Trekking to Himalayan Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal

Upper Mustang Trek

Overview

  • Duration18 Days
  • Trip GradeModerate
  • Max Altitude Gyu La Pass (4077m/13375 ft)
  • Arrival CityKathmandu
  • Best TimeSeptember - December & March- June
  • Trip TypePrivate

Highlights

  • Ancient caravan trade route of Nepal / Tibet to Upper Mustang,
  • Visiting Buddhist and Bonpo monasteries and interesting villages, 
  • The land of old Tibetan culture and traditions, crossing scenic passes, 
  • Historical walled Lo-Manthang, windswept country an extension of Tibetan plateau
  • Beautiful Landscape and Mountains View
  • Mountain town Of Jomsom and Flight
  • Beautiful City of Pokhara and Surrounding 

A Trans - Himalayan state and the last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal are two famous words to describe the Upper Mustang region of Nepal. The town of Upper Mustang used to be a Commercial transit point between Tibet and India.  Until 90’s the area was under restricted region but nowadays special permits and immigration clearance will allow visitors to trek Upper Mustang.
Scenic Nepal Treks is highly pleased to present Upper Mustang Trek which is the land of the Tiji festival and once featured in international television the National Geographic Channel. Observe mysterious holes on hills to the deepest gorge of the world.

Lack of proper accessibility components and accommodation facilities touristic activities were very limited. After road accessibility and walking trail formation, the region has been attracting lots of visitors. Every year many trekkers and culture lovers visit this place. During the Tiji Festival, people from different parts of the world gather in Lo Manthang to witness the holy practices. Though the overall nation is declared as a Republic nation the charm of this place still holds the monarchical system. Understanding the topography of the Upper Mustang area is really challenging task. The deepest gorge of the Kaligandaki River is the most popular fact known to the outer world. There are still numerous mythical and mysterious places in Upper Mustang that require special attention. Nowadays the number of trekkers visiting this place has increased. River, as started from Damodar Kunda and fossils on the bank of Kaligandaki, is a new thing to observe during Upper Mustang Trek. Horse riding, special funeral techniques, and Tibetan clustered society really take you to different levels of thinking.

Our trekking begins from Jomsom and goes to Lo Manthang via Muktinath. Muktinath is a very secret place for Hindu devotees as well as the ending point of Annapurna Circuit Trek. Relish the swashbuckling Himalayan desert environment along with the religious significance of the Muktinath area.

From archaeological to historical and natural to Himalayan wilderness Upper Mustang Trekking can become your favorite travel to date. 

Require Physical Fitness and Experience:

Your safety is our main concern while doing trek with Scenic Nepal Treks. We are here to give you the correct information as well as recommend you suitable trip based on your Physical Conditions, fitness level, and available time of period. To this amazing hike of Upper Mustang, you do not need to have any Special training and hiking experience. However, you have to make sure that you are able to walk for 6 -7 hours each day. So, We suggest you do some hiking before you come to Nepal. 

Why Upper Mustang Trek is Different than other Treks in Nepal?

  • The Himalayan Forbidden Kingdom, Upper Mustang trekking trail used to be a commercial trail between Indian and Tibet for commercial purposes. Yaks and Donkeys carry loads of load to Tibet and from Tibet to Nepal side. So trail itself is very popular.
  • We need Special Permits to enter the Upper Mustang Trekking regions. 
  • It has very wonderful Barren landscapes which you can't see any other trail such as Everest Base Camp Trek,Annapurna Base Camp Trek, etc. 
  • It is very recommended for those hikers who are more interested in Tibetian Cultures and Landscape 

Itinerary

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Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, You will be met by one of our representatives and take you to your hotel.  You have a free time, rest and relax. By this evening, we will give you a program briefing together with your Guide. 

Overnight at Hotel 

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsNone
  • Maximum Altitude(1,350m/4,429ft)

We need SPecial permits to trek in Upper Mustang and we need your Original passport to issue the Permits. Our representative will make all the permits. You have a free day today. Optionally, you may explore Kathmandu Valley and UNESCO World Heritage sites. At your request, Scenic Nepal Treks can organize a day trip for you with additional fees. Did you know Kathmandu is known as the Home of Gods?

Overnight at Hotel. 

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude(1,350m/4,429ft)

The morning we take Pack Breakfast We take Prithvi Highway to reach Pokhara in Tourist Bus. It takes about seven hours to reach Pokhara via road. You can experience the highway lifestyle of Nepal and also some villages or towns on the banks of the Trishuli and Marshyangdi Rivers. 

Finally, we will reach Pokhara and transfer you to your hotel in Pokhara.  You have free time now. You may walk around Lakeside and Pokhara Streets. 

Overnight at Hotel. 

Note: Optionally you can take a Private Car or Flight with Additional cost, Flight takes only 30 mins, In that case, you may have a full day to explore Pokhara. 

