Upper Mustang Circuit Trek

• Day 1: Arrival and Reception at Kathmandu

  Kathmandu: 1350m (4,430ft)

  After you arrive in Kathmandu, our office representative will be at the airport terminal displaying a nameplate with the name of the company or your name on it to welcome and receive you. The representative will then greet you and drive you in a private vehicle to the hotel in Thamel. After that, you can unpack and relax in the hotel where you checked in. After receiving a briefing on how to prepare for the trek, you can explore Thamel’s bustling streets in the evening.

• Day 2: Take a flight to Pokhara and sightseeing

  Kathmandu: 1350m (4,430ft) Pokhara: (820m/2,690ft)

  We will depart for Pokhara this morning on flight 25 from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan International Airport. Alternatively, a 6-hour jeep trip down the Prithvi Highway through the breathtaking scenery will get you to Pokhara.

  We will have a half-day to spend sightseeing at Pokhara after your arrival. The renowned Davi’s Fall, the Gupteshowar Mahadev cave, the Fewa Lake, and the mountain museum are all accessible major attractions available to us. You can get to the Tal Barahi Temple is located between the Phewa lake while enjoying the boating. The serene market strip by the lake is an awesome area to stroll in the evenings while sipping your preferred beverage and soaking in the welcoming ambiance.

• Day 3: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni

  Pokhara: (820m/2,690ft) Jomsom: (2,720m/8,915ft) Kagbeni: (2,800m/9,500ft)

  After a wonderful and relaxing stay at Pokhara, a tourist hub with the most modern facilities, we catch a 16-minute flight to Jomsom. The picturesque trekking routes of Upper Mustang start from Jomsom. The Jomsom region is renowned for its vistas, apples, and afternoon winds. Jomsom, with its varied topography, features stony cliffs and tall Himalayan peaks, with little in the way of vegetation.

  Following a brief lunch break, we begin our trek toward Kagbeni over a pleasant trail that runs across the Kali Gandaki valley as soon as we land in Jomsom. As we ascend the trail, a more stunning sight is in store. Ascending about 3 to 4 hours, we arrive at Kagbeni, which serves as the entrance to Upper Mustang. At the confluence of the Muktinath and Kali Gandaki rivers, the medieval settlement of Kagbeni is situated in a verdant oasis. Kagbeni is an ancient nomadic caravan salt trading route to Tibet, just south of Upper Mustang’s restricted area.

• Day 4: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele

  Kagbeni: (2,800m/9,500ft) Chele: (3,055m/10,025ft)

  After having our permits checked at the checkpoint, we will proceed onto the trails. Upper Mustang refers to the region above Kagbeni, and entry to it requires a permit. we register our permit papers and make our way toward Chele.

  To escape strong winds in the afternoon, we’ll set off on our walk early in the morning. The area next to the river can experience strong winds and heavy airborne dust. Thus, we advise wearing sunglasses and a face mask to cover your mouth and nose.

  On our journey, we get a view of Mt. Nilgiri as it glows orange in the early dawn. We arrive at Tangbe Village after traversing Mustang’s distinctive red sandstone pillars and rock formations created by thousands of years of erosion along the east bank of the Kali Gandaki River. Leaving this quaint village, we go through labyrinthine streets lined with red- and white-washed houses, farmlands with attractive apple trees, and fields of barley and buckwheat. Later, we make our way to the village of Chele, which is perched on a ridge, along a relatively tight canyon. Chele offers perspectives from distant worlds. We are certain that you won’t discover these viewpoints anyplace else in the world.

• Day 5: Trek from Chele to Syangboche

  Chele: (3,055m/10,025ft) Syangboche: (3,930m/11,400ft)

  As we will be climbing about 800 meters today, the walk will be a little difficult. We will be hiking from Chele to the town of Eklo Batti across a difficult canyon and up to the 3,625-meter Taklam La pass. Afterward, after passing through chortens and downhills, we will gradually descend toward the settlement of Samar. Along the trip, we stop at locations with juniper trees, cool streams, and breathtaking views.

