- Trip Code : NTE-UM20
- Trip Duration : 17 Days
- Trip Level : Demanding
- Trip Max Altitude : 3660
- Trip Start Location : Pokhara
- Trip End Location : Pokhara
- Trip Route : Pokhara-Jomsom-Kagbeni-Lo-manthang
- Trip Best Season : March-April & August-November
Trip Highlights
- Visit the ancient Kingdom of Lo Manthang.
- Trek through a stark desert landscape with spires and cliffs.
- Lying in the rain shadow, a great trek to escape the summer monsoon.
- Picturesque mountains to the south.
- The region is situated in the rain shadow.
- Unique cultural and historical monuments.
- Monasteries of high importance.
- Scenic flight to and from Jomsom.
- Kathmandu and Pokhara city.
Trip Information
The Upper Mustang trek is one of the fascinating treks in the hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang. It is one of the popular destinations due to its unique desert region and traditional Nepali settlements. The Upper Mustang region is incorporated by the wonderful Dhaulagiri Massif along with its 35 other Himalayan ranges.
The major attraction of Upper Mustang is the walled city of Lo-Manthang which is also considered the most stimulating and charming place in the entirety of Nepal. This Upper Mustang trek takes you to an unspoiled and isolated place, where you will get an opportunity to encounter native people and observe their living patterns and traditional cultural practices along with their ancient religion of Bon-Po which is considered older than Buddhism. Mustang people still celebrate the ancient Tiji festival which is very famous among the people. It is one of the cultural treks having stunning treeless barren landscapes with yellow and grey rolling hills.
Upper Mustang is a place of remote trans- Himalayan mountain region of Nepal, that provides a privileged opportunity to experience the true life of the “highlanders” or the mountain people. Upper Mustang, having geography and culture resembling Tibet is definitely surprising and an exciting trekking region to trek on, and also give similar feelings of trekking in Tibet. The whole isolated area of upper Mustang gives a mystical feel to it and enchanting and inspiring visitors to this region.
The Upper Mustang Trek begins from Kathmandu by a scenic air-flight to the Jomsom and officially we start our pleasant trail throughout the beautiful Kali Gandaki River in Kagbeni. Then trekkers will enjoy the capital of ancient Mustang city called Lo- Manthang and traditional villages of Upper Mustang. The trekkers from Jomsom, either take air-flight or vehicle ride to Kathmandu city or Pokhara city it depends on the trekker’s interest.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft).
- Day 2 - Kathmandu sightseeing.
- Day 3 - Kathmandu to Pokhara 800m.
- Day 4 - Transfer to airport fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni
- Day 5 - Trekking from Kagbeni to Chele.
- Day 6 - Trekking from Chele to Syanbochen.
- Day 7 - Trekking from Shyangboche to Ghami.
- Day 8 - Trekking from Ghami to Tsarang.
- Day 9 - Trekking from Tsarang to Lo Manthang.
- Day 10 - Explore Lo Manthang/ Accommodation day.
- Day 11 - Trek from Lo Manthang -Tamr to Shyangboche.
- Day 12 - Trekking from Shyangboche to Tetang.
- Day 13 - Trekking from Tetangs to Muktinath.
- Day 14 - Trekking from Muktinath to Jomsom.
- Day 15 - Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara.
- Day 16 - Drive to Kathmandu.
- Day 17 - Final Departure.
- Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft).
- Day 2 Kathmandu sightseeing.
- Day 3 Kathmandu to Pokhara 800m.
- Day 4 Transfer to airport fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni
- Day 5 Trekking from Kagbeni to Chele.
- Day 6 Trekking from Chele to Syanbochen.
- Day 7 Trekking from Shyangboche to Ghami.
- Day 8 Trekking from Ghami to Tsarang.
- Day 9 Trekking from Tsarang to Lo Manthang.
- Day 10 Explore Lo Manthang/ Accommodation day.
- Day 11 Trek from Lo Manthang -Tamr to Shyangboche.
- Day 12 Trekking from Shyangboche to Tetang.
- Day 13 Trekking from Tetangs to Muktinath.
- Day 14 Trekking from Muktinath to Jomsom.
- Day 15 Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara.
- Day 16 Drive to Kathmandu.
- Day 17 Final Departure.
Price Includes
- Arrival and departure airport transfer
- Standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on Twin share with breakfast
- Welcome dinner with cultural program
- Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara Air fare
- Half day guided cultural tour in Kathmandu with heritage entrance permit
- Teahouse / lodge accommodation while on trek on twin share
- Full board meals while on upper Mustang Tiji festival trekking.
- Properly boiled drinking water, tea and coffee
- Upper Mustang special trekking permit for the Tiji festival trek
- Annapurna conservation entry trek permit and other trek documentation.
- Pokhara Jomsom Pokhara airfare with airport tax
- Private transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara drive
- Free use of trekking gears like sleeping bag, down jacket, liner, trekking poles etc
- Complementary trek duffle bag and T- shirt to every trekkers on Tiji festival trip.
- Medical trained experienced trekking guide with first aid kit
- Trek Sherpa and porters with all their gear, wages and insurance etc.
