Mustang Valley Trek

Trip Overview

Mustang Valley Trek is a wonderful trekking package in Nepal that explores the concealed land of Nepal, Mustang Valley. Mustang valley lies to northern Nepal bordering Tibet. This trek offers you the majestic views of Himalayas and reflects Tibetan Culture in the lap of Himalayas. The distinct culture and tradition of an ethnic community in Mustang is what captivate people from all over the world. The amazing lifestyle of people of Mustang will lure you. The white stoned rock formation, parched land with a different kind of flora and fauna is a major attraction of this trek. Mustang valley was a forbidden kingdom bordered by the Tibetan plateau and sheltered by Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Mustang was a restricted land until 1992, making it one of the preserved region of the world but recently this land has been among the most traveled placed in Nepal.

Mustang Valley Trek commences after your arrival in Kathmandu. While you stay in Kathmandu, you will visit UNESCO world heritage sites and prepare for Trek. The very next day you will move to Pokhara and fly to Jomsom and start trekking. The trekking has a lot to offer you. The majestic view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri will be breath-stopping. The rough and tough trails of Mustang valley will be one of the best experience for you. You will have the amazing insight of parched land and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Trek to Lo Manthang will be a major highlight of this trek. There you will encounter the reflection of Tibetan culture which will be a shining perk that this trek offers you. And you will descend to reach to Pokhara and finally to Kathmandu.

Best Season: The best season for the Upper Mustang Valley Trek is during the autumn months of September to November and the spring months of March to May. During these seasons, the weather is usually clear and dry, making it ideal for trekking in the high-altitude desert region.

Permits & Regulations:

As for permits and regulations for the Upper Mustang Valley Trek, the following are the main requirements:

  1. Restricted Area Permit: The Upper Mustang region is a restricted area, and all trekkers are required to obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) through a registered trekking agency. The RAP fee is higher than for other trekking regions, and there is a minimum group size requirement.
  2. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit: In addition to the RAP, trekkers must also obtain an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to enter the Annapurna Conservation Area, which is required for the initial part of the trek.
  3. TIMS Card: Trekkers must also obtain a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, which can be obtained through a registered trekking agency or through the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.
  4. Local Regulations: Trekkers are expected to respect local culture and traditions, including dressing modestly and asking permission before taking photographs of people or religious sites. Trekking agencies can provide guidance on local customs and traditions.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,428ft)

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m/2689ft): 5-6 hours

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom (2,700m/8898ft) and trek to Kagbeni (2,810m/9,216ft): 3-4 hours trek

Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m/10,004ft): 5-6 hours

Day 06: Chele to Syanbochen (3,475m/11,398ft): 6-7 hours

Day 07: Syanbochen to Ghami (3,520m/11,546ft): 5-6 hours

Day 08: Ghami to Tsarang (3,620m/11,873ft): 5-6 hours

Day 09: Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3,730m/12,234ft): 3-4 hours

Day 10: Explore Lo Manthang/ Acclimatization

Day 11: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar (3810 m/12,500ft): 6-7 hours

Day 12: Drakmar to Ghiling (3,806m/12,484ft): 5-6 hours

Day 13: Ghiling to Chhuksang (3050m/10,004ft): 5-6 hours

Day 14: Chhuksang to Jomsom (2,700/8,856ft): 6-7 hours

Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara

Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

Day 17: Final departure

 

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Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,428ft)

After landing at the Tribhuwan International Airport, we will be greeted by a representative of Himalayan Glacier who will drop us off at our hotel. We then check-in at the hotel, freshen up and take a rest. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be hosted by Himalayan Glacier. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Dinner
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation

We tour Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square reveals the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple and Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we are introduced to our fellow participants and discuss our trip at Himalayan Glacier’s office. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Breakfast
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m/2689ft): 5-6 hours

We have breakfast then leave for Pokhara, also known as The Lake City owing to the large number of lakes in the city. Upon our arrival in Pokhara, we are rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,794ft), Manaslu (8,156m/26,759ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993m/22,943ft), the five peaks of Annapurna and others. We then check-in to our hotel and take a rest. We enjoy boating in the Fewa Lake and stroll in the city’s quaint streets. Overnight in Pokhara.

