Mustang Trek – 20 Days
  • Duration20 Days
  • Trip DifficultyModerate / Strenuous
  • Best SeasonSpring, Summer & Autumn
  • Arrival CityKathmandu
  • Departure CityKathmandu
  • Altitude maximum3950m Col Nyi La
  • TransportVehicle / Flight
  • AccomodationLodge
  • MealsFull Board

Overview

In Tibetan, Mustang means “fertile land.” Mustang, or the Kingdom of Lo, is an area located at the North-West of Nepal and it borders Tibet. Mustang was a prohibited area to foreigners up until 1991. Formerly independent, it’s now an integral part of Nepalese territory (since 1951.) Located behind a mountainous barrier, Mustang sits in a rain shadow, unaffected by the monsoons. It has a dry, desert-like, and windy climate. Here one lives with the rhythm of the seasons isolated from modern time. Fantastic canyons with red cliffs, chimneys of fairies, & monasteries; Lo Manthang, the royal capital city strengthened by high Mustang, is an exceptional voyage to the meeting of an authentic culture full of legends and secrets.

Detailed Itinerary

You will be transferred to the hotel by one of our representatives. Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants in Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Elevation: 1334m

We start our tour visiting a magnificent Buddhist stupa, Swoyambunath followed by a visit of Patan; a true open air museum.
Overnight: Hotel

Early morning drive to Pokhara by private vehicle. In the afternoon we visit Devi’s falls, a waterfall goes through a very deep and narrow canal, also visit Guptesowri Cave, a natural and attractive cave, and Fewa Lake, the second largest lake in Nepal.
Overnight: Hotel
Driving Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 514m

A short and scenic flight to Jomsom then we start our epic journey. Jomsom is the administrative headquarters of the district. As we start our trek from Jomsom, we follow Kaligandaki valley which leads us to legendary Mustang region. It is about 4 hours trek to Kagbeni (2800m). Kagbeni is a very fascinating medieval village with stone houses, narrow alleys, green fields, and high mountains.
Overnight: Lodge
Flight Time: 20 minutes
Walking Time: 4 hours
Difference in Elevation: +1980m

The trail follows the East bank of the Kali Gandaki River and climbs over many ridges as it heads north to reach Tangbe Village. From Tangbe Village, the trail goes to Chhusang and then crosses the river, climbing up to reach Chaile.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 260m

Our climb today continues along the treeless and waterless terrain along a spectacular and steep canyon. We pass a rock cairn at 3540m. After that the trail makes long gradual descent to some Chorten on a ridge and then the trail descends further down to the village of Samar. The trail then climbs above Samar to a ridge, and descends into a large gorge and follows along another field, crossing a stream and climbing up to a ridge at 3800m. After that, the trail again climbs sharply up and down over a series of high passes before the final descend to Geling.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6-7 hours

We start our day with gentle ascent and a little steeper slope to reach the Col Nyi La (3950 m), the highest pass of the trek. We arrive at the center region of Mustang which is also known as Lo. The trek continues down to the valley to reach the village of Ghami (3520 m). Then we cross a river and begin a steep uphill about 45 minutes then gradual walk for 2 hours to Tragmar/Dhakmar.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: +300m

We start our day hiking to Ghar Gompa Monastery; it is one of the oldest monasteries in the world which was built in 8th century. Then we continue our trek with a steady climb to a small pass, then descend in a valley overlooked by a cliff of red blue and gray and after crossing a steel suspension bridge on the River Tangmar Chu, we arrive to the Mani wall (prayer wall) and then go through another small pass at 3600m then a long and gentle descent until Charang. Charang is the second largest village of Mustang.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: -220m

The trail descends about 100m down from Charang and crosses the Charang–Chu. After that the rocky trail climbs steeply up to the cairn on a ridge at 3850m; finally, we can see the walled city of Lo from that ridge and after a short descent followed by a gentle climb takes us to the plateau of Lo-Manthang.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking Time: 4-5 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 320m

We visit several different sites of Lo-Manthang today starting with Tungchen Gompa, the Champa Lakhang (God House), the Chyodi Gompa and Raja’s Palace (Royal Palace). And if time permits, we visit surrounding villages.
Overnight: Lodge

Day 11: Trek Lo-Manthang to Yara (3650m): Crossing arid land, sharp ridges and lunar landscapes we arrive to the village of Yara which is situated along a huge cliff carved by troglodyte dwellers.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 5 hours.
Difference in Elevation: – 250m

