Classic Upper Mustang Trek – 15 Days Adventure
Classic Upper Mustang Trek – 15 Days Adventure
Blog Article
The Upper Mustang Trek is an adventure into Nepal's one of the most beautiful and culturally influenced regions. It is called the "Last Forbidden Kingdom," with Upper Mustang being the most unique and untouched area of the Himalayas. The walk provides an excellent opportunity to combine with the heart of Tibet Nepalese interesting religious culture, a dramatic landscape, and the ancient caves and monasteries, which one can walk by
the remains of an ancient kingdom that was once a part of Tibet. For example, by doing it you will be one of the first to experience the new world, the new world being Nepal. The Classic Upper Mustang Trek is a 15-day entertaining activity that allows you to do exactly that, explore this different culture and so have an unforgettable experience.. This trek is about the journey through the country side, but it is also the possibility of dealing with the history, the knowledge of wealth and the treatment of a society, which is the inheritance from the past and the cultural value of the residents
What Are the Advantages of the Classic Upper Mustang Trek?
1. Authentic Tibetan Culture
The phase of grafting the Tibetan culture in Upper Mustang has passed very successfully and very convincingly for many, many centuries. Since the area of Upper Mustang is quite remote, it has enabled the culture to remain intact, and trekking here provides you with a direct look into the life of the people who are living in that part of Nepal. Numerous Buddhist monasteries, the excellent example of the Lo Manthang monastery, prayer flags, and Tibetan architecture are the biggest evidence of authenticity of this area to Buddhism. Apart from that, the trek provides a unique chance to know the local people and their occupations, see the traditional prayer wheels, etc.
2. Spectacular Scenery
Upper Mustang is often referred to as "the desert in the sky". The region has succeeded in maintaining the image that it represents through the years. The trek runs through an interesting landscape where the dry mountain desert mingles sporadically with the deep cuts of the valleys, while the imposing Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges shape the area. It's a combination of real and the virtual in this blessed place of nature.
3. Historical Significance
At one time, Upper Mustang used to be the kingdom of the Raja of Mustang, and this isolated area has always been closely associated with Tibet, both culturally and historically. The trail leads you past ancient fortresses, secret caves, and monasteries, full of stories and myths. This kingdom was known to be the closed area for the foreigners till 1992 and it still can be the last place in Nepal having the original and untouched look.
4. The Forbidden Kingdom
Not until a few years ago, Upper Mustang was out of bounds and evoked a sense of adventure due to its inaccessibility. It was said that the region, hardly accessible from Nepal but historically part of Tibet, was as significant as any region on the plateau in terms of culture and religion. Furthermore, it still keeps that feeling of being off the beaten track, which greatly adds to the attraction of the trek.
Classic Upper Mustang Trek – 15-Day Itinerary
Apart from taking you through the cultural and natural variety of the area, the trail will also undoubtedly introduce you to the authentic and unspoiled face of these local tribes, who are deeply religious and still unaffected by modernity. By doing traditional practices, the 15-day itinerary is tailored not only to take you on a natural and cultural odyssey but also to ensure the experience is both safe and fully satisfying. The journey finally takes you to the walled city of Lo Manthang, a treasure trove of art, culture, and lifestyle center of the region.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
After reaching the airport in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, you will be greeted by your trekking team and escorted to your hotel. On completing the check-in, you will be at liberty to rest and relax. Later in the evening, there will be a briefing regarding your trek and also time for you to wander around the lively streets of Kathmandu.
Day 2: Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara
You are going to travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara approximately in a half-hour via scenic flight. Pokhara with its peaceful lakes and mountain panoramas is just the place you need to gear up yourself for the forthcoming trek. An intriguing option is wandering around the city and chilling out on the bank of Phewa Lake.
Day 3: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom
The Pokhara to Jomsom flight is not only breathtaking but also the one that gives access to the beautiful geographically-isolated alpine desert of the Tibetan Plateau-Nepal border region popularly known as the Upper Mustang. Jomsom is the main town in the valley of the Kali Gandaki River and is famous for the striking scenery and violent winds. On your safe arrival, you will commence the journey with a brisk walk to Kagbeni.
Day 4: Trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni
The journey of your first day of the trek is to Kagbeni, an ancient town situated on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Kagbeni serves as the entrance point to Upper Mustang and its typical Tibetan-style houses, narrow lanes, and monasteries will mark the beginning of the culture you will encounter during the rest of the adventure.
Day 5: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele
During today's trekking experience, you'll be surrounded by a desert-like, rainless land with the Himalayas as the only witness. The trail will take you through the different villages of Tangbe and Chhusang where you'll get a better understanding of life in the Upper Mustang region. Chele is a tiny hamlet and your overnight stay will provide you a bird's-eye view of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks.
