Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu
A representative of our company will greet you at the airport upon your arrival. He will help you to transfer to your hotel for check in. He will also explain further details of the program. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour
Our Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour begins today, visiting cultural landmarks such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Pasupatinath Temple. Admire the palace's artwork, sculptures, and gain insight into Nepal's history. Spend the night at a hotel.
Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m) Duration: 6 hrs.
You'll be picked up early in the morning for a scenic drive to Pokhara. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. In the evening, go boating on Fewa Lake and snap pictures of Mount Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna Range reflected on the calm waters. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: From Pokhara fly to Jomsom (2700m) & Trek to Kagbeni (2800m) Duration: 3 hrs.
Early in the morning, we'll embark on a scenic flight over the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to Jomsom. The views of towering massifs reaching over 8,000 meters and the planet's deepest river gorge are awe-inspiring. At Jomsom, we'll begin our Upper Mustang trek to Kagbeni. Kagbeni is the gateway to Upper Mustang and is located at an altitude of 2,800 meters. This 14th-century village served as a checkpoint for traders traveling to and from Nepal. Today, there's still a checkpoint to regulate groups traveling to Muktinath and Mustang. We'll spend the night at a local guesthouse.
Day 5: Kagbeni to Chele (3110m) Duration: 5-6 hrs.
The Kaligandaki river trail leads to the east bank and through several ridges to Tangbe village, a maze of narrow alleyways and white-washed homes. The Nilgiri peak, which dominates the southern Kagbeni skyline, can be seen from the fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat, and apple orchards. After 1.5 hours, Chhusang village is reached. The trail crosses the river, passes through a huge red conglomerate tunnel, and then climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chele where overnight stay is at a guesthouse.
Day 6: Chele to Geling (3500m) Duration: 5-6 hrs.
Today, we'll embark on a trek through the barren and arid landscape, along a breathtaking steep canyon to a 3540m high rock cairn pass. From there, we'll take a long, gentle descent to the village of Samar. The towering Annapurna mountain range, dominated by Nilgiri, can be seen in the distance to the south. Our journey will continue as we climb up above Samar to a ridge and descend into a deep gorge. The trail then passes through another valley, crosses a stream, and ascends to a 3800m high ridge. After traversing another pass, following a ridge and descending to Shyangmochen, we'll have a gentle climb to a 3770m pass and reach Geling Village where we'll stay overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 7: Geling to Charang (3620m) Duration: 4 hrs
The trail from Geling leads to the fascinating NYI La pass. Along the way, you'll encounter blue, gray and red cliffs, and cross a steel bridge over the Tangmar Chu river. You'll also see the longest Mani wall in Mustang. Another pass awaits at an altitude of 3,600 m before reaching Charang village, where you'll find impressive sights like a large five-story white Dzong and red Gompa. The village is also home to a collection of statues, Thankas and large Buddha paintings. You'll spend the night in a guesthouse.
Day 8: Charang to Lo – Manthang (3840m) Duration: 3 hrs.
The trek up to Lo-Gekar steadily climbs and leads to the historic Lo-Gekar Gompa, older even than Samye Gompa in Tibet. The trail to Lo-Manthang is clearly marked and has some minor climbs. The route passes the walled city of Lo and crosses a stream before reaching the plateau and the final destination of Lo-Manthang. Overnight at guesthouse.
Day 9: Exploration of Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar and return. 4 – 6 hrs.
A two-hour hike to Namgyal Gompa awaits, a hilltop monastery important to the local community and home to a local court. After visiting, we will tour Tingkhar, the northwest-most village of Lomanthang with 40 houses. The tour ends with a return to Lomanthang and an overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Day 10: Lo-Manthang to Drakmar (3820m) 6-7 hrs.
Today, we embark on a steep ascent on our Upper Mustang Trek and get a final view of Lo Manthang. We then reach the peak, Chogo La (4210m), the highest point of the trek. Afterwards, we go down a short, steep descent, cross the Charang River, and arrive at Ghar Gompa, a tiny monastery. We continue our journey by climbing the ridge, crossing a valley, and walking through alpine meadows, finally reaching Drakmar after descending a steep eroded path. We will spend the night at a guesthouse.
Day 11: Drakmar to Shyangmochen (3800m) Duration: 5-6 hrs.
The trail begins with a descent, passing stone walls and fields in Drakmar, before ascending to a ridge. It then drops to the lower part of Ghami and continues to Jaite (3820m) before descending again to Chhung-Kah. The journey concludes at Tama Gaon (3710m) and ends at Shyangmochen. Overnight at guesthouses.
