Trip Route
Pokhara - Kagbeni - Ghar Gomba - Lo Manthang - Kora La - Chhoser - Muktinath - Jomsom
Trip Facts
1+ PAX
Moderate
Lodge/Guesthouse
4,660 M/15,280 FT
Full Boards Meal On The Trek
Private/Shared/Public
Spring/Summer/Autumn
Short Upper Mustang Trekking Highlights
- Explore medieval heritage, architecture, and culture of Kathmandu
- Visit enchanting Buddhist and Hindu religious site of Nepal
- Enjoy the glorious sunrise view on the Annapurna mountain range from Sarankot/World Peace Stupa
- Memorial hiking into the lost Buddhist & Forbidden kingdom and visit Monasteries, Cave, Stupa & Chhorten
- To and Fro Jomsom flight offer close and Ariel mountain view of Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri
- Trekking along the Kali Gandaki valley on arid mountain
Short Upper Mustang Trekking laying beyond the Annapurna massif, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri in the north of Annapurna circuit trek route also frontier with Tibetan plateaus. Upper Mustang area is far unique than another trekking route of Nepal, the eroded canyon, arid wider mountain plateau, sumptuous Buddhist culture, the colorful painted villages courtyard of the world 7th and 10th highest mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The entire Upper Mustang region is occupied with numerous old and ancient Buddhist Gompa, Monasteries, Chorten and the cave where the monks and nunnery had done meditation and retreatment. On the Upper mustang trip visiting sacred unseen sites Sky Cave, Nyphu Cave, Gharphu Gompa, & Ranchung Chungsi Cave. Also, the route passing ancient Buddhist sites Ghar Gompa, Namgyal Gompa, Tsarang palace, Jhyampa Monastery, Choedye Monastery, Thubchen Monastery, and Kabung Nar Gomba Kang. Few monasteries are badly needed a renovation in-fact few of them under the restoration and also the youth-restoring their authentic handicraft and arts.
The restricted Upper Mustang region is different than any other part of Nepal because of the rain-shadow mountain terrain, wider open landscapes above the barren valley, typical Buddhist culture and uncountable monasteries and concealed cave as well as the architecture and handicraft. Trekkers can do a trek to Upper Mustang and Lomanthang during the midst of monsoon in Nepal, the area filled filled-up with colorful wildflower and Himalayan hub.
Short Upper Mustang Trekking ambling from 2743 m and highest altitude of trek Kora la pass (4660 m). Although it not that high and difficult compared to other trekking routes in Nepal due to the harsh weather and freezing cold not recommend trekking to Upper Mustang from December to March. Also the maximum local migrate to warmer places to skipping the cold temperature. The expertise recommends trekking over Upper Mustang from July to October for nature vivid, the entire route is covered by flower and hike there on May witness the colorful Tiji festival.
We organize Upper Mustang Tea House Trek where the basic (Outside toilet) to standard (Attaché room) accommodation is in the option most of the villages. The hot shower is available all most all the lodge and its produce from solar power. The lodge crew can do laundry on your request at additional cost but it takes a quite long time to dry.
Upper Mustang trekking is utterly different from any other trekking route in Nepal culturally and geographic similarities with the Dolpo region. Upper Mustang region is parallels with Tibet. The forbidden kingdom used to be part of the Tibetan kingdom and since 1380 AD it became part of Nepal but still ruled by a local king. And the kingdom reign over once Nepal became the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal in 2008. Upper Mustang region officially open for the international tourist from 1992 AD but the French travelers Michael visited 1965 AD. Upper Mustang, the lost Buddhist kingdom used to be India and Tibet trade route for a long time and in the future Nepal government planning to open border for the trading.
Musical Adventure Trekking Short Upper Mustang Trekking itinerary let you rambling through the trekking route (skipping jeep road) to Lo-manthang. It is a bit long trekking day than a normal route but without dust and engine noise. Then day tour around Lomanthang by private jeep which makes your trip easier also can explore many beautiful places in a day. After that a long day drive-out from Lomanthang to Jomsom in shared/private jeep. Upper Mustang trek classified as moderate and it recommends for novice and experienced trekkers, still need to prepare trekking against tough uphill. You also need to walk around 15 km a day from morning to evening. It probably gives you a lifetime trekking memorial with exploring primitive walled city Lo manthang and red cliff of Drakmar hill.
