Upper Mustang Trek with Yara is an extremely rewarding classic trek. This trek provides a different experience than Nepal is usually known for, with its heart-stopping views of milky peaks and desert landscapes. The brown rolling hills and deep-rooted cultural practices make the Upper Mustang Trek a true gateway to ancient Nepal. The region lies in the northern section of the Kali Gandaki gorge between Tibet and the Himalayas. Everyone feels that they are almost in a different world while the trail follows the Gandaki Valley with occasional excursions into the high valley.
It is an amazing journey through an arid and parched landscape. The treeless barren hills with remote clustered villages of stone and brick have stood for centuries. Small settlements of white-washed houses set amongst barely fields and chortens, all decorated with colorful prayer flags.
If you enjoy seclusion, this ancient Buddhist kingdom rarely fails to excite the inquisitive traveler. The original name for the region is Lo. It used to be part of the Tibetan empire and was consequently closely influenced by Tibetan cultures, languages, and geography.
The early history of Lo is filled with myths and legends. The legend is that Guru Rinpoche confronted a demon among Mustang’s snow-capped mountains, desert canyons, and meadows. He killed the demon and threw its body across the Mustang Valley. The blood of a demon changed into towering red cliffs. The intestines changed into tumbles near Ghami, where the longest stone prayer wall was built.
Our destination is Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. The town was built on the orders of the first King of Lo in the 1380s. ThaKali, A maze of gompas (religious shrines) and houses surround the king’s palace and the town itself. It is contained within the eight-meter-high and 700-meter-long boundary wall. Along the periphery of the boundary wall are a series of 14 guard towers. It is built to protect the town from its many envious enemies of the past.
Trekking to the Upper Mustang has been restricted to outsiders to protect its fragile ecology and diverse culture. Trekkers need to obtain a special Upper Mustang Trekking Permit to enter the region.
Highlights of Upper Mustang Trekking with Yara Gara
Kali Gandaki River Gorge – The deepest gorge in the world
Majestic view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs including Nilgiri and Annapurna I, II, III
An ancient walled town of Lo Manthang which was believed to have been built by Ame Pal back in 1380
An ancient cave dwelling of Chosar
Luri Gompa – an ancient monastery filled with artefacts, Buddhist frescos and chortens
Itinerary
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A representative from Nepal Gateway Trekking will welcome you to Kathmandu Airport for the transfer to your hotel in Thamel. He will be waiting for you outside the arrival terminal with your name. He will assist you with your hotel check-in and advise you of the evening meeting time with the manager.
The manager will meet you in the evening to meet your needs by briefing the program in detail. He will introduce the trekking guide, check the equipment you have for trekking and assist you in getting any gear by buying or renting.
AccommodationHotel
Maximum Altitude1,310 m
Today, you meet our tour guide in your hotel lobby after breakfast. He or she will take you on a guided Kathmandu city tour. You'll visit historical sites such as Boudhnath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the famous Monkey Temple. We then prepare for the trek with the trek guide. There will be a short briefing session followed by final packing.
AccommodationHotel
MealsBreakfast
Maximum Altitude1310 m
After breakfast, you walk to the bus station to begin the scenic drive to the beautiful town of Pokhara, popularly known as “The City of Lakes”. We travel along the banks of the Trishuli and Marshyangdi Rivers with beautiful views of mountains, countryside villages and terraced farmlands.
Upon arrival at Pokhara, you are rewarded with close-up snowy peaks including Dhaulagiri (8,168m/26,794ft), Manaslu (8,156m/26,759ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993m/22,943ft) and the five peaks of Annapurna massif. We check in to the hotel and take a well-deserved rest. In the evening, you visit Fewa Lake and the surrounding restaurants, and perhaps visit Tal Barahi Temple located on an island in the Lake.
AccommodationHotel
MealsBreakfast
Maximum Altitude820 m
You drive to the Pokhara airport in the early morning for the 20-minute Trans Himalayan flight to Jomsom. The flight is very scenic and you fly through the worlds-deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki. Jomsom is the administrative centre of the Lower and Upper Mustang region. After having breakfast and permits are checked in Jomsom, the team is ready to move. From Jomsom, you take a jeep drive for around two hours to Chhuksang where you have lunch. It is an hour-long hike to Chele village. The trail is mostly gradual.
AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude3,050 m
Today is a tough day with a lot of ascents and descents. You start by taking the dusty road out of Chele until the suspension bridge that leads to Ghyakar. There used to be a trail cut into the cliff face, however, the roadwork has caused landslides across the trail, making it impassable. So now, cross the suspension bridge, walk through Ghyakar and then on to Samar (we come across the road again at one point but only cross it as you head to Samar). From Samar, there is a stiff climb up a big hill before a long steep descent to Chungsi cave and the cave gompa. There are normally a couple of Indian Sadhus in residence, and no issues with keys etc to explore the cave. From Chungsi we need to negotiate the Syangbochen Khola gorge – keep an eye out for the lammergeier nests before finally arriving at Syangbochen. It is a hard day but also very stimulating.
AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude3,500 m
We start today by following a road to Tamagaon, then cross the countryside trail (to avoid the road) and a trek uphill to meet up with the trail from Ghilling. Then back on the road to Ghami where we take lunch. The scenery around Ghami is pretty, especially in autumn lovely colours at this time of the year. From Ghami to Dhakmar there are two (main) options – take the road heading east out of town, cross the bridge or take the low route to Dhakmar via the longest Mani wall in Nepal; alternatively, cross the river and head north on the high route to Dhakmar for some spectacular views. Plenty of time to wander around Dhakmar in the afternoon, taking in the incredible scenery.
AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude3,740 m
There are two routes from Dhakmar to Lo Manthang; a steeper route and a less steep route. The less steep route goes directly to the pass. The steeper route involves traversing along the cliff tops. Both have stunning views over Dhakmar and fantastic views of the Annapurnas and Nilgiri. After a visit to the Gompa itself, it is a long climb to the Chogo La (with a couple of false summits along the way!!). From the top, It is an easy downhill stretch to Lo Manthang.
AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude3,840 m
Today is a free day to explore this ancient capital Lo Manthang. Lo-Manthang has remained untouched since the 14th century. The city contains about 150 houses and residences for its many lamas. There are four major monasteries in the town. One of these is Champa Lhakang, which contains a huge clay statue of Buddha elaborated mandalas painted on the walls. The King's palace is an imposing building in the centre of town. His duties are largely ceremonial, the King is respected by the people and consulted about many issues by villagers throughout the kingdom. Your first overnight in the lodge of Mustang on full board meals. Lo Manthang to Chhosser caves and back to Lo Manthang for the night (optional by horse or jeep). We will visit the Chhosser on horseback taking a packed lunch. Chhosser is a mysterious place gifted with its beautiful architecture. The cave looks like a cliff. Inside the cave, there are many steps leading to 44 rooms. It is quite a surreal experience that gives the feeling of being in an alien place. After taking it all in we return to Lo-Manthang for overnight
AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You leave Lo Manthang after the morning breakfast to Yara village. You take a short climb up to a glacial valley with views of the reddish brown historical walled city during the return of some unforgettable images of the Lo. On reaching the ridge you are greeted by some stunning views along the ridge for around an hour. There is a descent down to the village of Dhi where you take lunch. It is a good day, the air is fresh with the meadows and farming fields near the riverside. After lunch, we cross the river to follow a path along the left bank to reach our overnight destination Yara.
AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude3,610 m
Today you hike to Luri Gompa after breakfast. Luri Gompa was founded in the 13th century, also called Kagyukpa Cave Monastery. There are golden written lama’s books found here. The route continues up to Duyung Khola which runs from the Damodar Kund. This place is also famous for Hindu pilgrims. The headwater is an area of land from where the water runs down into the Kali Gandaki River. This place is famous for black ammonite fossils found hereabouts. Hindus and Buddhists collect these fossils to worship as an embodiment of the God Vishnu.
AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude3,950 m
You leave Yara along a high winding path after a hot breakfast at the tea house in Yara. The trail leads down to the Dhechaeng Khola (river). The water in this river is coming from the Damodar Kund (basin). The trail crosses a small river of melting ice. You climb up for around one and a half hours to Dhi village after crossing the river. Then you walk on a winding desert mountain path to the Lo-Pa village of Tange. The inhabitants of this gentle religious group of Buddhism are mostly busy with local businesses. The small foothills roll away to distant horizons sheltering the villagers from the winds coming in from the valley. From the village to the north, you see some ancient sandy cliffs which head towards the small Tange village.
AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude3,240 m
Today, you leave Tenge village early in the morning with a packed lunch to Tetang because it is a long day. You climb up with steps to and over a suspension bridge following the trail on the right side. You reach the Yak Khola (river) before climbing a terraced hill to a pass at 4,210m, it is the highest point of the Upper Mustang Trek. Damodar Himal and Saribung Himal (6,346m) can be seen here. The main trail continues along flat land to the left and after one and a half hours you take lunch amongst some ruins of an uninhabited village. After lunch, you walk 4-5 hours with ascents and descents to reach Tetang village for an overnight stay.
AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude3,040 m
You begin with a gradual up to Gyu La pass at an elevation of 4,077m. Today is a more beautiful, shorter and easier walking day than yesterday. You pass through Kharkas with many grazing domestic animals and wild mountain goats. It's a peaceful trek up the valley as you reach the top of Gyu La. From the pass, you see panoramic views of Thorong Peak, Nilgiri, Tukche Peak and the lovely Muktinath Valley. You reach Muktinath via Chhenkar village. You also explore the Muktinath Temple and Monastery before driving to Jomsom overnight.
AccommodationLodge
MealsBreakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Maximum Altitude3,760 m
You take an early morning flight to Pokhara from Jomsom airport. It is a scenic flight through the mountains and takes around 20 minutes to land at Pokhara airport. Then you drive to a hotel for a relaxing time after the trek to Lo-Manthang in Upper Mustang. You can visit Fewa Lake and hike up to the World Peace Stupa in the afternoon.
AccommodationHotel
MealsBreakfast
Maximum Altitude820 m
After breakfast at the hotel, you drive to the tourist bus station. The tourist buses leave at 7:30 am to Kathmandu. It is a 6-7 hours journey. After you arrive in Kathmandu, check-in at the hotel and you are free to enjoy your own time.
AccommodationHotel
MealsBreakfast
Maximum Altitude1,310 m
One of our team will be with you to help you with your onward connection. He will assist you in checking out the hotel. Then he will drop you off at the Kathmandu airport.
MealsBreakfast
This is our standard and recommended itinerary. If this itinerary doesn’t suit you, we customize your trip per your interest and timeframe. Click for the Tailor-Made program.
Map
Includes
All grounded transportation as per the program
Three nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu inclusive of breakfast
Two nights' accommodation in Pokhara inclusive of breakfast
Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara round flight tickets inclusive of domestic airport taxes
Three times meals (Breakfast/lunch/dinner) and twin sharing accommodations during the trekking
One highly experienced English Speaking trekking guide and required porter including their expenses
Upper Mustang trekking special permit fee
Annapurna conservation area project permit. Please bring two passport-size photos.
Upper Mustang Trekking map
Nepal Gateway Company T-Shirt
Local fresh fruit
First aid kit
Evacuation assistance if needed
Necessary Government Taxes
Office Service Charge
Excludes
Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
Your travel insurance
Nepal entry visa.
Your international flight ticket to/from Kathmandu
Your personal nature expenses, equipment and medical kit
All kinds of hot and cold drinks and alcoholic beverages in trekking
Hot shower, internet and phone call unless it is free
Tipping to field staff. (Tipping is not mandatory but expected)
Dates & Price
Date
Status
Price
Start DateStart: WednesdayJuly 31, 2024
End DateEnd: ThursdayAugust 15, 2024
StatusAvailable
PriceUS$1720
These are our fixed departure dates. The trip starting and ending date are the arrival and departure day to/from Kathmandu. The dates and price are specified for joining group. For Private Trip
Client Reviews
Upper Mustang - the Forbidden Kingdom" with Nepal Gateway Trekking - a Wealth of Experience
We were fortunate to have the opportunity to revisit "Upper Mustang - the Forbidden Kingdom" - a unique part of Nepal. It is important to have all the boxes ticked for each aspect of this trek to link together. In spite of the fuel restrictions, everything went according to the schedule carefully set out by Raj. He has a wealth of experience and along with Pasang, our guide, we could not have been in better hands. Experience, full registration, and insurances are essential when choosing a trekking company. Thank you for providing us, yet again, with a fantastic trekking experience in this beautiful country.
Zanette CrowdenAustralia, Travel Date: 25/08/2018
Beautiful Upper Mustang Trek!
Upper Mustang is an area I have wanted to visit for quite some time and I am thrilled to have finally done it. However, what made the experience even more memorable and wonderful was the incredible service provided by Nepal Gateway Trekking and our amazing guide, Raj.
When I first booked the trip for a friend and I, I was in contact with Ram who was always very patient, helpful, and friendly in answering all of my questions and helping us to prepare for the trip. Upon our arrival, he met us, and discussed all details of the trip and there were no surprises. The whole trip went incredibly smoothly due to the hard work of Ram and Raj.
As a guide, they don't get much better than Raj. At all times he was attentive, positive, and on the lookout for anything which may interest us and thus make our experience more enjoyable. He is extremely knowledgeable about the area and was able to answer all of our questions with clarity and ease. In terms of our actual trekking routes, Raj lead us off the beaten track to really take us into the countryside to see some real gems. It was absolutely wonderful from start to finish. Attentive to our needs, keeping a good pace, offering sound advice, and always smiling, joking, and laughing, Raj was truly a 5-star guide. I would highly recommend him and his company to anyone visiting Nepal, no matter what their agenda may be.
A huge thanks to Ram and Raj! I hope to see them again someday!
