Mustang Trekking

Mustang Trekking

Upper Mustang Trek to hidden paradise of Mustang is a tremendous tour that travellers experience best ever holiday trip in their life in Nepal. Trekking in this region will allow you to undergo the way of living of true mountain people. The Upper Mustang Trek escorts you into the old Buddhist Kingdom of Mustang. Despite being geographically situated in Nepal, the region encircled by this trek bears a palpable Tibetan influence as Mustang is a part of Tibetan Plateau. This area is remote and isolated to the Himalaya region. The trekking in Upper Mustang region was restricted before for people from outside the country but from around 15 years ago the Trekking is opened for everyone. Though it is open for everyone to trek around this region, the permit is only available to registered travel agencies. High peaks, glaciers, passes alpine valleys can be seen during the trek. Also you will be able to visit the Holy Muktinath Temple, together with picturesque villages including Lo-Manthang, Charang and Ghami village.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, we will head towards Pokhara after exploring Kathmandu a little more. From the city of lakes, Pokhara we take a mountain flight to Jomsom and begin our trekking to Kagbeni, entering to the strange rocky landscape. The trek further continues towards Chele via Tangbe and Chhuksung. From Chele, the trail is a climb in and out of massive side valleys of Kali Gandaki. After reaching Chele La (3,630) we slowly descend to Samar from where the journey reaches Gelling while we cross a stream and walk through Bhene La, Shyanmochen and Yamdo La. Mustang Trek reaches Charang as we ascend to Nyi La from Geilling and descend to Gheme and Pass Choya La.

Similar Trekking: Manaslu Trekking 18 Days, Tsum Valley Trekking 18 Days, Nar Phu Trekking 21 Days, Dhaulagiri Trekking 21 Days

Mustang Trekking trail proceeds towards Lo - Manthang, the capital of Mustang Kingdom. In Lo - Manthang you will visit the Palace of the Royal Family of Mustang and many other temples having a long history. From Lo - Manthang we return to Ghami and trek to Kagbeni passing Samar. The trail heads towards the Muktinath Temple, Pilgrimage for Buddhist and Hindus with a ever glowing flame. Muktinath Trekking route ends after we trek to Jomsom from Muktinath. From jomsom we take a flight to Pokhara and enjoy our time at the peaceful environment in lakeside.

Trip Details

Itinerary
Detail Itinerary
Trip Info
Weather
Equipment
Useful Info

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu [1,338m] Transfer to the Hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Swayambhunath, Kathmandu durbar Square, Pashupatinath and Boudhanath.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara [970 m].
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom, Trek to Kagbeni [2,810m].
Day 05: Trek to Chele [3,030 m].
Day 06: Trek to Gelling [3,570 m].
Day 07: Trek to Charang [3,560m].
Day 08: Trek to Lo-Manthang [3,800 m].
Day 09: In Lo-Manthang [3,800 m].
Day 10: Trek to Ghami [3,490 m].
Day 11: Trek to Samar [3,150 m].
Day 12: Trek to Kagbeni [2,810m].
Day 13: Trek to Muktinath [3,802m].
Day 14: Trek to Jomsom [2720m].
Day 15: Fly To Pokhara [930 m].
Day 16: Fly Back To Kathmandu [1,338m].
Day 17: Free day in kathmandu [1,338m].
Day 18: Trip ends! Fly back home, taking with you the memory of a life time.

Day 01: Namaste Nepal [1,330 m]: Upon your arrival, a representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will be waiting outside the airport gates to take you to the hotel. Depending on time of arrival, plans will be made for a briefing meeting once you have settled in. Please let us know if there is anything special you would like to do while in Kathmandu and we can help you arrange that. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Day 02: Cultural Tour in Kathmandu [1,330 m] - (B): After breakfast in the Hotel we have a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu vally which takes in the key attractions in and around Kathmandu. Including AM: Visit 2000 years old Buddhist shrine Swyambhunath, situated on the top of the hill west of the city the most popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is colloquially known as the “Monkey Temple”. There are many small buildings and shrines down the hillside behind Swayambhunath. Explore the colorful Kathmandu Durbar Square - The Old Royal Palace of Kathmandu, Temple of living goddess Kumari, the Jagannath temple, 17th century temple known for colorfully painted erotic carvings, Kasthmandap temple a three story temple built from a single tree in 12th century.

