Find the Best Trek of Mustang Region
Possessing different geography, culture, tradition, and lifestyle, the mustang region is situated in the western part of Nepal Himalayas. Trek to Mustang is becoming the most popular choice for a lot of national as well as international trekkers.
A trek to Mustang encompasses everything that a trekker looks for- from exquisite views of some of the highest mountains in the world, to experience a diverse civilization, and landscape. Another reason is its’ accessibility.
It is possible to do this trek easily throughout the year, including off-seasons like the summer season of Nepal.
Mustang is one of the remote and sparsely populated regions of Nepal. The mustang is geographically divided into two parts- Upper and Lower Mustang. The Upper Mustang is a high altitude desert with ocher land and home to gorges and canyons. The lower Mustang, on the other hand, is a remote region famous for its apple orchards, rhododendron forests and the holy Hindu temple, Muktinath.
Treks in Mustang Region
1. Upper Mustang Circuit Trek
Overview of Upper Mustang Circuit Trek
Duration - 23 Days
Difficulty - Strenuous
Maximum Elevation - 5,200 meters
Average Hiking - 6-7 hours per day
Best time to visit – April, May, and August-November
The Upper Mustang Circuit Trek is considered to be one of the most fascinating and exciting treks of Nepal, the reasons being it’s remote location and unique landscape with a hint of colorful culture. This exciting trek offers a golden chance to witness the varied landscape from the deepest Kaligandaki gorge to the high altitude region of Lo Manthang valley surrounded by gorgeous Himalayan Peaks.
Outline Itinerary of Upper Mustang Trek
Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Drive (7 hrs) or flight (30 min) from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 03: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,713m) then trek to Kagbeni (2,800m) - 3 hrs
Day 04: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,060m) - 6 hrs
Day 05: Trek from Chele to Syangbochen (3,800m) - 6 hrs
Day 06: Trek from Syangbochen to Ghami (3,520m) -5 hrs
Day 07: Trek from Ghami to Tsarang / Charang (3,560m) - 5 hrs
Day 08: Trek from Charang to Lo-Manthang (3,810m) - 5 hrs
Day 9: Explore around Lo-Mangthang (3,810m)
Day 10: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Yara (3,650m) - 6 hrs
Day 11: Trek from Yara to Bas Khola (4,665m) - 6 hrs
Day 12: Trek from Bas Khola to Damodar Kund Lake (5,200m) - 6 hrs
Day 13: Trek from Damodar Kunda to Ghechung Khola (5,000m) - 6 hrs
Day 14: Trek from Ghechung Khola to Tange (3,200m) - 6 hrs
Day 15: Trek from Tange to Tetang (2,970m) - 6 hrs
Day 16: Trek from Tetang to Muktinath (3,800m) - 7 hrs
Day 17:Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,713m) - 5 hrs
Day 18:Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (850m) 25 min
Day 19: Flight or Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 20: Departure
2. Tiji Festival Trek
Overview of Tiji Festival Trek
Duration - 19 Days
Difficulty - Moderate
Maximum Elevation – 4,500 meters
Average Hiking – 4-6 hours per day
Best time to visit – April, May, and September-November
Tiji is an interesting annual three-day festival that consists of Tibetan rituals and there are different myths on why it is celebrated.
There is the myth of a son who had to save the Mustang kingdom from destruction. Similarly, the victory of one of Buddha’s incarnations over a demon that lived on human beings that tried to destroy the world with tempest and the drought. Anyway, the sole purpose of observing this commemoration is to pray for peace in the region and in the world.
The Tiji Festival celebration is performed in front of the king’s palace in Lo Manthang which is the ultimate destination of the Tiji Festival Trek. The trails to Lo Manthang will take you to pass a treeless landscape to the rain shadow areas of the Himalayas.
Outline Itinerary of Tiji Festival Trek
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02:Fly or Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 minutes flight/ 7 hours drive)
Day 03: Fly to Jomsom (2,715m) 25 min and start trek to Kagbeni (2,800m) - 2.5 hrs
Day 04 : Trek to Chele (3,200m) Entry to the restricted area of Upper Mustang - 6 hrs
Day 05: Trek to Gelling (3,570m) - 6 hrs
Day 06: Trek to Ghami (3,500m) - 4 hrs
Day 07:Trek to Tsarang (3,500m) - 4 hrs
Day 08: Trek to Lo-Manthang (3,800m) - 4 hrs
Day 9: Tiji Festival First Day in Lo-Manthang
Day 10: Tiji Festival Second Day celebration in Lo Manthang
Day 11: Last day of Tiji Festival Celebration in Lo Manthang
Day 12: Trek back to Tsarang (3,500m)
Day 13: Tsarang to Syambochen (3,800m)
Day 14: Syambochen to Chuksang (3,050m)
Day 15: Trek down to Jomsom (2,710m) through Kagbeni
Day 16: Scenic Flight back to Pokhara
Day 17: Drive or Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 18: Departure
3. Lower Mustang Trek
Overview of Lower Mustang Trek
Duration - 11 Days
Difficulty - Beginners
Maximum Elevation – 3,760 meters
Average Hiking – 4-6 hours per day
Best time to visit – March to April and September to November
Located in the North-central part of Nepal, the Lower Mustang trek is a sophisticated Tea house trek to the Himalayas. Known as a gateway to Nepal’s hidden treasure “the Mustang Region”, the Lower Mustang trek follows an ancient trading route to Tibet. Besides being an amazing paradise that offers majestic views of glorious Himalayan grants (Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs), this trek is also a way to reach the sacred temple of Muktinath.
