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- Duration
- 19 Days
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- Transportation
- Car & Tourist Bus
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- Trip Grade
- Moderate
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- Max-Altitude
- 4010m/13156ft
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- Accomodation
- Teahouse & Hotel
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- Meals
- B|L|D on Trek, |B| in Kathmandu and Pokhara
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- Best Season
- Spring (March to May)
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- Distance
- 127 km/79 miles
Trekking to the forbidden kingdom of Nepal takes you to the ancient capital of Lopas (People of Lo or Mustang) Upper Mustang which nestles at the rainshadow of majestic Dhaulagiri
Mustang, a long-lost kingdom, implies the aura of mystery and seclusion. So, this hidden kingdom can be fascinating to those who crave wilderness and exploration. Mustang has a long rich complex history that makes it one of the interesting places in Nepal. Despite the mysterious and legendary early history, the activities at Mustang have been recorded as early as the eighth century.
The inhabitants of Lomanthang- the capital of Mustang would boastfully call them Lopa which refers to the people of Lo. The religion practiced at Lo is Tibetan Buddhism of the Sakyapa sect. In Lo itself the countryside resembles the Tibetan plateaus with endless expanses of yellow and grey rolling hills eroded by wind. Villages are several hours apart and houses are constructed with fewer stones but with more sun-baked bricks and mud. Astonishing constructions of high city walls and a palace up to four stories are undoubtedly worthwhile watches in Lo. The trek to this forbidden kingdom begins at Kagbeni after two hours of walking from Jomsom.
Upper Mustang Trek Trip Highlights
- Unique Landscape: The rainshadow region of the Upper Mustang features a barren, desert-like terrain, deep gorges, caves, and towering cliffs.
- Tibetan Culture: The strong influence of the Tibetan culture over the past several centuries has left a wealth of rich culture, traditions, and architecture to be discovered in the various villages along the trek.
- Fascinating Caves: Several caves (popular as ‘Sky Caves’) including the Chhoser (Jhong) Caves, a multi-storied man-made cave system, Chungsi, Ritseling, and Niphu Caves, among others.
- Detailed exploration of the historic walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of the 14th-century forbidden kingdom of Lo including the eastern and western valleys.
- Ancient Monasteries: Historical monasteries including the Lo Gekar Monastery (Ghar Gompa), Jampa Monastery, and the Thubchen Monastery renowned for their impressive murals and frescoes, including a detour trip to the Luri and Yara Gompas.
- Off-the-beaten path: While a significant section of the Upper Mustang trail crisscrosss motorable road, this route also takes you to the remote sections that are away from the motorable road, offering a much-secluded experience.
- Himalayan Views: The stunning views of the Himalayan range such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Mustang Himal can be enjoyed along the trek.
01Arrival in Kathmandu
02Sightseeing Tour of Kathmandu Valley and trek preparation
03Drive to Pokhara; Evening boating at Fewa Lake
04Fly to Jomsom (2710m / 8891ft), ~20 minutes; trek to Kagbeni (2800m / 9186ft), 3 to 4 hours
05Trek to Chele (3050m / 10006ft), 5 to 6 hours
06Trek to Syangboche (3800m / 12467ft, 6 to 7 hours trek
07Trek to Ghami (3520m / 11549ft), 6 to 7 hours trek
08Trek to Tsarang (3550m / 11647ft), 6 to 7 hours
09Trek to Lo-Manthang (3800m / 12467ft), 5 to 6 hours
10Explore around and Day Hike to Lomanthang eastern valleys and return to Lomanthang
11Day hike to Lomanthang western valleys and return to Lomanthang
12Trek to Surkhang (3400m / 11155ft), 4 to 5 hours
13Day Hike to Lori Gompa and Yara Gompa (Monastery), 3950m / 12959ft and back to Surkhang, 4 to 6 hours
14Trek to Tange (3240m / 10630ft), 4 to 5 hours
15Trek to Tetang (3040m / 9974ft), 4 to 5 hours trek
16Trek to Muktinath (3800m / 12467ft), 6 to 7 hours trek, drive to Jomsom (2700m / 8858ft), ~1 hour drive
17Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and overnight at Pokhara
18Drive to Kathmandu; Evening farewell dinner
19Depart Kathmandu
- Airport pick-up and drop
- 3 nights accommodation in Apsara Hotel, Kathmandu or Similar – 3 Star Standard (Breakfast Included)
- 2 nights accommodation in Hotel Batika, Pokhara or Similar – 3 Star (Breakfast Included)
- Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu transfer on a Deluxe Tourist Bus
- Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara flight with airport transfers
- 13 nights of accommodation in Local Tea Houses during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner Included)
- Accompany of Licensed English-speaking trekking guide for the entire trip (Trained in First-Aid and Emergency Evacuation)
- One porter for every two clients (13 Kg luggage per person) – salary, insurance, and personal expenses covered
- A cup of tea/coffee (three times a day) and seasonal fruits after dinner on the trek
- Attached bathrooms and hot showers wherever available
- Muktinath to Jomsom drive on a Shard jeep (Day 16)
- Trekking permit, Mustang restricted area permit, and AnnapurnaConservation Area Permit for the trek
- First-Aid box with medicines (Carried and handled by the guide)
- Private AC vehicle during the sightseeing tour
- Accompany of Licensed, English-speaking, well-experienced city tour guide with salary and personal expenses covered during the sightseeing tour
- All applicable government charges
- Farewell dinner at a fine restaurant in Kathmandu
- Certificate of Adventure after the completion of the trek
- Chlorine solution/tablets for water purification on the trek
- Complimentary Duffel bag, Access T-shirt, and Map of Trekking area as souvenirs
- Free service of borrowing Down Jacket and Sleeping bags, (rated up to – 20 degrees Celsius)
- Arrangements for Emergency Helicopter evacuation services (paid by your Travel insurance company)
- Nepal Visa and International airfare
- Travel Insurance (Compulsory) – must cover helicopter evacuation, medical expenses, and Trip Cancellation charges
- Meals in Kathmandu except for breakfast and farewell dinner
- Personal equipment and other personal expenses such as beverages, confectionaries, laundries, etc.
- Monument Entrance fees during the sightseeing tour
- Extra meals, extra porterage service, Wi-Fi, charging of your electronic devices, etc.
- Tips to your guide, porters, driver, and other field staff as a token of appreciation
- Any other expenses or charges not mentioned in the ‘Trip Includes’ list
Our groups are small with maximum 14 people. We create groups of independent travelers, friends and families which maintains close interpersonal connection, engage more and get into depth of the journey. Choose a date from the calendar to reserve your spot.
Passport & visa requirements
All visitors to Nepal (except Indian nationals) require an entry visa. Please make sure you have a visa to cover the entire length of your trip, including buffer days. A 30-day visa adequately covers the trip duration for most of our packages. Visa can be acquired at your local Nepalese Embassy or consulate or on arrival in Kathmandu. However, some Asian and African nationalities are required to obtain a visa in advance. It is better to obtain the visa prior to your arrival to avoid delays at the airport. The visa is valid for 6 months.
On Arrival Visa Fee:
Multiple entry 15 Days – 30 USD
Multiple entry 30 Days – 50 USD
Multiple entry 90 Days – 125 USD
Note: It is advisable to carry some cash (in US$ or other major currencies) to pay for the visa fee. Traveler’s cheques are not accepted.
Click here to stay updated on any changes in rules and regulations.
Click here to download the online visa application.
Please make sure the validity of your passport is 6 months post your arrival in Nepal. We recommend that you keep with you a photocopy of your passport separate from the original to help you in case you lose your passport. It is mandatory to carry your passport on the trek with you as it is required for internal flights.
Permits required for a trek in the Annapurna Region
Access Nepal would obtain all required permits for trekking on your behalf. Also, the costs of permits are already included in your package cost. No extra payment is required to obtain them. The following information has been compiled for your understanding.
To embark on a trek in the Annapurna region, you need to secure two permits: an Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit and a TIMS permit. In the case of restricted regions, a restricted area permit would be required instead of the TIMS permit in addition to the Annapurna Conservation Area permit.
Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit
The charge is NPR 2000 for international trekkers and NPR 200 for SAARC nationals. The charges are per person per entry.
The Annapurna Conservation Area is the largest in Nepal spanning 7,629 sq. km. It offers a safe haven to 1,226 species of flowering plants, 105 mammals, 518 birds, 40 reptiles, and 23 amphibians. It is also home to people from several cultures and ethnic groups.
TIMS Card
The charge is NPR 2000 for international trekkers and NPR 1000 for SAARC nationals. The charges are per person per entry.
