Upper Mustang Trek 18 Days | Kingdom of Lo Manthang

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m / 4,265 ft)

Kathmandu

Arrival in Kathmandu greeted by Basanta Adventure representative and transferred to Hotel which is usually a walking distance to any good restaurants and shops. We will be given a short briefing on hotel facilities and safety as well as a short introduction to the area. Next day there will be a comprehensive trip briefing.

Overnight: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu | Meals: Not included

Day 02

Trek Briefing and Kathmandu World Heritage Sightseeing (1,300 m / 4,265 ft)

Kathmandu

After breakfast, trek briefing will take place around 9 am. All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you are fully prepared for the trip, introduce guide and any last-minute questions would be answered. We then visit Boudhanath, also known as little Tibet. Then we visit Pasupatinath one of the revered holy temple of the Hindus, this temple is also known for its cremation ceremonies that take place next to the holy river Bagmati.

Overnight: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu | Meals: Breakfast

Day 03

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (823 m / 2,700 ft) – about 200 km (124 miles), 7–8 hours

Pokhara

In the morning guide will pick us up and transfer us to the tourist bus station and drive (approximately seven hours with breaks) through the beautiful river view & Nepalese countryside to reach the Pokhara lakeside and transfer to the hotel and rest of the time explore the surrounding lakeside areas.

Overnight: 3-star hotel in Pokhara | Meals: Breakfast

Day 04

Fly to Jomsom (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) and Trek to Kagbeni (2,858 m / 9,377 ft) – 20-minute flight, then 11 km (6.8 miles), 3–4 hours

Kagbeni

After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 20 minutes brings us at Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang. A large town; it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, the trek continues on a gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs and finally reaching at Ekle-bhatti village. After a good stop here an hour of easy walk reaches us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni, an interesting windswept village situated on the main age old Trans Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. On arrival, check in Lodge, afternoon is free for a stroll around the village.

Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Kagbeni | Meals: Breakfast at the hotel in Pokhara; other meals not included

Day 05

Trek to Chele (3,050 m / 10,007 ft) – about 14 km (8.7 miles), 5–6 hours

Chele

Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we have scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trails follows the up and downhill. Firstly we'll reach at Tangbe village with crops field, from here we trek forward to Chuksang after ½ hour walk and crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that had fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to reach Chele village after 18 kilometers for overnight stop at basic Tibetans style teahouses.

Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Chele | Meals: Not included (order at the lodge)

Day 06

Trek to Shyangboche (3,475 m / 11,401 ft) – about 13 km (8.1 miles), 6–7 hours

Shyangboche

Today, we start our trek again and walk further to Ekle Vatti. We'll climbs to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, Nilgiri and Damodar Danda. Further descend to the village of Samar for our lunch. Walk around 3 hrs of similar trail to reach us at Shyangboche after 8 kilometers for the overnight stop. Remaining time explore surrounding area.

Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Shyangboche | Meals: Not included (order at the lodge)

Day 07

Trek to Ghami (3,520 m / 11,549 ft) – about 12 km (7.5 miles), 5–6 hours

Ghami

After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) passing few teahouses, chorten and local villages which is like Tibetan style of houses with open Varanda, and crosses over a few other passes. The longer climb will be to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft), after lunch we descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi after 12 kilometers of walk.

Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Ghami | Meals: Not included (order at the lodge)

Day 08

Trek to Charang (3,500 m / 11,483 ft) – about 11 km (6.8 miles), 4–5 hours

Charang

We start trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk to reach Charang for the overnight stop. After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall (Secret stone wall of the Buddhism). From the end of the wall the trail heads east to Charang after 11 kilometers up and down to get to our teahouse for tonight stop.

Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Charang | Meals: Not included (order at the lodge)

Day 09

Trek to Lo Manthang (3,700 m / 12,139 ft) – about 12 km (7.5 miles), 5–6 hours

Lo Manthang

Today, we trek to Lo-Manthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Tsarang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further on the trail ascends gently to 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Manthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Manthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay at teahouse for the overnight stop. Rest of the time explores the surrounding area.

