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Unraveling the Mysteries of Upper Mustang Trek
Mustang region is a gem locale of Nepal having wonders of Mother Nature and grandeurs of Culture! The region is divided into two major regions because of the sensitivity of the location as it is in the border between Nepal and Tibet. The Lower Region is habituated mainly by Thakali people whereas Upper Mustang region is mainly habituated by Tibetan origin people. Nepal Government has placed Upper region as the restricted region due to its unique culture, natural resources (that includes Uranium), and political ties with Tibet! The place is very unique because the region still practices monarchy while the country is already a Republican state abolishing monarchy.
Therefore, the region is also known as the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal. The Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. has knitted an ideal Upper Mustang Trek that includes exploration of ancient caves and monasteries of region. Additionally, the trek also features walking on the shores of holy Kaligandaki River (sacred river of both Hindus and Buddhists).
Lo Manthang (3840 m)
The capital city of Upper Mustang region is the city of Lo Manthang. The meaning of Lo Manthang means the walled city. The city is surrounded by man-made walls built in ancient times. There are many monasteries and ancient houses inside the town. The place is also called as the “Himal Paariko Gaon” which means the village beyond mountains. The Lo Manthang area of Upper Mustang is in the rain shadow area of Nepal. Therefore, Upper Mustang Trek is also possible to do during monsoon season. Normally, monsoon season is considered as the low and unfavorable time to do trekking in Nepal. If you have allocated holiday during the months of monsoon season in Nepal then the Upper Mustang Trek is an ideal trekking activity to do in Nepal.
Chhosar Caves
The Upper Mustang region of Nepal is the mythical trekking destination where lots of Buddhists monasteries and chhortens are present. On this trekking trail there are many mystical caves on the walls of hills. These caves are huge inside with many sections. In the place called Chhosar, you can find these caves. In ancient times people used to spend quality time to avoid war and famine in these caves. As a foreign traveler visiting these caves will provide the mystical feeling and idea of how life used to be in these parts of Nepal.
Kaligandaki Gorge and Shaligrams (Fossils)
Do you know that Kaligandaki Gorge is the deepest gorge of the world? Yes, in the natural landscape scenario the gorge of Kaligandaki is the deepest among all the gorges of the world. The gorge is not only significant in terms of natural setting but also in terms of Hindu and Buddhists followers! The river is sacred place where you can find lots of fossils. These fossils are believed that the inscription is of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu was cursed to be a stone. Therefore, he chose shores of Kaligandaki River as his place. The rare fossil found on the shores of Kaligandaki River resembles various Lord Vishnu Avatars.
Besides the Upper Mustang Trekking, trekkers can explore the Kaligandaki periphery to understand the geological importance; we can knit an ideal geological itinerary. Please feel free to contact our travel planners to customize the fossil research trekking or tour itinerary for trekkers from scientific research background.
Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Dates for 2025
Tiji Festival is the major festival of the Upper Mustang People. This festival is celebrated for three days. According to mythology, Dorje Jono defeated the monster who was about to destroy the region. To protect the people and region from collapse and destruction, Dorje Jono didn’t spare his own father as well. Therefore, to celebrate his victory and to worship his heroics people of the region celebrate this festival.
It is highly recommended to people across the globe who is wishing to do the Upper Mustang Trek to plan their trekking trip during the months of Tiji Festival. Normally, the Tiji Festival falls in the month of May.
TIJI Festival Dates for 2025
The Tiji Festival Dates for 2025 are as follows:
- Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang in 2025 1st Day = 24th May, 2025
- Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang in 2025 2nd Day = 25th May, 2025
- Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang in 2025 3rd Day = 26th May, 2025
People who are willing to do voluntary donations are requested to consult with the travel planners of the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. We can arrange proper donations and special prayers for these people who wish to do something for the monks of the monasteries of the place. Even more, trekkers can indulge in cultural excursions while doing trekking in the region. Many people prefer to immerse into the culture and traditions of people as well besides natural settings. Make sure that you are well prepared before finalizing the trek to Upper Mustang.
