Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek explores the once independent kingdom and the ‘Last Forbidden City’ famous for its deserted landscape and uniquely shaped hills and mountains beside the unique culture that closely resembles Tibetan culture. Permitted in 1992 for entry to foreigners, Upper Mustang region hosts extensive barren valleys, ancient caves that hide mysteries of yesteryear and worn down canyons watched over by the snow-clad Himalayas such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche Peaks. Pay visit to the ancient monasteries and Gompas built at the edges of barren hills, observe the cultural marvel of Tiji Festival and explore the walled city of Lo-Manthang which is home to 5 storied Lo-Manthang Palace, ancient monasteries, and white-washed houses. Join the Upper Mustang Trek to traverse around unique cultured villages, beautiful apple orchards, farmlands and unique funeral rites that shall create a feeling of being to another world. Upper Mustang Trek begins with the short exploration of Kathmandu valley and reaches to the trailhead in Jomsom after a couple of flights to Pokhara, the Lake City of Nepal, and to Jomsom, the windy town in Mustang district, for the beginning of the trek.

This exploration continues, starting from the western bank of Kaligandaki River, the holy river that has Shaligram stone which is the symbolic representation of Lord Vishnu for the Hindus, and head on to Kagbeni which marks the entry into the mystical valley of Mustang. Traversing through the villages of Chele, Bhena, and Syangboche, we move further into the heart of the valley. Exploring the ups and downs of the arid trail and being watched over by the mountains, we head on to the famous walled city of Lo-Manthang after paying a visit to the Ghar Gompa, the oldest monastery in this region, and the biggest library of this region at Tsarang. Guarded by high walls and overlooking the vast arid landscape and mountains, stands the old Lo-Manthang Palace at the center of this region. Home to the last monarch of Mustang, Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista, Lo-Manthang Palace watches out three red-walled monasteries at the heart of the town, the caves at the hill slopes in the rim of the valley, and the ravines, rock shelves flanked by the snowy mountains. From the plateaus of Lo-Manthang bordering Tibet, we head on back to the Kaligandaki valley through the settlements of Yara, Tangge, Chhusang, and Ekle Bhatti before finally moving to Jomsom. Intermittently, we shall explore the traditional lifestyle of locals, savor the salt-butter tea, witness the ancient Teji Festival influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and go on an excursion around the scenic Pokhara valley. We then head to Kathmandu for ending the adventure.

Get the rare privilege of being on this ancient city and time travel to the world heritages of this rain shadow area in Upper Mustang Trek. Though trekking here can be done around the year, March to June and September to November are the preferred season for trekking here. Join this restricted trekking region with  Himalayan Holyland Treks and Expedition for quality service and experience the magic of Tibetan Buddhism, unique landscape and diverse flora and fauna of the region.