Upper Mustang Trekking

Trip Duration 18 Days

Destination Nepal

Trip Grade Moderate

Activity Trekking

Transportation Private Vehicle / Aeroplane

Accomodation Hotel + Lodges

Meals Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Max. Altitude 3810 M

Type of Trip Group / Private

More Facts Less Facts

The undisturbed land of the former Lo Kingdom is surrounded by caves, extraordinary rock formations, and a desert landscape. This place is truly like no other place on Earth. It is a dry, desolate land, yet full of character. From desert caves to snowy peaks to pockets of green oasis, the landscapes seem surreal. Local people carry out the traditional practices of Tibetan Buddhism and live very simple lives. The area has not yet been overcome by the forces of modernization.

CNN Best Travel Destination in 2023 " Upper Mustang Valley Nepal"

This ‘off-the-beaten-path’ trek begins from Jomsom, which is considered the headquarters of the Mustang region. Heading north through the upper Kali Gandaki River Valley, we find ourselves in Kagbeni. Depending on the time of the year, we may find bright green agricultural fields next to the brown sands of the desert. After passing several villages, we reach to Lo-Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang and a main attraction of the trek. Within the long stone walls, ancient monasteries and elegant palaces are preserved. Trekkers will find stupas, mani walls, chhortens, and other monuments to Tibetan Buddhism. After the exploration in Lo-Manthang, we trek back to Jomsom and fly to Pokhara. Few trekkers experience this otherworldly place, full of extraordinary rock formations, white Himalayan peaks, and a virtually undisturbed cultural heritage. The Upper Mustang Trek gives us a feeling of peace and joy that fills our hearts and minds.
The Upper Mustang Trek is connected to the Tibetan terrain, just north of the Annapurna massif. The area, which used to be the caravan route to trade with Tibet, was opened to foreigners in 1992. Even today the requirements to trek here are a bit strict to preserve the historic, religious, and geologic treasures of the area.

Tiji Festival
Tiji festival is a three-day colorful festival celebrated in Lo-Manthang. If you have the chance to participate, you should! The purpose of the festival is to pray that peace on Earth prevails. The festival is celebrated to mark the victory of Buddha’s incarnation over the demon that had been wreaking havoc in the region during ancient times. During the festival, Buddhist monks in the monastery perform an entertaining dance ceremony. The 2023 Tiji festival takes place on the 16th, 17th, and 18th of May. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so hopefully, you can make it!

Best Time to Travel To Upper Mustang
The Upper Mustang Trek is situated in a rain shadow. For this reason, the monsoon season is also a suitable time to trek in the Upper Mustang. Trekkers can enjoy the beauty of Upper Mustang throughout the year, though the best times are during the Spring and Fall, as they provide the clearest skies. To make your journey simple and cheaper, there are fixed departure dates for the Upper Mustang trek.

Trip Highlights

In the north of Nepal, in the Mustang Valley, there is a little populated area. It is renowned for its own culture, stunning scenery, and historic settlements. Among Mustang Valley's highlights are:

The historic city of Lo Manthang is filled with monasteries and structures designed in a traditional Tibetan manner.
Hindus and Buddhists revere the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the world's deepest canyons and a holy place.
The Tiji Festival, a vibrant and exuberant celebration held in Lo Manthang each year, is regarded as one of the most significant cultural occasions in Mustang Valley.
The stunning natural surroundings of Mustang Valley, feature rocky mountains, narrow valleys, and vibrant rock formations.
The opportunity to explore the local Tibetan culture and meet the people of Mustang Valley, who are known for their hospitality and friendliness.