Outline Itinerary of Lower Mustang Trek
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu
Day 02:Fly or Drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu (25 minutes flight or 7 hours drive)
Day 03:Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga (1,480m) - 6-7 hrs trek
Day 04:Trek to Ghorepani (2,860m) - 6-7 hrs trek
Day 05:Hike to Poon Hill (3,193m) 2 hrs and trek down to Tatopani (1,190m) - 8-9 hrs trek
Day 06:Drive to Jomsom (2,120m) - 4hrs trek
Day 07:Trek to Muktinath (3,760m) – 6-7 hrs trek
Day 08:Trek back to Jomsom (2,120m) - 5 hrs trek
Day 09:Flight to Pokhara 25 min and sightseeing in Pokhara
Day 10: Fly or Drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara (25 minutes flight or 7 hours drive
Day 11:Final Departure
4. Nar-Phu via Teri La Pass Trek
Overview of Nar-Phu via Teri La Pass Trek
Duration - 26 Days
Difficulty – Strenuous
Maximum Elevation – 5,416 meters
Average Hiking – 5-7hours per day
Best time to visit – April, May, and September to November
The Nar and Phu valleys are newly opened for trekking and they are home to ethnically varied habitats. The trek combines High peaks and glaciers with remote village and grazing settlements with some beautiful canyons and lovely forest, along with a hint of vibrant Himalayan Culture.
The Nar Phu valley trekking is certainly the best trekking route allowing us to explore hidden valleys in an off the beaten track.
Along with spending time in these colorful villages, we ger to explore high alpine valleys and cross the Kang la Pass from Nar to Ngwal on the route to Pisang taking us back into the Annapurna circuit. Just in case you want to go higher, we can head over the THorang La Pass and descend down to Mustang where we could spend a few more days.
Outline Itinerary of Nar-Phu via Teri La Pass Trek
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 02: Preparation day and sightseeing at Kathmandu
Day 03: Drive to Bensisahar and drive to Koto (2,610m) 8-9 hrs
Day 04: Trek to Dharamsala (3,250m) or Meta (3,360m) 6-7 hrs
Day 05: Trek to Kayang Village (3,740m) 5-6 hrs
Day 06: Trek to Phu Village (4,080m) 3 hrs
Day 07: Acclimatization and explore the Monastery village
Day 08: Trek to Mahendrapul (3,490m) 5-6 hrs
Day 09: Trek to Nar Village (4,110m) 3 hrs
Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,400m) 3 hrs
Day 11: Trek to Lapse Khola (4,800m) 7 hrs
Day 12: Trek to High Camp (5,232m)
Day 13: Trek to Tri-La Pass (5,595m) and descend to Pasphu Khola (4,730m) 8-9 hrs
Day 14: Trek to Yakpa (4,300m) 5-6 hrs
Day 15: Trek to Tange (3,240m) 5-6 hrs
Day 16: Trek to Yara Village (3,650m)
Day 17: Trek to Tsarang (3,560m) 5-6 hrs
Day 18: Trek to Lo-Manthang (3,810m) 3-4 hr
Day 19: Exploring Lo-Manthang
Day 20: Trek to Ghami (3,520m) 5-6 hrs
Day 21: Drive to Jomsom (2,720m) 3-4 hrs
Day 22: Flight to Pokhara 20 min
Day 23: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu
Day 24: Final Departure
The Mustang region maintains an untouched feel, but although being forbidden and isolated from the outer world the kingdom of Mustang has been able to evolve through its own distinctive culture and tradition. Pointless to say, the Mustang region will never disappoint you in terms of divine natural aspects or unique colorful cultural aspects.
Get on this amazing voyage to discover the world’s deepest gorge – the Kaligandaki Gorge, and a chance to bath in the natural hot springs at Tatopani with breathtaking mountain vistas. Namaste!!