Upper Mustang Culinary Trekking Adventure

Upper Mustang Culinary Trekking Adventure

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16 Days From

$4500

Upper Mustang Culinary Trekking Adventure

16 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu International Airport

Visiting: Kathmandu, Nepal

Tour operator:

Responsible Adventures

Tour code:

134740

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Medium, High

Age range:

6-75

Special diets catered:

Jain, Vegans, Meat, Vegetarians, Halal, Gluten intolerant

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Trekking, Walking

From: $4500

NB: Prices correct on 04-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

The Upper Mustang area is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom. Mustang lies in the trans-Himalayan region North of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. It’s an arid, desert-like environment with colourful rock formations. Your adventure begins with a flight into Jomsom, which lies in the Kali Gandaki valley – the most in-depth ravine in the world. North of Kagbeni is considered the “restricted” Upper Mustang region where Tibetan influence is prevalent. The landscape is dotted with ancient villages with monasteries that are several centuries old. Trekkers were only allowed to enter this region in 1992, and still, only about 700 trekkers are visiting Mustang a year. This is one of the few remaining enclaves where Tibetan culture remains undisturbed. See for yourself on the Upper Mustang Trek.

Highlights

  • Our expert trek leader will ensure your safety at all times while enhancing your trekking experience.

  • Your private social bubble by staying in less busy lodges and trekking away from the crowded trails where possible.

  • Experience the Himalayas in style.

  • Your food is prepared with superfood as ingredients to give the best nourishment, recovery, and acclimatization to high altitude for our gourmet trekking adventures.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Arrive In Kathmandu

Location: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Boutique Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner, Welome

Arrive in Kathmandu to be received by your trek leader and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 : Morning Sightseein In Kathmand. Fly To Pokhara In The Afternoon.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After our breakfast for our tourMorning tour of Swayambhunath Temple, we check out of the hotel, Kathmandu Durbar Square – A World Heritage Site, Ason Market ending in Thamel – the tourist hub for lunch.

We go to the domestic airport for our short flight to Pokhara in the afternoon. We walk around the Lakeside in Pokhara and do some last-minute buying or hiring of trekking equipment. We will go out to one of the many restaurants for dinner.

Day 3 : Fly To Jomsom And Trek To Kagbeni. 2810 Meters. 3 Hour Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We usually have an early morning flight to Jomsom. However, the flight can be delayed by fog or bad weather. This short flight route takes place along the Appanurna range. It flies between Mount Dhaulagiri 8167 meters and Annapurna I 8091 meters as it prepares to land into the deepest gorge in the world. We have now arrived in a high altitude desert with a rugged landscape. Despite being barren, the tincture in the colours is brilliant.

We have a short hike or 3 hours to Kagbeni today. We hike on pretty level terrain on a combination of walking on the trail and the fair-weather road. Kagbeni is a picturesque village. It houses the Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery that was built in 1429. Kagbeni is positioned in the confluence of the Jhong and Kali Gandaki Rivers.

If you arrive early in the morning, you have the option of visiting Muktinath. You can do this by either hiring a local jeep to bring you there and back or experience riding on a shared public vehicle. You can talk to your trek leader about the extra cost and options of this side trip. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Buddhists and Hindus alike.

Day 4 : Trek To Chele Village. 3050 Meters. 5-6 Hour Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will start our trek after the special permits are inspected at the Police check-post. We hike upstream of Kali Gandaki River, ascending and descending over several hills while passing by Monasteries, Apple orchards, and caves. We reach Tangbe village, which is surrounded by fields of barley, wheat, and buckwheat. White-washed mud and stone houses have been built amidst a network of narrow alleyways in the village.

We will cross the river and have a short steep ascend as we leave the Kali Gandaki valley on our way to Chele village.

Day 5 : Chele 3,050M To Syangmochen 3,800M. 7-8 Hour Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start our hike along with the lovely contrast of desert colours of the Mustang landscape. We will be hiking on a series of ascend and descends over a couple of ridgelines on the dusty footpath. Remember to look towards the south when you take a break to rehydrate, take photos, or rest. Mount Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri loom over the Kali Gandaki valley in the south.

We descend steadily to Samar 3620 meters before climbing to a pass on the other side of Samar. The trail leads us down to a magnificent gorge, then advance into the fantastic countryside to cross a clear stream followed by another ascent to the top of another pass. We will hike past the renowned Rangchung cave, one of the ancient Bon religion’s several sacred sites. We have one more pass before eventually descending to reach Syangmochen 3800.

Day 6 : Syangmochen To Ghami. 3520 Meters. 5-6 Hour Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin our hike as we pass by several lodges, Chortens, old settlements and ascend to Yamada La pass 3850 meters before going downhill to Gelling village. We will soon be climbing to the top dual passes of Nyi La 4010 meters and Ghami La to Ghami village, where we stop.
It is the third-largest village in the Upper Mustang region.

Day 7 : Trek To Tsarang. 3,560 Meters. 7-Hour Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We walk past the longest Mani wall of Mustang. This wall is situated above Ghami village and on our way to Tsarang. We will see many significant structures of Tibetan religious, spiritual, and cultural today’s route.

