Upper Mustang Trekking in Nepal is a journey beyond the Mountains. The usual sight of the mountains is on the Northern side whereas, during this trip to Nepal, you will see the mountains on the southern place as well. Upper Mustang is the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal.
The country is now a Federal Republic Secular State. However, the locals of the region still practice the monarchical system. It is deeply rooted in their culture. Awesome Nepal Treks has knitted the itinerary so that you can customize the trip. Lots of travelers consider traveling to this place during the festival. Tiji festival is the major cultural celebration of the locality.
Upper Mustang Trekking is one of the restricted trekking trails in Nepal. This is classified under the restricted region because of its rich history, culture, and traditions. From the political scenario, it is believed that Tibet – Nepal relation in the past is also the factor of it being restricted. A very limited number of visitors is allowed. Trekkers must obtain a special permit to access the region.
Upper Mustang is located in the Tibetan High Plateau. Moreover, it is on the trail of the ancient salt trade route. The region is more inclined toward Tibet than Nepal even if the locale is part of Nepal. From the geographical landscape to culture, the region is more of Tibetan than Nepalese.
Most of people follow Buddhism and Bon Po religion. Their major festival is Tiji. This festival is celebrated every year to mark the victory of truth over sin. Please visit our Tiji Festival Trek package for more information about the festival.
They have very unique cremation techniques of air burial. A plethora of manholes on the hills also provides numerous tales of the past. Moreover, the region is very mythical. From the deepest gorge in the world, the Kaligandaki Gorge to the High Himalayan town is the feature of Upper Mustang.
Lomanthang is the capital of Upper Mustang. According to the local dialect, Lomanthang means walled city. It is surrounded by walls made by human as well as a natural wall of mountains. Monasteries, clustered houses, and the Himalayan desert atmosphere are the features of the locale.
Though the Upper Mustang Trekking in Nepal is getting lots of attention the trail is completely lonely. You might not find proper teahouses or lodges along the trail. The distance between the camps is very far. Therefore, trekkers should consider the best-knitted itinerary.
Check out our itinerary which involves walking as well as four-wheeled driving. You can ask for both kinds of itineraries to our travel planners.
Book the Upper Mustang Trekking in Nepal with us. Explore the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal.
On reaching Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport, received by our staff and then transfer to your respective hotels in the heart of Kathmandu city, after getting refreshed our guide briefs with information regarding Upper Mustang Trekking, lodge, camping on the route with do and don’ts with evening group welcome dinner.
A free day in Kathmandu to relieve you from jetlag on long flights, our morning sightseeing tour starts after breakfast in the hotel, where you will be engrossed with tour around world heritage sites around Kathmandu visiting Old Durbar (palace) Square, and ancient stupa of Swayambhunath, after a tour head back to hotel with preparation for Upper Mustang Trekking.
(other options on the tour of Hindu Holy Temple of Pashupatinath dedicated to Lord Shiva and Bouddhanath large Buddhist Stupa the area is also known as Little Tibet)
Morning travel by private coach or in tourist bus (depending upon the size of the group) with an exciting overland drive on main Kathmandu to Pokhara highway, leading through Himalayan foothills, on reaching Pokhara transfer to respective hotels by the beautiful Phewa Lake with the afternoon free for short walks. (Options by Air 30 minutes scenic flight to Pokhara).
After a wonderful stop at Pokhara, depart from the hotel for an early morning short scenic flight to Jomsom, during airborne views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains and then reaching Jomsom small airstrip, located on the shelf of Kali-Gandaki River.
Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang district after Jomsom first day trek begins on Kali-Gandaki river valley around the windswept country. Afternoon time carries heavy wind, after few hours of a great walk with super views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiris and ending our first day walk at Kagbeni village for an overnight stop. Kagbeni a windswept Tibetan like a village which is the starting and ending point of Upper Mustang, located on an old Himalayan Caravan Salt Trade route of Nepal and Tibet.
