Mustang Trek

Destination: Nepal

Region: Mustang

Trip Facts

Duration

16 Days

Difficulty

Challenging

Country

Nepal

Activity

Trekking and Hiking

Max-Altitude

3570m

Accomodation

Hotel and Lodge

Best Season

March to May and September to November

Meals

Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

Overview

TRIP HIGHLIGHTSEnjoy a trans-Himalayan flight to/from Jomsom, the windy-city
View of Annapurna I (8091m), Nilgiri (7061m), and Dhaulagiri (8167m)
Enjoy trekking in one of the restricted areas of northern Nepal
Visit several ancient monasteries dating back to the 7th century and also the famous man-made sky caves of Mustang

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu (1300 m)

When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our company representative will greet you and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You’ll meet your trek guide and go over the itinerary. In the evening, you can go for a walk around the neighborhood.

Day 2

Day 02 Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (30min) or Drive 6-7 hrs

You’ll board a flight to Pokhara after eating breakfast at the hotel. The flight will be brief and will be about 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. You might also decide to travel by car to Pokhara. The journey is quite uneventful and passes through highway towns with views of Nepal’s rural and mountainous terrain. There is a lot to discover in Pokhara once you arrive. It is a stunning city with views of Machhapuchhre (6997m) and the Annapurna Range. Phewa Lake can be explored on foot or by boat.

Day 3

Day 03 Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2720m) 25 minutes, Trek to Kagbeni (2810m) 3 hrs

The day starts early with a short flight to Jomsom. You’ll fly across the Annapurna massif to reach the town in Mustang District. You can catch the mesmerizing sights of Annapurna I (8091m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), and the Kali Gandaki Gorge from the flight. From Jomsom, you will make your way to Kagbeni. The first day of the trek will take you along the Kali Gandaki valley to Kagbeni village.

Day 4

Day 04 Trek to Chele (3050m) 6 hrs

Before continuing, you will have your TIMS/Restricted Area permit examined at Kagbeni. You will set out on a hike through an unusual track to reach Tangbe village after leaving Kagbeni. To get to Chele village, keep walking through the confined spaces and past the white-washed houses. Most of the time, the trip continues along the Kali Gandaki River, passing Chhusang along the route.

Day 5

Day 05 Trek to Shyangbochen (3800m) 7-8 hrs

You’ll continue your ascent after leaving Chele. You’ll go past the expansive, vibrant rock canyons where about 3,000 years ago, people created sky caves. The sky caves are still a popular Mustang tourist destination. You will pass through fields of red buckwheat, a staple in the region, despite the limited vegetation. While traveling to Shyangbochen, you may see the Nilgiri (7061m), Tilicho Peak (7134m), and Annapurna range in their breathtaking entirety.

Day 6

Day 06 Trek to Tsarang (3560m) 7 hrs

To get to Ghami village, you’ll leave Shyangbochen and continue on the trail. From Ghami, a short hike will take you to a location with substantial Mani walls covered in Buddhist graffiti and Tibetan literature. On the route to Tsarang, you might also see a lot of Buddhist chortens. An old monastery and the neighborhood’s white palace, which preserves the village’s history, are located in Tsarang.

Day 7

Day 07 Trek to Lo Manthang (3810m) 4-5 hrs

You must travel through a difficult landscape to get to Lo Manthang, or the “walled city,” after leaving Tsarang. The route climbs to Lo La Pass (3950 meters) and then descends to Lo Manthang. Mud and stone walls enclose the city on all sides. Three well-known Buddhist monasteries can be found there: Jampa, Thubchen, and Chodey Gompa. Along with this, you will also witness the King of Mustang’s former royal residence from the fourteenth century. The trail descends as it gets nearer Lo Manthang before crossing a brook and leading to the plateau of Lo Manthang.

Day 8

Day 08 Explore Nyiphu, Garphu, and villages in the north of Lo Mangthang

You’ll tour the city and its surroundings today. You’ll go to the well-known Nyiphu and Garphu monasteries, which are close to the city. The cave monasteries Nyiphu and Garphu were constructed on a cliff of the massive overhanging rock. The 2500-year-old Jhong Sky Cave, which is said to have more than 44 sections, is another experience you’ll have.

