Upper Mustang Trek

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Trip Overview

Upper Mustang Trek

Leaf holiday takes you to splendid view of Mustang an isolated district, from where you can observe Himalayan ranges and mysterious land. Mustang is often called desert of Nepal. The Upper Mustang trekking(popularly called the Mustang trek), is an exotic tour to unspoiled Tibetan villages on the other side of Nepalese Himalayan bordering with Tibet. The main highlights of Mustang trekking are ancient Tibetan villages, rare medieval Budhist arts, the exotic culture and the unique beauty of the Himalayan desert.

The medieval settlement of Upper Mustang and its capital Lo Manthang lie in the remote Himalayan desert behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. Foreigners were not allowed to enter Upper Mustang until 1992 . Upper Mustang is not much in contact with rest of Nepal, and keeps an aura of a remote, mysterious and unusual land, which is one of the unique charms of the Mustang trek. Geographically the land is an extension of the Tibetan plateau, characterized by windy and arid valleys, eroded canyons and unique stratified rock formations. The people in Upper Mustang are of Tibetan origin, migrated from Tibet centuries ago, and belong to Bhotias and Loba communities. They practice Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. Upper Mustang is perhaps the only place to see Tibetan culture in completely undisturbed state. The houses and monasteries in here have medieval look and unique local architecture. Mostly they are built with stone and sun baked mud bricks.

Recently in 2007, an international team of explorers have discovered invaluable objects of cultural and historical importance in Upper Mustang caves. In high caves requiring technical climbing they have discovered beautiful Buddhist murals, and historical objects, dating back to , according to them around 800years ago. Those having longer holiday can extend their Mustang trek beyond Lo Manthang and visit these caves and further explore the region visiting many of its ancient monasteries and cultural treasures.

A short 25 minute flight takes us from Pokhara to Jomsom .Hiking along the Kaligandaki gorge , the deepest in the world , we head for medieval village of Kagbeni.The trail north of Kagbeni leads to the Mustang trek.Depending on our itinerary , for the next 09 – 12 days we trek through the ancient villages of Samar, Charang and Geling before we reach the capital Lo Manthang at 3750m.Besides Lo Manthang , there are places of great interest including the Namgyal Gompa( which also serves as a local court) and the village of Tingkar, Garfuk and Nifuk.You still find people dwelling in the caves in these villages and some caves have amazing stupas and Buddhist murals . On the longer version of the Mustang trek, we futher explore the region and emerge to popular Muktinath Temple via Yara. After a visit to the holy temple of Muktinath we return by flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Upper Mustang trekking is not only a culturally rewarding tour, but also a rare adventure. This is a fully supported camping trek. You sleep in the tents and eat the meals prepared by our camp cook. The average walking is 6 hour per day and you carry just your light day pack during the trek.

Brief Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival In Kathmandu

Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur city

Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (6 hours or fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu)

Day 04: Pokhara to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2810m)

Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele (3100m)

Day 06: Chele to Syanbochen [3475m/11,398ft]: 6-7 hrs

Day 07: Syanbochen to Ghaymi [3520m/11,546ft]: 5-6 hrs

Day 08: Ghaymi to Charang [3500m/11,480ft]: 4-5 hrs

Day 09: 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 [2700/8,856ft]: 6-7 hrs

Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara

Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Day 17:Transfer to the airport for the final departure

Cost Includes

  • Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with Bed and breakfast
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed holder Guide and Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
  • Down jacket (to be returned after trip completion)
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • All government and local taxes

Cost Excludes

  • Nepalese visa fee
  • Excess baggage charge(s)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure
  • Emergency expenses like rescues, emergency medical treatment.
  • Personal insurance charges.
  • International flights
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)

Trip in Details

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Trip Facts

Destination : Nepal

Duration : 17 Days

Price : 1600 USD

Difficulty Level : Moderate

Minimum Altitude : 1300m

Group Size : 2-20 People

Activities : Trekking, Hiking & Sightseeing

Transportation : Flight, Car & Jeep

Accommodation : 3-4 star hotel in kathmandu, Normal guest house during trekking

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