Upper Mustang trek - 17 days

Trip Info

Trip Code: DHA/UMT-17

Destination: : Nepal

Trekking Duration: 11 days

Trek Type : Teahouse Basis

Grade:

Maximum Elevation : 3,825M.

Avg. hours of walk / day : 5-6 hours

Best Month of the Year : April, May, October and November

Hotel Accommodation : 4 nights 3-star hotel, twin sharing BB basis

Introduction to Upper Mustang Trek

Mustang, refers to the arid Tibet like region at the northern end of the Kali Gandaki, lying beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Mustang is the land of barley fields, pastures for grazing herds. Our trek offers you a special opportunity to explore this incredible topography with an almost treeless barren landscape and countryside similar to the Tibetan plateau, which is rich in ancient tradition and mythology. Upper Mustang consists of two distinct regions, the southern region with five villages inhabited by people related to the Manangis and the northern region (the ancient region of Lo) where the language, culture, and traditions are almost purely Tibetan.

In lower Mustang the hills tend to be great, red fluted cliffs accompanied by the beautiful valley of Kali Gandaki River, that flows from Tibet and a spectacular panorama of the massif Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range rising behind. While upper Mustang offers an endless expanse of yellow and Grey rolling hills, denudation by the wind, which is prevalent in this region, the views that you will catch here is simply breathtaking and astonishing.

Crossing the lonely landscape with several passes (the highest being the Nyi La at 3990m), villages appear in the distance as tiny green oases nestled within the valley's only grove of trees or looming as fortresses preached on rocky crags, leads us to the spectacular walled town of Lo-Mangthang. Visually extraordinary place, a home of the Mustang Raja (King) and full of beautiful temples and Monasteries. Overall, Mustang involves a wilderness of huge proportions and offers a truly exceptional experience.

Mustang was closed for some time because of a guerrilla war that was waged along the border of Tibet and because of the ecological sensitivity of the region and also to protect the ancient culture and tradition. Re-opened only since 1992. The region is a restricted area and there are certain formalities required by the Government of Nepal in obtaining a special permit.

Journey Outline

The long forbidden region of upper Mustang is now open for trekking. After an exciting flight through the Kali Gandaki, we land in Jomsom and begin trekking north towards the kingdom of Mustang. Hiking past the villages with multi-storied houses, monasteries and crumbling castles, we reach Lho- Monthang, the walled capital of this Kingdom. Mustang trek can also be done during the summer months when the people are most active in the fields, villages, and monasteries.

TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS

Muktinath temple
Peoples and Cultures of the area
Mustang King’s Palace
Monasteries and crumbling castles
Lo-manthang village multi- storied houses

DETAILS ITINERARY

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel &trek briefing

After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary and you will also be introduced with your crewmembers and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.

Day 2
Tours, necessary preparation & packing

In the morning after breakfast, we will organize half day sightseeing tour during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel in the afternoon and time for shopping of any missing items, packing and getting ready for the trip.

Day 3
Fly to Pokhara and explore the area

After morning tea, we will drive towards Tribhuvan Airport, domestic terminal for Kathmandu to Pokhara flight. Pokhara is the centre of Western Development Region and Gateway to Annapurna Region. In 20 minutes of scenic flight, we will enjoy the panoramic views of Annapurna Mountain, Ganesh Mountain, Nilgiri Mountain, Manaslu Mountain and other mountains. Once we reach Pokhara Airport, we will be transferred to the hotel. After refreshment, we will visit Phewa Lake. Boating is available upon your own expenses. We will visit the Bazaar area and return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 4
Fly to Jomsom (2,720m) trek to Kabgeni (2,810m), 3 hours

We will catch early morning flight from Pokhara Airport and fly parallel to Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountains for about 20 minutes to reach small airstrip at Jomsom. Jomsom is a windy town. Once our crew members are ready with luggage, we will begin Upper Mustang trek. We will follow the scenic path along the edge of Kaligandaki River to Kagbeni. Sorrounded with mountains, Kagbeni is the best place to end the trek on this day.

