Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang


Country:
  Nepal
Region:
  Mustang
Group:
  Min. 2 people
Transport:
  Land/Air
Accomm.:
  Hotel/G. House
Difficulty Level:
  Medium
Max. Altitude:
  4280 m a.s.l.
Duration:
  20 days
Activity:
  Trekking
Season:
  Spring/Autumn
Meals:
  Included
Price:
  2500$


An expedition to Upper Mustang is an absolute journey through time.

The ancient Kingdom of Lo, hidden in the Himalayas, was completely closed to tourism until 1992. It is one of the most isolated and inaccessible parts of Nepal, making trekking in this area a unique experience.

Mustang, besides Ladakh and Bhutan, is the last place where Tibetan traditions and culture are still alive. A unique journey to the land inhabited by the Loba people, the indigenous population, is a fascinating adventure.

Combining the beauty of the Himalayas and trekking, during which thoughts slow down, one gradually adapts to life at a completely different pace than ours.

An ideal expedition for those who appreciate the uniqueness of the landscape, the beauty of the mountains, and the lack of hustle and bustle on the trail. An absolutely fascinating journey.

Let's embark on the adventure!

  • Day 1:

    Kathmandu, 1400 m
    Upon arrival at the airport, a Vertical Nepal representative will pick you up and take you to a comfortable hotel.

    After resting, we'll meet for a welcome dinner.
  • Day 2:

    Kathmandu, 1400 m
    Today we will explore the capital. You'll see UNESCO World Heritage sites, the living goddess Kumari, and the colorful winding streets of Thamel.

    Kathmandu is a vibrant city, lively, warm, and enchanting.

    We'll show you the essence of Nepalese culture.
  • Day 3:

    Kathmandu- Pokhara, 7-8 hrs
    We start early in the morning, heading to Pokhara. The city is beautifully situated on the western shore of Lake Phewa, an ideal place to relax before the mountain trek.

    We'll travel by local transport, admiring the changing views.

    The road winds through hills, providing intense experiences. Upon arrival, we'll rest at the hotel and take a relaxing walk around the city.
  • Day 4:

    Pokhara- Jomson, 2720 m - Kagbani, 2800 m, 3-4 hrs
    We catch an early morning flight to Jomson and in 20 minutes, we're there. From a bird's-eye view, you'll see the vast Himalayas and the beauty of nature.

    After landing, we begin our trek into the mysterious kingdom of Lo.

    Today's goal is Kagbani, a settlement located in the Kali Gandaki river valley.
  • Day 5:

    Kagbeni - Chele, 5-6 hrs, 3030 m
    We set off after an energetic breakfast. The trail leads along the eastern side of the Kali Gandaki river.

    On the western side, you'll see the Gompa Kang temple and a series of caves once inhabited by monks.

    Along the way, we'll pass beautiful rock formations, a salt mine, and the characteristic trio of chortens in Mustang: black, white, and red.
  • Day 6:

    Chele- Ghiling, 4-5 hrs, 3440 m
    Rested and energized, we embark on our adventure. Today we walk through a vegetation-free, dry slope towards a pass at 3480m altitude, then descend towards the Samar village.

    The panoramic view of the Annapurna Himal range is breathtaking. After several ascents and traversing a gorge, we enter an area surrounded by poplars and barley fields, where Ghiling, our destination for today, lies.
  • Day 7:

    Ghiling- Ghami, 4-5 hrs, 3520 m
    Another fascinating day meeting the Tibetan spirit of the Mustang region. We walk at a relaxed pace through a dry rocky desert and scenic valleys of the Kali Gandaki river.

    You'll be in touch with nature, observing the life of the indigenous people, admiring fantastic views, and after reaching Ghami, resting in a warm atmosphere full of hospitality.
  • Day 8:

    Ghami- Ghar Gomba, 5-6 hrs, 3920 m
    We start with a delicious breakfast to have enough energy for the journey. Today's destination is Ghar Gomba, a place of worship and spiritual practice.

    The monks living there engage in daily rituals, including prayer singing, meditative practices, and conducting religious ceremonies.

    These practices aim to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and enlightenment. We'll try to immerse ourselves in the spiritual atmosphere of this place.
  • Day 9:

    Ghar Gomba - Lo Manthang, 5-6 hrs, 3840 m
    After a refreshing sleep, we are full of energy for another day of the journey. We walk towards the Chogo La pass, admiring the distant might of the Nilgiri massif.

    After crossing the 4280m high pass, we leave behind the view of Annapurna. By early afternoon, we approach today's destination.

    Green, irrigated fields surrounded by a dry, harsh landscape are a clear sign that we are nearing human settlements. The royal city is just about 15 minutes away.

    The medieval residence surrounded by walls is Lo Manthang.
  • Day 10:

    Lo Manthang, 3840 m
    We stay in Lo Manthang today to delve into the secrets of the ancient city.

    It is an isolated Tibetan settlement founded in 1380 and is the capital of the ancient kingdom of Upper Mustang. We'll explore the city, admiring the royal palace and other fascinating sites.

    The Tibetan culture of the Lhobas people is one of the main attractions of Lo Manthang.
  • Day 11:

    Lo Manthang- Dhigaon, 6-7 hrs, 3390 m
    We leave the walled city and head back.

    We are accompanied by views of magnificent rock formations, traditional settlements, and cultivated fields. After a few hours, we reach today's destination, Dhigaon. We'll rest in a local guesthouse, enjoying the warm atmosphere.
  • Day 12:

    Dhigaon - Tangge, 4-5 hrs, 3240 m
    We have a delicious breakfast and set out to meet the wonderful views and an atmosphere full of calmness and harmony.

    We walk slowly, soaking in the beauty of the region, constantly marveling at the surrounding views.

