The Upper Mustang Trek begins in Kagbeni, the Mustang doorway, and travels across a harsh landscape under the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri mountain to Lo-Manthang, the old seat of the Kings of the Kingdom of Lo. By exploring caverns, gompas, monasteries, and locations with rock art, you can learn about the local culture. During this incredible tour, panoramic views of the peaks Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and others can be witnessed. A deeper insight of the local culture can be gained by visiting Namgyal Gompa, the last large hamlet in the northwest of the region, Tingkhar, as well as the King's palace at Lo Manthang. At an amchi museum and school, visitors can learn more about this conventional Tibetan medical practice and how it is being modernized.
The well-known Gompa's home town of Gyakar is only a short distance from Lo Manthang. The Guru Rinpoche, who passed through these regions at the time, is honored in the more than 1,200-year-old Ghar Gompa. The gompa is well known for its rock carvings and the belief that making a wish while visiting will grant it. Make a wish at Ghar Gompa and hope to return one day as a result! The 3,000–3,800 meter ascent is relatively steep, which is compounded harsher by the dry air.
Visitors will take their time to avoid difficulties caused by the altitude, even if those born here have no trouble moving at high speeds. On average, walking takes 5 to 7 hours per day, and certain paths are very windy and dusty. However, this excursion into Upper Mustang's restricted area, which partly follows the old salt road, will remain in one's memories for the rest of one's life.
How Much Does a Trek Through Upper Mustang Cost?
A person's Upper Mustang Trek expenses range from USD 1800 to USD 2500. According to the services they give, different businesses offer differing prices for the Upper Mustang trek package. Due to the high cost of the Upper Mustang trekking permit, travel expenses are significantly greater than elsewhere.
our representative will greet you when you arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport and bring you to your accommodation in Kathmandu.You'll transfer in the evening for a welcome dinner in Nepalese restaurants and briffing about your mustang trek ,followed by an overnight stay at a hotel.
After breakfast the day will start to our guided trip to cultural world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley; including visits to the pilgrimage sites of Hindus Pashupatinath temple, the world biggest Bouddhanath Stupa, visit Swoyambhunath Stupa also known as monkey temple and historical Kathmandu Durbar Square with temple, unique architectures and Kumari (living goddess) in central Kathmandu. Evening pre-trip discussion and introduce with our crews.
Early morning drive by tourist bus to Pokhara through the beautiful countryside to reach the Pokhara lakeside and transfer to the hotel and rest of the time explore around lakeside areas and overnight at hotel.
After breakfast morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 20 minutes brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. From Jomsom our trek continues on the gradual & windy 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 reaches you to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni, an interesting wind swept villages situated on the main age old Trans himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area.
Your upper mustang journey starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream.We enter upper Mustang and follow the east bank of the river over a series of small ridges. Across the river we can see Kang Gompa, a centre of the Nyingmapa sect. Approaching Tangbe we encounter the distinctive black, red and white chortens that typify upper Mustang. The town of white washed houses contains an intriguing pattern of alleyways and is surrounded by fields of wheat, barley and buckwheat, interspersed with small apple orchards. We cross to the east bank of the river and ascend to the village of Chele. Immediately, the strong influence of Tibetan culture of Lo is evident with the decoration of the houses.
The trail today is characterized by the crossing of a series of large spurs. Our trek wins to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, Nilgiri and Damodar Danda. Further walk around 3 hrs will reach you at Syanbochen for the overnight. The valleys that dissect the trail have cool streams and juniper trees to enable us to relax for a while. These altitudes should not present any acclimatization issues, so we just take our time and enjoy the walk.
After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) and passing few teahouses, chorten and local villages which is like Tibetan style of houses with open Varanda, and crosses over a few other passes. Avenues of poplar trees and fields of barley mark our trail as we head to Nyi La (4,010m/13,193ft). Nyi Pass is the highest point of the trek thus far and the southern boundary of Lo, we descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi.
We start our trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk and easily get to the Charang for the overnight. We descend to the Ghaymi Khola and pass a spectacular series of Mani walls (Secret stone wall of the Buddhism) to the village of Charang with its huge white dzong and red Gompa.
We leave the Charang Khola and climb the ridge to 3,850m/12628ft windy pass of Lo, for our first view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The trail drops to a stream and then climbs onto the plateau where the city is situated. The only gate is in the north east corner and we make our way to the entrance. The white washed walls enclose around 150 homes, Gompas and a palace. We stay at teahouse and rest of the time explores the surrounding area.
