Upper Mustang Circuit Trekking
Upper Mustang Circuit Trekking is one of Nepal's most mysterious and least known kingdoms. The landscape of Mustang is a barren moonscape of eroded sandstone pillars and discontinuous moraine terraces, which together present a colorful mosaic made up principally of earthen reds, yellows and brown. It is relatively easy trekking along the permitted route to Lo Manthang, which lies in the very heart of Mustang. The trek to Mustang is through an almost treeless barren landscape. Strong winds generally howl across the area in the afternoon, generally subsiding at night. Being in the rain shadow of the Himalaya, Mustang has much less rain then the rest of Nepal.
This trek starts from the Pokhara a beautiful lake town of the western Nepal and crossing the Annapurna conservation area will get to Upper Mustang. Either fly to Jomsom or walk from the Beni will reach at entry point of upper Mustang called Kagbeni. We start our Upper Mustang trek through the Holy river bank of Kaligandaki and follow the up stream to get to Lo-Mangthang, which is capital of the upper Mustang. On Mustang trek you may have chance to explore the thousand years of old monastery, caves, local tribes and scenic beauties of the different landscapes. You will have a great chance to accomplish the blessing from the King and the royal palace during the visit. The trek to Lo-Manthang is through an almost tree-less barren landscape, a steep rocky trail up and down hill and panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several other peaks make your trek wonderfully.
Forbidden & isolated from the rest of the World it was able to evolve its own distinctive culture and traditional which is so rich & unique. Lo-Mustang, the capital is walled city ruled by religious king. Untouched by modern civilization, life in Mustang goes on as it has for centuries in unhurried pace.
As there is dirt road all the way to Lo- Manthang, we have carefully designed itinerary to avoid and walk on natural trail. After visiting Lo-Mangthang, our itinerarary avoid road compteltely taking you via Luri Ghompa, Yara, Tange, Tetang and meets in Muktinath.
FACT OF THIS TRIP | |
Trip Duration | 13 days Trekking |
Max. Altitude: | 3700m/12,136ft |
Minimum Altitude: | 2740m./9042ft. |
Grade: | Moderate |
Activities: | Trekking |
Accommodation: | Lodge |
Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner |
Transportation: | Plane/Overland |
Trek Departure: | Every day throughout the Month |
Group Size: | 1 person to 20 persons (maximum) |
Best season: | March, April, May, June, July,September,October and Nov. |
Available Time: | All months |
Per day hiking: | 4 to 6 hour |
COVID-19 health and safety measures
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Pokhara-Jomsom by flight ( 22 minutes) –Kagbeni ( 2858m./9375ft.) 3 hours walk
After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 22 minutes brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town. it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, the trek continues on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hours and finally reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk reaches you to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni, an interesting windswept villages situated on the main age old Trans himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. On arrival, check in the hotel with afternoon free for a stroll around the village. Stay there overnight at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Kagbeni –chele ( 3050m./10004ft.) 5 hours walk
Our trek starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we have scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trails follows the up and downhill. Firstly we will reach at Tangbe village with crops field. From here we trek forward to Chhusang after 1½ hour walk and crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges reach at Chele village. Stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Chele –Syangboche ( 3475m./11467ft.) 6 hours walk.
We begin today with crossing two passes, Taklam La pass (3,624m) and Dajori La pass (3,735). On our way, we enjoy great views of Tilicho, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda and pass by Ramchung Cave. After we descend further then reach Samar Village. From here we walk on a trail above the village and reach a ridge. Next, we descend on a steep trail to a stream and continue our trek to Syanboche.
Meals included :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Syangboche - Ghami ( 3520m./11616ft.) 5 hours walk
After breakfast, climb to the Yamda La pass at 3,850m. Along the way, we pass by a few teahouses, chortens and beautiful villages. We trek through poplar forests and barley fields and reach Nyi Pass at 4,010m. We walk down to Ghami which is one of the biggest villages in the Lo region. The village is beautiful with fields surrounding the entire village.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Ghami -Tsarang ( 3500m./11480ft.) 6 hours walk
We start trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk and easily get to the Charang . After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall (Secret stone wall of the Buddhism). From the end of the wall the trail heads east to Tsarang . Stay there overnight at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Tsarang -Lo-Mangthang ( 3700m./12136ft.) 4 hours walk
Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Tsarang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay there overnight at lodge . Rest of the time explores the surrounding area.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Explore the Lo-Mangthang
Today you may have many choices to explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situates on a hilltop, which serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, which is a village of around 40 houses, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to camp. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang "God house" the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hal which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- story building of the Raja's palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya. The interesting place where you may not tired to explore more and more. 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. Stay at same lodge overnight .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Lo-Mangthang-Yara (3650m.12045ft.) 4 hours walk - Visit Luri Gompa
After a wonderful time at Lo-Mangthang we head to Yara which is also interesting place to explore the local area . During the walk you will suffer the dusty wind and as suggested to walk in the morning. Stay there overnight at lodge .
Day 9: Yara - Tange ( 3200 m./10560ft.) 5 hours walk
Today, the trail lead us to Tange . Stay there overnight at lodge.
Day 10: Tange -Tetang ( 2970m./9770ft.) 5 hours walk
You will have wonderful scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view. Enjoy your trip and overnight at lodge.
