This 14 days Upper Mustang trek offers a unique experience in this remote region of Nepal on the Tibetan border. No other trek in Nepal compares to this mountainous region in the Mustang district and its vastly different landscape.
This is truly a slice of Tibet in the Mustang District and Gandaki Provence. Lo Manthang, a walled city, and its capital have unique architecture and religious places of worship, such as Namgyal Gompa (temple). The landscape in this region ranges from red cliffs to rugged windswept plains. The trek begins as you pass Kagbeni, the path to Upper Mustang. , Along the trek, you will be in the shadow of some of the largest mountain ranges in the world, such as the Dhaulagiri Massif, Nilgiri, and Annapurna.
A short distance from Lo Manthang is Gyakar with its well known Gompa and Ghar Gompa (more than 1200 years old) devoted to the famous Buddhist sage Guru Rinpoche. The trek ranges from 3000m to 3,800m in altitude. Most days we trek for 5 to 7 hours through sometimes blustery and dusty conditions. This trek also follows the old salt route from Nepal to Tibet.
Our journey begins with a 6-7 hour drive toward the Pokhara Valley and its beautiful Phewa Tal (lake) and then checking in to your hotel close to Phewa Tal. There is plenty to see and do along Lakeside with its many shops, bars, and restaurants to choose from.
Today we fly from Pokhara to Jomson – a 20 – 25-minute flight scenic flight with views of the famous Kali Gandaki Gorge (world’s deepest), along with views of several colossal peaks” Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Ranges and Machapuchare (Fishtail). After landing at Jomson we begin our trek heading to Kagbeni, about a 3-4 hour trek. Kagbeni is also the checkpoint where authorities will check your documents before you enter the restricted Upper Mustang region. Along the trail, we will have views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Tukuche Peak. We will stay the night at Kagbeni.
Today we start early in order to avoid the high winds that develop later in the day. In the early morning light, we can see Nilgiri that is orange in color due to the sun’s reflection on it. We follow the east bank of the Kali Gandaki River until we enter the wide Chhusang Valley. After leaving Kagbeni we ascend giving us spectacular views of the village and Mt Nilgiri (7061m).The trail heads east towards more arid land common to the Mustang region. We soon reach the first significant village of Tangbe with its red and whitewashed houses on the opposite banks of the river and glorious views over the Kali Gandaki River. Perched high up the cliffs above the village are caves believed to have been home to the early inhabitants of this area. The trail then comes to Chele where we have views of the Himalayan Ranges. Tonight we stay at Chele.
Today we will climb the rugged hills and eventually come to a stone cairn at 3540m at which point we descend to the small village of Samar with its chortens (stupa religious– monuments) and other Buddhist structures. After leaving Samar we descend into a large canyon and then again ascend to a 3800m ridge before again descending to the remote Shyangmochen Village and then head to Geling Village where we stay the night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
From Geling, the trail leads up to of Nyi La Pass (3932m) and then heads down and follow the Tangmar Chu River and its Mani stone walls (stones inscribed with Lamaist prayers). We then follow the trail to Charang Village with its enormous five-story Dzong (monastery) and red Gompa (a type of monastery) and Thankas (forms of art). Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Today the trail is mostly uphill as we initially head to Lo-Gekar home of one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in the world. Lo-Gekar Gompa is older than the Samye Gompa in Tibet. After visiting Lo Gekar we travel by horse to Lo-Manthang. The trail passes the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang before descending and crossing a stream before reaching Lo-Manthang. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today we climb to Namgyal Gompa situated at the top of a peak and then proceed to Tingkhar north-west of Lo Manthang. It is a small village consisting of about 40 houses. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today the trail ascends to 4070m and then heads to the Chogo La Pass (4320m), the highest point of our trek. We then head downhill and cross the Charang River and make our way to Lo Gekar, pass the village of Ghar Gompa (3839m) with its Tibetan religious structures. After passing Ghar Gompa we follow the trail down to Drakmar. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
The trail today descends and passes the stone walls and fields of Drakmar before heading lower again reaching Ghami (3475m) and then Jaite (3820m) and again dropping to Chhung-Kah. From here we continue to Tama Gaon (3710m) and further downhill to Shyangmochen. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included
Today we follow a river to Chhusang, or alternatively, we can head to Samar and visit the Ranchung Caves. This route adds another 30 minutes to the trek. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Today we leave Chhusang Village and head up to the valley above where we can see Muktinath in the distance. We continue along the valley and descend and cross the river via a suspension bridge. This area is well known for its fossils famous for the fossil stones often found in the Gandaki River (Shaligrams – black holy stones). As we follow the trail we have awesome views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Himalayan ranges. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
From Muktinath, we pass through lush meadows, fruit trees, and streams passing through Kagbeni before we reach Jomson in the Kali Gandaki valley. We take a short detour today to Bon Punt monastery in Lubra. Bon-Po is said to be older Buddhism and Lubra, with just 14 families is one of the few Bonpo villages in Nepal. The trek today will take around 6 hours. Kagbeni has a well-deserved reputation for its horticulture industry.
Today is our last day as we head to the small airport terminal at Jomson where we take a short 15 to 20 minute flight to Pokhara. Once airborne you will have some amazing views of the Himalayas. This evening you can sit back and relax, enjoy and drink or two and look back on your amazing adventure through the amazing Annapurna Conservation Area – stroll along Lakeside. Other attractions in Pokhara are the World Peace Pagoda (clearly visible across Phewa Tal (lake), , Bindabasini Temple, Phewa Lake, Matepani Buddhist Monastery, International Mountain Museum and Devi's Falls.
Today we head back on a 6 to 7-hour drive to Kathmandu with many fond memories of Nepal and its unique culture and geography. These memories will last a lifetime!
