Upper Mustang Trek – 16 Days

Highlights

Trek through the remote trans-Himalaya region with spectacular mountain desert landscape, and visit the ancient “forbidden” kingdom of Lo-Manthang in Upper Mustang.

Group size2 – 14 people
Trip duration16 days
Service levelStandard
ActivitiesTrekking and sightseeing
Maximum altitude3,810 m
Physical ratingModerate
Arrival / Departure atKathmandu / Kathmandu
TransportDomestic flights between Pokhara and Jomsom; private vehicle between other destinations for the activities included in the itinerary
Meals includedBreakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara; all meals during trekking; a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner
Accommodation3-star hotels or equivalent in Kathmandu and Pokhara; teahouses during trekking. All accommodation is on a double occupancy basis.
Age requirements12+ (children under 18 must be accompanied by parent(s)

 

Itinerary Outline

  • Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300m)
  • Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation. Optional: Everest Mountain Flight in the early morning
  • Day 3: Drive to Pokhara (820m, 6 to 7 hours). Optional: Whitewater rafting in Trishuli River
  • Day 4: Fly to Jomsom (2,713m, 25 min), then trek to Kagbeni (2,810m, 3 to 4 hours)
  • Day 5: Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m, 5 to 6 hours)
  • Day 6: Chele to Gelling (3,500m, 7 to 8 hours)
  • Day 7: Gelling to Charang (3,620m, 6 to 7 hours)
  • Day 8: Charang to Lo-Manthang (3,700m, 4 to 5 hours)
  • Day 9: Lo-Manthang – Acclimatization Day. Explore the Chosar Valley
  • Day 10: Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar (3,810m, 7 to 8 hours)
  • Day 11: Dhakmar to Samar (3,356m, 7 to 8 hours)
  • Day 12: Samar to Kagbeni (2,810m, 7 to 8 hours)
  • Day 13: Kagbeni to Jomsom (2,713m, 3 to 4 hours)
  • Day 14: Fly back to Pokhara (25 min). Boating in Phewa Lake and a relaxing walk around the lake. Optional: Paragliding
  • Day 15: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (5 to 6 hours)
  • Day 16: Depart or extend your trip. Optional: Everest Mountain Flight (if not taken on Day 2)

 

About Accommodation

We will stay in 3-star hotels or equivalent in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and teahouses during trekking. All accommodation is based on double occupancy. Single occupancy can be arranged at request with an extra cost.  However, single occupancy may not be available at some teahouses during trekking in high seasons. 

A teahouse is basically a combination of guest house, a restaurant, and social hang-out place. Teahouses are usually basic, with twin beds in each room and very little additional furniture. Blankets are generally provided but you may want to bring a sleeping bag as the temperature can be much lower at night in mountains.  Most bathrooms are shared with either squat type or western style toilets.  Teahouses usually have running water and cold shower.  Hot shower is available at some teahouses at an additional cost.

Each teahouse has a large dining room, served as a restaurant and a social gathering place, warmed by the bukhara stove (an iron cylinder, fitted with a chimney duct, in which a log fire is lighted). As some villages do not have hydroelectric power, the dining room and the rooms usually use solar lighting. Some teahouses have electricity for charging small appliances (mobile phones and cameras) at a small cost.

Free WIFI is available in the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.  During trekking, some teahouses provide WIFI at a small charge, but in some places WIFI is not available.

 

About Meals

During trekking, we will usually have breakfast and dinner at the teahouse we stay, and lunch will be provided at one of the restaurants we trek by. Every teahouse serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes soup, and western food such as pizza, pasta and French fries. Non-vegetarian option is usually available at low altitude levels.  However, due to the storage issue, fresh meat is not available at some teahouses above certain altitude, but preserved meat (sausages, salami, etc.) may be served.  

One tea or coffee will be served in each meal during trekking. Soft drinks, snacks and beer are available to purchase in most of the teahouses and restaurants along the trails.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, breakfast will be provided in the hotels.  You will also be treated with a welcome dinner and a farewell dinner at a nice Nepalese restaurant. This will give you an opportunity to enjoy a well-prepared traditional Nepalese food and dance performance.

 

About Drinking Water

Although bottled water is available to purchase on the trail, we don’t encourage the use of bottled water as the plastic bottles have a negative impact on environment.  All teahouses provide boiled water for trekkers at a small cost.  Bring your own re-usable or thermal bottles.  Thermal bottles can also keep the beverage warm which is a delightful treat to your stomach in trekking when the temperature is low,   Water filtration or chemical disinfection can be another option.

