Upper Mustang Valley Trek - 15 Days
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Churen Himal Treks & Expedition
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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Read the full journey overview
Upper Mustang Trek is a journey into the mystical rain shadow region of Mustang which shelters the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Mustang- Lo. Mustang, a fortified city positioned atop Kaligandaki River in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, gets nominal rainfall which makes the entire topography dry. For this very same reason, the Upper Mustang Trek is possible even in Monsoon season. The route for Upper Mustang Treks proceeds through the barren landscape of eroded sandstone columns, taking us through wild experiences of rare natural marvels. Additionally, we'll visit the thousand-year-old Monastery of Gyokar Gompa, admiring the fortified wall, and visiting the four-storey palace in Lo-manthang. We'll pass through caves of native tribes called Lobos and have 180-degree views of Nilgiri, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges while being encircled by more than 35 mountains over 6000m high. The Upper Mustang Trek proceeds through the diverse terrain, traversing the world’s deepest gorge in Kali Gandaki to world’s highest regions of Lo-Manthang Valley. Upper Mustang Trek is a Restricted Area Trek and requires a special permit from the department of immigration to travel through, included in the cost of the trek. Upper Mustang Treks will take you through an unusual experience that will alter your vision towards trekking and leave you with infinite memories that will remain in your heart throughout your life.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 10Lo-Manthang - Ghami (5h-3440m) — (Trekking: approx 5 hours) From the monastery, there are views of the two neighbouring villages of Marang and Charang. We begin the day with a climb to a pass marked with a cairn at 4100 metres. The trail then passes through alpine meadows before twisting down a red and purple eroded gully to the village of Tanmar. We pass through lush fields that are a stark contrast to the surrounding barren terrain and climb a further ridge that precedes a short descent to the village of Ghami (3440m). The village has a monastery but is off-limits to tourists following the theft of religious artefacts some years before. We move beyond the village and make camp further up the trail en route to the Nyi La (Nyi Pass).
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Day 11Ghami - Samar (6h-3490m) — (Trekking: approx 5-6 hours) From the camp, we ascend to a ridge marked by a cairn and then continue to climb until we meet the trail that comes from Tsarang. We head to a pass and then descend steeply into Gheling Valley, where we rejoin the trail used on our approach. We retrace our steps back to Samar with a final steep climb to the campsite.
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Day 12Samar - Jomsom (5h-2743m) — (Trekking approx 5-6 hours to Kag Beni then drive to Jomsom) We retrace our steps through a barren, almost moon-like landscape dotted with patches of green cultivation. Man-made canals cut across the terrain, irrigating the crops and fruit trees. We lunch at Eklaibhati. Heading south, the wide, windswept valley floor has little fertile land, which means a hard existence for the inhabitants of the Upper Kali Gandaki. After a few hours following the valley downstream we arrive back at Jomsom, a dusty and windswept town where we spend the night in a lodge to await our flight back to Pokhara the following morning.
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Day 13Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and drive to Kathmandu by bus — (Flight time: approx 30 mins) We rise early in the morning for the return flight to Pokhara where we return to the lakeside. After a welcomed shower, we have the rest of the day free to relax or do some exploring. There are various small museums scattered around town including the renowned International Mountain Museum. Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a center of adventure with several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panaromic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. So today the city has not only become the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destinations but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.
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Day 14Drive back to Kathmandu — Both modes of travel- via air and road are available. It takes 25-minute flight through scenic mountain views or 6-7 hours bus tour of 200km long road to make it to Kathmandu. We will return to our hotel where you will enjoy a typical Nepali dish and a cultural show.
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Day 15Final departure — Our representative transfers you to the Kathmandu airport to catch your returning flight back home. Thank you for Travelling with Churen Himal Treks and Tours.
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What's included in your experience
Included
- Price Includes:
- 1: Airport pick up and drop (both international and domestic)
- 2: 3-night hotel in Kathmandu on bed and breakfast basis
- 3: 2-night hotel in Pokhara on bed and breakfast basis
- 3: Fresh Meals on full board ( Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner) with hot drinks and Tea/ Coffee
- 4: Trekking Information Management System ( TIMS) Card
- 5: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit Fee
- 5.Restrict Area Permit of Mustang Valley
- 6: Transportation cost for our trekking crew
- 7: Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
- 8: Domestic flight with the airport tax
- 9: All wages, equipment, food, medical and accident insurances for all involved staff in trekking
- 10: An English speaking Local Expert trekking guide, assistant guide & necessary porters
- 11: Our service charge and government taxes levied in Nepal
- 12: Churen Himal Treks baggage or T-shirt
- 13: First aid medical kits for the group and the staff
- 14: Annapurna region trekking Map
- 15: Welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with cultural program in Kathmandu
Not included
- Price Excludes:
- 1: Nepal entry visa fee
- 2: International airfare
- 3: Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visit as per the itinerary
- 4: Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except farewell dinner)
- 5: Rescues, repatriation, medicines, medical tests, and hospitalization expenses
- 6: phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, mineral water, and hot shower
- 7: Items of personal nature, laundry expenses, tips
- 8: Clothing packing items or bags, personal medical kit
- 9: Personal trekking gear ( Down Jacket and Sleeping Bags)
- 10: Any additional staff other than specified
- 11: Tips and Gratitude.
- 12: In case of natural calamities i.e. political unrest, cancellation of flight due to weather, landslides, etc the extra charge should be born by themselves.
Essential trip information
Fitness & eligibility
1
Meeting point
Kathmandu
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