Can I do Jeep Tour instead of Upper Mustang Trek?
Kathmandu and Lo Manthang is connected via road nowadays. Therefore, it is possible to do Upper Mustang Jeep Tour instead of Upper Mustang Trek. The total road distance between Kathmandu and Lo Manthang Upper Mustang is approximately 440 kilometers. This is not the actual distance as the road depends upon the travel patterns. If you wish to reach the Lo Manthang Rural Municipality this is an actual road distance. However, people doing the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour often include trip to Korala Pass. This is the border between China (Tibet the autonomous region of Republic China) and consists of Nepal’s lowest Himalayan pass which is about 4300 m from sea level.
Book the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal package with the Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd. High altitude trekking and customized trekking activities in Nepal is best organized by us. We employ only locals in any kinds of trekking and tour activities in Nepal. Therefore, our trekking or tour trips ensure that trekkers or travelers get full worth of every penny spent for the trip.
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Trip Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
- DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU (1,400M)
- DAY 02: EXPLORE DAY IN KATHMANDU AND PREPARATION SPECIAL PERMIT
- DAY 03: KATHMANDU TO POKHARA BY TOURIST BUS/ 6 TO 7 HOURS DRIVE
- DAY 04: MORNING FLIGHT TO JOMSOM (2,715 M) AND TREK TO KAGBENI – 04 HRS.
- DAY 05: TREK TO CHHUSANG (2800 M) 6 HRS.
- DAY 06: TREK TO SOMARE (3,340 M) 6 HRS.
- DAY 07: TREK TO GHELING (3,540 M) 5 HRS.
- DAY 08: TREK TO TSARANG (3,560 M) 6 HRS.
- DAY 09: TREK TO LO-MANTHANG (3700M) 5 HRS.
- DAY 10: AT LO-MANTHANG REST DAY FOR EXPLORATION AROUND ITS VILLAGE AND MONASTERIES.
- DAY 11: TREK TO DHAKMAR (3,810 M) 6 HRS.
- DAY 12: TREK TO SYANGBOCHE (3,540M) 6 HRS.
- DAY 13: TREK TO CHHUSANG (2,800M) 6 HRS.
- DAY 14: TREK TO KAGBENI (2,830 M) 5 HRS.
- DAY 15: TREK TO JOMSOM (2, 715 M) 4 HOURS.
- DAY 16: FLY FROM JOMSOM TO POKHARA (820M) 25 MIN FLIGHT
- DAY 17: POKHARA TO KATHMANDU BY TOURIST BUS 6 TO 7 HOUR
- DAY 18: FINAL INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE
Details Itinerary
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU (1,400M)
Arrival in Kathmandu, The representatives of Everest Trekking Routes will welcome you at TIA Upon your Arrival. we transfer to a hotel overnight stay.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
DAY 02: EXPLORE DAY IN KATHMANDU AND PREPARATION SPECIAL PERMIT
If interested after breakfast visit some Sightseeing points and get an Upper Mustang Special Permit to take an Original Passport with a Nepal Visa. It takes a day and explore Kathmandu Valley and stays overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 03: KATHMANDU TO POKHARA BY TOURIST BUS/ 6 TO 7 HOURS DRIVE
hotel to tourist bus station just 10 minute morning walk, then take the tourist bus departure at 7:00 AM in the morning continue to drive Prithibi rajmark high way. after a 2-hour drive to stop for breakfast about 20 minutes and on the edge of the Trisuli river. along the road, we can beautiful rice farms and evergreen tropical villages with Trisuli river rafting. though from 12:00 to 1:00 PM stop again for lunch take a 20-minute break then continue driving to Pokhara. we will be reached in the afternoon and short walk lake site and stay overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 04: MORNING FLIGHT TO JOMSOM (2,715 M) AND TREK TO KAGBENI – 04 HRS.
After breakfast transfer to the Domestic airport and flight to Jomsom altitude of 2715 meters, Trek to Kagbeni takes 4-5 hours. The excellent Himalayan scenery of the lower Mustang is the popular Jomsom Muktinath route and joins to Annapurna Circuit; the Jomsom is headquartered in Mustang District between Mt Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himal. Stay overnight at the lodge.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 05: TREK TO CHHUSANG (2800 M) 6 HRS.
