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The Government of Nepal has announced an issue for the flight operation to Lukla. Most of the flights to Lukla will commence from Ramechhap until further notice to avoid the heavy traffic congestion in Kathmandu airport. The airport in Ramechhap is located 130km from Kathmandu (approximately 3-4 hours drive).
The Upper Mustang Trek finds its way to Mustang’s secret Buddhist land, also known as Lo. This isolated trans-Himalayan mountain region borders Tibet and has a strong Tibetan feeling for it, both in its people and history, and in its arid cliffs and rocks of rare shapes and colors.
The trek visits Kagbeni, the doorway to Upper Mustang, then across a solid scenery in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif to Lo-Manthang, the palace of former Lo Kings.
Discover caves, rock paintings, monasteries, gompa, and gain knowledge about this territory’s culture. This exciting journey includes panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and others!
Inside Lo Manthang itself, a visit to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar, the last major village in the region’s northwest, as well as the King’s Palace, provides a further cultural awareness of the city.
There’s also an amchi (traditional Tibetan doctor) museum and school, where tourists can learn about this ancient art of healing and how it’s modified to suit modern circumstances.
A few hours’ walk from Lo Manthang is Gyakar with Gompa. Ghar Gompa is over 1,200 years old, devoted to Guru Rinpoche, who then traveled these regions.
The Gompa is renowned for its rock paintings, and it’s claimed that if you make a wish, it will come true. So make a wish at Ghar Gompa, and expect to return eventually!
The trek is a fairly high elevation (3,000m-3,800 m), often exacerbated by dry air.
Although there is no problem for those born at this elevation to travel at velocity, tourists will be more leisurely on their hikes to avoid any elevation-related problems. On average, 5 to 7 hours a day is walked and some routes are especially dusty and windy.
However, this journey into the restricted region of Upper Mustang, which partly follows the old salt path, will stay forever in memory.
Check our other Optional Trekking package itineraries in Annapurna Region below:
Annapurna Circuit Trek 13 days , Tilicho Lake Mesokanta Pass Trekking, Annapurna Base Camp, Ghorepani Poon Hill trek
Tribhuvan International Airport
Ring Rd, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal (Google Map)
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m/2689ft) by tourist bus: 6-7 hours
After breakfast then leave for Pokhara, this is called Lake City because of the many lakes in the region. We are recompensed by the splendid views of the Himalayas, among them Dhaulagiri (8,167meters), Manaslu (8,156meters), Machhapuchhre (6,993meters), the five high peaks of Annapurna and more upon our arrival in Pokhara. Then we check in and relax at our hotel. Overnight in Pokhara
Day 02: Fly to Jomsom (2,700m/8898ft) and trek to Kagbeni (2,810m/9,216ft): 3-4 hours trek
Today we take an early morning flight to Jomsom, known for its apples, strong winds and scenery. We start our walk along a beautiful valley along an open path. We travel through the village of Eaklibatti before arriving at the ideal position on the two banks of Jomsom. The village is beautiful and has flat town houses with ruins from an ancient fortress. Overnight in Kagbeni
Day 03: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m/10,004ft): 5-6 hours
We have our permits reviewed, and then continue our trek along the Kali Gandaki River. We travel on sand with heavy winds before scaling a hill. We enter the Tangbe Village, admiring its narrow streets, white-washed homes, barley and buckwheat fields, and apple orchards. We pass through another village and cross a river on our way. Next we walk on a ridge to Chele Village. Overnight stay in Chele
Day 04: Chele to Syanbochen (3,475m/11,398ft): 6-7 hours
Our today’s trek will be a little difficult compared to what we had before. Today we cross two passes: Taklam La Pass (3,624 meters) and Dajori La Pass (3,735meters). On our way, we’re enjoying great views of Tilicho, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda and passing Ramchung Cave. We’re moving down to Samar Settlement. We walk down a path above the village and enter a ridge. Next, we take a steep trail to a stream and resume our trek to Syanbochen. Overnight in Syanbochen
Day 05: Trek from Syanbochen to Ghami (3,520m/11,546ft): 5-6 hours
We climb 3,850m to Yamda La Pass. We walk by several tea houses, chortens and lovely villages. We travel through poplar forests and barley fields, entering Nyi Pass at 4,010 m. From here, we descend to Ghami, one of the region’s largest villages. The village is lovely with the areas covering the entire village. Overnight in Ghami
