Table of Contents
Upper Mustang Trek
Nepal possesses natural wonders that a person cannot ignore. From the tallest mountains to the deepest gorges, Nepal is composed of a diverse set of landscapes. Similar factors contribute to Nepal being a trekker’s paradise. There are hundreds of places that provide incredible journeys amidst nature. One of the hundreds is Upper Mustang. Having features similar to the Tibetan Plateau, Upper Mustang is one of Nepal’s most popular trekking destinations.
Resting in the backdrops of the Annapurna ranges, Upper Mustang is a rain shadow area that experiences little to no rainfall. High winds erode the yellow and grey rolling hills and the dry, barren lands, and the land itself is the last of the untouched lands in the Himalayas. Mustang is regarded as “the Forbidden Kingdom”. Here, you will find Lo-Manthang, the capital city of Mustang, also the only walled city in Nepal.
The Journey to Upper Mustang
The Upper Mustang Trek begins in the lively city of Pokhara. Pokhara rests at around 800 meters altitude and is known for its festive attractions. From here, your journey stretches to a maximum height of 3,810 meters at Drakmar. The major highlights of this trek are the rigid mountains afar, diverse desert-like landscapes, mysterious caves, artistic monasteries, and the rich cultural presence. The Upper Mustang Trek has moderate difficulty and is suitable for most trekkers, including beginners.
My Everest Trip provides a fantastic Upper Mustang Trekking package that delivers you the natural beauty of this region. As our primary goal is to satisfy our clients, you will receive top-notch service from our side.
The highlights of Upper Mustang Trek
- The hidden and mysterious world of the old Buddhist Kingdom.
- Rocky plateau, golden terrain, and the gorgeous Himalayan range.
- Tiji Festival.
- Lo Manthang (Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal).
- Tibetan Buddhist Culture (oldest Tibetan monastery).
Outline for Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu [1,300m/4,264ft]. O/N at the hotel.
- Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation. O/N at the hotel.
- Day 03: Kathmandu to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft]: 6hrs drive. O/N at the hotel.
- Day 04: Fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni [2,858m/9,375ft]: 3-4hrs. O/N at Tea House
- Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele [3,050m/10,004ft]: 5-6hrs. O/N at Tea House
- Day 06: Chele to Syangboche [3,475m/11,398ft]: 6-7hrs. O/N at Tea House
- Day 07: Syangboche to Ghami [3,520m/11,546ft]: 5-6hrs. O/N at Tea House
- Day 08: Ghami to Charang [3,500m/11,480ft]: 4-5hrs. O/N at Tea House
- Day 09: Charang to Lo-Manthang (3,700m/12,136ft): 5-6hrs. O/N at Tea House
- Day 10: Explore Lo-Manthang. O/N at Tea House
- Day 11: Lo-Manthang to Drakmar [3,810 m/12,500ft]: 6-7hrs O/N at Tea House
- Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling [3,806m/12,484ft]: 5-6hrs O/N at Tea House
- Day 13: Ghiling to Chhusang [3,050m/10,004ft]: 5-6hrs. O/N at Tea House
- Day 14: Chhusang to Jomsom [2,700m/8,856ft]: 6-7hrs. O/N at Tea House
- Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara O/N at Hotel
- Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu O/N at the Hotel
- Day 17: Final Departure (B)
Detailed Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
- Altitude:1,300m/4,264ft
- Highlights: Witnessing the exotic city of Kathmandu
- Accommodation: Kathmandu hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
You arrive at the international airport situated in Kathmandu. Our representatives will pick you up at the airport and take you to the hotel. You may ease into the environment and rest or explore for a bit.
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
- Altitude: 1,300m/4,264ft
- Highlights: Durbar Square, Temples and monuments, World Heritage Sites, etc
- Accommodation: Kathmandu hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Kathmandu is a vibrant city full of unique artefacts. You may explore historic palaces or ancient religious sites. Our representative will take you around the city and give you a background on each site. You may also shop for trekking gear if you need any around Thamel.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Altitude: 823m/2,700ft1,300m/4,264ft
- Highlights: Amazing scenery of diverse landscapes both on flight and drive—the lively city of Pokhara, tranquil Phewa Lake, and views of mountains from Pokhara city.
- Accommodation: Pokhara hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today, you will be heading out for Pokhara. You may choose to go by flight or by road. The drive is approximately 6 to 7 hours long, whereas the flight is only 20 minutes. Nevertheless, both mediums provide a fantastic array of scenery to see. Upon reaching Pokhara, you may choose to relax or explore the city.
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni
- Altitude: 2,858m/9,375ft
- Highlights: Views of mountains such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Jomsom, etc. Historic villages and local ethnic communities.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Early in the morning, you will fly to Jomsom from Pokhara. You will cross the skies between Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Jomsom. With mind-blowing scenery, you land at Jomsom and start trekking towards Kagbeni. This is known as “the Gateway to Mustang”. You will reach Kagbeni in approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele
- Altitude: 3,050m/10,004ft
- Highlights: Kali Gandaki River, Tengba village, Nilgiri peak, etc.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today, you will head out to Chele. Walking beside the Kali Gandaki River, you will arrive at Chele in about 5 to 6 hours. En route, you will witness a scenic view of the Nilgiri Mountains dominating the outer skyline. As you leave the Kali Gandaki valley and climb up the steep rocky gully, you arrive at Chele.
