Upper Mustang Trek

Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu (1350m), you will be warmly welcomed by our Airport Representative and transferred to the hotel (20 – 30 minutes drive). Overnight at hotel. B.B.

Final preparation of the trek, including the arrangement of permits. Leisure day or you may also do a city tour of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur or Patan (optional tour at extra cost). Overnight at hotel. B.B.

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (900m). It’s 200 km to Pokhara, a 5 – 6 hours scenic drive through Prithivi Highway following the river bank of Trishuli and Marshyandi. On the way, we can view the Himalayan ranges of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna (depending on the weather). And the beauty of nature is just awesome. Overnight at a hotel near the bank of Fewa Lake. B.B.

Flight Pokhara – Jomsom (2720m), and trek to Kagbeni (2810m, 2 hours walking).
It’s just a 20-minute short flight; but an amazing flight through the Kaligandaki river gorge; the deepest natural river gorge in the world; which lies between two 8000m giants peaks, Annapurna I (8091m) & Dhaulagiri (8167m).

After landing at Jomsom airport, we follow the east bank of Kaligandaki river to Ekle Bhatti (2740m, 1:30 hours). Then walk for another 30 minutes to reach Kagbeni, an oasis-like settlement of flat-roofed houses. There is also a Tibetan Buddhist gompa of the Sakyapa sect in the village, and views of the gompa with Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Tilicho, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Annapurna rising above are superb! Overnight at hotel. B.B.

After breakfast, we take a short walk through a narrow flagstone-paved path; then, we enter the restricted area of Mustang. From here, we continue walking to the east bank of the Kaligandaki river. We walk through the impressive village of Tangbe (3060m), Chhusang (2980m) & Chele (3050m), overlooking the fantastic landscapes. A small but impressive cave gompa in Chhusang dedicated to White Tara, the buddha of Success and Achievement. After 45 minutes, continue walking to Chele; we can see a good view of back down the Kaligandaki valley, with the peaks of Tilicho and Nilgiri. After another 11/2 hours of slow pace walking, we arrive at the Dajori La Pass (3735m) with views down the valley. After another 30 minutes of walking, we arrive at Samar, a small picturesque village. Overnight at Guest house. B.L.D.

We walk through the centre of the village and descend to a stream where we can see an eroded watercourse; then, we climb up and continue up towards the Bhena La (3838m) and Yamda La (3860m). From here, we can see our first substantial views of Upper Mustang with coffee-coloured hills nearby; then we walk to Syangboche village (3800m) following mani walls and stupas; eventually, we arrive at the village of Gelling. There are 2 gompas in the village that date back to the 15th century, worth visiting. Overnight at Guest house. B.L.D.

Today we climb a steep uphill just above the 2 gompas and continue walking to a pass (4025m) from where we can enjoy overlooking back towards the Annapurnas. Then we trek down to Ghemi (3520m), a small settlement of a few tea houses, continue trek down to a stream, cross a suspension bridge, and ascend the upper valley where we can see the longest mani wall in the Mustang region. Following the trail beside the mani wall, we climb up another pass of Tsarang La (3870m); and descend to Tsarang, the old capital of Mustang. Overnight at Guest house. B.L.D.

Today is the final day of our destination, a short and moderate walk to Lo – Manthang, the medieval walled city. We walk following the Tsarang river to the north and gradually climb to the Lo La (3950m). We can see the good views of Lo – Manthang and northern Mustang. From the pass, it is an easy downhill walk to the ancient walled capital of Lo- Manthang. Overnight at Guest house. B.L.D.

After breakfast, we go for a walking tour around the valley. There are four major gompas which are worth visiting: Jampa Lhakhang or Jampa Gompa, the oldest, built in the early 15th century and also known as the “God house”; Thubchen Gompa, a huge, red assembly hall and gompa built in the late 15th century and located just southwest of Jampa Gompa; Chodey Gompa, now the main city gompa; and the Choprang Gompa, which is known as the “New Gompa”. Overnight at Guest house. B.L.D.

Trek to Ghemi 93520m, 5 – 6 hours walking). Overnight at Guest house. B.L.D.

Trek to Samar (3660m, 6 – 7 hours). Overnight at Guest house. B.L.D.

Trek to Jomsom (6 – 7 hours walking). Overnight at Guest house. B.L.D.

Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara early in the morning. Overnight at hotel. B.L.D.

Drive back to Kathmandu (200 km, 6 hours drive). Overnight at hotel. B.B.

Transfer to Airport for your onward journey. ***End of the Trip***