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

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

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 

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. 

Clothing equipment for Upper Mustang Trekking

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 

Travel insurance 
It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Treks. 

Recommended Travel Insurance Companies

For Travelers from Thailand

  • AXA insurance Thailand - https://www.axa.co.th

  For Travelers from USA and  CANADA

For Travelers from ENGLAND

  • Ali Ramzi | Operations Specialist Specialty Group (UK) Limited - Europoint, 5/11 Lavington Street, London, SE1 0NZ, United Kingdom UK tel:  + 44 (0)20 7902 7405 UK fax: + 44 (0)20 7928 4748 USA tel: +1 215 489 3785 USA fax: +1 215 489 8525 Email: Ramzi@specialty-assist.comwww.specialty-group.com  For Urgent : ops@specialty-assist.com
  • FirstAssist Services Limited Wheatfield Way, Hinckley Fields Industrial Estate, Hinckley Leicestershire LE10 1YG England Telephone 01455 251155 Fax +44 (0)1455 254001

 http://firstassist.co.uk

For Travelers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA

For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

  • Cover More Travel   Insurance covermore.com.au
  • CGU Insurance Limited cgu.com.au
  • Worldcare Travel Insurance PO Box 162 Toowong Qld 4066 Australia Phone: 1800 008 614 between 0800 and 1800 AEST Monday to Friday E-mail: sales@worldcare.com.au

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

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) ?

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).

How do we know if I get AMS ?

Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
  • shortness of breath with exertion
  • Cannot walk in a straight line

Treatment 

  1. Rest, Rest , Rest
  2. Go down, down, down
  3. Diamox

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.

Prevention and pre-cautious 

Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:

  • Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
  • Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates
  • Sleep well
  • Be well equipped

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.

Accommodation

We 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.

Meals

During 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
Upper Mustang Trek is easy type of tour as we will drive all along the route. As we will  get the highest elevation  3900 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the tour successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trek.

 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 !

Map

TESTIMONIAL

Lea-pp-size.jpg

Thank you Tej and Nauser For ever ...

10th.September.2014 

We did the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley. ...

Nepal Alternative Treks

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