We have allowed full day to explore this outstanding historical and cultural centre. There are 4 major Gompas to visit during our stay. The palace is the home of the raja (King) and his rani (queen) is the attraction as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya. Although the raja's function is now primarily ceremonial he is seen as a person who can help people resolve local issues. The town itself is fascinating, and offers countless opportunities to observe a vibrant Tibetan culture. There are many places to explore and manage your time to explore the places. Every monastery requires the donations and entry fees which is made by your own.Lomangtang is the main attraction of upper mustang so far.
After a wonderful time at Lo-Mangthang reluctantly we depart to Ghar Gumpa which is also interesting place to explore the local area. Climbing the ridge, we get our last view of the walled city and descend the valley towards Ghar Gompa. During the walk you'll suffer the dusty wind and as suggested to walk in the morning.
Today, we continue down the valley to Ghiling as our journey for our overnight stay. Explore the area but it will be dusty better to walk in evening time.
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.
This will be our last day trek as well as long. After a morning walk we reach Kagbeni, finished the upper Mustang trails and join to the normal as Annapurna circuit trek. Tonight we will celebrate the achievements of the trek with the crew and reflect on our journey.
This wonderful morning, after breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. This is a dramatic flight between gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. Rest of the time explores the lake and overnight at hotel.
Morning we'll drive back through the scenic countryside and en route will stop for breakfast & lunch. It takes 7 hours back to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu guide will transfer to the hotel and rest of the day relax or explore the surrounding areas and overnight at hotel.
Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.
Food and Accommodation during Upper Mustang Trek:
Accommodation and food Meals are included in our package for the Upper Mustang Trek and are enjoyed in lodges located along the path. There is a broad selection of Nepali and Western food and beverages (coffee, tea, milk, soft drinks, beers, etc.).
We use 3-star hotels in Kathmandu to offer a comfortable stay and a peaceful setting before and after your trip. Breakfast is offered at the Kathmandu hotel. Rooms are typically twin share; however, depending on group size and room availability, triple share may be available upon request.
We supply top quality meals in appropriate quantity from Tea Houses/Mt. lodges while on the journey. We give full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tea and coffee) from the teahouse.
A Day on Trek
Each morning after packing our bags and a hearty breakfast, we set off on the day’s walk. After walking for 3-4 hours we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we usually arrive at our destination in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the village, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days we will arrive at our destination by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and reliving the day’s adventures, before retiring for a well-earned sleep.
However, on a camping trek, you begin your day with a hot cup of tea which is served to you in the tent at 6 am, followed by a bowl of hot water for washing. Other day activities are the same as mentioned above.
Luggage while on Trekking
During trek your main luggage will be carried by porters or pack animals (usually yaks or cross breeds). You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket, etc. - a small load that allows full enjoyment of the trek. A trek bag is ideal for your main luggage, plus a small lockable bag for travel clothes or anything that you do not need during trek which you can leave at hotel’s locker room/safe deposit box in Kathmandu for free of charge. Weight allowance at Nepal’s domestic airlines is 15 Kgs, excess weight is chargeable at USD 1 or more per Kilo depending on sectors.
Ground Leader and Crew
1) Trained Nepali Trek leader (experienced and knowledgeable)
2) Sherpa Guide (handles the logistics and guides you and your team on the trek)
The Sherpa guide (commonly called Sirdar) will be accompanied by a crew of porters. On camping trek, there will be 2/3 porters for each members while on GAP and on Lodge trek 1 porter for 2 members.
Join a group or private Trip:
Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private basis. If you are looking for a group to join this trip please check our ‘departures’ link for availability, dates and price. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at your convenient timeframe for any number of people (minimum 1 & maximum 100 at a time).
If you want to do something that is not included in our trip list we are ready to tailor a trip to suit your exact requirements. In short, we will make every effort to get you on the trip you want, when you want.
Group Size and Fixed Departure Date:
If you opt to join our ‘fixed departure trip’, you are likely to be joining people from different countries of any age group except minors. The size of group varies, minimum no of persons required to operate a trip is 2 the maximum is 15 people.
Personal Expenses
All meals will be supplied. You just need money for table drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages), snacks while walking (a few smaller shops are located along the trail in some sections), and other other expenses. Tips, souvenirs, and a hot shower (offered in some locations).
Flight and Transfers
You can choose any mode of transport to commute from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Please do check for piece difference. From Kathmandu, you take a 30 minutes scenic flight to Pokhara and drive to Phedi or we drive for 8 hours from Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway to Phedi. The starting point of the trek is Phedi. On your return, our car/bus shall pick you from Nayapul and drive to Pokhara. You can choose between flying or driving back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. We will arrange the transportation from your hotel to the airport (Kathmandu).
