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Seven Best Itineraries for Upper Mustang Trek

Seven Best Itineraries for Upper Mustang Trek

There are various routes and itineraries for Trekking in Upper Mustang. Each visitor chooses a distinct itinerary due to many reasons such as time limitation, tight budget, personal core interest in visiting Upper Mustang, Permit arrangement, etc.  

It is very hard to find the right trekking company or travel agency to arrange your Tour and trek in Mustang. Himalayan Wander Walkers had the widest knowledge about this particular place from our past experience of leading many private and group joining treks. 

There are a bunch of itineraries that are from many years and are not used these days due to the new road construction of the Kora La Highway that connects India and China. Co-founder Mr. Dawa Tseten Gurung had operated regular treks and tours in Upper Mustang since 2010. With his experience of organizing multiple treks and tours, Himalayan Wander Walkers had brought new itineraries for Trekking in Upper Mustang during different seasons.

1) Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Route– 16 days Itinerary


Tiji Festival is the biggest Buddhist festival in the Upper Mustang Region. This vibrant and auspicious event was founded by the late Sakya Trizin Ngawang Kunga Sonam, a Tibetan scholar who was brought by Lo King Samdup Rabten to Lo Manthang in the 17th century. Many international visitors come to witness this particular festival that lasts for three days. Every year Tiji Festival is held during May. 

For more Details about the Tiji festival, visit our full blog about Tiji Festival 

 1.1 Outline Itinerary Tiji Festival 
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 820m/ 5 to 6 hours
Day 02: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom 2720m and Visit Marpha village (2650m).
Day 03: Drive to Sangmochen and hike to Chungshi Cave Monastery.
Day 04: Trek to Dakmar 3450m/5-6 hours.
Day 05: Trek from Drakmar to Lo-Manthang 3840m/6-7 hours via Ghar Gompa and Marang-La Pass.
Day 06: First day observe Teji Festival Lo-Manthang 3840m.
Day 07: Second day observe Tji Festival Lo-Manthang 3840m.
Day 08: Final Day observe Tiji Festival Lo-Manthang 3840m.
Day 09: Trek Lo Manthang (3750m) to Yara (3580m). 5-6 hours
Day 10: Rest Day at Yara visit Luri Gompa.
Day 11: Trek Tange (3,340m) 5-6 hours.
Day 12: Tange to Tetang (3,067m) 7-8 hours
Day 13: Tetang to Muktinath temple (3,800m/12,426 feet), 8hours
Day 14: Trek to Jomsom via Lupra village.
Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara transfer to Hotel
Day 16: Tourist Bus Journey or Fly back from Pokhara to Kathmandu

2) Upper Mustang Yartung Festival Route – 14 Days Itinerary


Many of you have heard about the Kentucky Derby which is internationally popular. Yartung is the Kentucky Derby of Mustang which doesn’t need any ticket to watch the live event of the Mustang Horse Riding Festival. This festival happens every year during the summer, the best season for celebration in Mustang. Summer is more like a gathering time for all residents of Mustang to attend weddings, picnics (Phaknyi), and festivals.

2.1 Outline itinerary of Yartung Festival 
Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara Drive
Day 02: Transfer to airport, fly to Jomsom (2,743m) and trek to Lubrak (2,900m) (2hours)
Day 03: Drive from Lubra/ Lubrak to Samar and Trek to Sangbochen (3,800m) through Chungshi Rangjung Gompa
Day 04: Trek from Shyangmochen to Dhakmar (3450m), 6-7 Hours
Day 05: Trek from Drakmar to Lo-Manthang 3840m/6-7 hours via Ghar Gompa and Marang-La Pass.
Day 06: Trek from Thingkar village to Chosar and visit Monastries and Caves.
Day 07: Morning hike to Kuncholing (an amazing landscape) and after lunch return back to Lo Manthang.
Day 08: Explore Lo – Manthang (Yartung First Day)
Day 09: Second Day Yartung Festival and Relax
Day 10: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Yara (3650m)
Day 11: Visit Luri Gompa and Trek from Yara to Charang (3620 m)
Day 12: Drive to Jomsom (2700m)
Day 13: Fly to Pokhara ()
Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu (7 to 8 hours’ drive).

3) Upper Mustang Classic Route- 15 Days Itinerary


The classic trekking route of the Upper Mustang is the most recommended trek in Mustang. This trek equally emphasizes the western and eastern parts of the Mustang. The majority of the trekkers start their journey from Kagbeni to Lo-Manthang through Syangbche, Ghami, and Samar. Then the trek ends from the eastern villages of Yara, Ghara, and Tange. Due to the new road construction, many trekkers prefer to trek the eastern region which provides better views from the trail.   

