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Upper Mustang Trek

Trip code
Package name Upper Mustang Trek
Duration 17
Max. elevation m
Level Difficult
Transportation
Accomodation
Starts at Kathmandu
Ends at Kathmandu
Trip route
Cost USD 1,852 per person

Highlights

Overview

Upper Mustang Trek is a magical experience. It takes you to the north of the Annapurna region towards the Nepal Tibet border which is also regarded as the Last Forbidden Kingdom. It is one of the less walked trails but a popular one in terms of its unique landscapes and cultural richness. The region is enriched with barren ridges, eroded cliffs, deep canyons, and moraine valleys. It’s actually a rain shadow area enhanced by the astonishing snow-clad mountains all around. The authentic Buddhism religion, monasteries that date back to the 16th century and traditional people who are far away from a single touch of modernization are the major features of Upper Mustang.

journey to Upper Mustang is a mystical journey that takes you to some restricted sections of Nepal. It takes you to a rain shadow area that is completely dry and barren with no signs of trees and plants around. Only a few short plants found in dryland can be noticed.  The desert-like arid landscapes resemble that of the Tibetan plateaus. However, the majestic mountains in the backdrop add to the wilderness of this place. With only a few travelers, the region has been able to maintain its natural glory intact. Upper Mustang region was restricted for foreigners/ outsiders till 1992. Even today, one can enter into the region but a special permit is required to do so. Only legitimate licensed trekking companies can arrange for a trip to Upper Mustang.

The forbidden kingdom of Lo
Lo Manthang, the capital city of Mustang is a walled city that preserves the fortification during the medieval period of the world. It is said that the long walls in the city were built by the legendary Ame Pal in 1440. As soon as you enter into the forbidden kingdom of Lo, you will be able to notice the long walls in the city which is an appeal for many travelers. The local traditional people are even more interesting. The folks call themselves Lobas; the original inhabitants of Mustang. The city as a whole consists of long walls and whitewashed small houses that is similar to the Tibetan villages. Besides, the charming villages, the ancient monasteries and hidden caves add to the mystic beauty of this place.

The ancient monasteries of Upper Mustang!
Upper Mustang treasures some ancient monasteries that date back to centuries. As you enter deep into the upper mustang, you will be able to notice the dominance of the Tibetan Buddhism religion. The colorful prayer flags, the prayer wheels with mantras, mani walls, gompas, and monasteries reflects the Buddhism religion practiced in those areas. The monasteries are very old and it is said that they date back to the 16th century. We can even find some hidden caves in the region. Even caves, monasteries, gompas and mandalas have their own untold stories. No wonder, the region is a hidden treasure of ancient Tibetan religion.

Some of the strange practices of Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang region, also regarded as the Last forbidden kingdom has its own king, queen, and palace. After the commencement of the republic in Nepal, Nepal Government ceased the recognition of King however the local people respect them as a king to date. 

Did you know that Polyandry is still practiced in the Upper Mustang region? If you get to know a girl married to three brothers in the same family, do not get surprised! It is a traditional practice in Upper Mustang.

Best Season for Upper Mustang Trek
Monsoon season in Nepal is so recommended for trekking purposes. However, this trek can be done even in the monsoon season. As the trekking area goes through the rain shadow area, Upper Mustang Trek is the best choice for trekking in monsoon season. 

Why Eye on Himalaya for Upper Mustang Trek
Eye on Himalaya Treks and Expedition P. Ltd organize a trip to Upper Mustang on a timely basis. If you want to join our group to Upper Mustang, please let us know. We also organize a private tour if you do not want to join the groups. Should there be any queries, feel free to contact us!

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu

On this day you  will arrive in Nepal at the only International Aiport of Nepal that is Tribhuvan International Airport. You will be accompanied by our fellow correspondents. You might want to rest and then enjoy your welcome dinner followed by cultural performances.

Day 2 : Preparation day in Kathmandu

This day is separated for you to prepare for the astounding journey that is waiting for you. You will be instructed about all the trekking arrangements and the packing list and will be discussing your expectations. This day can be significant to most of the people before commencing the journey. Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu is voluntary, you can visit a number of world heritage sites inside the valley.

Day 3 : Drive to Pokhara

You'll be taking a drive for roughly 6hours to the famous visitor city, Pokhara on the central busy highway. The drive leads on with the phenomenal panoramas of mountains; Mt. Annapurna, Manaslu, Mt. Dhaulagiri with the extraordinary artistic peak Machapuchare, the Fish Tail shaped mountain which is unclimbed so far and well recognized and regarded as the saintly mountain. You'll check into a hotel located by the serene Phewa lake.

