The Upper Mustang Trek is a unique and culturally rich trekking experience in the Himalayas. Mustang is a remote region located in the north-central part of Nepal, bordering Tibet. The region has been closed to foreigners until 1992, which has helped to preserve its ancient culture and traditions. This trek is an opportunity to explore the hidden world of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, which is also known as the “Forbidden Kingdom.” The trek takes you through picturesque villages, ancient monasteries, and barren landscapes, which are a stark contrast to the lush green forests and meadows found in other parts of Nepal.
The Upper Mustang Trek is also an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the region, which dates back to the 5th century. The area was once an important trade route between Tibet and India and was ruled by a monarchy until the 1950s. Today, the people of Mustang are predominantly of Tibetan origin and follow a unique blend of Buddhism and Bon religion. The trail goes through high altitude desert terrain with strong winds, but the rewards are well worth the effort. The views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri, are breathtaking, and the cultural experience is unforgettable.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, which sits at an elevation of 1,302 meters or 4,270 feet, our staff will be waiting to receive you and will escort you to your hotel. After settling in, you can take some time to refresh yourself or explore the surrounding area before accommodating in your hotel.
There are several airlines that operate flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Jomsom, including Yeti Airlines, Buddha Air, and Simrik Airlines. Flight times can vary depending on the airline and specific schedule, but typically it takes about 25-30 minutes to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and another 20-25 minutes from Pokhara to Jomsom. It’s important to note that flights to Jomsom are dependent on weather conditions, particularly during the monsoon season (June-August) when flights may be cancelled or delayed due to heavy rain and fog. It’s recommended to check with the airline for up-to-date information and to plan accordingly. The flight from Pokhara to Jomsom offers some spectacular views of the Himalayan mountain range, including several of the world’s tallest peaks, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Jomsom and Kagbeni are two beautiful villages located in the Mustang district of Nepal. The distance between Jomsom and Kagbeni is only around 3.5 kilometers, and it takes about an hour to reach Kagbeni from Jomsom by foot. First day trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni is a relatively easy one and can be done by trekkers of all levels. The trail is well-marked, and the path is flat, with only a few gentle ascents and descents.
Once you reach Kagbeni, you will be greeted with a charming village that has retained its traditional architecture and way of life. The village is home to the ancient Kagbeni Monastery, which is an important cultural and religious site in the region. Visitors can explore the narrow streets and alleys of the village, visit the monastery, and enjoy the views of the surrounding Himalayas.
The distance between Kagbeni and Chele is approximately 14 kilometers and can be covered in around 5-6 hours of trekking.Trekking in the Mustang region, you need to obtain a special permit from the Nepal government. You will also need a TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) card. The trek from Kagbeni to Chele is relatively easy, with a well-defined trail that passes through the Kali Gandaki river valley. You will pass through several small villages and farms, and enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains along the way.
The distance between Chele and Shyangboche is approximately 14 kilometers. The trek from Chele to Shyangboche can take anywhere between 6 to 7 hours and trekking route from Chele to Shyangboche passes through beautiful landscapes and scenic mountain views. The trail passes through several small villages, including Samar and Ghiling, and crosses several mountain passes, including the Bhena La Pass and the Nyi La Pass. Trekking through the beautiful landscapes and scenic mountain views of the Chele to Shyangboche route must be an unforgettable experience. The trek through the small villages of Samar and Ghiling can provide an opportunity to experience the local culture and interact with the locals.
The journey from Syangbochen to Geling seems like a moderate hike, with a gentle uphill climb to the pass at 3770m and then a descent to the village. The ascent to the Nyi La pass at 3840m may be more challenging, but the views from the top will likely be worth it. It’s great to hear that there are two route options from the trail junction near the pass, with one leading to Charang and the other to Ghami. The village of Ghami sounds like a charming place to spend the night, with its traditional mud and stone houses clustered under an overhanging cliff.
From Ghami, you will head east, following the trail along the Ghami Khola. After a while, you will cross a suspension bridge and then begin a steep climb up to the Nyi La pass at an altitude of 3,950 meters. This will take around 2 hours and will be a challenging part of the trek. After crossing the pass, you will begin a gradual descent towards Tsarang, passing through a beautiful landscape of desert-like terrain and small villages. You will also pass by the Chungsi Cave Monastery, which is a popular attraction in the area.
Trekking from Tsarang to Lo Manthang is a unique and exciting adventure in the Mustang region of Nepal. The journey offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of the locals and the rich cultural heritage of the region. The trek from Tsarang to Lo Manthang is a moderate level trek and along the way, you will witness stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains, lush green valleys, and arid landscapes. You will also pass through small villages, interact with locals, and learn about their customs and traditions.
The highlight of this trek is undoubtedly the visit to Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo. This ancient city was founded in 1380 and is home to around 150 households, as well as residences for lama gurus. The city’s main attraction is the impressive palace, which is the residence of the King and Queen of Lo-Manthang.
In addition to the palace, Lo Manthang is also known for its ancient temples and monasteries. Visitors can explore these historic sites and learn about the unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese culture that is prevalent in the region.
Trekking from Lo Manthang to Dhamkar is a great way to explore the breathtaking beauty of the Mustang region in Nepal. The upper highland trail offers stunning views of the Lo-Manthang and Charang Valley, which are surrounded by snow-capped mountains in the background.
The trek involves crossing the Dhi Pass, which is located at an altitude of 4,100m. This pass can be challenging for some trekkers due to the high altitude, so it’s important to be well-prepared and acclimatized before attempting the trek. However, the rewarding views from the top make the effort worth it. Once you reach Dhamkar, you can spend the night and rest before continuing on your trek. Dhamkar is a small village in the Mustang region, and it offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the locals. You can explore the village and interact with the friendly locals, who are known for their hospitality.
The distance between Dhamkar and Shyangboche is approximately 10 kilometers. However, keep in mind that the terrain can be steep and challenging, so it may take several hours to complete the trek. View with Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri among other giants standing tall in the background, we will hike down to Syangbochen. On the way, we pass through Rachen Gompa, mystical Gompa which grew by itself at the lap of a rocky cave. We will spend the night in a guesthouse in Syangbochen.
Trek from Shyangboche to Chhusang is a challenging but rewarding experience that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and a glimpse into the local culture and traditions of the region. We will continue our trek over steep ridges and over hills. We will trek to Tetang, the upper village of Chuksang which lies between two hills. It is a safe escapade from the fierce wind that hits the Kali Gandaki valley frequently. Accommodation: Guesthouse
Final trekking day is descent to Jomsom promises stunning views of Kali Gandaki Valley and Kagbeni Village, which will be a great way to end the trek. It’s also exciting to hear that Jomsom is the gateway to Mustang, which offers even more opportunities for exploration. And of course, celebrating with the staff in Jomsom will be a memorable way to conclude the trek.
Flying from Jomsom to Kathmandu via Pokhara is a convenient and efficient way to explore Nepal’s diverse landscapes and cultures. If you have buffer time in Pokhara You can explore the city, go boating on the Phewa Lake, hike to the World Peace Pagoda, or go paragliding.
Our final departure will be from Kathmandu, where we will bid farewell to each other. It has been a pleasure to serve you, and we look forward to the opportunity to do so again in the future. Thank you for choosing us for this unforgettable trekking experience.
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