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude827m/2,713ft

Spectacular hilly zonal Early Morning flight from Pokhara take us to the windy town of Nepal the Jomsom. We head north towards the village of Kagbeni after a brief stay in Jomsom. The trail is very easy and offers different landscapes in terms of vegetation and topography. Overnight in Tea House Lodge. 

  • Accommodation Tea House Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude(2,810m/9,220ft)

Our permits will be checked and we set out for Chele. We will walk past various villages like Chhusang and Tangbe. In some places the deserted small villages are spotted. Overnight in Guesthouse

  • Accommodation Tea House Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude(3,050m/10,007ft)

On this day trekkers might feel some tiredness as we ill ascend the Taklam Pass. From the top of this pass, we can observe the scenery of Tilicho and Damodar Peaks. Once Samar Village treks past we will reach Syanbochen.

  • Accommodation Tea House Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude(3,475m/11,398ft)

On this day we will do uphill climbing and cross the Yamada La Pass. On the other side of this pass, we will be greeted by some teahouses, villages, chortens and gompas. Again we will cross the Nyi Pass to reach Ghyami Village which is the third-largest village of the Upper Mustang area. Overnight in Guesthouse

  • Accommodation Tea House Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude(3,520m/11,546ft)

As compared to the two previous day’s walking today is comfortable and easy. Crossing various streams and rivers we will finally reach the village of Charang. This village is known for Red Gompas, farmlands, trees, stone walls, and Dzongs. Overnight in Guest House

  • Accommodation Tea House Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude(3,620m/11,873ft)

The most anticipated day has come as we will finally reach the capital of Upper Mustang the Lo Manthang. The major trekking day is this day as trekkers finally reach the capital of Upper Mustang. On this day we will be able to observe various mountain vistas like Tilicho, Bhrikuti, Annapurna, Neelgiri, etc. Downhill for some time from Charang and then uphill walking after a river is crossed to reach Lo Mangthang. Overnight in Guesthouse

  • Accommodation Tea House Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude(3,730m/12,234ft)

Lo Manthang is a fascinated mountain town that is inhabited by Tibetan people.  This is a day of acclimatization. For this activity like hiking to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar village is done. You can stroll around the ancient king’s palace also during your rest day. Entire the day, we will be exploring different Gompas and nearby areas.

 Overnight in Guesthouse

  • Accommodation Tea House Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude(3,730m/12,234ft)

Lo Manthang visit becomes very memorable as it has many mystical attractions. We will now prepare ourselves for the return trekking. Witnessing various rock paintings and through various gompas we reach Drakmar. Overnight in Guesthouse

  • Accommodation Tea House Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude(3810 m/12,500ft)

We will walk for about 5-6 hours on this day. You can observe various landscapes and its changing form as you descend lower and lower. During sunset the area looks absolutely like a photographer’s decorated stage. Overnight in Guesthouse

  • Accommodation Tea House Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude(3,806m/12,484ft)

Journey further descend downwards and we will be walking for almost 5 hours. The scenery of mountains, valleys,s and surrounding atmosphere is truly magnificent. Overnight in Guesthouse

  • Accommodation Tea House Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude(3050m/10,004ft)

After your Breakfast, we will make our hike to Muktinath via Gyu La Pass 4077m. It is going to be a bit more challenging day than as usual day.  Trekkers will get a great view of Kagbeni from the top. We will be visiting A very Famous Hindu Temple which is located Just under the Massive Thorang La pass and Annapurna. A beautiful temple that is worth visiting since you are in Mustang Area. Today our trip meets with Annapurna Circuit Trek.  Trekkers will get a great view of Kagbeni from the top.

 

  • Accommodation Tea House Lodge
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude(3050m/10,004ft)

Walking through the Kaligandaki River we will reach this windy town. Enjoy with your crew members as this is the last evening that you will be meeting all porters. Overnight in Guesthouse

  • Accommodation Tea House Lodgs
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Maximum Altitude( 2,700m/8,859ft)

Early morning we will have our Breakfast and take a flight to  Pokhara Therefore, Once landed at Pokhara you can indulge yourself in some casual sightseeing.  Enjoy western culture and traditions of People partying here.

Overnight in Hotel

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch
  • Maximum Altitude(827m/2,713ft)

Early Morning at 7 am, We will take the Tourist bus to get back to Kathmandu. Upon Your arrival at Kathmandu, You will be transferred to your Hotel in Kathmandu. By this Evening, Our Company will host a Nepalese Cultural Dinner where you get to experience Live Cultural Dance with Nepali different dishes.
Overnight at Hotel

Note: Note: Optionally you can take a Private Car or Flight with Additional cost, Flight takes only 30 mins.