Communication and Electricity:
While trekking in the remote parts, you may not have an access to telephone facility for some days or weeks. However, en route there may be few places where telephone facilities may be available and likely to be working. There is electricity facility entire trekking trails in Nepal thus there won’t be any problem to re-charge your battery and cameras.If it is crucial for you to keep in contact with your family or others, Adventure Magic Treks can provide you a mobile satellite phone (rental charge on request).
How do you find us in Kathmandu ?
You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a “meeting and greeting” service at airport. You just pass on the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see someone standing with a placard with either ‘Adventure Magic Treks’ or your name written on it. Our airport representative or tour officer will greet you and welcome you with a garland.
Climate and Best Time to go .
The best seasons to trek in the Annapurna region are Autumn (from mid-September till November end) and Spring (from the beginning of March until mid-May). Temperatures will drop considerably as you trek higher everyday. The nights are cold (between -20 C to 5C) but the days are sunny and hot (between 10C to 30C). The mornings are usually clear, with clouds building up during the afternoon, disappearing at night. Trekking during the monsoon is not recommended, as the visibility during monsoon is limited. Trekking in the winter is possible; however, it is much colder than Autumn and Spring.
March, April, October and November are the most popular and favored months for traveling. Please choose the date that is convenient for you.
Itinerary Changes
The itineraries for each trip should be taken as a guideline only. Depending on the prevailing situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary.
You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into the remotest region, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original.
Trek Duration
We ensure liability as per indicated itinerary and list of services. If the holiday is cut short or completed earlier than the projected period upon client’s wish, we shall not be responsible or make refund against unutilized days or services. Clients need to pay extra for Hotels/services incurred in Kathmandu or elsewhere in such cases.
Vaccinations
As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio.
First Aid Kid
We supply a medical bag with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors. Since our staffs/guides are not qualified for suggesting medications to western clients, we would request you to use the medicines upon your own risk. It is safer and more reliable if you have your own medicine kit and not depend on what we have.
Insurance
Before joining a tour, we recommend you to take a travel insurance which should cover cancellation, medical expenses, helicopter evacuation and emergency repatriation.
Trip Extensions
In addition to your trek, we can organize extensions both within Nepal and other neighboring countries. You may want to try water rafting or a jungle safari in Nepal or Nepal Cultural Tour. You may as well take a trip to Tibet, India or Bhutan, whichever seems more appealing to you. Since the trek ends in Pokhara, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal, it would be nice and relaxing for you to spend a day or two taking in the sights and sounds of this scenic city.
Social Responsibility
Adventure Magic Treks works with the motto ‘Development through Tourism’. Keeping in line with this motto, Adventure Magic Community Service Project was imagine to authorize deprived, marginalized, poor and minority section of Nepal.
Staff’s Care:
We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going into high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipment. We are the first ever company to supply high-altitude porters with crampons. Therefore we are lifetime member of Keep.
Clothing and Equipment List for Trekking in Himalayas:
we will provide you with a comprehensive clothing and equipment list for proposed trekking .Experienced trekkers will often take only a selection of these items based on what has worked in the past.Please find the equipment list below for your personal use during your traveling period.
Foot wear:Walking boots, Wool and liner socks, sandals
Clothing:
Waterproof jacket and trousers, Trekking trousers, Long sleeve shirts, Micro fleece, Mid to heavyweight fleece, Sleeveless or body warmer type fleece, Thermals or base layer for top & bottom (merino wool or synthetic), Fleece pants, Medium weight down jacket
Hand wear: Fleece gloves, Warms mittens and/or gloves
Head wear: Wool or fleece hat, Sun hat, Scarf, Head torch and extra batteries,Sunglasses
Personal Equipment:
Sleeping bag, Backpack large enough to carry water bottles, camera and extra clothing, Stuff sacks for keeping your gear dry and organized, two water bottles (Nalgene wide mouth bottles are the best), Sunscreen and lip salve with a high SPF, Insect repellent, Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Aqua or Aqua Mira), Favorite snack food, Books, iPod and cards etc, Trekking poles, Camera with spare batteries and memory cards, Insurance certificate.
Travelling:
Duffle bag or large backpack for your personal gear on the trek (carried by a porter), Bring a small combination padlock to secure the bag, Travel clothes. You will need casual clothing for air travel days and time spent in Kathmandu, Toiletry bag include toilet paper, soap, towel, toothbrush, etc.
Personal first aid kit:
Any personal medications, Diamox (optional) helps with acclimatization.
we always provide sleeping bag and down jackets for everyone and each trekker should carry one backpack for items required during the day.Your day backpack will contain items such as warm clothes, jacket, camera, water bottles, and personal first aid kit and day snacks. The rest of your personal equipment packed in a duffel bag or backpack will be carried by a porter.The maximum weight allowance is 15kgs/33 pounds that we strongly care of porter rights and solely against any exploitation on its operation.
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