Day 5
Trek to Chele (3,050m), 6 hours

Heading from the eastern edge of Kali Gandaki River, we will climb the ridge and then lower down to Tangbe village. Walking past the narrow alleyways and farms, we willenjoy the close-up view of looming Nilgiri Mountain. Moving out of small Tangbe village, we will make it to Chhusang village. We will crossthe river and then continue to climb north. We will leave Kali Gandaki valley and climbuphill to Chele(3030m). Culture from Chele onwards is different than culture found in villages at lower region. Stay overnight at Chele.

Day 6
Trek to Geling (3,570m), 7 hours

After early morning breakfast, we will follow the ascending path through steep and barren slope with no sign of vegetation. Walking through the canyon, we will reach to the pass at 3540m. Enjoying the spectacular views of surrounding mountains from the pass, we will make gradual descend to chortens. We will continue to follow the descending trail to small Samar village from where we can enjoy the view of Annapurna and Nilgiri mountains. We will make sharp ascend from Samar to Geling where we will stay overnight.

Day 7
Trek to Tsarang/ Charang (3,560m), 6 hours

Leaving Geling early in the morning, we will follow the ascending path to Nyi La Pass. After brief rest, we will make gradual descend along cliffs across the valley. We will arrive at the bridge existing aboveTangmar Chu River. Climbing uphill from Tangmar Chu River, we will pass through long mani walls to the Pass located at 3600m altitude. We will lower down from the pass to Charangwhere we can visit old five–storey white Dzong. Red gompais another attraction in Charang. Stay overnight at Charang.

Day 8
Trek to Lo Manthang (3,809m), 5 hours the capital of Mustang

After an early morning tea, we will leave Charang and make gradual descend to Charang–Chu River. The path from Charang Chu River rises up through steep section to the top of ridge at 3850m from where we will get the first view of fortified Lomanthang city. We will lower down from the ridge and cross small river to reach Lo Manthang. Stay overnight at Lo Manthang.

Day 9
Explore the area, Lo Manthang

This is an acclimatization day. We will explore around Lomanthang which is the ultimate destination of Upper Mustang Trek. Lo Manthang is the capital City of Mustang. There are several interesting places around Lomanthang that we can visit on this day. Tingkhar is one of such attractions. Tingkhar is the last village of Mustang. Similarly, monasteries likeNamgyalGompa, ThugchenGompa and ChyodiGompa are other attractions. We can also visit ancient Lo Manthang Palace which is the residence of local king. Stay overnight in Lo Manthang.

Day 10
Trek to Lo Dhakmar (3,825m), 6 hours via GharGumba

We will begin our return trip back to Jomsom on this day. We will follow the different path than we had taken to arrive at Lomanthang. We will head south-west from Charangand walk past fields before choosing the escalating path to the top of ridge. Climbing up from the valley, we will cross Chogo La Pass from where we will descend to the grass plain. Lowering down further, we will reach to the bridge over CharangRiver. We will cross the river to reach Gyakar village where we will visit 1200 years old GharGompa. The trail escalates uphill through alpine meadows and then lower down to Lo Dhaknmar where we will stay overnight.

Day 11
Trek to Syangbochen (3,800m), 5 hours

After an early morning tea, we will move along stone walls and fields of Dramkar village. We will lower down from Dramkar to the river. Crossing the river, we will climb up toa ridge at 3710m. Sharp descend from the ridge will take us to river from where we will climb to the upper part of Ghemi. Moving further from Ghemi, we will through small settlements at Jaite and ChhungKa to reach Tama Gaon. The trail stretches uphill from Tamagaon to Chorten. The path meets with path from Geling belowSyangbochen La. Crossing Syangbochen La Pass, we will lower down to Syangbochen where we will stay overnight.

Day 12
Trek to Chusang (2980m), 5 hours

A moderately strenuous walk of about 7 hours will take us to Chusang from Shyangbochen. Leaving Syangbochen, we will walk past dispersed settlements of Yamdo and Bena to Samar village. From Samar, the trail drops down passing through village at Chele to Kali Gandaki River. We will follow the Kali Gandali River to Chusang where we will stay overnight.

Day 13
Trek to Muktinath (3,760m), 6 hours, Ultimate destinations of Hindu pilgrimage

Leaving Chusang early in the morning, we will follow the gradually rising trail towards ridge. After series of ups and downs, we will reach Muktinath temple. This is the holy temple that is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. Muktinath means the Lord of Salvation. Visit Muktinath temple to see 108 water sprouts. There is also a Jwala Mai temple where fire lights up eternally.We will also visit the Vishnu temple. Stay overnight at Muktinath.

