Upper Mustang Circuit trek is undoubtedly one of the most exciting trek programs in Nepal. Since the Upper Mustang carries cultural, historical, archeological and strategic importance, the Government of Nepal has designated the area as ‘Special Trekking Zone’ that requires a special trekking permit, which is issued by department of immigration for a group having at least 2 trekking participants. Upper Mustang is quite unique and different than other trekking regions mainly because of its desert type topography.
Upper Mustang Circuit trek shares more than 50% of its trail with Upper Mustang trekking trail. The additional feature of the Upper Mustang Circuit trek is that it returns via different route which is less human intervened. The trail passes through rivers, jungle and remote villages. Though it is possible to arrange accommodation in tea houses throughout the trip, camping is also worthy and fascinating.
Nepal Environmental Treks & Expedition has recently introduced Upper Mustang Circuit trek after receiving a lot of queries from our previous and new customers. Our company is an environmentally responsible adventure travel company focusing on promoting sustainable tourism in the area. Our dedicated, competent and experienced team is ready to welcome you in Nepal and give you an unforgettable memory.
After early morning breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel and taken to the tourist bus station. Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (914m.) takes about seven hours. The drive will take most of our morning time, leaving much of the afternoon to get a warm glimpse of Pokhara Valley and its beauty. If you choose to fly, you can reach Pokhara in 25 minutes. There are several flights from morning to afternoon available from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
Pokhara is the tourist's paradise with full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples along with the magnificent views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other mountain peaks. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
You take the spectacular early morning flight to Jomsom. The trail is quite barren with craggy rocks and sand and is mostly flat, which makes it very easy going. It is also very picturesque, with views of big peaks all around such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Nilgiri, whilst to the south can be seen the entire Annapurna Massif. Stay overnight at lodge.
You trek right up to the river valley, but you use a combination of the high trail and the riverbank pathways. The trail then widens significantly revealing an endless stretch of sand. Chusang village is only about a 2hrs walk beyond Tangbe at the confluence of the Narshing Khola and the Kali Gandaki. Stay overnight at lodge.
The trek now leaves the valley and climbs steeply up a rocky alley to the village of Chele. From Chele you climb a steep spur and then continue ascending along the side of a spectacular steep canyon to a pass. Beyond the pass you descend on a pleasant trail to Samar, situated in a grove of poplar trees. Stay overnight at lodge.
You climb above Samar to a ridge and then descend into a large gorge past a chorten before entering another valley filled with juniper trees. You then cross a stream and after climbing to a pass, you descend along a ridge to Shyangmochen a tiny settlement with a few tea shops. The trail climbs gently from Shyangmochen and you enter another huge valley before descending to Geling with its extensive fields of barley. Stay overnight at lodge.
From Geling the trail climbs gently through fields, up to the center of the valley, passing above the settlement of Tama Gun and an imposing chorten. You then begin a taxing climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La [3840m]. The descent from the pass is quite gentle and about half an hour further on we come to a trail junction; the right trail is the direct route to Charang, the left trail leads to Ghami. Ghami is a large white-washed village sheltered by overhanging cliffs. Stay overnight at lodge.
Today's walk is perhaps through the driest part of Mustang. Finally, you come to Charang, a large spread-out village at the top of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the village are a huge dzong [fortress] and a red Gompa which houses an excellent collection of statues and thangkas. Stay overnight at lodge.
You will spend part of the morning exploring the interesting village of Charang and its large monastery, before setting out for Lo Manthang. You climb gently above the valley to a large isolated chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo. The trail then broadens and eventually you get your first view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The city has only one entrance so you circumambulate the wall to the gate on the north east corner. Stay overnight at lodge.
Today is a rest day at Lo-Manthang. You will acclimatize with the weather and climate by spending the day exploring caves and villages, visiting Jhampa and Thupchen Gompas and short hike up to Tingkhar. You can make a short drive to Tibetan border if you are interested. Stay overnight at lodge.
You will resume your trek today towards Dhi village passing a canyon before. The trail crosses Lo la pass at 3960 meters pass and becomes flat before the final short stretch of steep climb to the village of Yara. Yara is a small settlement featuring cliffs and Tashi Kabum cave that houses rare paintings and a stupa. Stay overnight at lodge.
After breakfast take a short hike to Luri Gompa as the trail follows Puyung Khola. Luri Gompa belongs to Nyingma Sect of Buddhism. After exploration return to Yara. Stay overnight at lodge.
The rugged trail continues with a steep ascent. In no time you will reach Luri Gomba from where the trail goes down to Decchyang Khola. The river is famous for Shaligram fossils. The trail then rises up to a pass at 3850m and then dips to the village of Tange that features Buddhist chortens. Stay overnight at lodge.
The trail from Tange to Tetang passes by deep ridges and rolling hills to drop down to Kali Gandaki valley. Magnificent views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri visible once you reach Tetang. Stay overnight at lodge.
The trail ahead is an uphill one all the way to Muktinath. En route you will come across maniwall and beautiful views of Dhaulagiri peak. Muktinath or Chumig Gyatsa is a sacred temple revered both by Buddhists and Hindus. You can explore the temple in the afternoon. Stay overnight at lodge.
Day 15: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2713 m.) takes about 5 hours.
Today we continue down for early two hours and then walk through the flat path till we reach Jomsom. Stay overnight at lodge.
The flight is a scenic one with panoramic views of Himalayan peaks, especially Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri etc. and Kaligandaki River. The flight to/from Jomsom happens only in the morning because of high wind in afternoon time. Stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara
After breakfast early morning, drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu that takes about seven hours. En route, you will enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. If you choose to fly back to Kathmandu, it takes about 25 minutes. There are several flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara from morning to afternoon.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
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