 

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

This trek is a moderate trek and suitable for people who are able to walk for around 5 to 6 hours a day with a light daypack.  People with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart or lung diseases or high blood pressure should inform Skyway Nepal Treks staff before booking the trek.  Consultation with your doctor is highly recommended.  Travelers are encouraged to exercise and walk or hike regularly for a few weeks before the trip.  To enhance strength, travelers could simulate the trekking trip by hiking in forests with some level of elevation for a few hours and with a daypack containing a 3-5 kg load.

 

Best Time to Travel

Temperature in mountains can be extremely low during the winter season, and heavy rain is normal during the monsoon season.  For this trip, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best months.

 

Booking Notes

  • A customized itinerary and alternative transportation (domestic flights vs ground transportation) can be arranged upon request.
  • Alternative accommodation (luxury or budget level) may be available. Please ask before booking.
  • If you wish to arrive earlier or extend your stay, accommodation can be arranged for you. Ask us about trip packages and options for trip extension.
  • Ask us for optional tours and pricing. There are many exciting tours and activities that you may be interested. Please discuss with our staff before booking and after you arrive so that we can make necessary arrangements for you
  • Currency exchange service is available upon request.
  • Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300m)
  • Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation. Optional: Everest Mountain Flight in the early morning
  • Day 3: Drive to Pokhara (820m, 6 to 7 hours). Optional: Whitewater rafting in Trishuli River
  • Day 4: Fly to Jomsom (2,713m, 25 min), then trek to Kagbeni (2,810m, 3 to 4 hours)
  • Day 5: Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m, 5 to 6 hours)
  • Day 6: Chele to Gelling (3,500m, 7 to 8 hours)
  • Day 7: Gelling to Charang (3,620m, 6 to 7 hours)
  • Day 8: Charang to Lo-Manthang (3,700m, 4 to 5 hours)
  • Day 9: Lo-Manthang – Acclimatization Day. Explore the Chosar Valley
  • Day 10: Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar (3,810m, 7 to 8 hours)
  • Day 11: Dhakmar to Samar (3,356m, 7 to 8 hours)
  • Day 12: Samar to Kagbeni (2,810m, 7 to 8 hours)
  • Day 13: Kagbeni to Jomsom (2,713m, 3 to 4 hours)
  • Day 14: Fly back to Pokhara (25 min). Boating in Phewa Lake and a relaxing walk around the lake. Optional: Paragliding
  • Day 15: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (5 to 6 hours)
  • Day 16: Depart or extend your trip. Optional: Everest Mountain Flight (if not taken on Day 2)

Price Includes

  • Airport / hotel transfers
  • Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara flights
  • Private vehicle between other destinations for the activities included in the itinerary
  • All accommodation on a double occupancy basis
  • Trekking Permit and TIMS fees (including Upper Mustang trekking permit of 500 USD for the first 10 days and 50 USD for each subsequent day)
  • All meals during trekking, all breakfasts in Kathmandu and Pokhara, one welcome dinner and one farewell dinner
  • Duffle bag for trekking (to be returned after the trip)
  • Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and a team of porters (one for every two clients) and assistants during trekking
  • Entrance fees and an English-speaking guide for the Kathmandu sightseeing tour
  • Insurance for the trekking guide and porters
  • First Aid kit (carried by the trekking guide)

 

Price Excludes

  • International flight, travel insurance, visitor visa fee
  • All optional activities
  • Meals not mentioned (please allow for $80-120 USD for meals not included)
  • Personal trekking gear (available for rent)
  • Personal expenses
  • Drinking water, snacks, hot shower and WIFI during trekking
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Charges for excessive luggage
  • Any other extra costs due to unforeseen circumstances

 

Optional Activities to Book during the Trip

  • Trishuli River Whitewater Rafting (Day 3)
  • Paragliding in Porkhara (Day 14)
  • Everest Mountain Flight (Day 2 or 16)

 

Suggested Activities or Tours for Extended Stay

  • Bardian National Park
  • Chitwan Nation Park
  • Bhaktapur Tour
  • Nagarkot Sunset/Sunrise with Bhaktapur Tour
  • Lumbini tour
  • Yoga Retreat 

Required from you

  • Prior to your arrival: in order to obtain the trekking permit for you, we will need a scanned copy of your passport ID page
    • After you arrive, the following items are needed from you:

(1) Three photos (passport size or smaller)

(2) Travel insurance and emergency contact information

 

Weather Related

  • Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly, which could result in alternations of the itinerary. Travelers need to be prepared for all weather conditions and changes in the itinerary if necessary.  The group leader (or trekking guide) will take their best effort to make your trip experience enjoyable.
  • Domestic flights can be impacted by weather conditions. If the weather is not suitable for flying, ground transportation will be arranged.

