Upper Mustang trekking is located in the north of Annapurna region, which begins from Kakbeni. We approach Lo-Manthang on the west side of the Kali Gandaki and descend on the less visited east side of this valley. The valleys aredry with amazing colorful rock formations of cave dwellings high in the cliffs. The first parties were there allowed into Upper Mustang in 1992 and there are still very few trekkers visiting Upper Mustang, as a result, it one of the few places left where one can see undisturbed Tibetan culture.
Mustang is a remote semi- independent Tibetan Kingdom with a walled capital Lo-Manthang. Upper Mustang was once part of Tibet and was used by the salt caravans crossing the Himalaya into Nepal. In 1960’s Mustang fought against Chinese forces for Tibetan Khamba guerrillas fir. CIA supported these fighters and secretly trained some of them in the USA.
Make an adventure starting from world’s deepest gorge Kaligandaki region into world’s highest region of Lo-Manthang valley that passes through an almost downhill and Panoramic view of Annapurna, Nilgiri Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and other peaks. Great Vision provides upper mustang itinerary and Mustang route.
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport, our staffs from Adventure Gandaki Treks will greet you and assist you to the Hotel. We can meet later on that day or the next day to take you to our head office to brief you on your upcoming Trek with us. At that time we will introduce you to your trekking guide Sherpa. If your flight arrives on time, we will take you to one of the most popular local restaurants with delicious Nepalese food, cultural music and ethnic dance. This will give you a glimpse into the different ethnic groups of the country. If you arrive late in the evening we can do this the next day.
After breakfast, you will begin a city tour of Kathmandu where you will see the main attractions of the valley. On this tour you will visit the Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath temple, Swyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square (the old palace). After finishing the city tour, we will meet again to check your clothing and trekking equipment (sleeping bag, down jacket and trekking boots). This evening will be spent in Kathmandu.
Early morning drive to Pokhara through the beautiful Nepalese countryside where one will explore the landscape, beautiful valley with interesting settlement on the mountain. The bus will have twice break on the way, once for the breakfast and once for the lunch. Once you reach in Pokhara, transfer to the hotel in lakeside, an evening stroll around the lake and overnight at hotel.
Take an early morning flight to Jomsom (windy valley). Then after some initial preparation, our trek leads towards the northern valley of Kaligandaki by crossing a suspension bridge. It is tiring walking through the bank of the river where one can enjoy the views snow peaked mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Nilgiri, whilst to the south can be seen the entire Annapurna massif. Enjoy your evening to walk around the village which is very interesting with its settlement where clustered types of houses can be found. Overnight at the lodge.
The trek starts towards the north valley of Kagbeni to Chele where we pass the beautiful village of Tangbe, with its picturesque traditional houses and fields of barley, buckwheat and apple orchards. We enjoy views of the magnificent Nilgiri peak and cross several ridges. After Chhusang village, we cross a stream and leave the Kaligandaki valley behind to reach the village of Chele, where we stop for overnight.
After breakfast, the trail leads you to the village of Samar to a ridge and then descend into a large gorge past a Chorten before entering another valley which filled with juniper trees. Then cross a stream and after climbing to a pass, we descend along a ridge to Shyangmochen
Today’s walk is through perhaps the driest part of Mustang, and much of our energy will be spent negotiating the loose, dry soil. However, the magnificent views of the countryside, from the gentle contours of the north to the rugged mountains in the east and west, more than compensates for the hard climb.
Finally, we come to Charang, a large spread-out village at the top of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the village are a huge dzong [fortress] and a red gompa (monastery) which houses an excellent collection of statues and thangkas.
We will spend part of the morning exploring the interesting village of Charang and its large monastery, before setting out for Lo Manthang. We climb gently above the valley to a large isolated Chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo Manthang. The trail then broadens and eventually we get our first view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The city has only one entrance so we circumambulate the wall to the gate on the north-east corner. We begin our return journey from Lo Manthang, taking the upper highland route. This highland route offers dramatic views of Lo Manthang and the Charang Valley, with snow-clad peaks in the background. Just past the settlement of Lo Gekar, we reach the oldest monastery in Mustang, the Ghare Gompa. Stay overnight at Lomanthang.