Day 6: Trek from Chele to Syangboche
The trail will guide you further into the Mustang region. The route you will take is characterized by narrow paths, the windblown cliffs, and thick desert landscape, before you find yourself in the settlement of Syangboche. Walking through here you will surely come across ancient cave dwellings carved into rock walls, and old monasteries are scattered in between. The unbelievable sight of dead ground mixing with the colors of the snowy mountain peaks will never be forgotten.
Day 7: Hike from Syangboche to Ghami
Hiking from Syangboche to Ghami is the highlight of the trip, with the trail passing through some of the most scenic parts. Walking on the high plateaus, crossing caves, and getting into deep valleys are among the experiences. Ghami is situated on a beautiful village by the river which is the beachhead for river travel, and it is one of the largest in Upper Mustang.
Day 8: Hike from Ghami to Lo Gekar
A visit to Lo Gekar is the main thing you will do today, the monastery being one of the oldest in the region. Lo Gekar is of great importance to the locals for spiritual reasons and it offers a captivating insight into the Buddhist traditions of the region. After finishing the visit to the monastery, your train will go on its way to the village of Lo Manthang, which is the capital of Upper Mustang.
Day 9: Hike from Lo Gekar to Lo Manthang
The climax of the trip is in Lo Manthang. It houses the capital of the former kingdom of Mustang and many important monasteries are there including Jampa, Thubchen, and Chode monasteries. The village is enclosed by an old wall that is about 100 feet high and is full of ancient Tibetan-style buildings. At this place, you have the opportunity to deeply explore the culture and history of Upper Mustang.
Day 10: Lo Manthang Overview
Dedicate your time to sightseeing in Lo Manthang. Make sure you've visited its monasteries, mingled with the residents, and explore the nearby regions such as ancient caves that are some centuries old. Lo Manthang is a great place to learn about the tradition, culture, and religious practices of the people of Upper Mustang.
Day 11: Trek from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar
You’re just done exploring Lo Manthang and now it’s time for you to start your way down to Jomsom. Today’s trek leads you to Dhakmar, a serene village that features more extraordinary views of the mountains and valleys.
Day 12: Trek from Dhakmar to Shyangboche
You’re a reverse path traveler a little bit, picking your way back through the sandy landscapes to Shyangboche. The first parts of this day’s journey through the desert area are similar to the journey here but still the area is fertile for your eyes and can offer amazing panoramas for photography.
Day 13: Trek from Shyangboche to Jomsom
The Upper Mustang region will have kept you for a few days but eventually the Kali Gandaki vale of Jomsom will welcome you back. Yes! the very last segment of your walk, for the most part, is to descend, which soon after presents you with another attractive prospect: pass through the bucolic Kali Gandaki Valley, a place famous with its immerse geology and picturesque landscapes.
Day 14: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
You will be flying back to Pokhara directly from Jomsom. Getting there, you can enjoy a walk inside the city or spend some peaceful time at Phewa Lake, taking in the beautiful scenery.
Day 15: Flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Your final day of the trip means a direct flight will bring you back from Pokhara to Kathmandu. When you reach, you can be out for some souvenir shopping, have a relaxed time and cherish the memories of your spectacular journey of the Upper Mustang region.
Why Trek with Wandering Trail Adventures?
Local Experience: Our Classic Upper Mustang Trek combines the local insights on Tibetan Buddhist culture, hidden monasteries, and untouched lands, with the leisure of trekking. Works equally for those who travel with profit-making motives.
Experienced Guides: Our team of local guides is the best of the best in this region, making sure that all your safety needs are taken care of and you have someone to talk to as well as to learn about the local people and their cultures from.
Customizable Itinerary: Whether a regular trekker or a complete novice in this area, our itineraries are able to be changed and still they will be fit for your purposes.
Cultural Immersion: Learn the story of the people in the area through their cultural activities such as attending the religious institutions tucked in the mountain and experiencing their very simple way of living that has been maintained through the ages.
Final Thoughts
The Classic Upper Mustang Trek provides a matchless experience in the least trodden and culturally vibrant areas of Nepal. Trekking through the beautiful scenery and visiting the ancient Buddhist monasteries bring a new perspective, thus fitting those who want to explore the less acknowledged parts of Nepal.
Grab the perfect Upper Mustang Trek at Wandering Trail Adventures and be the soul of Nepal’s Tibetan culture, historical legacies, and lovely landscapes. Take your chance, BOOK NOW!