Trip Overview
The altitude of Lo Manthang trek is 3,840 meters /12,598 feet above sea level. Mustang is hidden valley behind the spectacular Himalayan ranges attracts many tourist to discover an isolated region for centuries.
The trek visits Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, then through a stark landscape in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif to Lo-Manthang, the seat of past Kings of the Kingdom of Lo.Explore caves, rock paintings, monasteries, and gompa and learn something about the culture of this area. Panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and others, are very much part of this exciting trip. Within Lo Manthang itself, a visit to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar, the last main village in the northwest of the area, as well as the King’s palace, brings a further cultural understanding of the area.
There is also an amchi (traditional Tbetan doctor) museum and school where visitors can learn about this ancient healing art and how it is being adapted to meet modern-day situations.
A few hours’ walk from Lo Manthang is Gyakar, with its famous Gompa. Ghar Gompa is over 1,200 years old, is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, who traveled these areas then.
The Gompa is famous for its rock paintings and the fact it is believed that if you make a wish here, it will come true. So make a wish at the Ghar Gompa, and hope to return again someday!
Difficulty Level of the Upper Mustang Trek
Due to the altitude and dry atmosphere, there is considered a challenging trek. While you watch the locals whizz past you at speed, you are working hard to catch your breath and wonder ‘why?’
Remember that they were born at altitude. Like the Sherpas living in the Khumbu (Everest) Region, the Tibetan Buddhist origin locals of Upper Mustang were born to less oxygen content and the dryness of the air.
Like all treks in the Nepal Himalayas, there are ups and downs to challenge you. High passes to cross and steep descents to negotiate.
But then there are the wonderful mountains and the fact you are in the stunning Kingdom of Lo to compensate for you. As far as weather is concerned, being that this trek is in the rain shadow, you can do this trek almost year-round.
Although we don’t recommend doing it in the winter when the snow is deep, and many locals leave for Pokhara or Kathmandu to ride out the winter. You can do this trek in the monsoon (June – September) without fear of rain and muddy trails.
Like all treks in Nepal, we recommend you have a good fitness level and put in a bit of extra gym or hiking time before you come! Work on both cardio and those leg muscles! And don’t forget to mention high-altitude trekking when arranging your travel insurance.
Trekking Permits Required for the Upper Mustang Trek Due to the fact Upper Mustang lies near the border with Tibet, it is considered a Restricted Area. This means that the cost of the permit to enter the area is high at $500 per person for 10 days and $50 per day after that.
This Restricted Area Permit (RAP) runs from when you leave Kagbeni (on this trek) to when you re-enter Kagbeni again. Therefore on this Magical Nepal Upper Mustang Trek, you only need the 10 days RAP.
Restricted Permit Cost: $500 per person for 10 days. $50 per day if the trek is longer than 10 days (within the Upper Mustang area proper) In addition, each trekker needs to pay $20 for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). This permit is valid for however long the trek takes.
A Typical Day on the Upper Mustang Trek
When you arrive at Jomson airport, you are already in the heart of the Annapurna Mountain Range. You are in the Lower Mustang district. It is only on Day 3 that we enter Upper Mustang, where the landscapes become more barren, and the lifestyle reflects the Tibetan Buddhist influences of the area.
Each day the trek starts early to make the most of the daylight. Breakfast is taken in the teahouse (trekking lodge) you will have slept in, then it’s off for the day’s adventure. The mountains surround us as we take in the desert-like landscape with gompas (Buddhist shrines), mani walls (Buddhist scriptures carved into stone walls), and prayer
flags.
As well as the stunning mountains, there are unique caves to explore. No one knows why the caves are here and set so far into the cliffside. There is also the old palace in Lo Manthang to see, and some ritual dances will be in the ancient royal city.
Normally lunch is taken on the trail in a small restaurant designed to refresh travellers, pilgrims, and trekkers. If necessary, we may take a packed lunch with us on some days.
Dinner is taken in the teahouse you will be staying in that night. It allows you to get to know your trekking companions and guide. The guide will explain what you will see the next day at dinner. Please order your
breakfast before heading to bed, so there is no delay in the morning.