PM: Visit Pashupatinath temple one of the most sacred Hindu shrine in the World. The holy river Bagmati and the burning ghats and also visit one of the oldest and biggest stupa of Boudhanath. Overnight stay at Hotel. (Also issue Special permit so must be an official day).

Day 03: Drive To Pokhara [970 m] - (B): Early in the morning, we drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal's lake city. Our bus follows a winding road over the valley rim and descends onto the Trisuli River. The journey is slow and steady as the road winds through villages and passing terrace fields before reaching our destination.

Pokhara is best known for its tranquil atmosphere and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Normally, we arrive by mid afternoon so you have time to explore or relax as you prepare for the journey ahead. Overnight stay at Hotel. Average driving time is 06 to 07 hours. (Option Rafting at Trisuli River 2-3 hours).

Note: If you like to take a flight to Pokhara instead of Car Please advise.

Day 04: Pokhara - Fly to Jomsom Trek to Kagbeni [2,810m] - (B,L,D): After breakfast we transfer you to the domestic airport to mountain flight to Jomsom (20-22 m). then we continue up the vast gravel riverbed of the Kali Gandaki, passing mule trains travelling down from Tibet. The medieval village of Kagbeni lies right on the border of Mustang and there is time to explore the intriguing alleys and courtyards of this timeless place. All around is the strange rocky landscape that is typical of mysterious Mustang. Overnight stay at Tea House. Average trekking time is 02 to 03 hours.

Day 05: Kagbeni Trek to Chele [3,030 m] - (B,L,D): From Kagbeni the trail climbs from one ridge to another and reaches to a plateau at 3040m, then again a short climb to Tangbe at 3060m. Near about one hour trek from Tangbe will reach us to Chhuksung, a Gurung settlement, which is at the confluence of The Narshing Khola and Kali Gandaki. On the way from Kali Gandaki Valley to Chele one gets to view the ancient caves standing high on the eastern bank of the river. Leaving the Kali Gandaki valley behind we climb steep rocky gully to Chele from Kagbeni. We make a stoppage at Chele. Overnight stay at Tea House. Average trekking time is 05 to 06 hours.

Day 06: Chele Trek to Gelling [3,570 m] - (B,L,D): After a night's rest and breakfast at Chele, we climb in and out of huge side valleys of the Kali Gandaki. From Chele, we climb up a steep spur to a cairn and then connect to another cairn marking the Chele La at 3,630m, from where the trail descents to Samar 3,620m. Climbing above Samar, the trail goes into another valley filled with trees, crosses a stream and climbs up to the Bhena La from here to Yamdo La and then descending to Shyanmochen, we finally reach our stoppage for the day to a marvelous village at an elevation of 3570m,Geling. Overnight stay at Tea House. Average trekking time is 07 to 08 hours.

Day 07: Gelling Trek to Charang [3,560m] - (B,L,D): From Geling to Charang, the trail Turning westward from Geling the trail climbs gently through fields, passing below Tama Gaon. Then we climb to Nyi La at 4020m from there we descend to Gheme at 3510m and then gets connects Choya La, beyond the mani wall. From Choya La we are pretty near to our overnight stay, a long descent from here will lead us to the fields of maze, Charang which is at an elevation of 3560m. Overnight stay at Tea House. Average trekking time is 05 to 06 hours.

Day 08: Charang Trek to Lo-Manthang [3,800 m] - (B,L,D): An early start from Chorang, the trail descends about 125m crossing the Charang Chu, climbing up steeply, a rocky trail entering the Tholung Valley. Then from here we forward our trail to Lo La. A short descent from Lo La will lead us to the plateau of Lo Manthang. This place will be our resting spot for the night. Overnight stay at Tea House. Average trekking time is 05 to 06 hours.

Day 09: Lo-Manthang [3,800 m] - (B,L,D): We spend one whole day exploring the Lo Manthang. There are four major temples at this place. Jampa Lhakhang a three storey temple, Thubchen Gompa, a huge assembly hall near the center of the city, Chodey Gompa, founded by the Mustang King in 1710, the main temple of the city and the Choprang Gompa, which is popularly known as the "New Gompa". Another interesting spot to visit will be the Raja's Palace and also the town with various coffee shops and restaurants will be delighting enough to roam around. Overnight b stay at Tea House.