Included meals:Breakfast
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom (2,700m/8898ft) and trek to Kagbeni (2,810m/9,216ft): 3-4 hours trek

Today we will take an early morning flight to Jomsom which is famous for its apples, strong winds and the landscape. We begin our trek on an open trail alongside a beautiful valley. We pass through Eaklibatti village before reaching Jomsom which is ideally located at the bank of two rivers. The village is beautiful with flat-roofed houses and also has ruins of an old fortress. Overnight in Kagbeni.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m/10,004ft): 5-6 hours

We get our permits checked then begin our trek on a trail alongside the Kali Gandaki River. We walk on sand amidst strong winds before ascending on a hill. We reach the Tangbe Village and admire its narrow alleyways, white-washed houses, barley and buckwheat fields, and apple orchards. We continue our walk and pass another village and cross a river on our way. Next, we walk on a ridge before reaching Chele Village. Overnight in Chele.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 06: Chele to Syanbochen (3,475m/11,398ft): 6-7 hours

Our trek from today will be a little hard compared to what we experienced before.  Our walk today involves crossing two passes, Taklam La pass (3,624m) and Dajori La pass (3,735). On our way, we enjoy great views of Tilicho, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda and pass by Ramchung Cave. We descend further and reach Samar Village. From here we walk on a trail above the village and reach a ridge. Next, we descend on a steep trail to a stream and continue our trek to Syanboche. Overnight in Syanboche.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 07: Syanbochen to Ghami (3,520m/11,546ft): 5-6 hours

We ascend to the Yamda La pass at 3,850m. On the way, we pass by a few teahouses, chortens and beautiful villages. We trek through poplar forests and barley fields and reach Nyi Pass at 4,010m. From here, we descend to Ghami which is one of the biggest villages in the Lo region. The village is beautiful with fields surrounding the entire village. Overnight in Ghami.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 08: Ghami to Tsarang (3,620m/11,873ft): 5-6 hours

Our trek today begins with a descent through a rough and often slippery trail. We then cross a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola and begin ascending. The pathway is beautiful with mani walls along the trail. Next, we cross the Tsarang La Pass at 3870m and reach Tsarang village. The village lies atop the Charang Chu canyon with a huge fortress and a red gompa towards its east. Overnight in Tsarang.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 09: Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3,730m/12,234ft): 3-4 hours

We begin our trek by descending to a canyon and cross a river before beginning our uphill trek to Lo La pass which at 3950m. From the top of the pass we can admire the beautiful Lo Manthang village. From the pass we descend to Lo Manthang which is a beautiful walled village. From here the views of the Himalayas including Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak as well as Damodar Kunda (pond) is quite good. Overnight in Lo-Manthang.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10: Explore Lo Manthang/ Acclimatization

Lo Manthang is a walled town of the remote Upper Mustang region of Nepal. We spend the day touring three major gompas of the town namely Jhampa, Thupchen and Chhoeda. All of these gompas have undergone expert restoration over the last two decades. We can also trek to Tingkhar which is a beautiful village located north-west of Lo-Mangthang. Overnight in Lo Manthang.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 11: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar (3810 m/12,500ft): 6-7 hours

We trek on a different route when returning from Lo-Manthang. Our trail passes through Gyakar village which houses a century old Ghar Gompa with beautiful rock paintings. According to a local legend, anyone who makes a wish at the Gompa will have it fulfilled. We explore the Gompa and continue our trek to Drakmar for an overnight stay.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 12: Drakmar to Ghiling (3,806m/12,484ft): 5-6 hours

We start our trek early to avoid strong winds and descend for the most part of the trek. Our trail passes through a dry plateau and fields before reaching Ghiling. The walk can be relatively difficult as we are most likely to experience strong winds on our face. Ghiling is mostly dry, but we still get good views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains. We can tour the village around the evening. Overnight in Ghiling.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 13: Ghiling to Chhuksang (3050m/10,004ft): 5-6 hours

We begin our trek after breakfast. We walk on the same trail as before going up to Lo Manthang. On the way to Chhuksang we can enjoy great views of the Himalayas and small villages we pass en route. Overnight in Chhuksang.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 14: Chhuksang to Jomsom (2,700/8,856ft): 6-7 hours

Today is the last day of our trek and it is a long one. After trekking for a while, we come to an end of our Mustang trails and join the trails of the Annapurna circuit. We stop for lunch at Kagbeni. After lunch, we continue our trek to Jomsom for an overnight stay.

Included meals:Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara

We take an early morning flight to Pokhara. The airplane passes through a gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains making the flight itself an amazing experience. After arriving in Pokhara, we can spend the rest of the day in leisure. Overnight in Pokhara.

Included meals:Breakfast
Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful northern skyline of Pokhara and drive towards Kathmandu. This will be a journey along river banks with wonderful views of terraced hills and the rural Nepalese lifestyle. After reaching Kathmandu, we take a rest or do some souvenir shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Included meals:Breakfast Dinner
Day 17: Final departure

Our Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal comes to an end today! A representative from Himalayan Glacier will take us to the airport approximately three hours before the scheduled flight. On our flight back home, we take with us amazing memories of our Lo Manthang trip and Nepal.

