The Upper Mustang trek winds its way to the hidden Buddhist world of the Kingdom of Mustang, also known as Lo. This remote trans-Himalayan mountain area borders Tibet and has a distinct Tibetan feel to it; both in its people and culture, and in its arid landscape of high cliffs and rocks of surprising formations and colours. The trek visits Kagbeni, gateway to Upper Mustang, then on through a stark landscape in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif to Lo-Manthang, the seat of past Kings of the Kingdom of Lo. Explore caves, rock paintings, monasteries and gompa and learn something about the culture of this area. Panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and others, are very much part of this exciting trip!
Within Lo Manthang itself a visit to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar, the last main village in the northwest of the area, as well as the Kings palace, brings further cultural understand of the area. There is also an amchi (traditional Tibetan doctor) museum and school, where visitors can learn about this ancient healing art and how it is being adapted to meet modern day situations. A few hours walk from Lo Manthang is Gyakar with its famous Gompa. Ghar Gompa is over 1,200 years old, being dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, who travelled these areas at that time. The Gompa is famous for its rock paintings, and the fact it is believed that if you make a wish here, it will come true. So make a wish at the Ghar Gompa, and hope to return again someday!
The trek is at relatively high altitude (3,000m to 3,800m), which is somehow intensified by the dry air. While it is no problem for those born at this altitude to travel at speed, visitors will be more leisurely in their hike to avoid any altitude related problems. On average walking takes place from 5 to 7 hours a day and some paths are particularly windy and dusty. But this trek into the restricted area of Upper Mustang, which in part follows the ancient salt route, is something that will remain in ones memory forever.
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive) | 830 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 2 | Pokhara to Jomsom (Flight) to Kagbeni | 2800 m | 3 hr |
| Day 3 | Kagbeni to Chele | 3050 m | 7 hr |
| Day 4 | Chele to Syangmoche | 3475 m | 6 hr |
| Day 5 | Syangmoche to Ghaymi | 3500 m | 5 hr |
| Day 6 | Ghami to Charang | 3560 m | 4 hr |
| Day 7 | Charang to Lo Manthang | 3770 m | 5 hr |
| Day 8 | Day trip to Chhoser Cave | 3770 m | 3 hr |
| Day 9 | Lo Manthang to Drakmar | 3800 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 10 | Drakmar to Ghiling | 3860 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 11 | Ghiling to Chuksang | 3050 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 12 | Chuksang to Jomsom | 2715 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 13 | Jomsom to Pokhara (Flight) | 830 m | 30 min |
| Day 14 | Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive) | 1380 m | 6 - 7 hr |