Day10: Lo-Manthang - Trek to Ghami: Reluctantly we depart Lo Manthang and head South. We have a choice of trails today and are not forced to back-track on the same trail. Climbing the ridge, we get our last view of the walled city and descend the valley towards Ghami. Overnight stay at Tea House. Average trekking time is 08 to 09 hours.
Day 11: Ghami Trek to Samar: We continue down the valley and rejoin the trail that we used to enter Mustang. Overnight stay at Tea House. Average trekking time is 05 to 06 hours.

Day 12: Samar to Kagbeni [2,810m] - (B,L,D): Our last day in Mustang as we retrace our trail along the Kali Gandaki River to Kagbeni. Overnight stay at Tea House. Average trekking time is 07 to 08 hours.

Day 13: Kagbeni Trek to Muktinath [3,802m] - (B,L,D): If we are in Kagbeni why don't we go to Muktinath. Head up the wide riverbed about an hour and we’ll come to a lodge for refreshment before deciding on the high path of Muktinath or low path of Kagbeni. Both are interesting and meet halfway up the hill. As we turn east away from the Kali Gandaki river there are views to Muktinath and the Thorung Pass in the distance. Jarkot is much more real then the trekking village of Muktinath and it is possible to stay here and visit the temple the next morning without your heavy pack. Muktinath Temple is a point of Pilgrimage for Buddhist and Hindus where flame, water and air meet. Overnight stay at Tea House. Average trekking time is 05 to 06 hours.

Day 14: Muktinath Trek to Jomsom [2.720 m] - (B,L,D): It's an easy return trip to Jomsom today and the view down the stony plains of the Kali Gandaki to the vast white-topped wall of the Nilgiris, is simply stunning. We will spend the last night of the trek in Jomsom. Overnight stay at Tea House. Average trekking time is 05 to 06 hours.

Day 15: Fly To Pokhara [930 m] - (B,L,D): After early breakfast at your Tea House in Jomsom. We fly to Pokhara. It is 22 Minute exciting flight. Upon your arrival in Pokhara Airport we transfer to you to the Hotel. Rest of the day is Leisure. (20-25 M.).

Day 16: Fly to Kathmandu (Mid Day) [1,330 m] - (B): After breakfast in Pokhara, we have a mountain flight to Kathmandu; it is a thrilling exciting flight over forests, fields and villages with the Himalayas at the background. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (22-25 m flight).

Day 17: Free day in Kathmandu [1,330 m] - (B): There are plenty of interesting sites to visit in the Kathmandu valley like the Old Palaces at Patan, Bhaktapur, Durbar square, Swayambhunath (the monkey temple or you may wonder down town Thamel to shop for souvenirs and sample the various restaurants of Kathmandu. We are happy to offer you some recommendations.

Day 18: Fly back home - (B): We will transfer you to the airport and assist with check-in procedures.

Trip Cost Includes:

Arrival and Departure Transport.
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara as mentioned with breakfast.
Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with an entrance fee.
Trekking Duffle Bag.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the Trekking.
Accommodation in Tea house while trekking.
Kathmandu - Pokhara drive.
Pokhara Jomsom Pokhara Kathmandu flight with airport Tax.
Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
Trekking Guide with insurance.
Mustang Trekking Region map.
Tims and Acap fees.
Special Permit for Mustang.
Government taxes.
Office services charge.

Trip Cost Excludes:

International Airfare.
Your travel insurance of any kind
Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 40 for 30 days) you should get visa Upon your arrival)
Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.

Weather information

We offer trekking in Nepal from mid-September to May. However within this period there are clear seasons in the weather. From early September the monsoon rains decrease. By mid-October through to December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 deg C at low altitude in October and nights can drop to below 0 deg C at higher altitudes.

Winter trekking, from December to February, offers cool to mild and clear days with often very cold nights. Daytime temperatures at low altitudes will be mild, around 20 deg C and at night may drop to 0 or as low as -10 deg C at the higher points. Occasionally winter storms can bring snow as low as 2500m.

In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up occasionally bringing afternoon rainstorms. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March, with temperatures of up to 30 deg C and mild nights at low altitudes. The increase in rainfall in the hills is more than compensated for by the spectacular displays of rhododendrons and other wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions, as in April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common. This is a period that generally has clear weather at the higher altitudes and is traditionally a time when mountaineering expeditions commence their ascents.