We will spot the Giant Chortens Tsarang from a distance. It points out our proximity of the entrance to Tsarang 3,560m. The large five-story white Dzong (fort) and red Gompa (Monastery) are the must-visit places in this village. This 400-year-old Monastery belongs to the Gelukpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 8 : Tsarang 3,560M To - Lo-Manthang 3,800M. 4-5 Hour Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We descend to Tsarang Chu valley with awe-inspiring peaks such as Mount Tilicho, Annapurna I, Nilgiri, and Bhrikuti in the background. We have an immediate ascend from the river floor for a short distance before the trail becomes a gentler climb to the top of Lo pass.

We will get the first glimpse of the Lo-Manthang valley. Lo-Manthang, the walled capital of Mustang, comes in view as we descend the pass and trek towards its entrance.

Day 9 : Explore Lo Manthang 3,800M.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have an extra day at Lo-Manthang. You can sleep in; have a relaxing breakfast before exploring the surrounding places. Depending on how energetic you feel, you have several options for exploring the ancient Kingdom’s nearby areas. Several monasteries explore here and perhaps even visit the Palace if it is open/allowed.

Day 10 : Lo Manthang (3,800M) - Dhakmar (3,820M) Via Ghar Gumba ( Lo Ghekar Monastery) 6-Hour Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We take a slightly different route than retracing our steps to Tsarang. We begin by hiking towards Chogo La pass 4210 meters. It will be the highest point of this journey. We have a steep descend until we cross the Tsarang River and climb up to Lo Ghekar Gompa. This Monastery was built before the first Buddhist Monastery in Samye, Tibet. We hike on a narrow trail towards Dhakmar village for the night.

Day 11 : Dhakmar (3,820M) - Ghiling (3,570M) 6-Hour Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This is a favorite among the trekkers, as the scenic segment of the trail consists of a mostly downhill hike that offers splendid vistas of snowy summits to the south. We can walk gently, taking pleasure in the views.

Day 12 : Trek To Chhuksang 3050 Meters. 5-6 Hour Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel, Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin our hike after breakfast. We walk on the same trail on our way to Lo Manthang. We continue to enjoy great views of the Himalayas and the small villages we pass en route.

Day 13 : Chhuksang To Jomsom. 7.5-9 Hour Hike.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hostel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The last day of the trek is the longest, with a 7-8 hour hike through the last part of the Upper Mustang Region and into the Annapurna Conservation Area. We rejoin the section of the famous Annapurna Circuit route, from Kagbeni where we have lunch. We continue to Jomsom after lunch.

Day 14 : Fly Back To Pokhara. We Take The Short Flight Back To Pokhara.

Location: Nepal

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

In case the flight is cancelled by bad weather, we take jeeps to drive all the way to Pokhara.

Day 15 : Fly To Kathmandu In The Late Morning And International Departure.

Location: Kathmandu

Meals Included: Breakfast

We return to Kathmandu, and you have your international return flight today. The flights might be at various times of the day. We will provide you with complimentary transport to bring you into Kathmandu and drop you at the airport three hours before your international flight time.

What's Included

  • Meals – Full Board

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner while on the trek.

  • Local Taxes

    All taxes are included.

  • Fully Guided

    Expert Trek leader will accompany you throughout the tour.

  • Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation

    Free wi-fi at the Hotel in Kathmandu

  • Airport Transfers at Destination

    All airport transfers for your arrival and final departure are included.

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

    You will be met and picked up from Kathmandu domestic airport

  • Meals – Breakfast Only

    Breakfast only while in Kathmandu.

  • Drinks with Meals

    Hot drinks with every meal. Filtered and alkalized drinking water.

  • Accommodation

    Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu.

  • Entrance Fees

    All entrance fees and permits are included.

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What's Not Included

  • Drinks with Meals

    Bottled and alcoholic drinks.

  • Meals – Half Board

    Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

  • Country Entry Visas

    Nepal tourist visa fee is not included.

  • International Travel

    International airfare is not included.

  • Tipping and Gratuities

    Suggested tipping and gratuities 10% of the tour cost.

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you require a visa for this holiday?

    Yes. A tourist visa is required for this holiday. https://nepaliport.immigration.gov.np/online

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Hailey VS  

EBC trek

26-Mar-2021

The whole experience was amazing. Everything went through without issue. All of our interactions with the company were super convenient and I felt very prepared with all the information provided beforehand. Chandra was our guide. He was very helpful and attentive to all of us! He was also very knowledgeable and taught us a lot. Our porters were Sundar and Hasta. They were also very kind and lovely. The hotels we stayed at were very clean! The entire experience was super wonderful. I would do it all over again. I would also recommend going through Responsible Adventures to anyone who would like to trek to base camp.