Day 4 : Fly to Jomsom, trek to Kagbeni

Today you will take an early morningtide flight to Jomsom which is renowned for its apples, heavy winds furthermore the panorama. You start your trek on an extensive path adjacent to a gorgeous plain. You pass by Eaklibatti community before entering Jomsom which is ideally resided at the bank of two rivers. The settlement is rich with flat-roofed residences. Overnight in Kagbeni.

Day 5 : Kagbeni to Chele

 You get your permissions terminated then commence your trek on a path beside the Kali Gandaki River. You walk on gravel in powerful winds before mounting on a hill. You enter the Tangbe Village and relish its narrow alleyways, white-washed houses, cereal, and buckwheat field. You resume your trek and reach a community and meet a river on your way. Succeeding, you walk on a range before reaching Chele Village. Overnight in Chele.

Day 6 : Chele to Syanbochen

Your trek from today will be a difficult one compared to what you encountered before.  Your walk today comprises passing two crossings, Taklam La passes furthermore Dajori La pass. On your way, you relish great prospects of Tilicho, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda and reach by Ramchung Cave. You go downhill further and reach Samar Village. From here you walk on a path above the settlement and reach a range. Following, you decline on a sheer track to a river and resume your trek to Syanboche. Overnight in Syanboche.

Day 7 : Syanbochen to Ghami

You rise to the Yamda La pass. On the trail, you pass through a few teahouses and fascinating villages. You pass within poplar woodlands and cereal fields and enter Nyi Pass. From here, you decline to Ghami which is one of the largest settlements in the Lo region. The settlement is artistic with territories encompassing the entire village. Overnight in Ghami.

Day 8 : Ghami to Tsarang

Your trek today starts with an inclination by a rugged and usually slippery path. You then pass a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola and start mounting. The trail is attractive with several walls accompanying the trail. Next, you pass the Tsarang La Pass and enter Tsarang village. The village occupies atop the Charang Chu canyon including an enormous fortification and a red gompa. Overnight in Tsarang.

Day 9 : Tsarang to Lo-Manthang

You start your trek by declining to a canyon and pass a stream before beginning your uphill trek to Lo La pass. From the summit of the pathway, you can appreciate the delicate Lo Manthang village. From the crossing, you descend to Lo Manthang which is a charming village. You can get the views of the Himalayas including Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak as well as Damodar Kunda properly from here. Overnight in Lo-Manthang.

Day 10 : Explore Lo Manthang/ Acclimatization

Lo Manthang is a tiny town of the separated Upper Mustang area of Nepal. You spend the day traveling three major gompas. All of the certain gompas have experienced expert rehabilitation over the last two decades. You can additionally hike to Tingkhar which is a rich village located near of Lo-Mangthang. Overnight in Lo Manthang.

Day 11 : Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar

You hike on a distinctive route when passing from Lo-Manthang. Your path crosses through Gyakar settlement which houses a hundred-year-old Ghar Gompa with artistic rock portraits. As of a local myth, anyone who makes a wish at the Gompa will have it fulfilled. You go around the Gompa and resume our trek to Drakmar for an overnight stay.

Day 12 : Drakmar to Ghiling

You start your trek early to circumvent powerful winds and decline for the most part of the trek. Your path crosses within a dry plain and meadows before arriving Ghiling. The walk can be moderately challenging as you are most prone to encounter strong winds on your face. Ghiling is essentially dry, but you still get excellent prospects of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks. You can tour the village around the evening. Overnight in Ghiling.

Day 13 : Ghiling to Chhuksang

On this day you begin your trek early after breakfast.You walk on the corresponding path as before proceeding up to Lo Manthang. On the way to Chhuksang, you can relish magnificent landscapes of the Himalayas and small settlements you pass en route. Overnight in Chhuksang.

Day 14 : Chhuksang to Jomsom

Today is the ultimate day of your trek and it is a long-drawn one. After hiking for a while, you come to an end of your Mustang tracks and meet the trails of the Annapurna circuit. Enjoying the best that mother nature has to offer you to stop for lunch at Kagbeni. After lunch, you continue our trek to Jomsom for an overnight stay.

Day 15 : Fly back to Pokhara

You take an initial morning flight to Pokhara. The airplane flies into a ravine between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges making the flight itself an extraordinary experience. After arriving in Pokhara, you can spend the rest of the day in relaxation going around in the scenic valley. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 16 : Drive back to Kathmandu

You will be driving back to Kathmandu after a joyful journey in the uphill of Mustang region, on reaching in Kathmandu you will check into respective hotels with having rest of the day free for relaxation and shopping around. We will be hosting a short farewell to celebrate your stay here in Nepal.

Day 17 : International departure

This is your last day in the country of culture and Himalayas, Nepal. As per your scheduled international flight, our correspondents will take you to the international airport for your flight back to your home country or to the next port of call. In this way, your 17days long trek to Upper Mustang will come to an amazing end.

Inclusions

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