Upper Mustang Trek (17 Days)

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu [1350 m / 4264 ft]
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft]: 6 hrs drive
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni [2,858m/9,375ft]: 3-4 hrs
Day 05: Kagbeni to chele [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs
Day 06: Chele to Syanbochen [3475m/11,398ft]: 6-7 hrs
Day 07: Syanbochen to Ghaymi [3520m/11,546ft]: 5-6 hrs
Day 08: Ghaymi to Charang [3500m/11,480ft]: 4-5 hrs
Day 09: Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3700m/12,136ft): 5-6 hrs
Day 10: Explore Lo-Mangthang
Day 11: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar [3810 m/12,500ft]: 6-7 hrs
Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806m/12,484ft]: 5-6 hrs
Day 13: Ghiling to Chhuksang [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs
Day 14: Chhuksang to Jomsom [2700/8,856ft]: 6-7 hrs
Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara
Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 17: Departure to your home country with friendly Farewell.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01:  Arrive in Kathmandu [1350 m / 4264 ft]
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM) you will be greeted by Director of Nepal Assemble Treks. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with Nepal Assemble Treks display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to hotel. After check in, you can either take a rest, hang around in the city, visit our office; it all depends upon your interests and condition. In the evening we will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal. Included meal.

Day 02:  Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation.
Full day of sightseeing in the very famous capital, Kathmandu. We will be visiting of the famous heritage sites in Kathmandu Nepal.
Morning, we will start from your hotel by a morning walk in the blocked alleyways of Kathmandu. Your first contact with the smiling Nepalese people. We begin to cross the nice area of Thamel, full of nice shops, bars and restaurants.
We will see during this walk many temples and stupas: it will be for you the beginning of religious lessons, making the difference between Buddhists stupas and Hindu temples. You will discover with a great surprise how these two religions live together.
We will make a stop at Thahiti Tole, then in front of Kathesimbhu stupa. Always meeting statues and local shops (suits, spices, incenses, and so on) and listening the noise of bells (and of horns), we will see Asan Tole with wonderful Hindu temples.
Then Indra Chowk and Pyaphal Tole.
After 2 hours of walk and of wonder, we will arrive at Durbar Square.
All the most important monuments of the city are in this area. You will be filled with wonder by all these numerous such majestic and so ancient temples registered in the Heritage of the UNESCO. It is possible to spend hours, sat on the walk of one of these monuments, admiring architecture, considering the animation of places, dreaming.
We will take lunch at the top of a restaurant, with a great plunging view.
Afternoon, you will begin the afternoon by another walk in the streets of Kathmandu, to look at the real face of this city, with local buildings and narrow streets.
Then we will arrive at Swayambunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). It is said that Swayambunath Stupa is more than 2,000 years old, and it symbolizes knowledge. At the summit of this hill, the painted eyes on all four sides symbolize the all-seeing power of Buddha. It is an important Buddhist place where pilgrims from all over the world come.
From this place we can have a wonderful panoramic view on all the capital. So great at the end of the day, with the sunset. We will come back hotel by bus. Evening: Time for you to prepare the trek and we introduce in front of you our crew members. Dinner at hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03:  Kathmandu to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft]: 6 hrs drive
Early morning at around 7 am, we set off for Pokhara on a tourist bus. Enroute we will see more of countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain sceneries. Afternoon, we reach Pokhara. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara is city of lakes and has numerous beautiful lakes. We can explore the most accessible and beautiful, Fewa Lake during the afternoon -enjoy boating too. Explore, relax and dine by tranquil Lake Fewa. You can even do some shopping during evening hours. Overnight in Pokhara. Hotel included.

Day 04:  Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni [2,858m/9,375ft]: 3-4 hrs
After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 20 minutes over the mountains with views of 8,000ers such as Annapurna & Dhaulagiri, brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town, headquarter of the Mustang region; it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, Continue on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept villages situated on the main age old Trans-himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. In Kagbeni a major tributory, Kak Khola, coming from Muktinath, meets Mustang Khola, and from there the river is called the Kali Gandaki.

Day 05:  Kagbeni to chele [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs
Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we have scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trails follows the up and downhill. Firstly we reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges reach at Chele village.

Day 06:  Chele to Syanbochen [3475m/11,398ft]: 6-7 hrs
Today, we start our trek again and walk further to Eklo Bhatti. We climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. Further descend a little to the village of Samar. Climb the trail that goes above Samar village to the ridge then descending steeply to a stream. Another 3 hrs similar walk takes us to Syanbochen.  On the way, we relax along the surrounding of cool streams and juniper trees. Locals use the dried leaves of junipers as incenses to invite deities and start any auspicious work.  We also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave.

