Nar Phu Teri La Upper Mustang Trek

This is such a varied trek, with changing landscapes and accommodations, that there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ day on it! Which is exactly what the adventurous among you want.

Let’s, take a look at a day when you are camping:

The chef will prepare your breakfast so that when you wake up, you will be greeted by a cup of hot tea. Hot water for washing will also be provided. While you enjoy your breakfast and talk to your guide about the day ahead, the camping crew will start to pack up the tents.

A packed lunch will be prepared and carried with you in the areas where there are not settlements or no settlements with any facilities for trekkers.

After breakfast, head out for some descents and ascents along the trail. You may see rivers and streams, high rock formations, or crossings over mountain passes.

Over lunch you can take in the surrounding mountains and views and stretch out any aching muscles.  Then it’s on again, through the wonderful landscape, to the next place where you will spend the night.

The camping crew will have already set up the camp by the time you arrive, and you will be able to have a light snack and tea/ coffee while the chef prepares a hot and wholesome dinner.

Over dinner there is time to reflect on the day before retiring to your tent for the night.

This trek takes you through Manang, Upper Mustang, and Lower Mustang and on to the lively town of Pokhara.  You are in the area of the Annapurna mountain range yet far from the classic Annapurna area treks.  We are starting this trek from Manang and ending it in Pokhara, but it is possible to do it the opposite way round.  The reason we do it anti-clockwise is that there is more time to acclimatize to the high altitude this way.

Manang – Nar and Phu Villages

The villages of Nar and Phu are found in the Nar Phu Valley of Manang district. Both have Tibetan influences, as the inhabitants mainly come from Tibet. This influence is obvious to even the most casual visitor—the way the people dress, the style of their homes, the many stupas, gompas, and mani walls (walls of stones carved with prayers). 

Another interesting fact is that there are some ruins of dzongs (forts), which are reportedly the remains of a Khampa settlement. The Khampa people come from Kham in Tibet and have a long history of trade with Nepal. They also have a history of conflict and guerilla warfare. Even as recently as the 1950s, there were skirmishes on the border, but there is no clear record of the facts.

The main occupation of the people in Nar and Phu and surrounding villages is yak, sheep, and goat herding.  They also grow their own grains and limited vegetables. In the past they would have been traders, and perhaps some still do this business.

In Phu, you can find the Tashi Lhakhang Gompa, whose history is also long and shrouded in the mists of time and folklore. This monastery was built by some of the early settlers who came over from Tibet. In more recent times, the Rimpoche was one of the lamas who left Tibet along with the Dalai Lama in 1959.

Nar Phu, or ‘Narpa is a Sino-Tibetan language spoken in both the villages of Nar and Phu. As legend has it, this is to confuse the people of Manang!

Teri La Pass

The Teri La Pass connects Manang to the Upper Mustang and was part of the trading route between the Kingdom of Lo (now Upper Mustang) and the Nar Phu Valley. 

Crossing the pass involves a long day of very strenuous trekking over precarious loose ground.  There will be scree on the trail and possibly ice and snow which means that you may have to wear crampons.  At 5,595 m / 18,356 ft altitude comes into play.  Although you will have had plenty of time to acclimatize, it is a tough day.  Staying hydrated and going at a steady, not rushed pace will alleviate some of the potential altitude-related problems.

As far as views go from the pass you see the Annapurna range, Tilicho Peak and Gangapurna.

Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang is one of the hidden gems of Nepal.  Its landscape is completely different from other areas.  Its high rock formations, often red in colour, and dramatic dry, lunar like landscape is – well – out of this world.

It also has a great history – it is said that Guru Rimpoche (an ancient Tibetan guru who travelled Nepal and Tibet bringing Buddhism to the people) stabbed a ghost whose blood spurted all over the rocky hills, thus they are red in colour today.

There are the fascinating sky caves  – no one really knows their true purpose.  Perhaps for burials, perhaps ancient people lived there, perhaps they were for meditation or for when fleeing conflicts.  Or all of the above.

There are a number of colourful festivals held in Upper Mustang, mostly around the walled capital city of the then Kingdom of Lo – Lo Manthang.

