Upper Mustang Valley Trek - 15 Days

Upper Mustang Valley Trek - 15 Days

Upper Mustang Valley Trek - 15 Days
Starting From

Kathmandu

Ending at

Kathmandu

Duration

Accommodation

Hotel & Lodges

Trip Grade

Easy

Max. Altitude

3840m

Meal Plan

Break-fast,Lunch & Diner

Group size

2-15

Upper Mustang Trek is a journey into the mystical rain shadow region of Mustang which shelters the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Mustang- Lo. Mustang, a fortified city positioned atop Kaligandaki River in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, gets nominal rainfall which makes the entire topography dry. For this very same reason, the Upper Mustang Trek is possible even in Monsoon season.

The route for Upper Mustang Treks proceeds through the barren landscape of eroded sandstone columns, taking us through wild experiences of rare natural marvels. Additionally, we'll visit the thousand-year-old Monastery of Gyokar Gompa, admiring the fortified wall, and visiting the four-storey palace in Lo-manthang. We'll pass through caves of native tribes called Lobos and have 180-degree views of Nilgiri, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges while being encircled by more than 35 mountains over 6000m high.

01

Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu airport, one of our representatives will greet you and will transfer you to the hotel. Welcome Evening dinner at authentic Nepalese restaurant with cultural performance. Airport pickup by private Car, Van or Bus (According to group size) Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal.

02

Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara and transfer to hotel

The bus journey will take approx 7 hours but by air, it takes only 35minates. Pokhara is set in a lovely valley at the foot of the Machapuchare so you get spectacular views of the mountains from all parts of the town. It is quite different from Kathmandu, with few temples, but it does have plenty of scenic attractions and is close to the mountains. There are some interesting short walks or bicycle rides from Pokhara, you can swim and canoe on Lake Phewa or just watch the last rays of the sun stream across the dip in the mountains that hold the lake. Along the lakeside road, there is a continuous stretch of small hotels, restaurants and shops; it’s an area which still has a bit of the old hippy scene feel about it.

03

Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (1750m,25min) trek to Kagbeni.(3h-2800m)

The iconic flight of a mere 20 minutes will lead us to Jomsom - the hub and the district headquarters of Mustang that links Nepal with Tibet through an ancient salt trade route. The flight will be a memorable one as it offers the views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Upper Mustang Trek initiates from Jomsom. We will move forward along the Kaligandaki River and traverse Ekley Bhatti Village before continuing on the way that allows the 180-degree views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Dhampus and Tukuche and then descend to Kagbeni,(2804m) a Tibetan village located at the edge of two rivers.

04

Kagbeni to Samar (6h-3490m)

(Trekking: approx 6 hours) There are five villages in this immediate area linked by ethnic ties - Chele, Gyakar, Chuksang, Tangbe and Tetang. They are related to the people of the Manang Valley rather than those from Jomsom and Kagbeni or Lo Manthang. It is a tough existence for people in this area - arable land is limited and trading is necessary to supplement any income made from the soil. The morning walk follows the riverbed before crossing the Kali Gandaki on a steel suspension bridge close to the place where the river passes under a huge block of red sandstone. From here there is a steep ascent to the village of Chele, where we take lunch close to barley fields and nearby willow trees. In the afternoon we climb again to a cairn at 3130 metres. Here we witness views of the village of Gyakar, lying across an impressive canyon where a patchwork of green fields gives a dash of colour to the barren terrain. The trail which is narrow in places continues to ascend to a pass at 3550 metres. To the south, great views of the Himalayan peaks can be enjoyed including Nilgiri and Tilicho peaks. From the pass, it is a short descent to the village of Samar(3490m) and our camp close to a willow grove and irrigation channels.

05

Samar - Gheling (4h-3590m)

Le sentier part dans une vallée perpendiculaire en direction de Tetang, petite cité médiévale regroupant 2 hameaux fortifiés, disposés de chaque côté du cours d’eau. Chortens et représentations des divinités composent immédiatement un paysage sacré d’exception. La journée est courte et nous prenons le temps d’échanger, de regarder et de chercher autour de nous tous les signes se rattachant aux croyances locales, une belle occasion de nous plonger dans l’ambiance extraordinaire et décalée de cette région. Nous redescendons vers la rivière et la traversons dès que possible (prévoir des Samar - Gheling (4h-3590m)

06

Gheling - Tsarang (6h-3580m)

(Trekking: approx 7 hours) We begin the morning by ascending gently through the fields up the valley, passing below the settlement of Tamagang and a large chorten. We rejoin the main trail and begin another steep climb to the head of the valley to Nyi La (3930m). We are now at the border of Mustang and descend gradually for half an hour to meet a trail junction. The right fork heads to Charang and our track bears to the left towards Ghami (3250m) where we take lunch. In the afternoon the track crosses a river gully before ascending to a plateau and mani wall where we head east, climbing above the village of Tramar to a ridge at 3770 metres. From here it is a gradual descent to Tsarang (3580m), a large and fertile village populated by people form Mustang - the Lobas. The village has a magnificent monastery. Nuit en lodge. 4 h 30 de marche. Dénivelé + : 780 m. Dénivelé - : 180 m.