Day 12: Shyangbochen to Chhusang (2980m) 6 hrs.
Hike down to Chhusang following a stream or take a 30-minute longer alternate route visiting Ranchung Cave and stay overnight at a guesthouse in Samar.
Day 13: Chusang to Muktinath (3800m) Duration: 7 hrs.
This article outlines a popular trekking route that takes you through the stream, past Chhusang village, and up to a valley floor. From there, you will continue to ascend to a small pass that provides a view of Muktinath and its red painted Buddhist monasteries. After crossing a suspension bridge, you will continue to ascend and walk through villages until you reach Muktinath. This route is known for the fossil stone "Saligrams" that can be found between Tetang and Gyu La Pass. The trek also provides a stunning view of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche Himalayan range. The journey will end with an overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Day 14: Muktinath to Jomsom (2700m) Duration: 6 hrs.
Muktinath is a holy destination for both Hindu pilgrims and Buddhists. In the morning, we will visit the Muktinath Temple and admire the stunning views of the Dhaulagiri peak. The temple features water spouts that flow into a stream above it. There's also a nearby Buddhist Monastery. Our trek takes us through the village of Jharkot, where we can visit the Jharkot Monastery, which is both a Tibetan medical center and an ancient fortress. We return to Jomsom, enjoying the breathtaking views of the Kaligandaki valley and Kagbeni village along the way. Our journey ends at Jomsom where we can celebrate our trek with the trekking staff and spend the night at a guesthouse.
Day 15: Jomsom to Pokhara
Early in the morning we will take the return flight to Pokhara. The afternoon can be spent exploring this picturesque lakeside town as your fancy takes you. Overnight at a hotel
Day 16: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Today we will drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 17: Farewell
A representative from Visit View Nepal Treks will bid you farewell after taking you to the International airport approx. 3 hours before your scheduled flight. You will take away your photographs and memories of a truly remarkable adventure.
What's included
- All ground transportation by private vehicle including airport transfers.
- Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu
- Two night accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara
- Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu with a tour guide and all temples/monuments entrance fees
- Round trip flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara including departure taxes.
- Best available twin sharing lodge to lodge accommodation during the trek
- Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Visit View Nepal Treks duffel bag, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
- An experienced English-speaking (trekking guide), porter to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
- All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP, Special trekking permit), please bring 3 passport size photos for permit
- A comprehensive medical kit
- All government and local taxes
What's not included
- Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (A multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
- Hot shower during the trek
- Personal trekking equipment’s
- Cold drinks, water, snacks and other personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers
The Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal is a journey to a place that’s untouched and pristine, a place that is away from the hustle and bustle of modern civilization. This adventure is perfect for those who are curious, hungry for travel and freedom, and seeking to discover one of the wonders of Nepal.
The land of Mustang is divided into two regions: the upper and lower. The Upper Mustang is a dry region with very little rainfall and is considered one of the most beautiful places in the country. The desert-like landscape of the area is alluring, with monasteries, prayer flags, and Gompas that offer a glimpse into the Tibetan Buddhist culture that is prevalent in this region.
The Upper Mustang Trek is a treasure hunt that takes you to one of the least traveled areas of Nepal. The people who live in this region, known as the “Lobas,” are deeply rooted in their culture and traditions. They consider themselves descendants of Tibet and follow an ancient lifestyle. This trek will take you on a 17-day journey that requires good resilience and physical training, as you will be walking for 5-6 hours every day.
Upper Mustang Trek
The main gate to Upper Mustang, Kagbeni village, dates back to the 14th century and was once a check post for traders from Nepal. Over the course of 4 days, you will hike from Kagbeni to Chele, Geling, Charang, and finally reach the ancient kingdom of “Lo” Manthang (3840 meters). The ancient kingdom of Mustang is rich in civilization and culture, with landscapes and formations that remind you of the distinct Tibetan culture.
This trek is considered challenging due to the unique climate of the area, which is mostly dry and barren. There are various ups and downs, steep descents that will test your patience, but the trek can be done in the monsoon season without worrying about unexpected rain or muddy roads.
In conclusion, the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal is a unique adventure that offers a chance to explore a region that is still rooted in the past. This trek is perfect for those who are adventure enthusiasts and are looking to experience a remote and exotic part of Nepal. Before embarking on this journey, it is recommended to spend some time in physical training and preparing for the trek’s demands. The Upper Mustang Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t regret.