Day 14
Trek to Jomsom, explore around the area, 5 hours

From Muktinath, we will follow the descending path through dry land with no vegetation. We will reach to the bank of Kaligandaki River. Following the river, we will reach Kagbeni. We will pass through Kagbeni to ekle Bhatti village before moving further along Kaligandaki River to Jomsom. Explore Jomsom Bazaar. Stay overnight at Jomsom.

Day 15
Fly KTM via Pokhara

We will drive to Pokhara Airport in the afternoon. Scenic flight from Pokhara will take us to Kathmandu. Take rest. Write a journal and arrange your photo albums. Stay overnight at hotel.

Day 16
Free day, shopping

This is rest day. Spend the day as you like. You can go for shopping in Thamel where you can buy souvenir items. Pashmina Shawls, Khukuri (Gurkha Knife) and handmade products are popular gift items. You can also visit Basantapur Durbar Square in the evening.

Day 17
Int’l Departure foronward flight to home

We will transfer you to the Airport as per your scheduled flight for your onward destination. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.

Start Date

End Date

Availability

Price

Min.

Start Date

9th Oct 2021

End Date

25th Oct 2021

Availability

OPENED

Price

USD 2,500

Min

Book

REMARKS : If you have private team (+2 persons team), Plz contact our sales person for customized date and special group based discounted cost

HIRING OPTIONS

Down jacket (450 grams down) - USD 2 per/day
Seeping bag (-20 degree rated) - USD 2.5 per/day

COST INCLUDES

Conservation/National park fees and all govt. taxes
All required trekking permits
5 (five) nights 3 star hotel accommodation on twin sharing BB basis
All internal flights (Kathmandu – Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu with airport taxes
Trek duffle bag/luggage weight, maximum of 15kg per trekker
All airport/hotel/airport transfers by private vehicles
An Experience Sherpa Trek Guide
Support Sherpa staffs
Required number of porters
Trek sleeping bag and Down Jacket (on rental basis)
All meals of high quality and hygienic (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
All hot drinks and beverages (tea, coffee, hot chocolate, treated drinking water etc.)
Trek group First Aid Kit
Insurance of all local team members
Equipment for porters
Half-day world heritage sites tour with guide & private transport
Farewell celebration dinner

COST EXCLUDES

Medical/personal high risk insurance, (must cover emergency evacuation cost)
International departure taxes
Personal trek gears
Major meals in Kathmandu
Cost of personal expenses i.e. telephone calls, laundry, Toiletry items etc.
Bottle water, soft drinks, beers
Tips to the local Staff

Fitness Requirements for the Trek

This kind of trek doesn’t really require previous trekking and mountaineering experiences. It doesn’t require any technical experience, only that you are in good physical condition and be able to hike 4 – 6 hours over hilly terrain up to 3,500m of altitude with a light day pack.

Value of Previous Experience

If you have any previous experiences would be helpful but if you don’t have is also not an important matter of issue. This trek will introduce you to trekking in the Himalayas and also about the local cultures, traditions, and local people. Even if you are around the age of 65 years, you can be a candidate for this trek.

Published on : October 31, 2017

Just returned from a wonderful trek in the Upper Mustang region. This was my first time with Dream Himalaya Adventures and will certainly not be the last! Dawa meticulously went through all our trekking gear to ensure we had missed nothing. Right from picking us up from the airtport to organising our paragliding, Dawa did a great job. Pasang and Tendi took very good care of us all through the trek, and it is their friendship that made the trip more enjoyable. I am glad we went with Dream Himalaya on this relatively remote trek. I would recommend them to anyone!

Sushila Rajagopal, Bangalore, India

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Testimonials

emmanuel

Paranaque Philippines

Dream Himalaya is an awesome outfitter! The Guides, Porters, and Dawa are trustworthy and easy to talk to... It's these kind people that makes your trip hassle and worry free. Highly recommend!

Gerardo Martin Ramos

2166 Fatima Street

The EBC trek is incredible and highly recommended with stunning scenery and good people. DHA's guides and porters are great and took very good care of us. If you are looking for a great trek in the Himalaya's then this one is for you!