Tiji Festival: This is held in the third Tibetan month, usually in May of the Gregorian calendar.  This festival celebrates the victory of good over evil and is spread over three days.  Organised by the Choedhe Monastery of the Sakya sect of Buddhism, this festival is of interest to outsiders mainly because of its colourful dances, music and chanting. 

Yartung Festival:  This festival is held to appease local deities so as to obtain prosperity and a good harvest.  Perhaps it is also held so the young men of the area can show off their horsemanship!  During this festival there are horse races held which cause a lot of excitement amongst spectators.  There are also traditional dances and music.   It is held around August/ September in Lo Manthang and nearby places.

Without taking camping gear, it would not be possible to do the Nar Phu Teri La Upper Mustang Trek.  Yes, it is possible to visit both Manang and Upper Mustang without camping, but then you miss the more remote and adventurous parts.  On this trek there are many days when you will not see any human settlements – perhaps a trader or two making their way between markets or yak herders moving their herds to new pastures – but no villages.  This gives a sense of being on an exploratory expedition.

Despite sleeping in a tent, there is no need to be uncomfortable.  We will provide you with a good tent, sleeping mat and plenty of great food.   It will also be possible to take a hot water (bucket) shower as well. 

Breakfast Options

Porridge

Tibetan bread

Eggs

Pancakes

Muesli

Noodles

Coffee/tea

Lunch and Dinner Options

Nepali Dal Bhat

Rice, lentils & veggies

Momo

Tibetan dumplings

Apple pie

Sweet trail dessert

Chowmein

Fried noodles

Fried Rice

With egg or vegetables

Soups

Vegetable, garlic

Thukpa

Tibetan soup with flat noodles

Rice Pudding

With egg or vegetables

Drinks Options

Tea

Coffee

Soft drinks

fruit juice

beer

water

hot chocolate

Food Safety Tips:

• Stick to hot meals: Choose freshly cooked, steaming food to avoid contamination.
• Avoid meat high up: Skip meat at higher elevations due to poor storage and hygiene.
• Dal Bhat wins: It’s safe, filling, and often comes with free refills.
• Drink purified water: Always use tablets, filters, or boiled water.
• Pack trail snacks: Nuts, dried fruits, bars, and chocolate are great energy boosters.
• Go vegetarian: Easier on digestion and safer in remote areas.
• Adjust spice level: Ask for mild if you’re spice-sensitive — cooks can accommodate.
• Eat consistently: Don’t skip meals — steady fuel helps with altitude performance.
• Mind dietary needs: Vegetarian is easy; for vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-specific diets, bring extras and inform your guide in advance.

Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner are provided while camping.  Breakfast will be ready for you when you wake up, lunch will be taken on the trail, and dinner will be getting underway by the time you reach the camping spot.  You  can drink tea and watch the process or give a hand with setting up the tents and cooking if you wish.

There is no electricity at the camp sites (which are just flat pieces of lands, not organised campsites you might find in other countries), so cooking is done on a kerosene stove. 

While the meals will be filling and good, we recommend you bring some of your own snacks with you for those times when you feel less energy or just need something more comforting.

Possible Menu:

Breakfast may be porridge with bread (probably roti – a Nepali flat bread)

Lunch and dinner can be pasta, noodles, dal bhat (Nepali vegetable curry), pizza, etc.  

Afternoon snack may consist of fried potatoes and popcorn.

We will not buy meat on the way but will bring some canned meat and tuna fish. However, most of the meals we serve are vegetarian, with a vegetarian option always available. Please let us know in advance if you are vegetarian or vegan then we can leave the meat and fish behind!  

Tea/ coffee/ hot water is unlimited.  There will  be powdered milk for the tea/coffee as well as sugar. No plant-based milk sorry.

We will not be carrying alcohol as we do not recommend its consumption at altitude and it’s just too bulky to carry anyway.  Unfortunately, no soft drinks either as they are also difficult to carry.

Drinking Water While Camping

The kitchen tent will provide you with boiled water for drinking.  But if you refresh your water bottles/ camel at places indicated by your guide, it will save kerosene.  It is heavy to carry this cooking fuel so the supply is, if not limited, we can say ‘to be used sparingly’.  If you are using spring water as indicated by the guide, please only drink it after sterilizing with your own drops or tablets.  Wait the required 30 minutes for these to work.  A Lifestraw is probably the best idea as it filters out some, not all, larger bacteria. 

