Upper Mustang high pass trek date availability
Detailed itinerary
On your arrival, you will be welcomed by our representative of Nepalgram trekking company at Tribhuvan International Airport but assure about our representative with a display board at the arrival gate. The board will have your Name of Name of the company “Nepalgram Adventure”.
After having breakfast in the morning, our sightseeing trip will begin. The Swayambhunath (the Monkey temple), Pashupatinath temple, Bauddhanath, Patan Durbar Square. However these tour can be changed with Bhaktapur Durbar Square orany other sightseeing attractions in Kathmandu valley upon your request. Later in the afternoon, we will have a final preparations and short briefing for the trekking with your guide.
After a drive of nearly 8 hours by tourist bus, we reach Pokhara in the late afternoon. Enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the villages along with beautiful river and landscape throughout your trip from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Alternatively, you can fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara in 30 minutes. Move to the hotel and spend a relaxing afternoon. You can also visit the lake area or go boating on the famous Phewa Lake or simply walk by the lake sore.
The road between Pokhara and Jomsom was only constructed a few years ago, and is still not much more than a dirt track. The journey takes a minimum of eight hours, and then another hour from Jomsom to Kagbeni. It often takes longer if there are accidents or landslides on route. The last section to Kagbeni isn't entirely road. The overland route to Kagbeni is not comfortable, but the most comfortable way is to take a private Jeep. They're the safest overland option, and you can stop when you need. Public buses are not recommended.
After trekking across famous Mustang gate then we move to Tetang village which lies between two hills and is identified as the upper village of Chhusang. We stay overnight at guest house in Chhusang.
The passes like Taklam La, Yemdo pass, Baga La and Dzong La lies ahead of todays trekking from chhusang to Syangboche.
The houses on the way to Gheling from syangboche are made of mud, thatched-roof stones, and a combination of both is interesting part of Gheling to Syangboche hike. After walking for 5 hours, you will arrive at Gheling.
Today, you trek to Ghap from Gheling. Overnight will be spent at guest house in gheling.
Very old aged monastery and the adjacent chhortens are supposed to be some 500 years old and surrounded by some of the best religious wall paintings. LhoGhekar monastery was built before Potala palace. You will be able to read this story in the hording board by the monastery.
Before getting to the Lo manthang we have to cross one of the high pass. Getting to the top of this high pass has great view of Lhomanthang village. Lo-Mangthang is occupied by more than a 1000 inhabitants whose houses are connected by flag stone.
Today we have a rest day in Lo Mangthang, we will walk around Lo Mangthang whole day and visit king's palace, low caste settlements, monasteries, herbal medical school and many more.
For the jeep tour – we will go to choser cave, fort & corolla boarder if we get enough time.
Evening at Lhomanthang is beautiful
Like Lo ManthangDhi is a walled city, the houses stand against one another in a line to from small alley sometime feels like walking inside the tunnel
Traditionally built residential houses with flat roofs &white painted outside is appealing to history of mankind. Whereas the architecturally fine monasteries with red painting is spiritual inside the fortified boundary. This day we will have visit to ChodeGumba, JampaLhakhang, ThubchenGumba& King’s palace and around. The monasteries and caves will be dark.
Trekking close to meadows of the farming field nearby river side is something inspiring in this landscape. By crossing the KaligandakiRiverwe will trek along a path by the left bank of river side to Yara.
At this point – during the dry season, the trail follows the riverbed but in the monsoon water level is high & trekkers walk up the hills. Yara village looks a natural sandy castle. There will be lodge for the tonight.
In Kagyukpa cave monastery, the Lamas books are written by gold that leads to DuyungKhola known as pa khola which is running from the DamodarKund. DamodarKundais the famous pilgrimage for Hindu& Buddhist religion. It’s also the source KaliGandakiriver. DamodarKunda is famous for black ammonite fossils. It is belied as the embodiment of God Vishnu.
Early in the morning you are going to leave Yaraas afternoon is high winding path. From the village of Buddhist locals turn to the north and start trekking along the standing sandy cliff from several hundred years ago, there is small village in Tange. We will spend overnight here in Tange.
Todays trekking will be with pack lunch because of long distance than previous days. The days take to walk about 8 to 10 hours.