07

Tsarang - Lo-Manthang (5h-3760m)

(Trekking: approx 5 hours) After spending part of the morning exploring Tsarang, we descend from the village into the Tsarang River canyon before ascending a stony trail heading north, with fine views behind us of the Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna ranges to the south. The trail passes an isolated chorten and spectacular caves etched into the surrounding cliffs, before reaching a ridge at 3850 metres for our first views of Lo Manthang(3760m) and the spectacular scenery of the Mustang Khola and the snow-capped peak of Mansail in the west. From the ridge, we descend to a small river and climb briefly to enter the fabled walled city from the north-eastern corner.

08

Visit in Lo Manthang Exploration

(Exploration day) The ’city’ contains around 150 houses and four monasteries, one of which is reported to date back to the 15th century. Inside the temples we are able to view many Buddha images and religious paintings. Photography is sometimes not permitted and you should beware of the fierce Tibetan mastiff dogs that guard the monasteries. The city itself has declined since the Chinese invasion of Tibet. Prior to this, Lo Manthang was a centre for the old salt and wool trade and at one time was a prosperous city. The dominant building in the centre of the city is the King’s Palace. The Royal Family are descendants of an aristocratic family from Lhasa in Tibet and today, though their duties are largely ceremonial, the King is a well-respected horseman and breeder of Lhasa apso dogs. After exploring the city in the morning we may take an optional walk towards Chosar in the afternoon.

09

Lo-Manthang - Ghami (5h-3440m)

(Trekking: approx 5 hours) From the monastery, there are views of the two neighbouring villages of Marang and Charang. We begin the day with a climb to a pass marked with a cairn at 4100 metres. The trail then passes through alpine meadows before twisting down a red and purple eroded gully to the village of Tanmar. We pass through lush fields that are a stark contrast to the surrounding barren terrain and climb a further ridge that precedes a short descent to the village of Ghami (3440m). The village has a monastery but is off-limits to tourists following the theft of religious artefacts some years before. We move beyond the village and make camp further up the trail en route to the Nyi La (Nyi Pass).

10

Ghami - Samar (6h-3490m)

(Trekking: approx 5-6 hours) From the camp, we ascend to a ridge marked by a cairn and then continue to climb until we meet the trail that comes from Tsarang. We head to a pass and then descend steeply into Gheling Valley, where we rejoin the trail used on our approach. We retrace our steps back to Samar with a final steep climb to the campsite.

11

Samar - Jomsom (5h-2743m)

(Trekking approx 5-6 hours to Kag Beni then drive to Jomsom) We retrace our steps through a barren, almost moon-like landscape dotted with patches of green cultivation. Man-made canals cut across the terrain, irrigating the crops and fruit trees. We lunch at Eklaibhati. Heading south, the wide, windswept valley floor has little fertile land, which means a hard existence for the inhabitants of the Upper Kali Gandaki. After a few hours following the valley downstream we arrive back at Jomsom, a dusty and windswept town where we spend the night in a lodge to await our flight back to Pokhara the following morning.

12

Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

(Flight time: approx 30 mins) We rise early in the morning for the return flight to Pokhara where we return to the lakeside. After a welcomed shower, we have the rest of the day free to relax or do some exploring. There are various small museums scattered around town including the renowned International Mountain Museum. Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a center of adventure with several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panaromic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. So today the city has not only become the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destinations but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.

13

Drive back to Kathmandu

Both modes of travel- via air and road are available. It takes 25-minute flight through scenic mountain views or 6-7 hours bus tour of 200km long road to make it to Kathmandu. We will return to our hotel where you will enjoy a typical Nepali dish and a cultural show.

14

Full day Sightseeing in Kathmandu.