In a few of the settlements/ villages where there are teahouses (the name given to trekking lodges in Nepal) we chose to use them. 

In general, in the more remote, less trekked areas, teahouses offer pretty simple accommodation consisting of sleeping rooms with two single beds and not much more.  In the busier and more established areas such as Jomson, there may be attached bathrooms with your sleeping room.  In other areas such as Meta you may need to share the toilet and shower room with other guests.  And it might be in a separate building all together.

The food in the teahouses is standard Nepali, Chinese, Tibetan fare with some Western items such as pasta, eggs, toast etc.  In the teahouses you will get breakfast and dinner. Lunch will be taken in smaller teahouses / teashops along the trail. If there are no such lunch spots, you will be provided with a packed lunch. 

Teahouses in some areas will have WiFi access, hot water showers and charging points.  You will be expected to pay for these services.  

We can say that for any trek in the Nepal Himalaya you need to be in good shape.  But some areas are more ‘couch potato’ friendly than others.  The Nar Phu Teri La Upper Mustang Trek is not one of them. 

This is a tough, strenuous trek requiring a good level of stamina and fitness and preferably previous trekking experience.

On this trek you will be walking for an average of 6 to 7 hours a day in very rough conditions, along loose scree, and perhaps over snow and ice.  Exhausting in itself.  But you will also be walking at extremely high altitude of over 3,000 / 9,842.5 ft  most days and walking and sleeping for a few nights at altitudes over 4,000 m / 13,123 ft.  When you cross the Teri La Pass this is highest altitude you will achieve,  5,595 m / 18,356 ft.  

You may be aware that 3,000 m / 9,842.5 ft  is considered the height when some people may begin to feel unwell due to the altitude.  In Nepal, where so many communities live at higher elevation, we tend to acknowledge 3,500 m / 11,483 ft as being the danger point.  Either way, you can see, this trek is not just putting stress on your muscles but on your lungs as well.

In order to combat this, we suggest you increase your fitness regime before you come and follow our guidelines on how to stay safe at altitude.  Stay hydrated, do not go too fast, be aware of your body and always let your guide know if you feel unwell. 

To know more about altitude related illness, check here.

Your First Days in Nepal

If you wish, we can meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival.  Just let us know on the booking form but please note there is a charge for pick up.  However, it will save you time and hassle at the airport.  

Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Included in your trek are camping and teahouse stays, plus one night in Pokhara in a hotel.  As the trek ends at Pokhara, any accommodation from the point onwards is up to you to select/ arrange.  

Booking.com and hostelworld.com with give you a selection of hotels in both Kathmandu and Pokhara.  In Kathmandu we suggest you stay in Thamel and in Pokhara in Lakeside.  Both are the centre of tourist activities and have a lot to offer in terms of cafes, restaurants, shops and nightlife.

Explore Kathmandu:

Why not explore Kathmandu before your trek.  Kathmandu is an ancient city, but you need to look for these ancient and interesting sights a bit harder these days as the modern city is growing.  If you wish, we can organise a half day or full day tour for you so you can see the most interesting places.  Highlights include: Boudhanath (Tibetan area), Swayambhunath (also a Buddhist stupa) and Pashupatinath (Hindu temples and ghats). There are also three Durbar Squares within the Kathmandu Valley.  Durbar meaning palace.  These date back to when there were three kingdoms in what is now Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.  With so many UNESCO Heritage Sites within Kathmandu, there is much to see!

Visa for Nepal

Visa on arrival is available for people from most countries, via the Immigration Department of Nepal’s on-line site.   Complete the form, print it out and bring it with you.  Bring USD cash (exact money) to make payment on arrival at the airport. 

