Best Season March, April, May and September, October, November
Highlights
Explore Muktinath, a sacred place of Hindus and Buddhists
Explore the walled city of Lo Manthang
Explore the forbidden Kingdom of Mustang
Visit Kathmandu’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Mustang valley is situated in the north of Annapurna himal and it is bordering to Tibetan plateau(China). It is used to be called Mustang kingdom. It was founded in the 15th century by a Tibetan monarch who consolidated various small local fiefdoms into the Kingdom of Lo. Though it was eventually incorporated in to Nepal. Mustang has remained isolated .its reputation as wild country was reinforced by the Tibetain guerilla fighters who sheltered here in the 1960s to make daring raids on the Chinese across the border .Following their expulsion by Nepalese army troops in the early 1970s. Even after it was included in the Nepalese territory , entry was tightly rusticated for foreigners. In 1992, Nepalese government declared the opening of Mustang. It is still fresh in people’s memory. During the trekking on this course, you will be visiting villages that are still retaining old Tibetan culture in a desolate desert area. It is one of the very different trekking in Nepal.
Flora and Fauna The range of geographical and climatic regions has led to a diverse variety of flora and fauna with in the Annapurna region. these parts of area are heavily cultivated and the landscape is terraced paddy fields for most of the year.the higher up in the hills the natural vegetation changes from the tropical species to more temperate stands of forest trees including oak, beech and rhododendron.
People and culture The most prominent ethnic groups in the annapurna region are the Gurung, Braman, chetri, Thakali and the Manangba.
Itinerary
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Upon arrival in Kathmandu. Our airport representative will be waiting outside the airport terminal a few metres from the exit door. Please check your name at play card. He will bring you to hotel in kathmandu. The drive from the airport to the hotel is around 20 minutes
Hanumandhoka ( Kathamdnu Durbar Square ):
It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square , with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are, Taleju temple built by king Mahendra Malla in 1954 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairab , the god of destruction, Nautale durbar, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the big drum and the Jaganath temple. It was listed in the UNESCO world heritage monument list in 1979.
On the right hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairab. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival.. there are also the Numismatic museum and Tribhuban museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka palace building . Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the mseums remain closed on Tuesday and government holidays.
Swoyambhunath ( Monkey temple)
This is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire’s base are the all seeing eyes of Lord Budhha. It is 3Km west of Kathmandu city and it situated on a hillock about 77 m commands an excellent view of the Valley. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal . It was listed in the UNSCO world Heritage Monument List in 1979.
The bus journey will take approx 7 hours but by air it takes only 35minates.
Pokhara is set in a lovely valley at the foot of the Machapuchare so you get spectacular views of the mountains from all parts of the town. It is quite different from Kathmandu, with few temples, but it does have plenty of scenic attractions and is close to the mountains. There are some interesting short walks or bicycle rides from Pokhara, you can swim and canoe on Lake Phewa or just watch the last rays of the sun stream across the dip in the mountains that hold the lake. Along the lakeside road there is a continuous stretch of small hotels, restaurants and shops; it’s an area which still has a bit of the old hippy scene feel about it.
(Flight time: approx 25 mins; trekking approx 3 hours) Weather permitting the flight from Pokhara to Jomsom leaves early in the morning and is perhaps the most exciting flight in Nepal. There are fantastic views as we fly up the Kali Ghandaki Gorge, flanked on either side by the Himalayan giants of Annapurna 1 (8091m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m). Our trekking crew will already be in Jomosom (2715m), awaiting our arrival. We begin the trek from the airport on the west bank of the KaliGhandaki River before quickly crossing to the east bank and into the main part of Jomsom. The walking is easy as we follow the Kali Ghandaki through barren, windswept trans-Himalayan scenery. This is our first day at altitude so a relaxed pace is recommended. After just over two hours we reach the few houses of Eklabhatti, where the main trail ascends to Muktinath (3880m).
We bear left and continue up the valley to the small village of Kagbeni, which marks the beginning of the restricted zone.