By leaving Tange then crossing the suspension bridge following the trail to the right. Soon comes the Yak Kholaand start climbing a terraced hill to PA.
PA hill is at 4210m, it is the highest pass during your trip of the Upper Mustang. The trail climbs for about two and a half hours then you summit on the top of Pa Pass.
From Tetang village; you are able to view far distance the DamodarMountain and Saribung peak from Tetang.
Trekking route from Tetang to Charang village is rough &downhill. Thus Nepalgram adventure recommends to follow the steps of your guide and makes sure to fall on your butt if in case you fall by slipping. Be careful about twist or break, we still have one more day to walk to holy landmark of muktinath.
After tiring trekking you will be able to be seen deep down – those mud roof into the valley which is your night stay destination at Chhusang. Chhusang is also spelled asChhuksang.
On descend to Muktinath, we will get a chance to sight terrific Mountain View of the Nilgiri and Tukuche and the Kaligandaki valley. We then reach the village of Dzong. We have an easy path that takes us to the holy temple of Muktinath. It is believed that taking a bath in 108 taps at Muktinath takes away all the sins.
There are Buddhist monasteries and monuments nearby Muktinath Hindu temple.
We will get to the famous Lake city of Pokhara in the late afternoon. You can celebrate your upper mustang high passes trekking at Pokhara.
8 hours road trip from Pokhara to Kathmandu is vivid excursion by tourist bus and stay overnight at hotel at Thamel or nearby.
This is your last day in Nepal, our representative of Nepalgram Adventure will drop you to the airport to depart from Nepal.
Cost of Upper Mustang high pass trek
| S.No. | Luxury | All Incl | Service | |
| 1 | Cost (in USD $) Details | |||
| 2 | Licensed Guide | √ | √ | √ |
| 3 | Accommodation during trek | Standard | Private | × |
| 4 | Transportation to trek start point | Private | Shared | Shared |
| 5 | Shower | √ | √ | √ |
| 6 | Airport/bus terminal Shuttle service | Private | Private | × |
| 7 | Hotel at KTM | 5 Star | × | × |
| 8 | Food on trek (BLD) | Unlimited Meal | 3 Meal | × |
| 9 | Desert | From Menu | Fresh Fruit | × |
| 10 | Soft drink | unlimited | 1 | × |
| 11 | Porter | Private | Shared | × |
| 12 | Company Cap & T-shirt | √ | √ | × |
| 13 | Dawn Jacket & Sleeping – bag to be returned | √ | √ | × |
| 14 | Hard drink | Local Brand | × | × |
| 15 | Warm up hike | √ | × | × |
| 16 | Farewell party/dinner | √ | × | × |
| 17 | Buffer day for trek | √ | × | × |
| 18 | Food in the city | × | × | × |
General Information about Upper Mustang high pass trek
Upper Mustang high pass trek is a challenging and remote trek that takes you through the rugged landscapes of the Upper Mustang region in Nepal. The trek is known for its spectacular mountain views, unique Tibetan culture, and challenging high passes.
The trek begins in the ancient city of Lo Manthang, which was once the capital of the Mustang Kingdom and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, the trek follows a trail through the Kali Gandaki River Valley, passing through traditional Tibetan villages, ancient monasteries, and barren landscapes.
One of the highlights of the Upper Mustang high pass trek is crossing the challenging high passes, including the Dhakmar La Pass (3,820m), the Lo La Pass (3,950m), and the Thorong La Pass (5,416m), which is the highest point of the trek. The high passes offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, but also require proper acclimatization and physical fitness.
The Upper Mustang high pass trek is a restricted area and requires a special permit, making it a less crowded and more exclusive trek compared to other popular treks in Nepal. The best time to go on this trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is dry and stable.
Best Seasons To Visit Upper Mustang High Pass Trek
Upper mustang trek is popular also because of its “no rain zone” character. Saying that, you can trek to Upper Mustang in the monsoon season (June, July, and August).
The Upper Mustang trek itinerary fits throughout the year. Telling the best time to do this trek is the local autumn and spring season. These seasons have great visibility, slightly more stable weather conditions and cool temperature even in the lower part of the Upper mustang trekking route.