Note: Offer Lungta or prayers flag (printed prayers for the peace and good health/happiness) together with our Guide. Offering prayer flag in high passes and sacred sites is believed to bring good fortune and long life in Buddhist culture.

Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Lo Manthang | Meals: Not included (order at the lodge)

Day 10

Explore Lo Manthang and the Surrounding Villages (3,700 m / 12,139 ft)

Lo Manthang

Today we have many choices to explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situates on a hilltop, which serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, which is a village of around 40 houses, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Manthang and stroll back to hotel. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang "God house" the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hal which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- story building of the Raja's palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya. The interesting place where you may not tired to explore more and more. There are many places to explore; it’s good to manage your time to explore the places. Every monastery requires donations and entry fees which is made by your own.

Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Lo Manthang | Meals: Not included (order at the lodge)

Day 11

Trek to Charang (3,500 m / 11,483 ft) – about 12 km (7.5 miles), 4–5 hours

Charang

After a wonderful time at Lo-Manthang we trek to back to Ghar Gompa which is also interesting place to explore, it takes 4-5 hrs. During the walk we are likely to suffer the dusty winds in the afternoon and as suggested it’s good to walk in the morning.

Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Charang | Meals: Not included (order at the lodge)

Day 12

Trek to Ghiling (3,806 m / 12,487 ft) – about 15 km (9.3 miles), 5–6 hours

Ghiling

Today, we will head back to Ghiling for our overnight stop. It is a long walk takes 5-6 hrs. After arrival and lunch enjoy the day explore the area but it will be dusty in the afternoon better to walk in evening time.

Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Ghiling | Meals: Not included (order at the lodge)

Day 13

Trek to Chhusang (3,050 m / 10,007 ft) – about 18 km (11.2 miles), 5–6 hours

Chhusang

We re-track back to Chele for the overnight stop after 5 hrs walk. We will have wonderful scenery during the journey with a Himalayan view. Enjoy your trip and

Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Chhusang | Meals: Not included (order at the lodge)

Day 14

Trek to Jomsom (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) – about 21 km (13.0 miles), 6–7 hours

Jomsom

Today, we is the last day of trek as well as long. It is better start early as before and trek to Kagbeni finish the upper Mustang trails and join the normal Annapurna circuit trek route. After lunch at Kagbeni will head on to Jomsom for the overnight stop. This will be our last night with your trekking crew except trekking Guide, this is best time to tip the staff (not compulsory but it’s a customary), an impromptus little ceremony and always enormous Sherpa smiles. Then something of a party is inevitable. Try local drink called “Rakshi”, please be aware; it does not taste good and is very strong.

Overnight: Teahouse lodge in Jomsom | Meals: Not included (order at the lodge)

Day 15

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (823 m / 2,700 ft) – about 20 minutes

Pokhara

This wonderful morning, after breakfast we check in at the airport to fly back to Pokhara. This is a dramatic flight between gorges of the two huge mountains Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport guide will transfer us to the lakeside hotel. Time at your leisure, relax or explore the lakeside area.

Overnight: 3-star hotel in Pokhara | Meals: Not included (order at the lodge)

Day 16

Leisure Day in Pokhara (823 m / 2,700 ft)

Pokhara

This pleasant day you may have full day at leisure and either relax at hotel or explore Pokhara city, shopping etc.

Overnight: 3-star hotel in Pokhara | Meals: Breakfast

Day 17

Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,300 m / 4,265 ft) – about 25 minutes

Kathmandu

Fly back to Kathmandu, 30 min flight:

Today after breakfast we will drive to the airport for our flight back to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu we will be transferred to your hotel by our representative and have free time onwards.

Overnight: 3-star hotel in Kathmandu | Meals: Breakfast

Day 18