3.1 Outline itinerary Upper Mustang Classic
Day 01: Drive to Pokhara (800m) – 6 – 7 hours
Day 02: Transfer to the airport, fly to Jomsom (2,743m), and Drive to Chuksang (2980m)
Day 03: Trek from Chuksang to Sangbochen (3,800m) via chungshi Rangjung Cave.
Day 04: Sangboche to Dhakmar (3820m)
Day 05: Dhakmar to Lo Manthang (3750m) via Lo Gyakar gompa. Evening Visit Monasteries in Lo-Manthang which are some of the masterpiece wall paintings.
Day 06: Trek from Thingkar village and visit the Monastery and Caves in Chosar. Stay in Chosar. There are many things to do in Chosar.
Day 07: Morning hike to Kuncholing (an amazing landscape) and after lunch return back to Lo Manthang.
Day 08: Trek to Yara (3650m)
Day 09: Trek to Luri Gompa and stay at Yara
Day 10: Trek to Tange (3340m)
Day 11: Trek to Tetang (3,067m)
Day 12: Tetang to Muktinath temple (3,800m/12,426 feet), 8 hours
Day 13: Trek to Jomsom via Lupra village.
Day 14: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and  transfer to Hotel
Day 15: Tourist Bus Journey or Fly back from Pokhara to Kathmandu 

4) Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Route– 14 Days Itinerary


Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is the easiest tour in Mustang. This tour is made for those who are willing to visit this magical land of the Mustang but don’t have enough time or are unable to trek due to physical unfit. Mustang 4wd overland Tour itinerary is very flexible and travelers can easily adjust according to their interests.

4.1 Outline Itinerary of Upper Mustang Jeep Tour
Day 01: Drive to Pokhara (800m) – 6 – 7 hours
Day 02: Fly to Jomsom and Drive to Marpha (2650 m)
Day 03: Jeep Drive to Sangmochen (3800m) and visit Chungshi Cave
Day 04: Drive to Marang via Lo- Gyakar Gompa and Dhakmar (3820m)
Day 05: Drive to Lo- Manthang and visit Monasteries
Day 06: Drive to Chosar via Chhonhup Thinker village and Border of Nepal & China (4400m)
Day 07: Hike to Rinchenling and Visit Kunchokling/Konchokling and drive to Lo- Manthang
Day 08: Visit a Nomadic Camp and rest
Day 09: Drive to Yara (3650m) via Charang and Dhee village
Day 10: Visit Luri Gonpa and Drive to Tange village (3067m)
Day 11: Drive to Charang (3620m)
Day 12: Drive to Jomsom (2700m)
Day 13: Fly to Pokhara or optional (fly to Kathmandu with connecting flight)
Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu

5) Upper Mustang 8 knots Route – 20 Days Itinerary


Upper Mustang, 8 knots Route Trek is also known as the Extreme Upper Mustang Trek. This trek is made for experienced and pure trekkers who love to encounter the off-the-beaten-path of the Upper Mustang. This trek is longer in duration as compared with other treks of the Mustang. This trek is partially camping-based. The entire itinerary of the extreme Mustang Trek finished with the 8 knots symbol. 

5.1 Outline itinerary of Extreme Mustang Trek
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, 820 m/5 to 6 hours
Day 02: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2720 m) and Trek to Lupra
Day 03: Drive to Samar and trek to Syangbochen via Chungshi Cave Monastery.
Day 04: Trek to Dhakmar, 3450 m/5-6 hours.
Day 05: Trek to Charang
Day 06: Trek to Ghara
Day 07: Visit Luri Gompa and Rest
Day 08: Trek to Chodzong Gompa Camp
Day 09: Trek to Nomad Mesa Camp, 4785 m
Day 10: Trek to Samdzong
Day 11: Trek to Chosar
Day 12: Trek to Lo-Manthang via Thingar village
Day 13: Relax at the visit to Nomads Camps
Day 14: Trek to Yara
Day 15: Trek to Tange
Day 16: Trek to Tetang or Chhusang
Day 17: Trek to Muktinath
Day 18: Trek to Jomsom via Lupra
Day 19: Fly to Pokhara
Day 20: Drive or Fly to Kathmandu  

6) New Tiji Festival Trek - 17 Days

Compared to the first Tiji festival (Lo Cho Dhun Tiji festival), this New Tiji Festival attracts a smaller audience, both local people and tourists. This Tiji festival is also celebrated for three days with the same schedule, mask dances, and rituals, but with fewer attendees, less crowding, and a more intimate experience with the same spiritual essence. Monk perform dances within the coutyard of Choede Monastery in Lo Manthang.  

