Upper Mustang trek is called Trek kingdom behind the Himalayas. Upper Mustang Trek has highly preserved Tibetan culture and unspoiled nature. Upper Mustang has Unique Varieties of Landscape and Geographics. Mustang (from Tibetan Mun Tan (Wylie smon-thang) which means fertile plain) is the former Kingdom of Lo and now part of Nepal, in the north-central part of that country, bordering Tibet on the Central Asian plateau between the Nepalese provinces of Dolpo and Manang. The Kingdom of Lo, the traditional Mustang region, and "Upper Mustang" are one and the same, comprising the northern two-thirds of the present-day Nepalese Mustang District, and are well marked by official "Mustang" border signs just north of Kagbeni where a police post checks permits for non-Nepalese seeking to enter the region, and at Gyu La (pass) east of Kagbeni. Mutangis People follow Tibetan Buddhism as well.
Tibetan plateau with its endless expanses of yellow and grey rolling hills is eroded by wind. There is more rain in the lower part of upper Mustang and the hills tend to be great red fluted cliffs of tiny round stones cemented together by mud. Villages are several hours apart and appear in the distance almost as mirages during the summer season, after the crops are planted, they are green oases in the desert-like landscape. Because of the cold and snow, most of the population departs from Lo on trading expeditions during the winter. The trekking season, therefore, is from late March until early November. The trek does not go to extremely high elevations, but the cold, dust and unrelenting afternoon winds can make the trek less pleasant than other treks in Nepal. Tiji Festival one of the most sacred and colorful festivals in this whole region. Festival features a three day ritual known as the "chasing of demons". Monks donning masks and colorful costumes enact the story of Dorje Jono who fought against his demon father to save the Kingdom of Mustang from falling apart.
A1 Excursion Adventure offers you 16 days Upper Mustang Trekking. A1 Excursion Adventure always believe in providing excellent service with a tailor-made trip for you with popular route map and trek itinerary as well as cost detail.. We, A1 Excursion Adventure look forward to guide you the popular Upper Mustang trekking for a life time memory.
We will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival and transfer you to the hotel for the overnight stay.
It takes around 7 hours to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu by bus. You can also take the flight which take about 30 minutes and in the remaining time, take your time to explore the Pokhara city and Lakeside. We stay overnight at a guesthouse in Pokhara.
Our guide assists you to transfer for Pokhara Airport to fly for Jomsom. This scenic adventurous flight takes about 20-25 minutes passing through the world’s deepest George presenting spectacular mountain views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Ranges and Fishtail with several famous peaks within the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri area from its both sides. The airstrip is in Jomsom, the main village in the Kali Gandaki valley. Jomsom is the beginning point of our trek. After landing here we start our trek toward Kagbeni which takes about 3-4 hours walk. Kagbeni is also the check point for entrance to restricted Upper Mustang Trekking. We can enjoy the majestic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Tukuche peak while walking the trail in the opposite direction. Your overnight accommodation is set here in tented camp/tea house/Lodge.
You trek right up the river valley, but you use a combination of the high trail and the riverbank pathways. The trail then widens significantly revealing an endless stretch of sand but the path is kept interesting by the passing of mule trains bearing goods from Mustang and Tibet. On the west bank of the river are some caves and Gompa Kang. Unlike most monasteries in Upper Mustang which are of the Sakyapa sect, Gompa Kang is of the Nyingmapa sect. You stop for lunch at the village of Tangbe, where you come across the first black, white and red chortens that typify Upper Mustang. The little town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys among white washed houses, fields of buck wheat and barley and apple orchards. Nilgiri Peak continues to dominate the southern skyline. Chusang village is only about 2hrs walk beyond Tangbe at the confluence of the Narshing Khola and the Kali Gandaki. There are three separate parts to this village and some ruined castle walls on the surrounding cliffs. Across the river from Chusang are some spectacular red organe pipe eroded cliffs above the mouths of some inaccessible caves.
