The Kingdom of Mustang
17 Days Starting and ending in Kathmandu, Nepal
Visiting: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Jomsom, Tsarang, Lo Manthang, Choser, Sam Dzong, Upper Mustang, Amka, Mustang, Tangge, Paha
Tour operator:
Tour code:
KOM
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
3 - 16
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Kingdom of Mustang in Nepal, where you'll trek through rugged, arid mountain landscapes and explore the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. Immerse yourself in the rich Tibetan and Buddhist cultures as you visit famous gompas and witness the breathtaking sunrise and sunset over the Annapurna range. This tour includes incredible Himalayan mountain flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Jomsom, offering stunning aerial views. Enjoy 16 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 13 dinners, along with expert guidance and quality accommodations. Experience the unique blend of cultural and spiritual exploration, camping under the stars, and the thrill of adventure in one of the world's most secluded regions. With all park entrance fees, airport transfers, and a special Mustang permit included, this journey promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members.
Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar
Day 2 : Fly To Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we take a flight west to Pokhara, Nepal's second largest town.
Overnight: hotel
Day 3 : Fly To Jomsom (2710M), Trek To Kagbeni (2810M), Walk Approx. 3Hrs.
Location: Jomsom
Accommodation Name: Eco-Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we board a scenic flight to Jomsom, the start of our trek and where we will meet our trekking crew. After a long journey from our respective homes we have a half day walk to stretch the legs that brings us to Kagbeni, an impressive village that is our gateway to Mustang. To pass beyond this point we will need a special Mustang permit. We will meet our liaison officer and the crew will prepare for tomorrow's crossing into Mustang.
Overnight: Eco-Lodge
Day 4 : Drive To Tsarang (3560M) Drive Approx. 4 Hours
Location: Tsarang
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Kagbeni we enter the kingdom of upper Mustang. We begin to appreciate the remarkable change of geography north of the Great Himalaya divide. The lush verdant landscape gives way to a stark almost desert like land interspersed with whitewashed settlements set in the midst of thriving barley and wheat fields defined by main walls and distinctive chortens reflecting the kingdoms rich and abiding Buddhist heritage. After reaching Chhusang the road crosses the Kali Gandaki river before it gradually ascends to Tsarang, the former capital of upper Mustang.
Overnight: Camping
Day 5 : Drive To Lo Manthang (3830M), ) Drive Approx. 2 Hours
Location: Lo Manthang
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Tsarang we complete the short drive to Lo Manthang, the capital of upper Mustang. En route we gain sweeping views of the mountain ranges that define the border of Nepal and Tibet where we will trek in the coming days.
Overnight: Camping
Day 6 : At Lo Manthang (3830M)
Location: Lo Manthang
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is yours to explore this outstanding historical and cultural centre. There are 4 major Gompas to visit during our stay. The palace is the home of the Raja (King) and his Rani (queen). Although the Raja's function is now primarily ceremonial he is seen as a person who can help people resolve local issues. The town itself is fascinating, and offers countless opportunities to observe the vibrant Tibetan culture. An optional side trip is also available either on horse or jeep to the nearby Chosar Valley. Chosar is a remarkable location with towering red-cliffs with caves that were inhabited as far back as 2,500 years ago. The cost of this optional side trip is paid locally (USD$35 for horse or USD$150 for a jeep that can fit up to 7 people).
Overnight: Camping
Day 7 : Drive 1Hr To Choser (3900M), Trek To Sam Dzong (4000M) Approx 7 - 8Hrs
Location: Choser
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The wild rugged, windswept region north east of Choser is one of the truly unexplored regions of the Himalaya. We commence with a gradual ascend to the Sam Dzong La (4050) that affords panorama views that extend to the Damodar Range that forms the border between Nepal and Tibet. From the pass the trail leads to the settlement of Sam Dzong (4000m).
Note: Over the past decade the small settlement at Sam Dzong has been subject to water shortage to irrigate their fields. As in other Trans Himalaya settlements including in Ladakh this may be a result of climate change.
Overnight: Camping
Day 8 : At Sam Dzong Camp
Location: Sam Dzong
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A contingency day is included in these initial stages of the trek to assist acclimitization. This day may be included at Choser or at Sam Dzong.
Overnight: Camping
Day 9 : Trek To Cho Dzong (3900M) Approx 7 - 8Hrs
Location: Upper Mustang
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We traverse the Cho Dzong (4450m) to reach Cho Dzong (3900m). A 14th century gompa at Cho Zhong with its exquisite wall painting has attracted Buddhist scholars to this isolated corner of Upper Mustang.
Overnight: Camping
Day 10 : Trek To Amka Camp (4250M) Approx 7 - 8Hrs
Location: Amka
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We cross open grazing lands crossing a series of ridges in the vicinity of 4500m to reach the Amka camp (4250m).
Overnight: Camping
Day 11 : Trek To Luri Gompa (3880M) And Yara (3650M) Walk Approx. 5 To 6 Hours
Location: Mustang
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From Amka camp we ascend the Amka La (4250m) that leads to the remarkable meditation cave at Luri. Luri gompa honours Padmasambhava, the Guru Ring poche and is believed to one of the oldest cave temples in Mustang. We descend for two hours to the village of Yara where we camp for the night.
Overnight: Camping.
Day 12 : To Tangge (3240M), Walk Approx. 6 - 7 Hours.