(Trekking: approx 6 hours) There are five villages in this immediate area linked by ethnic ties - Chele, Gyakar, Chuksang, Tangbe and Tetang. They are related to the people of the Manang Valley rather than those from Jomsom and Kagbeni or Lo Manthang. It is a tough existence for people in this area - arable land is limited and trading is necessary to supplement any income made from the soil. The morning walk follows the riverbed before crossing the Kali Ghandaki on a steel suspension bridge close to the place where the river passes under a huge block of red sandstone. From here there is a steep ascent to the village of Chele, where we take lunch close to barley fields and nearby willow trees. In the afternoon we climb again to a cairn at 3130 metres. Here we witness views of the village of Gyakar, lying across an impressive canyon where a patchwork of green fields gives a dash of colour to the barren terrain. The trail which is narrow in places continues to ascend to a pass at 3550 metres. To the south great views of the Himalayan peaks can be enjoyed including Nilgiri and Tilicho peaks. From the pass it is a short descent to the village of Samar and our camp close to a willow grove and irrigation channels.
(Trekking: approx 4 hours) From the village we descend steeply past a red, black, yellow and white chorten nearly 60 metres into a deep ravine before inevitably climbing out and descending again into another canyon. We then ascend and continue our climb through an area of shrub juniper. It takes nearly two hours to reach a small ridge at 3750 metres after which a short descent leads to a couple of tea houses at Shangmochen and a welcome break. We ascend again to reach another pass at 3770 metres, where we enter a huge east-west valley. Here we bear to the right and drop down to Gheling, where we make camp close to the extensive barley fields. It is a long morning’s walk, but we have kept the afternoon free to assist with our acclimatisation.
(Trekking: approx 7 hours) We begin the morning by ascending gently through the fields up the valley, passing below the settlement of Tamagang and a large chorten. We rejoin the main trail and begin another steep climb to the head of the valley to Nyi La (3930m). We are now at the border of Mustang and descend gradually for half an hour to meet a trail junction. The right fork heads to Charang and our track bears to the left towards Ghami (3250m) where we take lunch. In the afternoon the track crosses a river gully before ascending to a plateau and mani wall where we head east, climbing above the village of Tramar to a ridge at 3770 metres. From here it is a gradual descent to Tsarang, a large and fertile village populated by people form Mustang - the Lobas. The village has a magnificent monastery.
(Trekking: approx 5 hours) After spending part of the morning exploring Tsarang, we descend from the village into the Tsarang River canyon before ascending a stony trail heading north, with fine views behind us of the Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurnaranges to the south. The trail passes an isolated chorten and spectacular caves etched into the surrounding cliffs, before reaching a ridge at 3850 metres for our first views of Lo Manthang and the spectacular scenery of the Mustang Khola and the snow-capped peak of Mansail in the west. From the ridge we descend to a small river and climb briefly to enter the fabled walled city from the north-eastern corner.
(Exploration day) The ’city’ contains around 150 houses and four monasteries, one of which is reported to date back to the 15th century. Inside the temples we are able to view many Buddha images and religious paintings. Photography is sometimes not permitted and you should beware of the fierce Tibetan mastiff dogs that guard the monasteries. The city itself has declined since the Chinese invasion of Tibet. Prior to this, Lo Manthang was a centre for the old salt and wool trade and at one time was a prosperous city. The dominant building in the centre of the city is the King’s Palace. The Royal Family are descendants of an aristocratic family from Lhasa in Tibet and today, though their duties are largely ceremonial, the King is a well-respected horseman and breeder of Lhasa apso dogs. After exploring the city in the morning we may take an optional walk towards Chosar in the afternoon.
(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).
(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.
(Trekking approx 5-6 hours to kagbeni 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.
(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.
The climate of Pokhara is slightly warmer than Kathmandu with daytime temperature hovering around 15 degrees Celsius in winter and 35 degrees in summer. The monsoon season which lasts from mid-June to mid-September is very wet; in fact Pokhara records the highest rainfall in the country. Best time to visit is between October and April.