  We can still see Mount Nilgiri in all of its glory from Samar. In addition, horse and mule caravans frequently rest here. We drop from Samar to a large gorge and then continue our journey to Syangboche after passing the Rangchyung Chorten, which is decorated and painted in red, black, yellow, and white.

• Day 6: Trek from Syangboche to Ghami

  Syangboche: (3,930m/11,400ft) Ghami: (3,520m/11,535ft)

  Today will be a mix of more exciting and difficult. We will cross two passes Yamda La (3,845 meters) and Nyi La (4,015 meters). The day begins with an upward climb through an unexpected desert landscape and a few villages that exhibit Tibetan influences. The route then ascends the large valley before descending to the expansive barley fields of Ghilling with houses made of mud and stones that have been painted white and ochre.

  Following Ghiling, we will arrive in Tama Gaon. After that, to get to the Nyi La pass (3840m), we’ll have to negotiate some difficult, steep terrain paths across the valley’s head. The pass provides stunning views of the Annapurna Mountains and bird’s eye views of the valley. Then, as we approach a trail intersection, we will descend till the junction of two paths, the left path leads to Ghami and the right path leads to Tsarang. After reaching Ghami, the third largest village of Upper Mustang, visitors experience both weird feelings and shade from a cliff that hovers over the whitewashed mud and stone houses.

• Day 7: Trek from Ghami to Lo Manthang via Ghar Gompa

  Ghami: (3,520m/11,535ft) Ghar Gompa: (3,930m/12,894t) Lo Manthang: (3810m/12,135ft)

  We will climb across the driest part of Mustang today. Although it will be a strenuous trek through difficult terrain, the breathtaking vistas of the countryside will be our reward. Despite the challenging climb, the mountains will surprise you in every direction.

  Today, we climb to the magnificent Lo Manthang. On our way, we will visit the Ghar Gompa. Ghar Gompa is the oldest monastery of Mustang built in the 8^th century by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. While climbing, we come across the isolated village of Dhakmar. After crossing the river, the trail ascends rapidly and passes through the beautiful countryside. The descent to Charang is more of an off-the-beaten-path journey. The Lo Manthang Valley is seen from the trail as it continues to gradually ascend to the windswept Lo Pass at 3,850 meters. As you make your way down to Lo Manthang, views of the walled city on the Tibetan Border with its highlands are breathtaking.

• Day 8: Acclimatization and exploration day at Lo Manthang

  Lo Manthang: (3810m/12,135ft) Chhoser: (3,908m/2821ft)

  We will be exploring the main sites of the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo today. We’ll investigate the enigmatic Lo Manthang, which is significant both historically and spiritually.

  Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo, was established by Ame Pal in 1380 and is still distinctive with its 150 houses, ethnic Lo peoples, and Lama Gurus. The village is well-known for its tall, whitewashed brick walls constructed of mud, stones, and wood, its century-old royal palace with distinctive artwork and architecture, its mysterious caves, its monastic museums, and its historic monasteries, including Jampa Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, Chodey Gompa, and Choprang Gompa. The Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, and Bhrikuti Peak surrounding mountains enhance the beauty and ambiance of the settlement.

  A visit to a mysterious Jhong cave at Chhoser is another engaging and enticing activity nearby Lo Manthang. From Lo Manthang, this cave is two hours’ worth of walking. Both horseback riding and jeep driving are options for getting to Chhoser.

  Jhong Cave, also referred to as the Sky Cave, is a five-story structure carved out of a rock. The Chhoser valley and the nearby mountains may be seen from the window of Jhong Cave in awe-inspiring detail. Researchers from all around the world are drawn to these man-made caverns because of their secrets and mystique. They are quite inquisitive and are looking into these caverns to learn more about them, but they do not yet know who built them or why. It is assumed that they were used as safe havens from intruders, tombs, and meditation areas, some of which later evolved into monasteries.

