Classic Upper Mustang Trek

Classic Upper Mustang Trek

  • Duration: 16 Days
  • Diffculty Level: Strenuous 
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Activity: Trekking

Welcome to the mystical land of Upper Mustang, a place where the past and present collide, and time seems to stand still. Nestled in the heart of the mighty Himalayas, Upper Mustang also referred to as the "Last Forbidden Kingdom" and is home to ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and cave dwellings perched high on the cliffs. Upper Mustang is a unique trekking destination that offers a glimpse into the ancient Buddhist culture and the natural beauty of the Trans-Himalayan region.

Upper Mustang Trek is also known for its stunning architecture, which can be seen in the walled city of Lo Manthang, the region's capital, and for the fact that organized treks only began visiting the area in 1992. And now thousands of adventure seekers, Culturally and Spiritually influenced travelers make their way to the magnificent dune terrain.

The Upper Mustang Trek is a challenging adventure that takes you through rugged terrain, deep gorges, and high mountain passes. It is a journey of discovery that tests your physical and mental endurance but rewards you with stunning views of snow-capped peaks, colorful prayer flags, and ancient monasteries. we will take you on a journey through the enchanting Upper Mustang region and show you why it is the perfect destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Jomsom: The Gateway to Upper Mustang

The trek to Upper Mustang starts from a Jomsom, a small town situated on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Jomsom is the gateway to Mustang region and easily accessible through 20 minutes’ flight from Pokhara to escape arduous travel in a bumpy road. The town is famous for Apple cultivation of Marpha Village. The route follows through the town and approach the picturesque villages of Kagbeni, Chele, and Syangboche. The route takes you through harsh but beautiful landscape, with desolate hills, red cliffs, and windswept canyons

The Thakali People: A Culture Frozen in Time

The Upper portion of Mustang region habituates Thakali people, who are of Tibetan origin with their distinct language, culture, and religion. They are known for their hospitality, warmth and Authentic cuisine. The Thakali people civilized in the Mustang region for centuries and have preserved their ancient culture and tradition isolated from the modern world and society. Witness unique festivals and ceremonies from Thakali people and learn about their way of life. If time permits visit during Tiji Festival, which is held annually in May.

Lo Manthang: The Capital of Mustang

As you ascend higher into the mountains, you will reach Lo Manthang, the capital of the Mustang region. Lo Manthang is a walled city that was once the home of the Mustang Kingdom's ruling monarchs. The city is a treasure inventory of ancient Buddhist art and architecture, with numerous monasteries and temples that date back to the 15th century. You will have the opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings and learn about the history and culture of the region.

Challenges and Rewards

The Upper Mustang Trek is not just a physical journey; it is also a spiritual one. The trek takes you through a landscape that has remained unchanged for centuries, where ancient traditions and customs are still practiced. The trek is challenging and tests your physical and mental endurance, but the rewards are plenty. You will witness stunning views of snow-capped peaks, colorful prayer flags, and ancient monasteries. You will experience a sense of accomplishment and wonder that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Who should Book This Trip

Best suited for adventures and cultural Lovers, Upper Mustang is prime destination to connect with both adventure and spirituality. The trail in Upper Mustang collects dry atmosphere and the steep ascends and descends in higher elevation similar to other treks in Nepal but in a duned texture, and suits best for adventure seekers as the route is not highly explored, the trail is not developed providing opportunity of adventure in high altitude pass with an authenticity. Travelers who want to explore the hidden culture and unique heritage, that is not affected by the modernization should give this rewarding journey an opportunity.

The trek is suitable for every traveler who are physically capable with no intense health issue, however travelers needs to prepare for the journey and require minimum level of physical preparation.

In conclusion, the Upper Mustang Trek is a journey of discovery that takes you through a world that is both ancient and modern. It is a trek that tests your limits and rewards you with a sense of accomplishment and wonder. We invite you to join us on this journey of discovery and experience the magic of the Mustang region for yourself.

Itinerary

  • Altitude1310m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner

Yolo Hike representative will greet you upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. A vehicle suitable for your group size will be arranged which will take you to your hotel. You can freshen up and join with us for analysis and general overview at our office. Explore the vibrant Thamel street in the Evening.

  • Altitude822m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Wake up with the energy to travel through wonderful destinations of Nepal. Early in the morning, we will start our drive to Pokhara. The route to the Pokhara is pretty basic which passes through Trishuli riversides in the initial route and follows the weave path which connects to the bank of Marshyandi river. The journey lasts for 7 hours to reach the hotel in Lakeside of Pokhara where you can freshen up. In the evening you can stroll around the Lakeside of Phewa.

  • Altitude2847m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Wake up early in the morning with the glamorous view of Annapurna Himalayan range and proceed to domestic Airport in Pokhara for a flight to Jomsom. Jomsom Flight is expected to be as early as possible, due to its schedule in the morning as it is not possible for flight to operate in daytime because of high wind ratio and changing climate. The flight will last 25 minutes, as we land on Airport, we will start our trek through bank of Kali Gandaki river to reach Kagbeni, Take in to the beauty of unique Kagbeni Village decorated with unusual clay carvings adorning the walled corridors and take a maximum rest.

  • Altitude3050m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We will leave a Lower Mustang territory and join the trail of Upper Mustang. The trail follows through the Kali Gandaki and takes us through picturesque landscapes with stunning views of the Himalayas. We pass through quaint villages of Tangbe where we can immerse ourselves in the local culture and interact with the friendly villagers. We also come across ancient monasteries, with their colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, adding to the spiritual ambiance of the region. One of the major attraction today is Chhusang Cave. We reach Chele, where we will be staying for the night in a traditional house.

