Upper Mustang Trek-17 Days

Trip Introduction

Join our Upper Mustang trek-17 days trek which offers a spectacular trekking into the remote Trans-Himalayan mountain area with Tibetan influence culture. The high desert region of the Tibetan influence, Kaligandaki, from the Tibetan border south to Kagbeni is generally referred to as Upper Mustang. Explore the thousand years of old monastery, caves, local tribes and scenic beauties of the different landscapes. Make an adventure starting from world's deepest gorge Kaligandaki Region into world's highest regions of  Lo-Mangthang Valley that passes through an almost tree-less barren landscape, a steep rocky trail up and down hill and panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several other peaks. The trek passes through high peaks, passes, glaciers, and alpine valleys. The thousands years of isolation has kept the culture, lifestyle and heritage remain unchanged for centuries and to this date. The houses in Mustang are mostly made from stone and sun baked mud bricks. The city wall and the four storey palace in Lo-Manthang are some of the beautiful architectures of Mustang region. Another attraction in the Mustang region is the Tiji Festival influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, which is timed to coincide with the end of the dry season (late winter/spring). The Mustagi people have their own way of family life, which is quite surprising for many outsiders. All the brothers in the family are married to a single girl, what you may call a practice of polyandry.

The Transhimalayan Mustang Region is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, since the region was restricted for outsiders until Nepal Government announced the opening of the restricted areas in October 1991. The Mustangis or the people of Mustang call themselves Lobas, and they have their own King or Tribe-leader, Jigme Palbar Bista. After Nepal was declared a republic in 2007, the Nepal Government took back the official recognition of the Bista as the Mustangi King. However, the people there still respect him as their King or tribe-leader. Bista also grants audience the visitor upon request.  There is also strict control in obtaining a special permit from the department of immigration to protect their tradition from outside influence as well as to protect their environment. The Upper Mustang trek starts from Jomsom to Kagbeni, the entry point of upper Mustang Region. Follow the banks of Kaligandaki River upstream to get to Lo-Mangthang, the capital of the upper Mustang.

Our 17 days teahouse/lodge Upper Mustang trek is a great adventure trek for those who wish to make a challenging trek along "off the beaten path"  in the Trans-Himalayan Region.  If you are interested in making even more adventurous trek in remotest parts, we recommend you to try our Upper Dolpo & She Gompa Trek -28 days. For the trekkers longing to experience some of the most interesting features of the Annapurna region including  Annapurna Base Camp, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Poon Hill, etc, our Annapurna Sanctuary Trek-16 days itinerary would an interesting option.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01:  Arrive in Kathmandu [1300 m / 4264 ft] Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM) you will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier Trekking. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a ...read more »»

What's Included

• All airport/hotel transfers
• Three nights in 4-star hotel in Kathmandu(Hotel Shanker or similar standard), two nights in 3-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
• Welcome and farewell dinner
• All accommodation and meals during the trek
• A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide and entrance fees
• Domestic flights (Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara) and airport departure taxes
• Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu transport via Tourist bus
• An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
• Down jacket, four seasonal sleeping bag, Himalayan Glacier Trekking duffel bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
• A comprehensive medical kit
• All necessary paper work and permits (ACAP and Upper Mustang special trekking permit)

What's Not Included

• Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Excess baggage charges
• Extra night accommodation/s in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu(and also in the case you return early from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
• Tips for guides and porters

The Trekking Group

For the Upper Mustang Trek, there will be one leader, assistant leader (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for luggage carrying (2 trekkers:1 porter) This arrangement ensures that should any body in the group is sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the Upper Mustang trek for group of any size, but generally include a maximum of twelve people in a group as we have found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you would like to make a group booking for more than twelve people together, we can arrange this too.

Health & Experience Required

Upper Mustang trekking requires in average 5-6 hours of walking everyday. You should be prepared with about 12 Km of walking or jugging exercise everyday 2-3 months before your Upper Mustang ...read more »»

Accommodations

Accommodations are included in the trip cost and HG Trekking has chosen. During the Upper Mustang Trek you will spend three nights at 4 -star in Kathmandu (Shanker hotel) or similar category hotel, two nights in 3-star hotel in Pokhara and 11 nights in basic teahouse. We try to maintain standard comfort in every matter based on the enforceable conditions such as weather calamities. All hotel accommodations & teahouse is based on twin share. If you are a solo traveler, you will share a room with someone else of same sex of your group. If you prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference and get single rooms on request by paying single supplement USD 300.

Meals

During your Upper Mustang Trek, you can enjoy typical Nepali food, different ethnic cuisines as well as all types of international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). You ...read more »»

Acclimatization

Our Upper Mustang Trek itinerary is planned with high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Going up too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to kill. The ...read more »»

Leader(s) & Staff Arrangements

The most significant thing that makes your Upper Mustang Trek successful, enjoyable and memorable is the skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful trek leader and the crew members with ability of operating your days in the mountain smoothly. Your trip will be led by the best ...read more »»

Equipments & Packing List

While packing for “Upper Mustang Trek” certain gears are essential to be considered.
Please Click here for the comprehensive packing list for Upper Mustang Trek

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Trip Start Dates & Price

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Select Year 201320142015

Additional Information

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us by email. If you want to talk to us directly feel free to call us at: US telephone: 704-200-7512 Asia telephone: 00977-98510-55684