Visa on arrival is valid for 15 days, 30 days or 3 months and costs: 

·       15 Days – 30 USD

·       30 Days – 50 USD

·       90 Days – 125 USD

Notes

• Apply through a registered trekking agency—permits for restricted areas like Nar Phu and Upper Mustang can’t be issued to solo trekkers.
• Carry at least 4 passport-size photos—required for TIMS and restricted area permits.
• Keep multiple photocopies of your passport—needed for permit applications and checkpoint verifications.
• Permits required for this trek include:
• Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
• Upper Mustang RAP
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
• Possibly Manang District Permit depending on route
• Restricted Area Permits must be applied for in Kathmandu or Pokhara—you can’t get them en route.
• Permit fees vary by region and duration—Upper Mustang and Nar Phu have fixed fees per week, so plan your days accordingly.
• Trek in a group of two or more—Nepal government requires at least two people for restricted permits (not applicable to all other regions).
• Double-check holidays and office hours—Nepal Tourism Board and Immigration offices are closed on Saturdays and public holidays.
• Keep your permits easily accessible—they’re checked at multiple points along the trail.
• Lost your permit on the trail?—Report immediately to your guide and the nearest check post; re-issuance is complex.
• Don’t rely on digital copies alone—carry printed permits during the trek, especially in remote checkpoints without network access.

For the Nar Phu Teri La Upper Mustang Trek you need a total of three trekking permits:

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit – USD500 per person for 10 days. USD50 per day for any additional days.

Nar Phu Valley Permit – USD100 per person per week from September to November and USD75 per person per week from  December to August.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit – USD25 per person for the duration of the trek. 

Note: For the restricted area permit and the Nar Phu Valley Permit a minimum of two trekkers are required.  We shall organise these permits for you.

Why You Need These Permits

Basically, the fees from these permits go back into conservation of the area, including cultural preservation.   It is also a way to keep track as to where trekkers are in the area – every time you go through a checkpoint it is noted down, which can be invaluable should you get lost between checkpoints.

Landscapes: The landscapes on this trek are simply amazing and probably not something you would expect in Nepal.  While there are forests to hike through, rivers to cross and some waterfalls cascading to add to the beauty, there are also deep gorges, high cliffs, incredible rock and cliff formations in unusual colours,  and caves to explore.

People:  The people along this route at some point migrated down from Tibet (several hundreds of years ago) and to this day they have strong trading and cultural ties with Tibet.  They are Tibetan Buddhists, and many speak their own language which migrated with them.  It is fascinating to see their way of life – many are still traders, many are herders.  Around the settlements there are cultivated lands, which also vary in size and abundance depending on the location. 

Wildlife: Blue sheep, Himalayan Tahr (wild goat) and smaller mammals are common to this area.  The Himalayan Black Bear and Snow Leopard live in these high areas.  |It is debated whether the Tibetan Wolf is found here also.  In any event, the last three mammals are extremely hard to see at any time. 

Birds: There are some spectacular birds of pray in this region including the Golden Eagle, Himalayan Griffon Vulture, and Lammergeyer or bearded Vulture. The latter two would be involved in the traditional sky burials practiced in Tibet and this part on Nepal in the past and still deal with any livestock or wildlife that die on the mountains.  

Tips on Hiring a Porter

• A porter can carry up to the maximum of 20kg, but he is also walking across this difficult terrain so try to keep your pack down in weight.
• Sharing with another trekker is  cost-effective. 
• You will carry your own 3 or 4 kg day pack.  Heavy enough for most of us on these trails.
• You will be contributing to his family’s income and his community.

Porters will be carrying the tents, kitchen equipment and food you will be using on the camping portion of this trek.  However, they do not carry trekkers gear.  If you wish a porter to carry your  gear, we will have to arrange for an additional porter that you will pay for. 

It is advisable to hire a porter for this trek as it is high altitude, which will take the energy from you.  Since we try as far as possible to hire porters from the area we are trekking in, the porters are more used to the altitude than those of us who live at lower elevations.  

Since the cost of a porter is not included, if a trekking companion would like to share a porter with you, that is one way to keep the extra expense down.  Please note that a porter can only carry 20kg so if you are sharing a porter, please keep your pack down to 10kg or under.

The advantage of hiring a porter is obvious – you will not have the burden of a heavy pack.  The hidden advantage is that the money goes directly to his family and trickles down to his community.

Tipping the Guide and Porter

Carrying camping equipment over this rough terrain is tough! Keeping you safe and supported can also be hard work at times.  Please show your appreciation for your porters, guide and chef by tipping them.  We at Magical Nepal do not deduct anything from our staff’s tips.  100% of your tips go to them.