• Day 9: Trek from Lo Manthang to Yara

  Lo Manthang: (3810m/12,135ft) Yara: (3,596m/11,798ft)

  Today, the trekking trails take you through the heart of the region displaying its unique culture and rich history, breathtaking scenario, and sheer beauty of the Himalayas. The trail leads towards Lo La at  3,960 meters as soon as we leave Lo Manthang.  The trails is mostly flat with some steep climbs and descend along the way.

  Then, we will be crossing some bridges and Dhi village and Surkhang village. Dhi village is the perfect place for a lunch break where most trekkers take a lunch and rest break. Dhi village is filled with farming fields, best for cultivation with a mix of sandy-colored houses. After some rest and village sightseeing, we traverse a river and following the left bank of the river, we reach Yara village for the overnight stay. Yara village is an important meeting point for the trekkers traveling from Muktinath to Damodhar trek and Trei La pass by Nar Phu valley.

• Day 10: Trek from Yara to Tangbe

  Yara: (3,596m/11,798ft) Tangbe: (3,060m/10,039ft)

  Today, it will be 6 to 7 hours of worthwhile walking by the arid landscape on the up and down off-the-beaten trails that offer stunning scenic views all the way long. Leaving Yara village, we will cross the Dhechyang Khola valley and continue towards the village of Tangbe exploring the jaw-dropping and eye-catching views of the lush Himalayas.

  While walking by the river bank, you can find the black-colored stone (Ammonoid Fossil) locally known as Shaligram. The fossil stone holds great importance for the Hindu religion. Hindu people worship the fossil stone which reflects Lord Shiva.

• Day 11: Trek from Tangbe to Tetang

  Tangbe: (3,060m/10,039ft) Tetang: (3.049m /10,003ft)

  After eating breakfast today, we will ascend a few steps and cross a suspension bridge before reaching Yak River. Awe-inspiring vistas and various cloud formations will reward us throughout the walk.  Then we reach the terraces hilltop located at 4310 meters, one of the trail’s highest points. We will be enjoying the spectacular scenery of local villages, rivers, cliffs, and majestic mountain peaks along the way.  As we proceed further, Damador Himal and Saribung peak will be visible to us, both standing at a maximum elevation of 6346m. After descending the hill with a valley view of Chhusang village, we will be staying at Tetang.

• Day 12: Trek from Tetang to Muktinath

  Tetang: (3.049m /10,003ft) Muktinath: (3,760m/12,335ft)

  Today we will be walking through the diverse arid desert rocky terrains to reach Muktinath. We are rewarded with panoramic views of Thorong peak, Nigiri peak, Tukuche peak, and the magnificent Muktinath temple and its valley today. We will be crossing one of the highest passes Gyu La at an elevation of 4077. Taking in the spectacular scenery from the pass, we descend and reach a vibrant Ranipauwa village and visit the Muktinath temple. Muktinath temple is one of the most important sacred sites for both Buddhists and Hindus. The temple offers a unique atmosphere demonstrating religious peace between the two religions.

• Day 13: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom

  Muktinath: (3,760m/12,335ft) Jomsom: (2,720m/8,915ft)

  Today, we continue our way down along the Kaligandaki River to reach Jomsom. Jomsom is famous for its strong winds in the afternoon, its apples, and its diverse landscapes. After reaching Jomsom, you can explore the surrounding streets or you can just relax at the hotel.

• Day 14: Fly or drive from Jomsom to Pokhara

  Jomsom: (2,720m/8,915ft) Pokhara: (820m/2,690ft)

  We are flying back to Pokhara today with unforgettable trek memories. The flight usually takes about 20-25 minutes from Jomsom to Pokhara. We will take in stunning aerial views of snow-capped mountains like the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna Ranges during our flight. In case of weather issues, we take a 6-7 hour drive to Pokhara through the scenic twisting roads.