Today we are going to visit four of the UNESCO world heritage listed sites in Kathmandu Valley. After breakfast, we start for Kathmandu valley city tour which includes the UNESCO heritage site in the City valley. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrims’ sites for Hindus all over the world and It is the temple of Lord Shiva, the temple where the dead bodies are criminated on the Bagmati River. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the biggest stupas in Asia and holiest Buddhist Pilgrims and famous tourist destination in City Valley and It is also famous for over 50 Tibetan gompas or monasteries. Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the places of the ancient king palace who ruled over the Kathmandu Kingdom. Swayambhunath(Monkey Temple) is located in the heart of the City valley and It is another famous tourist destination and holiest Buddhist pilgrims in Kathmandu Valley.

15

Final departure

Our representative transfers you to the Kathmandu airport to catch your returning flight back home. Thank you for Travelling with Churen Himal Treks and Tours. Airport drop by private Car, Van or Bus (According to group size) Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu, Bagmati, Nepal.

The cost includes

  • Pick up & drop to and from Airport by private Car/Van/Bus as per group size
  • 3 night hotel in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis
  • 2 night hotel in Pokhara on bed and breakfast basis
  • By Fligh Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara
  • Tourist Bus from Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu.
  • A Strong, helpful porter with proper equipment (one porter for two people).
  • Three meals a day including tea and coffee during the trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner) as well as fresh fruits in the evening
  • Accommodation in tea houses / lodges along the trek as per the itinerary
  • Annapurna Concervation Area Project (ACAP) entrance permits
  • Restricted area permit of Upper Mustang Valley 
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) registration card
  • Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed and ministry of tourism trained trekking guide with meals, accommodation, salary and insurance
  • An assistant trekking guide for groups over 6 people with meals, accommodation, salary and insurance
  • Down jackets, sleeping bags and duffel bags (down jackets, sleeping bags and duffel bags are to be returned after the completion of the trip)
  • Daily seasonal fresh fruits as per the availability
  • A first aid kit carried by the guide. Oxymeter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate( Very useful to check Altitude sickness symptom).
  • Necessary paper works, all government and local taxes
  • In a worst case scenario, rescue and medical evacuation assistance (costs to be paid by the client)
  • 1 complementary Welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with Cultural program in Kathmandu

The cost excludes

 

  • Nepal entry visa fees $50 USD for 30 days visa on arrival.
  • International airfare, Nepal visa fees (two passport photographs required) and travel and medical insurance for emergency evacuation
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visit as per the itinerary
  • Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except Welcome dinner)
  • Expenses of a personal nature (bars and beverage bills, dessert and snacks, hot shower, drinking water, telephone, internet, laundry, titbits, etc)
  • Costs arising from natural calamities, mishaps or anything beyond our control. Costs are non-refundable and non-transferable if you leave the trek voluntarily
  • Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu in cases of early returns and late departures
  • Services not mentioned in the 'What's Included' section and referred to as 'optional'
  • Porters available at an extra cost
  • Tipping is a culture in Nepal and is expected by your staff (guides, porters, drivers)
  • In case of natural calamities i.e. political unrest, cancellation of flight due to weather, landslides etc the extra charge should be born by themselves.
 

Equipment Check List for Trekking

HEAD

  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses with UV protection

 

FEET

  • Thin, lightweight inner socks
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  • Hiking boots with spare laces
  • Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)
  • Gaiters for hiking in winter

 

HANDS

  • Lightweight gloves
  • Heavyweight gloves or mittens
  • With a waterproof shell outer (Seasonal

 

LOWER BODY

  • Under Garments
  • Hiking shorts
  • Lightweight cotton long pants
  • Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
  • Fleece or wool pants (seasonal)
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants

 

UPPER BODY

  • T-shirts
  • Light and expedition weight thermal tops
  • Fleece jacket or pullover
  • Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (Optional)
  • Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket

 

ACCESSORIES

  • Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F *
  • Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries
  • A small pad or combination lock-to-lock
  • Trekking Bags/Duffel bag
  • Basic First Aid Kit
  • Large plastic bags – for keeping Items dry inside trek bag
  • Day pack (Approximately 20-22 Liter)
  • Trekking Poles
  • Water bottles
  • Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc)
  • Ear Plug (who know some people on group are snoring)

 

TOILETRIES

  • Toothbrush/paste
  • Multipurpose soap
  • Nail cutter
  • Small mirror

 

Personal Hygiene:

  • Wet wipes (baby wipes)
  • Tissue /toilet roll
  • Anti-bacterial hands wash

 

EXTRAS/LUXURIES

  • Binoculars
  • Reading book
  • Trail Map/Guide book
  • Journal & Pen
  • Pencils and small notebooks
  • Travel game i.e., cards
Click to ask        

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