Upper Mustang Cultural Trek: Discover the Hidden Kingdom

Duration
Max People
15
Min Age
10
Reviews
(1)
5 /5

Overview

Upper Mustang Cultural Trek: Discover the Hidden Kingdom with Janaki Darshan Tours and Travels

Step into the mysterious and culturally rich world of Upper Mustang, a hidden gem beyond the Annapurna region. Known for its barren yet mesmerizing landscapes dotted with sandy cliffs, ancient caves, and centuries-old monasteries, this trek offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and cultural exploration. Following the Kali Gandaki River through rugged terrains and stone-walled villages, the trail leads to the magnificent Lo-Manthang, the spiritual heart of Upper Mustang.


Key Highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek:

  • Lo-Manthang: Explore the ancient, walled capital of the former Mustang Kingdom, home to monasteries, royal palaces, and traditional homes.
  • Tibetan Buddhist Heritage: Witness the influence of Tibetan Buddhism through red monasteries, mani walls, and sacred chortens.
  • Ancient Caves: Discover mysterious caves carved into cliffs, believed to be ancient meditation sites and residences.
  • High Mountain Passes: Cross significant passes like Takma La (3,624m), Yamda La (3,850m), and Nyi Pass (4,010m) for panoramic views.
  • Tiji Festival: Experience the colorful Tiji Festival if your trip aligns, celebrated with traditional dances and rituals to ward off evil.

Trek Overview:

  • Starting Point: Jomsom (accessible via a 20-minute flight from Pokhara)
  • Duration: 12–15 days (flexible itinerary based on your preference)
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate (sandy, dusty trails with minimal technical sections)
  • Max Elevation: 4,010m at Nyi Pass
  • Accommodation: Local tea houses and guesthouses

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2,800m).
Day 2-4: Trek through villages like Chele, Syanbochen, and Ghami, crossing scenic high passes.
Day 5: Reach Lo-Manthang (3,840m) and explore the walled city.
Day 6-7: Side trip to significant monasteries and caves around Lo-Manthang.
Day 8-11: Return trek via the same route or take an alternate scenic path through Drakmar.
Day 12: Fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom.

Itineraries can be customized according to your time and interests.


Pricing (Inclusive of All Taxes):

  • Foreign Nationals: $2,300 USD per person (includes permits, guide, meals, accommodation, and transportation).
  • Nepali Nationals: Rs. 1,60,000 per person (includes guide, transportation, permits, and accommodation).

Group discounts available for teams of 4 or more.


What’s Included:

  • Transportation: Domestic flights (Pokhara to Jomsom round trip).
  • Accommodation: Tea houses during the trek and a 3-star hotel in Pokhara (before and after the trek).
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
  • Permits: Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
  • Guide & Porters: Licensed, experienced guides and porters for a seamless trek.

Why Choose Janaki Darshan Tours and Travels?

  • Expert Cultural Insights: Licensed guides who provide in-depth knowledge about Mustang’s history and culture.
  • Flexible Customizations: Itineraries tailored to your preferences and trekking goals.
  • Comfort & Safety: Reliable transportation, well-planned accommodations, and a safety-first approach.

Additional Information:

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November).
  • Trek Difficulty: Moderate (suitable for trekkers with basic experience).
  • Special Note: Book early if you wish to experience the Tiji Festival, which takes place in May.

📞 Contact Us to Book Your Upper Mustang Trek: 9851 320 553 / 9763 693 183
📱 WhatsApp/Viber: 9851320553 / 974-9970179
📧 Email: [email protected]

Let Janaki Darshan Tours and Travels guide you through the legendary landscapes and spiritual treasures of Upper Mustang—a trek that will leave you with stories to tell for a lifetime!

Highlights
  • Himalayan rain shadow area
  • Picturesque landscape
  • An antique town with monasteries and chhortens
  • Caves and brown hills
  • Unique festivals and celebrations

Overview

Upper Mustang Cultural Trek: Discover the Hidden Kingdom with Janaki Darshan Tours and Travels

Step into the mysterious and culturally rich world of Upper Mustang, a hidden gem beyond the Annapurna region. Known for its barren yet mesmerizing landscapes dotted with sandy cliffs, ancient caves, and centuries-old monasteries, this trek offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and cultural exploration. Following the Kali Gandaki River through rugged terrains and stone-walled villages, the trail leads to the magnificent Lo-Manthang, the spiritual heart of Upper Mustang.