We suggest the following:

• Tip the guide 10% of your trip cost. 
• A personal porter should be tipped 10% of the  total number of days he has carried your gear. If you are sharing a porter, you can share the tip between you.
• For the chef and camping gear porters, it is normal to tip around a total of USD 150 for each porter and a total of USD 200 for the chef.  The tips for these crew members are divided by the number of trekkers on a trip So, the larger your group, the less you pay as an individual! 

High-Risk Zones on Annapurna Circuit

• Teri La Pass (5,595 m) – Risk of altitude sickness, snowstorms, whiteouts, and exposure; steep, icy, and physically demanding.
• Naar to Teri La Base Camp – Isolated and harsh; long days without settlements, risk of exhaustion and cold-related issues.
• Kyang to Phu – Remote and minimally trafficked; limited trail markings, risk of getting lost or delayed.
• Koto to Meta (Landslide Area) – Narrow cliffside trails with rockfall risk, especially after rain or in monsoon season.
• High Camp before Teri La – Freezing temperatures, strong winds, and frostbite risk due to lack of shelter and high exposure.
• Yara to Tangge – Long desert-like section with few water sources; risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and navigational errors.
• Chuksang to Samar – Loose trails along deep gorges; risk of slips and falls, especially in windy conditions.

Common Symptoms:

• Headache (especially at high altitude)
• Nausea or vomiting (signs of AMS)
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath, even at rest
• Loss of appetite or poor digestion
• Difficulty sleeping at higher elevations
• Fatigue, weakness, or unusual tiredness
• Swelling of hands, feet, or face (mild altitude edema)
• Dry mouth, dark urine, or low urine output (dehydration)
• Muscle cramps, soreness, or joint pain
• Blisters on feet from long walking days
• Rapid heartbeat during climbs
• Mild disorientation or trouble concentrating

Pro Tips

• Acclimatize properly—rest in Phu and Lo Manthang.
• Travel with a licensed guide and porter at all times.
• Carry a first-aid kit, altitude meds, and portable oxygen.
• Use satellite phone or GPS tracker in remote zones.
• Always check the weather before crossing Teri La Pass.
• Never trek alone—this is a restricted, high-risk expedition.

This trek, taking in three separate administrative districts of Nepal and many different terrains is a challenging and strenuous trek not just because of the topography of the land, but because of the high altitude.  In addition, it is an expedition-type trek, with the majority of the nights staying in tents.

We recommend that only those who prior trekking experience do this trek.  For other people there are alternative treks we can recommend into the same regions which are shorter, less strenuous and do not involve camping.

The high passes are challenging and a little technical in places.  Altitude can be a concern also, particularly if you have never been at  high altitude and do not know how your body will react.  Having said that, our expert guide will assist you when necessary and has a good understanding of altitude related illness and how to mitigate it.

As this is a remote area, you will be out of contact for a number of days.  On part of the trek there are no human settlements and phone networks may not work. 

This trek involves an average 6 or 7 hours of walking per day over rough grounds and over high passes, as well as through  fantastic mountain ranges.  Camping is as comfortable as we can make it, but we realise it is not everyone’s favourate form of accommodation.

Therefore, we recommend this trek only to the fit, determined and adventurous!

Even so, we still recommend you work on your overall fitness and stamina  to prepare for this trek before you arrive in Nepal!  

Tips for Safety on the Trek:

• Trekking poles, even if you do not usually use them, are a great asset in stabilizing yourself on risky trails.
• Crampons may be necessary and we recommend you bring, or buy them in Kathmandu just in case they are required.  Please wear them if told by your guide.
• Do not go off on your own at the rest/ overnight stops. without telling your guide.
• Drink at least 4ltrs of water per day.
• It is important not to skip meals as you require the energy.
• Do tell your guide if you feel unwell; even slightly unwell.  Don’t let a problem grow.
• Have the correct insurance.
• Wear the correct gear.
• Bring your own regular medicines and a medical kit.
• Pay attention to the guide in tricky or dangerous areas.

One of the main concerns is altitude related illness. Science has not yet discovered why some people suffer while others do not.  It has nothing to do with age and seems not to be related to general fitness.  There are those who have a natural inbuilt ability from their ancestors such as those born in the Andes and the Sherpa people of Nepal born in the high Everest region.  For the rest of us, we just have to concentrate on reducing the risks by staying hydrated, going slowly and steadily and taking lots of acclimatization breaks.

