Upper Mustang Express Trek - 12 Days

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m)

Upon arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you need to accomplish your entry/visa formalities. You will then be received by a representative from Marron Treks and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. Welcome drinks will be served at the hotel and then we will have a quick pre-trip meeting. You can then spend the remaining time resting or as you please. In the evening you can stroll around the vicinity of your hotel just to get the feel of this wonderful city.Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

 

Day 02: Kathmandu city sightseeing (1400m)

Get ready for an enticing sightseeing tour around Kathmandu, where your guide will escort you to the most prominent religious sites, mainly comprising of the shrines reflecting ancient local traditions of the two main religions, viz. "Buddhism" and "Hinduism". You will be visiting the sites like - Pashupatinath Temple (The Most Revered Hindu Shrine), Kathmandu (Basantapur) Durbar Square and Boudhanath (The Maha Stupa), all enlisted in the UNESCO world’s heritage list. After this entertaining and informative tour, drive back to the hotel. The remaining half of the day is on your own. You would probably want to kit yourself for the next day’s departure from Kathmandu and the trek that will kick off in the coming days. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast included.

Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 mins); half day sightseeing in Pokhara (830m)

We take a morning flight to Pokhara. On board enjoy the mountainous vista; Mt Annapurna and Mt. Fishtail (Machhapuchchre) in their snowy attire, almost glaring at you as you glance out of the plane’s window! After meager 25 minutes, you will set your feet in one of the most appealing cities of Nepal. Pokhara happens to be the most longed tourist destination for vacationing. You will be driven to your hotel and then after resting for some time, the guided sightseeing tour commences, which covers Fewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Davis Falls, Museum, Tibetan refugee settlement and Gupteshower cave, etc. In the evening you can try out the foods in one of the funky restaurants nearby. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara; breakfast included. 

Day 04: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2710m/ 25 mins) and drive from Jomsom to Chhuksang (2920m/1.5 to 2 hrs)

We take an early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. A breathtaking 25 minutes on board catapults us above the Kali Gandaki gorge, the world’s deepest. The towering snowcapped peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna stand formidably adjacent to us as we peek through the small glass windows of our aircraft. Not just that, looking underneath, the views of waterfalls, canyons, and terraced fields are simply magnificent. This is truly one of the world's most spectacular flights! Once we land on the Jomsom airport, we will drive on a private car to Chhuksang, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The remaining time can be spent as you please. Overnight at teahouse in Chhuksang; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 05: Trek from Chhuksang to Geling (3510m/5 - 6hours)

We commence our footy mission from today. The walk up to “Chaile” is easy going. From “Chaile” we make a fairly steep climb to a cairn at about 3150m, which offers a great view of “Gyagar village” across the canyon. The trail, which is literally carved into the side of this spectacular canyon, continually renders scenic retreats. We cross a mountain pass, and then make a long gradual descent along a pleasant trail to Samar. Finally, after passing through several small canyons that are home to cool streams and shady juniper trees, we arrive at Geling (3510m). This largest village before entering Upper Mustang is a rarely visited gem set among numerous poplar groves and a central stream, housing one of the oldest Gompas of the region. Spend the evening relaxing in front of the central field, where you can observe the grain being threshed, animals grazing, and children playing. Overnight at teahouse in Geling; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 06: Trek from Geling to Lo-Manthang (3730m/7 - 8 hours) via Nyi La Pass (4020m)

From Geling, the trail climbs gently through the fields of barley and groves of poplar trees up the center of the valley, passing below the settlement of Tama Gaun and an imposing chorten. After rejoining the direct trail, it becomes a steep slow climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La pass at 3973m. From here, we make a gentle descent to Charang. Charang is a maze of fields, willow trees and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the large Charang Cho Canyon. Our trek proceeds steadily up a rocky trail to a cairn on a ridge opposite the village at 3610m. The trail now turns north and climbs gently to a large isolated chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo. After a short stopover, we'll travel across a desert-like landscape painted in every hue of grey and yellow. Finally, we reach our destination- the whitewashed walls of the city of Lo Manthang, which sits among fields literally occupied by horses and yaks. Overnight at teahouse in Manthang; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 07: Excursion day at Lo Manthang

This is a well earned rest cum an excursion day at one of the most mystique regions. We explore the surrounding areas visiting the Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa, situated on a hilltop, serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa, we proceed towards Tingkhar, the last major settlement to the northwest of Lo-Manthang. All jacked up by these enticing explorations, we hike back to our teahouse.