Key Highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek:

  • Lo-Manthang: Explore the ancient, walled capital of the former Mustang Kingdom, home to monasteries, royal palaces, and traditional homes.
  • Tibetan Buddhist Heritage: Witness the influence of Tibetan Buddhism through red monasteries, mani walls, and sacred chortens.
  • Ancient Caves: Discover mysterious caves carved into cliffs, believed to be ancient meditation sites and residences.
  • High Mountain Passes: Cross significant passes like Takma La (3,624m), Yamda La (3,850m), and Nyi Pass (4,010m) for panoramic views.
  • Tiji Festival: Experience the colorful Tiji Festival if your trip aligns, celebrated with traditional dances and rituals to ward off evil.

Trek Overview:

  • Starting Point: Jomsom (accessible via a 20-minute flight from Pokhara)
  • Duration: 12–15 days (flexible itinerary based on your preference)
  • Difficulty Level: Moderate (sandy, dusty trails with minimal technical sections)
  • Max Elevation: 4,010m at Nyi Pass
  • Accommodation: Local tea houses and guesthouses

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2,800m).
Day 2-4: Trek through villages like Chele, Syanbochen, and Ghami, crossing scenic high passes.
Day 5: Reach Lo-Manthang (3,840m) and explore the walled city.
Day 6-7: Side trip to significant monasteries and caves around Lo-Manthang.
Day 8-11: Return trek via the same route or take an alternate scenic path through Drakmar.
Day 12: Fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom.

Itineraries can be customized according to your time and interests.


Pricing (Inclusive of All Taxes):

  • Foreign Nationals: $2,300 USD per person (includes permits, guide, meals, accommodation, and transportation).
  • Nepali Nationals: Rs. 1,60,000 per person (includes guide, transportation, permits, and accommodation).

Group discounts available for teams of 4 or more.


What’s Included:

  • Transportation: Domestic flights (Pokhara to Jomsom round trip).
  • Accommodation: Tea houses during the trek and a 3-star hotel in Pokhara (before and after the trek).
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
  • Permits: Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
  • Guide & Porters: Licensed, experienced guides and porters for a seamless trek.

Why Choose Janaki Darshan Tours and Travels?

  • Expert Cultural Insights: Licensed guides who provide in-depth knowledge about Mustang’s history and culture.
  • Flexible Customizations: Itineraries tailored to your preferences and trekking goals.
  • Comfort & Safety: Reliable transportation, well-planned accommodations, and a safety-first approach.

Additional Information:

  • Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November).
  • Trek Difficulty: Moderate (suitable for trekkers with basic experience).
  • Special Note: Book early if you wish to experience the Tiji Festival, which takes place in May.

📞 Contact Us to Book Your Upper Mustang Trek: 9851 320 553 / 9763 693 183
📱 WhatsApp/Viber: 9851320553 / 974-9970179
📧 Email: [email protected]

Let Janaki Darshan Tours and Travels guide you through the legendary landscapes and spiritual treasures of Upper Mustang—a trek that will leave you with stories to tell for a lifetime!

Highlights
  • Himalayan rain shadow area
  • Picturesque landscape
  • An antique town with monasteries and chhortens
  • Caves and brown hills
  • Unique festivals and celebrations

Cost includer

a professional guide
Airport pick up and drop.
Daily 3 meals (veg and non veg options)
Entry fees/Entry Permit
Transportation
Twin-sharing accommodation at local guesthouse/hotels
Bar bills & mineral water
Candle light dinner.
First Aid medical kit
Government taxes
Personal expenses
Room decoration.
Things not mentioned above
Tips for guides and porters
Visa fees
Your travel insurance.

Tour Plan

Expand All
Day 01 Arrival at Kathmandu (1350 meters) and transfer to hotel.

Namaste and welcome to Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, the Nepal Kameleon Holidays representative receives and transfers you to the hotel. After a short refreshment, we briefly explain to you about the sightseeing trip and the preparation for the trek. Overnight at hotel. (A)

Day 02 Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation.