Location: Tangge
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we cross the Puyung Khola and start a gradual climb for an hour or so to a view point where we will have views back at Yara village. From here it is a gradual descent to the Dechyang Khola where we may be lucky enough to spy the beautiful peaks of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri. After crossing Dechyang Khola the trail continues towards Tangge. Your efforts trekking to the lunch spot (4015m) will be rewarded with a feast for the eyes as we savor the views of the Himalayas. After lunch we will descend to a plateau and on to Tanggye, our overnight stop.
Overnight: Camping
Day 13 : To Paha (4218M), Walk Approx. 5 - 6 Hours.
Location: Paha
Accommodation Name: Camping
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we cross the Tangge and Yak Kholas before ascending once more along a fantastic trail with gorgeous views on your back, be sure to stop ever once and a while to soak them in. Tonight we will make camp in an area used by local herdsmen to graze their livestock when conditions allow.
Overnight: Camping
Day 14 : To Chhusang (2900M), Walk Approx. 5 - 6Hrs. Drive To Jomsom (2810M), 3 Hours.
Location: Jomsom
Accommodation Name: Eco-lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As is often the case, what goes up must inevitably come down. Today we make our final descent to Chhusang, gradual at first as we follow the ridge line towards the Kali Gandaki, on route the views of the surrounding area are bound to be as good as any other section of our journey. After approximately 3 hours and with Chhusang in view below, we make a rapid descent back to where it all began. Following lunch we return to Jomsom.
Overnight: Eco-lodge
Day 15 : Fly To Pokhara And Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast
This is a fantastic way to conclude our journey. The spectacular flight down the Kali Gandaki that defies description with the huge mountains of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges towering above us. At Pokhara we board another aircraft for yet another spectacular mountain flight, this time along the face of the Himalaya past the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang ranges. On arrival in Kathmandu we transfer to the hotel.
Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar
Day 16 : Free Day In Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Accommodation Name: Radisson Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square.
Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar
Day 17 : Trip Concludes In Kathmandu
Location: Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast trip concludes with a transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 nights hotel -
Airport transfers
Airport transfers are included in the tour package.
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Expert bilingual guide
An expert bilingual guide will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Flights Kathmandu/Pokhara/Jomsom/Pokhara/Kathmandu
Flights between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Jomsom are included, valued at US$512.
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Extra luggage allowance
An extra 5kg luggage allowance on the Jomsom to Pokhara flight, totaling 20kg, is included.
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Special permit
A special permit valued at US$550 is included for the Mustang region.
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Group medical kit
A group medical kit is provided for the duration of the trek.
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World Expeditions trek pack
Use of a World Expeditions trek pack, including a quality sleeping bag, down or fiber fill jacket, and insulated mat, is included.
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Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
A souvenir World Expeditions kit bag is provided.
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Private transportation
Private transportation is included for the tour.
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All park entrance fees
All park entrance fees are covered in the tour package.
What's Not Included
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Bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
Bottled water, aerated, and alcoholic drinks are not included in the tour package.
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Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature such as phone calls and laundry are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included in the tour package.
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International flights
International flights are not included in the tour package.
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Airport and departure taxes
Airport and departure taxes are not included.
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Visa
Visa fees are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Monastery visits and donations
Please allow US$50 for monastery visits and donations in upper Mustang.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip-eze etc. Porters and mules carry all group gear and your trek pack.
Grading
On a moderate trek physical activity will generally not exceed eight hours in a day, and altitudes generally not exceeding 5,500 metres. On a moderate adventure the physical activity is sustained and travelers should be comfortable with occasional rough terrain. At any stage of a moderate trek you can expect long steep climbs and descents and a wide range of weather conditions. An example of an average day on moderate trek could include several ascents and descents of 500 metres or more, level ground is rare in the mountains.
To prepare for a moderate trek you should begin training at least four to five months before your departure. As a guideline, an hour of aerobic exercise three to four times per week would be considered a minimum requirement. The best preparation is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per bushwalk, albeit with stops along the way, you will cope with a moderately graded trek. Speed is not important, stamina, confidence and continuity are.
Mode of Transport
Experience scenic flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Jomsom, complemented by private transportation and trekking through the stunning landscapes of Mustang, ensuring a seamless and adventurous journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu and a hotel in Pokhara, with eco-lodges and camping experiences throughout the trek in Mustang, offering a blend of modern amenities and authentic local charm.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of cultural experiences can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, visit major Gompas, and observe vibrant Tibetan culture. You can also take an optional side trip to the Chosar Valley, known for its historical caves.
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What is the level of physical activity required for this trek?
The trek is graded as moderate, which involves physical activity not exceeding eight hours a day and altitudes generally not exceeding 5,500 meters. You can expect long steep climbs and descents, and a wide range of weather conditions. Preparation should include aerobic exercise and bushwalking with steep ascents and descents.
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What should I carry in my daypack during the trek?
In your daypack, you should carry extra warm clothing, a rain jacket, a water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen and lip balm. Porters and mules will carry all group gear and your trek pack.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of during the tour?
You should allow approximately USD $50 for monastery visits and donations in upper Mustang. Additionally, the optional side trip to Chosar Valley costs USD $35 for a horse or USD $150 for a jeep that can fit up to 7 people.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation includes good quality hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and camping during the trek. You will also stay in eco-lodges at certain points in the itinerary.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.