Mustang trek

Tibetan village of Mustang

Upper Mustang Trek

• Overview
• Trip Info
• Detailed Itinerary
• Cost Info
• Fixed Departure

Mustang trek into Upper Mustang is to trek into another world,  a fascinating world parched of rain where, buildings of sun baked mud bricks have stood for centuries, where treeless eroded hills in grey-brown hues stretch into the distance and where the hardy Lopa (people of Lo-Moanthang) have entrenched themselves in villages designed to minimise the effects of the midday winds that howl up the Kali Gandaki gorge and placed where snow-melt irrigation channels can be cut to allow barley, buckwheat and mustard to be grown. Herds of yaks, goats and sheep roam the hillsides – along with Jharal (blue sheep) and illusive snow leopards.

In the 15th C this region dominated the salt trade between Tibet and India and while this trade has greatly diminished, little has changed in the life of these hardy farmers and astute traders, much of its original art, architecture, religion and history can still be explored. Our “circular” Mustang trekking route is chosen to take in most of the major attractions, including monasteries, important caves, villages plus a day to explore the walled city and surrounds of the capital, Lo Manthang. 

The Mustang trekking in Nepal begins from the lake city of Pokhara with a 20m flight to Jomsom up the Kali Gandaki gorge that separates the Dhaulagiri Himal and Annapurna ranges. The trail then follows the river up the gorge to the ancient village of Kagbeni and entrance to Upper Mustang Trek. The route ascends along and above the rivers and ridges carved by the Kali Gandaki’s many side tributaries, and includes five passes up to 4325m.

The first group of villages are home to Gurungs, beyond which the people belong to the Tibetan culture of Lo with most people following the Sakya Buddhist sect – with a strong Bön influence (the ancient animist religion that predates Buddhism). Wind and river erosion have carved the mountains into fantastic landscapes of eroded conglomerate cliffs in pigments of reds, browns and blues. Mani walls, picturesque white-painted villages, monasteries, including the cave monastery of Luri Gompa and the opportunity to interact with a people who have so completely adapted to life in this unforgiving landscape make this a unique Upper Mustang Lo-Manthang trek. We offer a basic tea house trek or a full camping trek on which our staff will pamper you with their service and meals to suit your needs.

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing & and trek preparation (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (910m/2,986ft), 5-6 hrs drive

Day 04:  Fly to Jomsom & and trek to Kagbeni (2,858m/9,375ft ) 3-4 hrs

Day  05:  Kagbeni -  Chele (3050m/10,004ft) 5-6 hr

Day 06:  Chele - Gelling (3570m/11,200ft) 6-7 hrs

Day 07:  Gelling  -  Tsarang (3575/11,750ft)  6-7 hrs

Day 08:  Tsarang – Lo Mangthang Manthang (3840m/12,800ft) 4-5 hrs    

Day 9:  Explore Lo Manthang

Day 10:  Lo-Mangthang -  Dhakmar (3810 m/12,500ft) 6-7 hrs  Manthang            

Day 11:  Dhakmar -  Shyangbochen (3806m/12,484ft) 5-6 hrs

Day 12:  Shyangbochen  -  Chhuksang (3050m/10,004ft) 5-6 hrs

Day 13:  Chhuksang -  Jomsom (2700/8,856ft) 6-7 hrs

Day 14:  Fly back to Pokhara

Day 15:  Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

All flights Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu are offered

 Day 16: Final departure

Transfer to international airport and fly to onward destination.