Day 07:  Syanbochen to Ghaymi [3520m/11,546ft]: 5-6 hrs
After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) passing a few teahouses, chortens and local villages which is like Tibetan style of houses with open Varanda. We cross mountain passes, and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barley. The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) would be a little longer. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi. the third largest village in the Lo region, Ghayami is surrounded by large fields most of which are barren.

Day 08:  Ghaymi to Charang [3500m/11,480ft]: 4-5 hrs
Start the trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk.  After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall, a sacred stone wall made by the followers Buddhism.  From the end of the wall the trail heads east to the village of Charang with a maze of fields, willow trees and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the Tsarang Chu canyon.  There is also a huge white dzong and red Gompa to get to our teahouse for tonight’s stop.

Day 09:  Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3700m/12,136ft): 5-6 hrs
Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. Overnight Lo-Mangthang.

Day 10:  Explore Lo-Mangthang
Today we explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar,  the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to hotel. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang “God house” the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- storey building of the Raja’s palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya.

Day 11:  Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar [3810 m/12,500ft]: 6-7 hrs
While returning from Lo-Mangthan, we take a different route than that we came by. Trek to Drakmar via Gyakar with more than 1200 years old Ghar Gompa with Guru Rinpoche as the primary figure. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. According to the legend, anyone who makes one wish at the Ghar Gompa, their wish is fulfilled. explore the local area.  Likelihood of dusty wind, so suggested to walk in the morning.

Day 12:  Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806m/12,484ft]: 5-6 hrs
Today, we get back to Ghiling as our journey for our overnight stay after a long walk takes 5-6 hrs. After arrival and lunch enjoy the day exploring the area, but it will be dusty wind in the afternoon, better to walk in evening time.

Day 13:  Ghiling to Chhuksang [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs
We re-track back to Ghiling for the overnight stop after 5 hrs walk. You will have wonderful scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view. Enjoy your trip and overnight at teahouse.

Day 14:  Chhuksang to Jomsom [2700/8,856ft]: 6-7 hrs
Our last day of the day would be a long one.  Better to walk early start as before and trek to Kagbeni. Finishing the upper Mustang trails and we join the normal Annapurna circuit trek. After lunch at Kagbeni will head on to Jomsom for the overnight stop. Or, if you can spare one more day, our guide would take you to Muktinath as well.

Day 15:  Fly back to Pokhara
After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara. A 30 min dramatic flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. Rest of the time explores the lake and overnight at hotel.

Day 16:  Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
After breakfast, we start our 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. Better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the sceneries through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping and celebrate dinner together with Nepal Assemble Treks staffs. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Day 17:  Departure to your home country with friendly Farewell.
You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We hope you enjoyed the tour with us, and are sure you`ll be back in your trip somewhere in the Himalaya again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a Director from Nepal Assemble Treks will transfer you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

The indicated price includes: 

• All the organization and the unfolding of trek under tent, all the meals and breakfasts during the trek.
• Accompany with an English speaking professional guide familiar with this trek, porters.
• Transports in bus Kathmandu /Pokhara/ Kathmandu.
• Domestic flights Pokhara/ Jomsom/Pokhara. In Pokhara Hotel near the lake, double bedrooms, shower and breakfasts.
• Reception at the airport and drop back.
•  All the special trek permits and liaison officer.
• Reconfirmation of return tickets.

The price does not includes:

• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except breakfast)
• Accompanied by an English speaking professional guide familiar with this trek and porters ( to carry your backpack)
• Personal beverages throughout the stay or trek, (except teas or coffee in breakfast).
• Entry fee of monuments, cities and museums
• Your Travel insurance
• Tips and others gratis.
• Nepal visa (40 dollars US cash)
• Airport taxes for domestic flights
• Your Personal Expenses.

Note: All participants have to give a copy of their insurance, with the address, tel and fax number of insurance company. This insurance has to cover the helicopter rescue in case of accident or sickness. In case of your insurance don’t cover helicopter rescue, you have to fill a form in Kathmandu and make agreement that you will pay yourself the amount of expenses paid by Nepal Assemble Treks for your helicopter rescue or research. Without this agreement, you cannot participate in trek.

In The trek the guide is allowed to change the itinerary, depending of the weather, climate and the physical condition of participants. Each participant who stop his trek or make changes any form of program may not ask any money compensation to the agency.

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