The Upper Mustang Trek with Tour of Nepal
The Upper Mustang Trek is an exhilarating 15-day adventure that offers trekkers a unique opportunity to explore the hidden kingdom of Mustang, a region in Nepal known for its rugged landscapes, ancient Buddhist culture, and Tibetan influences. This trek takes you through remote villages, monasteries, and impressive geological formations, including caves and cliff-side dwellings, offering a glimpse into a culture that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Itinerary Overview:
The journey begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, where you’ll set off on an exciting adventure to one of the most pristine regions of the Annapurna mountain range. The trek is designed to take you through historical villages, religious sites, and breathtaking landscapes, all while experiencing the traditional lifestyle of the Tibetan-influenced communities.
Here’s a breakdown of the key stages and experiences of this trek:
Day 1-2: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will acclimatize and prepare for your trek. Kathmandu is a vibrant city, rich in history and culture, home to ancient temples, bustling markets, and narrow streets lined with old buildings. During your stay, you may visit some of the famous landmarks like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or Pashupatinath Temple.
Key Activities:
– Arrival at Kathmandu and overnight stay.
– Briefing on the trek details, permits, and preparation.
– Optional sightseeing of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
The day starts with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a lakeside town that offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Once in Pokhara, you can enjoy the serene atmosphere by Phewa Lake or explore the town’s natural beauty and vibrant street culture.
Key Activities:
– Scenic flight to Pokhara.
– Enjoy lakeside walks and visit natural attractions such as the World Peace Pagoda or Devi’s Falls.
Day 4: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom
From Pokhara, you’ll take a short, thrilling flight to Jomsom, the gateway to Upper Mustang. The flight offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. From Jomsom, you’ll travel by jeep to Kagbeni, the entrance to the Upper Mustang region.
Key Activities:
– Scenic flight to Jomsom.
– Jeep ride to Kagbeni.
– Evening exploration of Kagbeni, an ancient village with a rich Buddhist culture.
Day 5: Trek from Kagbeni to Chhuksang
Your trekking adventure begins with a hike from Kagbeni to Chhuksang. This day marks the start of the Upper Mustang trek, where you will trek through arid landscapes and barren valleys. You’ll cross the Kali Gandaki River and pass through various small settlements.
Key Activities:
– Begin the trek from Kagbeni.
– Cross rivers, ascend hills, and explore rural villages.
– Arrival at Chhuksang for overnight rest.
Day 6: Trek from Chhuksang to Ghami
Continuing along the Mustang trail, today you’ll trek from Chhuksang to Ghami. This section of the trek takes you deeper into the dry, desert-like terrain. Ghami is a peaceful village that offers glimpses of the local lifestyle, with its traditional mud-brick houses and stunning mountain views.
Key Activities:
– Trek through barren landscapes and villages.
– Visit local monasteries and interact with villagers.
– Reach Ghami for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Trek from Ghami to Lo-Manthang
Today, you will trek to the capital of the Mustang region, Lo Manthang. Lo Manthang is a historic walled city that once served as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lo. The city is known for its impressive royal palace, monasteries, and preserved Tibetan culture.
Key Activities:
– Trek to Lo Manthang, passing through cliff-side caves and ancient settlements.
– Arrival in Lo Manthang and overnight stay.
Day 8: Exploration Day in Lo Manthang
This day is reserved for exploring Lo Manthang, where you can visit the ancient walled city, the royal palace, and Buddhist monasteries. You’ll also explore the famous caves, cliff dwellings, and interact with the locals to understand their unique culture.
Key Activities:
– Visit the Royal Palace and monasteries like Thugchen Gompa.
– Explore caves carved into cliffs.
– Learn about the local Tibetan Buddhist practices.
Day 9: Trek from Lo Manthang to Yara
From Lo Manthang, the trek continues towards Yara, a small and remote village. The route takes you through arid valleys and offers expansive views of the mountains and surrounding landscapes. Yara is known for its traditional Tibetan culture and beautiful surroundings.
Key Activities:
– Trek to Yara, passing through scenic villages.
– Enjoy quiet, remote surroundings with panoramic views of the desert mountains.
Day 10: Trek from Yara to Tangye
The trek from Yara to Tangye takes you through an even more remote part of the Mustang region. Tangye is a small village nestled between steep cliffs, offering stunning views and insight into the traditional lifestyles of the locals.
Key Activities:
– Trek through isolated valleys and small Tibetan villages.
– Arrive in Tangye for an overnight stay.
Day 11: Trek from Tangye to Chhusang
This day takes you back towards Chhusang, retracing parts of the earlier trek, but now from a different perspective. The views of the barren landscapes and the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges are even more stunning on this return leg.
Key Activities:
– Trek back to Chhusang, passing through remote villages.
– Enjoy more views of the dramatic landscapes.
Day 12: Trek from Chhusang to Kagbeni
From Chhusang, continue trekking back towards Kagbeni, where the trail ends. This is the final stretch of the trek before you begin your descent back to Jomsom.
Key Activities:
– Enjoy the final leg of the trek and reflect on the experiences.
– Arrival at Kagbeni for a well-earned rest.
Day 13: Drive to Jomsom
After reaching Kagbeni, you’ll take a jeep ride back to Jomsom, which offers a more relaxed and scenic journey compared to trekking.
Key Activities:
– Scenic jeep ride back to Jomsom.
– Relax and rest in Jomsom, visit Marpha village and explore local sights.
Day 14: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara
From Jomsom, you’ll take a flight back to Pokhara. This flight offers great views of the mountains, and once in Pokhara, you can relax by the lake or enjoy a few more hours of sightseeing.
Key Activities:
– Scenic flight back to Pokhara.
– Enjoy the lakeside town or visit nearby attractions.
Day 15: Return to Kathmandu
The final day of your journey will involve a flight back to Kathmandu, where you will conclude your adventure. You may have some time to explore or do last-minute shopping before your departure.
Key Activities:
– Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu.
– Departure or optional sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Conclusion:
The Upper Mustang Trek is an unforgettable adventure that offers a rare glimpse into a part of Nepal that remains relatively untouched by modern development. The trek offers stunning views, rich cultural experiences, and a sense of isolation that allows you to fully appreciate the beauty and history of this incredible region.