Crossing arid land, sharp ridges and lunar landscapes we arrive to the village of Yara which is situated along a huge cliff carved by troglodyte dwellers.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 5 hours.
Difference in Elevation: – 250m

We start our day hiking to Lori Gompa; visit Lori Gompa and surroundings. It is fairly enjoyable day visiting ancient gompa, caves and stupas. Then we retrace our steps back to Yara and spend another night in Yara.
Overnight – Lodge
Walking time: 4 hours

A long and tiring day through Upper Mustang plateau and crossing a pass at the elevation of 3700m takes us to the village of Tangya.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 7 – 8 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 410m

Enjoying the strikingly contrast views of the arid land of Upper Mustang and rocky land and snowy cliffs of Annapurna range, we trek through a pass at the elevation of 4100m to the village of Tetang.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 8 – 9 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 200m

Crossing another pass at the elevation of 4050m (Gyu La pass), we trek to Muktinath; a sacred place for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 6 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 720m

Continuing our descend, we trek through Jharkot, a traditional village; enjoying the view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountain ranges and following Kaligandaki river back to Jomsom.
Overnight: Lodge
Walking time: 5 hours
Difference in Elevation: – 1040m

A scenic flight to Pokhara in the early morning.
Overnight: Hotel
Flight Time: 20 minutes
Difference Elevation: – 1900m

A scenic drive for about 7 hours to Kathmandu.
Overnight: Hotel
Driving Time: 7 – 8 hours
Difference in Elevation: + 514m

Overnight: Hotel

Tour Price Includes

  • Transfers airport / hotel / airport
  • Welcome dinner at one of the traditional Nepali restaurants
  • Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara on twin sharing BB basis
  • Transport, guided visits & entry of the monuments in Kathmandu
  • Private vehicle Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu
  • Domestic flight tickets for PKR – JOM – PRK – as per Itinerary
  • Domestic airport taxes
  • Trekking permit /TIMS, and conservation entry fee
  • Mustang special permit fee US$ 550 per person (For 11 Days)
  • A professional English speaking tour/ trekking guide and porters
  • Your international flight re-confirmation
  • All necessary documents and government tax
  • Insurance for all staff (including guide, porters, assistant guide)

Tour Price Does Not Include:

  • International Flights
  • Meals for whole trip
  • Accommodation during the trek
  • Travel Insurance (compulsory and we strongly advise you to take out to cover accident/repatriation helicopter/medical care)
  • Alternative transportation (flights / vehicles), Accommodation in case of bad weather, flood, landslide, heavy rain, strike, road blockade etc.
  • Personal expenses such as cold drinks, snacks, mineral water, alcoholic drinks, telephone, Hot shower etc
  • Tips for trekking staff or bus driver

NOTE: The price of the tour will be adjusted according to the group sizes.

Climate

Climate:
From the eternal snow of the high peaks to the extensive tropical lowlands, Nepal has a wide variety of climates.

Spring: March to late May: In this season, Kathmandu is in full bloom, lots of different types of flowers can be seen at this time of the year.  Temperature is mild, end of the cold winter and approaching warm and hot summer.  Temperatures vary between 10 ° C to 28 ° C but can rise up to 30 ° C.  Between 2000 and 3000m, temperature rarely drop below 0 ° C. However, few frosts or snowfalls are possible in March above 4000 m.

The summer/monsoon period – It interrupts the majority of trekking from late June to late August. Some of the trekking regions “trans-Himalayan”, Dolpo and Mustang, however, remain protected from monsoon prevailing rest of the country. They are the only channels available in Nepal in the summer.

Autumn: mid September – mid December – Perfect temperature and weather for trekking. Brings cooler days, but clear skies. Above 3000 m altitude, temperatures can drop to -10 ° C at night.

In winter: mid-December – mid-February – Nights are generally cold, dry climate, Above 3000m, temperature drop down to 0 ° C to – 15 ° C at night, the days are often sunny.

Equipments

TREKKING GEAR

  • Day back-pack
  • Gore-Tex Jacket
  • Down Jacket
  • Fleece Jacket
  • Micro Fleece
  • Trekking Trousers
  • Hiking shoes (Boots)
  • Runners (sport shoes)
  • Trekking Socks
  • Rain poncho
  • Sun-glasses
  • Water bottles
  • Thermal underwear(long)
  • T- shirts
  • Sunscreen/lotion
  • Flip flop (sandal)
  • Towel Hat(Baseball cap)
  • Pristine drops (Water purifier)
  • Head light / flash light
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Gloves
  • Wind Proof Trouser(s)
  • Personal medical kid
  • Toiletries