Patrick Nhim

Level 1 420, Main North Road, BLAIR ATHOL SA 5084

Patrick & Geoff - Basecamp 2019 Dawa Sherpa and his team were exceptional in their care and aid of out Basecamp trek for 2019. It was an amazing experience not only to see and feel the mountains but also to speak to his crew and learn about the region and trekking/mountaineering in general. They were always ready to help whenever we needed. We will certainly be coming back to Nepal and the Himalayas again. Most definitely through Dream Himalaya Adventures. Patrick Nhim

Jacq Hackett

Brisbane Queensland Australia

Wow wow wow! Ok so the scenery was awesome - that’s a given! The food was nutritional and hot! Sleeping was easy because the body was ready for rest. But the team at Dream Himalaya Adventures could not have been better selected. Nothing was a problem. Anything was possible. If you wanted it, you got it! Their main aim is to get you to your destination and back safely and for you to enjoy the entire experience. If we weren’t eating enough, they encouraged us to fuel up. If we weren’t drinking enough “pani” (water), they stopped us for a drink break. If we walked too quickly (I’m amazed some of our team members could), they reminded us to walk “bistari bistari” (slowly slowly) to

Leveaux Gartner

Cairns, Australia

I have recently returned from touring and trekking with Dream Himalayas Adventures team with Dawa and his Sherpas. The highlights of my trip was the stunning scenery on the trek and the friendly people of Nepal. It was definitely a life changing experience and i would love to do it again some day with my daughter. Dawa and his team were amazing i found them very organized, caring and friendly which impressed me.

Bessie Lawton

United States

We had a beautiful trip! From the very first contact with Dawa a few months before to the airport drop off, Dream Himalayan Advantures provided excellent service, answered questions quickly, and took wonderful care of our team. Their guides were so friendly and very competent in what they do. We had a big team of 10 people, but they were able to meet each person’s needs. Would definitely work with them again!

Monika Braid

PL31-271 Krakow Poland

Dawa S. Lama of the Dream Himalaya Adventures has provided services for the expedition to Jannu (Kumbhakarna), 7711m via South East route. The expedition took place between February and April 2019. It combined a documentary film project “The Wall of Shadows” about the life of Sherpas” Dawa’s insight, a phenomenal attention to detail and discipline, his admirable communication skills, polite and respectful manner, an ease of problem solving, open-mindedness, generosity and adaptability to unusual requirements from the film team were the qualities that put Dawa and his Agency at the top of the list of the most reliable agents in Nepal. We sincerely recommend the Agency and trust any expedition or trekking party will be fully satisfied and comes home from the Himalaya

Lisa Vhugen

132 NE 95th St Apt B105

My experience with Dream Himalaya Adventures was excellent! Dawa Sherpa took care of every detail before and after our trek. I felt very confident in his abilities. All of our drivers and guides were most helpful and informative. Our trek guide, Sherku Sherpa, was exceptional, and he took very good care of us. We had an incredible adventure with stunning scenery every day. I highly recommend Dream Himalaya Adventures to anyone seeking an unparalleled experience in and around the Himalaya!

Tirolermadln

Tyrol / Austria

It was our second trek with Dream Himalaya Adventures and we loved it. We had so much fun with our guide Tendi and Rajesh who also works for DHA. The experience on a trek like this made us feeling like friends rather than clients. It's not only about hiking, you also learn a lot about the Nepalese culture and nature. The feeling of waking up early to see the sunrise at Poon Hill surrounded by the highest mountains in the world is incredible. This was an experience we will never forget and definitely the highlight of our trek. Thank you Dawa for making it possible and organizing everything so well! See you soon!

Mama & Daughter Adventure

Tyrol / Austria

Dream Himalaya Adventures provided us the best mother / daughter trip that we could experience. We could not have chosen a better agency for our trek to Langtang and Helambu area. Dawa was very helpful from the first email contact. He did not only organize the trek but also the airport pick-up, city tour and all preparations needed with our guide Tendi. Tendi was the best guide that we could wish for. He was not only funny and entertaining and also gave us a glimpse into his culture and his life in Nepal as a professional mountaineer. He really cared about our health and well being during day and night which was very important for our mothers. We enjoyed the trip

17 days

Price 2021 : USD 2500 Price 2022 : USD 2520

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