guideline, as it can be slightly changed in case of the client’s physical fitness and weather condition.
If there’s too much danger to encounters like landside, broken trails, avalanches, and snowstorms, or other major calamities, we plan and decide what is best for our clients and staff safety.
We at High Route Adventure, fully committed to keeping all our adventure safe and sound in all respects, sometimes it all depends on the clients themselves whether they have chosen the right trips at the right time.
All our expert guides and leaders will make your holiday adventure worthwhile and memorable, in case of emergency our guides are reliable to cope with any situations for the safety of all members including staff. As our guide has basic medical experience and First Aid, well versed in Eco-Trekking to make the trek and environment safe and enjoyable.