Breakfast at the hotel. Then we set out for the sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, exploring some of the unique monumental sites that are enlisted in the World Heritage Sites UNESCO.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): The temple is located at the top of the hill in Kathmandu, which is a 5th-century religious significant site. It is regarded as a self-sprung monumental site. For the Buddhist pilgrimage trip or tour in Nepal, Swayambhunath stupa remains the first selection in the Kathmandu valley. One of the UNESCO monumental sites, Swayambhunath is also popular as the monkey temple, having uncountable monkeys. Newari Buddhism is one of the major features here, which is known as Vajrayana. The eyes of Buddha represent wisdom and compassion. To climb the steps up the hilltop is believed to be the ladder to lead you to the state of enlightenment.

Pashupatinath Temple: The temple is one of the most sacred and popular pilgrimage destinations for Hindu devotees around the world. It is located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, about 5 km distance from the east of the valley. It is listed as a UNESCO site and travelers love to explore the 15th-century arts and architecture around the area of the temple. It has got wonderful pyramid-shaped temples, extensive cultural heritages, Ashrams for the old people and Sadhus along with remarkable inscriptions. It is very special during the Shivaratri festival and nearly one million people visit the Pashupatinath temple every year.

Boudhanath Stupa: Boudhanath Stupa is located about 10 km east of Kathmandu, is antique, and has a huge mandala. The stupa is one of the biggest among this type. The surrounding of this stupa is dominated by Tibetan refugee settlements. One of the prominent World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu valley, Boudhanath is a highly adored tour and pilgrimage destination. Buddhist monks and devotees can be seen to be doing a religious way of paying homage around different corners of the Stupa within.

Day 03 Fly or drive to Pokhara. (6 hrs drive or 35 min flight)

We drive through the Prithvi Highway to Pokhara, which is about 6 hrs journey. As an option: you can fly directly from Kathmandu to Pokhara for half an hour. The Himalayan panoramas on your right can be explored. Boat riding on Phewa Lake can be a superb activity in the afternoon. Overnight at hotel. (B,L,D,A)

Day 04 Fly to Jomsom (25 min) and walk to Kagbeni (2858 meters): 3-4 hrs

Take an early flight to the district center of Mustang- Jomsom. The brilliant views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri allure us. Meeting further crew, we take a walk to the antique Kagbeni village through the Kaligandaki River bank. On the way, we pass the windswept Ekle Bhatti village. Kagbeni is the gateway of Upper Mustang, located at the confluence of Kak Khola and Mustang Khola. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A)

Day 05 Walk from Kagbeni to Chele (3050 meters). 5-6 hrs

With the restricted area permit checkup, our excursion heads forward through the dust windy trail. We move towards the Upper Mustang region and reach Tangbe village, which is prevailed by the whitewashed houses and fluttering prayer flags on the rooftop. The surrounding landscape is dominated by buckwheat and barley fields. Passing the tiny apple orchard, we reach Chhhusang, and walking ahead through the Kaligandaki tunnel, we walk gradually to Chele. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A)

Day 06 Walk from Chele to Syanbochen (3475 meters). 6-7 hrs

From Chele, we begin to walk to Eklo Bhatti. The first pass of Taklam La Pass (3624 meters) offers the breathtaking surroundings of the sandy rocks. The streamline takes the route in a winding form. The Himalayan views of Tilicho peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda can be seen from the top. Then we walk down to the Samar village and trek further to Syangbochen, which is about three hour excursion passing the Ramchung cave. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A)

Day 07 Walk from Syanbochen to Ghaymi (3520 meters). 5-6 hrs

Having a wonderful breakfast, we ascend to Yamda La (3850 meters), walking through the chhortens and some tiny villages. The sceneries of barley fields are amazing. Crossing the Nyi Pass of 4010 meters, we trek down to Ghyami and take a rest. It is one of the biggest villages in this region. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A)

Day 08 Walk from Ghaymi to Charang (3500 meters). 4-5 hrs

After breakfast, we begin to walk crossing the stream. Then we climb to the ridge passing the mani wall. Tibetan Buddhism has flourished throughout the region. Taking the eastern trail, we walk to Charing. Again the surrounding is dominated by barley and buckwheat fields and stone-walled houses. As the village is populated by Tibetan Buddhist devotees, Dzong, and a monastery can be seen. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A)

