Upper Mustang Trek

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

When you arrive in Kathmandu, a representative from your trekking company will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude.

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu and trip preparation

In the morning, you will have the opportunity to go on a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, visiting some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as Durbar Square and the Swayambhunath Temple. In the afternoon, you will meet with your guide and the rest of your trekking team to go over the details of the trip and prepare for the trek.

Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820 meters)

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the city of Pokhara, located about a 6-hour drive from Kathmandu. You will spend the night in a hotel in Pokhara.

Day 4: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,700 meters) and drive to Kagbeni (2,810 meters)

In the morning, you will take a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, enjoying breathtaking views of the Annapurna massif along the way. From Jomsom, you will drive to the village of Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. The drive will take about 1 hour, and you will spend the night in a guesthouse in Kagbeni.

Day 5: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,050 meters)

After breakfast, you will begin your trek from Kagbeni, following the Kali Gandaki River through the villages of Tangbe and Chusang. The trek will take about 6-7 hours, and you will spend the night in a guesthouse in Chele.

Day 6: Trek from Chele to Geling (3,520 meters)

From Chele, you will continue your trek to the village of Geling, passing through the villages of Ghiling and Tsarang along the way. The trek will take about 6-7 hours, and you will spend the night in a guesthouse in Gelling.

Day 7: Trek from Geling to Charang (3,560 meters)

From Geling, you will continue your trek to the village of Charang, passing through the villages of Lo Gekar and Lo La Phedi along the way. The trek will take about 6-7 hours, and you will spend the night in a guesthouse in Charang.

Day 8: Trek from Charang to Lo Manthang (3,800 meters)

From Charang, you will continue your trek to the ancient capital of Lo Manthang, passing through the villages of Dhakmar and Lo Ghar along the way. The trek will take about 6-7 hours, and you will spend the night in a guesthouse in Lo Manthang.

Day 9: Explore Lo Manthang and visit the royal palace and monasteries

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore the ancient city of Lo Manthang and visit its famous landmarks, such as the royal palace and the Jampa Lhakhang and Thubchen Gompa monasteries. You can also visit the village’s local markets and learn about the unique culture and traditions of the Mustang people.

Day 10: Trek from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar (3,800 meters)

From Lo Manthang, you will retrace your steps and return to the village of Dhakmar, where you will spend the night in a guesthouse.

Day 11: Trek from Dhakmar to Samar (3,520 meters)

From Dhakmar, you will continue your trek to the village of Samar, passing through the village of Ghami along the way. The trek will take about 6-7 hours, and you will spend the night in a guesthouse in Samar.

Day 12: Trek from Samar to Tsarang (3,560 meters)

From Samar, you will continue your trek to the village of Tsarang, passing through the village of Lo Ghar along the way. The trek will take about 6-7 hours, and you will spend the night in a guesthouse in Tsarang.

Day 13: Trek from Tsarang to Geling (3,520 meters)

From Tsarang, you will retrace your steps and return to the village of Geling, where you will spend the night in a guesthouse.

Day 14: Trek from Geling to Chhuksang (2,830 meters)

From Geling, you will continue your trek to the village of Chhuksang, passing through the villages of Chele and Tangbe along the way. The trek will take about 6-7 hours, and you will spend the night in a guesthouse in Chhuksang.

Day 15: Trek from Chhuksang to Jomsom (2,700 meters), fly to Pokhara (820 meters) and drive to Kathmandu

From Chhuksang, you will follow the Kali Gandaki River down to the town of Jomsom, where you will fly back to Pokhara. The drive will take about 6-7 hours to Kathmandu and you will spend the night in a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home, bringing an end to your amazing Upper Mustang Trek.

Price: USD 1730 per person

What is included?

• Airport transfer by Royal Mountain office representative in a private vehicle
• 3 nights’ accommodation at the Tourist Standard Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast on a twin-sharing basis as per the program before trekking for 2 nights and after trekking for 1 night.
• Sightseeing maximum 3 places in one day—provide a car and driver in Kathmandu
• Accommodation twin sharing: Mountain Lodge is available en route during the trek; it is basic lodge accommodation. If you want to have a good hotel on the way, you can stay
• At some of the places, there is an extra charge (you can pay directly)
• English-speaking, first-aid-, and Eco-trained local trekking guides
• Assistance guide as per the group size. If an extra guide is required, we will charge you extra.
• All the expenses for the guide and porters, along with Insurance
• UPPER Mustang Permit, National Park Fees: requires 2 each photo
• Exclusive medical kit bag,
• Duffle bag, if required
• Porter for trekking: We will provide a porter for 2 people and one porter. If clients want to have one client and one porter, the price will be charged.
• Sleeping Bag and Down Jacket during trek—need to return after trek
• All government and local taxes, as applicable
• Airport drop-off:
• Private transport trekking starting place and end place to Kathmandu ticket
• Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara flight ticket with all taxes
• 1 night in a hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
• Private transport from Pokhara to Kathmandu

What is not included?

• Nepal Visa (cost: US$30 for 15 days & US$50 for 30 days)
• Lunch & evening meals while in Kathmandu and Pokhara
• Travel insurance (which you should bring from your home country)
• Cost of personal nature expenses, Beverages (Mineral water or Coca-Cola), cost of extra
• All Meals are extra while you are trekking, snacks, phone bills, Internet, Wi-Fi, laundry, etc.
• Sightseeing monument entrance fee
• The cost incurred during emergencies and evacuations
• Tips for Guides, Porters, Drivers, etc.