Accommodation
Accommodation during the trek will be mountain lodges run by local entrepreneurs. The rooms on offer generally include two single beds with a mattress, warm blanket, and pillow each, accommodating two persons. The rooms are reasonably decent and clean given the remoteness of the trekking regions. At most of the camps especially in lower regions along the Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit trails, an attached bath with a hot shower is offered. The rest of the camps have common bathrooms. At higher camps (like Deurali and Himalaya in the ABC trail and Thorung Phedi along the Circuit trail), although we would do our best to avail a separate room, you might have to manage in dormitory-styled rooms, in case separate rooms are not available, especially during busy seasons.
Food
The package includes one course each of breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a cup of tea/coffee. Most of the teahouses on the trail (with the exception of more remote ones) offer some variety of Nepali, Oriental, and Western cuisine. Breakfast options include cereals (oat porridge, muesli, cornflakes, roasted barley or wheat flour), bread (toast, sandwiches), pancakes, eggs, and chapatti (Indian-styled wheat bread). As for lunch and dinner: dal-bhat (staple Nepali food comprising a set of steamed rice, vegetable curry, and lentil soup), hashbrowns, mashed potato, noodles, dumplings, spaghetti, soup, and pizza among others. Breakfast and dinner would be served at the lodge/teahouse that we overnight in. We would stop for lunch at one of the teahouses in between the day’s trek. After dinner, some fruits will be provided.
Your guide can advise you on the best diet to maintain sound health and fitness levels. If you have a special dietary requirement (vegetarian, vegan, food allergies, etc.), please communicate it to your guide so that necessary arrangements can be made. Additional orders would attract extra costs payable directly to the respective lodge.
It is worth noting that most of the places on the trek are deprived of electricity and they do not have proper refrigeration facilities. Therefore, it is recommended that you maintain a vegetarian diet during your trek as the meat available may not be fresh.
As transport of supplies to the mountain lodges and teahouses involves considerable manual labor and costs, trekkers are expected to be extra careful to keep the wastage of food to a minimum.
Drinking Water
While on trek, please drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Dehydration while on a trek can lead to fatigue and other unpleasant experiences that can take the fun out of trekking. It is advisable to drink at least 3 to 4 liters of water a day, mostly during the daytime. Please carry a water bottle along and some water purification pills which can be bought at the shops in Thamel. You may refill your bottles at the lodge or at natural water sources. Please, only fill in places that your guide recommends as safe. Also, please make sure you purify it before drinking. If available, you can also buy bottled water at the lodges where you stay. Please note that the cost of bottled water increases as you reach higher. It may cost from USD 1 to around USD 4 per 1 liter bottle.
How often to drink water?
Drink half a liter of water as you wake up on an empty stomach. You can have another half-liter within an hour of waking up. When you start trekking, have regular sips of water in brief intervals before you experience dryness in your mouth. Your water intake while trekking should be 1.5 to 2 liters. When you feel tired, take a break and hydrate. When you reach your campsite, have a liter of water in small breaks.
Nepalese Currency for personal (extra) expenses
It is advisable for you to carry extra cash for your personal expenses. As far as possible, please carry the cash in Nepalese rupees from Kathmandu itself, so that you get a fair exchange rate. The amount of money to carry with you depends on your personal spending habits. However, we suggest you carry cash in Nepalese rupees equivalent to USD 15 to 20 per person, per day.
Health and safety concerns
When it comes to offering a fulfilling trek or a safe one, we tip a little in favor of safety. As you ascend higher, chances are, you may be affected by altitude sickness (also, Acute Mountain Sickness). We strictly follow certain safety guidelines that ensure a gratifying, but more importantly, safe trek for our guests. Although the itinerary itself has been designed to allow your body 2 days of rest and acclimatization in appropriate intervals and the average walking hours have been set at a comfortable 5-7 hours a day, we do take extra precautions to avert any health issues during and after the trek. Our experienced trekking guides are also trained in ‘Mountain sickness and first aid’ and know how to prevent mountain sicknesses and also act in case of emergencies.
Pre-trek check-up
We urge you to get yourself medically examined before taking on the trekking challenge. Please make sure you are cleared by your doctor to make this trip, which involves flying, hiking and trekking. If you are given a conditional clearance or have a special medical condition (asthma and others) or allergy that may be induced in specific conditions, be sure to let us know in full detail so that we can plan accordingly.