What to Expect in a Teahouse
A teahouse is like a simple guest house on the mountain trails. It provides trekkers with accommodation, meals, and a place to socialize. On the whole, these provide pretty basic accommodation, either in twin rooms or in dormitories. Toilets and bathrooms are shared, with either a Western-style toilet or a squat style. Showers normally only have
cold water; you will be expected to pay for it in those with hot water on offer. The sleeping rooms consist of beds, blankets, and not much else. Bringing your own sleeping bag is always recommended. There are no ‘single rooms’ unless it is off-season, and you are lucky. Sharing a room is perfectly normal. There is no heating in the sleeping rooms.
Some sort of stove usually warms the dining area. Light is provided by solar or electricity. Most teahouses have the ability to charge your gadgets, for which you have to pay. Breakfast and dinner are taken in the teahouses at communal tables where you can discuss the day’s journey with others. Some menus offer a variety of food. Boiled water is usually available, rather than in plastic bottles, which hurts the environment. There is a small charge for boiled water. Bringing your own sterilization tablets/ life straw is a good idea.
What to Expect in a Teahouse
The towns in Lower Mustang, namely Jomson and Kagbeni, see many trekkers; therefore, their menus are quite extensive compared to teahouses in more remote areas. In Upper Mustang, the menu will reflect the Tibetan culture, with a few Western and Nepali dishes. Tea and soft drinks are widely available at the teahouses. There will be coffee, hot chocolate, and alcohol too. You might want to try salty Tibetan tea.The best way to drink that is to consider it a ‘soup’ rather than a tea!
- Walk back to the history of Lo Manthang after exploring the palace of
king. - Walk freely without worrying about the rain as the region lies in the
rain shadow area. - Spiritual feel walking through many Gompas, chortens, flapping prayer
flags, and caves. - Catch a live glimpse of Tibetan influence on the everyday activities and
culture of the locals. - Enticing views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other chains of
mountains. - Breathe the spirituality of the Tibetan like people and monks with their
prayer flags. - Witness everyday life and culture of the local people who live closely
like Tibetan.
Short Itinerary
Day 01:
Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive)
Day 02:
Pokhara to Jomsom (Flight) to Kagbeni
Day 03:
Kagbeni to Chele
Day 04:
Chele to Syangmoche
Day 05:
Syangmoche Ghami
Day 06:
Ghami to Charang
Day 07:
Charang to Lo Manthang
Day 08:
Day Trip to Chhoser Cave
Day 09:
Lo Manthang to Dhakmar
Day 10:
Dhakmar to Ghiling
Day 11:
Ghiling to Chuksang
Day 12:
Chuksang to Jomsom
Day 13:
Jomsom to Pokhara (Flight)
Day 14:
Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive)
DETAILED ITINERARY
After breakfast, we set off early to drive to Pokhara. The road winds its way out of the Kathmandu Valley along the Trishuli River until the point we stop for lunch when the road becomes flatter.
On the way, we can watch rafters tackle the rapid on the river (your next trip perhaps?), and catch glimpses of mountains in the distance. On arrival in Pokhara, there are even more stunning mountains to see. In fact, you cannot escape the gaze of Machhapucchre (also known as Fishtail) which towers over the city at 6,993m.
After checking into your hotel you have time to explore the lakeside area, boat on Fewa Lake, visit one of the many lakeside bars before dinner or simply relax.
*Note we normally use tourists buses which are to a high standard. But if you would like to hire a private vehicle please let us know.
This morning we get up even earlier to check-in to catch the short flight from Pokhara to Jomson. Sightseeing by plane! This amazing short flight takes through the mountains to the interesting market town for the Mustang area.
Set off through the town, over a small bridge then hit the trail proper to take an easy yet interesting hike to Kagbeni.
This afternoon there is time to explore the small and very unique village of Kagbeni with its walled passages and strange clay effigies decorating the walls.
If you like you can hike up the nearby hill to get a good view up the Kali Gandaki River to Upper Mustang and map out the zig zag trail that leads over the opposite hill to Dolpo.
After breakfast, we set off to enter Upper Mustang! The trail takes us along the Kali Gandaki River where the wind will challenge us as it whistles up the valley gorge. At Tangbe Village we notice how the houses are white-washed, set among fields of buckwheat and barley. Apple orchards also dot the landscape. Following a ridge, we reach the village of Chele.
Today the hiking becomes a bit harder as we cross the Taklam La pass (3,624m) and the Darjori La pass (3,735m). But there are amazing mountain views and intriguing caves along the way to keep our minds off our hard-working legs. The trail descends into Samar Village from where we walk to a ridge and down another steep trail on to Syangmoche.