On this trek we have built in a specific acclimatization day at Phu village  and there are two days at the high altitude village of Lo Manthang. Staying at one high altitude place for some time helps our bodies cope with even higher altitude in the near future.  Our guide is well-versed on how to deal with anyone suffering from minor altitude related problems and will be on the lookout for any signs in his clients. 

It is unlikely you will get lost on the trail unless you wander off yourself without telling the guide where you are going!  This might sound a bit parentish, but it is possible to get confused on some of these trails and lose the way.  Be aware of your surroundings.

Spring Season (March to May)

• Mild temperatures and rhododendron blooms in lower regions
• Good acclimatization conditions and longer daylight hours
• Some snow may remain on Teri La Pass in early spring
• Less crowded than autumn, especially in Nar and Phu

Autumn Season (Sept to Nov)

• Clear skies, stable weather, and excellent visibility
• Dry trails and ideal conditions for crossing Teri La Pass
• Perfect for photography with sharp mountain views
• High demand—book permits, flights, and guides early.
  

Monsoon (June–September)

• Frequent rain, muddy and slippery trails below 3,500 m
• Landslide risk on the approach to Meta and Mustang
• Poor visibility and potential trail washouts
• Upper Mustang and Nar Phu are in rain shadow—but Teri La may be dangerous

Winter (December–February)

• Crystal-clear skies and peaceful, crowd-free trails
• Extreme cold and deep snow at high altitudes
• Many teahouses in remote areas may be closed
• Only recommended for experienced trekkers with full gear and winter support

The best times to trek in Nepal are spring and autumn.  However, Upper Mustang is in the rain shadow – meaning monsoon does not affect that area as it does trekking routes in other areas.  Therefore it is a good time to come for this trek.  The trails, as well as Kathmandu and Pokhara will be less busy as Western tourists normally come in spring or autumn. And this monsoon time of year fits well with the Northern Hemisphere school/ college holidays! 

·   Spring takes place during March to May.

·   Monsoon takes place during June to the beginning of September.

·   Autumn takes place during September to November.

 Note: At lower altitudes during the spring and beginning of August the weather will be warm, while it will be very cold at the higher altitudes. Keep this in mind when preparing your packing list. 

Trekking in the Rain Shadow

Monsoon takes place in Nepal around the end of June until the beginning of September, and sometimes well into September.  This makes most of the trekking routes difficult or impossible to access.

However, the Nar Phu Teri La Upper Mustang Trek can be done during this summer season (monsoon) because it falls into the rain shadow. What that means is the mountains shield this area from the monsoon rains. This is why the landscape in Upper Mustang is so dry and lunar looking.  

The areas around Nar and Phu villages are also in the rain shadow but be aware that weather is unpredictable and there may be some rain in these months.  Being prepared for rain – with rain gear and by waterproofing your kit bags – will certainly give you peace of mind.  There will be some rain at the low altitude locations at the start of your trek and then again in Pokhara.

Unfortunately, we cannot predict the weather – some weeks during the monsoon sees little or no rain, other weeks see daily rain!  But rest assured during your time in Upper Mustang it is highly unlikely you will need your rain coat! 

Over and above the cost of the trek itself there are some things you should calculate for, including money to spend on the trek. 

Since this is mainly a camping trek, and with only a few settlements on the route, there really isn’t much to spend money on!  In the settlements that do have teahouse accommodation available, you will be able to purchase soft drinks, beer, perhaps some good coffee and pastries.  So, you might want to bring some money for those times.  Also note that in teahouses you will be required to pay for WiFi, hot showers and for charging your electronics. At the monasteries you visit it is normal to give a donation of around $1-2 (Nrs150-300).

What is Included and Not Included in the Cost of Your Trek

Transport: Local transport to the start of the trek is included as is the transport down from Jomson to Pokhara. Should you wish to have a private jeep for these road trips, there is a charge for these – please ask us.  

Accommodation: Tented accommodation where indicated. Teahouse accommodation where indicated.  In Pokhara you will have accommodation in a nice hotel.  Teahouses are pretty basic, and some may even have outside, shared toilets/ showers.  Naturally, when camping there is a shared toilet tent and a place where you can take a hot water bucket shower. There will also be a communal dining tent.