Physical fitness
Although the trek is not technically challenging, a prior experience of altitude hike/trek is preferred. A good level of mental and physical fitness needs to be developed and maintained. It is advisable to train your body at least two months prior to the trek with cardiovascular workouts. Practice hikes with a pack of weight roughly equivalent to your actual pack would be really helpful. While on trek, do not let your determination wither, and maintain a positive attitude at all times.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness or Acute Mountain Sickness can be triggered in high altitudes (generally higher than 2400m/7874ft) where there is less oxygen than in lower altitudes. It happens when you ascend much height in a short time before your body can adjust to the change. Symptoms which take anywhere between 6 hours to a few days to develop, include severe, persistent headache, coughing, pressure in the chest, shortness of breath even while at rest, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite, and others. The illness may cause a medical emergency, especially when the condition worsens to High altitude cerebral edema (HACE) or High-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE).
AMS DO’s
- Stay hydrated. Drink frequently in small quantities before the onset of common symptoms of dehydration which include thirst, dry lips, nose or mouth, headache, and fatigue.
- Make sure you eat well, ensuring at least a light meal (soup or others) when you lose your appetite which is a common occurrence in high-altitude regions.
- Follow your guide’s instructions and monitor your body’s responses to the cold and altitude.
- Acclimatize properly and take rest days when necessary.
- Stay clear of smoking and alcohol consumption at all costs.
- Avoid strenuous exercise.
- Take a first aid kit containing medication for altitude sickness and other common illnesses.
- Medication like Diamox may be taken prior to the trek upon consultation with your physician.
AMS DON’Ts
- Do not climb up too high too quickly. Avoid walking at a hurried pace and do not ignore your rhythm of breathing. Slow and steady with calm breathing is the way to go.
- Do not overcommit yourself which might risk altitude sickness or injury.
- Do not wander away without your guide knowing.
- Do not skip your meals.
Environment, Local Culture and Lifestyle
The Annapurna Mountain range is a significant part of the great Himalayan range, consisting of one peak over 8,000 meters high – Mt. Annapurna (8,091m), 16 peaks above 7,000 m, and 13 peaks over 6,000m. The glaciers feed numerous springs, streams, and rivers which in turn instills life in the hills and basins down below. The varied geographical terrain ranging from the deepest gorge to the high Himalayas, high altitude freshwater lakes to the hilly hot springs, and mountain deserts to the largest rhododendron forests make for a wide possibility of hiking terrains. The biological diversity of the area is protected by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project. Trekkers are urged to abide by the rules and regulations and play a part in the preservation of the pristineness of the region for future generations.
Blessed with perennial rivers, majestic mountain scenery, and fertile earth, people identifying with diverse ethnicities and cultures have thrived here for centuries. As diverse as the landscape, the cultural experience is no exception. The Gurung, Magar, Tamang, Brahmin, Chhetri, Thakali, Manangi, and Tibetan ethnic groups dwell here and have their own unique sets of language, culture, lifestyle, festivals, and dances. The flamboyant annual festival of Tiji celebrated in Lo Manthang is unique in this region. It is a 3-day festival celebrated during April-May to commemorate the saving of the ancient Mustang kingdom from destruction and the victory of good over evil. Other major national festivals are also celebrated here–Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Lhosar, and Maghe Sankranti, to name a few. The lifestyle here is as diverse as the culture and landscape. While agriculture, livestock, and trade are major occupations of the inhabitants, the population engaged in businesses and services assisting tourism activities also makes up a significant stratum. Being a mountainous region, lodge operators, expedition leaders, trek leaders, porters, and camping cooks are some of the roles that you would find the population here engaged in.
The communities here cherish and maintain a close affinity to nature. They approach the natural environment with a sense of reverence. Some communities have a deity and maintain a shrine in their locality. The locals are friendly and welcoming and love to have guests come over. However, while exploring the Annapurna region, visitors are expected to be respectful of cultural sensitivities.
Electricity and Charging of your devices on trek
Some of the lodges (in more remote areas) are powered by solar panels and the energy supply is limited. You may be required to pay a minimum price (USD 1 to 3 per full charge) for charging the cell phones and other electronic devices which will be directly collected by the lodge owner.
Internet
Local mobile network operators like Ncell and NTC offer limited coverage along the ABC trek. You can avail of a local sim for as low as NRs. 100 (less than 1 USD) with limited validity and internet data volume. On average NRs. 100 to 500 would take care of your internet usage for the duration of the trip.
Additional/Special gears
A good quality sleeping bag and down jacket would be required to withstand the drop in temperature in the high altitude on the trek. A minimum rating of -15 C (5 F) would be advisable for the gears. Access Nepal offers the option of free borrowings of a decent quality sleeping bag and down jacket. These are rated up to -20 C (68 F). The gears are checked thoroughly for quality and cleaned after each usage. Please, let us know in advance once you have booked your trip with us to enable us to arrange one for you. Also, please remember to return them once you are back from your trek.