- A Kathmandu city map and Mustang region trekking map
- Comprehensive pre departure and trip dossiers for the mustang trek
Price Does not Include
- Nepal entry visa and your personal travel insurance of any kind
- International airfare
- Drinks and main meals while on city like Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Tips and items of personal nature expenses like postage, laundry etc
Trekking equipment and clothing needed for this trek
Clothing for Kathmandu: Informal clothing is all that is required. Remember to dress in a modest fashion. Light clothing is usually all that will be required for most of the year. During the winter months, December to February, it will be chilly in the early mornings and evenings. A warm fleece or similar jacket will be required. Do bring along a swimming costume as our hotel in Kathmandu has a swimming pool.
General gears you need During Trekking
- 4 seasons Sleeping bag (we provide one if you need but is to be returned after the trek)
- Duffel bag or Rucksack (70-80 liters) (we can provide one)
- Down Jacket (we provide one if you need one but is to be returned after the trek)
- Daypack (25-30 liters)
Feet
- Socks: 4 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or capilene, 3 pairs heavy weight socks (woolen) to be worn over liner socks
- Trekking Boots: 1 pair light trekking shoes or sneakers. Good for around the camp/lodges and in Kathmandu. Remember it is your feet that will be doing all the work. We recommend a good quality boot with a hard lug-cleated sole. Boots should be sturdy enough to tackle rough terrain. For this trek a mid-weight leather or Gore-Tex/Cardura style is an excellent choice. If you are buying boots for your trek, make absolutely sure that they are well broken in before leaving home.
- Gaiters (seasonal): 1 pair hiking gaiters, good for keeping dust and rocks out of your shoes / boots as well as keep your feet dry as necessary. Highly recommended for keeping snow from getting inside your boots. They will also help keep the bottom of trousers clean on muddy trails. They can be bought cheaply in Kathmandu.
- Sandals (optional): A pair of running shoes or sandals will be very useful for wearing around the lodge after the day’s trekking.
Lower Body – Legs
- Hiking Shorts (2): Quick drying type, not cotton!
- Trekking Pants (2), preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts
- Lightweight underwear – capilene or other synthetic.
- Soft shell pants – synthetic, full zip from top and bottom preferable.
- Hard shell pants. Waterproof / breathable, Gore-Tex or equivalent is best. Should zip from the top and bottom – this makes it easier to put on over boots without getting undressed should the weather change once you are underway for the day.
- Cotton pants or (loose jeans/khakis).
Upper Core Body
- T-Shirts
For lower altitudes and on warm days a baggy cotton T-shirt or cotton shirt is a practical item. Highly recommended are synthetic T shirt styles that wick away moisture from the body. They are particular useful above 2500m when, even on warm days, you chill quickly when stopping for rests.
- Thermal Underwear
Synthetic polypropylene long johns and long sleeved vests are essential for trips departing November through March. Highly recommended for other months. They also make ideal sleeping gear.
- Waterproof Jacket. Quality waterproof clothing is essential. A proofed nylon or Gore-Tex jacket with hood is required. Ensure that it is about mid-thigh length, with large pockets and has a full-length zipLight and expedition weight thermal tops.
- Fleece jacket or pullover.
- Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional).
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket.
- 2 women sports bras, Synthetic
- Swimsuit for women (optional)
Hands
- 1 pair liner gloves, thin wool or synthetic, useful alone on mild days or as a layer inside other gloves / mitts for additional warmth.
- 1 pair warm gloves (heavier fleece or wool).
- 1 pair shell gloves or mitts; Gore-Tex is preferred for keeping hands dry.
- Instant hand warmers are always nice in a pinch, but really shouldn’t be necessary on the trek. Bringing appropriate hand protection as recommended above, should be sufficient (optional).
Head / Ears / Eyes
- Shade hat or baseball cap – some people drape a bandana down the back of their head and then put a baseball cap on to hold it is place. This can be a flexible alternative while keeping the sun off your ears and neck.
- Warm wool Hat or synthetic hat that covers your ears.
- Balaclava – lightweight, thinner variety.
- Glacier glasses-100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case (i.e. Julbo or Cebe). This is to protect your eyes from the stronger rays of the sun due to the thinner atmosphere which can cause a painful condition known as snow blindness. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient. If you wear prescription glasses, speak to your doctor about prescription glacier glasses, perhaps with transitional lenses.
- Headlamp: Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good ones. Make sure to bring extra batteries and that they are lithium batteries so that they will last in the colder temperatures. These are indispensable for getting around at night, reading, etc. so, don’t go cheap here.
- Ear Muffs (optional): Some people like ear-muffs; These are optional; a good hat, balaclava, and hooded jacket should really be sufficient, but this is a personal choice for some people.
- A neck warmer (optional): is another piece of gear for extra warmth if you feel you will need it
Medicines and First Aid Kits: Please note our guide will also carry the first aid kit bag during the trek. However, we still recommend you to bring your personal first aid kit as well.
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches.
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness. Please discuss with us before starting to take this medicine.
- 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc. Your guides will have more extensive medical gear, but you should have the basics for general use.
