Upper Mustang

                                        
                                        destination
                                        Upper Mustang
                                    
                                        duration
                                        19 Days
                                    
                                        grade
                                        Moderate
                                    
                                        start/end point
                                        Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                    
                                        max altitude
                                        4230m
                                    
                                        meal
                                        Available
                                    
                                        accommodation
                                        Teahouse/ Lodge
                                    
                                        season
                                        Mar to June / August to Oct

Overview

Upper Mustang used to be a kingdom in ancient times when there were many kingdoms in Nepal, which was founded by Ame Pal in 1380 AD. It used to be an independent country until the time of the unification of Nepal by Prithvi Narayan Shah (18th century), the king of Gorkha. After that, it became a province of Nepal but kept hereditary. The hereditary continued till 2008 when the monarchy was overthrown and the country was declared a republic. Jigme Palbar Bista was the last Gyelpo (Raja or King) in 2008, who was the 25th direct descendant of Ame Pal.
Upper Mustang was closed to tourists till 1992 AD. It was opened for tourists in 1992 AD. However, it is still on the list of special permits required region among the trekking destinations of Nepal. The whole region is dominated by the Sakya Pa sect of Tibetan Buddhism. There are more than 18 ancient monasteries in Upper Mustang. The people from Upper Mustang are called Loba, which means people from Lowland. They are still practicing the ancient and unique culture and tradition and following the ancient lifestyle. You feel you are back in your grandparents’ time when you enter the area.
Naturally, the whole region is so beautiful that words also fail to describe its outstanding beauty. You can see hundreds of ancient caves, forts, castles, monasteries, and old houses. The total area of the Upper Mustang is 2020 square kilometers. The whole area lies behind of Greater Himalayas on the west side. Being behind of greater Himalayas, it is in a rain shadow area so it does not rain. The landscapes are tree-less and the grey Rocky Mountains. However, you can see green sceneries (Himalayan Oasis) nearby the settlements where people use to live. Because of these reasons, Mustang is also called Hidden Paradise or Shangri –la. You will get the value of money if you plan to make your trip to Upper Mustang. You are always heartily welcome to Mustang.

Trip Highlights

Historical, cultural city of the heritage places in Kathmandu valley
Scenic flight or drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara
Lake city of Pokhara that looks like the Human Paradise
Thrilling breathtaking and eye-catching flight to between Pokhara and Jomsom
Explore the ancient Himalayan Kingdom
Ancient and isolated village
Welcoming Lobas (People), their culture, tradition & unique lifestyle
Ancient Buddhist monasteries
Ancient Caves, Forts and Castles
Views of beautiful Himalayan Shangri La, Himalayan Oasis
Wall City of Lo Manthang
Deepest gorge Kali Gandaki and Kali Gandaki River
Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Tilicho, Khrikuti Peak and Damodar Kunda

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive to Kathmandu (1350m), transfer to Hotel

You will be greeted by a representative of “Rai Treks and Expedition Pvt Ltd”; at Tribhuvan International Airport when you arrive in the country of breathtaking mountains and temple-filled metropolis. Our personnel will accompany you to your Hotel where you will overnight for 2 nights. In the evening, we will host a dinner program in a traditional Nepali restaurant as well as offer you a briefing on the trekking itinerary. Attending the welcome meeting is crucial because this is when we will be gathering information about your insurance and next of kin. Please notify the front desk of your hotel or travel agency if you anticipate being late.

Day 2: Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu and trek preparation day in Kathmandu

SIGHTSEEING INCLUDES:

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE

Pashupatinath is one of the most significant and the biggest Hindu temples of Shiva in the world, which is in the heart of Kathmandu nearby the airport. There is no certain data how old the temple is, however; it is believed that the site had been existed since 400 BC. The current temple was built in 1692 CE. Shiva is the God of Gods symbolizing the “destruction” among three main Gods according to Hinduism – Brahma, Bishnu and Maheshwor (Shiva). Brahma creates living things, Bishnu preserves them and Shiva destroys them at the end. Pashupatinath is listed in the World Heritage site in the lists of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was enlisted in 1979 AD. Pashupatinath is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams (Holy Abodes of Shiva)..

BOUDHANATH STUPA

It is also called Baudha, is the larget spherical stupa in the world. It was built in the 6th century CE, in the Licchavi regime. It was expanded around the 14th century. It is situated in the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, about 6 km from far from the heart of Kathmandu, Thamel. It was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979AD. Buadhanath is one of the popular places to visit on your visit to Nepal.

SWAYAMBHUNATH (MONKEY TEMPLE)

It is also called Monkey temple as you can see hundreds of monkeys around there when you visit there, which is the oldest religious site in Nepal. It was built in the 6th century CE, in the Licchavi regime. It was expanded around the 14th century. There is no enough proof when it was built, however; it is believed that it was built around 2500 years ago. It is also believed that it was created itself at the beginning so it is named Swayam (self) bhu (earth) nath (god) – which means it is created itself from the earth. It was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979AD. It is situated around 3 km far from Thamel, in the west direction. Swayambhunath is one of the popular places to visit on your visit to Nepal.

Day 3: Fly or Drive to Pokhara (830m)

Day 4: Fly to Jomsom (2743m), meet the crews and trek to Kagbeni (2850m)

Day 5: Trek to Chaile (3050m)

Day 6: Trek to Syangmochen (3800m)

Day 7: Trek to Tsarang (3630m)

Day 8: Trek to Lo-Manthang (3975m)

Day 9: Explore Lo-Mantang/ Acclimatization day

Day 10: Trek back to Tsarang

Day 11: Trek to Yara (3607m)

Day 12: Exploration day

Day 13: Trek to Tangge (3240m)

Day 14: Trek to Chhusang

Day 15: Trek back to Kagbeni

Day 16: Trek back to Jomsom

Day 17: Fly to Pokhara (830m)

Day 18: Drive back to Kathmandu - check into the Hotel

Day 19: Final departure for your home country

Inclusion / Exclusion

Inclusion

All airport transfers in Kathmandu and in Pokhara, on private vehicle
3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu at Standard Hotel in Bed & Breakfast Basis
Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu including all transportation and entry permit to enter to the Heritage sites
2 nights accommodation in Pokhara at Standard Hotel on Bed and Breakfast Basis
All transportations as per the dossier on private vehicle
Trek on Full Board Basis (BLD - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Hot drink - tea/coffee) and accommodation in the Lodge during the trek.
Trekking Permit, National Park & TIMS card fee
1 professional English speaking guide including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
1 assistant guide between the team of 5 people including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
1 porter between two people including all his meals, transportation and daily wages
All insurance for trekking crew members
Medical kits including basic medicines for the trekking crew members
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

Exclusion

International Airfare
Nepal Entry Visa Fee, which is USD50 for 30 days and USD30 for 15 days
Personal Insurance (Travel, Emergency Medical, Rescue)
Personal Trekking Gears, extra expenses Phone Calls, Laundry, Bar Bills, Battery Recharge, Internet etc.
Main meals (lunch & dinner) in Kathmandu and in Pokhara
Tips for trekking staff and drivers. It is not mandatory but it is customary in Nepal.