 

Risk Related

  • The itinerary is designed to allow for adequate acclimatization. However, you may experience altitude sickness and oxygen deprivation on this trek.  Be sure to consult with your travel doctor before your trip.  If the group leader (or trekking guide) deems it is unsafe for you to continue trekking at any point, you may be arranged to descend to a lower altitude or required to terminate the trek.
  • Due to the nature of this trip, the activities included may involve some degree of risk. Obtaining travel insurance is highly recommended.

 

Baggage Related

  • Baggage requirements:

(1) Domestic flights: maximum 15 kg for check-in and 5 kg for carry-on for each passenger. Excessive weight could be charged for an extra fee.

(2) Porters during trekking: One porter will be assigned to two clients.  Each porter will carry a maximum weight of 25 kg (12.5kg for each client, in a duffle bag or a backpack)

  • A duffle bag will be provided to every two clients. You may want to bring a few smaller soft bags to keep your belongings together and tidy before putting them in the duffer bag.
  • If you don’t have your own trekking gear (trekking poles, sleep bag, etc.), you can rent them in Kathmandu. Talk to our staff after you arrive (A sleep bag is recommended as nighttime temperatures in mountains can be low. Wearing a down filled or fleece jacket in sleeping can also keep you warm).

Clothing

  • Down jacket, 1
  • Waterproof jacket, light weighted, 1
  • Water proof pants, light weighted, 1 pair
  • Hiking pants, light weighted, 2-3
  • Base layer top, wool or synthetic, 2-3
  • Base layer bottom, wool or synthetic, 2
  • Middle layer top, fleece or other light weighted material, 1-2
  • Middle layer bottom, fleece or other light weighted material, 1
  • Short sleeve T-shirt, 2
  • Shorts, 1
  • Underwear
  • Other casual clothing (for non-trekking use)
  • Swimming suit (only for trekking routes with hotsprings)
  • Plastic bags (for wrapping clothes), a few

 

Footwear or Other Clothing Accessories

  • Hiking boots, 1 pair
  • Walking shoes or sport shoes, 1 pair
  • Slipper, 1 pair
  • Thick wool or synthetic socks, 2-3 pairs
  • Light socks, 2 pairs
  • Gloves, warm and water proof, 1 pair
  • Light gloves, 1 pair
  • Handwarmer, a few packs
  • Soap/ laundry hanger or clips/ rope
  • Shoulder bag (light weighted, for non-trekking use)

 

Trekking Gear

  • Day pack
  • Soft bags (1-3) (to put belongs in Skyway’s duffle bag during trekking)
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Reusable water bottles or hydration pack (Camelbak)
  • Water filter or disinfection tablets (nice to have)
  • Light weighted thermal bottle (nice to have)
  • Head lamp or flashlight with some batteries
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun hat
  • Headscarf or bandana
  • Walking poles
  • Gaiters (nice to have)
  • Crampon (nice to have)
  • Raincoat (nice to have)
  • Travel knife (nice to have)
  • Small pack of duct tape (nice to have)

 

Personal Hygiene and Skin Care

  • Personal Hygiene kit
  • Skin care products
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Sunblock
  • Lip balm
  • Hand moisturizer
  • Drying towel, light weighted, 1
  • Small face towel, 1
  • Travel tissue pack, a few packs
  • Toilet paper (a few rolls)
  • Nail clipper

 

Food and Snacks

  • Dried meat
  • Nuts
  • Chocolate
  • Energy bars or other snacks
  • Chewing gum

 

Documents and Money

  • Flight e-ticket
  • Passport and a copy of ID page
  • Passport-size pictures, 4 (1 for visa application and 3 for the trekking documents)
  • Cash (for trip cost balance, tips, meals not included, personal expenses, shopping)
  • Credit card / debt card
  • Money belt
  • Travel insurance policy document and contact
  • Emergency contact information
  • Hotel name in Kathmandu (need it when filling out Arrival Card at the airport)
  • Travel agency’s contact info

 

Medicine and First Aid

  • Medicine prescribed by the travel doctor
  • Prescription medicine (if any)
  • Band aids
  • Polysporin
  • Callus cushion (for callus and blisters)
  • Advil or Tynol (for headache, dry cough and cold)
  • Gravel (for nausea)
  • Halls or other medicine (for sour throat)

 

Electronics

  • Multi-volt adaptor
  • Camera, charger, backup batteries and backup SD memory card
  • Cellphone and charger

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