Toiletries and personal Hygiene
- Quick drying towel (medium sized)
- Tooth brush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
- Multipurpose soap/handwash
- Deodorants
- Nail clippers
- Face and body moisturizer
- Feminine hygiene products
- Small mirror
- Wet wipes
- Sanitizers
Miscellaneous, but essential!
- Valid Passport
- Passport size photos (2 + copies).
- Airline ticket (Please make a copy and provide us one just in case if you need to change the date of your flight).
- Luggage Locks (2)
- 2 strong plastic garbage bags (for laundry and in case of rain) Refillable water bottle
Durable wallet / pouch for travel documents, money & passport. - Lip balm. At least SPF 20, 2 sticks. A string taped to the stick is helpful, to hang around your neck and some are now being sold with a cord already attached. Handy as it avoids you from having to stop and look for it.
- Sunscreen. SPF 40 is recommended and should be relatively new since it loses its’ effectiveness over time.
- Pocket knife or small Swiss Army type.
- Water purification Iodine tablets or Polar-pure crystals.
- 2 bandanas.
Optional (Luxuries)
- 1 pair adjustable trekking poles. Although these are listed as optional, these can be of great assistance to people who may think of themselves and generally clumsy or with bad knees, ankles, etc, especially when going downhill
- Favorite snack foods, no more than 2 pounds
- Reading materials, games (cards, chess, backgammon, scrabble, etc) music and chargers (there are a couple of stops where you could recharge. Avoid players with moving hardware as it may not function. Remember, keep these items light weight
- Binoculars
- Camera, film/memory cards, spare batteries (you must keep the batteries warm when not in use)
- Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
- Trail Map/Guide book
- Journal & Pen, Pencils and small notebooks
- Extra contacts or glasses
- Pillow case (if use lodge provided pillows) or can use your own stuff sacks as pillow(s)
- Sleeping bag liner
- Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator
- A pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman to avoid that chilly late night trip
- 1 small stainless steel thermos
The price per person for the Small group Journey is fixed as stated below. There is also the option of private and tailor made journey best suited for you, your family and friends. The discount is subjected to increase with the number of people in your group. Bigger the group better the discount so group bookings are highly encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions
- All your departure is guaranteed to run?
- Do I need to tip my guide and porters? How much would that be?
- Can I add extra days to my trek or trip?
- Do you use Yaks and porters on the trek or do we carry all of our own gear?
- Will there be a place to store items clothing not require for the trek?
- What is the weight limit for Remote flight?
- Can I charge my digital camera, mobile or other equipment on my trip?
- Is there any communication while we are on trekking?
- Do you guys have a PAC portable altitude chamber?
- If I am sick can I continue the trek next day after a day rest?
- What if I am badly sick in the Mountain?
- Is Nepal Travel Expedition staff insured?
- What safety measures are in place? What safety equipment do your guides carry with them on the trek to deal with altitude sickness/accident?
- Do your guide have trekking guide certificate from the government tourism center? Have they received first aid training for high altitude?
- What is the weather and temperature like in trekking?
- What is the best session for this trekking?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Is it possible to reserve a trip now pay deposit later or do I have to pay deposit at booking reservation?
- Do we book own international flights to and from Nepal?
- In case of cancelled flight due to weather condition, how do we reach Lukla from Kathmandu and vice versa?
- What is the alternative option if my flight to and from Lukla is delayed or cancelled?
- What mode of transportation do you use?
- How much additional money do I need per day for the trek?
- What are the opportunity will I have for the shower along the trek?
- What is the drinking water facilities in the mountain?
- If I am vegetarian, is that a problem?
- Is the food in mountain prepare to international standard in terms of safety?
- What are the Toilet facilities in the tea house or guest house in the trekking route?
- What short of accommodation can I expect in Kathmandu and in the trekking?
- What types of extra document do I need?
- Can I obtain visa for Nepal upon on arrival at airport?
- Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?
- What types of Shape do I need to be in this trip?
Why this trip make different?
Nepal Travel Expedition works closely with One of the main supporter's Charity service in Nepal. And contribute 10% of the tour cost for Orphan Childrens (sherpa Outdoor Foundation) We support them in many different ways.
Donation and Charity!
Nepal Travel Expedition donates 10% of its annual revenue to Sherpa Outdoor Foundation Orphan Children Home Which is Located in Lalitpur one can visit while you are in Nepal after or before the trip. We support Children's for Food, School, Clothes, Medicine also supporting stationery materials to Government School which is located at Lamjung district trying to build a library for them where they could find a different book to read. For this project, we are trying to collect donations.
Sponsorship and Partnership (volunteering programmed)
One of the major activities of Sherpa outdoor Children home in Lalitpur is fully conducted and collaborate with Nepal Travel Expedition and sister concern organization Nepal wildlife safari. The Volunteering concern programmed delivered by Nepal Travel Expedition and Sherpa Outdoor Foundation aims to mobilize a team of experts and interested individuals as an economic measure in providing human capital for education, health, community to share teaching skill various Government school in a different part of the country and community to delivered humanity skills also in our children home.