Trekking in Upper Mustang

It is summertime! Now let’s plan for trekking in the “hidden Kingdom” of upper Mustang. Thousands of people flock to Mustang to experience the Tibetan Culture, stunning landscapes and the famous festival of Mustang. The journey starts from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Jomsom, Mustang is mesmerizing and filled with so many scenic views of snow-capped mountains and outstanding landscapes.

The challenging trekking trails passing through the eroded valleys, small trees, rough landscapes and the low temperature at Annapurna base camp, offers the jaw-dropping views of the Himalayan ranges will absolutely make your adventure unforgotten for your lifetime.

Mustang lies in the rain shadow area of the two mountain ranges one is Dhaulagiri and other is Annapurna Mountain. So, that’s why the region did not get sufficient water and remain dry and arid terrain. Mustang consist of the lower and upper Mustang, where Upper Mustang is favorable for trekking and one can experience unique cultures and tradition of the Thakali’s People living along trekking trails.Lo Manthang, the former capital of Mustang, also known as “ walled city” and houses the four-story palace which was detailed carved and luxurious built.

So, what are we waiting for? Let me give you an overview of trekking in upper Mustang experience.

First, landing in Kathmandu (1,400), the capital city of Nepal and you will shift to respective hotels in Kathmandu. In the morning, after having breakfast, visit the Boudhanath Stupa, a famous stupa in the world and Pashupatinath Temple known for its holiness and have the local cuisines of it including momo, Thukpa etc and rest of the preparation for trekking.

Kathmandu to Pokhara

Fly or drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu, and night at Pokhara (900m) is the second largest city of Nepal. Tucked in the Pokhara Valley, the city is cut by the Seti Gandaki River and has many tributaries which make unique geography of the land. It is the gate to the Himalayas and the tourist been amazed by the stunning view of the Himalayan from the summit of the city and the city is popular for the woodwork, wool work, and handicrafts.

Actual, trekking journey begins from Jomsom, a small village in the Annapurna Mountain and popular for trekking along the Gandaki River. From Jomsom you will trek to the destination of Kagbeni, the trekking trail is pleasant and offers you the mesmerizing views of mountains likeDhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri and several other peaks which lead your trekking trails.

Kagbeni to Chele (15.3km/ 6 or 7 hours)

After leaving the Gandaki Valley, you would be travel passing through the rocky landscapes to reach the chele village (3050m). The trail goes the side of the valley and in some parts, it goes to the river bed. Trekker can enjoy the mind-blowing view surrounds you and the views of Nilgiri and Tukuche is just amazing. Trekkers can also experience the changing lifestyle of Manangi to Tibetan Tradition.

Chele to Ghami

While trekking to Ghami the trails is little complicated and  Trudging passing the Ghami pass, there is little walk towards the Ghami village, which is the third largest town in Mustang and here the trekkers witness the longest Mani in the region nearly one thousands meter long and local users to carving for prayer and beautifully sculptured.

GHAMI TO TSARANG(10.7KM/6TP 7 HOURS)

After passing the bridge at Ghami River, there are steep uphills walk to Choya la (3870m) which the most difficult trekking trail of Ghami to Tsarang. Trekker can experience the amazing view mountains including Annapurna, Nilgiri, Tukuche, Thorang, Dhaulagiri and more form the Choya la pass. After the hard struggling and Chortens gate is the main entrance of the Tsarang village and you have a cozy accommodation in Tsarang.

Tsarang to Lo Manthang (11km/4to 5 hours)

Tsarang and Lo Manthang are the parts of the Mustang, Lo la is the highest peak to the Charang to Lo Manthang trek. Walking trail from Tsarang to Lo Manthang is easier compared with other trekking trails and trail offers the stunning views of Himalayan ranges including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. You can see the glance of walled city Lo Manthang and there is a windy pass. After crossing the pas, you have decent to enter lo Manthang and after entering you can feel the Tibetan Cultures in the air of the town.

Trekking in upper Mustang experience the Tibetan cultures and tradition followed by the people of Upper Mustang from so many decades and also can experience the lifestyle of remote people.

Upper Mustang is the barren land with eroded sandstone pillars and moraines terraces that form a color of mosaic yellow, red and brown. Mustang is the best trekking destination in Nepal which warms your soul with the blemishing Buddhist culture and gives you peace by the visit of ancient monasteries Settled in Mustang.

If you visit upper mustang at the time of “Tiji festival” is the famous festival of the upper Mustang and people celebrates the festival with grand celebration and dignity. The festival will be held in the ancient monastery of Lo Manthang and all the people gather in the monastery to celebrate the festival. Monks open up the festival with their spiritual prayers and chanting then only the festivals begins. People show their cultural dance, ritual, and tradition. So, you can also be a part of this festival and get the experience of their festivals as well.

At last, time to say goodbye to the” forbidden kingdom” mustang and return back from the same route. This time you will drive to Jomsom instead of walking. From Jomsom flight to Kathmandu via Pokhara.

Further, if have any queries and want more information about trekking in upper mustang experience then you can feel free to comment us in the below comment box and I hope very soon you will plan your vacation in Mustang.