Spring – March to May
The season of spring brings in warm and stable weather conditions. The clear sky offers great visibility of mountain and amazing landscapes of upper mustang region. You will experience temperature ranging from 16-degree Celsius during the day to 8-degree Celsius at night.
Moreover, the weather is warmer and the trails are free of snow in the region of Mustang. The season of spring is possibly the best time to trek to the Upper Mustang.
Summer(Monsoon) – June to September
May marks the beginning of summer or the Monsoon season in Nepal. So, the chance of rainfall in most of the trekking trail of Nepal including lower Mustang is high in summer. But the upper Mustang region lies in the rain-shadow area. So, the possibility of rain in monsoon is close to zero.
Moreover, the trails along the Mustang trek is not slippery and muddy. The temperature in monsoon during upper mustang high passes trekking ranges from 16 degrees Celsius during day time to 5 degrees Celsius at night.
If you are travelling in the right time; you will have the opportunity to experience the horse festival or YartungMela during the Summer trek to upper Mustang. The local festival takes place and starts in Lo-Manthang and continues downwards as practiced since very early days. The festival features archery, horse race, and cultural dance.
Autumn – September to November
September to November falls under the autumn season in Nepal. Autumn offers clear blue sky and pristine mountain views to the travelers during the trek. The days are windy and slightly colder during this season. The temperature rises to 15-degree Celsius during the day and falls to 4-degree Celsius at night.
Moreover, the weather is dry and slightly predictable than in other seasons. So, travelers consider autumn as the ideal time to visit Nepal, so as Upper mustang region.
The lodges and the tea houses along the trail are open and nearly full for business during the autumn season.
In addition, you won’t have to pack any special types of equipment and gears during your upper Mustang high passes trekking in the autumn season. Also, autumn is the perfect time for sightseeing of animals and birds in the Mustang region.
Winter- December to February – say no to these months
December to February falls under the winter season in Nepal. Late December marks the start of the Winter Season. The temperature is around 5-degree Celsius during the day and falls below 0-degree Celsius at night& mornings. So, you need packs with warm clothing to cope up with the extreme cold.
There will be very fewer tea shops opened during winter.
Benefits of Upper Mustang Trek with Nepalgram
- Clear information on cost includes & Excludes for Upper Mustang
- Free arrangement for storage of excess luggage
- Pulse oximeters for monitoring blood oxygen saturation to detect early signs of altitude sickness at high elevations
- Medical kits for emergencies
- Sleeping bags and down jacket arrangements if you do not have your own
What to Expect?
From the religious side of the upper mustang region through the chortens, stupas, Mani walls that decorate the route all through your trekking or tour in upper mustang. The religious communities, Buddhists shrines, gompas and mandalas and locals praying on those places are eye appealing moments.
Local from this region grow wheat, barley buck- wheat and some potatoes. Lo-pa people like the business they want to do some business from Tibet like Chinese goods. During the winter, the Lo-Pa people come down to lower part like to Pokhara. There temperature falls in minus in winter.
Likewise, the main highlight of this trip is the Yara village which is one of the notable mountain village famous for its natural sandy castle and the scenery around it. The Kingdom of Lo, Choser cave, Muktinath, Jomsom, Kagbeni and the many villages with small settlements beside the massive & deserted cliffs are major attraction of upper mustang high passes trekking.
Contrast of deserted mountains with white Himalayas will look stunning during upper mustang high passes trekking
Cave which are carved into the towering hills, monastery caved in the hills with decoration of Buddhist art & architecture along with prayer flag and mantras has made this region more spiritual.
Eye catching view of local people busy in their farmland, kids playing on the street of Lhomanthang village and cattle passing by while trekking will find your inner peace. Finding the peace while trekking in this spiritual region of Nepal are not just interesting but amazing part of Upper mustang trekking trip in Nepal.
Culture & Tradition of Upper mustang region reflects in Tiji festival
Travelers will experience the culture and traditions of the Trans Himalayas. Moreover, the rugged landscapes of this region are a treat for visitors where one can explore the lifestyle of the people living in the remote Himalayan region of Nepal which is close to Tibet.
