Upper Mustang Trek - 18 days

Namaste and welcome to Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, the Nepal Kameleon Holidays representative receives and transfers you to the hotel. After a short refreshment, we briefly explain to you about the sightseeing trip and the preparation for the trek. Overnight at hotel. (A) 

Breakfast at the hotel. Then we set out for the sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, exploring some of the unique monumental sites that are enlisted in the World Heritage Sites UNESCO.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): The temple is located at the top of the hill in Kathmandu, which is a 5th-century religious significant site. It is regarded as a self-sprung monumental site. For the Buddhist pilgrimage trip or tour in Nepal, Swayambhunath stupa remains the first selection in the Kathmandu valley. One of the UNESCO monumental sites, Swayambhunath is also popular as the monkey temple, having uncountable monkeys. Newari Buddhism is one of the major features here, which is known as Vajrayana. The eyes of Buddha represent wisdom and compassion. To climb the steps up the hilltop is believed to be the ladder to lead you to the state of enlightenment.

Pashupatinath Temple: The temple is one of the most sacred and popular pilgrimage destinations for Hindu devotees around the world. It is located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, about 5 km distance from the east of the valley. It is listed as a UNESCO site and travelers love to explore the 15th-century arts and architecture around the area of the temple. It has got wonderful pyramid-shaped temples, extensive cultural heritages, Ashrams for the old people and Sadhus along with remarkable inscriptions. It is very special during the Shivaratri festival and nearly one million people visit the Pashupatinath temple every year.

Boudhanath Stupa: Boudhanath Stupa is located about 10 km east of Kathmandu, is antique, and has a huge mandala. The stupa is one of the biggest among this type. The surrounding of this stupa is dominated by Tibetan refugee settlements. One of the prominent World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu valley, Boudhanath is a highly adored tour and pilgrimage destination. Buddhist monks and devotees can be seen to be doing a religious way of paying homage around different corners of the Stupa within. 

We drive through the Prithvi Highway to Pokhara, which is about 6 hrs journey. As an option: you can fly directly from Kathmandu to Pokhara for half an hour. The Himalayan panoramas on your right can be explored. Boat riding on Phewa Lake can be a superb activity in the afternoon. Overnight at hotel. (B,L,D,A)

Take an early flight to the district center of Mustang- Jomsom. The brilliant views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri allure us. Meeting further crew, we take a walk to the antique Kagbeni village through the Kaligandaki River bank. On the way, we pass the windswept Ekle Bhatti village. Kagbeni is the gateway of Upper Mustang, located at the confluence of Kak Khola and Mustang Khola. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A) 

With the restricted area permit checkup, our excursion heads forward through the dust windy trail. We move towards the Upper Mustang region and reach Tangbe village, which is prevailed by the whitewashed houses and fluttering prayer flags on the rooftop. The surrounding landscape is dominated by buckwheat and barley fields. Passing the tiny apple orchard, we reach Chhhusang, and walking ahead through the Kaligandaki tunnel, we walk gradually to Chele. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A)

From Chele, we begin to walk to Eklo Bhatti. The first pass of Taklam La Pass (3624 meters) offers the breathtaking surroundings of the sandy rocks. The streamline takes the route in a winding form. The Himalayan views of Tilicho peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda can be seen from the top. Then we walk down to the Samar village and trek further to Syangbochen, which is about three hour excursion passing the Ramchung cave. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A) 

Having a wonderful breakfast, we ascend to Yamda La (3850 meters), walking through the chhortens and some tiny villages. The sceneries of barley fields are amazing. Crossing the Nyi Pass of 4010 meters, we trek down to Ghyami and take a rest. It is one of the biggest villages in this region. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A) 

After breakfast, we begin to walk crossing the stream. Then we climb to the ridge passing the mani wall. Tibetan Buddhism has flourished throughout the region. Taking the eastern trail, we walk to Charing. Again the surrounding is dominated by barley and buckwheat fields and stone-walled houses. As the village is populated by Tibetan Buddhist devotees, Dzong, and a monastery can be seen. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A)

Exploring the breathtaking scenery of Annapurna, Tilicho, Nilgiri, and Bhrikuti peak, we trek down to the narrow gorge of Charang Chu, and crossing it, we climb up to the Lo Pass (3850 meters). The brilliant Lo-Manthang can be seen from the top of the hill. Next step, we trek down to the stone-walled town, Lo-Manthang. Finally, we arrive at the culturally loaded place, which remained unknown to the rest of the world for a long span of time. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A)

Wow, it’s an exploration day in Lo-Manthang. After breakfast, we set out to visit the monasteries and the local villages. Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar Gompa are the most popular among others. Instead of this, you can also visit the Red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and the Entrance Hall that is the supreme attractions of this town. Back to the place to stay. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A)

For more attractions, we take a walk through the different trails than we came. First, we reach Gyakar and finally reach Drakmar. We can visit the ancient monasteries that date back to about the 12th century. Ghar Gompa brilliant among others, which was an abode of Guru Rinpoche. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A)

After breakfast, we retrace to Ghiling through the sandy dust prevailed trail. This is again another 6 hrs walk, enjoying the surrounding landscape. Overnight at lodge (B,L,D,A) 

From Ghiling, we walk back to Chhuksang. About 5-6 hours walk leads us to this amazing place and enjoys the hospitality of the local people. Overnight at lodge. (B,L,D,A)

On the last walking day, we begin to walk from Chhuksang after breakfast. First, we reach to Kagbeni, from where we took a route of Upper Mustang. Meeting the Annapurna circuit trail, we walk through the Kali Gandaki River bank, gradually to Jomsom. It’s time to celebrate the success of the trip. Overnight at lodge.

We take a drive from Jomsom to Pokhara. As an alternative, we can also take a flight at extra cost. Arriving in Pokhara via Beni, transfer to the hotel. Enjoying boating on Phewa Lake is a rewarding option in the evening. Back to the hotel and rest. Overnight at hotel. (B,A)

From Pokhara, we drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. As an option for driving, there is half an hour's flight to Kathmandu. Driving takes about 6 hours. Stay relaxed in the evening or walk around the local place. Overnight at hotel. (B,A)

The special morning, after breakfast, you set out for the sightseeing tour in Bhaktapur and Patan. Bhaktapur is traditionally known as Bhadgaon, which is unique and antique. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a place to explore rich medieval heritages, including pagoda-style temples, palaces, ponds, and stone and wooden sculptures along with the antique collection in the museum. Patan is another site to explore. The artistic temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and as in Bhaktapur, you can see the antique collections of medieval time. Then drive back to your hotel and rest. We organize a farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant. Overnight at lodge/tea house. (B,A)

It's time to bid farewell. A Representative of Nepal Kameleon Holidays drops you to the airport for your final departure. We hope to serve you time and again. (B)