Mustang, it 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. Upper Mustang consists 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.
The region Mustangs being a restricted area.There are certain formalities required by the Government of Nepal in obtaining a special permit with liaison officer.
The long forbidden region of upper Mustang is now open to a limited number of trekkers. 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 (4150m).
Lo- Monthang, the walled capital of this Kingdom. Mustang trek can be done during the Summer months when the people are most active in the fields, villages, and monasteries.
Trip Hightlight
16Night/17Days Upper Mustang- Lo-Manthang(3809m) Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival - 1300m.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing.
Day 3: Kathmandu – Pokhara - 900m.
Day 4: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni [2,858m/9,375ft]: 3-4 hrs.
Day 5: Kagbeni to chele [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Day 6: Chele to Syanbochen [3475m/11,398ft]: 6-7 hrs.
Day 7: Syanbochen to Ghaymi [3520m/11,546ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Day 8: Ghaymi to Charang [3500m/11,480ft]: 4-5 hrs.
Day 9: Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3700m/12,136ft): 5-6 hrs.
Day 10: Explore Lo-Mangthang.
Day 11: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar [3810 m/12,500ft]: 6-7 hrs.
Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806m/12,484ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Day 13: Ghiling to Chhuksang [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs
Day 14: Chhuksang to Jomsom [2700m/8,856ft]: 6-7 hrs.
Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara.
Day 16: Pokhara – Kathmandu.
Day 17: Departure.
16Night/17Days Upper Mustang- Lo-Manthang(3809m) Trekking Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival - 1300m.
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu. On arrival meet, assist and transfer to the hotel by our representative. Welcome drinks on arrival and briefing of tour program by one of the representative from Himalayan icefall Trekking.
Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing.
After breakfast start full day sightseeing in UNESCO heritage sites. Sightseeing at Bouddhanath Stupa- is a very important religious site for the followers of Buddhism. It is located northeast from the Kathmandu city center. The Stupa is regarded as the centre of faith for the Buddhists. This is also the largest Stupa of Nepal. The Stupa rich in Buddhist arts and cultural heritage is also a popular pilgrimage site; Pashupatinath Temple is a famous, sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Pashupatinath is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. This temple is considered one of the sacred temples of Hindu faith. This "extensive Hindu temple precinct" is a "sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries and Patan Durbar Square- Enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites is a distinct place for arts and architecture that reflect on each temple, monument and palace building that were mostly built during the Malla period between 16th, 17th and 18th century. The square offers myriad opportunities for visitor willing to study and research artistic and architectural masterpieces, history and culture of Patan. Rest of the time is free on your own.
Day 3: Kathmandu – Pokhara - 900m.
After Breakfast, fly or drive to Pokhara. It is 30mins flight and 6 hours’ drive from Kathmandu. Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty, situated at an altitude of 900m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley. The enchanting town has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. Check in hotel. Evening enjoy walking along the bank of Phewa Lake, admiring the stunning reflection of the Fish Tail Peak in the blue Phewa Lake waters.
Day 4: 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 8,000ers such as Annapurna & Dhaulagiri, brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town, headquarter of the Mustang region; it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age 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 reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept villages situated on the main age old Trans-himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. In Kagbeni a major tributory, Kak Khola, coming from Muktinath, meets Mustang Khola, and from there the river is called the Kali Gandaki.
Day 5: Kagbeni to chele [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Our journey starts with a special permit checkup and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we have scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trails follows the up and downhill. Firstly we reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges reach at Chele village.
Day 6: 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 that goes above Samar village to the ridge then descending steeply to a stream. Another 3 hrs, similar walk takes us to Syanbochen. On the way, we relax along the surrounding of cool streams and juniper trees. Locals use the dried leaves of junipers as incenses to invite deities and start any auspicious work. We also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave.
Day 7: Syanbochen to Ghaymi [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 which is like Tibetan style of 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 be a little longer. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi. The third largest village in the Lo region, Ghayami is surrounded by large fields most of which are barren.
Day 8: Ghaymi to Charang [3500m/11,480ft]: 4-5 hrs.
Start the trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk. After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall, a sacred stone wall made by the followers 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.
Day 9: Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3700m/12,136ft): 5-6 hrs.
Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay at hotel for the overnight stop.
Day 10: Explore Lo-Mangthang
Today we explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to hotel. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang "God house" the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- storey building of the Raja's palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya.
Day 11: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar [3810 m/12,500ft]: 6-7 hrs.
While returning from Lo-Mangthan, we take 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 suggested to walk in the morning.
Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806m/12,484ft]: 5-6 hrs.
Today, we get back 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, better to walk in evening time.
Day 13: Ghiling to Chhuksang [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs.
We re-track back to Ghiling for the overnight stop after 5 hrs walk. You will have wonderful scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view. Enjoy your trip and overnight at teahouse.
Day 14: Chhuksang 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 would take you to Muktinath as well.
Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara.
After morning breakfast we check in the airport fly back to Pokhara. It takes 30 min dramatic flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport will transfer to the lakeside hotel. Rest of the time explores the lake and overnight at hotel.
Day 16: Pokhara – Kathmandu.
After Breakfast fly or drive back to Kathmandu. Check in hotel. You will offer for the rest and refreshment in the hotel. Evening take you own time for last minute shopping and scrolling around the touristic places.
Day 17: Departure.
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan icefall Trekking will transfer you to the airport for final departure to your home country.
Cost Starts from 2900.00 USD per person (Minimum Two person basis)
From 3-6 person 2720.00 USD per person
From 6-10 person 2520.00 USD per person.
Includes Cost Includes:
1. Transport in private vehicle
• Airport transfers
• One full day sightseeing in Kathmandu
• Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu in flight or private car
• Pokhara – Jomsom-Pokhara in flight
2. Accommodations:
• Kathmandu (3Ns)
• Pokhara (2Ns)
• Tea House Accommodation during trekking (11Ns)
3. Meals:
• All breakfasts
• Lunch: all lunches during trekking
• Dinner: all dinners during trekking
4. Trekking Package:
• Tea House Accommodations, English Speaking License Holder Guide and all his expenses, all meals during trekking, hot water provided during breakfast, lunch and dinner time, trekking route map
5. Guide
• An experienced English speaking tour guide for arrival assistance and during sightseeing in Kathmandu
6. Taxes, Entrance Fees and Permits:
• All the applicable services charges, government taxes, ACAP, TIMS and all entrance fees during sightseeing
Excludes Cost Excludes of above program:
1. International Airfare, Nepal VISA Fees, Excess baggage charge in Domestic flight, Travel Insurance
2. Sightseeing not listed in the itinerary
3. Meals not listed in the itinerary
4. Gratuities, tips to guides, drivers, bellboys, etc.
5. Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, fax, telephone call, optional activities, etc.
6. Payment Transfer Charge
7. Hotels check out as per the hotel rules.
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