Day 9

Day 09 Trek to Dhakmar (3820m) via Ghar Gumba (Lo Ghekar Monastery) 6 hrs

You’ll travel back once you’ve left Lo Manthang. You will detour and go through Ghar Gumba, mostly downhill, to reach Dhakmar. The trek’s maximum elevation is at Ghar Gumba or Lo Ghekar (3950m). It is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the world and is thought to have been constructed somewhere in the 7th century by the saint Padmasambhava in his incarnation. You then traverse a mountain and descend dramatically to reach Dhakmar settlement.

Day 10

Day 10 Trek to Ghiling (3570m) 6 hrs

You will descend to Ghiling village as you leave Dhakmar, following the sparsely populated areas and lonely environment. Mounts Dhaulagiri (8167 meters), Annapurna (8091 meters), and Nilgiri (7061 meters) may all be seen in the distance after a short descent trip. The trail is easy at first, but as you travel further, it becomes difficult and steep.

Day 11

Day 11 Trek to Samar (3550m) 6 hrs

You will travel from Ghiling to Samar village via Shyangbochen. The hike starts with a quick ascent to Rachung Cave, which contains stalagmites shaped like chortens. Before returning to the route, you can take a brief tour into the cave. From then, it is a constant fall until Samar village.

Day 12

Day 12 Trek to Kagbeni (2810m) 6-7 hrs

Reentering the Kali Gandaki valley, you’ll make your way to Kagbeni. The distance traveled today is longer due to the presence of several rock canyon innards. The trail is rather remote and has few villages. You will go by the abandoned village of Chhunpa and Mani La Pass (3800m). You continue down to Kagbeni from the pass. The area you left behind, Upper Mustang, is beautifully seen from Kagbeni.

Day 13

Day 13 Trek to Jomsom (2720m) 3 hrs

When you reach Jomsom after the walk, it gives in. The trail directly connects Kagbeni with the windswept city of Jomsom while providing breathtaking views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I. Once at Jomsom, you can enjoy the local apple brandy “Marpha” while exploring the windy city. You’ve reached the end of your arduous journey to Mustang.

Day 14

Day 14 : Jomsom to Pokhara

You’ll depart Mustang today. You can return to Pokhara from Jomsom by taking a quick trans-Himalayan flight. You’ll take a connecting flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You will be met at the airport by one of our employees, who will then drive you to your accommodation. If you’d like, you can go souvenir shopping in Kathmandu’s Thamel neighborhood in the late afternoon.

Day 15

Day 15 Free day Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, today is a holiday. You can go on your own explorations of Kathmandu’s diverse cultural landscape. We suggest seeing places like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. You can also decide to head to Thamel, a popular tourist area in Kathmandu, where you can buy and eat at some of the city’s best restaurants.

Day 16

Day 16 Transfer to Airport for final departure

Your journey and stay in Nepal are now over. You’ll say goodbye to Nepal today. In order for you to catch your trip back home, our company representative will transport you to Tribhuvan International Airport. We trust you had fun, and we’ll see you soon for more adventures in Nepal.

Route Map

Elevation Map

What's Included

Transportation includes grounded transportation
Three nights’ accommodation with breakfast in a luxurious hotel in Kathmandu
Full board meals breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tea/coffee during the trek
Best available twin sharing lodge for accommodation
Snacks of seasonal fruits during the trek (optional)
Sightseeing tours in the areas covered by the trek.
One highly experienced, helpful, and friendly guide and an assistant guide
Porters (1 porter for two people) and their insurance, food, accommodation, salary, and equipment.
Sleeping Bag, Down jacket and Duffle bag for porters
First aid medical kit
Permit fee
TIMS Fee- Trekkers’ Information Management System
All government taxes and office service charge

What's Excluded

Meals not specified in the inclusions
Hot shower and extra hot water
Personal equipment
Cold drinks and sweets like chocolate bar and other snacks
Travel insurance
Tips for guide and porters
Battery charging above 3820m
No extra expenses from the company if there is an emergency or bad weather