  • Accommodation Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude(1,350m/4,429ft)

Today is our final day of the trip. One of our representatives from Scenic Nepal Treks will take you to the Airport for your final flight home. Please note that you have to be at Airport before three hours of Flight time.

  • Accommodation None
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Maximum Altitude(1,350m/4,429ft)
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What’s Included

Included

  • 3 / 2 Nights Good Twin Sharing Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara with Breakfast 
  • Your International Arrival and Departure by Private Car
  • Basic Twin sharing Tea House Lodge / Guest House during the Trek
  • Three meals ( Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) each day during the trek
  • Domestic flights (Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara) and airport departure taxes
  • Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu transport via Tourist bus
  • An experienced English-speaking Sherpa Guide including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
  • Sleeping Bags  ( Need to return at the end of your trek)
  • Duffel Bags ( If you are having Porter for your Trek)
  • Trekking maps and Certificate of Trek
  • Special Mustang Permits fees  ( US$ 500 per person)
  • Necessary Conservation Fees and TIMS Card 
  • A comprehensive Primary medical kit ( Medicine are recommended to have your Own

Excluded

  • Early Arrival or Late departure Accommodations in Kathmandu and Mountain due to Flight delayed or cancellation
  • Personal Travel/Trekking insurance
  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa. You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. A multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US$ 40 or equivalent in foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US$ 100. Please bring 2 passport-size photos.
  • Soft drinks including water, Your Tea & Coffee during the Trek 
  • Snacks and other personal expenses
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Wi-Fi internet and phone call unless it’s free.
  • Porter to Carry your Bags ( US$ 290 for a Porter- 1 porter can be shared by Two Person)
  • Single room in the mountain
  • Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers

Useful Info

Accommodation & Meals:

You will be accommodated at Twin sharing Good Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara with Breakfast.

While on the trek, you will be provided a Basic Twin sharing room at the Tea house/Lodge. Most of the tea houses have Sharing bathroom which means your Bathroom will be outside of your room.

You will be provided three meals (Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner) each day which will be served by menu. You can find Western, Indian, and Nepalese dishes such as Fried noodles, Momo, Sandwiches, Pizza, Naan Roti, Rice & Curry (Dal Bhat), etc. You can pick any one item each time, if you like to have any extra please purchase directly from Tea house.

Guide and Porters:

This is a private trip and you will be led by one of our Experienced Sherpa Guide. If the number of person in your group goes over 6, will have another assistance Guide.

Porter in your trip is extra. If you like to have a porter carry your bags, you can purchase which is US$ 290 for a porter. A Porter can be shared by 2 people and 25 maximum weights for a Porter together.

Best time to do this hiking:

Surprisingly, Upper Mustang Trek can be done any time of the year. However, if you like to follow the Tourist season and the best views from September to December and March to June are the best time. For your info, Mustang has unique traditions and festivals and among them, Tijji is one of the top festivals. It falls in May/June. If you are planning this trip for the Tijji festival, please let us know while planning your trip. So that you can give you the actual day of Festival.

Insurance for your trek:

Yes, insurance is mandatory to do any hike with Scenic Nepal Treks. Your safety during the entire trip is our main concern. Sometimes, there may have unexpected scenarios which can be emergencies such as Altitude Sickness, Avalanche, etc. Please make sure that your insurance covers any kind of emergency air ambulance and medical.

How to book this trip:

Either you can come through our Website “Book Now” or please send us your passport copies by email with a 20% down payment for the trip. Remaining of the payment, you can pay upon your arrival in Kathmandu.

FAQs

Q1. I am beginner for hiking. Do you think I can do it?

This is quite an easier trek compare to other trekking trails of Nepal. You don’t need to have special training to do this Upper Mustang hike but we suggest you do few hikes before you come to Nepal. You have to be physically fit and strong determination to hike 6-7 hours each day. If you are a beginner, we suggest you do a Private trip than joining the group.

Well, trekking to Upper mustang is a cultural trek as well as fascinating. Most of the tea houses along the trek are basic better than other treks such as Everest Base Camp and Langtang Valley Trek. While in Trek, you will be provided a Twin Sharing bedroom unless you are a solo hiker. Most of the tea house has sharing Bathroom. So you need to share with other travelers. You will get proper basic bedrooms with Blankets. Scenic Nepal Treks will provide you Sleeping Bags to make sure that you are good enough warm at night.

Yes, you can have a shower during the trek. Some places offer you a Tap Hot shower and some places a Bucket Shower. They will charge you US$ 2-US$ 3 for each shower.

There will be Three Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) every day and 1 Item each time will be provided which is served by the menu. You easily can have Western, Nepalese, and Indian Dishes. Fried Rice, Sandwich, Momo, Fried Noodles, Dal Bhat (Rice and Curry) are very popular and fresh. We suggest you to avoid Meats if possible as they are not fresh and stored for a long time.