Trek to Chhusang we will have to descend to Kagbeni. the Kagbeni is the main entry gate Restricted Area of Upper Mustang which cost $ 500 Per Person for 10 days. take time for checking. We enter the Special Upper Mustang area of Kagbeni, Passing several local typical villages chhusang follow the Kali Gandaki river then crossing to reaching at Chhusang Village during the day we can see beautiful Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, tukuche peak and other Himalayan scenery. overnight at Chhusang.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 06: TREK TO SOMARE (3,340 M) 6 HRS.
From Chhusang to Somare are normal trails solidly flat and bit step after chele biggest climb to reach until Syangboche. 5 to 6 hours trek desired area Upper Mustang Trekking. today we pass a beautiful Apple garden and the bottom of the Chele crossing an amazing suspension bridge. and around little Trekking Peaks and villages, we can see. after 12:00 PM trails go windy, continue trekking to Somare stay overnight at Guesthouse.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 07: TREK TO GHELING (3,540 M) 5 HRS.
After breakfast Climb up to Syamboche, mostly uphill to syanboche take lunch, and rest for a while. The scenery is Excellent Himalayan white range which is most popular Mt. Dhaulagiri 8167m, Annapurna I 8097m. and many other Expedition. Desert geographically decorates awesome vies of Upper Mustang. today we don’t see many villages just follow the trail. if interested seeing the Buddha cave is also possible before reaching syangboche. and continue to Ghiling stay overnight at lodge.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 08: TREK TO TSARANG (3,560 M) 6 HRS.
This Morning if the weather is very clear we can different types of scenery, beautiful farms, and Ghiling village with some old monasteries follow the route of Lo Manthan and continue to walk at Tsarang. The tsarang is the biggest village in upper mustang and has an old monastery of over 800 years old. Identify of old king’s palace some samples and beautiful villages visit the monastery and all areas of Tsarang. The Monastery’s color and architecture are awesome colorful and visit the insight monastery then return to the lodge and stay overnight.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 09: TREK TO LO-MANTHANG (3700M) 5 HRS.
After breakfast trek to LManthanan, takes 5-6 hours on foot to reach Lo-Manthan City Himalaya kingdom of Nepal. The biggest city of Himalaya, before lo-man passing several rivers and bridges with deserted scenery and continue to Lo-Manthan when we reach Lo-Manthan than stay overnight at lodge.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 10: AT LO-MANTHANG REST DAY FOR EXPLORATION AROUND ITS VILLAGE AND MONASTERIES.
Explore a day at Lo-Manthan, Today after breakfast visit the Monastery and King Palace. the lo man thang is the Himalayan kingdom of Nepal. there are many different things decorated with colorful Villages and the biggest city in the Himalayas. Our local guide will describe the history of lo-Manthan City and its Cultures. then realizes all trekkers are paid why $ 500 per person for 10 days. the nearby area has some other local villages if have time to visit can do short seeing. stay overnight.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 11: TREK TO DHAKMAR (3,810 M) 6 HRS.
This Morning takes Breakfast at the same lodge as our team and starts our Journey to Dhakmar, the beginning part is uphill to Gompa. The amazing scenery of the Upper Mustang area with lots of history about Gompas when we reach the monastery the lama will explain to us. Ancient history and cultures, take lunch continue to Dhakmar. but today don’t pass many villages because the trail path is the Upper route. anyway,y scenery is perfect. and a little colder than Lo-Manthang. stay overnight.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 12: TREK TO SYANGBOCHE (3,540M) 6 HRS.
Beautiful Upper Mustang Valley after Dhakmar, take breakfast to follow the trail to Ghami. The Ghami is also the biggest village and Monastery also a popular route. There is some farm product by a foreigner. And nice Apple garden, take lunch at Ghami and continue to Syangboche. today we are following the same to return to Upper Mustang Trekking Route Stay overnight.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 13: TREK TO CHHUSANG (2,800M) 6 HRS.
