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We Take Real People To Amazing Places!

2018 Upper Mustang Valley Trek
September 26 - October 13, 2018
From Kathmandu, Nepal




 Overview: In the 7th century, Tibet conquered the Kingdom of Mustang ("Lo") and held it for more than 800 years until it became part of Nepal. This austere and arid region derives its style, culture, and language from old Tibet, and traditional culture has continued here undisturbed by Chinese colonization. Today is an especially crucial time to visit this beautiful region and witness Mustang as it has been for centuries. The region's main trekking trails are quickly being modernized into roads supporting vehicle traffic. This trip is designed to visit the most important sites before the cars and busses encroach and at a season when the route is less crowded with other trekkers. You will enjoy a moderate trek with ample rests for altitude acclimatization and for enjoying the outstanding scenery, local people and their unique Tibetan culture. We'll also be staying in newly-built lodges which are locally owned and operated. Grab this chance while you can!

Leadership: The Upper Mustang Trek Leader is Ang Furi Sherpa. Ang Furi is an enthusiastic adventurer who enjoys travel, climbing and mountain biking in his free time. He has training as a guide and an outdoor trip coordinator. He is good with languages including English, Tibetan, Sherpa, and German. He has guided many treks including ones in remote places like Tilman's Pass in the Langtang region and Upper Dolpo to Mustang in western Nepal. He has an understanding of different cultures (he has lived overseas) and is great at explaining Nepali culture and telling stories associated with the trekking places.

Ang Furi is from Tapting village in the Solukhumbu (Lower Everest) region of Nepal where he completed his formal education at the local school. He, together with Himalayan High Treks' other staff, worked hard to help Tapting and other remote communities affected by the 2015 earthquakes. He coordinated the rebuilding of the local Buddhist center and is currently involved in ongoing volunteer work there.

"I've trekked with Ang Furi three times, and he was always affable, courteous, and knowledgeable about the history and culture of our surroundings. He took great care of me and was always checking on my health and comfort. And, he's a great volleyball player! Twice, when my only goal was to find a comfortable place to sit and drink a cup of tea, he was busy organizing a game with the locals." Mike Nicholson, Oakland, Ca 2018







Pre Trip Days: Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal. Remember, people in the Americas 'lose' one day crossing the international date line. You must arrive in Kathmandu no later than September 26, 2018. If you arrive early or depart late, we can arrange transfers, accommodations and additional Nepal services with many custom options throughout the region to enhance your stay before or after your trek!


Ask us questions before you finalize your plans!


Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival. Our staff will meet you upon arrival at the airport to transfer you to our hotel. Optional easy afternoon sightseeing and time to settle in. (Dinner)

Day 2: In Kathmandu. As our staff obtains our restricted area permit from the Department of Immigration, enjoy a day of sightseeing with our knowledgeable guide in Kathmandu — visiting older neighborhoods of the city with distinctive palaces and Hindu and Buddhist temples. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara. An all day scenic drive takes us to Pokahara. After settling in at the lodge, enjoy the stunning panorama and strolling Fewa Lake's shore. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: Pokhara via Jomsom to Kagbeni. Our flight to Jomsom is before 9:00 AM. Depending on exact flight time, breakfast could be in Pokhara or in Jomsom. The short flight by a small, 15–passenger aircraft, flies through Kaligandaki Gorge between two of the tallest mountains on earth, Mount Annapurna and Mount Dhaulagiri, both above 26,000 feet.

Upon landing at Jomsom, you'll meet our porter staff, adjust your daypack and then begin the hike to Kagbeni. The trail to Kagbeni is mostly flat along the Kaligandaki river basin, which we follow on and off during the trek. Kagbeni is an important village with interesting architecture. With a village monastery and several tourist lodges, it's the junction where trekkers diverge to explore upper Mustang in the north and Annapurna Circuit to the east. Trekking time 3 hours, sleeping elevation 9,216 feet. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: After check–in at the restricted area's checkpoint, our trek ascends a short hill on the trail with moderate ups and downs, leaving the river bed far below. Tangbe Village is a rest spot where a new community apple orchard is being cultivated. The trail continues with short ups and downs to reach our lunch stop — Chhusang Village located back at the Kaligandaki River. The river crossing after Chhusang leads us to Chaile Village after a short up hill climb (approximately 1,000



















foot ascent). Trekking time 6 hours, sleeping elevation 10,000 feet. Approximately a 1,500 foot ascent. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6: Chaile to Syangbochen. From Chaile our trek heads west, climbing a hill with both steep and gradual sections across from scenic Gyagar Village. As we climb higher, the views are more spectacular with Nilgiri (23,160 feet), Tilicho (23,400 feet), Thorong Peak (20,152 feet), Yakwa Kang (21,260 feet) and other peaks. The Annapurna range fills the horizon above the beautiful panorama of nearby Mustang.

