Upper Mustang (Lo-Manthang) Trekking

Overview

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Upper Mustang trekking package trip detail in Nepal

Trekking to upper Mustang which is one of few regions of the great Himalayas remains few people traveled. The ancient former kingdom of Mustang in western Nepal is one of them when King was governing Nepal. Only a handful of foreigners have crossed the high passes to the valley of Tholung wherein lies the palace of Lo-Manthang, the seat of the King of Mustang, who is still in residence. The region was forbidden to foreigners until 1992 and today remains a controlled region so only a limited number of trekkers are allowed to visit as of a deliberate policy of cultural and environmental preservation. Mustang with an average elevation of 13,600ft remains almost entirely Tibetan in character and appearance. A trek into upper Mustang takes us to a place of vast high arid valleys, eroded canyons, stratified rock formations, yak caravans, colorfully-painted mud-brick houses, a barren desert-like appearance, and ancient salt-trade routes linked to the high passes of Tibet. The Upper Mustang trek starts from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the second largest town of Nepal set on the shores of Phewa Lake. You spend a day here relaxing before taking the flight up the great Kali Gandaki Valley to Jomsom where the trek begins. You ascend the ridges to the north of the town with a spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range rising behind you. The trail continues to climb onto the southern edge of the Tibetan plateau towards Mustang. There are several pass crossings (the highest being the Nyi La at 3999m) all of which offer astounding views south to the Annapurna and north to Tibet before you make the final climb to a ridge at 3850meters. From here you look down into the Tholung Valley to the walled city of Lo-Manthang. Three days here enables you to explore this remarkable medieval city with its monasteries and palace or to ride ponies north to the border with Tibet. There are a few options for trekking back which are flying or driving out from Jomsom down to Pokhara. Upper Mustang trek is an exceptional trip and experience it yourself.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Well-come to Kathmandu 1300m.

Arrive at Tribhuvan International airport in Kathmandu. Meet our representative then well-come and transfer to hotel.

Day 2 : Kathmandu 1350m.

Visit the sights of Kathmandu valley with a tour guide. You will be visiting temples, stupas, secret sites, architecture, and cultural things.

Day 3 : Kathmandu to Pokhara 975m 6hrs.

Early morning drive to Pokhara through beautiful scenery and countryside Arrive in Pokhara and transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free for your own activities and preparation for the next day’s trek departure.

Day 4 : Pokhara - Jomsom – Kagbeni 2860m. 4 hrs.

Early in the morning a 20-minute scenic adventure flight land at Jomsom the district headquarter of Mustang. After a final pack up and porter arranged, trek on a gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bend for about 4 hrs and reach Kagbeni.

Day 5 : Trek to Chele 3050m. 6 hrs.

After a special permit check-up and entry registration at the check post, the trail goes onward following the riverbank of Kaligandaki upstream through some of the scenic picturesque places and sandy / windy trails to reach Chele village.

Day 6 : Trek to Syanboche 3470m. 7 hrs.

The trail ascends to Taklam La Pass (3,624m) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, Nilgiri, and Damodar Danda then descends further to Syanboche.

Day 7 : Trek to Ghami 3515m. 6 hrs.

The trail ascends to the Yamda La (3,850m.) through local villages and Chortens. After Nyi Pass (4,010m) the trail descends to the Ghami village.

Day 8 : Trek to Charang 3510m. 5 hrs.

The trail climbs up to the plateau beside a long Mani wall crossing the Ghaymi khola and reaches Charang.

Day 9 : Trek to Lo-Manthang 3740m. 6 hrs.

The trail descends to Tsarang Chu and then climbs steeply after crossing the river windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the magnificent Lo-Manthang Valley with its hills on the Tibetan Border.

Day 10 : Explore the Lo-Manthang.

Visit interesting surroundings including Namgyal Gompa, Tingkhar village, Thugchen Gompa, Chhorak Gompa, and a four-story building of the King’s palace.

Day 11 : Lo-Manthang to Drakmar 3810m. 6-7 hrs.

Trek back on a different route passing through Gyakar village with a century-old rock painting Ghar Gompa which is said to be fulfilled of visitor’s wish. After an exploration of the Gomba continues to trek to Drakmar village.

Day 12 : Drakmar to Ghiling 3800m. 6-7hrs.

Trek down facing strong winds through dry plateau fields with great views of Dhulagiri and Nilgiri mountains then reach the beautiful village of Ghiling.

Day 13 : Ghiling to Jomsom 2700m. 5-6hrs.

Trek through the same tail along the Kaligandaki River and nice villages that were seen while heading to Lo-Manthang and reach Kagbeni where the permits are checked then a short trek down to Jomsom.

Day 14 : Jomsom to Pokhara 7-8hrs.

To avoid the flight cancellation problem and risk; better to drive out all the way to Pokhara through some of the beautiful villages and hot spring then reach Pokhara city.