Trip Itinerary:

Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu 1,300M (4,428 ft)
Day 02:Kathmandu Sightseeing trekking permit and preparation day.
Day 03:Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 827 M (2,689 ft) Distance; 5-6 hours
Day 04:Pokhara Fly to Jomsom 2,700 M (8,898 ft) and trek to Kagbeni 2,810 M (9,216 ft) Distance 3-4 hours trek
Day 05:Kagbeni Trek to Chele 3,050 M (10,004 ft) Distance; 5-6 hours
Day 06:Kagbeni Trek to Chele 3,050 M (10,004 ft) Distance; 5-6 hours
Day 07:Chele Trek to Syanbochen 3,475 M (11,398 ft) Distance 6-7 hours
Day 08:Syanbochen Trek to Ghami 3,520 M (11,546 ft) Distance 5-6 hours
Day 09:Ghami Trek to Tsarang 3,620 M (11,873 ft) Distance 5-6 hours
Day 10:Tsarang Trek to Lo-Manthang 3,730 M (12,234 ft) Distance 3-4 hours
Day 11:Explore Lo Manthang
Day 12:Lo-Mangthang Trek to Drakmar 3810 M (12,500 ft) Distance 6-7 hours
Day 13:Drakmar Trek to Ghiling 3,806 M (12,484 ft) Distance 5-6 hours
Day 14:Ghiling Trek to Chhuksang 3050 M (10,004 ft) Distance 5-6 hours
Day 15:Chhuksang to Jomsom 2,700 M (8,856 ft) Distance 6-7 hours
Day 16:Jomsom Fly back to Pokhara 35 Min
Day 17:Pokhara Drive to Kathmandu.
Day 18:Final Departure.

Cost Includes

Full Board (breakfast, lunch and Dinner) in Trekking
Pokhara – Jomsom- Pokhara Flights tickets
Accommodation during trek (local lodge).
Government-registered local expert guide,
Porters to carry trekking bags.
Annapurna Conservation park, Upper Mustang Special fees, and TIMS card.
In cities Accommodation with breakfast.
Guided Tour in the city.
Welcome and farewell dinner.
Equipment clothing for porter & staff.
Insurance for all staff & porters.
Transportation as per itinerary
First Aid Kit For Upper Mustang Trek
Updated Upper Mustang Trekking Map.
Salary, allowances, expenses & insurance for all staff including porters

Cost Excludes

Nepal visa – Multiple Entrée 30 days – USD 40
Lunch & dinner during hotel stay in Kathmandu
Personal gears & clothing (available on hire)
Tips for guide and porter
Table drinks, snacks, personal insurance, medical evacuation in case of emergency.
Expenses incurred due to accidents, landslide, strikes, political unrest, etc…
International airfare and airport taxes, excess baggage charges, etc..
Entrance fees during the sightseeing in the city.

Equipment List

Trekking Equipment

Obviously you will be in higher elevation while trekking in Nepal. The weather will be different in every region but also have to pack the proper trekking equipment. Day Tours Nepal is selling Nepal’s Top Best selling treks and all are Tea-house Trekking so you don’t need to think of Camping gears.

While buying clothing please pick warm clothing especially during the winter season (Dec-Feb) in Nepal. We also suggest you to get the proper light backpack and have enough space to pack your stuff. If you are confused to buy the Trekking gears than no worries you can buy the Trekking equipment in Nepal too.

We recommend you to get check the below list for Trekking in Nepal.

Clothing

Warm jacket – down jacket, if possible.
Water and windproof jacket (alternatively bring a poncho or umbrella)
Long sleeved synthetic fleece (windproof material, if possible)
Thermal underwear
Hat, pair of gloves and scarf
Comfortable hiking trousers (loose fitting)
Shorts and trousers, or skirt
2 pairs of warm wool-blend socks
2 pairs of running socks or liner socks
Proper hiking boots
Running shoes and flip-flops
2-3 t-shirts

During winter season, additional clothing’s may include:

The outer jacket should be warm, down jacket is highly recommended during winter season
Bring a pair of warm winter trousers, in addition to the hiking trousers
Bring at least one windproof layer of clothes, helping to reduce any chill factor influence.
Snow gaiters