Day 09 Walk from Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3700 meters). 5-6 hrs

Exploring the breathtaking scenery of Annapurna, Tilicho, Nilgiri, and Bhrikuti peak, we trek down to the narrow gorge of Charang Chu, and crossing it, we climb up to the Lo Pass (3850 meters). The brilliant Lo-Manthang can be seen from the top of the hill. Next step, we trek down to the stone-walled town, Lo-Manthang. Finally, we arrive at the culturally loaded place, which remained unknown to the rest of the world for a long span of time. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A)

Day 10 Explore Lo-Mangthang.

Wow, it’s an exploration day in Lo-Manthang. After breakfast, we set out to visit the monasteries and the local villages. Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar Gompa are the most popular among others. Instead of this, you can also visit the Red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and the Entrance Hall that is the supreme attractions of this town. Back to the place to stay. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A)

Day 11 Walk from Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar (3810 meters). 6-7 hrs

For more attractions, we take a walk through the different trails than we came. First, we reach Gyakar and finally reach Drakmar. We can visit the ancient monasteries that date back to about the 12th century. Ghar Gompa brilliant among others, which was an abode of Guru Rinpoche. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A)

Day 12 Walk from Dhakmar to Ghiling (3806 meters). 5-6 hrs

After breakfast, we retrace to Ghiling through the sandy dust prevailed trail. This is again another 6 hrs walk, enjoying the surrounding landscape. Overnight at lodge (B,L,D,A)

Day 13 Walk from Ghiling to Chhuksang (3050 meters). 5-6 hrs

From Ghiling, we walk back to Chhuksang. About 5-6 hours walk leads us to this amazing place and enjoys the hospitality of the local people. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A)

Day 14 Walk from Chhuksang to Jomsom (2700 meters). 6-7 hrs

On the last walking day, we begin to walk from Chhuksang after breakfast. First, we reach to Kagbeni, from where we took a route of Upper Mustang. Meeting the Annapurna circuit trail, we walk through the Kali Gandaki River bank, gradually to Jomsom. It’s time to celebrate the success of the trip. Overnight at lodge.

Day 15 Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara and Pokhara city sightseeing.

We take a drive from Jomsom to Pokhara. As an alternative, we can also take a flight at extra cost. Arriving in Pokhara via Beni, transfer to the hotel. Enjoying boating on Phewa Lake is a rewarding option in the evening. Back to the hotel and rest. Overnight at hotel. (B,A)

Day 16 Drive/fly back to Kathmandu.

From Pokhara, we drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. As an option for driving, there is half an hour's flight to Kathmandu. Driving takes about 6 hours. Stay relaxed in the evening or walk around the local place. Overnight at hotel. (B,A)

'
Day 17 Bhaktapur and Patan sightseeing, farewell dinner.

The special morning, after breakfast, you set out for the sightseeing tour in Bhaktapur and Patan. Bhaktapur is traditionally known as Bhadgaon, which is unique and antique. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a place to explore rich medieval heritages, including pagoda-style temples, palaces, ponds, and stone and wooden sculptures along with the antique collection in the museum. Patan is another site to explore. The artistic temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and as in Bhaktapur, you can see the antique collections of medieval time. Then drive back to your hotel and rest. We organize a farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant. Overnight at lodge/tea house. (B,A)

Day 18 Departure.

It's time to bid farewell. A Representative of Nepal Kameleon Holidays drops you to the airport for your final departure. We hope to serve you time and again. (B)

Tour map

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    Janaki Tours offers an unforgettable experience that caters to all kinds of travelers, whether you’re an adventurer, culture enthusiast, or simply seeking relaxation. With breathtaking scenic views, enriching cultural experiences, and exciting adventure activities, the tour is designed to ensure every moment is memorable. Led by friendly, knowledgeable guides, Janaki Tours prioritizes comfort and convenience, with carefully planned transportation, accommodations, and meals that meet the needs of all guests. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or in a group, Janaki Tours delivers a seamless, enriching journey that leaves lasting memories for every traveler.

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