Syanboche to Chhusang is big downhill and passes some little villages such as Samar, bhena, and Chele. A thousand meters Descending to Kaligandaki River, during the day more windy boundary of Kaligandaki valley and stop for Chhusang stay overnight.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 14: TREK TO KAGBENI (2,830 M) 5 HRS.
From the Chhusang to Kagbeni we have to leave a little early in the Morning. if we take breakfast a little Early then we can walk follows to Kagbeni. because after at 12:00 PM. very strong windy until Kagbeni, when we reach Restricted Permit checkout point. we have mentioned our Upper Mustang Trekking Permit and Completed the 10-day upper Valley stay overnight in Kagbeni.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 15: TREK TO JOMSOM (2, 715 M) 4 HOURS.
Trek to Jomsom is an Easy and short hike to Jomsom. When we reach Jomsom check our flight schedule for the next day and visit to Jomsom City buy some Apple brandy of some others from apple makers. The Jomsom is a very busy City in the Himalayans and waiting for the next morning’s flight to Pokhara.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 16: FLY FROM JOMSOM TO POKHARA (820M) 25 MIN FLIGHT
Depending on the time flight schedule if have time to eat breakfast we can do it in Jomsom otherwise leave Early to Report to Airport and wait for a flight to Pokhara take 25 minutes and transfer hotel. Leave our backpack and sightseeing in Pokhara City. The Journey is complete and relaxes stay overnight at Pokhara.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 17: POKHARA TO KATHMANDU BY TOURIST BUS 6 TO 7 HOUR
Finally, we short drive to Pokhara tourist bus park and catch Tourists take a 7-hour drive to Kathmandu. the Bus journey when we start our Trip and Kathmandu Pokhara.
Accommodation: Guest House
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 18: FINAL INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE
We will drop you to the TIA for your final departure and happy journey to your hometown, hope to see you again and goodbye.
Accommodation: Guest House
Cost Details
Cost Includes
- Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up and Drop by private car/van/bus.
- Hotel In Kathmandu: 3 Nights of ***3-star accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Hotel in Pokhara: 2 Nights Accinidation in Pokhara with Breakfast.
- Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist Bus.
- Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara by Domestic air ticket.
- Trekking Permit (ACAP) Annapurna Conservation Area of Project.
- Special Upper Mustang Permit USD 500 Per Person for 10 Days.
- Your Meal During the Trekking as Your standard meals (3 times a day Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with a cup of tea or coffee).
- Accommodation in Trekking: All accommodations in lodge/tea houses during the trek.
- Trekking Guide: Government License Holder An experienced, helpful, friendly, and English-speaking Trekking Guide. His well-paid salary, meals, accommodation insurance, etc.
- Trekking Porter: porters (1 porter for 2 people). Salary, Food, Drinks, Accommodation, Transportation.
- After the successful trip, Everest Trekking Routes will Provide an Adventure Certificate.
- Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid for by your Travel insurance company.
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- All government taxes and service charges.
Cost Excludes
- Meal in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Extra Days Restricted area USD 50 days
- Private Car, Jeep, Van, or Helicopter
- personal expenses (bar bills, beer, coke, a bottle of water, hot water, phone call, laundry service, Helicopter rescue, Electronic device recharge such as Mobile, Camera, etc.)
- Tips for guide, porters, and driver.
Trip Map
FAQ
Join Upcoming Trips 2024
| Departure Date | Duration | Availability | Cost | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/03/2025 | 15 | Available | USD 1840 Per Person | |
| 17/03/2025 | 15 | Available | USD 1840 Per Person | |
| 25/03/2025 | 15 | Available | USD 1840 Per Person | |
| 31/03/2025 | 15 | Available | USD 1840 Per Person | |
| 07/04/2025 | 15 | Available | USD 1840 Per Person |
Latest Customer Reviews
Falk Naumann
Germany,
Excellent Verified Purchase
Garriga Maestro
Barcelona, Spain,
Excellent Verified PurchaseExperiencia alucinante Upper Mustang
Viajar al Mustang es trasladarse a un mundo distinto, fuera del espacio y el tiempo al que
estamos acostumbrados. Paisajes alucinantes, muy poco concurridos y bastante polvo.