Day 15 : Pokhara to Kathmandu 6-7hrs.

Morning; drive back by tourist bus through the lowland scenic countryside and reach Kathmandu. Evening enjoy a farewell dinner with the live cultural program hosted by the company.

Day 16 : Departure.

Transfer to the airport and fly back home or onward to the destination.

Inclusions

What is included?

Airport transfers, 2-3 star standard hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu/Pokhara,
Guided city tour
Entrance fees,
Special Mustang permit
Annapurna Conservation entry permit,
Local hygienic and fresh meals
lodge accommodation, tea/coffee, fresh and can fruit, dessert, chocolate bars,
land transportation,
Pokhara - Jomsom flight
Tour/trek guide, a porter for every two clients
Insurance and other facilities for the staffs etc.

What isn't included?

Personal wear & gear
Personal nature expenses
Any extra service/activities
Emergency rescue cost
A cold beverage, Mineral water, alcoholic drinks, tips etc.

Complimentary

Introduction and trip briefing: On our all tours, trekking, expeditions, and other adventures, we give a short brief about the trip in Kathmandu on the same day of your arrival and introduce your trip guide and team members. In the meantime, we provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions if any about the trip.

A day on the trek: Day starts with a warm greeting and bed tea. Then you will be offered a basin of hot water to wash and take breakfast then you are off to trek for about three hours. You will stop at pleasant surroundings for hot lunch for an hour. You will then walk another three hours or more and stop overnight. If time permits explore the area or relax until dinner time. Spend some time playing cards, reading books etc then go to bed for a good sleep.

Accommodation: You will be staying at a comfortable 2-3 star standard category hotel/resort having all modern amenities with breakfast in Kathmandu and normal lodge accommodation during the trek.

Trek staff: Believing that every successful trip has been possible because of teamwork, Holiday Mountain Treks employs experienced and trained Nepalese trek guides and other staff.

Guide: Our guides are well-experienced and knowledgeable holding licenses from government institutions. They are well trained about the high altitude problem, eco tourism, and social responsibilities and are sincerely dedicated to their duty. Actually, our guide plays an invaluable role in ensuring that our clients have the best opportunity to experience, learn about, and enjoy their trip presenting them whenever you need any help.

Assistant Guide and Porters: We provide one assistant guide and one Sherpa as per the group size on the trek. The assistant guide will help the group during the day time walking close by to help trekkers in difficult situations. Normally we use only regular porters working for the company. Our porters are fully equipped and insured having knowledge of walking on snow and high-altitude passes. They are very honest, reliable, and strong.

Foods and drinks: Fresh and hygienic foods at a high level of balance diet on a full board basis will be provided throughout the trek. Normally local Nepali, Tibetan, Italian, Continental, and Indian cousins are available. For drinks, you will get boiled water, Tea, coffee, chocolate, soups, squash, and juice in different flavors etc.

Washing and toilet facilities: We provide hot or washing bowls of hot water to freshen up and to bathe. Few lodges will have hot showers and western-style toilets though. Normally toilets are out site the lodges and local style. We suggest the clients bring toilet paper to roll for use.

Transportation: Deluxe private vehicles are provided while on the city tours, airport transfers, and privately reserved vehicles as per the itinerary.

Essential Equipment: For a comfortable, safe, and successful trip you should consider the following items. Make sure that you have most of them, especially those you do not want to use locally made in Nepal. Please check the essential checklist for the comprehensive packing list for this trip.

Responsible tourism concept: Holiday Mountain Treks is taking concerned about the economy, society, environment, and culture while running its trips. Our staff is trained on this and try for minimum impact on the natural environment and native peoples. We try to support the local economy by using their products, making aware and our clients will have to respect the local culture and traditions. We always try to make the areas more cleaner and friendly environments after we travel. This is possible by your understanding and our trained crews.

Travel Insurance: We suggest and t is a condition of traveling with us that you must be fully insured, including air rescue services and all medical expenses. You decide and choose what amount and type of insurance are suitable for your trip nature as some do buy cancellation and only for a certain period of time.

Itinerary: The given itinerary is flexible so if needed there is often scope on the trek to extend or shorten the walking days. In the special case, if the trip is ended a week or earlier, there will be given an option for a short trip. Please discuss this with your trek guide and express your wishes. You will be always offered the best option in any case.

Trip code
Package name	Upper Mustang (Lo-Manthang) Trekking
Duration	14
Max. elevation	4265 m
Level	Moderate
Transportation	All private ground transportation and domestic flight as per itinerary
Accomodation	3*** Hotel in Kathmandu / Pokhara and Lodge / Tea house during the trek
Starts at	Kathmandu
Ends at	Kathmandu
Trip route	KTM-PKR-Jomsom-Ghami-Lo-Manthang-Drakmar-Kagbeni-Tatopani-PKR-KTM
Cost	USD 1,950 per person