Trekking Gear

Pair of polarizing sun-glasses (to be comfortable and to avoid potential snow-blindness)
Backpack and backpack cover (against rain and dust)
Map of the trekking area (Day Tours Nepal will proivde Trekking Map so you don't need to buy)
Head torch, or small torch, plus spare batteries
Sleeping bag and silk liner
2 x water bottles
Miscellaneous
Toiletries
A small light weight and quick drying towel
Bar of soap
Sunscreen (SPF +20)
Earplugs
Insect repellants (for lower elevations)

First aid kid

Water purification tables or a water filter
Some Diamox pills against potential altitude sickness (if going beyond 3,500+ m elevations)
Toilet paper
Optional items
Camera, battery etc
Altimeter
Compass
Binoculars
Books/magazines
Trekking poles
GPS unit
Padlocks for guest house rooms and bags
Sewing/repair kit
Pocket knife
Candles (for lodges)
Dairy or notebook plus pencil/pen

Media gallery

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Trip Video

Fixed Departure Dates

Tiji Festival Trek departure dates for 2023 and the Trek Plan you can see below;

08 May 2023 DAY 01 Arrival in Kathmandu. 1,400 m (4,600 ft)

09 May 2023 DAY 02 Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation. 1,400 m (4,600 ft)

10 May 2023 DAY 03 Kathmandu drive to Pokhara. 827 M (2,713 ft)

11 May 2023 DAY 04 Pokhara fly to Jomsom 27, 43 M (8,999 ft) and Trek to Kagbeni. Distance; 10.7 Km (6.6 miles) 2,804 M (9,199 ft)

12 May 2023 DAY 05 Kagbeni Trek to Chele. Distance; 15.3 Km (9.5 miles) 3050 M (10,007 ft)

13 May 2023 DAY 06 Chele Trek to Syanbochen. Distance; 11.5 km (7.1 miles) 3,800 M (12,468 ft)

14 May 2023 DAY 07 Syanbochen Trek to Ghami. Distance; 9.3 Km (5.7 miles) 3520M (11,549 ft)

15 May 2023 DAY 08 Ghami Trek to Charang. Distance; 10.7 Km (6.6 miles) 3560 M (11,670 ft)

Tiji Festival 2023 Dates (Festival Starts)

16 May 2023 DAY 09 Charang Trek to Lo-Manthang. Distance; 11 km (6.8 miles) 3840 M (12599 ft) First day of Tiji Festival

17 May 2023 DAY 10 Second days of Tiji Festival and Explore Lo-Man Thang Valley. 3840 M (12599 ft)

18 May 2023 Day 11: Final day of the Tiji Festival. 3840 M (12599 ft)

19 May 2023 DAY 12 Lo-Manthang Trek to Drakmar via Samduling, Marang la 4230 M (13,878 ft) Distance: 17.2 Km (10.6 miles) 3820 M (12,533 ft)

20 May 2023 DAY 13 Dhakmar Trek to Ghiling. Distance; 14.3 Km (8.8 miles) 3570 M (11,713 ft)

21 May 2023 DAY 14 Ghiling Trek to Chhuksang. Distance; 17.2 Km (10.6 miles) 2980 M (9,777 ft)

22 May 2023 DAY 15 Chhuksang Trek to Jomsom. 2,743 M (8,999 ft)

23 May 2023 DAY 16 Fly or Drive back to Pokhara. 827 M (2,713 ft)

24 May 2023 DAY 17 Drive From Pokhara to Kathmandu. 1,400 m (4,600 ft)

25 May 2023 DAY 18 Final Departure.

Start Date	End Date	Cost	Status	Booking
27 June, 2023	14 July, 2023	US $2195	Available	Book Now

Usefull Info

Upper Mustang is a protected area, meaning that you need a special permit to enter. The cost is $500 for the first 10 days and $50/day after that. The cost is included in the price of the package.
The Upper Mustang Trek requires moderate fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Also, it is possible to combine this trek with others in the Annapurna region.
Day Tours Nepal arranges the trek with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information.
If you want to do a camping trek then Day Tours Nepal will arrange all necessary camping gear, including sleeping tents, sleeping bags, mattresses, pillows, etc.

I don’t have a friend but I want to trek to Upper Mustang, how is it possible?