Upper Mustang Trekking 10 Days Cost 2022

Duration: 17 Days   |   Based on 1 Review Trip MapPhotosDownload

Upper Mustang trekking is a distinctive and eccentric trek to a rather isolated and untouched region of Nepal. Traverse through the Upper Mustang trek with us as your helping hand, this 15 days trek bestows you with an experience like never before into the remote trans-Himalayan mountain region. The high desert area highly influenced by Tibetan culture, Kaligandaki, from the Tibetan border south to Kagbeni is generally referred to as Upper Mustang Lo-Manthang.

Upper Mustang hiking is your golden ticket to explore the uniquely astounding thousands of years old monasteries, temples, deep-dived caves, ethnic tribes and breathtaking beauties of the different landscapes hidden in the barren land. Dare and undertake an adventure as you stride across the world’s deepest gorge, the Kaligandaki region and onto the world’s highest region of which it bears an almost barren by trees landscape, with a steep rocky trail up and downhill, accommodated by stunning views of Mt. Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and several other high mountain peaks!

Upper Mustang walking holidays is a treat to a wanderer and an explorer with its setting of typical Tibetan villages, exquisite and one-of-a-kind mountain passes, alpine valleys and the galore of high peaks. With modern culture being untouched for a thousand years, Upper Mustang has gracefully kept its ethnic culture, primitive lifestyle and age-old heritage intact for centuries and to date. Upper Mustang houses its locals in aesthetically pleasing stone and sunbaked mud bricks. The town wall and the four-story palace in Lo Manthang are two of the arresting architectures in Mustang that one should not miss out on. Yet another attraction is the Tiji Festival which is highly influenced by the rich Tibetan culture, which coincides with the end of the dry season. Do not be taken aback if you find a female from Mustang with more than 5 spouses! With an extremely unique and conflicting culture of different family life where all the brothers in the family are married to a single girl. Having half a dozen husbands isn’t something out of the blue for the locals at Lo-Manthang. This is what we may call a practice of Polyandry.

The Upper Mustang trekking tour was restricted only to locals until October 1991, which is from where it got its name The Last Forbidden Kingdom. The denizens of Mustang regard themselves as Lobas, and in their own unique way, have their own King or tribe-leader, Jigme Palbar Bista. However, when Nepal was declared as a republic country in 2007, the government of Nepal took back the official recognition of the Bista as the King of Mustang. Despite losing the tag of a King, the natives still give their utmost respect and consider him as their King or Tribe – leader. The people of Mustang have managed to collaborate with the government with strict control mechanisms to obtain a special permit from the Department of Immigration to protect their traditions and cultures from modern influences and to preserve their environment as well.

Upper Mustang trek starts from Jomsom to Kagbeni, the entry point of the trek and follows the banks of Kaligandaki River upstream to get to Lo Manthang valley, the last destination of our Upper Mustang hiking holidays. 

Highlights

  • Hike in the last Forbidden Land, explore barren landscapes, monasteries, caves and primitive lifestyle and culture of the Tibetan people and spiritual purity unparalleled elsewhere in the Himalayas.
  • Enjoy the views of a deserted wasteland dotted with sporadic settlements, and frequented by people who work hard in the dry soils to see out a living
  • Observe the rocks have been eroded into fascinating shapes by the wind and hermit caves are a testament to the dedication of many monks of the region
  • Observe how the wind plays as a messenger for the yak caravans up the valley and from the Buddhist monasteries, the prayer horns can be seen haunting in the thin air.
  • Explore a town with a royal palace, monasteries, temples, caves and a medieval culture i.e. Kingdom, Lo Manthang 

Outline Itinerary

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Day 01:Arrive at the Kathmandu airport (TIA) 1,350m Nepal

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA) you will be greeted by a representative our company. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a display board your name on it at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to Hotel. After check in, you can either take a rest or hang around in the city; it all depends upon your interests and conditions. In the evening we will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal. Overnight at hotel. 

  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:BB
  • Place:Kathmandu
  • Maximum Altitude:1,350m

After breakfast we start a guided tour to some of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu valley. Some of these landmarks include the World Heritage Sites: the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where you can meet your trek leader. We brief you regarding your trek as well as provide you opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding your upcoming adventure. Overnight at hotel. 