The monsoon creates a rainy season in Nepal, which lasts from mid-June to mid-September. During this time the Nepal Himalaya is unsuitable for trekking, with the exception of a few remote valleys. We offer treks during this period in Low altitude Treks in the Nepal Himalaya, Tibet & India (Kulu, Ladakh).

The post-monsoon period: From early September the monsoon rain starts to decrease. By mid-October through to mid-December the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights and clear views. Daytime temperatures can reach 25-30 degrees Celsius at lower altitudes and decrease as you gain height. Over 3000 meters the daytime temperatures can vary as much as 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, and may be hotter or colder, depending on whether it is sunny or windy etc. At night at lower altitudes, temperatures do not normally drop much, although as you approach November it does get colder and the days shorter. Up high it can drop sharply at night, from 0 to minus 10 or 15 and more when camped on the ice or snow.

The pre-monsoon period:In March the cold, dry winter season begins to give way to warmer, wetter spring conditions. Mornings are usually clear with cloud build-up bringing occasional afternoon rainstorms. Views of the mountains in the middle of the day and afternoon may often be obscured. Daytime temperatures increase quickly in March with temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius and mild nights. At higher altitudes it is similar to the conditions of the post-monsoon period, however there is usually more snow, which has accumulated over the winter period. There are spectacular displays of rhododendrons and wildflowers at this time of year. Late spring conditions ie April and May, are generally hot at low elevations and as the clouds build up to the next monsoon, daily afternoon rainstorms are common.

List of Clothing Equipments & Personal Effects

Lightweight Trekking (walking) (Waterproof) boots and spare laces. If new one is being bought, “walk then in” to avoid blisters. Also bring spare laces.
A pair of track shoes for evening and walk around campsite.
Warm Jackets (Fiber fill or down) down should be adequate.
A rainproof jacket with hood or ponchos (Get guaranteed Waterproof)
Woolen shirts and thick sweaters.
A pair of lightweight/heavyweight trousers. Jeans are unsuitable to wear on treks.
Thermal underwear.
A tracksuit.
2 pair of loose fitting long shorts/skirts.
Few pairs of cotton T-shirts.
At least 1 lightweight long sleeved shirt is particularly to avoid sun born.
A woolen hat for morning and evening and Sun cap (Hat) during the day and ensure it has a wide brim to cover the face and neck..
A pair of gloves.
A pair of sandals to shower and campsite.
Few pair of thin and thick woolen socks.
Underwear: normal quantity and swimming costume.
Sleeping bags for night. (At least -20 Celsius)

Equipment and Accessories

Duffle bag or kit bag to carry gears while trekking. (We provide)
Daypack to carry personal day requirements. (25-30 Ltr) This is a small rucksack to carry personal requirement for the day
Water bottle.
Snow glasses and sunglasses.
2-5 large plastic bags to separate clean and dirty clothes. Some small plastic bags for garbage.
Toiletries with large and small towels. Toilet paper can be by in Kathmandu and some villages in the mountains.
Wallet or money belt with compartment for coins.
Headlamp or torch light with spare batteries and bulbs.Candles or lighter to burn toilet paper and to lit on.
Snow gaiters essential during winter and High Altitude trekking.
Walking poles. (If you like to have).
Camera with spare batteries and films
Reading materials, game items (optional), note book, rubber band, pen and pencil, envelopes, a diary, a calendar, a pocket knife, binoculars (optional), a small pillow or headrest (optional). Thermoses (optional)- an inflatable sleeping mat, trekking map, adequate quantities of passport photograph
First aid kit with enough Personal medicine.

Physically prepare yourself

It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of trekking. It is thus important that you assess your own condition and train accordingly. In general, the fitter you are, the easier it will be for you to handle the rigors of the trek. A well-rounded training program would include strength training, aerobic cross training, and hiking (ideally at high altitude but not necessary).

Mentally prepare yourself

Mental preparation is often overlooked. You should always keep a positive state of mind, but not ignore the signals your body sends you. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the most difficult parts of the trekachievable.

We will keep the packing list update asnew equipment becomes available. If you have reviews or suggestions please send us an email.

Trekking in Nepal need not be considered risky affair as far as your health is concerned. Nevertheless, preventive measures such as a through medical checkup and inoculations before you start trekking can save you from unexpected hazards. Since the remote places of Nepal are not supplied with necessities that are essential for modern medical facilities and as the rescue and evacuation are measured in days, it is imperative to make a comprehensive first aid box consisting of basic drugs and accessories as part of the paraphernalia for trekking. Modern dentistry is unknown in the hill of Nepal so it is advised to have a checkup before departure from home. Tooth fillings; sometimes loosen in cold temperatures and high altitudes, so it is recommended to have them checked. Travelers are requested to bring medicine prescribed by their doctor at home. Common medicine for stomach problems, headache, and malaria is available in Kathmandu. Medicine is usually not available in remote areas. So necessary medicine is advisable to carry with you. Before going to Nepal, it is advised to get injections against typhoid, meningitis and hepatitis.

OVERCOMING ALTITUDE PROBLEM:
This is often known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is particularly a matter of important medical consideration while trekking in the Himalayas. Altitude Sickness means the effect of altitude on those who ascend too rapidly to elevations above 3000 meters. Early mountain sickness will manifest itself in headache, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue; etc can be encountered as initials of the sickness. The major information source on prevention and treatment of the sickness is Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) and Adventure Treks Nepal (P). Ltd. is the confide life member of it. We assure every trekker that all our guides have followed the training conducted by HRA with the understated information.

CAUSE/FACTOR OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. Less Oxygen
2. Low Pressure i.e. Barometric Pressure
3. Rapid Ascent
4. Possible Dehydration
5. Hypothermia TYPE OF ALTITUDE SICKNESS

TYPES ALTITUDE SICKNESS
1. AMS - Acute Mountain Sickness
2. HAPE - High Altitude Pulmonary Edema
3. Hace - High Altitude Cerebral Edema

SYMPTOMS
1. (AMS) ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS
Mild symptom feels like hangover/not feeling good
a. Headache
b. Fatigue/Tiredness
c. Nausea
d. Shortness of breath
e. Loss of appetite
f. Sleep disturbance
g. Dizziness

2. (HAPE) HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (Water in lungs)
a. Increasing shortness of breath even at rest
b. Severe cough-dry/Productive
c. Very tired-Unusual fatigue while walking
d. High Pulse rate i.e. 110
e. Blueness of face, lips, finger nails that means inability to transport Oxygen into the blood

3. (HACE) HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (Water in the head)
Severe symptoms of altitude sickness
a. Severe Headache
b. Vomiting
c. Walking like a drunk (Ataxia)
d. Mental confusion/Altered mental status
e. Irritable-Does not want to be bothered by other people
f. Unconsciousness or Coma
TEST - Tandem walking test, Heel to toe step fall off from the line.

DECISION MAKING
1. Find out the main problem i.e. at altitude. Assume all problems are Altitude Sickness unless proven otherwise.
2. If it is an altitude problem with mild symptoms, stay at the same altitude until the symptoms are completely gone. Take an Aspirin tablet, try to go up but listen to your body. If symptoms are worsening, go down.

PREVENTION
1. Acclimatization: - After a 1000m. Ascent, stay one more night for acclimatization.
2. Do not make RAPID ASCENT; don't go too fast too high.
3. No alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking.
4. Drink more fluid 3-4ltrs a day… clean, boiled or treated water/tea/coffee/soup/juice etc.
5. Do not carry heavy packs.
6. Climb higher sleep lower.
7. Do not travel alone.

TREATMENT
1. DESCENT is the best medicine; do not wait for the Helicopter.
2. Medicine:
a. Oxygen.
b. Diamox…for AMS 125mg. Before dinner, for sleeping problem if feeling suffocated.
c. Nafedipine for HAPE
d. Steroids/Dexamethasone for HACE
3. Hyperbolic Bag - Gammow Bag
4. Golden Rules
a. Awareness of ALTITUDE SICKNESS
b. If you have mild symptoms, do not go higher. Take Aspirin.
c. If you have worsening symptoms, go down.
d. Do not leave your team member behind unattended, either trekker or porter.
5. IMPORTANT
a. Go up slowly.
b. Drink plenty of fluids (at least 3 liters per day)
c. Get all information about Altitude Sickness before your trekking tour that will make you confident to make your tour successful.

Our advice: Drink 3-4ltr of water minimum a day, don't exhaust yourself so much and breathe deep and take rest more than usual.