There is a distinct change here, not only in the topography, but also in the culture, lifestyle and people, and the settlements become more scattered, smaller and more basic. The people of Lo or Mustang do practice agriculture, but because of the lack of rain and fertile soil, cultivation is in sheltered plots of land, scattering the brown landscape with patches of green. Continuing north, you reach a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliffs above, forming a tunnel through which the river flows. A steel bridge spans the river just in front of the tunnel and north of here the Kali Gandaki becomes impassable on foot. The trek now leaves the valley and climbs steeply up a rocky alley to the village of Chele. Watch out here for the ferocious Tibetan mastiffs which are chained to many of the houses. From Chele you climb a steep spur and then continue ascending along the side of a spectacular steep canyon to a pass. Beyond the pass you descend on a pleasant trail to Samar, situated in a grove of poplar trees. This is a major stopping place for horse and mule caravans.
You climb above Samar to a ridge and then descend into a large gorge past a chorten before entering another valley filled with juniper trees. You then cross a stream and after climbing to a pass, you descend along a ridge to Shyangmochen a tiny settlement with a few tea shops. Nearby is Rangbyung, a cave containing stalagmites which have formed in the shape of chortens and one of the holiest places in Mustang. The trail climbs gently from Shyangmochen and you enter another huge valley before descending to Geling with its extensive fields of barley. As in all the settlements of Mustang, the white and ochre-painted houses are constructed using mud and stones, with roofs made of twigs, straw and a mixture of mud and pebbles.
From Geling the trail climbs gently through fields, up the center of the valley, passing above the settlement of Tama Gun and an imposing chorten. You then begin a taxing climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La [3840m]. The descent from the pass is quite gentle and about half an hour further on we come to a trail junction; the right trail is the direct route to Charang. You will have the magnificent views of the countryside, from the gentle contours of the north to the rugged mountains in the east and west, are a source of inspiration. Finally, you come to Charang, a large spread-out village at the top of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the village is a huge dzong [fortress] and a red gompa which houses an excellent collection of statues and thangkas.
Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay at hotel for the overnight stop.
Today we explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to hotel. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang "God house" the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- storey building of the Raja's palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya.
While returning from Lo-Mangthan, we take a different route than that we came by. Trek to Drakmar via Gyakar with more than 1200 years old Ghar Gompa with Guru Rinpoche as the primary figure. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. According to the legend, anyone who makes one wish at the Ghar Gompa, their wish is fulfilled. explore the local area. Likelihood of dusty wind, so suggested to walk in the morning.
In the morning, we visit the Muktinath Temple of the Lord Vishnu. For the Hindus, the region is a "Muktikhsetra"or the region of liberation or salvation. There are water spouts channeled for the stream running above the temple. There is also a Buddhist Monastery nearby. Also enjoy the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri peak from Muktinath. Muktinath itself demonstrates the religions harmony in Nepal. From Muktinath, we continue back to Jomsom.
We take early morning 20min flight from Jomsom to Pokhara; and then nest flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Overnight stay at a hotel.
We are saying good bye to the Kathmandu as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We will transfer you to the airport for your returning flight.
A1 Execution is an excellent organizer with whom I have been trekking for 4 times through Nepal. The organization and execution of the trek through Upper Mustang was very good as usual. Everything went safely and on time. Many little things really make the difference compared to other organizers. Raj - the boss…Continue
I have fulfiled my dream and made a trekking tour through the former kindom "UpperMustang" in Himalaya/Nepal. In Upper Mustang you can still experience the traditional culture in the state of rapid change. I visited monasteries, temple complexes and I saw a lot of prayer flags, prayer mills, stupas, deep canyons and suspension…Continue
Went with A1 Excursion to Upper Mustang for a trek of two weeks in November. I was more than surprised from the beginning of my adventure. Even arriving one day later as the rest of attendees I´ve been personally picked up from the airport by A1 (same for my departure, service level from…Continue
I don't know, how to thank these Wonderful people of A1 Excursion team who made my Trekking best travel of my life. They are not only my friends rather became like family. This Upper Mustang trek was Magnificent. The crews were extremely professional, Because of their professionalism, we had not any difficulties at…Continue
If the group size is above 12 pax then the leader will be FOC except the Trekking Permit taxes and fight ticket.