After about two hours of continuous climbing, we arrive at a pass marked with prayer flags and rock piles — offerings by Nepalis to the mountain spirits. From the pass, it's a short walk to the village of Samar where we will have an early lunch before continuing to Syangbochen. Trekking time eight hours, sleeping elevation 12,631 feet. Approximately a 3,300 foot ascent. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Syangmochen via Ghami to Charang. From Syangmochen we begin our day with a short climb to Syangmochen La Pass (12,628 feet) before the trail descends to Tama Gaon Village. We take the left trail from the junction at Tama Gaon and hike upwards once more to reach Jaite To Nyila Pass. This pass is the southern boundary of Lo or Mustang itself.

From Nyila, we walk downhill to Ghami for lunch. Leaving Ghami, the trail passes the areas longest and oldest Mani Prayer Wall and ascends to a final pass and then downhill near Charang Village for the night. Trekking time 8 hours, sleeping elevation 11,676 feet. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8: Charang to Lomanthang. Charang Village has one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the area as well as the winter palace of the king of Mustang. Before breakfast we will visit Charang Monastery and after, trek gently on to Lomanthang to the north. In about four hours, we reach Dye La Pass. Here the fortified palace and village of Lomanthang appear from the high, dry landscape of the Tibetan plateau. From Dye La Pass it's under one hour to reach Lomanthang. Trekking time 5 hours, sleeping elevation 12,496 feet. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9: Optional horse trip to Caves of Jhong, old monasteries and Chhosar. Nepal's government restricts tourists for overnight stays beyond Lomanthang. Today you have an option for a rest day exploring the surrounding region or we can ride horses (optional, additional cost) to visit the old cave village of Jhong at Chhosar.

It takes about two hours by horseback to reach Jhong — a cave complex five stories high with more than 40 rooms where entire villages flourished 2000 years ago. Two old Buddhist sites are also nearby. We can explore them as well and still return to Lomanthang by late afternoon. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10: Free day in Lomanthang. Today we'll explore the fortified capital town of old Lo Kingdom. The village is noted for its tall white-washed walls, gompas and the Royal Palace, a nine-corner, five-story structure built about 1400 AD. Lo was an independent principality of Himalaya long before it assimilated into modern Nepal. The royal family of Mustang received special honors until 2008 when Nepal declared itself a republic. We tour the village and its three important monasteries which contain ancient frescos painted in natural color — the American Himalayan Foundation helped restore these ancient paintings. The Annapurna Conservation Area Project visitor center is also worth a visit. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 11: Lomanthang via Lo Gekar to Ghami. Once we leave Lomanthang we take the trail towards Marang La (13,874 feet) and Lo Gekar. This area is the highest on our trek and offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Annapurna Range, Saribung Peak and the Damodar section of Annapurna Himalaya. Damodar is one of the last frontiers close to the Tibetan border — its rugged landscape and ancient culture are unique.

From the pass it's a long gradual descent to Lo Gekar Monastery, the oldest Buddhist monastery in all the Himalaya (including Tibet). It was built by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. We relish a simple lunch at the monastery restaurant and continue our trek to Ghami via another pass of Mu La (13,677 feet). Trekking time 8 hours, Sleeping elevation 11,548 feet. Approximately a 3,200 foot ascent. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12: Ghami to Gheling to Syangbochen. Starting with a short hillside ramble, we retrace our steps to Syangbochen. Approximately a 2,660 foot ascent. Lunch is in Gheling. Hiking time is 6 hours. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)






