Day 06: Chele to Syangboche
- Altitude: 3,475m/11,398ft
- Highlights: sky caves, views of Annapurna, Tilicho, Nilgiri, etc., local communities
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
You start your trek with a few steep climbs and descents. You come across several huge canyons and sky caves that date back to 3,000 years in history. Upon climbing a final pass right before Syangboche, you witness a spectacular view of the Annapurna, Tilicho, Nilgiri, and smaller mountains.
Day 07: Syangboche to Ghami, 5-6 hrs
- Altitude: 3,520m/11,546ft
- Highlights: Colorful gullies, mountain views, and the ancient village of Ghami.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
From Syangboche, you climb a gentle pass that provides a stunning view of the mountains you have seen before and the deep valleys below it. The walk may seem effortless, but the scenery is undoubtedly captivating. You arrive at Ghami in about 5 to 6 hours. Here you can explore the ancient village and its honoured monasteries.
Day 08: Ghami to Charang
- Altitude: 3,500m/11,480ft
- Highlights: Longest ancient Mani wall of Mustang, red cliffs, the village of Charang, and the White Palace
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today, you will walk through trails that lead you across the cliffs where the legends of Padmasambhava lie. The walk today is short, but it is incredibly intriguing. You will also come across the longest Mani wall of Mustang. You reach Charang in about 4 to 5 hours, where you can explore the picturesque village and also visit the white palace, which holds tremendous heritage values.
Day 09: Charang to Lo-Manthang
- Altitude: 3,700m/12,136ft
- Highlights: Spectacular views from Lo-La Pass, historical artefacts of Lo Manthang, and exploring the ancient walled city.
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Finally, today, you will be making your way to the plateau of Lo Manthang. The historical ruins of the forts on the high hills are an intriguing sight. As you climb the Lo-la Pass, you grab a fascinating view of Lo Manthang, Thinker, and Chooser. You will arrive at Lo Mustang in about 4 to 5 hours.
Day 10: Explore Lo-Manthang
- Altitude: 3,700m/12,136ft
- Highlights: Chooser excursion, Nyphu Cave Monastery, Jhong Cave, Thinker Summer Palace, and other monasteries
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
You will spend today exploring Lo Manthang and its various wonders. The city is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism culture and possesses excellent values of this religion. You can go on an excursion trip to Chhoser and explore the area. You will also witness various caves, including Nyphu Cave and the 2,500 years old Jhong Sky Cave.
Day 11: Lo-Manthang to Drakmar
- Altitude: 3,810 m/12,500ft
- Highlights: Ghar Gompa, trails above canyons and eroded hills, red cliffs
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today, you will head west toward Drakmar. En route, you will witness beautiful views of the landscapes, including the mountains in the south. You will also visit the world’s oldest monastery, Ghar Gompa. After about 6 to 7 hours of trekking, you will arrive at a place surrounded by red cliffs- Drakmar.
Day 12: Drakmar to Ghiling, 5-6 hrs.
- Altitude: 3,806m/12,484ft
- Highlights: Dry plateau, mountain views, and village tour
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today, you will begin your trek early to avoid strong winds. Today’s trek is mostly downhill, walking through a dry plateau and descending to fields that take you to Ghiling. The walk may become difficult as the wind starts blowing. You reach Ghiling in about 5 to 6 hours. Here, you get a marvellous view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.
Day 13: Ghiling to Chhusang
- Altitude: 3,050m/10,004ft
- Highlights: The trail along the Kaligandaki river, the famous apple orchard at Chhusang, lush green hills
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
You begin today’s trek shortly after breakfast. Today’s trails are similar to those you took to Lo Manthang. En route, you can enjoy great mountain views. You will run into various small villages where you can meet the local people and enjoy their company.
Day 14: Chhusang to Jomsom, 6-7 hrs.
- Altitude: 2,700m/8,856ft
- Highlights: Kaligandaki river, green farm field of Kagbeni, and south-facing mountains
- Accommodation: Tea house
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today is the last day of your trek and a long one. You will be trekking for about 7 hours. The trail joins with the Annapurna Circuit as you approach the end. You stop for lunch at Kagbeni and continue to Jomsom for the night.
Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara
- Altitude: 823m/2,700ft
- Highlights: Phewa Lake, Mountain views, Pokhara city, Peace Pagoda, Sarangkot, etc.
- Accommodation: Pokhara hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
You will be flying back to Pokhara today. The flight is for about 20 to 25 minutes. You might have some spare time as you arrive at Pokhara. You may explore more of this place or relax beside Phewa Lake, inhaling the cold breeze.
Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Altitude: 1,300m/4,264ft
- Highlights: Picturesque views of the diverse landscapes. Winding highways follow hills and lush green landscapes on the drive.
- Accommodation: Kathmandu hotel
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today, you will be heading back to Kathmandu. Again, it is up to you to travel by air or road. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you may rest or explore the city.
Day 17: Final Departure
It is finally time to go home. Our representatives will be driving you to the airport. With joyful memories of the adventurous journey, you will board your flight. As the flight circulates the hills, you will take one last look at the beautiful landscapes below you and wave goodbye to the Himalayas.