• Day 15: Fly or drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

  Pokhara: (820m/2,690ft) Kathmandu: (1350m/4,430ft)

  Today we return to Kathmandu taking a 25-minute scenic flight from Pokhara. Once you get to Kathmandu, relax after a long trip or go sightseeing and souvenir shopping for your beloved ones waiting for you. In the evening, enjoy the farewell dinner while sharing your trekking experiences.

• Day 16: Transfer to airport for final departure

  Kathmandu: (1350m/4,430ft)

  You will leave the Himalayan country today with unforgettable experiences and memories. Our office staff will drive you to the international airport to catch a flight home. During the flight back, you will have plenty of time to plan your upcoming adventure in the stunning country of Nepal.

  We at Trekkers’ Paradise are excited to take you to Nepal for another exhilarating adventure. Do not hesitate to write us if you have any questions regarding trekking in Nepal or if you want to go on yet another trip or trek. We would be pleased to quickly and easily organize the greatest adventures based on your preferences and vacation time.

• Will someone come after my arrival to pick me up at the airport?

  Absolutely, a representative from Trekkers Paradise will be waiting to welcome you outside of Terminal Hall at the airport. He will be holding up a placard of Trekkers Paradise with your name on it. After that, you will be transferred to the designated hotel at Thamel, Kathmandu.

• Do I need a visa to travel to Nepal?

  All foreign nationals, except Indian Citizens, need visas to enter Nepal.

• What is the cost of the visa application process and Visa? Should we apply for a visa from our home country or will we get it at a Nepalese Airport? Which documents are important that I should bring with me?

  After landing, you can obtain a visa at Tribhuwan International Airport, furthermore, it will be easier if you are fill-up the visa form online (http://online.nepalimmigration.gov.np/tourist-visa) before taking the flight to Nepal. Entry Visa fees- at present are $ 30 for 15 days, $ 50 for 30 days, and $ 125 for a three-month visa on entry to Nepal.

  In case of a visa extension for a longer stay in Nepal, the cost to extend a tourist visa is USD 45 for a minimum of 15 days, plus USD 3 for every extra day.
  In the event of a delay, of less than 150 days, an additional $5 per day will be charged as a late fee.

  You should bring the following essential documents on the trip:

  • Valid Passport: must be valid for up to 6 months.
  • Travel insurance: you need to provide a copy of the insurance paper to Trekkers Paradise before you start the trek.
  • Flight Tickets.
  • Emergency contact numbers for T/C’s bank, insurance, and family contacts.
  •  COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing a full dose of vaccination.

• What is the best time to do Upper Mustang Circuit Trek?

  Generally, March to November is the ideal month to explore Mustang, Nepal. With clear skies and moderate temperatures, Mustang’s weather is mild and pleasant throughout this time. The Himalayan region of Upper Mustang receives less rain during the monsoon season. So, Upper Mustang is accessible all year round even during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. It remains quite dry and suitable enough to trek on. The region is covered with lush vegetation and blossoming flowers in the summer. The biggest factor is winter when most citizens flee the city to escape the chilly weather and snow.

• What permits are required for the Upper Mustang Circuit Trek?

  You must receive authorization to access the restricted area if you intend to go trekking in the Upper Mustang. Solo trekking is prohibited in the Upper Mustang. You must have a qualified guide and a permit from a reputable travel company in Nepal. You need two kinds of permits for trekking in the Upper Mustang.

  ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)

  You will need a permit as you’ll be entering the Annapurna Conservation Area. The permit costs USD 20 per person for a single entry into the area and is valid for the duration of the trek. Both the ABC trek and the Annapurna Circuit require this permission.

  RAP (Restricted Area Permit)

  The time frame that someone can spend in the ACAP region is not limited. Moreover, a RAP (Restricted Area Permit) is mandatory for anyone traveling into Upper Mustang from Kagbeni onward.

