Upper Mustang trekking is one of the rewarding Nepal trekking with the fierce wind, the stunning barren land and the snow capped mountains. It is Trekking in Nepal for all season. A two weeks trek into the fabled Kingdom of Mustang. Cultural and Ethnic kingship still in the practice in this remote picturesque rain shadow valley behind the Mighty mountains even after  Nepal is Federal Republic  pre constitutionally to be declared(in the state of discussion going on for Democratic Republic or Republic). Mustang is one of the most recent areas to be opened to foreigners by the Government of Nepal. The trek begins and ends at Jomsom, the administrative district headquarters of Mustang in the Kali gandaki valley. Formally annexed to Nepal in 1946. Mustang remains entirely Tibetan in Character, from its 5000 inhabitants and the Buddhist region, to the crops grown and the dialect spoken. Mustang’s unofficial capital, the walled city of Lo Manthang, retains its own king in residence. Fierce winds and a barren landscape await those who attempt to reach Mustang but the rewards are immense, with few tourists and the chance to observe a way of life virtually untouched for countries. Welcome to Mustang.

Day 01     Arrival in Kathmandu

Today is your arrival we welcome you upon your arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu or your choice of Hotel in Kathmandu Valley (Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur).Arrival city briefing follows after Hotel check in concerning the necessary formalities on your tour and trek program. Depending upon your arrival time you may spend free time visiting nearby historic/Countryside areas or resting.

Day 02    Half day sightseeing in Boudhanath/Pashupatinath  Kapan Monastery

Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu World Heritage sites where your guide will accompany you on a tour of UNESCO enlisted Hindu temples and the  unique fusion shrines of  Newari architectural  Hinduism and Buddhism reflecting ancient  golden  era in local traditions of the glories. There is time to explore the city’s many places of interest with your guide or in your own or take a rest while trekking permits are finalized. Our Trek Leader/Guide meets you in the afternoon for the trek briefing and for the final trek preparation.In the evening sample a delicious traditional Nepali Welcome dinner in authentic Nepali Restaurant with the cultural dances that represents different customs and music instruments of Nepal.Private vehicle is there for you to pick up and drop in Hotel with our staff.
Overnight  Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 03        Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight

Our tour officer  pick you up in the Hotel to drive to Domestic airport after breakfast.We take 30 minutes scenic flight to Pokhara, a naturally beautiful city located about 200 km west of Kathmandu where your trek commences and ends with fun and ever memorable time in close to Himalayan Mountains.
Once you arrive in Pokhara Airport, our guide receives you to transfer to the Hotel. Having hotel check in finalised our guide take you all for sightseeing around Pokhara. Pokhara has Mountain Mueseum, Davis falls, Mahendra Cave and Boating in the Lake Phewa in the afternoon.Overnight Hotel in Pokhara

Day 04        Pokhara to Jomsom / start trekking to Kagbeni (2760m)

This morning we take a spectacular flight to Jomsom up the deep KaliGandaki river valley. There are great views of the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Massifs either side of the aircraft. It is from there the trek Begins .Jomsom is the administrative district headquarters of Mustang consisting a police check post, radio, Mobile, fluctuated internet communication with Kathmandu nowadays, and army camp and the STOL Airstrip that we touch down on. One can immediately notice the change in scenery from Pokhara – It is Trans – Himalayan - arid and rocky. The barrenness is relieved by splashes of green cultivation.

After crossing the wooden bridge to the east bank of the river Kali Gandaki through the town, the trail continues to the north end of thetown and follows the gravel river bed before ascending gently and descending to a couple of houses( Eklaibhatti).The trail may follow the river bed or higher on the east bank depending on the season and flow of the river. Continuing along the east bank we bypass the villages of Phalyak, Dakarjong and Panga, and finally reach Kagbeni. The village islocated at the confluence of the KALI Gandaki and the Jhong Khola (river) coming down from Muktinath. The village is a community of mud and stone houses enclosed by walls. Flat roofs hold stacks of firewood; The red coloured gompa situated on a raised stretch of land dominates the village. The monastery belongs to the Shakya sect and canbe identified as such by the uniformly spaced grey stripes on its outside walls. Kagbeni was once ruled by a gyalpo(king) from his castle which is now in ruins. The dynasty has died out but during its time it was powerful much like the barons of the Rhineland. There are good close-up viewssouth to Nilgiri and Tilicho from here.

Day 05        Kagbeni to Tsailli (3030m)

The trail passes through the village to the mani walls at the north end .Here a we pass the police check posts, descend briefly and the then begin  a steep climb up to join the broad, loose trail that contours along the east bank of the river. A little later on and we bypass Tiri where the route from Charkabhot (Dolpo) joins the village. Further up  the Gyalungbo river drains into the Kali Gandaki and before lunch the village of Tangbe is sighted .A descent then a climb leads to Tangbe where our lunch awaits us.