La organización del trek fue perfecta y muy amigable
Source by: Tripadvisor
Guided by: Bal Bahadur Ghale
Josep Sagarra
Barcelona, Spain,
Excellent Verified PurchaseTrekking diferente y, de momento, poco masificado
Un trekking muy interesante. No es de alta montaña pero los lowa, los paisajes y el patrimonio son únicos.
Tanto la agencia como el guía y el porter han sido solícitos, amables y pacientes.
Contactamos con la agencia desde España y al llegar a Katmandú no hubo ningún problema. Todo lo contrario. Se adaptaron a nuestras peticiones.
Source by: Tripadvisor
Guided by: Bal Bahadur Ghale
Moreno Rondriguez
Barcelona, Spain,
Excellent Verified PurchaseUn trekking distinto y único
El trekking del Upper Mustang es espectacular: poco masificado, soberbios paisajes y
patrimonio. Ha estado bien organizado. Tanto el guía como el poter han sido amables y
solícitos, pero también discretos. Hemos disfrutado un montón.
Source by: TripAdvisor
Guided by: Bal Bahadur Ghale
Drumetu
Bucharest, Romania,
Excellent Verified PurchaseAmazing trip in Upper Mustang and Tiji Festival
Hello! We have been with the agency in the Upper Mustang area for 15 days and the Tiji Festival. We are using the services of the agency for the second time, the first time was in 2019. We are so grateful to find them. They are taking care of everything we need …permits for accessing the area, accommodation, our trail, transportation. Dansingh our guide is a very special person, fluent in English and easy to talk and joke with him. We discussed every single part of our trial. They are flexible and ready to make changes when is possible to visit other places, and detour to the normal route. Resuming in just a few words: everything was perfectly organized for us and we were able to enjoy the beauty around us, and, yes there is so much beauty and views and plenty of other things to enjoy! We especially say thanks to our guide Dansingh, to our porter Pal, and to the agency for making this mesmerizing trip happen! For sure we will come back again and we will have another trip with them . Thanks a lot!
Source by: TripAdvisor
Guided by: Dhansingh Gurung
Gabriela Das
London, UK,
Excellent Verified PurchaseAmazing trek in Upper Mustang during Tiji festival
Upper Mustang was for a while on our bucket list but it did surpass our expectations – it was simply jaw-dropping – the beauty of the scenery, the richness of the culture, the experience of the Tiji festival, and meeting and spending time with all the people living in this special part of the world – all contributed to a memorable life experience. It has been the second time when we have been to Nepal for trekking and the second time with Everest Trekking Routes. As before, we felt safe and well cared for in the hands of Dansingh Gurung and his team. He arranged everything smoothly for us from the permits including the extra days needed as well and was very accommodating with the suggestions of adding extra points of interest out of the classic Upper Mustang trekking route. We just got home with all these rich memories but we already started dreaming of our new destination – Upper Dolpo – it will be for sure with Everest Trekking Routes. Thank you Dhansingh to you and your team! Till next time!
Source by: TripAdvisor
Guided by: Dhansingh Gurung
Fantastic landscape and authentic native Upper Mustang lifestyle
In April 2024 we travelled first-time to the Himalayas and chose Upper Mustang for the well-preserved lifestyle and landscape. Also, elevation rarely exceeded 4000m. High peaks can be seen from the trek all the time, although at a distance. The trek is mainly through sandy and rocky terrain and is easy to walk once we adopt walking distances and techniques compared to our normal sea-level hikes. Great cultural experience in the monasteries, temples, and villages on the way. Accommodation in simple teahouses with one central room with a fireplace was part of the journey.
Special thanks to the greatly inspiring and caretaking Everest Trekking Routes team – Rabin as an agent, Karna as a guide, and Madan as support.
We are looking forward to the next travel to the Himalayas and will happily return to Rabin, Karna, and Madan.
Source by: TripAdvisor