We recommend you have Vegan meals during the trek. Sometimes meats and cheese items are not fresh.

Yes! One of our representatives will greet you at Kathmandu Airport. He / She will be showing your Good Name on Card at the Exit Gate. So please look for it. Please provide us your Flight details before your arrival to Nepal.

In general, you will be walking 5-7 hours each day. You will have your Breakfast and Dinner at the same tea house lodge where you stay overnight and Lunch will be somewhere in the middle of the trail.

This is a very easy-going hike. You will take your time and walk with our Friendly Guide. BUT if you are in Group joining, you will be under pressure of Group’s rules.

Yes, It is necessary to have Insurance to do this trek for your proper safety. You need to have Insurance that can cover any kind of emergency medical and air ambulance cost. Your safety is our concern and insurance makes it very easier.

Well, it is quite easy to get Visa to Nepal. Either you can get it upon your arrival at Airport/Border or can apply to Embassies before you come to Nepal.

For more info, please have look here https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa

Yes! Most of the tea houses offer you Wifi with an extra charge between US$ 2- $3 unlimited. We suggest you buy a Nepalese Sim card and use mobile internet by yourself. You may buy Sim Card upon your arrival day in Kathmandu. We can help you to buy.

No, there is no laundry service in the trek. You may do your laundry in Pokhara.
 

Actually, it is not necessary but tipping is just a part of your appreciation for them for their hard works. They play a very role to make your trip successful. There is not exactly how much you should tip but around 20% amount of the trip package. Further, you can decide how much you would like to tip them. 

To confirm your trip, you need to send us your Valid Passport Copy along with a 20% down Payment. You can send it directly from our Website or we will send you bank details. Our online payment gateway is protected and has a secure firewall. You can make the rest of the payment after you arrive in Kathmandu.

Please go through our three simple steps to book the trek:

Yes! All our guides are certified and experienced Trekking leaders. Most of them are from rural parts/ Mountains from Nepal and done hike over the past 10 years plus.

  Yes, you can postpone your trek and it is free of charge. Please let us know at least 2 weeks before your hike. If you cancel your trip, it will apply a similar the cancelation policy. 

Also, we encourage our clients to postpone their trip if due to any reason they are unable to travel and have to cancel the trip. Canceling the trip incurs clients with a cancellation fee. The deposit they made to confirm the trip will be used as a cancellation fee. So to save money, it is better to postpone the trip.

If you cancel your trip before 48 hours of the trip, you will get a full refund excluding Advance Down payment (20%). And if there is any domestic flight, you need to pay for that as well.

It depends, If a hiker is capable to continue their trek, they can. But If the trekkers are serious and facing critical conditions, she/he has to get down to City. It is too risky for everyone.

Our guide is qualified to handle small, primary medical emergencies as they are first-aid trained. If there will be any serious cases, our team always be there to help you. Our Company always be in touched with our Guide while you are on the trek. We will keep your Insurance details. So in case of Emergency, we will contact your Insurance and processed your rescue. Our guide will be walking with the First Aid Kit Box along Diamox to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Please we strongly suggest having your own Medicine while on the trek. We don’t recommend it as it can be new for you.

The Porter in your trip is optional. If you like to have someone to carry your bags, you need to purchase Porter which Cost you US$290 for a porter. A porter can be shared by Two hikers and 25 kg is the maximum weight for him.

Well, this is quite unpredictable that how much money you need while on trial because it depends on you. In general, you will be paying for your Everyday Drinks including Water, additional meals, Internet, electronic devices charging, and Hot Shower. As per our experience, you may spend a day US$ 15- US$ 20 depending on your expenses.

We suggest you take cash while on the trek and it is better to have Rupees. You can change into Nepalese Rupees in Kathmandu. They hardly accept Credit cards or we can say No Credit Card.

Day or Acclimatization during your trek is very important. It helps you to avoid altitude sickness. All our Itinerary prepared by Scenic Nepal Treks is the perfect interim of Acclimatization.

To Avoid attitude sickness or for your safety is our prime goal during the trek. Our Sherpa Guide and Company always be there to ensure that everything is going well and smoothly. In case of Emergency which is depends on Conditions and problems of you, we will take action. If the cases are normally such as Normal headache, normal vomiting, etc, we will do a cure while in the trial, if there are serious cases, we need to get you back to Kathmandu at the hospital.
Make sure, you have made good insurance that can cover your expenses such as medical, evacuation, etc. It is truly very effective in case there an emergency and to save your expense.

Not really. We used to have Malaria long time ago but no anymore. To be sure, you may bring some body spray against mosquitos and flies.

This is a private trip and you will be led by one of our Experience caring Sherpa Guide. If you are interested to join our departures, please have a look at the given dates or contact us anytime.

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