Daily itinerary
Day 00: Arrival Kathmandu (1,350 m)
30-min ---No--- ---No---
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu international airport receiving by your trek guide with fresh wreath then transfer to your hotel. Your trek guide stays standby at the airport with your name on the signboard. After arriving the hotel have own time until official meeting an evening.
Day 01: Kathmandu - Mugling - Pokhara (850 m)
7-8 Hrs Drive ---No--- Hotel
Pokhara can be reached by overland and air, a driver gives you the best overland trip of Nepal. Kathmandu to Pokhara drive takes around 8 hours on good condition road, the road would be pretty busy high chance to stuck in the traffic. Pokhara drive is totally picturesque with offering mountain panorama, lush and green landscapes of hilly terrain. Also, enjoy to see adventure lover doing white water rafting on the sacred Trishuli River. Pokhara city is connected by air where the local flight provides services from morning to late afternoon.
A-20 minute flight rendering panoramic mountain view of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Annapurna mountain range and 6th tallest Mount Dhaulagiri. After reaching Pokhara transfer to your hotel near Phewa Lake called Lakeside. Then later an evening enjoys walking around Lakeside street.
Day 02: Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni - Tsugsang/Chusang (3,000 m)
5-6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drink Lodge/Guesthouse
Early morning
transfer to Pokhara airport for Jomsom flight and then take a spectacular
mountain flight to Jomsom with Ariel Mountain View of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
massif. Also, you will enjoy to see landscapes variation and picturesque
villages. On arrival, Jomsom introduces with your assistant who is carrying
your bag-pack entire the Upper Mustang trekking. After eating a delightful
breakfast short walk to the bus station then a 30-minute bus journey to Kagbeni
village. We walking into the old Kagbeni village which gives a flavor of the Tibetan
culture also visiting Kheni and Kag Choden monastery.
After completing the
process to enter the forbidden kingdom, trailhead on the bank of the
Kaligandaki River with enjoying the open view of the arid terrain and the mount
Nilgiri. The trail often passing elaborate Chorten which distinct sect of
Buddhism. The road to Tsugsang is a mostly level path with gentle climbing via
Tangbe also gets a close view of wind-eroded hills and numerous caves on both sides
of Kali Gandaki River. After room check-in one of the lodge short side trek to
Gonpa Kang Monastery and Kabung.
Day 03: Tsugsang/Chusang - Chele - Ranchung Chungsi Cave - Syanboche (3,700 m)
6-7 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drink Lodge/Guesthouse
After breakfast leaving and trailhead to Syanboche walking bottom of Sky cave and get a stunning view of Great canyon before leaving Kali Gandaki River. We follow an uphill path and it passing villages, apple orchid, farming farm, animal grazing and Buddhist sites to Syanboche village. Chele is a small village but still offers good sights of Kali Gandaki valley on the courtyard of the Mount Nilgiri and Thorong Peak. We climb up on the barren topography and after crossing river reaching Gyaker village. The trek continuously climbing to Dajori La (3735 m) via buckwheat and apple farm then nice short descent to Samar village surrounded by a grove of poplar trees which use to build the house and leafs are the grass for animals during the winter.
Then restart trek cross the tiny ditch then ascent on dwarf rhododendron and junipers trees then follow branch trail from Goat Kharka to Chungsi cave. The path further is quite small while going down to Chungsi cave also grit as well. Chungsi Rangchung Cave attaché on the mount and believed Buddhist teacher Guru Ringpoche had done meditation on his way to Tibet. The further trail is pretty good compare to this morning with a little ascending to Syanboche. Syambochen is a small place with 4 basic guesthouses.
Day 04: Syanbochen - Ghiling - Ghami (3,520 m)
5-6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drink Lodge/Guesthouse
The trek begins after hot breakfast in the morning, a short climb takes us to the ridge, it offers stunning Mountain View of Nilgiri, Tilichi peak, Brikuti, Khamjungar, and Thorong peak. From here gentle descend to Ghiling village, it is a great place for farming of multiple grains. A colorful Buddhist monastery "Tashi Choling" built north of the village and its part of Sakyapa sect Buddhism.
We proceed trek out of jeep track with long ascending on the scrub ridge above the Ghiling village then go over the pass then walking on the downhill where often see some wild animals deer and jackal. The top provides a magnificent view of the mountain desert with the Himalayas.