Tiji is one of the famous festival of upper mustang region celebrated in the month of May. Trekking to upper mustang high passes trekking with Nepalgram adventure during the festival of Tiji will make best travel to Nepal during the one of the best season. May is the last month of spring season in Nepal.
Upper Mustang in the history
Historically, Mustang used to have its own Kingdom with its own rulers and dynasty. But the monarchy stopped to exist on October 7, 2008.
This route was only opened to foreigners in 1992 and ever since then magnificent landscapes of the region have attracted increasingly large numbers of tourist in the region. However the cost of the trekking permit has filtered the flow like in Annapurna circuit trekking or Everest region trekking.
Highlights
- • Flight of Kathmandu-Jomsom with views of some of the highest mountains in the world- Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- • Trans Himalayan salt trading route in the past along Jomsom Bazzar
- • Kagbeni village is one of the most beautiful medieval villages. It has closely packed mud and brick houses, dark alleys and imposing chortens.
- • Kaligandaki River Gorge: The deepest canyon in the world.
- • Mysterious sky caves in Mustang is a collection of some 10,000 man-made caves dug into the sides of valleys. The caves lie on the steep valley walls near the Kali Gandaki River.
- • Avoid the crowds. Unlike most parts of Nepal, Upper Mustang doesn’t get as crowded as other region – it is because of the expensive special permit fees.
Cost Details of Upper Mustang Trek - General Inclusions
- Airport pickup and drop off by private car or micro bus (depending on group size).
- Transportation from (Kathmandu - Pokhara) & (Jomsom - Pokhara) both ways
- Standard Hotel in Kathmandu (2 nights) & Pokhara (2 nights) or according to the itinerary, B/B (bed and breakfast)
- All your accommodation and meals (Breakfast with Tea or coffee, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek; with fresh fruit as dessert every night.
- All necessary paper works (ACAP) entry permit (Upper Mustang special restricted region Permit) & Trekker`s information management system (Tims).
- Fluent English speaking and trained, Government licensed guide including all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance during the trekking.
- A Strong, helpful porter with proper equipment (one porter for two people), if you need.
- Card processing fee for online payable amount
- Added Value - (1) Dawn sleeping bag, Dawn Jacket to be returned after the trek (2) Waterproof duffel Bag, Walking Poles, quick dry T-shirt, Cap - to take away (3) Oxymeter to check your oxygen saturation and Heart beat with medical kit box carried by Guide (4) Satellite Phone for extremely remote destination
- All government taxes and office expenses.
Cost Details of Upper Mustang Trek - General Exclusions
- Food while you are in Kathmandu.
- Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at International Airport - Kathmandu). You need 2 passport size photos and $50 dollar.
- Your travel and medical insurance. We will assist you with evacuation arrangement in case of emergency without any extra cost.
- All alcoholic and non alcoholic hot and cold drinks, tea or coffee in breakfast is included, however.
- Tips for the guide, porter and driver (Tipping is expected).
The Upper Mustang High Pass Trek is a challenging trek that takes you through the remote and picturesque region of Upper Mustang, located in the Himalayan mountains of Nepal. This trek includes crossing over two high passes, namely the Lo La Pass (3950m) and the Mimi La Pass (4660m).
The Upper Mustang High Pass Trek usually takes around 18 to 21 days, depending on itinerary.
The best time to do the Upper Mustang High Pass Trek is during the months of April to June and September to November. These months offer the best weather and views of the surrounding mountains.
The Upper Mustang High Pass Trek is considered to be a challenging trek and requires a good level of fitness and stamina. It involves long days of hiking, steep ascents and descents, and crossing over high passes.
To do the Upper Mustang High Pass Trek, you need to obtain two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang.
While it is possible to do the Upper Mustang High Pass Trek independently, hiring a guide and porter is recommended for safety and convenience. Guides and porters can help with navigation, carrying your gear, and provide valuable insight into the local culture and customs.
Accommodation options on the Upper Mustang High Pass Trek range from basic teahouses to more comfortable lodges. It is important to note that the teahouses and lodges in Upper Mustang are more basic than those in other popular trekking regions of Nepal.
You should pack warm and waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a good quality sleeping bag, a backpack, trekking poles, a headlamp, a water bottle, and other essential personal items.