  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:BB
  • Place:Kathmandu
  • Maximum Altitude:1,350m

Early morning at around 6:30 am, we set off for Pokhara on a tourist bus. En-route we will see more of countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain sceneries. Afternoon, we reach Pokhara which offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara is a city of lakes and caves and has numerous beautiful lakes. We can explore the most accessible and beautiful Phewa Lake during the afternoon. We can enjoy boating too. Explore, relax and dine by tranquil Lake Phewa. We can even do some shopping during evening hours. Overnight at hotel.  

  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:BB
  • Place:Pokhara
  • Maximum Altitude:840m

After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 30 minutes over the mountains with views of 8,000ers such as Annapurna & Dhaulagiri, brings us at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town, headquarter of the Mustang region; 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, Continue on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept villages situated on the main age old Trans-Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. In Kagbeni a major tributary, Kak Khola, coming from Muktinath, meets Mustang Khola, and from there the river is called the Kali Gandaki. Overnight at guest house.  

  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:BLD
  • Place:Kagbeni
  • Maximum Altitude:2,860m

Our Adventure journey 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 reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after 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. Overnight at guest house. 

  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:BLD
  • Place:Chele
  • Maximum Altitude:3,050m

Today, after breakfast we trek further to Eklo Bhatti. We climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624m) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. Further descend a little to the village of Samar. Climb the trail that goes above Samar village to the ridge then descending steeply to a stream. Another 3 hrs similar walk takes us to Syanbochen. On the way, we relax along the surrounding of cool streams and juniper trees. Locals use the dried leaves of junipers as incenses to invite deities and start any auspicious work. We also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave. Overnight at guest house.  

  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:BLD
  • Place:Syanbochen
  • Maximum Altitude:3,475m

After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m) passing a few teahouses, chortens and local villages which is like Tibetan style of houses with open roof. We cross mountain passes, and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barley. The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m) would be a little longer. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi, the third largest village in the Lo region, Ghayami is surrounded by large fields most of which are barren. Overnight at guest house. 

  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:BLD
  • Place:Ghaymi
  • Maximum Altitude:3,520m

After breakfast, we start our trek with a pleasant walk. After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall, a sacred stone wall made by the followers Buddhism. From the end of the wall the trail heads east to the village of Charang with a maze of fields, willow trees and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the Tsarang Chu canyon. There is also a huge white dzong and red Gompa to get to our teahouse for tonight's stop. Overnight at guest house. 

  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:BLD
  • Place:Charang
  • Maximum Altitude:3,500m

Today, we trek to Lo-Manthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Charang 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 we can see the Lo-Manthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Manthang, views of the walled town appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. Overnight at guest house.  

  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:BLD
  • Place:Lo-Manthang
  • Maximum Altitude:3,700m

Today we explore the surrounding areas, visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa is situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Manthang and stroll back to guest house. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang God house the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- storey building of the King's palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya. Overnight at guest house.  

  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:BLD
  • Place:Lo-Manthang
  • Maximum Altitude:3,700m

While returning from Lo-Manthang, we take a different route than that we came by. Trek to Drakmar via Gyakar with more than 1200 years old Ghar Gompa with Guru Rinpoche as the primary figure. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. According to the legend, anyone who makes one wish at the Ghar Gompa, their wish is fulfilled. Explore the local area, likelihood of dusty wind, so suggested to walk in the morning. Overnight at guest house. 

  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:BLD
  • Place:Drakma
  • Maximum Altitude:3,810m

Today, we get back to Ghiling as our journey for our overnight stay after a long walk takes 5-6 hrs. After arrival and lunch enjoy the day exploring the area. Overnight at guest house.  

  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:BLD
  • Place:Ghiling
  • Maximum Altitude:3,806m

We re-track back to Ghiling for the overnight stop after 5 hrs walk. We will have wonderful scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view. Enjoy your trip and overnight at teahouse. 

  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:BLD
  • Place:Chhuksang
  • Maximum Altitude:3,050m

Our last day of the day would be a long one. Better to walk early start as before and trek to Kagbeni. Finishing the upper Mustang trails and we join the normal Annapurna circuit trek. After lunch at Kagbeni will head on to Jomsom for the overnight stop. Or, if you can spare one more day, our guide would take you to Muktinath as well. Overnight at guest house. 

  • Accommodation:Guesthouse
  • Meals:BLD
  • Place:Jomsom
  • Maximum Altitude:2,700m

After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. This is a 30 minutes spectacular flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Once we arrive at Pokhara airport, we then drive to hotel. In the afternoon we will have sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley, which covers Fewa Lake, Devi’s water fall, Museum, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave. Overnight at hotel.