Stay with the group
Always walk in a group. The guide will try to stick around with everyone. However, there is a possibility that some people walk faster than others. If that is the case, he shall be walking in turns with the participants. The rest of the group will be accompanied by the porter/s or an assistant guide in a bigger group.
Insurance
To ensure a safe and secure trekking experience in the Himalayas, it is highly recommended to obtain travel insurance. As you embark on your journey, you may face various challenges like altitude sickness, harsh weather, accidents, and flight cancellations. By purchasing travel insurance, you will have coverage in case of any unforeseen events and enjoy a worry-free trekking adventure. A specialist travel insurance would be required to guarantee you are adequately insured. In addition to covering medical expenses and trip cancellation, please ensure that all activities and destinations in the itinerary are included in your policy, specifically mountaineering or alpinism. Coverage in the event of emergency helicopter evacuation, medical treatment, and hospitalization in case of injury, or death is mandatory.
At Access Nepal, we recommend that you do your own research to select the insurance company. A valid proof of your insurance certificate should be brought along during the trek. While we don’t have any affiliations with insurance providers, we’re happy to offer advice and assistance if you need help understanding your insurance policies or selecting an insurer. Please note that the insurance policy is a contract between you and the insurance company and we cannot be held responsible for any dispute between you and your insurance company. Failure to provide proof of insurance may prevent you from joining your program and you wouldn’t be eligible for a refund.
Rescue/Evacuation situation
In the event of a rescue/evacuation situation, your guide will be handling your rescue situation in coordination with the base office. In case an evacuation situation arises, the helicopter companies are contacted immediately. However, due to recent changes in regulations, rescue helicopters can only respond to a rescue call once the Guarantee of Payment (GOP) is received from the client’s insurance company. It is therefore mandatory to carry with you a summary of your insurance policy containing the policy number and details along with the Specialty Assistance (24/7) helpline number. Please, make sure you share the insurance policy information with us before you depart for the trek.
Disclaimer (Disruption due to Weather or other unforeseen conditions, Possible change in itinerary)
We do our best to ensure the above itinerary is adhered to, but cannot fully assure you of the same. The conditions in the remote Himalayan regions can be volatile, and susceptible to unforeseen weather change and natural disasters, rendering the existing trails unsafe and may also affect the health of the trekkers. In case of any emergencies due to the afore-mentioned reasons or any other, you are requested to respect any decision that your team leader (guide) makes which is in the best interest of your safety. We humbly request for your full co-operation should such a situation arise.
Transportation
Access Nepal arranges for your transportation to the trek start and end points as part of the package services. A private car with a professional driver is generally arranged for the transfers. However, for transfers along the trekking trail and depending upon the circumstances a shared vehicle would be utilized due to ease of availability. The transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vice-versa would be in a deluxe tourist bus with an option of private car or flight transfers subject to additional costs.
Climate and Best Time to Visit
While it is feasible to do a trek in the Annapurna region at any time, the most favorable times to undertake it are from March to May and September-end to November, when the weather is expected to be at its best. The weather during these months is generally clear with bright sunny days making for an ideal trekking condition. The temperatures during the day range from 15°C to 20°C, while at night, they can drop to as low as -15°C. However, the climate at higher elevations is highly unpredictable, and it can get quite cold and windy. It is best to avoid the monsoon season from June to August, as the trails can be slippery and hazardous, and the views are often obscured by clouds and mist. However, the Annapurna region has options of trekking in the rain-shadow region north of the Annapurna range: Annapurna Circuit trail, Nar-Phu Valley trek and the Upper Mustang trek.
Group Discount
- No. of PersonsPrice per Person
- 1US $ 2590
- 2-4US $ 2490
- 5-12US $ 2290
- 13+US $ 2190
- Schedule Your Own Dates
- Group Discounts
- Guaranteed Departures
- Easy Cancellation
- 60% Repeated Customers
Our Achievements in Service Excellence
At Access Nepal, we’re proud of the great service we provide. With over 11 years of experience, we create trips filled with unforgettable memories that are just right for you. Our top-rated reviews and awards show our team’s commitment and dedication to providing quality services and sustainable tourism. We also take pride in supporting local communities with a 99% success rate. Join us and see why so many people trust Access Nepal!