Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang is recognized as a mysterious valley and Nepal's last forbidden kingdom, as well as a "Mini Tibet of Nepal" and a popular journey. Mustang trip, situated in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, is possibly the last bastion of pure Tibetan culture. Because it was forbidden and secluded from the rest of the world, it was able to develop its own rich and distinctive culture and traditions. The historic Kingdom of Lo's capital, Lo-Mangthang, is a walled city ruled by the holy Mustangi King. Unaffected by contemporary culture, the pace of life in Mustang has remained unchanged for generations. A journey to the kingdom of Mustang is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Upper Mustang is a restricted Nepalese region. Whoever wishes to visit Mustang must pay a special permission fee and submit an application to any Government-registered trekking company in Nepal. First-time visitors to Mustang will be awoken by the region's extraordinary beauty and culture. However, your initial visit will not be your last; it will inspire you to return. This region, like the rest of the Himalayas, features breathtaking mountain scenery, highlighted by Dhaulagiri at 8167 meters (26,790 feet) and Annapurna I at 26,000 feet (26,545ft). You will be surrounded by over 35 Mountains taller than 6,000 meters (19,680 feet). The routes ascend from 2,815 meters (9,233 feet) to 3,780 meters (12,390 feet) above sea level.
Lo Manthang was built approximately 1450 by the famous Ame Pal's son, who conquered and united the Upper Mustang kingdoms. A 300-meter-long, 150-meter-wide, L-shaped wall has acted as protection against bandits, warriors, and ferocious winds. Due to the fact that it has never been extended, archaeologists believe that the settlement has changed little over the past 500 years. 140 dwellings are connected by a few tiny passageways that run beneath the buildings and are home to 1'200 individuals. Monasteries and the palace are by far the largest structures, with the majority of homes being two stories tall.
Upper Mustang Trek Highlights
The Upper Mustang Trek is a captivating journey through the remote and culturally rich region of Upper Mustang in Nepal. Known as the "Kingdom of Lo," this area offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes, ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, and distinctive architecture. Here are some of the highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek.
Ancient Walled City of Lo Manthang: Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang, is a fortified town that retains its medieval charm. The city's intricate architecture, narrow alleys, and unique monasteries offer a glimpse into its rich history.
Unique Landscapes: The landscapes of Upper Mustang are unlike any other in Nepal. You'll trek through barren deserts, dramatic cliffs, eroded canyons, and colorful rock formations, creating a surreal and otherworldly environment.
Tibetan Buddhist Culture: Upper Mustang has a strong influence of Tibetan Buddhism, and you'll encounter ancient monasteries, chortens, prayer flags, and mani walls along the trek. The region is home to many revered monasteries, including the Thubchen Gompa and Chhoser Cave Monastery.
Caves and Cliff Dwellings: The trek takes you past ancient caves and cliff dwellings that were used by monks and villagers for centuries. These caves hold historical and cultural significance.
Tiji Festival: If your trek coincides with the Tiji Festival, you'll have the incredible opportunity to witness this vibrant and colorful celebration. The festival is a three-day ritual depicting the triumph of good over evil.
Muktinath Temple: The trek begins or ends at Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple complex includes natural water spouts and a beautiful pagoda-style temple.
Stunning Mountain Views: The trek offers panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, as well as other Himalayan peaks. The rugged landscapes and mountains create a breathtaking backdrop.
Off-the-Beaten-Path: The Upper Mustang Trek is a restricted area, and the limited number of trekkers each year ensures a quieter and more secluded experience compared to more popular trekking routes.
Ancient Trade Routes: The region was historically connected to Tibet through trade routes, and you'll see remnants of these ancient paths along the way.
Cultural Interaction: Interacting with the hospitable local people provides insight into their traditional way of life, including farming, animal husbandry, and trade.
The Best time for Upper Mustang Trek
The best time for the Upper Mustang Trek is during the post-monsoon autumn season (September to November). This period offers the most favorable weather and trekking conditions for a successful and enjoyable trek. The Upper Mustang Trek is a restricted area, and you'll need to obtain a special permit to trek in this region. Trekking with a guide or through a reputable trekking agency is highly recommended for safety, cultural understanding, and logistical support. It's important to approach the trek with respect for local customs and traditions.
Duration : 16 days | Activity : Trekking/Hiking | Trip Date : Flexible |
Private Trip : Available | Group Trip : Available | Stay : Tea House/ Hotel |
Program Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Nepal.
When you arrive at Tibhuvan International Airport, our guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel in the bustling Thamel district of Kathmandu. Depending on your arrival time, you can choose to relax for the next journey, see the city's attractions, or shop for adventure gear in one of Kathmandu's many adventure supply stores. We'll assemble our bikes and be ready for the journey in the afternoon.
Day 2 - Drive to Pokhara (900m).
Day 3 - Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2800m).
Day 4 - Trek to Chele (3050m).
Day 5 - Trek to Syangbochen (3800m).
Day 6 - Trek to Ghami (3520m).
Day 7 - Trek to Charang (3560m).
Day 8 - Trek to Lo-Manthang (3840m).
Day 9 - Exploring Lo-Manthang.
Day 10 - Trek to Dhamkar (3820m).
Day 11 - Descend to Syangbochen.
Day 12 - Trek to Chhusang (2980m).
Day 13 - Trek Jomsom (2720m).
Day 14 - Flight to Pokhara and relaxation.
Day 15 - Drive Pokhara – Kathmandu.
Day 16 - Departure from Nepal.
Include/Exclude
Price Includes
- All necessary ground transfers.
- All necessary accommodations as per the itinerary.
- Tea House accommodations during the trek.
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking.
- All necessary paper works.
- All necessary trekking permits.
- Experienced and First Aid-trained trekking guide.
- Strong, helpful porters.
- Comprehensive medical supplies.
- Trekking map.
- Insurance of all local team.
- Warm clothing and trekking gear for staff.
- Sleeping bag and trip duffle bag.
- Trekking certificate issued by us.
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Price Excludes
- Nepal Visa fee.
- International flights.
- All meals not mentioned in inclusions.
- Personal expenses not stipulated.
- Optional add-ons.
- Gratuities.
Guest Reviews
Lisa G
My dad and myself did plan to trek the Annapurna Circuit from Jagat to Jomsom and booked the trip via Raj and Getaway Nepal Adventure. While organizing everything in advance went smooth from the very beginning, we were amazed by the organisation of the whole trip once we arrived in Nepal - starting with a pick-up service in Kathmandu airport, also wisely chosing our guide and our porter (Manisha and Dai) which both were a perfect match to accompany us on our trekking. Both were very thoughtful and we felt like a companionship from the very beginning, but also very professional when it came to all concerns regarding the hike, like proper acclimatisation, the daily hike and everything besides. Overall organisation has been extraordinary and there hasn't been anything where Raj was not able to support (even after the trip has finished).
This really has been a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we were so happy to have this with Manisha and Dai. If ever planning to do a trekking in Nepal again (and we would love to do soon) we definitely would book with Raj again and his company one more time.
Aussie Couple
Raj and his team are awesome. Especially after seeing how other travel companies in Nepal have functioned, not only are they on top of everything, but the guides and porters working with the company are treated really well. The morning we were meant to leave for Lukla, the plane kept getting delayed. By 9 am our guides had a chopper organised to take us, where we later chatted to people who only got on one at around 2 pm and ended up hiking in the dark. We also saw multiple porters carrying more than one duffle bag, however, this company limits it to one, for the wellbeing of the porters. I cannot recommend this company enough.