Food: When camping you will get breakfast, lunch, dinner,  and afternoon snacks.  When staying in a teahouse you will get dinner and breakfast there and lunch will either be a packed lunch or from a smaller establishment on the trail. In Pokhara you will get breakfast only; not dinner or other items. 

Tips: Please calculate the tips for your guide and porters.  Tips can be in Nepali rupees or other currencies.

Before you come expenses:  .

• Flight ticket, visa fee, and insurance
• Trekking gear, including trekking boots.

It is best if you consider this an off-the-road experience (which it is!).  Tell friends and family you will be out of touch for the duration so they should not worry.   There is no WiFi in the small settlements you will pass on the trail, and phone networks may not work in some locations.    By the time you reach Kagbeni on the way to Jomson you are back on the main Annapurna trails and WiFi, charging facilities etc will be available in teahouses.  These are most likely available in Lo Manthang also but the network in Upper Mustang is a bit unpredictable.

Bringing your own portable solar panel to charge your phone/ camera is worthwhile.  A local sim card can be bought at the international airport on arrival which will give you access to local data packages – when there is network availability. 

Minimum Number of Trekkers

It is not possible to be less than two trekkers in a remote area (such as Upper Mustang).  Also, in order for us to organize this camping trek, we need a minimum of two people to make it cost effective.

If you are one person travelling alone we will endeavor to put you with other trekkers who wish to do this trek.  Since this is a difficult trek that only appeals to a certain type of adventurer, it would be a great idea for you to bring your own friends with you, if possible!

The cost includes local transport from Kathmandu to the start of the trek and from Jomson to Pokhara at the end of the trek.

Should you wish to hire a private jeep for more comfort and flexibility, please discuss this with us.

There is also the option of flying from Jomson to Pokhara.  The reason we do not include this in the trek itinerary is that flights can be easily cancelled due to bad weather.  But if you would like to fly out of Jomson then please do talk to us about this. 

This is already a three week trek but if you would like to extend it even more – who knows when you will be back in the Nepal Himalayas – there are a few extensions trips we can recommend in this area. Please note if you do this extensions within the timeframe of the Nar Phu Teri La Upper Mustang Trek, you must arrange this with us beforehand and there will be an extra charge for accommodation, food, guide, and porter (if required).  

Poon Hill:

Poon Hill is a very popular destination in itself.  Standing at 3,210 m / 10,500 ft this viewpoint provides fabulous close up views of the Annapurna mountain range including Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and Manaslu.  Since this is a sunrise experience, it is necessary to rise and hike up to the viewpoint before dawn!  Some enterprising people do provide tea at the top of the hill, then it’s a hike back down for breakfast in Ghorepani before moving on.

Although Poon Hill is a wonderful spot overlooking the magnificent Annapurna Range, it may not live up to what you have already seen on your trek.  The real advantage after the Nar Phu Teri La Upper Mustang Trek would be to end your trek with a relatively easy (as you will now find) couple of hiking days.  Total days added: 2. 

Muktinath:

You will come out into Lower Mustang at Kagbeni, which is a short trek, or even shorter jeep ride, to the Hindu pilgrimage site of Muktinath.  This is a fascinating site which attracts Hindu pilgrims from all over Nepal and India.  It has 108 sacred water spouts and an undying flame (most likely underground gases).  This would give you an insight into the main religion of Nepal – Hinduism – after spending three weeks in Buddhist culture.  You could overnight in Muktinath and walk down to Jomson or catch transport directly to Pokhara the next day. Total days added: 1.

Your trek ends in Pokhara with one nights accommodation and breakfast.  We encourage you to take full advantage of this lake side town to relax after your long trek. There is much to see and do in Pokhara or you could simply chill out.

Suggestions for Pokhara:

• Hike to the Peace Stupa (for views of the lake)
• Davi’s Falls (waterfall)
• Mahendra Cave
• International Mountain Museum (history of mountaineering)
• Bundy jumping (if you haven’t had enough excitement!)
• Zip lining
• Cable car ride (to Sarangkot for sunrise views)
• Boating on Fewa Lake
• Paragliding
• Partying all night long at some great music venues and nightclubs.
• Or simply wander along the lakeshore and dine in great restaurants.