  A minimum of 2 trekkers are required to receive the permit.  Each trekker must pay USD 500 for the first 10 days and then each additional day cost USD 50 per trekker beyond 10 days. There is no need for TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) because there is no TIMS check post on the way to Upper Mustang and all the details of the trekkers are included in RAP in case of any emergency or difficulty.

• Is the Upper Mustang Circuit Trek safe?

  The only potential hazard during the trek is the possibility of altitude sickness to reduce the chances of it we suggest a single day for acclimatization. You will also be guided by an experienced trekking guide and assisted by local porters, who are there to take care of you during your trek.

• What are the facilities available in case of emergencies during the trek?

  In case you suffer from altitude sickness or any other problems, we will offer you the doctor’s prescribed medicines according to the type of problem facing you. We will descend you and incise of extreme cases, you will get rescued by helicopter.

• Are Trekkers Paradise’s staff insured?

  Yes, all the staff of Trekkers Paradise including guides and porters are insured to recover any kind of casualties.

• What is the climate like during the trek?

  Mustang has a cool, semi-arid climate that is characteristic of the trans-Himalayan region. The average daytime temperature ranges from 18 to 28 °C. The temperature decreases to -2 to 0 °C at night. Mustang sits in the rain shadow area of the Annapurna region. Around 307 mm of rain falls annually on average.

• Do you need a guide during the trek?

  Upper Mustang Trek and tour lie in the restricted region of Nepal. So, it is compulsory to trek with an experienced guide. No one is allowed to trek solo or without a guide in this region.

• Why is Upper Mustang restricted?

  Foreigners were not allowed in the upper Mustang until 1992. The Nepali government continues to have control over the upper Mustang region due to the border issues and in order to protect its strategic location, unique nature, and traditional culture.

• What Upper Mustang is famous for?

  Mustang is one of the key tourist attractions In Nepal because of its unique nature, cultural heritage, and religious importance. It is a part of the popular treks that include the Upper Mustang Trek, the Muktinath Pilgrimage Tour, and the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Also, organic apples are what Mustang is famous for.

• What are the toilet facilities like during the trek?

  Basically, most hotels and lodges provide normal toilet facilities which are usually neat and clean. These days, toilet facilities are more improved with western flushed system toilets in some of the advanced hotels and lodges offering rooms with attached bathrooms.

• How are the shower facilities during the trek?

  There are hot water shower services available and in case of non-availability of such facility, the hotels and lodges will provide you with a hot water bucket. The payment has to be done by yourself for the hot water or shower and the cost varies as per the locations.

• How do I charge my phones and cameras on trek?

  Most of the lodges and hotels offer charging facilities along the trekking routes. But you need to pay some hundred rupees for charging your electronic devices.

• Is Wifi available during the trek?

  The tea houses up to Jomsom and Muktinath provide the Wifi services at a certain price but the internet speed may slow down when it’s used by many people at the same time.  After Jomsom and Muktinath, there is no internet available. So it is advised to buy a Namaste sim card and use 4G data service on your own mobile.

• Is it possible to use ATMs and credit cards during the trek?

  ATMs and credit card services are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Jomsom.  After Jomsom, you have to make cash payments for the personal expenses and extra services you need.

For accommodation, we provide one room for two customers having either two single beds or a master bed in some of the best hotels in the cities.

Upper Mustang Trek is a teahouse trek so you can find some teahouses and lodges with good services on the trekking routes during your trekking days. But as you ascend higher they become more basic. Rooms are basic, almost every room consisting twin-bedded with two beds with a mattress, a pillow, and blankets. You can share a room with a fellow trekker with whom you feel at ease.

Although, each lodge has its own set of standards, please do not anticipate luxurious accommodations, particularly in the mountains. Most teahouses offer hot showers, boiled drinking water, extra blankets, charging stations, and WIFI for an additional fee. The price of teahouses is determined by the location and the facilities/services they offered.

In addition to accommodation, all the meals including breakfasts, lunch, and dinner are served during your stay in Kathmandu and the trekking journey. Usually, breakfast and dinner are served at the same hotel where we stay overnight and lunch is served en route to our destination during the trek.

