Upper Mustang Trek

Himalayas On Foot

Site:(www.himalayasonfoot.com)

Trip Overview

An escape into the remote trans-Himalayan mountain area, Upper Mustang Trek is one

of the most adventurous trekking in Nepal. The entire region stretching from

Kaligandaki, a deserted region, to Kagbeni in the Tibetan south border is known as Upper

Mustang.

Combination of scenic beauty and religious monastery that age more than thousands of

years, Upper Mustang Trek is an ideal experience for all adventure seekers. The route

starts from the deepest gorge, Kaligandaki Region, into highest regions of

Lo-Mangthang Valley. The Upper Mustang trek starts from Jomsom to Kagbeni, the

entry point of the upper Mustang Region. Follow the banks of Kaligandaki River

upstream to get to Lo-Mangthang, the capital of the upper Mustang. The route offers

panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several other peaks. The trek also

passes through high peaks, passes, glaciers, and alpine valleys.

Influenced by the Tibetan Culture, the entire region has its own unique tradition and

culture. The thousand years of isolation have kept the culture, lifestyle and heritage

uncorrupted by modernization. Majority of the settlements is made up of stone and sun

Upper Mustang Trek

baked mud bricks. The city-wall and the four storied palaces in Lo-Manthang are some of

the beautiful architectures of Mustang region. Polyandry, a type of marriage where all the

brothers of a family marry the same woman, is a common practice.

The Trans-Himalayan Mustang Region is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom.

The Upper Mustang region was restricted to outsiders until October 1991. The people of

Mustang call themselves Lobas. There is a strict control in obtaining a special permit from

the department of immigration to protect their tradition from outside influence as well as

to protect their environment.

1. Scenic drive to Pokhara

2. Spectacular Mountain flight Pokhara/ Jomsom via Dhaulagiri and Annapurna

range

3. Explore the hidden kingdom of Lo Manthang

4. Unique culture and lifestyle of Managis

5. Walk through the Kaligandaki river

Day 1: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni [2,858m/9,375ft]: 3-4 hrs

We will fly to Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang, from Pokhara. The 20

flight over the mountains offers a splendid view of the Annapurna and

Upper Mustang Trek

Dhaulagiri Range. Jomsom is a large village linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt

Trade route to Tibet. We will trek from Jomsom along the riverbed of Kali Gandaki until

we reach Ekley Bhatti. We will head towards Kagbeni which is an interesting windswept

villages situated on the main age old Trans-Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper

Mustang area. Overnight in Kagbeni.

Day 2: Kagbeni to Chele [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs

The journey begins from the riverbank of Kaligandaki. Our first destination in this

journey is Tangbe village which is characterized by whitewashed houses, fields of

buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. Our route will lead us to Chhusang before

we reach Chele. Overnight in Chele.

Day 3: Chele to Syanbochen [3475m/11,398ft]: 6-7 hrs

We will trek to Syanbochen which is about 6-7 hours from Chele. The route passes

through Eklo Bhatti and climbs towards Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft). The journey

is through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and

Damodar Danda. Through the Samar village, the trial will lead us to Syanbochen. We will

come across a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave. Overnight in Syanbochen.

Day 4: Syanbochen to Ghaymi [3520m/11,546ft]: 5-6 hrs

Upper Mustang Trek

On this day we will trek to Ghaymi, the third largest village in the Lo region. Ghayami is

surrounded by large fields most of which are barren. Through chorten and Tibetan

cultured villages, we will trek towards Yamda La. We will cross mountain passes, and an

avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barley. The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft)

would be a little longer. Overnight in Ghaymi.

Day 5: Ghaymi to Charang [3500m/11,480ft]: 4-5 hrs

After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail ascends towards a plateau and passes beside a very

long Mani wall, a sacred stone wall made by the Buddhists. The trail heads east to the

village of Charang characterized by maze fields, willow trees and houses separated by

stone walls. There is also a huge white dzong and red Gompa. Overnight in Charang.

Day 6: Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3700m/12,136ft): 5-6 hrs

Lo-Mangthang offers magnificent views of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti

peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon. Further the trail ascends gently to

the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where the entire Lo-Mangthang Valley comes to sight.

It will take us about 5-6 hours to reach our destination. Overnight in Lo-Mangthang.

Day 7: Explore Lo-Mangthang

On this day, we will explore Lo-Mangthang. We can visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar.

Namgyal Gompa is situated on a hilltop. It serves as an important monastery for the local

Upper Mustang Trek

community. It is also a local court. We can otherwise visit Tall Champa Lakhang

,the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall all of which

happen to be major attractions of this town. Overnight in Lo-Mangthang.

Day 8: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar [3810 m/12,500ft]: 6-7 hrs

We will trek to Drakmar via Gyakar. Gyakar houses Ghar Gompa which is more than

1200 years old. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. According to the legend,

anyone who makes one wish at the Ghar Gompa, their wish is fulfilled. Overnight in

Drakmar.

Day 9: Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806m/12,484ft]: 5-6 hrs

We will trek back to Ghiling which is about 5-6 hours away from Dhakmar. Upon arrival,

we will explore the area. Ghiling offers panoramic views of the green hills against the

snow-capped mountains. The village is beautiful and the prevailing culture is adopted

from the Tibetans. Overnight in Ghiling.

Day 10: Ghiling to Chhuksang [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs

On this day we will trek to Chhuksang. It will take us about 5-6 hours to reach the

destination. Most of the route is narrow that encircles around green hills. You will have

wonderful scenery during the journey of the Himalayan range. Overnight in Chhuksang.

Day 11: Chhuksang to Jomsom [2700/8,856ft]: 6-7 hrs

The last day of the trek has the longest walk of 6-7 hours from Chhuksang to Jomsom.

The trail passes through Ekli Bhatti and Kagbeni. After walking along the river bed of Kali

Gandhaki River, we will enter the village of Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.

Upper Mustang Trek

Day 12: Fly back to Pokhara

On this day we will fly to Pokhara. The 20 flight over the mountains offers a

splendid view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range. Upon arrival at Pokhara, you will

be transferred to your respective hotels. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the

beautiful and vibrant city as you please. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

On this day we will drive to Kathmandu. The journey to Kathmandu is pleasant and

offers views of green hills, silver-river running along most of the route, pretty settlements

and terraced farms. Once we arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your

respective hotels. You will have the rest of the day to yourself. You can either rest or go

shopping and exploring the city. Overnight in Kathmandu.

For more detail information visit: http://himalayasonfoot.com/trekking-in-nepal/upper-

mustang-trek/