  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:BB
  • Place:Pokhara
  • Maximum Altitude:8,10m

If we drive, it will be 200 kilometers drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the sceneries through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping and celebrate dinner together with your guide and organizer. Overnight at hotel. 

  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:BB
  • Place:Kathmandu
  • Maximum Altitude:8,10m

The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your final flight departure from Nepal.

    Inclusion

    • All the necessary airport pick up and drops.
    • Standard hotel in Kathmandu, and Pokhara with breakfast.
    • Sightseeing tour as per above program.
    • Necessary flights from Pokhara to Jomsom return trips.
    • Restricted area permits with the Annapurna conservation fee.
    • All meals (B/L/D) during the trekking period.
    • Accommodation (Teahouse) during the trekking period.
    • English speaking guide and highly experienced staffs.
    • Staffs food, clothing, salary and their insurance.
    • All necessary grounded transportation.
    • Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
    • Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel insurance company.
    • Fare well dinner in Kathmandu host by Ram Kumar.
    • Our service charges with VAT and Local / Government Taxes.
    • Personal nature expenses.
    • Bar bill and all kind of drinks.
    • Rescue & Evacuation.
    • Gratitude (tip) for staff.


     

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    Useful Information

    Upper Mustang lies in a trans-Himalayan region and is the former Kingdom of Lo. The historical region opened to tourists as recently as 1992. Lying close to Tibet in the north, Upper Mustang remains historically, culturally, and geographically close to Tibet. The region is marked as a restricted region for its sensitive cultural, archaeological, and historical riches.

    It lies in the northern corridor of the Annapurna massif, which completely restricts the rain clouds from entering the region. Lying in the trans-Himalayan region, Upper Mustang enjoys touristic season throughout the year. Dominated by the mesmerizing view of Annapurna I (8091m) and Dhaulagiri peak (8167m), the scenery looks fantastic.

    Trek Grading

    Upper Mustang Trekking is a remarkable journey into the Himalayas. There is a tremendous amount of undulating trail with ample passes ranging from 3,500 meters to 4,200 meters. Prior experience of trekking and sound physical fitness comes in handy during this trek. Visiting Lo Manthang, Muktinath Temple, a Mukti Kshetra, and Jhong Cave remain the major highlights of the trek.

    FAQs

    Is flying to Jomsom dangerous? Is there any alternative?

    Although the flight from Pokhara to Jomsom is a trans-Himalayan flight, it poses less or no risk to passengers. Nepal’s aviation follows a strict modus operandi when it comes to the safety of both passengers and the crew. During bad weather conditions such as chances of rainfall or high-velocity wind, the flight is delayed until the weather stabilized. One must prepare to face delays or cancellations (in rare cases) when flying into or out of the remote Himalayan regions such as Jomsom, Lukla, Dolpa, etc.

    As an alternative, tourists can take a road journey to Jomsom. A 155km long road journey begins at Pokhara and goes all the way through Beni, Tatopani, Kali Gandaki Gorge, and Marpha to Jomsom in Mustang.

    How many hours of walking a day at Mustang Trek?

    Upper Mustang trekking classifies as a moderate to arduous trek. The standard itinerary requires a five to six-hour-long trek excluding lunch. It also depends on the overall fitness and speed of the trekker. The trek offers enough rest, acclimatization, and sightseeing to keep it entertaining. The trek begins early so that trekkers can reach the day’s destination on time before nightfall.

    Why always opt for a reputed company with a professional leader for Upper Mustang Trekking?

    Nepal Government has made it mandatory for the trekkers to book Upper Mustang trips with only national and licensed trek agencies. Booking with a local, reputed company makes the entire trek a hassle-free experience in terms of issuing permits, and booking hotels, flights, and transportation. A reputed company like Alpine Eco Trek is more likely to assist you in a time of crisis by liaising with local government bodies and appropriate agencies. Booking your trip with reputed companies assures quality service at a very competitive price.

    Do I need to do the necessary groundwork for Upper Mustang hiking?

    Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate trek because of the undulating valley trail that gets fashioned by a series of streams along the way. The trekkers with weak ankles or knees and heart or lung problems must seek obligatory physician’s advice before embarking on the trek. Alpine Eco Trek’s itinerary makes every challenging trek a less exhausting experience. As for the preparation for the trek, trekkers can indulge in different cardio workouts and endurance-building exercises.

    Is there any way to customize Upper Mustang 10 days trek?

