Upper Mustang Trek to Lo Manthang

Upper Mustang Trek to Lo Manthang the forbidden City

Upper Mustang Trek to Lo Manthang  is definitely an enchanting destination with astounding beauty for hikers and travellers with a penchant to trek in Nepal even during the summer months, when the rest of the sub- continent is relling in the monsoon rain. Mustang being in the rain shadow of the great Himalayan Range remains dry. Mustang is divided into lower and upper Mustang, and Kagbeni and Jomsom are the gateway to the mysterious Lo Manthang and Upper Mustang Trek.

Trekking in Upper Mustang

A trek in Upper Mustang is a rare opportunity, where you will get to experience the real life of the mountain people who for a very long time have had no contact with the outside world, and in the process have preserved their ancient cultural heritage. In more ways than one, the Upper Mustang Trek resembles to that of trekking in Tibet, as geographically too Upper Mustang is a part of the Tibetan Plateau. The distinct cultural identity that Upper Mustang resonates is quite different from almost the rest of Nepal .

Upper Mustang Trek – Best time to Trek

Area surrounding the Upper Mustang Trek being in the rain shadow is suitable for trekking even during the summer months when the rest of the Sub Continent has to deal with the monsoon rains coming in from the Indian Sub Continent. Upper Kaligandaki Valley where the upper Mustang Area falls gets little or no rain making it compatible to trek to Upper Mustang and Lo Manthang.

During winters Upper Mustang goes into hibernation because of the intense cold and snow, so planning a Upper Mustang Trek to Lo manthang is not advisable during the winter months.

Upper Mustang Trek – Cost of Permits

Upper Mustang Trek to Lo Manthang is definitely an enticing proposition but that comes at a cost. For Foreign Nationals Special Permit for Upper Mustang Trek Cost US$500 for ten days. Thereafter US$50 per day will be charged to visit Upper Mustang and Lo Manthang.

Religion and Culture

Upper Mustang shares it’s culture, Religion and Language with that of Tibet Autonomous Region and is therefore rich in Buddhist Culture. The main attraction of the Upper Mustang Trek is the three day Tiji festival held in Lo Manthang during the month of April – May. Tiji is an auspicious festival held annually in Tibetan rituals that depicts the story of a son that had to Save Mustang from destruction and the ritual dance is known as Tenpa Chirim.

Three Day Yartung Festival is another attraction celebrated in Lo Manthang, during the months of August – September

Highlights of the Trek

Hundreds of caves dug on the hill sides in Upper Mustang, and some of them highly inaccessible is another attraction of the Upper Mustang Trek. Ancient Buddhist paintings, Manuscripts and mummified bodies have been discovered in Caves near Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang

Getting there

Jomsom is the headquarter of  Upper Mustang and the nearest Airport ia also in Jomsom. Kagbeni eight Kilometer away from Jomsom is another gateway to Upper Mustang Region. Tourists usually fly into Jomsom from Pokhara and trek to Upper Mustang. But, if you want to go easy on your legs than you can drive to Upper Mustang too.

TRIP FACTS :

• Style of Trek:   Lodge/Tea House Trek.
• Duration:   16 Days.
• Number of Days on Trek:   13Days.
• Grade:   Moderate.
• Minimum No.of Participants:    2Persons.
• Highest Point :   3800m.
• Starting Point :   Kathmandu.
• Ending Point :   Kathmandu.
• Best Season :   April-June & September-October.
• Climate:   Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be (general) very cold and in winter even below the freezing point. Monsoon showers in summer (heaviest in July, August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.
• Trek availability:   Private treks for minimum 2 persons on request. No group departures available.

Customized private Treks can also be arranged for a minimum of two persons on request on a date of your choice.

UPPER MUSTANG TREK ITINERARY
Day 01:  Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus and overnight at Hotel.
Day 02:  Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2713m) and trek to Kagbeni (2810m). LODGE
Day 03:  Trek to Chele (3200m). LODGE
Day 04:  Trek to Shyangboche (3800m). LODGE
Day 05:  Trek to Tsarang (3650m). LODGE
Day 06:  Trek to Lo Manthang (3760m). LODGE
Day 07:  Excursion to King’s Palace. Meet Mustang King at his palace. LODGE
Day 08:  Trek to Lo Ghekar (3800m). LODGE
Day 09:  Trek to Geling (3510m). LODGE
Day 10:  Trek to Samar (3700m). LODGE
Day 11:  Trek to Tetang (3100m). LODGE
Day 12:  Trek to Muktinath (3800m). LODGE
Day 13:  Excursion day in Muktinath. LODGE
Day 14:  Trek to Jomsom (2713m). LODGE
Day 15:  Jomsom fly back to Pokhara and overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Day 16:  Drive back to Kathmandu by tourist Bus. End of Upper Mustang Trek.

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NEPAL TOURIST VISA

• Nepal visa is readily available on arrival at the International Airport
• in Kathmandu and all other entry points to Nepal.
• 2 passport photos will be required.
•  Single Entry visa: US$ 30 per visa (valid for 60 days).
• Multiple Entry visa: US$ 80 per visa (valid for 150 days).
• Nepal Visas are also available in all Nepalese Embassies and Consulates.
• Visa is not required for Indian Nationals to travel inside Nepal

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Note: The above itinerary is a sample, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participants’ safety, comfort and general well being.

(All relevant Terms & Conditions Apply).