17-Day Upper Mustang Trek from Kathmandu with Lo-Manthang

17 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on a mesmerizing 17-day trek to Upper Mustang, a hidden gem in Nepal, combining Kathmandu's rich cultural heritage with a remote Himalayan journey throug...

Duration: 17 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Pokhara, Kathmandu, Jomsom, Muktinath, Lo Manthang, Charang, Kagbeni · Languages: English, French, Hindi, Nepali, Spanish

Know before you go: Permits: A special permit known as the Upper Mustang Trekking Permit is necessary to enter the Upper Mustang region. The best way to get the permit is through us.; Physical stamina is required because the Upper Mustang hike is a high-altitude trek. It's crucial to be physically healthy and to adjust to the environment effectively.; Weather: It can get hot during the day and cold at night in the high-altitude desert where the walk occurs. Bring warm, waterproof clothing in case of rapid changes in the weather.; Altitude sickness: The walk reaches altitudes of up to 4,000 meters, which may cause altitude sickness in some people. It's crucial to acclimatize properly and, if necessary, seek medical care.; Local traditions: The Upper Mustang region has its own distinctive culture and customs and is predominantly of Tibetan descent. When visiting monasteries and villages, observe modest dress guidelines and respect local customs.; Support: There are lodges and teahouses all along the trail, making the walk well supported. To be self-sufficient, pack adequate food and drink for the day.; Budget: Although it is possible to complete the trek on a shoestring budget, it's vital to account for the cost of permits, flights, transportation, lodging, food, and equipment.; If needed, a down jacket and sleeping bag will be provided on rent.; Rescue arrangements are available if necessary.

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What's Included

Airport pick-ups and drop-offs by car, jeep, hiace, or bus, depending on the number of arrivals
Complimentary welcome or farewell dinner according to the suitability of our clients' time
Beginning with two nights on arrival in Kathmandu in a standard tourist hotel with breakfast included (twin-share basis)
Internal transport and flights within Nepal as per the itinerary
All necessary trekking and restricted area permits and fees
Three meals a day during the trek
All accommodations during the trek
An experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed, first aid-trained trekking guide and assistant guide (1 assistant guide for 5 trekkers)
Duffel bag to be returned after trip completion, and complimentary trekking maps
Staff costs, including their salary, equipment, transport, food, and accommodation
Basic first-aid kit carried by your trekking guide
All government and local taxes for trekking, agency service charges, and government tax/VAT
Achievement certificate

Not Included

International airfare and Nepal visa fee
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain for any reason other than the scheduled itinerary
Personal insurance covering medical care, emergency evacuation, and loss or theft of property
Personal gear and equipment
Personal expenses, including laundry, hot showers, battery charging, Wi-Fi, etc.
Entry fees and costs for sightseeing (temples, monasteries, etc.)
Tips and gratuities for the guide and porter

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu - Check in at the hotel

Our office representative will warmly welcome you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure. Overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu
2

Day 02

Trek preparation and Kathmandu sightseeing

Have breakfast at the hotel. Pick up by our team and head to our office for your trek briefing and preparation. Our staff will briefly explain the program, and you will visit cultural heritage sites, including some famous world heritage sites like Swyambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, etc., in the afternoon sightseeing in Kathmandu. Get dropped off at your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu
3

Day 03

Kathmandu to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft](6 hrs drive).

Early morning at around 7 am, we set off for Pokhara on a tourist bus. On route, we will see more of the countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain sceneries. Afternoon, we reach Pokhara. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, the five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara is a city of lakes and has numerous beautiful lakes. We can explore the most accessible and beautiful Fewa Lake during the afternoon and enjoy boating too. Explore, relax and dine by tranquil Lake Fewa. You can even do some shopping during the evening hours. Overnight in Pokhara
4

Day 04

Fly to Jomsom, trek to Kagbeni [2,858m/9,375ft] (3-4 hrs)