Equipments

Mustang Region is considered to be one of a thrilling and spectacular trekking region, well renowned all over the globe. This region’s trek starts from the easy level to elite level where you have to be equipped with all the necessary and appropriate gears and equipment to ensure your safety, comfort, and pleasure during your trek. When trekking in the Mustang region, you should bring the following items, among others:

Trekking boots: As you reach to various landscapes including the rocky difficult trials in this region. Therefore, the sturdy trekking boots is required with an ankle support to make your trek safer and risk free.
Hand Gloves: Another important trekking equipment is hand gloves. Basically, hand gloves is used to prevent your hands from coldness and cuts or any injury you may get travelling.
Hat: It is the equipment that is used to prevent yourself from coldness. Basically, hats that covers your ears are highly preferable in order to keep you warm. You can also bring a rounded hats that provides shades on your face to block the sunlight.
Backpack: A roomy backpack is necessary for you to carry the electronics equipment like mobile and camera with water bottle and other necessary personal equipment.
Clothing: The weather is unpredictable. Thus, you have to be prepared for the sudden change in the weather. Thus, you have to take thermal undergarments, layered clothes and trekking trousers to make yourself cozy and warm. Fleece and down jacket with a scarf, hat and mittens are also very useful during this trek.
Trekking poles: While walking in the rocky and steep grounds, you have to be careful whereas trekking poles help your ankle and knees to prevent you from the possible mishaps.
Sunglasses: UV protected and a quality Sunglasses is required to prevent yourself from the glare of the snow and intense mountain sunshine.
Water container and purification tablets: The water during the trek is most essential. Healthy and pure water makes your trek full of energy whereas polluted water might hamper your health. Thus, water container and purification tablets are really necessary.
First aid box: The first aid equipment like bandages, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, and altitude sickness medication is crucial. The trekking leader of the trek also carries first aid medical kit for your safety.

Access the Asia Treks offers its customers a thorough packing list, equipment rental choices, and guidance on the best supplies for their trekking requirements. In order to complete their trek to the Mustang region securely and comfortably, we want to make sure that our clients have all the required supplies.

CANCELLATION POLICY AND PAYMENTS

As different permits, flight tickets and other government official documents are necessary so payment is highly appreciable if done 30 days prior of the trekking start date.
Payments are supposed to be done 15 days prior to the trekking start date.
If cancellation is made 10 days before the trek start date, 50% of the total trek cost will be charged as the cancellation fees.
In case of restrictions imposed by the government, bad weather or the emergency situation, the company will not to be liable to any extra cost and will find the most feasible way to proceed the trek.

ADVISORY

Non-bio degradable materials are not allowed to dispose in the trekking route randomly.
Proper follow of the guidance provided by the leader/guide of the trek.
Alcoholic beverages and other intoxicating substances are highly discouraged.
There might be the chances of bad weather so be prepared for the inconvenience caused by the unpredictable weather.
Try to be mentally and physically prepared before this trek with few short hikes before this trek is highly recommended.

IMPORTANT THINGS REQUIRED

Passport
Few passport size photos for TIMS and other official documents
Personal trekking equipment
Snow goggles
Personal handbag and luggage
Snacks and sweets like chocolate bar (if required)
Some personal items and sunscreen/sun cream
Water bottle and hat

PRELIMINARY AND KEY NOTES

Greeting ‘Namaste’ (your palms held together) is the most respectful and attractive way to greet somebody and is practiced profoundly.
Accessibility of internet and phone calls can be made efficient using the mobile SIM Card provided by the company itself or you can buy easily in the local market. All you need is one passport sized photo and a photocopy of your physical passport in either case.
There are lots of major cultural heritage sites in Kathmandu along with the ancient monasteries and sculptures. Photos are not taken unless you have asked for the permission.
The nightlife in Kathmandu is mostly safe and concentrated in Thamel area, one of the busiest destinations for foreigners to hang out with varied options of bars, restaurants and other places to choose from. Somehow, other areas including small towns are closed before 10pm.
Nepalese people are friendly, truly kind and incredibly welcoming as there is a phrase in Nepali culture ‘Guests equal Gods’. Out of the blue moon, there are several chances of being cheated. Saying this, you are somehow prone to possible travel scams. Keep yourself and your belongings safe, if you are travelling solo. It is highly recommended to have one experienced guide, taking safety into consideration.