The activities of foreign visitors to Pokhara focus around two districts known as Damside and Lakeside (or Pardi and Baidam, in Nepali, respectively). These two areas, with their strips of hotels and restaurants, are a few kilometers south-west of the main Pokhara bazaar. More
Sarangkot
The view of the Annapurna Himalaya from Sarangkot is almost a religious experience. From here, you can see a panoramic sweep of Himalayan peaks, from Dhaulagiri (8167m) in the west to the perfect pyramid that is Machhapuchhare (6997m) and the rounded peak of Annapurna II (7937m) in the east. Most people come here at dawn or dusk, when the sun picks out the peaks in brilliant colours.
Fewa lake
Fewa Lake, the second largest lake in the Kingdom, is the center of attraction in Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara.
Mahendra cave
Another of nature’s wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra Gupha. This large limestone cave is locally known as the House of Bats, an apt name for it. A two-hour walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best to bring your own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the local winged residents.
Seti River
Another of Pokhara’s natural wonders that unfailingly interests visitors is the Seti river. Flowing right through the city, this river runs completely underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is over 20 meters! Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old MissionHospital, provides a perfect view of the rivers’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.
Barahi Temple
The Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the center of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.
Museum
The Pokhara Museum, located between the bus stop and Mahendra Pul, reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as the Gurung, Thakali and the Tharu are attractively displayed through models, photographs and artifacts. One major attraction is a display highlighting the newly-discovered remains of an 8000-year-old settlement in Mustang.
Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10 am to 5 pm
Devi’s Fall
Locally known as the Patale Chhango (Hell’s Fall). Devi’s Fall (also known as Devin’s and David’s) is a lovely waterfall lying about two km south-west of the Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker (Devin, David..) was washed away by the Pardi Khola and disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.
The bus journey will take approx 7 hours and by air it takes only 35 minates.
This itinerary is not suited for you? Plan your own trip.
3 nights accommodation at 3 star hotel with breakfast in Kathmandu
2 nights accommodation at 3 star hotel with breakfast in Pokhara
9 nights 10 days trekking with lodge during the trek, lodges are simple and clean enough)
All the meal during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Special permit for Mustang
Trekking map for Mustang valley
Annapurna national park permit with TIMS card ( we need 3 photos for permit)
An experience trekking guide (trained by Ministry of tourism), Trekking porter,one porter between two person.
Demostic Airfare ( Pokhara - Jomsom / Pokhara )
Equipment clothing for porter & staffs
Equipment (sleeping bag, first aid kit, oximeter etc.)
Insurance for all staff & porters.
Farewell Dinner with Nepali cultural dance in kathmandu
Trekking achievement certificate
Adventure Himalayan Tshirt
Excludes
Personal bar bill, travel insurance/International airfare
Items of personal expenses such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, tips etc.
Nepal entry visa fee US$ 50 (duration 30 days from date of issue)- Available at Royal Nepalese Embassies and Royal Nepalese Consulates abroad or on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
Sightseeing tour and All the entrance fees of temple in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Start fromUS$1955US$2255(Price varies by group size)
We Offer Group Discount Price
1 pax
US$2030
2 - 3 pax
US$1955
4 - 6 pax
US$1875
7 - 10 pax
US$1775
Client Reviews
Upper Mustang Valley Trek-15 Days
Rana (op manager) was organised and responsive, Deu our guide was very professional, kind hearted and thoughtful. Malpa our ported was enthusiastic, jolly and mountain king. The area of upper mustang was harsh at times, remote and also awe inspiring and dramatic landscapes. The culture and small villages were welcoming and very interesting . Thankyou himilayan Adventures for a great trip! Would recommend this trip as a off grid experience!
N
Nathan Philip CastleAustria,Jul 28, 2022
SimaKerem's Review for Upper Mustang valley Trek - 15 Days
Beautiful trek,guide Deu and our porter Malpa were great! Beautiful people! an amazing experience, thank you!