Morning walk leads on the uphill trail into a canyon and high red eroded cliff edge, then following upper Kali Gandaki River upstream, around unique landscapes of cliff wall in-between walking trails. This nice walk with views leads to our overnight stop at Chele village, a moderate size settlement.
From Chele (spelled as Tsele also), morning walk begins with a climb to Gyakar village, and from here trek around dry and barren landscapes to reach at Samar village, one of the lovely looking villages of Mustang area.
After Samar village with short stops walk to Bhena and then leading with a steep climb to a ridge top of Yamda La pass at 3,860 meters high, offering the grand vista of Mustang area with high mountains of Mt. Dhaulagiri.From here on down-hill to the overnight stop at Gelling village via Syangboche village.
Morning visit old Geling monastery and explore the Buddhist mani prayer wheels propelled with water power, after monastery tour trek towards Ghami village, and then leading to cross Ghaymi Khola (stream) walk leads following a long and interesting line of Mani walls (holy prayer stone) from here walk to Dhakmar village.After a few hours of pleasant walk reaching at Tsarang village surrounded by large fields of crops like buckwheats for overnight stop and visit of Tsarang old monastery.
Today a short day walk to Lo –Manthang our main destination of this classic journey to the walled city (actually a large village) guarding this city / village surrounded by the high wall. At one time stood as a forbidden kingdom after monarchy rule ended in Nepal few past decades, morning walk starts crossing a steel bridge, and then to Marang village. From this village climb to reach a scenic ridge top, coming across several chortens and mani stones, between Tsarang and on Lo Manthang trail with grand views of arid landscapes in the shade of Nilgiri, Tilicho and Bhrikuti peaks. The walk leads to a climb over Lo La pass at 3,950 meters with first views of Lo Manthang walled city and its fort like a village. From here descend to the bottom of the pass and on the nice trail to reach at Lo Manthang for two nights stop.
Lo Manthang highest overnight stop of this journey, with time to explore this fascinating village with old Tibetan like houses enclosed within the great high wall, visit historical and cultural center the main attraction of Lo-Manthang. The four main monasteries are Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House), Red Thubchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the great Entrance Hall. Advance permission required to enter king’s palace to visit the interior of the old palace and to grant an audience with former king or Raja of Mustang if possible.
After an interesting time in Lo-Manthang, trek southwest on herder’s trails, up to a side valley to the Chogo La (4,325m/14,190ft). Then traverse around a grassy valley before descending through a gully to cross the Tsarang Khola and climb to Ghar Gompa (House Temple): a 1,200-year-old monastery; particularly famous for its collection of painted carved stones – framed on the monastery walls. The trail then climbs a ridge and crosses a valley to a cairn at 4,170m/13,680ft. Continue across alpine meadows before descending through a rough gully between towering walls of red rock to the large village of Drakmar (red cliffs). Numerous caves dot the cliff walls.
Today’s trail descends alongside a stream, past the walled village fields before climbing a ridge, dropping once more and rising to Upper Ghemi. Walk down to Lower Ghemi, then gradually contour up to the Nyi La (4,020m/13,190ft). Descend into the Gelling Valley but follow the high trail above the village to Jaite, Chhungar, and Tama Gaon. Zigzag down a rocky canyon to a stream then climb to a large chorten – and the Gelling trail near the ridge below the Shyangmochen La. Summit, then walk down to Shyangmochen.
Slowly this fascinating walk comes to an end after a short climb to Syangboche village, and to Yamda La with grand views, then downhill to Bhena and Samar villages. The walk leads by a stream passing Gyakar and Chele villages and finally ending this nice walk at Tsusang village.
Morning walks back on the same trail to Kagbeni village after an interesting and exciting time around Upper Mustang, a nice and pleasant walk brings reaches at Kagbeni village before concluding the walk at Jomsom.
Today our last and final day of this beautiful Upper Mustang trekking, morning walk starts on the same route to Jomsom town, after retracing Kaligandaki river valley trail to reach in Jomsom and overnight in a nice fine lodge. Jomsom area from Kagbeni to Larjung is famous for delicious apples and products cider, brandy and juice. Celebrate last night dinner with staff and among other teams.