Day 05: Ghami - Dhakmar - Ghar Gompa - Tsarang (3,620 m)
5-6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drink Lodge/Guesthouse
The journey begins and hiking down to Ghami Khola, then trail passes the longest mani wall of Nepal also passes huge trio Chorten on foot of Dhakmar red cliff. Trek continued to Dhakmar with enjoying the dramatic spectacle of the red-walled cliff. Also, see closed scenery of eroded hill above the Dhakmar village. The trail beyond Dhakmar village is steady-up on the stony route to Muila Bhanjyang (4172 m), then follow flatter path to Ghar Gomba, oldest gomba of Upper mustang which was established in the 8th century while Guru Rinpoche heading to Tibet. Few red color Chorten and colorful Tibetan flag around the Ghar gompa make the scenery stunning with far distance snowcapped mountains. We walk to Tsarang village on the level trail. It is the large village and surrounded by the large apple farm as well as distinct high altitude grain. Also, the north side of the village has Tsarang palace and a monastery as well as a couple of multiple colored fortresses.
Day 06: Tsarang - Marang - Chogo La - Lo Manthang (3,730 m)
5-6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drink Lodge/Guesthouse
We take a trekking trail to Lomanthag also called the Upper route and avoiding jeep road. In the morning short tour to Tsarang palace and the monastery. Then trek commence after breakfast and follow a level path through scrubs and seasonal vegetable farms to Marang village. From here keep trekking on the dwarf Himalayan herbs like pediculosis scullyana, Juniperus, hippophae rhamnoides, androsace, and fungus-caterpillar to Chong La. A top provides an excellent view of the walled city Lo-Manthang and four-story Lomanthang palace of Mustang king. Also, let admire broadens scenery of the arid barren plateau and trekking peaks. From here long descending to Lo-Manthang but will have a beautiful view of around.
Day 07: Day trips by jeep (Namgyal Monastery - Chhonhup - Kora La - Nyphu - Garphu)
5-6 Hrs Drive B/L/D with hot drink Lodge/Guesthouse
Awaited day on short Upper Mustang Trekking and time to accomplish the goal, we hire the jeep for day tours around Lomanthang. The first drive commences to Namgyal Gompa, Thinggar village, Chhonhup, Kora La, Garphu Gomba, Nyphu Cave & Monastery, Sija John Cave after that drive back to Lomathang. Then evening explore the labyrinth alley of Lomathang and the monasteries such as Thubchen, Jhyampala, and Choeden.
Day 08: Lomanthang - Chusang - Tetang (3,000 m )
4-5 Hrs Drive B/L/D with hot drink Lodge/Guesthouse
After breakfast short trekking to jeep station, the entrance of the Lomanthang village and then jump on the jeep. It is off-road four-wheel drive from Lomanthang to Chuksang/Tsugsang, it is 4-5 hours scenic drive to Chuksang/Tsugsang with crossing passes namely Lo La, Tsarang La, Nyi La, and Yamdo La. Upon jeep drop-off Chusang, the trekking begins and walking on the great red canyon to Teteng village. The traditional mountain village is enclosed by the large wind-eroded ravine and only one lodge is available here with basic accommodation.
Day 09: Tetang - Gyula - Muktinath - Jomsom (2,743 m)
6-7 Hrs Trek & Drive B/L/D with hot drink Lodge/Guesthouse
The trek starts after eaten breakfast in the lodge, we crossing 4000 m Gyula pass and the pass delivered the best view of Mount Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and wider Kaligandaki valley on foot. The first section of Chusang to Muktinath trek route is steeply up on the unyielding path. Then strolling on pretty nicely and scenery flattens footpath to the ditch where often see yak, goat, and sheep are pasturing. Again the trail leading sharply-up hill to Gyu La pass which probably takes 2 hours. Gyula summit to the Muktinath temple route is pretty easy on the barren area and into the villages. On arrival Muktinath site trips to Muktinath complex where can see one hundred and eight sacred water taps, Jwala Mai temple (flame of natural burning gas), holy pond, Narsing Gumba, and nunnery Gumb. After that walking through Ranipauwa village to Jeep station then one-hour jeep drives back to Jomsom.
