The region is also called as the ‘Last Forbidden Kingdom’ (organized treks just started discovering the region in 1992, and numbers are restricted through an average of less than 1,000 visiting every year) and it is steeped in peaceful Tibetan Buddhist culture with ages old monasteries, traditional villages and cave dwellings high up on the cliffs, and also the amazing architecture on view at the walled city of Lo Manthang (capital of Mustang region). Upper-Mustang-Trekking into the isolated Trans-Himalayan Region of this semi-independent Tibetan Kingdom provides an adventurous 15 day itinerary with amazing trekking through striking semi-arid desert with vivid rock structure, deep ravines and snow-capped mountains nearby you.
The history, culture, myth and legend blends excellently with the amazing scenery. In general usage, the name Mustang refers to the arid Tibet-like region at the northern end of the Kali Gandaki (known to its inhabitants as Lo). Mustang has a long, wealthy and complex history which makes it one of the most fascinating locations in Nepal. The early history of Lo is shrouded in legend, myth and mystery, but there are records of activities in Lo as early as the 8th century. In Lo itself the isolated area corresponds to the Tibetan plateau with its countless expanses of yellow and grey rolling hills eroded by wind. There is more rain in the lower region of upper Mustang and the hills tend to be great red fluted cliffs of tiny round stones cemented together by mud.
Villages are many hours apart and become visible in the distance nearly as mirages; at the time of summer season, after the crops are planted, they are green oasis in the desert-like landscape. Upper-Mustang-Trekking visits Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, then through a stark landscape in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif to Lo-Mustang, the seat of the past Kings of the kingdom of Lo. Discover caves, rock paintings, monasteries, and gompa and understand something regarding the culture of this region. Panoramic vistas of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and others, are very much part of this thrilling trek! Within Lo Manthang itself, a visit to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar, the last significant village in the northwest of the region, as well as the King’s palace, brings a further cultural understanding for the region.
There is also an amchi (traditional Tibetan doctor) museum and school where travelers can understand this age- old healing art and how it is being adapted to meet modern-day circumstances. A few hours’ walk from Lo Manthang is Gyakar, with its popular Gompa. Ghar Gompa is over 1,200 years old, and is devoted to Guru Rinpoche, who visited these areas then. The trek is at a proportionately high elevation (3,000m to 3,800m), extended by the dry air. Binjuli Adventure provides Upper-Mustang-Trekking and if you are interested for the most beautiful landscapes in Upper Mustang then join us, we will have the most memorable trek.
Spring (March, April, May)
The best time to accomplish the Upper-Mustang-Trekking plus Muktinath is during the spring season. Your journey will be very memorable since Mustang is in its most gorgeous form at this time of year. One of Upper Mustang’s most well-known activities, the three-day Tiji festival, occurs during May. Throughout this event, the Chode Monastery provides a number of rituals and traditional dance performances. If you travel to Mustang during spring, you will take part in the Tiji Festival. All over the entire spring season for the year, new plant buds and blooms can be visible. You will be covered by the magnificent beauty of nature on your way to Mustang.
Autumn (September, October, November)
Autumn is another great time to go on the Upper-Mustang-Trekking involving Muktinath. Autumn in Mustang is consistently dry and chilly. Since the sky is clearer, you can view a broad range of peaks, involving Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri, and many more mountain ranges. Your vacation to Upper Mustang would be easier if you visit Nepal in the autumn. It is also necessary to make reservations for your flights and accommodation well in advance if you are arranging to discover Mustang during autumn as it is the busiest trekking time.
Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.
Transfer to your hotel and have a pre-trek briefing.
Take a scenic drive or flight to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city.
Explore Pokhara and make final preparations for the trek.
Fly to Jomsom, the gateway to the Mustang region.
Trek to Kagbeni, a charming village with ancient architecture.
Trek to Chele, passing through the Kali Gandaki River valley.
Encounter traditional Mustangi villages along the way.
Trek through the Taklam La Pass.
Explore the village of Samar and continue to Syanbochen.
Trek to Ghami via the Yamda La Pass.
Visit the ancient monastery and enjoy the unique landscape.
Trek to Charang, passing through the Tsarang La Pass.
Explore the ancient Charang village and its monasteries.
Trek to Lo Manthang, the capital of the Mustang region.
Explore the walled city, visit monasteries, and experience the local culture.
Spend a couple of days exploring Lo Manthang.
Visit the King’s Palace, monasteries, and interact with the locals.
Trek to Drakmar via the Lo La Pass.
Visit the Ghar Gompa and enjoy the scenic beauty.
Trek to Ghiling, passing through picturesque landscapes.
Visit the ancient monastery in Ghiling.
Trek back to Chhuksang, retracing your steps.
Enjoy the unique Mustang landscape once again.
Trek back to Jomsom.
Reflect on the incredible journey through the Mustang region.
Fly back to Pokhara.
Relax and celebrate the completion of the trek.
Drive or fly back to Kathmandu.
Enjoy your last day in Nepal.