The trail continues through the village and further up to a group of settlements known as Chusang. Ruins of castles litter the hill-tops behind the village, and prehistoric cave dwellings can be seen on the west side of the river. The Narsinga Khola joins the Kali Gandaki here: the stream is crossed and the banks. A steel iron bridge spans the KALI Gandaki just as it emerges from a natural tunnel. Amongst the cliff walls a great many caves can be seen. A steep climb out of the valley leads to the village of Tsailli.

Day 06        Tsailli to Tamaghyang (3567 m)

This morning’s climb varies in steepness until we finally reach the Chotare Lapcha pass. From the pass excellent views of the Damodar Himal, Thorongtse, the Nilgiris and Tilicho can be seen . Next we contour to Samar Village. The village is named after the red outcrop of rocks to the east. Samar is small village among the poplar trees which line the irrigation canals. These feed water to the terraced fields below . Three Chortens on the ridge ahead mark the point at which we descend to cross another stream before the climb to the Samar La is started. After the pass, a gradual slope and pass a few houses, climb up to another pass and to a teashop and beyond to Yamda with its single Bhatti(tavern)

From Yamda climb to the Dawa Lapcha pass (3860m) with its large cairn and prayer flags before descending to Sangmoche and its Bhatti. Ascend to the next pass, the Lhakpa La (3860m) with its chorten. The village of Ghilling can be seen below. Ghilling is large village with two gompas; it was once an important village for the trader’s enroute from Tibet. The trail divides further down and the upper trail is taken (the lower one goes to the village) until a few Tamang houses of the Tamaghyang are reached.

Day 07        Tamaghyang to Tramar ( 3474 m)

At chorten Karpu a slight gradient takes us to Chaiti with its Bhatti. Further up the path from Ghilling joins our trail. After a steep climb up to the Tseti La pass we descend along the trail until it forks; the upper trail goes to the village of Gemi whilst the lower trail continues down to the river with its suspension bridge. We take the upper trail. Gemi could be a excellent place to stop for the lunch in one of the nearly kept houses run by a family of the sister of the king of Mustang. The trail continues to the left of the village. After crossing a stream we climb steeply to a pass that offers excellent views of Gemi and Damodar Himal .We then contour around the mountain to another pass of 12000’ and descend to the village of Tramar.

Day 08     Tramar to – Lo Manthang ( 3697m)

The day starts with a steep ascent towards the north east through the cairns of and loose gravel for about one hour to the top of a plateau, an arid and wild high country. We cross the long Plateau to reach another small pass and then descend gradually until the Chortens of Marang Gompa are visible with the village of Marang and its fields are visible towards the east (right). We stop for lunch in the compound of an isolated Gompa.

The Monastery of Lo Gekar which belongs to the village of Marang is believed to be the oldest here. Armed with torches we visit the monastery which contains beautiful rock slate paintings pasted on the walls. The dark inner chamber of the temple conceals some beautiful statues of Padma Shambhava and Milareppa, which may be illuminated with butter lamps. The roof –top temple has been destroyed over a number of years as a result of heavy snow and lack of maintenance. A small entrance fee is payable.

We then climb a small pass to the pastures towards the north until the base of a long pass overlooking the Lo Manthang valley is reached. One can see the local sheep, goat, and the horses grazing on the high pastures around the pass. Right across from Lo Manthnag is the Tibetan plateau, clearly visible with awesome views of Damodar himal to the right. A further hour of walking brings us to the walled city.


Day 09        Lo Manthang (Exploration Day)

Lo Manthang means the “Plains of Prayer”. The whole city is walled with houses closely packed together. Narrow alleys run between them. Built on a plain, the walls were essential for defence against bandits and invaders. The king lives in his palace which is the largest residence and easily noticeable among the other houses. The Tibetans referred to the king as “Lo Gyalpo” meaning of the south, but his name is Jigme Parbal Bista. The name Bista was conferred on him by the King of Nepal as an honorary title (Bista is a high caste title in Nepal). The queen is from a noble family in Shigatse, Tibet.

The summer palace of the king is in Trenkar. Lo Manthang has three monasteries – the Chamba Lakhang which houses the massive 45 foot statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha; the Thugchen Lakhang with several large images of Shakyamuni, Avolokitesvarra and Maitreya. Shakyamuni is of gilded bronze with the rest terracotta. The third monastery is chodi of the Shakya sect which has several monks in residence and this is the site of the annual Mani Rimdu festival in MAY (Called “Tegi”  in Lo Manthang). Chodi monastery contains numerous small statues and thankas and the monks are often engaged in prayer and chanting.

Half way to the king’s summer palace is Namgyal monastery (victory). Namgyal is the largest monastery in Mustang. It is perched on a hill side above the village of the same name. Its massive walls are painted in strips of grey, white and yellow. The monastery has a large courtyard inside with galleries around it. The main hall contains a large altar with splendid statues, images, and Thankas hanging from pillars.