We have allowed a full day to explore this outstanding historical and cultural center. 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 finished as we have republican democracy. 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.Overnight at Lomanthang.
Now you will start your descent back to Jomsom. Instead of retracing via the same route, it is better to take an alternative route. You won’t be back to Charang. Passing through Gyakar, there is a trail to Drakmar. You will also explore Ghar Gompa, which is supposed to be 1200 years old. Gompa is attractive with its rock paintings. Myth is your one wish will be fulfilled, if you make it in Ghar Gompa. The area suffers from strong gusty wind almost every afternoon. Starting early from Lo Manthang is considered wise. After wind stops late afternoon you can again walk around the village and explore something local.
It will be considerably a long walk today. Direct from Drakmar you will trek to Ghiling. There won’t be a lunch place in the middle. It is tough five to six hour walk. There is nothing such to see along the trail. The terrain is entirely similar with past trip days. Start as early as you can. Every afternoon Lo face strong wind from the north of valley. To walk around the settlement of Ghiling, late afternoon will be better. You will know it, why, when you are there. Enjoy the trip to Ghiling.
Today you will merge back with the old trail in Chuksang. The view is much better than yesterday. Apart from the deserted landscape view of the high Himalayas will enrich your experience. You will be spending a final night in the last forbidden kingdom.
Final day of Upper Mustang Trek. It might be a little longer. You will have an option of using a jeep from Kagbeni to Jomsom. This could save you three hours of walking. Once you report an exit status in Kagbeni, you will be on the part of the Annapurna Circuit Trail. Depending on the time, you can decide instantly whether to take a jeep back to Jomsom or trek. There is an outlet of Himalayan Java Coffee in Jomsom. Go give it a try for next to nothing.
Morning at 7 am, we’ll drive to Kathmandu through the Prithivi highway which is the same route we drive to Kathmandu on our way to Pokhara. It is an interesting driving route where one can enjoy the scenery of natural beauty. Afternoon arrive Kathmandu and we will host farewell dinner at Nepalese restaurant and overnight at
Our staffs from Adventure Gandaki Treks and Expedition will transfer you to the airport according to Flight schedule.
Your accomodation in a trek will be on twin sharing basis. Your hotels in mountains while on trek will be very basic standard. We it as a trekkers lodge/tea houses. Tea houses wont be very luxurous as on the cities but beds will be comfortable . we will provide you with the best standard type hotel available in the area.
Food is of a very good quality, and we recommend you try local foods such as dal bhat (lentil stew with rice and curried potatoes or meat), boiled potatoes with chilli sauce, Sherpa stew (meat, potatoes, vegetables in a rich sauce) or curry with rice. These are the staple foods for Sherpa people but every lodge will also offer a wide range of western meals:
Breakfast – Eggs (fried, boiled), omelettes, toast, pancakes, Tibetan bread, muesli, porridge, tea, coffee, chocolate.
Lunch/dinner – Soups (tomato, garlic, vegetable, mushrooms etc), veg fried rice, dal bhat, curry w/rice, noodles (mix fried, veg, egg, w/cheese), macaroni, spring rolls (veg, egg, cheese, mixed), momo (boiled or fried mini pasties with either veg or meat), pizza (all types), fried potatoes (w/veg or cheese), chips, buff steak (water buffalo, occasionally yak), lasagne.
Dessert – apple pie, fruit cocktail, chocolate cake, rice pudding, snickers pie!
The Essentials
Optional
Nepal Trekking Season generally known best as two seasons after falls and after the winter. The following month mid of September to mid of December consider ever best season of trekking in Himalayas. During this period of months have pleasant climate condition not so hot and cold and visibility of mountain are crystal clear. There is another best season of trekking Nepal after winter when sun getting more warmer in spring time may trekkers to Himalayas can again enjoy comfortable climate condition.
