Best Season: The weather in the upper Mustang region is at its best from March to November. Autumn offers great weather, clear skies, no rain, and snowfall in Upper Mustang, making the months of the season ideal for tours and trips. The weather in Mustang gets to be very pleasant for going on overland tours and trekking from the second week of September to the second week of December.
The autumnal season typically begins in September and ends in October. The Himalayas experience unexpected weather changes as a result of global warming. The first two weeks of September are not recommended for travel to and hiking in Mustang Nepal due to the late monsoon.
On arrival at Kathmandu, Nepal International Airport our guide and staff will receive you with traditional welcome. After knowing the staff of Himalayan Forever Treks, a short drive to your hotels. Located in the heart of a city within an exciting Thamel area, an interesting place where most good hotels and restaurants situated. Reaching at the hotel, check your lovely rooms, after getting refreshed join in for group briefing. Provided by your guide or Group Leader, offers useful and important information of the trek, hotels and local lodge.
Morning after breakfast, our city and cultural guide receives you at the hotel for exciting tour. The drive leads in the heart of Kathmandu city, where interesting historical Durbar Square / Palace Courtyard located. The right spot to observe Nepalese cultures. Tour of ancient monuments listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, next tour takes you to old Swayambhunath Stupa of more than 2,600 years history. A Buddhist monument situated on a hillock west of Kathmandu city outskirt, the famous landmark of the country. From here back to hotel, afternoon at leisure and preparation for the trek to Upper Mustang Trek.
An exciting morning and interesting day, transfer to a private coach or in a regular Tourist Bus for drive to Pokhara.
Traveling overland is interesting to observe the country’s rural farm life, as the drive leads beyond Kathmandu valley. Facing views of snow peaks along the drive, as the drive reach low warm farm villages and towns. The main highway follows Trisuli River for few hours, then heads west with great views of Manaslu and Annapurna Himalayas. Then finally ending the journey at beautiful city of Pokhara where all good hotels located by the serene Phewa lake side.
(Options by air to Pokhara from Kathmandu a short half hour flight)
Having early breakfast transfer to Pokhara airport for scenic, short flight to Jomsom. Enjoy the flight in a smaller aircraft Twin Otter or Dornier, facing close views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan peaks. As the plane makes landing at Jomsom small airport. Jomsom a large town and headquarters of Mustang district. At the airport received by our trekking staff and guide, after a short refreshing stop at Jomsom. Walk starts heading to Kagbeni for first overnight stop around Mustang area in the comfort of a nice lodge.
From Jomsom, the trail leads on the Kaligandaki plains to Kagbeni on route to Upper Mustang. A fascinating large village of strong Tibetan influence, with time to browse around the exciting places of cultural interest.
After a pleasant overnight in Kagbeni an interesting Tibetan style village, walk begins to enter the Upper Mustang. A short climb and then on gradual winding path, as walk heads towards dry country past smaller villages to Tangbe.
Having short rest, walk continues in between grand canyons and red mud high cliffs to reach Chusang for overnight halt. A nice moderate size village surrounded by few surviving high altitude Populus and Willows trees. Chusang or Tsusang is situated on the confluence of Narsang stream and Kali Gandaki River.
Start the morning heading towards a wild and beautiful country, after first overnight in Upper Mustang at Chusang village. The trail follows to cross a stream amidst broken canyons and windblown red mud walls and towering cliffs.
As walk continues facing super scenery of red eroded cliffs and wide canyon walls, dotted with high inaccessible caves. The trail leads to cross a small bridge, as climb starts for an hour or less to Chele village. Enjoy possible lunch stop.
Afternoon walk leads to steep climb for an hour to a ridge at 3,130 m high.
From the ridge top enjoy grand views of Gyagar village across a huge canyon, head downhill, with another short climb. As the walk follow on a windswept terrain to reach a small pass at 3,540 m. From the top a gradual descent to Samar for the overnight stop.
After a pleasant overnight stop in Samar, morning starts with short climb above the village reaching a high ridge. From the top downhill to enter a large gorge past Buddhist monuments of colored Chorten. Painted in red, black, yellow, and white.