After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 20 minutes over the mountains with views of 8,000 metres, such as Annapurna & Dhaulagiri, brings you to Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town, headquarters of the Mustang region; it is also a central village in the Kaligandaki area linking the 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 reach Ekley-Bhatti village. After a good stop here, an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies on the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an attractive windswept village on the main age-old Trans-Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via the 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.
5

Day 05

Kagbeni to Chele [3050m/10,004ft] (5-6 hour)

Our journey starts with a special permit check-up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki upstream. We have a picturesque scenic place to stop through the sandy and windy trails during the walk. This trail follows the up and downhill. Firstly we reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst white-washed houses and fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. From there, we trek forward to Chhusang and, after crossing the river, head up to the massive chunk of red rock that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges and reach Chele village.
6

Day 06

Chele to Syanbochen [3475m/11,398ft] (6-7 hrs)

Today, we start our trek again and walk further to Eklo Bhatti. We climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) 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 above Samar village to the ridge, then descend steeply to a stream. Another 3 hrs similar walk takes us to Syanbochen. We relax along the surrounding cool streams and juniper trees on the way. Locals use the dried leaves of junipers as incense to invite deities and start any auspicious work. We also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave.
7

Day 07

Syanboche to Ghami [3520m/11,546ft ](5-6 hrs)

After breakfast, we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m/12,667ft), passing a few teahouses, chortens and local villages like Tibetan-style houses with open Varanda. We cross mountain passes and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barley. The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) would take longer. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghami. Ghami, the third-largest village in the Lo region, is encircled by sizable fields, most deserted.
8

Day 08

Ghami to Charang [3500m/11,480ft](4-5 hrs)

Start the trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk. After crossing Ghami Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall, a sacred stone wall made by the followers of 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.
9

Day 09

Charang to Lo-Manthang (3700m/12,136ft)(5-6 hrs)

With a stunning view of the Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, and Bhrikuti mountain, we trek to Lo-Manthang today. After crossing the river, the trail drops to Charang Chu Canyon before beginning a challenging ascent. The trail gently ascents to the windswept Lo Pass at 3,850 meters, where you can glimpse the Lo-Manthang Valley. Views of the walled city on the Tibetan Border with its hills look lovely as you descend to Lo-Manthang. For the duration of the stop, we stay in a hotel.
10

Day 10

Day 10: Explore Lo-Manthang.

Today we explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa, situated on a hilltop, is an important monastery of the local community and a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa, continue the tour to Tingkhar, the last central village northwest of Lo-Manthang and stroll back to the hotel. The Tall Champa Lakhang "God house," the crimson Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and the Entrance Hall, which are this town's primary attractions, are also possible. Another attraction is the four-storey building of the Raja's palace and the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalayas.
11

Day 11

Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar [3810 m/12,500ft] (6-7 hrs)

While returning from Lo-Mangthan, we took 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 walking in the morning is suggested.
12

Day 12

Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806m/12,484ft] (5-6 hrs).

Today, we return 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, but it will be dusty wind in the afternoon, so it is better to walk in the evening time.
13

Day 13

Ghiling to Chhusang [3050m/10,004ft] (5-6 hrs )

We re-track back to Ghiling for the overnight stop after 5 hrs walk. You will have fantastic scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view. Enjoy your trip and overnight at the teahouse.
14

Day 14

Chhusang to Jomsom [2700/8,856ft] (6-7 hrs)

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 will also take you to Muktinath.
15

Day 15

Fly back to Pokhara

After breakfast, we check in at the airport to fly back to Pokhara. A 30-min scenic flight to Pokhara between the gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, the guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. For the rest of the time, you can explore the lake and stay overnight at the hotel.
16

Day 16

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we start our 200 kilometres drive back to Kathmandu. Hold on to 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 with Touch The Himalaya staff. Overnight at Kathmandu
17

Day 17

Departure

You are saying goodbye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal ends today! We hope you enjoyed the tour with us and are sure you`ll be back on your trip somewhere in the Himalayas again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative will transfer you to the airport.