In 1964, Michel Peissel became the first Westerner to visit the Mustang and document the forbidden kingdom of Nepal. He had to obtain a special permit from the government in order to enter the area, which remained closed to foreigners. Thus, it retains its millenary culture intact as it is protected from external influence. Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary route takes you through valleys and mountains, you are in the forbidden Himalayas. We are administratively in Nepal, but geographically, aesthetically, and culturally, we seem to be in Tibet.
Upper Mustang Trek itinerary lies beyond Annapurna Himalaya and Dhaulagiri in central Nepal. This completely dry region is on the Tibetan plateau, where 16th century monasteries can still be found; it is a place where pastureland flourishes, farmers grow barley and livestock grazes on it. In order to enter Upper Mustang, one must obtain a special permit, organized through a trekking agency, at a cost of $500 per person for 10 days, additional days are charged at $50 per day. Make sure the permit is accompanied by an experienced guide who knows the region well. While accommodation and food are more expensive than other trekking routes in Nepal, the adventure of visiting Mustang surpasses all expectations.
Upper Mustang Trek begins;
A Upper Mustang Trek itinerary journey begins in Kathmandu with a trip to Pokhara, visiting Jomsom, Kagbeni, Chele, Sangboche, and Lo Manthang, the walled city and former capital of the Kingdom of Lo, known for its mud-brick walls, monasteries, and palace of the monarch of Bista. In the high mountains of the Mustang, you can also see caves that date back 1,000 years.
They are located 153 meters above the ground and were used as refugees during the war and later as graves by the primitive population. You can see paintings, statues and other artifacts that have been preserved inside. The main monasteries in the region are Jhampa Gompa built in 1387, with a height of 17 meters and a length of 46 meters, Thupchen built by the third king Tashi Gon in the fifteenth century, and the monastery of Chhyoede Gompa built in 1757, among others. You can also explore the Kali Gandaki River Valley, the deepest canyon in the world.
You will start your Upper Mustang Trek itinerary journey from Kathmandu – Pokhara (915 m), a four and half hour drive taking you across a number of towns and allowing you to see the daily lives of Nepalese people in their purest form. The road runs parallel to the river and between 34 imposing mountains, offering a magnificent view of the Annapurnas.
You will get up early to catch the plane to Jomsom (2,750 m). You will trek to Kagbeni (2,980 m, 5 hours, a distance of 10 km), entering another world through the black stones that contain the famous fossils of Kali Gandaki dating 40 million years ago, reaching the village of the Mustang Valley, enjoying the wonderful views of the Nilgiri mountains.
The following day, we walked upstream along the Kali Gandaki river to the town of Chele (3,050 m). Since this is a restricted area, we need permission to enter the “Forbidden Kingdom”. Tangbe village is known for its apple trees and peach trees. In addition, the black, white, and red sanctuaries mark your entry into the Mustang Kingdom as you continue to climb the road to the north of Gompa Kang. Between the rivers Narshing Khola and Kali Gandaki lies the town of Chhuksang. Here, you must make a good effort for an hour, since the road rises steeply to Chele after 14.7 km about seven hours.
Upon reaching Sangboche (3,860 m), you’ll hike zigzags path until you cross Yamda La Pass, then cross Bhena and Samar, where the Annapurnas await you when you reach Sangboche valley after seven hours of travel. Next morning, now that we are closer to our goal, we will enter a valley, then pass through desert landscapes, you will not find any villages along the way; from a ridge at 3850 meters.
In the “forbidden kingdom”, you will have the opportunity to meet the King; sharing a tea with salt and butter, you will walk through the streets of this majestic city, visit ancient monasteries and its royal square, you will enjoy the spectacular views of the city of Lo. Luckily it hasn’t changed much since Ame Pal founded it in 1380. He developed this fortified city and constructed several monasteries (gompas) through the towns of Arpha and Chosar, through which you will get very close to the border with Tibet.This will be one of the new experiences on the Upper Mustang Trek itinerary.
Afterwards, we make our way back through the towns of Ghaymi, Dhakmar Marang, Samar, Kagbeni, Jomsom, Pokhara, and finally Kathmandu, always remembering our adventure in the “forbidden kingdom”.
Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu ( Permit procedure)
Day 02: Kathmandu – Pokhara
Day 03: Pokhara – Jomsom
Day 04: Jomsom – Kagbeni
Day 05: Kagbeni – Chele
Day 06: Chele – Syangboche
Day 07: Syangboche – Ghayami
Day 08: Ghayami – Lo Manthang
Day 09: Mangthang – Jomsom
Day 10: Jomson – Pokhara
Day 11: Pokhara – Kathmandu