Every Year Himalayan Wander Walkers operates fixed departure New Tiji Festival Trek to Upper Mustang. 

6.1 Outline itinerary of New Tiji Festival Trek
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, 1340m.
Day 02: Full day Sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley 1340m.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 820m/ 5 to 6 hours
Day 04: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom 2720m and trek to Lubra/lupra village (2972m).
Day 05: Drive to Samar and Trek to Sangmochen via Chungshi Rangjung Cave Monastery.
Day 06: Trek to Dhakmar 3450m/5-6 hours.
Day 07: Trek from Dhakmar to Lo-Manthang (3750m) via Ghar Gompa - Observe the First day of the Tiji Festival.
Day 08: Visit Monasteries and observe the Second day Tiji Festival, Lo-Manthang 3840m.
Day 09: Visit Chosar Caves and Monasteries and observe the Final Day of the Tiji Festival at Lo-Manthang, 3840m.
Day 10: Trek from Lo Manthang (3750m) to Yara (3580m). 5-6 hours
Day 11: Rest Day at Yara visit Luri Gompa.
Day 12: Trek Tange (3,340m) 5-6 hours.
Day 13: Tange to Chhusang/Tetang (3,067m) 10-12 hours and Drive to Kagbeni
Day 14: Drive to Muktinath, visit temples, and return to Marpha.
Day 15: Drive from Marpha to Pokhara via Baglung
Day 16: Tourist Bus Journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 17: Final Departure to your port of Destination

7) Tiji Festival Jeep Tour - 14 Days

The Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Tour by 4x4 WD (jeep tour) is an overland cultural tour into the Tibetan-influenced region. This tour is organized twice every year during the month of May based on the lunar calendar. The first tour for Main Tiji Festival and second tour for new Tiji Festival. 

Why choose a Jeep Tour for the Tiji Festival?
Some of the trekking trails in Upper Mustang are spoiled by the newly constructed Kora La highway connecting China on the northern border of Nepal via Beni and Jomsom. Himalayan Wander Walkers have created this trip to provide a choice for those who are not fond of trekking and physically not fit enough and also for those who have limited time. 

7.1 Outline itinerary of Tiji Festival Jeep Tour
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1300m)
Day 02: Fly to Pokhara in the evening Flight
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Marpha
Day 04: Drive to Chuksang (2980m) via lubra village in the afternoon, a short walk to Tetang village
Day 05: Drive from Chusang to Sangmochen(3800m)
Day 06: Drive to Charang (3620m) and visit Gar Gumba
Day 07: Drive to Ghara and visit Luri Gompa
Day 08: (Tiji day 01) Drive to Lo Manthang and witness the festival
Day 09: (Tiji day 02) Morning ride to Yak Nomadic place and afternoon witness Festival
Day 10: (Tiji day 03) Explore Chosar in the morning and Return to Lo Manthang for lunch and experience the last day of the festival
Day 11: Drive to Tatopani and visit Muktinath (3750m) on the way
Day 12: Drive to Pokhara and explore Pokhara.
Day 13: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu and Rest / Shopping
Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu

If you are looking for a day-to-day detailed itinerary, then please feel free to contact us at info@hwwtreks.com or hwwtreks@gmail.com.

Why our Upper Mustang Itineraries are different from others?

  1. Mustang-based Tour organizer for Upper and Lower Mustang
  2. We keep our clients intact with the locals during the trek by providing them a comfort zone for interaction. 
  3. We are best at customizing Upper Mustang itineraries
  4. We provide local experienced trekking guides. 
  5. Upper Mustang is our best-selling tour in Nepal
  6. No hidden Price for all Upper Mustang Tours and treks.

If you still have questions about why you need to visit this magical place, It’s obvious that everyone has been hit by this question especially when they heard about Upper Mustang for the first time.  Visit our blog Reasons to Visit Upper Mustang.

Last words for Mustang Trekking Routes

Upper Mustang is a restricted area that was allowed for international tourists in 1992 with a special permit, which cost USD 500 for a week. Trekking to the Upper Mustang of Nepal is a bucket list item for many travelers and hikers all over the world. This classically beautiful land of the Mustang is a dream destination for wanderlust. The world is changing, and so is Mustang. The earlier you visit Mustang, the more you will enjoy it. 

If you planning to Trek or Travel in Mustang, contact our local organizer Dawa through his e-mail-  dawa@hwwtreks.com  

Read Useful Tips for Upper Mustang Travel

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