Upper Mustang Trek | A Journey into Nepal’s Forbidden Kingdom - 14 Days
14 Days
Upper Mustang Trek Highlights
- Lo Manthang: Explore this ancient walled town with royal palaces, monasteries, and traditional Tibetan homes.
- Kagbeni Village: Start your journey here, known for its narrow streets, historic monastery, and as the gateway to Upper Mustang.
- Ancient Monasteries: Visit Thubchen and Ghar Gompa, rich with murals and sacred artifacts.
- Kali Gandaki Valley: Trek through a dramatic landscape of cliffs, canyons, and high-altitude desert.
- Tiji Festival: (If in season) Witness this vibrant Buddhist festival with dances and cultural rituals in Lo Manthang.
- Mountain Views: Enjoy stunning vistas of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri.
- Cave Exploration: Discover mysterious, ancient caves like the multi-level Chhoser Cave near Lo Manthang.
- Tibetan Culture: Experience the unique customs, language, and traditions of the Loba people.
- High-Desert Scenery: Marvel at colorful rock formations and unique landscapes rarely found in other parts of Nepal.
- Solitude of a Restricted Area: Enjoy a quieter, less crowded trekking experience due to the area’s restricted access.
Discover the Upper Mustang Trek: A Journey into Nepal’s Forbidden Kingdom
Lo Manthang: The Mysterious Walled Kingdom
- King’s Palace – A grand yet humble reminder of the region's royal past.
- Thubchen and Chode Monasteries – Step inside to see intricate murals that date back hundreds of years. Here, Tibetan Buddhist heritage lives on, untouched by the outside world.
Landscapes Like No Other
- Canyons and Cliffs – Marvel at formations that seem to belong on another planet.
- Caves of Chhoser – Some of these caves were used as meditation retreats or homes centuries ago. If you’re up for a climb, exploring them feels like entering another world.
Spiritual Treasures and Monasteries
- Lo Gekar Monastery – Older than Tibet’s famous Samye Monastery, Lo Gekar is one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal.
- Ghar Gompa – This sacred site has stood for over 1,200 years, and stepping inside feels like touching history itself.
Experience the Tiji Festival
What Makes the Upper Mustang Trek Unique?
- Cultural Depth: From Tibetan Buddhist rituals to traditional festivals, every day in Mustang brings you closer to an ancient way of life.
- Desert-Like Terrain: The landscapes here are more similar to the Tibetan Plateau than the lush forests of the Annapurna or Everest regions.
- Historical Significance: Known as the “Forbidden Kingdom,” this region was once part of an independent kingdom, and much of its identity reflects this unique history.
Trekking Routes and Alternatives
- Classic Route: Begins in Jomsom and follows the Kali Gandaki River into Upper Mustang. Ideal for first-time visitors to Mustang.
- Extended Lo Manthang Trek: For those wanting to explore more remote villages or trek further north toward the Tibetan border.
A Trek Beyond the Physical
Why choose Contour Expeditions for your Upper Mustang trek?
- Certified Experienced Guides: Skilled in high-altitude trekking, culture, and terrain for a richer, safer journey.
- Complimentary Airport Transfers: Free airport pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle for added convenience.
- Pre-Trek Online Briefing: Comprehensive online trip briefing provided upon booking confirmation.
- Flexible Itineraries: Tailored options to suit your fitness level and preferences.
- Seamless Logistics: Coordinated permits, accommodations, and transport for a stress-free experience.
- Secure Luggage Storage: Free storage for extra luggage at Contour Expeditions store.
- Authentic Cultural Engagement: Opportunities for immersion in local culture and meaningful experiences.
- Dedicated 24/7 Support: Multi-channel communication (Email, WhatsApp, Facebook, Insta, Viber, Skype, Zoom)
- Easy Booking & Payment Options: Smooth reservation and payment process for your convenience.
Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu (1,350m) to Pokhara (822m) – 7/8 hour drive
Day 2: Flight to Jomsom (2,743m) and Trek to Kagbeni (2,804m) – 3/4 hour hike
Day 3: Trek from Kagbeni (2,804m) to Chele (3,070m) – 3 hour hike
Day 4: Trek from Chele (3,070m) to Geling (3,500m) – 5/6 hour hike
Day 5: Trek from Geling (3,500m) to Charang (3,620m) – 5/6 hour hike
Day 6: Trek from Charang (3,620m) to Lo Manthang (3,840m) – 3/4 hour hike
Day 7: Rest and Explore Lo Manthang
Day 8: Trek from Lo Manthang (3,840m) to Drakmar (3,820m) via Ghar Gompa – 6/7 hour hike
Day 9: Trek from Drakmar (3,830m) to Shyangmochen (3,800m) – 5/6 hour hike
Day 10: Trek from Shyangmochen (3,800m) to Chhusang (2,950m) – 5/6 hour hike
Day 11: Trek from Chhusang (2,950m) to Muktinath (3,800m) – 7/8 hour hike
Day 12: Trek from Muktinath (3,800m) to Jomsom (2,700m) – 5/6 hour hike
Day 13: Flight from Jomsom (3,700m) to Pokhara (822m) – 30 minutes
Day 14: Drive from Pokhara (820m) to Kathmandu (1,350m) – 7-8 hours
Cost Includes of Upper Mustang Trek
- Airport pickup and drop on a tourist vehicle.
- 3-Star accommodation at Kathmandu and Pokhara on breakfast plan.
- Round trip airfare between Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara and airport taxes.
- The best available tea-house/lodge during trekking. Note: In case of need of private room, you can contact us at info@contourexpeditions.com
- Full board standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Govt. certified highly experienced English speaking helpful, knowledgeable and friendly trekking guide.
- Porters to carry your luggage during the trek. Each porter will carry the bags for two trekkers, with a 10 kg limit per trekker.
- All wages, meals, lodging, transportation, and insurance for guides and porters.
- For your safety during the trek, the company will provide a first aid kit and an oximeter. The oximeter will be used twice a day to check your pulse, oxygen levels, and heart rate to watch for any signs of altitude sickness.
- All conservation fees, permit fees, coordination with a relevant government office and government taxes.
- If there's an emergency, helicopter service can be arranged, and the cost will be covered by your travel insurance.
- An assistant guide will be provided for groups of 8 or more people.
- Duffle bags and trekking poles in case you don’t have your own.
- Trek Completion Certificate from Contour Expeditions.
- Farewell dinner at a typical Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu.
Cost Excludes of Upper Mustang Trek
- Nepal Entry Visa and Visa extension fees (USD 50 for 30 days visa and USD 125 for 90 days visa, you can get visa upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu).
- Personal trekking gears and equipment.
- International flight fare and airport departure tax.
- Other charges at lodges/tea houses such as showers, internet access, battery re-charging, hot water and extra hot drink.
- Travel and Medical Insurance (Compulsory).
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Charges for emergency rescue or evacuation by helicopter, if needed.
- Tips for the guides and porters.
- Any additional night’s accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara owing to early arrivals, late departures, or early returns from the trek (for any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
- Extra baggage charges.
- Any expenses other than the Price Inclusion Section.
Booking
Traveller's Review
In November 2024, I had the opportunity to make use of Contour Expeditions to plan a trek to Everest Base Camp. Communication was great with the planning, accommodation, itinerary and trek information before I left. When I arrived I was met by the team in Kathmandu and they really did a great job in looking after me, including a welcome dinner and briefing session. They had everything arranged, including the flights to Lukla and back, as well as a really experienced, English speaking guide and a friendly capable porter. The trek went without a hitch, teahouse accommodation and 3 meals a day were provided. There seem to be hundreds of trekking and expedition companies in Nepal, however, I would be careful to do your research and make sure you choose a experienced company like Contour Expeditions. I will definitely be back to do another trek soon and would have no hesitation to make use of them again. Thank you Contour Expeditions for the fun, memorable experience.
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