  • Altitude3730m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trail from Chele meanders through rugged terrains, with rocky cliffs and deep gorges of the Taklam La pass (3,624m) and the Darjori La pass (3,735m). We cross suspension bridges over roaring rivers and traverse through narrow trails carved into the mountainside. The scenery is breathtaking, with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks while we descend from Samar to reach Syanboche, where we spend the night in a cozy teahouse, enjoying the traditional Thakali cuisine.

  • Altitude3575m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Our trek from Syanboche to Ghami takes us through remote landscapes, dotted with ancient caves and monasteries. We come across unique rock formations and colorful rock paintings, which are a demonstration to the rich history and culture of the region. there is also another significant pass, the Yamada La (3,850m), to traverse. We also get to witness the traditional farming practices of the locals, as they tend to their fields and livestock. We next have to traverse another pass while hiking through trees. Although Nyi Pass is at 4,010 meters, we descend from here to reach Ghami, a quaint village nestled in a picturesque valley.

  • Altitude3570m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today, we trek from Ghami to Charang, the journey will be fascionating as we walk on duned land but decorated the landscape with the view of magnificent view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Thorong Peak and Tukuche mountain range. We will also follow by the ancient wall decorated with a strange white clay. We will also pass by Chinggel La and Choyo La and reach the village of Charang decorated with medieval fort and red Gompas.

  • Altitude3810m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today, we trek from Charang to Lo Manthang, the ancient city of the Mustang region. The trail takes us through barren landscapes, with towering cliffs and deep canyons of Mui La pass (4,170m) and Chogo La pass (4,280m). As we approach Lo Manthang, we are greeted by the majestic walls of the city, with its ancient palaces, monasteries, and temples. We spend the day exploring the narrow alleys of the city, admiring the intricate architecture and soaking in the rich cultural heritage. We also visit Namgyal Gompa, a famous monastery known for its spiritual significance, and Thinggar Valley, with its unique landscapes and rock formations.

  • Altitude3810m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We spend the day in Lo Manthang, immersing ourselves in the local culture and way of life. We can explore more mysteries of the ancient city, visiting its monasteries, temples, caves, and palaces, which are adorned with beautiful murals, statues, and artifacts. The Chhoser Cave is built in five storey which is still mysterious of their purpose which will be visited today, Namgyal Gompa and Thinggar Valley are significantly popular due to the monasteries and traditional artitects.

  • Altitude3820m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trail takes us through rugged terrains, with stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. We pass through remote Gyakar village and come across ancient monasteries, and magnificent rock paintings seen in the century-old Ghar Gompa. As is customary, you must make a wish here. Before moving on to Dhakmar, we have time to tour the gompa. where we can offer prayers and experience the serenity of the place. We reach Dhakmar, a small village with its unique red cliffs.

  • Altitude3931m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trail takes us through beautiful landscapes, with colorful rock formations and unique geological features. We pass through serene valleys and lush meadows, where we can spot yaks and other wildlife. We also come across a magnificent view of Mount Dhaulagiri and Mount Nilgiri and travel through Ghar Gompa (Ghar Gumba) a beautiful settlement and Mui La then descend to the Ghiling where we will stay overnight.

  • Altitude2980m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trail follows the similar route which takes us to the beautiful Chhuksang Village in the rain shadow of Annapurna. In the trail we will pass by Chungsi Cave and Tsaile. The Chhuksang is a small village immersing ourselves in the scenic beauty of the region, with its rugged terrain and picturesque villages and a green and beautiful cultivation.

  • Altitude2780m
  • AccommodationTea House
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

we will trek from Chhuksang to Jomsom, a vibrant town known for its apple orchards and picturesque landscapes. Along the way, we will pass by ancient monasteries, adorned with colorful prayer flags, and pass through the beautiful village of Tangbe, Kagbeni, and Ekle Bhatti and cross suspension bridges to reach Jomsom. In the evening visit Marpha village if time permits.

  • Altitude822m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We will wake up early in the morning and right after breakfast we will walk few minutes to Jomsom Airport and Board for a flight to Pokhara. As we reach Pokhara we will get transferred to Hotel. You will have plenty of time to explore pokhara city. We will visit Davids Fall (Devis Fall), Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, and Boating at Phewa Lake. Stroll around Pokhara in the evening.

  • Altitude1310m
  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today we will drive to Kathmandu in the early morning along the Marsyandi and Trishuli River to reach Kathmandu. Or alternatively we will be transferred to Pokhara International Airport and take a flight to Kathmandu from here. If you take a flight you will have a plenty of time to stroll around Thamel and you can additionally explore some missed location in Kathmandu that you were willing for.

  • AltitudeN/A
  • AccommodationN/A
  • MealsBreakfast

We will successfully complete our Upper Mustang Trek of 13 days and will leave beautiful Nepal and depart from Tribhuwan International Airport. A representative will help you with your departure and everything is arranged till you check in through the airport.

Customer Reviews

Write a Review
  • Excellent agency! highly recommended

    Excellent agency!
    Hotels, guides and program for Upper Musthang trek, all excellent!
    I highly recommend and would use them again!

    Bianka Boyanova
    Bianka BoyanovaNovember 27 2023, Bulgaria
  • Unforgettable Memories

    Dear Yolo Hike team, Thank you so much for this wonderful trip!
    I must say that Yolo Hike impressed me and my friends. Yolo Hike is a reliable, honest and professional company offers you the best tours in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. I personally would like to thank Anil and TB for the wonderful trek in Upper Mustang. It is simply an enchanting experience! Just writing about it makes me anxious to return! Thank you Yolo Hike for making all of this possible!

    Krasimir N
    Krasimir NNovember 27 2023, Bulgaria
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