Day 13: Syangbochen to Chungsi Caves to Chhusang. We pause to explore the 8th century meditation cave of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who established Buddhism in Tibet. The cave, Chungsi Rangjyon (self emanated), contains stupas, paintings and status of Guru Rinpoche and Buddha. A very full eight hour hiking day with the trip to the caves. You may see blue sheep. Lunch is in Samar. Approximately a 2,400 foot ascent. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 14: Chhusang to Kagbeni. Today is our final day trekking in the restricted zone. We continue downhill to Chaile and then with moderate ups and downs passing the villages of Chhusang and Tangbe to arrive at Tibet-influenced Kagbeni, located in the valley of the Kali Gandaki — one of three rivers which cross the Himalaya. The Kali Gandaki was one of the major trade routes between Tibet and India. Traders brought salt from Tibet and barley, spices and clothes from India. Following the Chinese invasion of Tibet, trade abruptly ended and formerly prosperous villages faded into obscurity. Approximately a 1,300 foot ascent. Only 4 hours of hiking, but then free time to explore Kagbeni, a photographers paradise. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 15: Kagbeni to Lupra to Jomsom. Most trekkers return straight to Jomsom but we will make a detour to visit Lupra Village — hidden in a canyon off of the main trail. This special village is unique, as it's the only Bon Po Village which survives in Mustang. Bon Po pre-dates Buddhism and is one of the oldest religions in the world. After lunch at Lupra, we trek back to Jomsom. Sleeping elevation 8,921 feet. Approximately a 1,340 foot ascent. Five hours with time in Lupra. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 16: Jomsom to Pokhara to Kathmandu. Two short flights return us to Kathmandu. (Breakfast)

Day 17: Free day in Kathmandu.

Day 18: Depart Kathmandu. Free time will depend on your departure flight time. We'll provide an airport transfer for your flight home today. (Breakfast)

PostTrip Departure: Return travel home. Those in the Americas may arrive home the same day with the reverse travel across the International Date Line.

Important Note: This is meant only as a guide to what our days will be like. Changes may be made as we go along. These depend upon local conditions, our acclimatization and safety. Sturdy vehicles are provided to and from trailheads. Provided trail times and elevations are approximate. It should be noted that this is a demanding, high–altitude trek. Good health, a high level of fitness and a positive attitude are the best tools to appreciate the trek. This kind of travel is not best for those prone to car sickness or afraid of heights. All of the areas visited are remote and there are no reliable sources of medical care outside of Kathmandu.

Travel Details: Ask us about booking a room should you have an overnight stopover, wish to arrive early or stay for extra days at the end. We can arrange additional nights at any of our hotels or guest houses (comfortable deluxe rooms, attached bathrooms, wifi, room service, laundry service, a free safe-deposit box and ample luggage storage) for you as well as arrange add–on excursions throughout the region. Airport pickup for early arrivals or late departures can also be arranged upon request.

We recommend that you purchase travel insurance which includes coverage for trip cancelation as well as our required emergency medical evacuation coverage. Please see our Policy section for complete information on our trip cancellations policies. Payment for additional services not specified in the itinerary may be required at the time the service is booked or received.















Upper Mustang Trek • Administrative Details:

(+) Land Cost (land cost as itinerary has described):

$2750USD

(+) In-Trip Airfare Estimate (air during itinerary program):

+  $380USD

(=) Total Program Cost (Land & In-Trip Air costs combined):

$3130USD

Trip Deposit (submit with application):

$250USD

Single Supplement (optional single accommodation):

$425 USD (optional)

Maximum Group Size:

Eight Participants

Other Cost & Need Considerations:

Passport, Visa(s), Physicians Visit, Emergency Medical & Evacuation Insurance, Travel to/from Kathmandu Nepal, Meals Beyond Above Itinerary, Beverages, Spending/Personal Money.

Trip Activity–Level:

Moderate: Usually involves hiking an average of four to six hours each day — with some trekking time being spent at high altitude. Accommodations consist of evenings spent at tea or
guest houses and tent camping along the trail.

Registration Deadline:

June 26, 2018 ($100USD late fee thereafter)

Upper Mustang Printable Itinerary:

Upper Mustang

Printable Trip Application:

Himalayan High Treks Printable Application

Online (Instant) Upper Mustang Application:

Upper Mustang Online (Instant) Application

Need More Information? Email Us, we're nice:

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