The other viable options for excursions at Lo Manthang could be visiting some of the attractive landmarks like- the astoundingly tall Champa Lakhang (God house), the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and the four storied King’s palace. Overnight at teahouse in Manthang; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 08: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Ghemi (3490m) via Chogo La Pass (4320m /5 - 6hours)

The trek to Ghemi is a moderate climb constituting a pass, Chogo La (4320m). Ghemi is known for its many hectares of beautiful fields and for its white- washed houses.  At Ghemi, we'll visit Ghar Gompa (Lo Gekar), the oldest archive gompa in Nepal . The trail to Lo Gekar is not a main trading route and is crisscrossed with herder’s trails, so our local guide is particularly useful here. We cross several valleys, some lush and others barren and then make a long rocky descent down a ravine to a grassy valley, where Lo Gekar is situated within a group of large trees by a stream. Lo Gekar, which means “Pure Virtue of Lo,” is also known as Ghar Gompa, or “House Temple”. After the indulgence in Lo Gekar for some time, we trek back to Ghemi. Overnight at teahouse in Ghemi; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 09: Trek from Ghemi to Chaile (3050m/6hours)

We achieved the real intent of this trek so, now it’s all about making our way back. With good memories of the accomplishment, we retrace our steps back to “Chaile”. The trek is easy, as we mostly walk downhill. The captivating view of the landscape of Mustang keeps rejuvenating us throughout the day. Overnight at teahouse in Chaile; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
 

Day 10: Trek from Chaile to Jomsom (2750m/7hours)

It’s actually going to be a long trek back to Jomsom, but it is not that tough, in the sense that most of our trek goes downhill. Earlier, we hadn’t had a chance to explore this bustling town. But we are not going to miss out the opportunity today. In the evening we can stroll around the downtown buying some souvenirs. Jomsom is renowned for its apple and apple based products. Sample the indigenous apple cider. Overnight at teahouse in Jomsom; breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
 

Day 11: Fly from Jomsom to Kathmandu via Pokhara (820m)

Take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (25 minutes) and then board on a connecting flight to Kathmandu (25 minutes). Once you touch down at the domestic wing of the Kathmandu airport, a representative from Marron Treks will receive you and transfer to the designated hotel. You have the entire day at hand and can spend it as you please. You would probably want to get groomed a bit and do some souvenir shopping at Thamel. In the evening Marron Treks will host a full- fledged Nepali style farewell dinner program. Enjoy the succulent traditional Nepali cuisines and a cultural extravaganza! Cut loose but sleep tight. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu; breakfast and dinner included.

Day 12: Final departure

A representative from Marron Treks will escort you to the Tribhuwan International Airport, three hours prior to your flight schedule. As you wave us good bye and enter the terminal block, you would perhaps recall your arrival at this place. No wonder everything seems so familiar now because, you had come here as tourist, but you are going back as a friend! Have a safe flight back home and we look forward to being your travel companion in Nepal again!

Trips can always be extended. You can try out some of our other exciting packages like Bungy Jumping, Mountain Biking, Jungle Safari, White Water Rafting, Golfing & Paragliding etc. Please let us know about your desire for trip extension so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

Accommodation

During Upper Mustang Express Trek we will accommodate you in 3 star or 5 star hotels  like Hotel Royal Singhi (3 star), Hotel Manaslu (3 star), Radisson (5 star), Yak & Yeti (5 star) or similar in Kathmandu City.

In Pokhara City, we accomodate you in 3 star or 5 star hotels like  Base Camp Resort (3 Star),  Mt. Kailash (3 star) , Fishtail Lodge (5 star) , Shangrila Village (5 star) or similar.

Along the trekking route, there are many  Tea House/ Lodges to stay. They provide good services. We will ensure you get the best of the services available so that you enjoy every bit of your trek. 