Phillip J  

Gokyo and EBC trek

26-Mar-2021

As part of a three month trip around Asia I decided to set myself the challenge of the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek as an antidote to too many beaches! After doing my research and initially narrowing down to three trek operators I ultimately chose Responsible Adventures. By far they were the most helpful and most hands on in terms of service. I also chose them because they are well known to treat their guides and porters much better than many other operators. The owner, Raj, is a well known and much respected local character, a fount of local knowledge and a real joy to deal with. I’d missed the start dates for the group treks with all the operators I’d narrowed down to. Raj pulled out all the stops to enable me to go on a solo trek with a my own guide and porter, something I thought was going to be impossibly expensive. Turned out to be a very fortuitous choice. I had total freedom to pick and chose teahouses along the way and alter the itinerary as I went along, something impossible on a group trek. After completing Gokyo and reaching Everest Base Camp I decided to cut out the last few days return trek to Lukla. Raj pulled his local strings to organise a piggy-back ride with an EBC supply helicopter for me and two other walkers Id met from EBC down to Lukla at a vastly reduced price compared to a commercial charter. Turned out to be 15 mins of the most spectacular and exhilarating flying Ive ever experienced in my life. The icing on the cake! Incredible!

Marjorie Queen.  

Wonderful trekking vacation

26-Mar-2021

Raj is an amazing tour leader which helped us even to rent sleeping bags. He and his whole team made sure that we receive only the best of our trek. Highly recommended!!

Dave Oz  

Simply the best guide in the Himalayas.

26-Mar-2021

We did a 28 day trek through Kathmandu and then up to Everest base camp. Raj was quite simply the best guide and organiser I have ever come across. He has a western way of thinking and really understood what we wanted and made it happen. From food to accommodation Raj accommodated us perfectly and it made for a fantastic experience!!

Widhiani  

Best trekking company

26-Mar-2021

Last late december i went to gosaikund lake with my 2 teen kids and we had so much fun. The view was breathtaking, the food was the best and i felt so happy with Raj's team. We had so much laughter and happiness around us. We surely recommend you to go with Raj's team. Amazing work and amazing trip. You wouldnt be disappointed, i can promise you that !

Chang FC  

Safe and informative treks

26-Mar-2021

Raj and his superbly run Responsible Adventures is my go-to when I do guided treks in Nepal, and when my friends ask for recommendations for trekking agencies. My experiences with Responsible Adventures have always been excellent - knowledgeable and accommodating guides who are experienced with regard to safety and the terrain that they lead clients through. Look out also for the special treats available on every trek. All in all highly recommended!

Shea Stanley  

Amazing family trekking vacation

26-Mar-2021

Raj and his team put together an amazing itinerary for my family (including two kids aged 6 and 8). He organized a family-friendly trek with some of the most magnificent views in the world. Traveling with kids on a trek is not easy but all the details were covered to make it smooth and fun for everyone including porters to carry tired kids, freshly brewed coffee in the morning, delicious food (including many wellness and superfoods I had not heard of and now love), and a last night dance party with the group. Raj is also highly knowledgeable about Nepal and the culture so we learned so much. Highly, highly recommend!

Peter Waugh  

Wonderful tour of Mount Kailash

26-Mar-2021

Great trip. Awesome guide and buddy in Raj. His team were superb including the cooks drivers, yak drivers and local guide Brilliantly well-organised and flexible enough to adjust when we wanted to do or add something different

New Zealand
Foo Chee Chang  

Yet another excellent experience with Responsible Adventures

21-Jan-2017

"I've gone trekking with Raj and Responsible Adventures a couple of times now, but this was a special one - this is my first camping trek in the Himalaya, and more importantly, we traveled to Chandra's home - a remote village called Majkharka in the Solu district - to attend his traditional wedding ceremony. Chandra is a dear friend of mine and also my guide when I went on the Manaslu Base Camp and Langtang/Gosaikunda treks, so it was a real honour and pleasure to be invited to an event so important to him. Responsible Adventures organised the logistics and made all the arrangements for this trip so that us city-dwellers could be left free to savour this cultural experience - from the thumping 4WD off-road journey to housing us in very spacious tents to custom meals (including my favourite freshly ground and brewed morning coffee). Raj and his crew (shoutout to the 2 Dils and Sundar) clearly outdid themselves again. I had initially worried that our presence would lead to too much unnecessary spectacle and negatively influence proceedings, but thankfully that was kept to a minimum. I attribute that mostly to Chandra and his fellow villagers - while they were extremely welcoming and hospitable (including plying us with copious amount of moonshine "chang", a fermented millet alcohol, and "raksi", a distilled rice/millet wine), they seemed more intent on making sure that the ceremonial proceedings were done right and all their guests from near and far well taken care of and enjoyed themselves. It also helped that the 4 of us foreigners were really sporting and keen to immerse ourselves in the experience! Great times with Responsible Adventures once again and looking forward to future trips with them!"

Gwen Ross  

Raj Set the bar.

26-Mar-2021

Raj set the bar as far a trip planning, i.e., accommodations, restaurants, tours. Guides were very proficient. If a change needed to made, it was smoothly done. The bus driver to Mt. Everest was cautious yet proficient in his driving. I would highly recommend this company. If you have difficulty walking, please bring a cane with a rubber tip. You will need it, as there are many steps on some of the sites.

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