    The trek itinerary is customizable as per the convenience of the trekker. One can choose to customize the trip according to the time in hand, the level of fitness, and the budget. At Alpine Eco Trek, we make sure that you are comfortable with the itinerary.  We also provide alternative options like pony trek along with trekking in Upper Mustang.

    What about charging facilities and hot showers during the trek?

    There is a limited supply of hydroelectricity in most parts of the Upper Mustang. The electronic device charging privilege isn't available around the Mustang trek. The high-velocity wind in the Mustang valley often cuts off the hydropower. Many teahouses have solar charging facilities as an alternative. However, it may not be a reliable source of energy. The trekkers must carry extra batteries or fully charged power banks along the trek.

    A hot shower facility is available in lodges by solar energy, fire chimney, or liquid petroleum gas. Most lodges equipped with solar panels offer hot showers at a cheaper price, but they may not be available throughout the trek. 

    What if I am very slow in a group?

    It doesn’t pose any problem. Other than the group leader, each person in the group gets an assistant guide. The group is generally classified into lots, and each lot gets an assistance guide. The group leader takes responsibility for the slow group. Nevertheless, the group leader will counsel everyone in the group throughout the trek.

    How about a drinking water facility in the Upper Mustang trek? 

    Alpine Eco Trek strongly opposes the use of plastic mineral water bottles in the trek for various environmental concerns. The staff will ensure to provide appropriately boiled water every morning and evening to the trekkers. The trekkers should bring at least two metal or plastic Nalgene bottles to keep water safe for drinking throughout the day. One can use warm water bottles as a hot pack inside the sleeping bag during the night. 

    What kind of Equipment do I need for the Upper Mustang hiking holidays? 

    Do I need travel insurance for the Upper Mustang Lo-Manthang trek? 

    Alpine Eco Trek strongly recommends trekkers obtain an all-inclusive travel insurance policy covering each aspect of adventure travel. There would be hardly any evacuations or any health catastrophe in this trek. The trek guide has the necessary experience in first-aid and other medical emergencies. They have ample knowledge in dealing with any life-threatening situation. As a precaution, the trekkers must obtain insurance before embarking on the trek. 

    Can I customize the Upper Mustang trekking tour?

    The Upper Mustang trek is customizable according to the client’s interest. One can choose to customize the trip according to the time in hand, the level of fitness, and the budget. Alpine Eco Trek assures ease in customizing treks for clients. As an alternative, trekkers can choose to indulge in pony trek, jeep luxury safari, or semi jeep safari with walking in Upper Mustang.

    How can I book Upper Mustang trekking?

    Once you confirmed the trip, we need a photocopy of your passport along with a 20 percent down payment of the total price for advance flight tickets and hotel booking and permit process.

    Is someone going to meet me at the airport? Are transfers included?

    Definitely, our Airport Representative will come to the airport to pick you up. We will be displaying a placard of the Alpine eco trek with your name on it. Airport transfer is included. 

    Client Reviews

    Sherri McEwen and Sheri Rosewall
    Canada

    Exceptional and Outstanding trip with Alpine Eco Trek

    Dear Ram Kumar,We write to express our deepest gratitude to you and to provide comments for other trekkers who are considering what trekking company to work with.We found Alpine Eco Trek from internet research on Mustang trekking companies. Our email contact was responded to promptly and informatively, with open communication and accommodation to customize our trek to meet our time schedules. We wondered if Ram Kumar and his team were truly as welcoming and wonderful as portrayed in our email communications when he met us at the airport, we knew they were genuine and cared about making our experience a memorable one and we knew we had made the right choice. From Hem (our guide) to Resham and Buddi (our porters), the efforts to make us feel at home in a new environment were outstanding. They always had a smile, were encouraging when things got hard and by the end of our trek, we were family.When my travel companion suffered a knee injury, Ram Kumar quickly responded to make arrangements for evacuation if needed and reassured us that all would be taken care of. When that was not necessary, she returned to the nearest village with Resham (our porter), who tended to any medical and day-to-day needs until I finished the trek. He handled all matters efficiently, calmly and easily.Hem was wonderfully innovative to adapt our schedules and make the very most of our modified plans.Our trip was exceptional and outstanding, all due to Ram Kumar. In our view, we cannot imagine how our trip could have been more perfect (aside from the injury) and would highly recommend Alpine Eco Trek. We would only consider booking with them again for any future treks.We would be more than happy to correspond with anyone who may have questions or wish further information.

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    Ram Kumar Adhikari
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    Mr. Ram Kumar Adhikari

    +977 98510 36 844 (Call/Whatsapp/Viber/skype)