All the colors made from natural rocks found around the soil of Upper Mustang wild country. The journey continues from one valley to another, crossing streams, with climb to a ridge at 3,800 m high. As walk leads down to Shyangmochen, a small settlement with few tea shops. After a pleasant stop, a slow climb to a pass at 3,770 m entering towards a huge valley. The trail then leads downhill to Ghiling for overnight halt, a lovely village with a large farm fields of barley that outlines the village.
After a wonderful time staying in Ghiling, morning begins with a gentle climb to a high ridge, amidst a wide valley. Overlooking a Tama Gung village below, the walk continues uphill to cross Nyi La pass 3,950 m. The highest spot of the adventure, which forms the southern boundary of Lo and rest of Mustang areas.
From the top descent to the junction of Tsarang and Ghami villages, the trail drops below blue, grey and red cliffs. Reaching a steel bridge to cross Tangmarchu River, then encountering the longest stretch of Mani prayer walls. The longest in Nepal, an exciting walk finally reaches Tsarang/ Charang for an overnight stop. An impressive village within maze of barley field surrounded by willow trees. Close to a huge five-storied white Dzong and red painted monastery, situated at the edge of Kali Gandaki River gorge. Charang village runs its own hydro-electricity system from the nearby river, enjoy the overnight in a nice homely environment guest-house.
From Tsarang / Charang, walk today's walk leads to our destination at Lo Manthang. The trek begins with short descend to cross Charangchu River, and then steep climb to a high ridge. Leading to Tholung valley, as our path diverts towards north with gentle up reaching a large Chorten, a Buddhist monument.
Marking the boundary of Tsarang and Lo, as the climb follows to a high ridge at 3,850 m; facing view of the former walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang. From the top a short descent to a stream that outlines the walled Lo-Manthang, a short climb to a plateau. Then enter the old kingdom of Lo-Manthang, at one time a city but it is more size of a town. On reaching inside the former walled kingdom transfer into best available lodge and guest house.
Enjoy the free leisure day exploring the mystical and exciting walled kingdom.Lo-Manthang lined with about 150 houses and several residents of the monks and priest. The houses are closely attached, apart from the palace and monasteries; which is at the bottom section in the vertical part of L-shaped houses.
The school, health post and police post including Chorten are located outside the walls to the north of the gate. Apart from apparent squalor the people of Lo-Manthang, are prosperous and maintains a strong sense of community.
The inhabitants of Lo-Manthang are known as the Lobas, of strong Tibetan origin, with strong trade-link with Tibet. But since the Chinese annexed Tibet the trade was disrupted. Most salt and wool trade passed through Lo-Manthang to Tibet border and vice-versa, which, brought a substantial amount of economy to the Lobas of Lo-Manthang.
The Mustang king/ Raja's palace stands an imposing four-storied building in the center of Lo-Manthang. It is the home of the present and late Raja, Jigme Parbal Bista, and the Rani (queen), who is from the noble family of Shigatse near Lhasa, Tibet. Tour takes you to visit its famous monasteries of great religious and cultural interest, at Lo-Manthang. A great colorful festival takes place every year called Tiji, held in the month of May as per Buddhism calendar.
After an amazing and marvelous time enjoying the two overnights in Lo-Manthang. Return journey leads on the same route for few hours, then climb to Marang village. From here the route leads west on an old trail to Drakmar village for overnight stop.
Enjoy the village farm activities at Drakmar, the walk follows to a longest and exciting series of Mani prayer walls. The trail leads to a bridge over Ghami Khola to reach Ghami village, from here few hours walks heading south to Ghiling for overnight stop.
On leaving Ghiling and its nice pleasant lodge, morning a gradual climb to Syangboche village. Then climb to a small pass of Yamda-La 3,860 m high, facing views of snow-capped peaks. Overlooking Mt. Dhaulagiri and Nilgiris peaks, from here descent leads to Bhena and Samar village. The walk continues to cross a stream, then reaching Chusang village for overnight stop, after walking past Gyakar and Chele villages.
