Upper Mustang Trek-17 Days
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Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)
Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by the representative of K.J. Adventures. He will then transfer you to the hotel and help you through the check-in process. The representative will then brief you regarding the programs of the adventure in detail. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
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Day 02: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)
On this day, you explore Kathmandu valley, also known as the city of temples. Among the 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal, 7 of them are located solely in Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambunath, Pashupatinath, and Bouddhanath are among a few of them that you’ll be visiting. These sites are architecturally rich and possess high historical significance. After sightseeing has completed, we gather with other members attempting for the same trek, brief out trekking basics and configure our backpacks for the next morning. Overnight in Kathmandu.
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Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (900m/2,952ft)
The starting point of the Upper Mustang Trek is Pokhara. We take a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara which usually takes around 6-7 hours. Pokhara is a tourist hub of Nepal and attracts thousands of international as well as domestic visitors every year. The 3 beautiful lakes Phewa, Rupa, and Begnas are among the best attraction points of this beautiful valley. There are a number of activities that you can enjoy here including boating, paragliding, cycling, and rafting. Overnight in Pokhara.
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Day 04: Domestic Flight to Jomsom (2,700m/8,898ft) and Trek to Kagbeni (2,810m/9,216ft)
Today, there will be an early morning flight to Jomsom. It is also the starting point of your trekking adventure. The flight takes around 20 minutes and upon reaching Jomsom, you are immediately greeted by dusty and windy desertlike landscapes. This region is especially famous for its rugged terrains and apples. The trekking begins and you walk alongside the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. You will be walking uphill for around 3 hours to reach Kagbeni village. This settlement is located at the bank of 2 rivers. Overnight in Kagbeni.
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Day 05: Trek to Chele (3,050m/10,004ft)
After morning breakfast and having your permits checked, you advance alongside Kali Gandaki and start ascending uphill through sandy terrains. Tangbe is the first settlement that you come across today. This small town has beautiful narrow alleyways, stone houses, barley and buckwheat fields, and apple trees. Upon walking further for around 2 hours, you reach Chhusang village and then cross Kali Gandaki. Further walking, you come across a ridge just before reaching Chele village. Overnight in Chele.
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Day 06: Trek to Syanbochen (3,475m/11,398ft)
The difficulty of the trek increases slightly from today onwards as you climb steeper hills and cross two passes, namely Taklam La pass (3,624 meters) and Dajori La pass (3,735 meters). After a few ascends and descends, you reach Samar. From here, you walk on a trail just above the village. There’s a ridge that you have to climb and then descend on a steep route to a stream and walk further to finally reach Syanbochen. Overnight in Syanbochen
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Day 07: Trek to Ghami (3,520m/11,546ft)
There’s a pass at an elevation of 3,850 meters named Yamda La pass that you need to ascend today. There are several chortens and villages that you walk past while climbing this pass. While climbing downhill this pass you reach the village of Gheling. Walking past Gheling village, you come to Nyi La pass with an elevation of 3,950 meters. Climbing this pass and descending, you reach Ghami, one of the biggest settlements in the Lo region. Overnight in Ghami.
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Day 08: Trek to Tsarang (3,620m/11,873ft)
The trek begins through a steep and slippery trail down to a suspension bridge over the Ghami river. After crossing this bridge, the route starts ascending. You come across many mani walls with beautifully inscribed Lamaist prayers. There’s Tsarang La pass just before you reach the Tsarang village. This pass stands at 3,920 meters and upon crossing it you finally reach Tsarang village that sits atop the Charang Chu gorge. On the eastern side of this village, there’s a huge fortress and a red gompa that you can explore. Overnight in Tsarang.
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Day 09: Trek to Lo-Manthang (3,730m/12,234ft)
Today’s trek begins by descending to a canyon and crossing a river just before climbing the Lo La pass (3,950 meters). Upon crossing the Lo La pass, you reach the walled city of Lo Manthang. Overnight in Lo Manthang.
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Day 10: Explore Lo Manthang/ Acclimatization
Today is exploration day and you’ll be exploring the forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang. Lo Manthang is a mystical place that had lied hidden in the northern Himalayas for centuries. With walls surrounding the whole city, this was the capital of the forbidden Kingdom of Mustang. Until recently, this city didn’t welcome foreign tourists and even today it is a restricted area meaning that you need to acquire a special permit to trek in this region. You can find numerous monasteries such as Thugchen Gompa which dates back to the 15th century. The four-storeyed royal palace exhibits the architectural and cultural extravagance of Lo Manthang. The Amachi museum is a must-visit attraction point that lets you explore the kingdom’s history. Overnight in Lo Manthang.
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Day 11: Trek to Drakmar (3,810 m/12,500ft)
While returning from Lo Manthang, you trek through a different route that passes through Gyakar village. This village houses Ghar Gompa and several rock paintings. The trek further continues until you reach Drakmar. Overnight in Drakmar.
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Day 12: Trek to Ghiling (3,806m/12,484ft)
The trek begins early in efforts to avoid strong winds while descending a dry plateau. The trek is relatively difficult as the route is steep and you might experience strong winds. But after walking for around 5-6 hours, you reach Ghiling. Overnight in Ghiling.
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Day 13: Trek to Chhuksang (3,050m/10,004ft)
After breakfast, the trekking adventure continues as you walk through the same route while heading towards Lo Manthang. You walk past several small villages and rough terrains until reaching Chhuksang. Overnight in Chhuksang.
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Day 14: Trek to Jomsom (2,700/8,856ft)
Today’s trek is quite long so it is better if you start it early. On your way, the Mustang trek trail traverses with the Annapurna Circuit trail. Upon walking for around 3-4 hours, you reach Kagbeni where you’ll be stopping for lunch. After lunch, the trek further continues until reaching Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.
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Day 15: Flight back to Pokhara (900m/2,952ft)
You take an early morning flight back to Pokhara from Jomsom airport. The plane flys above the Kali Gandaki gorge keeping Annapurna and Dhaulagiri on its two sides. After landing in Pokhara, you’ll have a leisure day which can be used to explore this beautiful city.
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Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)
After having breakfast, you drive back to Kathmandu through the same route you originally came to at the beginning of the trip. It takes around 6-7 hours to reach Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu,you will be escorted to the hotel where you can relax and freshen up. In the evening, the representative of K.J Adventures will pick you for the final day dinner. Overnight in Kathmandu.
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Day 17: International Departure
Farewell day! Depending upon your flight schedules, the representative of K.J. Adventures will receive you from the hotel and escort you to the airport for the final departure.