The services are basic, with some of the popular western, Asian, or Nepalese menus being the most popular and consumed. The most popular and common menu items include the Dal-Bhat set, which consists of rice, lentils, and vegetables, as well as meat, rice, and noodle items, spaghetti, pasta, momo(dumplings), Tibetan bread, chapatti, local tsampa porridge,  potatoes, sandwiches, macaroni dishes, pizza, Sherpa stew, steaks, vegetable curry and so forth.

However, you cannot compare them with the choices available in large cities. Usually, local agricultural products are used to prepare meals. Other ingredients are purchased from the market if they cannot grow at a particular elevation.

Breakfast and dinner orders are taken in advance to save time; breakfast orders are taken the night before and dinner orders are taken as soon as you arrive at the teahouse. Depending on your schedule for the day, your typical day will begin. Breakfast is served in your lodge each morning, after which you leave for the next stop. A guide will notify the next tea house or lodge of your arrival each day. Around noon, you’ll stop for lunch at any nearby lodge on the way. You will arrive at your destination shortly after lunch. You can unwind or explore the nearby attractions when you arrive. You will dine around 7 to 8 pm.

At high altitudes, we strongly advise drinking hot liquid drinks in addition to fresh vegetable foods and fruit drinks. Drink plenty of water, not all a once but regularly on a time intervals.

It is best to avoid smoking cigarettes, consuming alcohol, non-vegetarian foods like meat, caffeine-containing foods, hot chocolate, and dairy and cheese products on high-altitude treks. These things increase the chances of getting altitude sickness and diarrhea.

The availability of drinking water is not an issue.  Bottled mineral water is available in most places for purchase, but there is no provision to dispose of plastic bottles. We encourage guests to do what they can to protect the environment. We do not recommend purchasing single-use plastic bottles. You can buy or bring your own Nalgene bottles on the trek which makes the trail free from bottles and rubbish.

Filling your water bottles in tea houses is another option for getting drinking water. Several guesthouses have the Euro-guard filters water.  Boiled filter water is also available in tea houses that are completely safe to drink but may be inexpensive for the duration of the trek.

River water is generally full of glaciers and sand and may be contaminated with animal urine and toilet run-off, so do not drink it. The tap water in the lodges is piped from high up, away from rivers and clean glaciers, so it is better, but it still must be treated.

Use iodine drops (3 per liter) locally known as Lugols solution, available at Thamel supermarkets in Kathmandu. The chlorine-based tablets are another choice, but they do transmit a taste to the water. Alternatively, you could purchase a Steripen, which uses UV to kill the bacteria but a bit fragile to carry during the trek.

The best option is the water purification tablet Aquaprove, which uses cutting-edge technology. Most importantly, it works against all pathogens in impure water. It’s light, simple to use, has no taste, and is all-natural.

Leave No Traces, Only the Footprints! Pack out your own waste. We practice responsible eco-tourism and organize eco-friendly trips to support sustainable tourism.

The trekking trail in Nepal has suffered significant damage as a result of not having a strong policy on waste management. Act and travel responsibly. We prefer that all of our clients bring their trash and keep them in a container or bag, and dispose of it properly at a specific spot or dustbin.

Tipping is not included in the salaries of your guides, porters, or crew, but it is greatly appreciated. In Nepalese culture, tips are accepted and a lovely way of saying thank you (“Dhanyabada”) for good service. Normally the tips are offered at the end of the trek and this is best done as a group. Most groups will give the trips on the last day of the trek.

• A unique Mountain Flight to Mt. Everest
• White water rafting on Nepal’s famous rivers
• A romantic overnight stay in a mountain resort
• A cultural show, with dinner
• A Traditional Nepali Luxury Dinner
• The most spectacular Bungee Jump on the Planet
• Trail Running in Nepal
• Mountain Biking in Nepal