Yes, altitude sickness is a concern on the Upper Mustang High Pass Trek, as you will be crossing over two high passes. It is important to acclimatize properly and take precautions to prevent altitude sickness.
More Information About Upper Mustang high pass trek
Upper Mustang high pass trek is most likely daring and challenging trekking for Upper Mustang area. But in comparison with three high passes trekking in Everest base camp , it is comparatively very easy high pass trekking in Nepal.
The journey includes vast majority of places within the Annapurna & Mustang region trekking in Nepal. Full of stunning Himalayan landscapes, multi-ethnic people, and a great variety of natural resources and numerous adventure locations in the heart of upper mustang region gives different experience of Nepal Himalaya.
Nepalgram adventure as a local Trekking agency in Nepal planned this high adrenaline trekking trip itinerary for those who wish to drift around different side wilderness for months.
Trekking route which consists of complete Upper Mustang Trekking trail, part of Annapurna circuit trekking trail, glimpse of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek route and part of Jomsom Muktinath trail is an awesome adventure for different taste in Nepal trekking.
Upper Mustang high pass trek is probably the bravest trek in the Upper mustang region. The region which is famous among the luxury and easy going trekkers coming to Nepal from all around the world.
This trekking gives peace &wilderness at the same time; for month’s long trip away from home in the months of june&july. These months are not favorable for other trekking in Nepal rather than rain shadow zone trekking like Upper mustang trekking.
A best thing to do in june and july visit to Nepal is none other than Upper Mustang YaraGhara trekking package with Nepalgram Adventures.
Upper Mustang is one of the most popular treks rather than other restricted areas of Nepal. The special permit cost to enter Upper mustang region has made it precious.
Journey of this Upper Mustang high pass trek is not like high passes of Mesokanta La Pass, Thorong La Pass during APC trek.
Upper Mustang high pass trek difficulty
Altitude is not an issue for Upper mustang trekking. Trekkers will only feel difficult to sleep higher than 4000 meters but trekkers do not need to sleep above 4000 meters or 13000 feet while trekking in Upper mustang high passes trekking.
Also walking trail is not steep uphill and downhill as the altitude do not range wider than 2000 meters to less than 4000 meters range.
we can see local houses also explore local culture and tradition during trekking.
Gradual change in terrain has made upper mustang trek an easy trek among all the restricted trekking trails in Nepal.
Some of the camps are long but still the peaceful location with majestic view of the mountains and dry landscape at once. This trekking will give feeling equivalent to meeting ice at the ocean and mountains.
Concluding the difficulty of upper mustang trekking– it is moderate trekking trip. People go to upper mustang Lo-manthang by jeep as well – thus be sure in the fact that upper mustang trekking is not hard even though it goes toward yara Ghara villages following few so called high passes.
This one involves serious long walk and some uphill followed by downhill trekking will enjoy this longer trekking option in Upper mustang.
Upper Mustang high pass trek outline Itinerary
- Day 01 :Welcome upon arrival at Kathmandu International airport
- Day 02 : Kathmandu sightseeing tour with local guide and official procedure and special permit preparation
- Day 03 : Depart to Pokhara by bus
- Day 04 :Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom & Jeep ride to Kagbeni
- Day 05 :Trek to Chhusang
- Day 06 :Trek to Syangboche from Chhusang
- Day 07 :Trek to Gheling from syangboche
- Day 08 : : Trek to Ghap from gheling
- Day 09: Trek to Tsarang via Ghekar
- Day 10 : Trek to Lo Mangthang from Tsarang
- Day 11 : Jeep tour to Choser cave & other monuments around as acclimatization activity at lo manthang
- Day 12 : Trek to lo Mathang to dhi
- Day 13 :Dhi to Yara
- Day 14 :Trek to Pa khola& overnight at Yara – Acclimatization & side excursion day
- Day 15 : Trek over pa pass and overnight at tange
- Day 16 : Trek from Tange to Tetang – Longest hike day
- Day 17 : Trek back to Chhusang – the circuit ends at this point
- Day 18 : Trek to Muktinath
- Day 19 :Drive to Pokhara
- Day 20 : drive to Kathmandu from pokhara
- Day 21 : Transfer to airport, departure day
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