From Chusang, our last day walk leads on moderate windswept terrain trails towards Kaligandaki River. After few hours of good walk reaches Kagbeni for possible lunch stop. Afternoon walk leads on a wide Kaligandaki River bank and then finally the trek ends reaching Jomsom town. Enjoy the last overnight around Mustang areas in the comfort of good hotels and lodge. Jomsom and Lower Mustang areas is inhabited by Thakali, practice Buddhism religion and culture.
From Jomsom morning fly to Pokhara, a scenic panoramic flight of less than half hour facing exciting views of rolling hills and snow peaks of Annapurna Himalayas. As the small aircraft lands at Pokhara airport, then transfer to respective hotels by the serene Phewa Lake side, where all good hotels located.
Rest of the day enjoy individual activities, Pokhara an amazing city offers various exciting adventure sports activities. From boating, Paragliding, Ultra-Light flight to Zip Line/ Flyer and much more.
Depart from the hotel in Pokhara, for interesting overland journey back to Kathmandu on the same scenic highway. On reaching the hotel in Kathmandu by late afternoon, rest of day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.
(Option for short flight of half hour to Kathmandu from Pokhara)
We have reserved a free day in Kathmandu, where all can relax and enjoy leisure activities. Interested people can join in for exciting sightseeing tour of Patan / Lalitpur and Bhaktapur cities, worth a visit.
Last day in Nepal and at Kathmandu, get ready for final departure as per your international flight time. Himalayan Forever Trek guide and staff transfer you to the airport. Bidding farewell to the guide and staff as you depart for homeward bound flight, after a wonderful experience to Upper Mustang Trek.
Gakul the guide is great as ever! I have been lucky enough to visit Nepal six times and even luckier to have been trekking with Gakul the guide for six separate trips. Each time the preparation and communication has been great and Gakul has always been very prepared and works with you to arrange the best possible trip and time for you. Gakul is very friendly and will do everything he can to make sure you have a good time. He also explains Nepalese culture and traditions along the way. I really feel my time in Nepal has been enhanced due to Gakul and his experience as a guide :)
I recently had the privilege of embarking on the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal, and it was an extraordinary journey that exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I set foot in this mystical land, I was captivated by its unique beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm-hearted people. I just want to thank the whole Himalayan Forever team who helped me with everything thing through my unforgettable journey. I had an amazing time with the company's guide and staff. Thankyou guys!
Upper Mustang was closed as a forbidden country for outside visitors until 1991, but remains as Restricted Areas of Nepal. Due to its close border with Tibet / China, as well to limit mass flow of travelers. As well to preserve its pristine fragile and beautiful country and ancient cultures.
The trek overall is not too tough or difficult, the trail is well defined leading to nice villages, along with great views. Making the walk enjoyable even on climb, taking rest for short while will overcome the toughness of walking. The only hardest section is steep climb up due to rise in altitude. Taking slowly and having rest will overcome the difficulty on high altitude climb.
The motorable road has reached from Pokhara, Beni to Jomsom and right up to the border of Tibet / China. A driving distance of 91 km 57 miles from Pokhara to Lo-Manthang and 59 km / 37 miles from Jomsom. Interested people can cover the whole distance taking about 5-6 days on drive from Pokhara to Pokhara.
As well options from Jomsom town after taking a flight from Pokhara and then drive to Lo-Manthang around Upper Mustang.
Every villages and settlements have hydroelectricity or solar power, where trekkers can charge electronic items. A fee is charged for each gadgets as per hour basis, the price differs from one place to another.
Upper Mustang region is a famous and gaining popular as a special trekking destinations. Every villages, offers best lodge accommodation, some with simple and basic, with common bath and toilets.
But all lodges restaurants provides comprehensive food menu to choose from, with options for overnight accommodations from budget, moderate to standard rooms. Trekkers can enjoy having rooms with attached bath / toilets, or using common bathe and toilets all the way till Jomsom.
Foods are served in a large warm dining room, the foods served as per the menu from Continental, Chinese, Indian, Tibetan and Nepali. Some lodge restaurants also serves fresh homemade bakeries products.
The most famous and popular is Nepali Dal / Bhat (boiled or steam rice, served with various lentil soups, vegetable or meat mild curry, includes pickles of choice).