Day 10: Jomsom - Pokhara (850 m)
20-min B/L/D with hot drink Lodge/Guesthouse
Early morning 10-min trekking to Jomsom airport then 20-min mountain flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival Pokhara airport transfer to your hotel in Lakeside. We always put our effort to reserve your seat on the first flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Because due to the weather forecast the flight may delay or cancel a day. If the scheduled flight cancel then reschedule the next day.
Day 00: Pokhara - Kathmandu (1,350 m)
7-8 Hrs Drive ---No--- ---No---
The distance between Pokhara to Kathmandu is only 205 km but it requires a complete day drive because of the small and zig-zag road as well as the traffic on the road. The standard tourist bus departure at 7:30 am daily from near to Lakeside Pokhara and 7-8 hours' drive on Prithivi highway. The buses stopping along the high way for breakfast, lunch, and toilet, it is a scenic drive. Although it is a long drive but definitely enjoyable and fun trip. Except for the tourist bus the public buses and micro-buses (Van) departure 05:00 hours to 16:00 hours from Prithi Chowk Pokhara.
Day 00: Finale Departure
30-min ---No--- ---No---
The fascinating cultural and cave exploration Short Upper Mustang Trekking end here by today. We hope you had a memorial and fantastic adventure with us in the Himalayas. As per your international flight scheduled transfer to Kathmandu airport 4 hours before the flight time.
Note: If you are willing to do scenic mountain flight to see Mt. Everest or willing to do one-day thrilling white water rafting. We can help to organize you.
What's included?
- International and Domestic airport pick-up and drop-off service
- Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu by standard tourist bus
- All the required ground transportation as mention in the Itinerary
- Upper Mustang Trekking Permits (immigration permit and Annapurna Conservation Area entry fees)
- Fluent English speaking experience trek guide/leader with salary, accommodation, food, and insurance
- Three meals a day during the trek (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner with hot drinks)
- Seasonal fresh fruits Apple, Banana, Orange, Pomegranate
- Complimentary trekking equipment's four seasonal sleeping bag, down Jacket etc (should be returned upon completing the trek)
- Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara mountain experience flight cost U$D250
- Jomsom to Kagbeni by local bur/jeep
- Day tour around Lomanthang by private (Namgyal Monastery, Thinggar village, Kora La Border, Nyphu Cave, Sija John Cave, Garphu Gomba and Chhoser Village
- Lomanthang - Chuksang - Muktinath - Jomsom by local jeep
- First aid medical kits including oximeter to check pulse rate and oxygen percentage on your body
- Normal lodge/guesthouse base accommodation during the trek in the mountains
- Farewell dinner Kathmandu/Pokhara with live cultural show
What's not included?
- Lunch and dinner at Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Travel insurance and any sort of rescues such as Helicopter or Horse
- Personal expenses battery charge, hot shower, phone call, Internet, laundry etc
- Entrace fees of Monasteries, Gomba and Cave
- Gratitude (Tips) to guide and porters
Fixed Departures
Essential Information
Upper Mustang Trekking Transportation
Jomsom, the entrance of Upper Mustang trekking, both drive and air transport is accessible from Pokhara. Daily direct buses are leaving from Kathmandu to Jomsom via Pokhara and daily scheduled flight departure from Pokhara to Jomsom. Lo Manthang is the ultimate destination of Upper Mustang trek, there is variation option to reach the small mountainous plateau-like drive and trekking. Four-wheel drive from Jomsom to Lo Manthang on dirt and bump road is another fun on traveling. The road beyond the Kagbeni villages is mostly grubby and zig-zag. The local and private jeep is available from Jomsom to Lo Manthaang and Jomsom. The route jeep mostly departure early in the morning from both starting point and private vehicle departure at any time on your preferance schedule.
Accommodation in Upper Mustang Trekking
Along the Upper Mustang Trekking, we accommodate you in local tea where shared an inside toilet accommodation is available in the traditional mountain villages. Most of the bedroom is twin/triple/quad shared based. The room has a neat and clean bed sheet with pillow cover and one blanket but it does not change each day due to the cold temperature. All the village has a limit inside toilet accommodation and it is a very rudimentary attached room. The shared toilet and bathroom located near an end of the building most of the tea house has an Asian squat toilet. You need to carry your own toiletries with sanitizer. The cozy room has colorful and traditional decoration with windows that provides enough light during the day and supplies hydropower electricity during the nights. Complete route lodges have a charging point for your electrical devices and can connect at extra cost. Possible to have a hot shower throughout the route at additional cost.