This trek promises an immersive experience, seamlessly blending cultural richness, awe-inspiring landscapes, and the thrill of exploration.
Your expedition commences with a panoramic drive from Pokhara to Jomsom, a visual feast that traverses diverse terrains, offering glimpses of Nepal’s geographical diversity. As you wind through lush greenery to the arid canyons, the journey itself becomes a prelude to the unique topography awaiting your exploration.
Upper Mustang, ensconced in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, reveals a desert-like landscape, distinctive and captivating. The trek is an off-the-beaten-path odyssey, a departure from crowded trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Mustang. The trail leads to cave dwellings carved into cliffs, adorned with ancient Buddhist murals—a testament to the region’s spiritual legacy.
Historical monasteries such as Lo Gekar and Tsarang punctuate your journey, each narrating tales of a bygone era and showcasing architectural marvels that stand as silent witnesses to Mustang’s rich history. As you reach Lo Manthang, the walled city beckons with its palaces, monasteries, and labyrinthine alleys—a living canvas of Tibetan and Nepalese cultures seamlessly interwoven.
Engage with the local Thakali and Tibetan communities, delving into their warm hospitality, traditional dances, and age-old customs. The trek is not just a physical journey but a cultural immersion, fostering a deep connection with the resilient spirit of the people who call Upper Mustang home.
The return leg of the journey, a scenic drive back, offers a reflective transition, allowing you to witness the ever-changing landscapes—from the arid highlands of Mustang back to the verdant valleys of Pokhara. Beyond its scenic allure, the trek to Upper Mustang contributes to conservation efforts, as the region requires special permits, ensuring a commitment to sustainable tourism practices to preserve its unique heritage.
This expedition isn’t just a trek; it’s an odyssey—a gateway to the Himalayas that transcends the ordinary, inviting you to witness the hidden treasures and timeless beauty that define Nepal’s majestic landscapes.
Choosing the opportune moment to embark on the Upper Mustang Trek with Drive Back is a crucial consideration, as the timing significantly influences the overall experience of this enchanting journey. The best time to undertake this trek is during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn.
Spring, spanning from March to May, unveils a landscape adorned with vibrant blossoms, transforming the arid terrain of Upper Mustang into a kaleidoscope of colors. The moderate temperatures, ranging from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius (54 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit), create a pleasant trekking environment. The melting snow accentuates the beauty of the region, allowing trekkers to witness the revival of life in the barren landscapes.
Autumn, extending from September to November, is equally enticing for those seeking an optimal trekking experience. During this period, the weather remains clear and stable, offering unobstructed views of the majestic Himalayas and the unique topography of Upper Mustang. The temperatures hover between 10 to 18 degrees Celsius (50 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit), providing a comfortable trekking climate.
Both seasons present an excellent opportunity to explore Upper Mustang’s cultural richness. The moderate temperatures ensure a pleasant trekking experience, allowing trekkers to fully appreciate the ancient cave dwellings, historical monasteries, and the captivating city of Lo Manthang.
However, caution should be exercised during the winter months (December to February) due to harsh weather conditions, including extreme cold and occasional snowfall, making the trek challenging and less enjoyable. Similarly, the monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, posing the risk of landslides and making the trails slippery and difficult to navigate.
The best time for the Upper Mustang Trek with Drive Back aligns with the transitional seasons, offering a harmonious blend of favorable weather, blooming landscapes, and an immersive cultural experience. Whether it’s the awakening of spring or the clarity of autumn, both seasons provide a canvas for a truly unforgettable journey through the mystical landscapes of Upper Mustang.
Upon your arrival at the airport, the Hike Heights team will greet you and provide transportation to your hotel for check-in. Following this, a brief meeting will be conducted to provide further details about the journey. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. Overnight stay at the hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, embark on a half-day sightseeing tour of UNESCO-listed world heritage sites in Kathmandu. Explore the Swayambhunath stupa for a panoramic view of the city and observe Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square to witness historical monuments reflecting the rich culture of the city. The tour concludes with a drive to Kathmandu airport for a flight to Pokhara. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara, including breakfast.
Fly to Jomsom in the early morning, enjoying breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. Begin the Upper Mustang Trek to Kagbeni, the main gateway to Upper Mustang. Kagbeni, at an altitude of 2,800m, dates back to the 14th century and served as a checkpoint for traders. Overnight at a guesthouse, with meals included.
Continue the trek to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. Ascend about 1000 meters, passing through Khingar and Jharkot. Explore Muktinath’s temples and witness pilgrims performing rituals. Overnight at a guesthouse, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Leave Muktinath and trek towards Chusang, passing through the Gyu La pass with spectacular views. Descend to Tetang, Chhusang, and finally reach Chele. The route is renowned for Saligrams. Overnight at a guesthouse, with meals included.
Hike through rolling hills and a steep canyon to a rock cairn at 3540 meters. Descend to Samar village, with views of Annapurna dominating the landscape. Trek to Shyangbochen, passing through a pass at 3770m to reach Geling Village. Overnight at a guesthouse, with meals included.
Climb to the NYI La pass, passing Mustang’s longest Mani wall. Descend to the Charang settlement, featuring a five-story white Dzong and red Gompa. Overnight at a guesthouse, with meals included.