Today there is another big pass, the Yamada La, to cross (3,850m) as well as chortens and interesting villages with their barley fields to peek at. Trekking through forests we then have another pass to cross. Nyi Pass is 4,010m but from here we descend down to Ghami where we spend the night. Ghami is a large village for this area and is beautifully located and surrounded by fields.
Today’s trek starts off over rough and sometimes slippery ground as we descend to a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola. The trail takes us passed mani walls (stone-built walls with Tibetan mantras carved into the stones) and over the Charang La Pass (3,870m).
At the top of the Charang Chu canyon lies the village of Charang. This village also has a fortress and red gompa to the east of it. There is plenty of time to explore after lunch!
Dropping down into a canyon we cross a river and ascend to the Lo La pass (3,950m). From the pass we get our first look at the historic and beautiful village of Lo Manthang.
This walled village is the traditional home to the King of Lo and is still the scene of many interesting and colourful Buddhist festivals. The surrounding mountains – Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti Peak at to the atmosphere of the place.
Today we get to explore some of the mysteries of Upper Mustang. A short trek to the area of Chhoser is the beginning of a day you will not forget! Here we find what is known as the Jhong Caves or even Sky Caves.
What these are five-storey high caves built into the side of cliffs. Researchers are still puzzling as to who built these caves and why. It is assumed they were used as burial chambers, hiding places, places of meditation and later, monasteries.
But no one really knows the origins of these amazing caves. We can explore some of these caves, taking a packed lunch with us so we can enjoy the atmosphere of the caves, lunar-like landscape and mountains while relaxing also. Then we head back to Lo Manthang were we overnight again.
Today is a longer trekking day but as usual, there is plenty of interesting things to see on the way! Gyakar Village is home to the century-old Ghar Gompa which has stunning rock paintings. Here you must make a wish, as is tradition. We have time to explore the gompa before heading on to Dhakmar.
There are normally very strong winds on this part of the trail so we start early in the morning to descend through a dry plateau and some agricultural fields to reach the village of Ghiling. Although a challenging and tiring day because of the wind, we get great views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri to compensate.
Today we pass through small villages, have time to observe how the local people live and take in the mountain views.
Today we say goodbye to Upper Mustang and enter the lower regions (or Lower Mustang as it is also called) of the district at Jomson. On this, our final trekking day, we will have lunch at Kagbeni and perhaps this time explore the little monetary and look fondly up the Kali Gandaki gorge to where we have spent the last 10 days – the Kingdom of Lo. Our trek has in fact, rejoined the Annapurna Circuit Trek as we head from Kagbeni to Jomson.
Today we rise early to catch the morning flight to Pokhara. The mountains seem to have taken on a new meaning to us now that we have seen them from all angles.
After checking into the hotel in Pokhara you are free to enjoy the city and do a bit of shopping at Lakeside. With its vibrant bars and nightlife perhaps you wish to celebrate the end of your trek with a few drinks and a bit of dancing – Nepali or Western club style! Or simply enjoy the lights over Fewa Lake.
Say goodbye to Fishtail and the Annapurnas as we begin the drive back to Kathmandu. Catch up on your sleep on the way as you will want to join us for an end of trek dinner tonight! Before that you have time to explore Thamel, do some more shopping, revive your body with a massage or sip coffee in one of the many cafes and restaurants in town.
Include
Includes
- Arrival & Departure Transport By private Car/Van/Bus.
- Three meals a day during the Trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Accommodation in Tea House during the Trekking.
- Trekking Guide with Insurance
- Trekking Porters if needed with Insurance
- Three nights' Accommodation in Kathmandu with bed- and- breakfast basis, (If you like to have standard Hotel accommodation please do let us know).
- Kathmandu city and trekking maps.
- Trekking permit (Conservation fee).
- Tims card (Trekking information management system) is like a permit.
- Free use Company's duffel bag.
- Emergence of helicopter rescue (pay by your insurance)
- Day sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley, car/van/bus and tour guide
- All needed Government fees.
Exclude
- International Airfare.
- Food in Kathmandu(City) lunch and dinner.
- Any kind of drink. (tea, coffee, hard and soft drinks, Drinking water, etc)
- Tips for Guide and Porters
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu (late departure or early arrival from the mountains.
- Donation Items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone etc.
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Map & Elevation
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