Meals

We arrange the best quality food during the trek as we are concerned about the health of the trekkers as well as the staff members. Basically, we opt for locally available food in the Annapurna Region so that you could a real sense of the culture, living patterns, simultaneously promoting the locally available resources of organic food and beverages. Other than, a wide range of Continental, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisines like Pizza, Spaghetti, French Fries, Soups, Breads etc are also available for your retreat.

Porter and Staff Care

We ensure that all the porters and other staffs going to high altitude conditions are provided with adequate clothing and equipments. They are the backbones of a trek.

Best Months

The best time for Upper Mustang Express Trek is during the month of March-November.

Any Experience Required ?

For Upper Mustang Express Trek, no such earlier experience is required. Person of any age group, with a generic physical aptitude can pursue the trek.

Difficulties

If you are physically fit, then you can go for this trek without any difficulty.

Our Guides

Guides play a very active role during the trek. Marron Treks has experienced and helpful treking guides who make your trip enjoyable as well as productive. Our guides are literate, multilingual speakers, environment conscious and well acquainted to culture, language, location and every single detail pertaining to the Annapurna Region. This would help our trekkers make the most of their trip.

Travel Insurance:

It is advised that you arrange your travel insurance before leaving your homeland. The main thing is to make sure that your insurance covers you for both medical and evacuation costs. In some places it is not necessary but it would be better if you have the travel insurance with you all the time. That would make your trip safe and hassle free.

For more queries, visit our  FAQ section or contact us directly at   marketing@marrontreks.com

Starting Price: USD XXXX (On request) on twin sharing accommodation basis.

For other special requirements or bigger group deals, kindly mail us directly at: marketing@marrontreks.com

Cost Includes

• Airport pick-up and drop services.
• Guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city.
• Applicable domestic airfare as per the itinerary.
• Entrance and monumental fees during the sightseeing in Kathmandu & Pokhara as prescribed in the itinerary.
• Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on “BB” basis as per itinerary.
• All ground transportation costs in accordance to the itinerary.
• All trekking accommodation costs on full board (B, L, D) basis as per the itinerary. Four seasonal sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion) duffel bag, t-shirt and Cap (provided as complimentary gears).
• A comprehensive medical kit (will be carried by the trekking guide).
• Salary to guide and porters for the trekking period.
• Personal insurance for crew members.
• All applicable tourist fees, conservation fees, "special permit" fees & TIMS fees necessary for trekking. Special Trekking Permit fee for Mustang is US$ 500 per person for 10 days. Any additional stay beyond this will cost US$ 50 per day, per person. Permit fee outside of the restricted area in Dolpo is US$ 10 per person per week.
• All government and local taxes.
• Farewell dinner with live Nepalese cultural program.

Cost Excludes

• International airfare and departure taxes.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Lunch & dinner expenses incurred before or after the trekking period.
• Emergency rescue evacuation (to be covered by the client's travel insurance).
• Nepal entry visa fee – Visa can be obtained upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days costs US $ 25 or equivalent foreign currency, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days costs US $40 and $ 100 respectively. You will need a valid passport and 2 copies of your recent PP sized photos).
• Tips to the guide, porter, driver, hotel and tea-house staff (Tipping is expected).
• Bar bills, alcoholic drinks & beverages.
• Excess baggage charges (luggage allowance for domestic airlines in Nepal is 20 kgs.)
• Personal insurance and other expenses of personal nature (phone calls, laundry, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, hot shower etc.).
• Cost of personal trekking gears and equipments (kindly refer to our equipment lists: http://www.marrontreks.com/itineraries/118-25/upper-mustang-trek-17-days.html#equipment-list).
• Cost incurred due to the addition of extra days or change in the real course of the itinerary because of bad weather conditions, political turmoil or any other unforeseen contingencies.
• Garbage deposit fees (refundable).
• Any other expenses not mentioned in the 'Cost Includes' section above.

Departure Date

Marron Treks has calibrated fixed departure dates for all the trek packages. We operate group as well as individual/private treks. Please pick the most palpable date for you and book your trip now. If the dates below don’t fit your schedule, kindly contact us directly and let us know about your preference.