Last day of this amazing journey around Mustang concludes with a short scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara a lovely touristic city, overnight in Pokhara a scenic spot with many nice hotels by the serene Phewa Lake, where Annapurna Himal reflects on its pristine calm waters.
(Driving options which is about 6-7 hours via Beni town to Pokhara city from Jomsom)
Morning a scenic drive to back Kathmandu with grand memories of this fantastic and exciting time on Upper Mustang trekking, an interesting six hour brings you back in Kathmandu with the afternoon free at leisure for shopping souvenirs.
(By Air options from Pokhara to Kathmandu taking 30 mins of scenic flight)
Your last day in amazing Nepal, the land of Himalayan wonders after wonderful experience and fond memories of Upper Mustang Trekking around Far North West Himalaya region, our staff transfer you to the airport as per your time for the international flight for your final departure toward homeward bound.
Yes, you must trek in association with the Nepal Government License Holder Trekking Company and your trekking leader must be Nepal Government License Holder Guide.
Yes, the region is in rain shadow area of Nepal. Therefore, trekkers can do the trekking activities in the monsoon season as well. In fact, the trail is few of the trekking routes where trekkers can do trekking even in the monsoon season.
The festival of Tiji falls in the month of May. The festival is observed in the monastery of Lomanthang the capital of Upper Mustang. The dates of the Tiji Festival 2023 are from 16th May to 18th May 2023.
The rate of the Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang Trekking is 500 $ per person.
The trail or route is a mixture of bumpy hilly graveled roads and trail walking.
The Upper Mustang region has semi-arid, plateaus and steep gorges. In fact, the region has the world's deepest gorge that is the Kaligandaki Gorge.
The trailhead for the Upper Mustang Trekking is Jomsom. Trekkers can access Jomsom either by flight or road. You can get a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. You can also hire a jeep or local bus to Jomsom either from Kathmandu or from Pokhara.
Subject: Thanks for a great trek
Message: We have just completed a 15 day Himalayan trek with Awesome Nepal Treks and it could not have been better! The trek was very well organized, had excellent food and accommodation, there was no problems whatsoever and our guide Dil was a very informative, well-spoken and absolutely entertaining guy. The whole experience was amazing and I would strongly recommend Awesome Nepal Treks to anyone who wants a great, enjoyable, hassle-free trip.
My cousin and I traveled to Nepal in 2011 and completed the Everest Basecamp Trek with our guide Dil Thapa.
Dil absolutely made sure this trek would far exceed my expectations and I am grateful for the time we shared together in Nepal.
There are an endless amount of photos and videos online for us to see the natural beauty of Nepal before arriving there. The greatest compliment I can give Nepal (more specifically, Dil Thapa) is this, the beauty of Nepal is its people first and foremost.
Trip Name: Short Poon Hill Trek
Booked this trek from the comfort at home in the UK. Communication with Dil was brilliant, his response to all my emails were quick and courteous. He tailored the trek around us, as a small group of 4 adults ranging in age from 29 to 69 (who was still recovering from an ACL op last May). His pace was brilliant for our group.
Dil arranged to meet us in our hotel in Kathmandu and talked us through the trek, bringing maps, holdalls and T-Shirts.
The trek was for 3 nights, 4 days staying in good, clean lodges. All was included except our drinks.
We experienced trekking in glorious sunshine up to Poon Hill. There was still snow on the ground and Dil provided the group with crampons, which made walking easier and safer.
Our trek started and ended in Pokhara. Dil and his team collected us from our hotel in Pokhara promptly at the time agreed.
Dil and the porters were brilliant, the porters were more than porters and made our trek even more enjoyable. We felt totally safe and Dil was an excellent guide. The scenery was spectacular.
Would certainly use Awesome Nepal Treks again as Dil arranges trips to Tibet and Bhutan.