Note: The Mustang Trek is a restricted area; you need special permits from the Government of Nepal, which are included in the cost.

Difficulty

The Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate to challenging trek, with a maximum altitude of 3,810 meters at the Dhaulagiri Base Camp. The trek involves long days of hiking over rough terrain, with some steep and rocky sections. It’s important to be in good physical condition and to have a good level of fitness before embarking on the trek. However, with proper preparation and acclimatization, most people with a moderate level of fitness should be able to complete the trek.

Best time

The best time to do the Upper Mustang Trek depends on your preference for weather and crowds. The trek can be done year-round, but the weather and conditions will vary depending on the season.

The autumn season (September to November) is the most popular time to do the trek, with pleasant weather and clear skies.

The winter season (December to February) can be colder and more challenging, with the possibility of snow on the higher passes.

The spring season (March to May) is also a good time to do the trek, with warmer temperatures and beautiful rhododendron flowers in bloom.

The summer season (June to August) is the monsoon season, with the possibility of rain and landslides.

Weather

The weather on the Upper Mustang Trek varies depending on the season and altitude. At lower altitudes, the weather is generally warm during the day and cooler at night. As you ascend to higher altitudes, the temperature becomes colder, with the possibility of snow on the higher passes. It’s important to bring warm clothing and gear for the colder temperatures at high altitude.

Insurance

It is highly recommended to have travel insurance for the Upper Mustang Trek, as you’ll be traveling to a remote area with limited access to medical facilities. Your insurance should cover medical emergencies,

evacuations, and other unexpected expenses that may arise during the trek. Be sure to read the fine print and understand the coverage and exclusions of your policy before purchasing.

Permits

You’ll need to obtain a special permit to do the Upper Mustang Trek. The Upper Mustang Restricted Area permit is required for all trekkers, and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card is also required for trekkers who are not accompanied by a registered trekking agency. You’ll need to obtain these permits in advance through a trekking agency or in person at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu.

What is the Upper Mustang Trek?

The Upper Mustang Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal that takes you through the Upper Mustang region, located in the northern part of the country. The region is known for its unique landscape, which is characterized by arid desert terrain, and its rich cultural history. The trek starts in the town of Jomsom and takes you to the capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang, located at an elevation of 3,840 meters (12,597 feet) above sea level. The trek offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the Annapurna massif, and a chance to experience the unique culture and traditions of Upper Mustang.

How long does the Upper Mustang Trek take?

The length of the Upper Mustang Trek depends on your pace and the route you take. Most trekkers take about 10-16 days to complete the trek, although it is possible to do it in less time if you are in good physical condition and can hike quickly. Some trekkers choose to take longer and take their time to explore the area more thoroughly.

What should I bring on the Upper Mustang Trek?

It is important to be prepared and bring the necessary gear for the Upper Mustang Trek. Some essential items to bring include:

• Comfortable and sturdy hiking boots
• Warm and waterproof clothing, including a jacket, fleece, and gloves
• Sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• A backpack to carry all your gear
• Water bottles and a water purification system
• Snacks and energy bars for the trail
• Basic first aid kit and any necessary medications

Is it necessary to hire a guide or porter for the Upper Mustang Trek?

While it is not strictly necessary to hire a guide or porter for the Upper Mustang Trek, it is generally recommended for safety and convenience. A local guide can help you navigate the route, provide information about the local culture and history, and assist you in case of any issues or emergencies. A porter can carry your gear and help lighten your load on the trail.

It is important to choose a reputable company or individual to hire as a guide or porter, and to treat them with respect and fairness.

What is the highlight of the Upper Mustang Trek?

One of the highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek is the opportunity to visit the ancient kingdom of Mustang, which has a rich cultural history dating back centuries. The region is known for its unique landscape, which is characterized by arid desert terrain and colorful rock formations, and for its traditional Tibetan-style villages and monasteries.

Another highlight of the trek is the stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including the Annapurna massif and other iconic mountains in the Himalayas. The views from the high-altitude passes are particularly impressive and offer a sense of the vastness and majesty of the Himalayas.

What is the accommodation like on the Upper Mustang Trek?

Accommodation on the Upper Mustang Trek is generally in lodges or guesthouses, although conditions can be basic and facilities may be limited. The lodges typically have shared bathroom facilities and offer simple meals, such as dal bhat (a traditional Nepali dish). Some lodges may have electricity, although this is not always the case, so it is important to be prepared for the possibility of power outages.

It is also possible to camp on the trek, although this requires carrying a tent and other camping gear and finding suitable campsites. Camping is not recommended for the entire trek, as the weather and conditions can be challenging, but it can be a good option for some sections of the route.

Can I do the Upper Mustang Trek independently or do I need to go with a trekking company?

You can do the Upper Mustang Trek independently, although it is generally recommended to go with a trekking company or hire a guide for safety and convenience. A trekking company can help you plan your route, arrange accommodation and transportation, and provide support on the trail.

If you decide to go independently, it is important to be well-prepared and knowledgeable about the route and the local conditions. You should also be aware of the risks involved and have a plan in case of any emergencies.

How much does the Upper Mustang Trek cost?

The cost of the Upper Mustang Trek depends on a variety of factors, including your route, the duration of the trek, the season, and your accommodation and transportation preferences.

Going with a trekking company or hiring a guide can increase the cost of the trek, as you will need to pay for these services. However, these services can provide added support and convenience, and can be worth the extra cost for some trekkers.

If you are going independently, you will need to pay for your own accommodation, transportation, food, and other expenses. You can save money by staying in budget guesthouses, carrying your own gear, and cooking your own meals.