Included meals:Breakfast

 

Cost Included

  • Two nights standard accommodation in 2/3/4/5 star category hotel in Kathmandu located tourist center, or up to you.
  • Meals on full board (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trekking
  • Local fresh fruits like orange, apple, banana and grape etc.
  • All accommodations during the trek.
  • Your destination map.
  • Both ways domestic Flights with airport tax.
  • An experienced Government licensed holder Climbing guide and porter to carry your luggage during the trek.
  • Permit
  • Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment’s, transportation, local tax for Guide and porter
  • Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
  • If you need we will provide you sleeping bag, down jackets, Duffle bag and, if necessary etc.
  • All necessary Government paper works and national park entry permits and TIMS Card etc.
  • Travel & Rescue arrangement.
  • All government taxes and Vat.

Cost not Include

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car or van. It is depend of the group.
  • Meals yourself Kathmandu (L+D).
  • equipment / Gears
  • Your Travel insurance.
  • International airfare.
  • Nepal entry visa (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Nepal’s Airport in Kathmandu).
  • All kind drinks (Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, Water )
  • Personal shopping and laundry etc.
  • Personal trekking Equipment’s.
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory)
  • If do any tour and sightseeing and other activities etc.

 

Before You Go

Before you go on a Mustang Valley Trek, here are some things you might want to consider:

  1. Permits: Mustang is a restricted area of Nepal, and you will need a special permit to trek in this region. You should obtain the necessary permits before starting your trek.
  2. Physical fitness: Mustang Valley Trek involves a lot of walking, uphill and downhill, so it’s important to be in good physical shape before embarking on this trek.
  3. Weather: The weather in Mustang can be unpredictable, so be prepared for both rain and sunshine. Bring appropriate clothing and gear for the weather conditions.
  4. Altitude sickness: Mustang Valley Trek reaches an altitude of over 4,000 meters, which can cause altitude sickness. It’s important to acclimatize properly before starting the trek and to stay hydrated throughout the journey.
  5. Accommodation: Mustang Valley Trek is a remote area, so you need to plan your accommodation ahead of time. There are several lodges along the trek, but they can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
  6. Guides and porters: Hiring a guide and porter is highly recommended for Mustang Valley Trek. They can help you navigate the trail, carry your bags, and provide valuable insight into the local culture and customs.
  7. Pack smartly: You’ll be carrying your own gear for most of the trek, so pack wisely. Bring only essential items, and make sure your backpack is comfortable and well-fitted to your body.

FAQ:

  1. What is the Mustang Valley Trek?

The Mustang Valley Trek is a trekking route in the Mustang region of Nepal, which was a former Tibetan kingdom. The trek takes you through beautiful desert-like landscapes, traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range.

  1. How difficult is the Mustang Valley Trek?

The Mustang Valley Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek, with some steep uphill sections and high altitude hiking. However, no technical climbing is involved, and the trek is suitable for experienced trekkers in good physical condition.

  1. What is the best time of year to do the Mustang Valley Trek?

The best time to do the Mustang Valley Trek is during the dry season, which runs from March to November. The monsoon season, which runs from June to September, can make trails muddy and slippery, and can also bring landslides and other hazards.

  1. How long does the Mustang Valley Trek take?

The Mustang Valley Trek can be done in 10-14 days, depending on your pace and itinerary. Some trekkers choose to combine the Mustang Valley Trek with other nearby treks, such as the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

  1. What kind of accommodation is available on the Mustang Valley Trek?

There are several lodges and tea houses along the Mustang Valley Trek route that offer basic but comfortable accommodation. Most lodges have shared rooms with twin beds or bunk beds, and communal dining areas where you can enjoy meals and meet other trekkers.

  1. Is it necessary to hire a guide for the Mustang Valley Trek?

While it’s possible to do the Mustang Valley Trek independently, hiring a guide is recommended, especially if you’re not familiar with the area or terrain. A guide can also help you navigate cultural differences and language barriers, and can offer insight into the local culture and customs.

  1. What should I pack for the Mustang Valley Trek?

You should pack appropriate clothing for the season, including warm layers for the cold nights and early mornings, a waterproof jacket, comfortable hiking boots or shoes, a hat and sunglasses, sunscreen, a first aid kit, a water bottle or hydration system, a headlamp or flashlight, and a camera or phone for taking pictures. You should also bring any personal medications or toiletries you may need. Additionally, it’s important to pack a sturdy backpack and some cash, as ATM machines are scarce along the route.

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