Upper Mustang Culinary Trekking Adventure
Upper Mustang Culinary Trekking Adventure
Upper Mustang Culinary Trekking Adventure
16 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu International Airport
Visiting: Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour operator:
Tour code:
134740
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
6-75
Special diets catered:
Jain, Vegans, Meat, Vegetarians, Halal, Gluten intolerant
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
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
Itinerary
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
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Meals – Full Board
Breakfast, lunch and dinner while on the trek.
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Local Taxes
All taxes are included.
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Fully Guided
Expert Trek leader will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
Free wi-fi at the Hotel in Kathmandu
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Airport Transfers at Destination
All airport transfers for your arrival and final departure are included.
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
You will be met and picked up from Kathmandu domestic airport
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Meals – Breakfast Only
Breakfast only while in Kathmandu.
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Drinks with Meals
Hot drinks with every meal. Filtered and alkalized drinking water.
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Accommodation
Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu.
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Entrance Fees
All entrance fees and permits are included.
What's Not Included
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Drinks with Meals
Bottled and alcoholic drinks.
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Meals – Half Board
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
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Country Entry Visas
Nepal tourist visa fee is not included.
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International Travel
International airfare is not included.
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Tipping and Gratuities
Suggested tipping and gratuities 10% of the tour cost.
Check out our Q&As
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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
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Low Deposit
Responsible Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 500 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 7 days before departure.