Ascend to Lo-Gekar Gompa, one of the oldest Gompas in the region, and continue to Lo-Manthang. Pass the walled city of Lo and climb to the plateau of Lo-Manthang. Overnight at a guesthouse, with meals included.
Hike to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar, the last village northwest of Lo-Manthang. Return to Lo-Manthang after visiting both places. Overnight at a guesthouse, with meals included.
Gradually climb to the Chogo La and descend to the highest point on the trek. Cross the Charang River, climb Lo Geker to Ghar Gompa, and then descend to Drakmar. Overnight at a guesthouse, with meals included.
Continue the journey to Ghami, descending through impressive cave towers and villages. Take a jeep to Jomsom, passing through various towns and enjoying views of the Kali Gandaki gorge, the deepest ravine in the world. Overnight at guesthouses, including breakfast.
In the early morning, fly to Pokhara from Jomsom, enjoying views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks. The remainder of the day is free for your leisure. Note: In case of bad weather, a jeep drive to Pokhara may be arranged. Overnight at guesthouses.
Drive to Pokhara airport for a flight back to Kathmandu. After arrival, return to the trip hotel. Breakfast included.
Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight, a representative from Hike Heights will bid you farewell and take you to the International airport.
Here’s a list of items you might want to pack for the Upper Mustang Trek. This is a starting point, and be prepared for varying weather conditions and altitudes. Some items can be rented in Kathmandu.
Technical fabric short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts (2 each)
Please note that you’ll receive a duffel bag and a baseball cap during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag is for packing your trekking supplies. Each two participants are assigned one porter to carry the duffel bag, which should weigh around 10 kg.
For carrying your daily necessities like cash, important documents, a water bottle, camera, toiletries, sunscreen, clothing, and more, you should have your own daypack with a waterproof cover. You can leave your non-trekking luggage at the hotel in Kathmandu.
A down jacket with a hood is essential for altitudes above 4,000 meters, and you can rent one for your trek. In case of loss or damage, you’ll need to reimburse the cost of USD 100 per item.
You can also rent a four-season sleeping bag for USD 35. Again, in case of loss or damage, you’ll need to reimburse the cost of USD 100 per item. Some clothing items, particularly tight or figure-hugging garments made of elastic material, may be culturally sensitive and may offend locals, so consider wearing something over them for modesty.
This scenic drive, while breathtaking, sets the tone for the physical demands that lie ahead. The trail leads into the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, creating a distinctive desert-like topography. The arid landscapes present a challenge, requiring trekkers to adapt to the unique conditions of the region.
As trekkers delve deeper into the heart of Mustang, the elevation becomes a factor, adding an additional layer of difficulty. The trek reaches altitudes of over 3,800 meters, demanding a gradual acclimatization to mitigate the effects of high altitude. This requires a reasonable level of physical fitness and stamina, as the body adjusts to lower oxygen levels.
The paths meander through hidden cave dwellings adorned with ancient Buddhist murals, and the labyrinthine alleys of Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. Navigating these intricate routes demands a degree of agility and balance, enhancing the overall difficulty of the trek.
Cultural immersion is an integral part of the journey, and while it doesn’t pose a physical challenge, it requires an open mind and a willingness to engage with the local Thakali and Tibetan communities. Understanding their customs, participating in traditional dances, and embracing the unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese cultures contribute to the cultural richness of the trek.
The trek concludes with a scenic drive back, retracing the route from Mustang to Pokhara. While the drive allows for a more relaxed journey back, it is not without its challenges, navigating the diverse landscapes once again.
In essence, the Upper Mustang Trek with Drive Back presents a moderate to challenging level of difficulty, weaving together physical exertion, high altitude adaptation, and cultural exploration. It beckons those seeking an adventure that transcends the ordinary, promising a trek that challenges the body and enriches the soul in the heart of Nepal’s captivating Mustang region.
Your adventure starts at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, where you are whisked away into a UNESCO World Heritage site tour, immersing yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
The expedition truly begins with early morning flights that take you from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Jomsom, treating you to awe-inspiring aerial views of towering peaks and deep gorges. The trek kicks off in Jomsom, leading you to the picturesque village of Kagbeni. As you traverse through Muktinath, Chusang, Chele, Geling, and Charang, you’ll witness the evolution of landscapes, from arid terrains to ancient monasteries.
The climax of your journey is the arrival at Lo-Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang, where you can explore the historic Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar, immersing yourself in the unique blend of Tibetan culture and ancient traditions. The return leg of the trek takes you through Ghami and Drakmar, each step revealing the hidden treasures of this culturally rich region.
The Upper Mustang Trek seamlessly blends cultural exploration with the thrill of mountain vistas, creating an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Nepal. To conclude your trek, a scenic drive from Drakmar to Jomsom awaits, allowing you to absorb the diverse landscapes before catching flights to Pokhara and then Kathmandu. As you reflect on your journey, the Upper Mustang Trek leaves an indelible mark, offering not just a trek but an odyssey through time, culture, and the breathtaking beauty of Nepal’s hidden gem.
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.