    We'll sleep in a local guesthouse.
  • Day 13:

    Tangge - Chhusang, 4-6 hrs, 2980 m
    The route from Tangge to Chhusang is a continuation of the extraordinary trek through the Mustang region, allowing you to discover the charms of this fascinating area and immerse yourself in its culture and tradition.
  • Day 14:

    Chhusang - Muktinath, 6-7 hrs, 3760 m
    We continue our trek towards Muktinath.

    It is a place of great religious significance for Hindus and Buddhist pilgrims with numerous temples and monasteries.

    We'll reach there by covering more kilometers of this picturesque trail.
  • Day 15:

    Muktinath, 3760 m
    Today we'll explore the area. Muktinath is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists.

    According to Hindu beliefs, bathing in the springs in Muktinath purifies from sins and leads to liberation from the cycle of reincarnation. For Buddhist pilgrims, Muktinath is one of 24 important places associated with Guru Padmasambhava, who contributed to the development of Buddhism in the region.

    We'll try to understand the significance of this place.
  • Day 16:

    Muktinath - Jomson, 5-6 hrs, 2720 m
    We slowly say goodbye to the magical Mustang with its charm, mystery, and uniqueness.

    Our steps lead us to Jomson, the last stop before returning to Pokhara.
  • Day 17:

    Jomson - Pokhara, 20 mins, 827 m
    We take a morning flight to Pokhara, enjoying the views for 20 minutes, and after landing, we exchange mountain panoramas for the colorful city.

    We spend the day sightseeing and relaxing; Pokhara is the perfect place for that.
  • Day 18:

    Pokhara - Kathmandu, 1400 m
    We return to the capital.

    Another short flight awaits us, and once again, we have the opportunity to admire the magnificent views from a bird's-eye perspective.

    Upon arrival at the hotel, we head for rest.
  • Day 19:

    Kathmandu, 1400 m
    A day for sightseeing, shopping, relaxation, and saying goodbye to the city.

    In the evening, we meet for a farewell dinner at one of the atmospheric restaurants to once again share our impressions from our shared adventure.
  • Day 20:

    Departure from Nepal
    Our adventure comes to an end.

    We'll drive you to the airport for your journey back home. See you!


Offer Details


Price includes:


  • Trip preparation: trekking equipment list, practical information
  • Airport transfer in Nepal
  • Guided tour of Kathmandu
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu in a double room with breakfast
  • Accommodation on the trail in guesthouses in a double room
  • Meals on the trail (breakfast, lunch, dinner with hot drink)
  • Transportation included in the tour program
  • Completion of all formalities in Nepal to organize the trip
  • Necessary assistance in Nepal before departure: currency exchange, last-minute shopping, etc.
  • English-speaking guide on the trek and a Polish-English-speaking expedition leader
  • Luggage transport during trekking, one porter for 2 persons (max. 25 kg per porter)
  • TIMS permit
  • Permit to enter protected areas during trekking
  • Guide and porter's insurance and equipment
  • Welcome and farewell dinner
  • Assistance in purchasing international ticket
  • Assistance in filling out visa form
  • Nepalese SIM card

Price does not include:


  • International flights approximately $600-900
  • Nepalese visa $30/50 (15/30 days)
  • Required travel insurance
  • Meals in Kathmandu except breakfasts
  • Alcohol and soft drinks during the trek, mineral water
  • Additional costs due to illness, change of bus/flight schedule and route (due to weather, natural disaster or political situation), such as extra hotel stay, additional transportation, etc., independent of the organizers
  • Tips for crew members and drivers
  • Personal equipment such as sleeping bag, clothing, medication, etc.
  • Costs of evacuation, rescue (if not covered by insurance)
  • Fees for international transfers
  • Entrance fees to visited sites
  • Costs of paid internet usage, shower

Required equipment


Equipment transport:


  • Large backpack, 70/80l bag
  • Small backpack, 30/40l
  • Money pouch, documents

Clothing:


  • Thermal underwear
  • Socks (several pairs, preferably merino wool or other breathable material)
  • T-shirt with short and long sleeves (preferably merino wool or other quick-drying material)
  • Thermal leggings
  • Thin fleece
  • Thick fleece
  • Trekking pants
  • Sport pants, preferably fleece
  • Shorts
  • Down jacket or other insulated jacket
  • Rain jacket
  • Rain pants
  • Cap with visor or other head covering protecting from the sun
  • Warm hat
  • Thin gloves, liners
  • Insulated gloves
  • Neck gaiter, scarf protecting face and neck from wind
  • Sports shoes
  • Trekking boots with hard sole above the ankle
  • Flip flops
  • Civilian clothes

Accessories:


  • Sleeping bag with comfort -10°C (nights on the final stage of the trek will be cold)
  • Sunglasses with category 3 or 4 filter
  • Headlamp and spare batteries
  • Trekking poles
  • Powerbank
  • Charger for electronic devices
  • Travel adapter for type D socket
  • Knife/multitool
  • Thermos
  • Water bottle/bladder
  • Water purification tablets or Sawyer type water filter
  • Several trash bags for storing wet clothes and protecting dry ones from moisture
  • Plastic stream bags for storing electronic devices

Toiletries:


  • Sunscreen with minimum SPF 50 for face and body
  • Protective lip balm
  • Moist towelettes
  • Toothpaste, toothbrush
  • Toilet paper (can be purchased on site)
  • Quick-drying towel

First aid kit:


  • Medication for food poisoning
  • Universal antibiotic
  • Painkillers
  • Sore throat lozenges
  • Altitude sickness medication (diuramid/diamox)
  • Cold and fever medication
  • Electrolytes
  • Disinfectant
  • Bandage
  • Adhesive bandages for abrasions
  • Emergency foil blanket