Upper Mustang Trekking - 16 Days

On your arrival, our representative welcomes you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel bya private car.

Accommodation: 2** Hotel in Kathmandu

The tourist bus leaves early morning at about 7 am from Kathmandu. It is a 200km ride through the Prithivi Highway with scenic view of Manaslu mountain range and some typical village along the way. One can experience the Trishuli River rafting for 3 hours. Arrival and transfer to hotel.
 

Fly to Jomsom, which is located between the Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri I Mountain (both above the 8000m). You can find yourself above the mountains and clouds. These flights depart only in the morning because of the strong wind in Jomsom after 11am. The flight takes just 25 minutes, starting from 6 am until 10 am.

After having breakfast, we set off to enter Upper Mustang! The trail takes you along the Kali Gandaki River, where the wind will contest us as it whistles up the valley gorge. In Tangbe Village, you get to notice white-washed houses settled among fields of buckwheat and barley. There are apple orchards along the way. By following the ridge, you will reach the village of Chele.

The difficulty level of the trek is on and off! This day, you are to cross the Taklam La pass (3,624m) and the Darjori La pass (3,735m). Along the way, you will encounter wonderful mountain views and fascinating small caves high above the ground on the hills. Enjoying the dramatically formed hills and the panoramic view of the Himalayas, you will reach Syangboche, where you will stay overnight.

Trekking means walking up and down in nature. You will cross another pass at the Yamada La (3,850m) and see Chorten/Mani walls, and interesting villages with cattle grazing in the fields. Trekking through herb-filled areas to the Nyi Pass (4,010m) and then descending to Ghami, where you spend the night. Ghami is a larger village in Upper Mustang, beautifully located and surrounded by green fields.

The path could be greasy (depending on the time of the year) as we descend to a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola. The trail leads you to Mani walls (Tibetan mantras carved on the boulders), and Buddhist prayer flags. At the top, Charang Chu canyon can be seen hanging above the village of Charang. Visit the greatest and oldest library at Charang. Upon arrival check in at the Guest House.

Charang to Lo-Manthang trek is about 11 km, with most of the trek on flat land. Descend to Charang Chu and steep climb to Tholung Valley. The trail then leads north and climbs gently to an isolated chorten before crossing LoLa pass (3,950 m). Charang to Lo Manthang trail offers the perfect blend of remoteness, adventure, culture lushness and natural beauty. The highest pass of the day is Lo La (3,965 m) where you can have the first glimpse of Lo Manthang. Upon arrival, check in to guest house.

Day Trip to Chhoser Cave or Konchok Ling Cave (3,770 m / 12368 ft) – 6 hrs

The Jhong cave in Upper Mustang is the most interesting place to visit. It is a 5-storied building hanging on the cliff. There are more than 40 rooms inside. Upper Mustang showcases the best civilization of monasteries and caves in Nepal. The views of the Chooser village are outstanding from the Jhong cave’s windows.

Optional: You may take a longer trip to the Konchok Ling Cave near the Tibetan border. This cave, discovered in 2007, is relatively new. A day trip to Konchok ling is exciting but is becoming almost inaccessible due to the erosion. You have the option to visit Konchok Ling Cave by renting a jeep and return, which is recommended. The views are extra ordinary!

After breakfast, our destination for today will be Yara. Picture yourself walking along the beautiful scenery of high- altitude deserts, dramatic cliffs, rocky canyons, and snow-capped mountains welcoming you into the wilderness. But the art doesn't stop there. Follow the serpentine river of Kaligandaki, where you can find Saligrams (religious significance). This path is a less travelled alternate trail we are offering to add a touch of adventure. Heading off to Yara, we pass Lo La and Dhi la along the way. Upon reaching Yara, you will drench yourself IN the traditional white houses with barley fields, yak herding and kitchen gardens. Yara is rich in culture and lifestyle. Upon arrival, enjoy the local culture and lifestyle and take a rest.

As you step onto the trails from Yara to Tangye, you will hear the whispering wisdom of the Himalayas in the thin air along the journey. The barren, rugged landscape spreads like paint on a boundless canvas. The uninhabited trails, with constant ascents and descents, give you enough time to understand yourself, as there are no houses or settlements along the way. Crossing the Dhechyang Kholla valley, with Kaligandaki River winding in its path, human melody waits in the Tangye village where Tangye horses, chortens, mani walls, and warm welcoming people melts your heart.

You have to set off early today as it is a long haul of a 9-hour trek from Tangye to Chhusang in the Upper Mustang area. Along the way, you will walk between the barren beauty of towering cliffs, rugged mountains, snow-peaked Himalayas, rivers, and nearby villages. The trail will lead you to Pa, the best scenic viewpoint in Upper Mustang trekking. With the topography of highs and lows, you move along the rhythm of Pa, watching the abandoned settlement whisper its stories. From here, your path continues to ascend to the Siyarko Tank Danda route with challenging climbs along with the majestic views of the Himalayas. After more walking, you will reach Chhomnang, where you will stumble upon a fascinating Himalayan salt mine. After this much-awaited promise, you finally reach Chhusang.

Today, you are trekking over Tetang, Gyu Lo Pass, and Jhong which leads your Upper Mustang trek to Muktinath. Every day offers different surroundings and beautiful views of mountains and landscapes. Along the way, you can see the Throng la (5,416m) pass of Annapurna Circuit Trek and join Muktinath. Muktinath is very famous for its religious significance, where both Hindus and Buddhists worship together in the Temple and Monastery.

Upon arrival in Muktinath, you can look around the area and take a jeep to Jomsom, which is 22km / 2 hrs away. Stay overnight at Jomsom, and the next morning fly back to Pokhara.

The trek from Muktinath to Jomsom is 22 km via Kagbeni, which makes it the second longest day of the entire trek. The gentle downhill stroll makes the trek effortlessly easier. You will hike along the Kali Gandaki Bank, a trail famous for finding fossilized, “Saligram” on its river bank. If you find the trek too long, you may take a local jeep to Jomsom.

After having a warm breakfast in Jomsom, you will walk to the airport and complete the check-in process. You can enjoy the flight over Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri I. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will take a connecting flight to Kathmandu. The flight from Jomsom to Pokhara is about 20 minutes and 25 more minutes to reach Kathmandu. After arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel. Evening farewell in a warm and cozy place. 

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight