Mustang Valley Trek – 17 Days

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. Meal: Dinner)

On your arrival in Kathmandu International Airport, one of our representative will pick up you and escort you to the hotel as well as help you to check-in at hotel. After your refreshment, you will be briefed about the next day trip. In the evening, we, the Hiking Nepal will offer you a welcome dinner introducing Nepalese cuisine and culture.

Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing & trek preparation (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: Breakfast)

After your delightful breakfast, you will be introduced with guide and takes you to UNESCO Heritages sites of the valley where you will observe living heritage of Medieval Nepal - Witness the biggest Hindu temple of Nepal, Pashupatinath and capture the sacred moments of Hindu death ritual at Aryaghat in Pashupatinath. Stroll the lively streets of Kathmandu Old Market Asan to Kathmandu Durbar Square and visit the home of The Living Goddess Kumari, Nepalese style of Architecture as well as astonishing wooden carving. A short drive from Kathmandu Durbar Square will take you to a hill top stupa called as “Swyambhu” meaning “self -emerge” and belief that the hill emerged impulsively from the great lake that once covered Kathmandu valley.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Altitude: 823m/2,700ft Drive: 5/6 hrs. Meal: Breakfast)

Early morning, after breakfast, catch Tourist bus or we can also organize a private vehicle for you. Viewing countryside villages, farm, shops and river, you will reach at Pokhara. A beautiful place with tremendous views of mountains and lakes. You can also go for Boating at Fewa Lake. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2,858/9,374ft) (Altitude: Kagbeni: 2,858/9,374ft Jomsom: 2,715m/8,910ft Flight: 20 minutes Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Take an early morning flight to Jomsom over the mountains with the views of Mt. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri; you will land at tiny airstrip of a beautiful town, Jomsom. It is also a headquarters of Mustang region and a major village of the Kaligandaki valley that links the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt trade route to Tibet. After initial preparation of loads, begins trek to the pretty village of Kagbeni. Since, it will be very windy in the afternoon from Jomsom onwards, gradually starts trekking along the Kali-Gandaki River bed after crossing a suspension bridge in an easy trail. Grasp the closest view of the Mt. Dhauligiri, Mt. Tukuche, Mt. Nilgiri and the entire Annapurna massif in south. You will reach at a beautiful land with narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, wheat and barley field, a large red Gompa picturing the culture and nature if Upper Mustang. Kagbeni is a sacred place and a major junction of river Kagh Khola coming from Muktinath and Mustang Khola forming the River Kaligandaki. Here, at the north is a police station where you will need to complete a paperwork while entering to Upper Mustang- a forbidden region of Nepal. Spend overnight at local lodge.

Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele (Altitude: 3050m/10,004ft, Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Begins to walk up stream of the Kaligandaki River. On the way, catch the scenic photographs of some caves, and Gompa Kang. In the Upper Mustang, you will visit numerous monasteries of the Shakya-Pa sect, however, Kang Gompa is of Nyingma-Pa sect of Himalayan Buddhism. The trail you will follow will be the ups and downhill. You will reach at Tangbe for a while. Here you will see first black, white and red Chortens that symbolize the Upper Mustang. Tangbe is a tangle of narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. Walking for hours, you will reach at Chukkung, from here onwards, you will see the distinct change in topography, lifestyle as well as culture and people. Spots you encounters will be the brown landscape with patches of green. And continuing the trail towards north, you will reach at the river where, you have to cross a steel bridge that takes you to the ridge village Chele. Spend overnight at local lodge.

Day 06: Chele to Syanbochen, (Altitude: 3475m/11,398ft Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Today, you will have a climb in a steep trail and cross a Taklam-la Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft.) and Dajori la Pass (3735 m/12325 ft.). Walking through the plateaus and narrow stretches, you will view the mountains including Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. After crossing passes, descend down on a pleasant trail to Samar, situated in a grove of a poplar trees. It is a main place to stop for horses and mule caravans.  Then, following the ascending trail above Samar village, you will reach to a ridge and starts descending steeply to a stream. Walking for nearly 3 hours in ups and downhill, you will reach at Syanbochen. On the way, you will enjoy cool streams, juniper trees, Chortens and some caves including a famous cave known as Ranchung cave. Spend overnight at local lodge.

Day 07: Syanbochen to Ghami (Altitude: 3520m/11,546ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Starts walking gently in uphill trail to a huge village and descending for a while, you will reach at Geling. You will see the Tibetan style houses with walls of mud and stones and a roof with twigs, straw and a mixture of a mud and pebbles. From here, you will walk uphill through the mountain passes following the trail with poplar trees. Then, begins climbing to the Nyi-La Pass (4,010m/13,193ft.), would be a bit linger but interesting Viewing Mountains: Mustang, Annapurna and Nilgiri. The gentle descent from the pass will takes to a junction from where you will take left direction towards Ghami for overnight stay. Ghami is one of the largest village of Lo region surrounded by large fields, mostly barren. Spend overnight at local lodge.

Day 08: Ghami to Charang (Altitude: 3500m/11,480ft Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)

After breakfast, you trek starts with a pleasant walk crossing Ghami Khola. You will climb to a plateau and passes a longest Mani wall; then catching the trail towards east, you will continue to walk to the village of Charang. It is a large spread-out village with mess fields, willow trees and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the Charang Chu canyon. At the eastern end of the village, visit a huge white Dzong and Red Gompa that exhibits an excellent collection of ancient statues and Thankas. Spend overnight at local lodge.

Day 09: Charang to Lo-Mangthang (Altitude: 3700m/12,136ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Today, spend morning time exploring village of Charang and then get ready to trek for Lo-Manthang.  You will gently walk in downhill to Charang Chu Canyon and then steeply climb above the valley crossing a river and gently ascending to a windy pass (3850 m) of Lo for a beautiful view of Lo-Manthang. Then walking for a while you will reach to a large isolated Chortens which is the entry point of Lo Manthang. View the walled city of Lo Manthang with a single entrance on the north east corner. Spend overnight at local lodge.

Day 10: Explore the Lo-Mangthang (Altitude: 3700m/12,136ft. Meal: BLD)

Today, take your own time to explore the surrounding of Lo Manthang. The city has around 150 houses, temples and monasteries. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar that lies on a hill top and stands as an important center of local communities and even a local court. First, you can visit Namgyal Gompa and the make your next destination to Tingkhar which is the main village in the northwest corner of the Lo Manthang. You can also make your journey to the Tall Champa Lakhang “God House” that contains a huge clay statue of Buddha as well as wall painting of “Mandala”; Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of the city. Likewise, the four stoyred palace of King at the center and the panoramic view of the Himalayas makes your trip overwhelming. Spend Overnight at local lodge.

Day 11: Lo-Mangthang to Ghar Gumpa (Altitude: 3950 m/13035 ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Today, you will return from Lo Mangthang btaking the upper highland route. The trails offers a dramatic views of Lo Manthang and the Charang valley along with the background of snowcapped mountains. Just passing the settlements of Lo Gekar, you will reach at the oldest monastery of Mustang- the Ghar Gompa. Here you can scripture of Guru Padmasamvaba and the amazing rock paintings. The legend define those who visit this place will have good fortune and any wish made will be fulfilled. Spend overnight at Local Lodge.

Day 12: Ghar Gumpa to Ghiling (Altitude: 3806m/12,484ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

After breakfast, make your journey back to the Ghiling. It is a land with extensive barley fields. As like in all settlements in Mustang, you can see the white and ochre-painted houses constructed with mud and stones. The roofs are made of twigs, straw and a mixture of mud and pebbles. Hence, it will be dusty wind in afternoon, the better time to explore village would be either morning or evening. Spend overnight at Local lodge.

Day 13: Ghiling to Chele (Altitude: 3050m/10,004ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)

Today, you will retrace back to Chele following the trail downhill. Spend your time resting in the pleasing environment. Stay overnight at local lodge.

Day 14: Chele to Jomsom (Altitude: 2700/8,856ft. Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD)

It will be a long and a sad final day of your trek in the Mustang. Starts walking in the morning and pass back through Kagbeni to Jomsom for overnight stay. You can have good time with a nice hot shower. Celebrate final evening with Sherpas and porters and don’t missed to taste the “Marpha”, the local drink. Spend overnight at local lodge.

Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (Altitude: 823 m/2691 ft. Flight: 20 minutes Meal: B)

Take a spectacular early morning flight to Pokhara. It will be a 20 minutes dramatic flight between gorge of two giant mountains- Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhauligiri. On your arrival at airport in Pokhara, you will be escorted to the Hotel. Rest of the time, enjoy at your own exploring beautiful Pokhara city. Spend overnight at Hotel.

Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: B/D)

You can either fly or drive to Kathmandu based on your feasibility and comfort. During flight, you can reach Kathmandu within 30 minutes after departure from Pokhara. Whilst, driving will takes around 7 hours to reach Kathmandu, however, you can grasp the countryside life. The 1st half of the trip is along the highway above Seti and Marsyandi Rivers and the latter half winds along Trisuli River. Green hills along the spiral roads, stopping in between for snacks (fish) are the trip highlights. Upon arriving at Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel in the city. Take your time for refreshment. Evening, we, Hiking Nepal team, invite you for a dinner. Give us chance to make your evening a wonderful time.

Day 17: Departure from Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: B)

Our tour officer will pick you up from your hotel three hours prior to your departure time. You will be escorted in a private vehicle to the airport for your final departure. Have a safe flight home.

Dates and Cost

Note : Set your own departure date if you have a group size of 2 packs or more.

Cost Include

1. Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop off service by a private tourist vehicle.
2. Standard twin-sharing accommodation in a three-star hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast (3 nights).
3. Basic guesthouse accommodation during the trek in mostly twin-share and occasionally dormitory-style rooms (6 nights).
4. Local licensed English-speaking trekking guide.
5. The required number of local staff and porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests.)
6. Food, accommodation, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
7. Everest National Park permits and TIMS permit for trekking.
8. Airfare from Kathmandu – Lukla - Kathmandu including airport departure tax in Kathmandu and Lukla airports.
9. All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
10. Official expenses.

 Cost Exclude

1. Dinner and lunch in Kathmandu except for welcome and farewell dinner. 
2.  Your personal expenses for mineral water, soft beverages ,confectionaries ,laundries, phone calls, hot drinking water, barbills, showers etc. 
3. Internet facility, battery chargers, multi plugs etc. 
4. Extra baggage excess while flying to Lukla.
5. Extra porter if you require. 
6. Personal trekking equipments.
7. Your travel insurance that covers Helicopter evacuation.
8. Medical expenses and trip cancellation. 
9. Any other extended trips and accommodation.
10. Tips of guide, porters and driver as  a token of appreciation. 
11. Monument entrance fee for sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.
12. Any other expenses or charges that are not mentioned in “cost includes” list. 
13. Nepal arrival visa.
14.  

Passport and Visas:
First, be sure you have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity from return date.  You can obtain visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or up on arrival in Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visas cost USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days till date.

Get the required visa for Nepal.
You can get Nepal visa prior to arrival from the Nepalese Embassy at your home country. Likewise, you can easily get an up on arrival visa at Kathmandu airport and other different borders from Nepal. This is for those who travel from India and Tibet. For more information and download please visit Nepal Visa Information.

Bring Official Papers
Some of the required official documents are your valid passport, 4 extra passport sized photographs (for trekking permits), travel insurance, airline tickets and luggage tags. Visas can be obtained upon entry into Nepal. For detail information we request you to visit our visa page.

Money & Credit card Info
We find that most of the credit card, master and visa card is blocked from your card provider. It may be because of a security reason. It, sometimes, may bring you in problematic situation that you can't get money from ATMs and that you find difficult to pay for your treks and tour. To find yourself free from this problem, you can call to your card provider before you travel to Nepal and inform there that you are traveling to Nepal. Ensure them to give the authorization for the payment. In Nepal you have to pay 3.5 % credit card commission s per Nepal Bank rules, on top of your payable amount for the trek cost.  So, please be sure that you bring some cash in USD to pay us. Likewise, be sure you have brought some small amount for your daily expenses as well as for those items which are not included in our cost. We request you not to change money in the Airport. The exchange rate is very low there. Our office provides you the facility to change your money. Or, you can take help from Money Changers in Thamel.

Travel Insurance:
Our clients must have comprehensive travel insurance package. Their insurance must cover against medical, personal accident, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, lost of gears, natural calamity, theft of or damage to baggage etc.

Who can trek?
No special degree of fitness is required and that there is no age barrier. However, in the areas over 3000m altitude, extra care should be taken. One can trek who have strong legs and the spirit for adventure to explore the exotic will enjoy the thrills of trekking in the hills of Nepal. Normally, for weary trekkers we have a list of short, easy and exotic treks and for the experienced trekkers we offer a longer trek with lots of excitement and adventure. We encourage all men and women, families, students and professionals around the world to enjoy the enchanting trekking in Nepal. You can join us as an individual team member or with your own group. We commit to arrange a best trekking that delight you in the Nepal Himalayas. If you can have fun walking for 3-6 hours up and down hills to Nepal, pack your luggage and join us for an exhilarating and unforgettable journey. All the necessary things for your trekking will be arranged by us. What you can do is to enjoy the beautiful scenery and magnificent view of Nepal Himalayas.

Clothing and Equipment for Traveling in Nepal
Trekking in the Himalayas need to arrangement of equipment as you have to find yourself comfortable at higher altitude. The basic clothing item that you are expected to be prepared with are well described here. Remember that excess baggage is likely to be a burden for yourself and your supporting staff. "Pack light, but pack right", is our motto. This will allow you to enjoy a comfortable journey with your energies and enthusiastic zeal focused on the exploration of this enchanting Nepal scenic beauty. Please visit here for Clothing and Equipment list.

Buying and Renting Equipment in Kathmandu
It is not really necessary to spend large amount of money buying extra equipment and clothing prior to your trip. It is because most of the trekking equipment can be hired from many adventure shops within Kathmandu. Most of the gear is locally manufactured (hence a lot cheaper). Some Chinese gear are likely to be more expensive but qualitative. Sleeping bag and down jacket are easily rented. Each item can be rented for less than USD 1, for a day. You have to manage other items buying them yourself. However, these items are more likely to be cheaper than those in your hometown. We will arrange all the necessary items you need on the second day of your arrival. 

Vaccination for Nepal
All travelers should consult with their physician or update on vaccination requirements before travel. (Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities) For traveling to Nepal; we recommend you to take a vaccination of Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies etc, it is not really must but recommended.

How to Book
While you chose which trip you wanted to go with, contact us to our head office Thamel Kathmandu Nepal by mail or phone, email is more easy and clear options, as soon as we get your email or call we will process for your booking. We need 20% booking amount to confirm your booking, the payment can be made through the Bank transfer, Credit card payment (Master/Visa card) or through online money transfers also Money Gram, Western Unions or others. After we get the 20% amount we will confirm your booking and you will get the official booking and payment receipt. The final balance for the tour will be paid up on arrival in Kathmandu.