Lo Manthang has a post office, health post, police check- post and radio communication with Jomsom and Kathmandu.

Day 10     Lo Manthang Day Excursion to the North

A day hike to the villages of Garphu and Nyphu north of Lo Manthang is worthwhile. There are some interesting cave monasteries and numerous caves with dwellings inside them. On the way back a hike up to the ruins of Ketcher Dzong is recommended for wide panoramic views of the valleys to the north and south .Horses can be hired in Lo Manthang for those that wish to ride and with a horse it is possible to make a circuit of the villages in the eat and west of Trenkar and Namdol, before crossing a pass to the Chosar (east valley) down to Nyphu and Garphu and returning to Lo Manthang.

Day 11        Lo Manthang to Yara (3472m)

From Lo Manthang take the trail south towards Tsarang. Climb up the pass overlooking Lo Manthang and continue for a while until a trail to the south east is taken – this leads to the kali Gandaki gorge through which the Mustang Khola flows. The trail is steep and narrow and the last part which drops down to the river is extremely steep until the village of Dri by the banks if the river is reached. From Dri climb steeply up to the village of Yara where a camp in the walled compound of the village is made.

Day 12        Yara to Luri Gompa (3500m) – Dri ( 3279m)

Today we climb steeply up to the village of Gara and continue further up hill till the site  of the cave monastery of Luri is reached. Luri Gompa is an ancient cave monastery built inside  the sandstone cliffs with a chapel and an inner room which contains a stupa embellished with deities. The roof of the room (which is dome shaped) is covered with murals depicting flowers, deities and various figures probably of Indian origin.

The site according to locals was built by the Buddhist Saint Padma Shambhava and it is believed only two such were built in Mustang – this is the only one remaining today.  return to Dri and camp.

Day 13        Dri to Tsarang (3680m)

Trek down the Mustang Khola and cross the river to take the trail leading to Tsarang. Tsarang is reaching in the afternoon and this will allow time for exploration of the ancient fort and monastery in this village.

Day 14        Tsarang to Sangmoche ( 3636m)

Our return route back over the passes to the tiny hamlet of Sangmoche with its Bhatti. Camp by the meadows of the hamlet.

Day 15        Sangmoche to Tangbe

Return to Samar and drop steeply down to Taele village and the bridge over the Kali Gandaki river. Continue to the village of Tangbe.

Day 16        Tangbe to Jomsom

We follow the Kali Gandaki river down to Jomsom via Kagbeni

Day 17        Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu

We take the early morning flight to Kathmandu via Pokhara. Please note that flights into Jomsom are sometimes delayed due to un-flyable conditions; be reassured that our field staff Pokhara, Jomsom and in Kathmandu will be doing everything possible to minimise the inconvenience caused if this happens. Your patience in the flying circumstances which can occur will be greatly appreciated.
Overnight Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 18    Leisure in Kathmandu

Leisure Time in Kathmandu. It’s indeed time for the souvenir hunting around Kathmandu’s noted places having optional trip to tranquil historic Heritages in your own or with us or  with our versatile guide. We provide extra drive and drop services anywhere

Day 19     Departure Kathmandu

Our Tour officer meets you in Hotel for the Departure Transfer to Kathmandu’s International Airport. We will be always welcoming you back to Nepal for various other stunning Trekkings or looking forward to serving you in our other country travel arrangements.

The Trek Cost Includes;

-- All the International and Departure Transfers
-- Pre and Post Trek 4 Star Hotel Accomodation in Kathmandu & in Pokhara
-- Domestic airport Transfers
-- Domestic Flights Kathmandu – Pokhara- Jomsom- Pokhara
-- Private Vehicle from Kathmandu to  Pokhara
-- Half Day Guided Cultural Sightseeing
-- Comprehensive Trekking Map
-- Authentic Nepali Welcome Dinner
-- All the accommodation and full board meals and hot beverages on the trek
-- Eco Conscious Camping accommodation with crews, chef, toilet tent, shower tent,

_Kitchen tents,Dining, Kitchen utensils.
-- Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit
-- Special Upper Mustang Trekking Permit upto 14 days
-- Our  Extensive Knowledgeable Licensed Guides & porter services with porter gears
-- Field staff Insurances
-- Domestic Airport Taxes
-- Dawn Jackets, Sleeping bag, walking poles, duffel bag, facilitiies
-- Extensive First aid medical kit
-- Quick  Rescue supporting services in case of Emergency
-- Extra snacks services
-- Satellite phone/Communication services in case of Emergency
-- Applicable government Taxes
-- Himalayan Eco Trek Team Management


The Trek cost excludes;

-- All the personal expenses like Alcoholic beverages, Bottled drinks etc.
-- Medical and Travel Insurances
-- International Airfare and taxes
-- Visa Fees
-- Gratuities/Tips
-- Emergency Helicopter Rescue charges
-- Main Meals in Kathmandu and in Pokhara