Day 11: Tetang - Muktinath ( 3900m./12870ft.) 7 hours walk
Today, we will have a last day trek as well as long. It is better to walk early start as before and trek to Muktinath finished the upper Mustang trails and join to the normal as Annapurna circuit trek. Stay there overnight at lodge.
Muktinath is an important pilgrimage place for both Hindus and Buddhists. You will visit a Vishnu Temple and Gompa in morning.
Day 12: Muktinath - Jomsom ( 2700m./8856ft.) 5 hours walk
The trail today is quite surreal as you trek along a plateau above the Kali Gandaki, the world`s deepest gorge.Trek to Jomsom then day trip to Marpha. Stay overnigth at lodge.
Meals included :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Jomsom- Pokhara ( 820m./2706ft.) 22 minutes flight
This wonderful morning, after breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. This is a dramatic flight between gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Meals included : Breakfast
Trek ends
Our offer is based on :
Group Size |
OFFER price in USD per person |
1 person |
|
2 persons |
|
3-4 persons |
|
5-6 persons |
|
7-8 persons |
|
9-10 persons |
|
11 persons or above |
|
There will be provided one main guide and one assistance guide for 6 persons or above group.
Cost Includes:
Cost Excludes:
Upper Mustang Permit
Upper Mustang permit costs US$ 500 per person of the minimum first 10 days and US$ 50 per person per day thereafter. It must be undertaken only through Registered Trekking Agencies from Government of Nepal (Nepal alternative Trekking Company -Registered no. 303047487) the department of immigration in Kathmandu.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP)
The provision of ACAP is to maintain and build local tourism infrastructure and preserve the nature. Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit is necessarily required for this trip. It can be obtained from government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks & Expeditions. It's fee is fixed by NTNC Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) per person to Upper Mustang Trekking. You can not obtain along the entry point, they may return you without carrying ACAP permit. You need passport copy, one passport size photograph and fee in Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) or equivalent in cash to apply the permit. This permit you can use only single entry in the area but no limitation of period.
Note: TIMS is not required for Upper Mustang region.
When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:
- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters.
- Light weight pants, shorts
- At night -track top, pants
- T-shirts.
- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn.
- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes.
- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton
- Vaseline for feet and crutch.
- Water bottle - 2 liters.
- Sunglasses and strap
- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch
- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage
- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion.
- Small daypack - 25 liters.
- Wind proof jacket
- Small towels
- Warm down fiber filled jacket ( You can get on rent at Thamel)
- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel)
- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
- A pair of gloves
- Snow glasses and strap
For Travelers from Thailand
For Travelers from USA and CANADA
For Travelers from ENGLAND
For Travelers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA
For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND
For Travelers from SOUTH AFRICA Travel insurance Consultants Pty .Ltd 5th Floor, 296 Kent Avenue Randburg Johannesburg Cremerview, 2060 South Africa www.tic.co.za
Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).
Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below:
Treatment
Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude.
Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:
First aid |
Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case. AccommodationWe will leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara as there will various choices to select yourself. We will arrange twin share basis room in lodges during the trek. We will arrange with shared washing and toilet. MealsDuring our tour, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) in lodges tour. There will be served for breakfast, lunch and dinner three times in a day along the route with your choices from MENU . Physical Condition & Experience Requirements
|
Norapong Woraakhom
Thailand
I heard about Mustang “ The hidden Kingdom” many year ago and NATE can make me accomplish to this area. It was so excited to get into the existing Tibetan culture and the most important thing is to get close to the Mustang king. I had a wonderful hot lemon in the palace such a memorable.
Thanks NATE !
Pannawat Nilkitsaranont
Bangkok, Thailand
We made it to Lomanthang, upper mustang. It was fantastic and memorable. The service is excellent. We had good time even though this trekking is very tough.
Again thanks for your service that make this trip so impressive.
Tan Kian Ling
Malaysia
This is my second trekking with Nepal alternative as well as Mr. Kumar gurung. We have a great trip to Lo Manthang ! Enjoying the super scenery! I will come again soon for next trip and I will use same company for services. I also will recommend my friends if they come to Nepal for trekking!
HAPPY TREKKING!
Wong Mun Heng
Malaysia
Trek to Upper mustang ( 19/9-30/9/2011)
This is my first trip to Nepal and first trekking experience to wilderness. Very incredible & breath taking scenery for jomsom to Lo manthang by trekking through the villages. We had a good glimpse of the villager life and culture. Accommodation at tea houses was better than I expected. People of Jomsom to Lomanthang were friendly except most adults do not like their photos taken. I enjoyed this trip very much. Thanks to the understanding & arrangement by our guide Kumar. Also thanks to the Dal our porter. They have been very helpful indeed. Nepal once is never enough!!
Mr. Man sue
Malaysia
Upper mustang is a good trek route. I would like to enjoy this kind of trekking. Hope to join again. Thank you for all the assist during the trek.
Mr. Lim chak Meon
Malaysia
It’s my 1st memorable, full of unexpected experience journey to Nepal. Believe me it won’t be my last time for trekking trip to this lovely country. Thanks alternative company team !
Annapurna Circuit Trekking with Tilicho Lake
WE ACCEPT