Day 06: Trek from Ghami to Tsarang (3,620m/11,873ft): 5-6 hours
Today’s trek starts with a descent via a tough and often slippery path. Then we cross the suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola and begin to ascend. The path is beautiful with a lot of walls along the trail. Next, we cross the Tsarang La Pass at 3870 m and reach the village of Tsarang. The village is situated at the top of the Charang Chu canyon, with a huge fortress and a red gompa to the east. Overnight stay in Tsarang
Day 07: Trek from Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3,730m/12,234ft): 3-4 hours
We start our trek down to the canyon and cross the river before starting our uphill trek to Lo La Pass at 3950 m. We can admire the beautiful village of Lo Manthang from the top of the pass. From the pass, we go down to Lo Manthang, this is a gorgeous walled village. From here, the views of the Himalayas, including Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak and Damodar Kunda (pond) are quite good. Overnight in Lo Manthang
Day 08: Acclimatization in Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang is a walled town throughout the remote Upper Mustang region of Nepal. We spend the day touring three of the city’s major gompas, namely Jhampa, Thupchen and Chhoeda. All these gompas have undergone expert reconstruction over the last two decades. We can also go on a trek to Tingkhar, a gorgeous village situated north-west of Lo-Mangthang. Overnight in Lo Manthang
Day 09: Trek from Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar (3810 m/12,500ft): 6-7 hours
We’re going on a different route when we get back from Lo-Manthang. Our trail passes through the village of Gyakar, which houses Ghar Gompa, a century old, with beautiful stone paintings. According to the legend, everyone who wants to gompa will have it fulfilled. We explore the Gompa River and continue our trek to Drakmar for an overnight stay.
Day 10: Trek from Drakmar to Ghiling (3,806m/12,484ft): 5-6 hours
We begin our trek early to prevent strong winds and get off most of the trek. Our path moves through the dry plateau and the fields before we reach Ghiling. Walking can be relatively hard, as we are most likely to encounter strong winds on our face. Ghiling is mostly dry, but we still have good views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains. We can visit the village in the evening. Overnight stay in Ghiling
Day 11: Trek from Ghiling to Chhuksang (3050m/10,004ft): 5-6 hours
After breakfast, we begin our trek. We’re walking on the same trail as before we’re going up to Lo Manthang. On the way to Chhuksang, we can enjoy real views of the Mountains and the small villages that we pass along the way. Overnight in Chhuksang
Day 12: Trek from Chhuksang to Jomsom (2,700/8,856ft): 6-7 hours
It’s the last day of our trek and it’s a long one. For a while after trek, we come to the end of our Mustang trails and join the Annapurna trails. We’re stopping at Kagbeni for lunch. After lunch, we will continue our trek to Jomsom for the night.
Day 13: Fly back to Pokhara
We fly to Pokhara early morning. The plane flies through a glacier between mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri making the flight an unforgettable experience. After arriving in Pokhara, we will enjoy the rest of the day. Overnight in Pokhara
Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
Bid farewell to Fishtail and the Annapurnas as we continue heading back to Nepal. It will be a river bank ride with wonderful views of terraced hills and rural Nepalese lifestyle. Overnight in Kathmandu
Trekking in Nepal is a great activity for any adventure explorer. Mountain Hike Nepal provides some Frequently Asked Questions about Upper Mustang Trek. If you’re curious about Upper Mustang Trek for the next outdoor holidays, this blog will meet your list of questions.
What’s the difference between Everest, Annapurna, or Langtang and Upper Mustang Trekking?
Other popular trekking regions like Everest, Annapurna, or Langtang and Upper Mustang have many variations over several reasons.
The Giant Himalayas, Tradition, Religion, and Green Forest, Yet Upper Mustang Trek comes unexpectedly. Basically you’ll get Big Himalayan Desert instead of green forest and plants. Although Upper Mustang Trek is part of the Annapurna Conservation Area comes under restricted region because of Khama Revolution and Ancient Tibetan Buddhism Religion Culture Arts and Traditions. Major differences in Upper Mustang Trek are:
High land Himalayan deserts, much less vegetation Not magnificent view of the mountain but dry hill and small oasis village as a living museum of ancient Buddhist religion and arts, full of ancient forts, monasteries, caves, and mane. If you are interested in Culture and Ancient Buddhism, this Upper Mustang Trek fulfills your needs with Trekking Adventure in Nepal.