FAQ

What is the Mustang Trek?

The Mustang Trek is an adventurous journey through the remote and culturally rich region of Mustang in Nepal, known for its unique landscapes, ancient monasteries, and Tibetan-influenced culture.

How long does the Mustang Trek typically take?

The trek duration depends on the specific itinerary chosen and the trekker’s pace. In short, we stick with the provided itinerary of the package.

How difficult is the Mustang Trek?

The trek is considered moderate, suitable for trekkers with a good level of fitness. The trail includes both ascending and descending sections, and the high altitude can pose a challenge.

Review

Wild Dreams Also Come True - I have done the Everest Base Camp trek with Arjun and it was undoubtedly the most memorable trek of my life as I finished my 3 years travels on top... read more

Ravi K
March 11, 2019
I travelled with my husband to Nepal and we contacted access the Asia to help us on our trekking to base camp. It was one of the best experience in... read more

María S
February 15, 2017
traumtour zum everest bacecamp - in einer kleinen gruppe von drei personen begleitete uns arjun von der agentur access the asia,ich reise viel hatte aber noch nie so einen guten service.arjun hat sich um alles... read more

Navigate221478
December 10, 2017
Trekking mit Arjun - Namaste.

Nach einem 2 wöchigen Trekking Richtung Everest Base Camp mit Arjun muss ich mich sehr für diese unvergesslichen Trip bedanken. Man merkte von der ersten Sekunde an, dass... read more

lurhstaap
May 1, 2019
I did the Everest Base Camp trek and returned for the Mera Peak Climbing with Access The Asia. Mountain Guide Arjun was superb! Great organization, local knowledge of the region... read more

robG3276OI
March 30, 2018
Highly recommend - Arjun was our brilliant tour guide when we trekked base camp. He was professional, kind and extremely accommodating. Would highly recommend

James V
April 22, 2019
Highly recommend Access the Asia. Will definitely trek with them again! - Excellent service all around. Tailored itinerary which was great for us. Comprehensive service from the day we arrived to the day we left. Arjun runs a tight ship, and is... read more

Ayla C
October 25, 2018
Great Trekking Experience with a Great Team - Mr. Arjun did a great job, He is always fun to be around and very helpful person. He took good care of us and described everything on the way so... read more

rambknows
February 16, 2017
Fantastic, personalized service! An unforgettable way to see Nepal! - Arjun and team is your best choice for exploring Nepal. Just recently completed the Nar-Phu Valley track with Mesokanto-La Pass, two weeks of trekking through amazing villages “off the beaten... read more

861lindsaya
November 21, 2018
Awesome Experience with team in Pokhara last months. Highly dedicated access the asia team with many experience in tourism sector.

Prajjwal S
June 3, 2022
Kathmandu/Everest Base Camp - Best trek ever! The staff, especially Arjun was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and supportive through the entire trip starting with the airline losing my luggage, trekking to base camp, and returning... read more

TheJeff413
May 15, 2018
Everest Basecamp Trekking - In February 2018 we did a Basecamp Trekking Tour with Arjun as our guide. It was an unforgettable experience and Arjun always tried to make everything as comfortable for us... read more

D_av_id_94572
February 26, 2018
Fantastic service, fantastic people!! - Access the Asia are a great company - I was well looked after from the moment I contacted them. Arjun helped me tailor a trek to suit what I wanted... read more

Jodi B
April 24, 2017
Everest Base Camp - Words can never express the love, respect, admiration and sentiment I have with Nepal. I was completely and utterly blown away with such a wonderful gem of a country. Outside... read more

gatty21
January 15, 2018
Expereinced, Thoughtful, Informative uide - Arjun was my guide for a Everest Base Camp. Excellent guiding experience and informative of his country and the areas features as we hiked, He had the trip well planned... read more

cbski13
January 1, 2018