The small kingdom of Mustang, nestled between Tibet and Nepal and long inaccessible, offers landscapes reminiscent of Tibet and boasts a distinctly Tibetan culture, despite being administratively part of Nepal. Lo Mantang, encircled by ramparts, is its capital and the destination of many treks. The breathtaking landscapes are arid and vibrant, and the villages are quintessentially Tibetan. In 2013, Lonely Planet ranked Mustang among the top three most beautiful destinations in the world. Protected from the monsoon rains by the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs, Mustang remains a very dry region, ideal for summer visits.
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Upper Mustang (Hidden) Kingdom Trek
Trip Facts
Upper Mustang (Hidden) Kingdom Trek Itinerary
Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport and transfer by vehicle to the hotel. Free time to relax or explore the Thamel area.
Departure by road to Pokhara through the hills and valleys of central Nepal. Check-in in Pokhara, on the shores of Phewa Lake.
- Route: 7h (200 km) by bus or 35 minutes by plane. Overnight at the Big Pillow Hotel or similar.
Spectacular flight over the Annapurna range to Jomsom. Start of the trek following the Kali Gandaki valley to the charming village of Kagbeni, gateway to Mustang.
- Vol: 35min, 3h de marche, nuit en lodge
- + 217m, -152m
Entrée officielle dans le Haut Mustang. Montée progressive à travers des paysages désertiques et arides. Traversée de villages anciens avant d’atteindre Chele.
- Marche: 5h30k, nuit en lodge
- + 585m, -334m
A sustained climb through deep gorges and windy passes. The trail offers superb views of colorful canyons. Overnight stay in Syanboche or Ghiling, depending on the group's pace.
- Marche: 7h, nuit en lodge (Syangboche ou Ghilling) - Visite de la grotte Chungsi
- + 1317m, -612m
Hike between ridges and arid valleys. Crossing lunar landscapes, dotted with small hamlets and prayer walls. Overnight stay in Dramar, a typical dry-stone village.
- Marche: 6h, nuit en lodge
- + 822m, -767m
Passing through the Mui La pass, then visiting the Lo-Gekar monastery, one of the oldest in Nepal, linked to Padmasambhava. Descent towards Tsarang, the former political center of Mustang.
- Marche: 5h, nuit en lodge
- + 410m, -602m
Walk across an open plateau offering panoramic views before reaching Lo Manthang, the fortified capital of Mustang. Explore its traditional alleyways and walls.
- Marche: 4h, nuit en lodge
- + 550m, -285m
A day dedicated to visiting ancient Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and the royal palace. Immersion in the Tibetan history and culture of Mustang.
Excursion to Chosar to visit its cave dwellings, rock monasteries and hermitages. Return to Lo Manthang at the end of the day.
- Visite à cheval: Niphu, Gharphu Nad Cave
- + 285m, -255m
Departure from Lo Manthang for a wilder section of the trek. Gradual descent towards Yara passing through the small village of Dri. Arrival in a spectacular semi-desert setting.
- Marche: 6h, nuit en lodge
- + 550m, -777m
Hike through wide, isolated valleys, crossing ridges and fording rivers. Arrive in Tangya, an authentic village located away from the tourist trails.
- Marche: 7h, nuit en lodge
- + 992m, -1200m
A long day's walk through desert landscapes punctuated by high plateaus and small valleys. Crossing several passes before reaching the village of Chhuksang, located at the southern entrance to Upper Mustang.
- Marche: 8h, nuit en lodge
- + 1300m, -1660m
A gradual climb to the Gyu-La pass, offering breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountain ranges. Descent to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
- Marche: 6h, nuit en lodge
- + 1097-318m
Easy descent through the villages of Lower Mustang and the windy Kali Gandaki Valley. Arrival in Jomsom, the main town in the region with its small airport.
- Marche: 5h via Lubra Village, nuit à l'hôtel
- + 1052m, -145m
Early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, flying over the spectacular Kali Gandaki Valley. The rest of the day is free in Pokhara to relax or stroll along the lake.
Flight: 35 minutes, overnight stay in a hotel or transfer from Pokhara to Kathmandu by plane or bus.
A relaxing day. Opportunity to visit local attractions, go shopping or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Depending on the flight schedule, transfer to Kathmandu airport for international departure. End of stay.
What's Included
- Transportation as described in the program: bus or 4x4.
- Full board during the trek in lodges (Tea Houses), excluding drinks.
- An English-speaking guide and assistant guides (Sherpas) (French-speaking guide if necessary).
- One porter for every two people.
- One day of horseback riding in Chhosar.
- Niphu, Garphu (Chhosar Valley) Permits: Acap Fees, TIMS.
- 3 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu.
- Insurance for the Nepalese staff.
What's Excluded
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu.
- Monastery entrance fees.
- Mustang Special Permit.
- Any expenses incurred due to circumstances beyond our control, such as road closures due to weather or unforeseen events, etc.
- Personal insurance (medical/repatriation of participants).
- Personal equipment for the trek (sleeping bags, etc.).
- Airport taxes and tips for staff during the trek.
- Bottled drinking water, alcohol, and hot showers during the trek.
- Visa fees