Why should you do Upper Mustang Trekking in Nepal?
There are fourteen peaks above 8000 meters worldwide; Nepal has eight of them, so you’ll be introduced to amazing views. The country is well suited for trekking, with ample affordable lodges. Trekking in Nepal is always best and cheap with friendly locals, heart-welcoming culture, geographic nature, but when it comes to Upper Mustang Trek, these things shift slightly. You’ll find Western Religion, Ancient Buddhism, Human Habitat Caves, Historical Monasteries, and Wall Town. Similarly, Upper Mustang is Grand Canyon’s comparison, with Himalayan views.
How difficult is Upper Mustang Trek?
That’s the hardest question to tackle. For sure, Trekking needs a certain day of continuous walking. When trekking comes to Himalaya’s route you not only have to walk but also fight with the High Altitude situation i.e. less oxygen in the atmosphere. But Upper Mustang Trek comes under the Moderate Grade on difficulty, since you don’t need to cross the altitude of 4,000 m. in any day as other trekking regions such as Everest Base Camp, Annapurna circuit or Manaslu Circuit Trek.
If you’re fairly fit, trekking is difficult, but not exhausting as trekking is a multi-day walk. The entire trekking route with us is planned so you can walk a reasonable distance every day and still have enough strength left for the next day.
In conclusion, Upper Mustang is a moderate trekking style that requires no special skills other than walking stamina.
How many hours every day on the trail do you walk for Upper Mustang Trek?
This depends on your Upper Mustang Trek itinerary. Trekkers will usually hike 4-7 days in total from Jomsom to Jomsom while a full-day excursion in Lo Manthang walled city. If you follow Mountain Hike Nepal website for Upper Mustang Trek itinerary, you’ll walk 4-7 hours a day with a lunch break.
Do I need to hire or not for Upper Mustang Trekking in Nepal?
For most of the popular trekking of Nepal both ways are possible (with a guide or without guide), you can do as you like but you need to get tims and permits compulsory. But when it relates to Restrict Trekking regions like Upper Mustang, Nar Phu Valley Trek, Tsum Valley, Manaslu Circuit Trek as on, you need to hire a Trekking Guide compulsorily and go through Legal Trekking Company to get Permits for Upper Mustang Trek.
Note: Upper Mustang Trek Permit will not be issued for single Pax. You must have one trekking partner with a similar itinerary at least for Restrict Zone. Minimum 2 trekkers required.
Is monsoon season the best time for Upper Mustang Trekking?
As we state, Upper Mustang is known as the Himalayan High Alpine Desert. Thusly Upper Mustang Trekking Region lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range, it gets even in the Monsoon very less rainfall. Great YES! Actually, Monsoon season June-August is the best season for Upper Mustang Trekking accompanied by September, October, and November autumn season.
What are the main attractions that you discover in Upper Mustang Trek?
In brief Major Attraction of Upper Mustang Trek are ancient Tibetan Buddhism and its related traditions, culture, and lifestyle. The monastery in every town of Upper Mustang Trekking brings with this ancient Buddhism. Additionally the geography of High alpine Himalayan deserts and Himalayas views comes secondary. The Nilgiri and Himalayan range, Small airstrips of Jomsom, historical caves and forts, monasteries, 700 years old ancients Buddhism arts and painting, Tibetan lifestyle, and more are the main attraction that you can discover in Upper Mustang Trek.
Where will we stay and what we will eat on Upper Mustang Trek?
On the classical route of Upper Mustang Trek you can find simple teahouse in every town which provides basic food items and accommodation. For Tea House trekking to Upper Mustang you can stay in local teahouse also called Local Lodges.
In most towns on the trail of Upper Mustang you can check the big size of Menu with a verity of items. Although the taste of the food might differ from the original it’s truly organic and fresh. Popular food on Upper Mustang Trek is Dal-Bhat, Noodles, Pasta, Pizza, Macaroni, Chapati, Mo: Mo while Pancakes, Toast, Tibetan bread, potatoes, porridge, etc.