Mustang Heritage Trail Trek: 18-Day

Mustang, Nepal - View on map
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  • 18 Days
  • Max People : 10
  • Wifi Available
  • Jan 18’ - Dec 21’
  • Min Age: 12+
  • Pickup: Hotel
Description

Mustang is an ancient kingdom that was once inaccessible to outsiders and is now open to tourists. It’s a land unlike any other, rich with ancient culture, breathtaking landscapes, and deep spirituality. The Mustang Heritage Trail includes an 18-day walk through living history, Tibetan Buddhist traditions, and stunning landscapes. You’ll find ancient monasteries and friendly villagers.

The trek is hard but worthwhile. Mustang’s scenery is unique, with gorges and cliffs providing evidence of nature’s might. These are ancient, spiritually important places of worship and learning, with friendly locals and culture sharing, and traditions.

Mustang is a high-altitude desert that is dry, windy, rocky, and barren. As the journey unfolds, you catch a glimpse of another world where time seems to have stood still. And, more than a trip, this experience is a true immersion into a different culture and lifestyle. That memory of Mustang, its landscapes, people, and culture, will last forever.

Trek highlights

  • Experience the ancient Kingdom of Lo.
  • Visit Lo Manthang, a walled city.
  • Trek along a desert terrain that is unlike any other.
  • Tour ancient monasteries and cave systems.
  • Experience the true Tibetan culture.
  • Breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains.

Physical demands and trek difficulty

The Mustang trek lasts 18 days of demanding steps. You must walk many hours each day on rough terrain with hills and stones. At high altitudes, breathing grows difficult, and you may lose energy quickly. Allow your body to adjust to the height. Rest days bring relief, so make the best of them by taking proper rest. You must be physically fit for this journey. Train by taking daily walks or runs before you set out.

This route proves hard because it lies in a distant area. The paths stay uneven, and the climate shifts quickly. You must feel strong and positive to continue. You carry only a small bag. Lodgings remain basic. Meals are plain, and hot water might not always be available. If you have health problems, consult your doctor. The Mustang trek is excellent if you embrace a challenge.

Cultural Heritage and Local Traditions

The trip through Mustang lets you learn about an ancient, traditional way of life. The area holds on to its Tibetan customs even today. You notice this in their daily routines, in their prayers, as well as in the way they build their homes. The locals in Mustang adhere strongly to Tibetan Buddhism. You visit very old temples that date back hundreds of years. 

Monks offer their prayers and carry out rituals there. Prayer flags fly in the wind, sending kind wishes. You also pass stone towers known as chortens along the routes. The villages in Mustang feature houses made of mud and stone. They are built like this to cope with cold and stormy weather. Many locals still grow crops and tend to animals.

If your hike takes place during a festival, you see bright clothes and dance shows as well as holy rites. The Tiji Day stands out and draws people from many areas. The locals in Mustang earn praise for their kindness and warmth. Protecting Mustang’s rare customs matters a lot. 

Flora and Fauna

The Mustang trek shows you a dry, high place with special plants and animals. Because it's high and dry, not many things grow. You'll see bushes and small, tough plants that can live with little water. Some plants have bright flowers in the short summer. Animals here are also used to the dry, cold weather. 

You might see blue sheep, which look like goats. They climb rocks easily. Snow leopards live here too, but they are very hard to see. You might also see eagles and hawks. They look for small animals to eat. Ravens are also common. They are big, black birds. Small animals like pikas live in the rocks. They look like rabbits but are smaller. They eat plants and hide from bigger animals. 

The plants and animals in Mustang are special. They have learned to live in a hard place. Some are only found here. The dry land makes it hard for many plants to grow. But the plants and animals here are strong. They show how life can be lived in tough places. You'll see different plants as you walk. As you go higher, fewer things grow. The air gets colder. The animals hide well, so you might not see many. But you'll see signs of them. The Mustang trek is not just about mountains. It's also about seeing how life lives in a dry, high place.

 Conclusion

The 18-day Mustang Heritage Trail Trek can be described as epic. The journey traverses diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and histories. It is a trek demanding good physical health, but the memories, views, and the special charm of Mustang will reward you in return.

Price Includes
Airport Pick up and drop from Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu
Provision of Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) cards
Covering up the Entry Permit
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
All accommodation during the treks
Free luggage stored at Wandering Trail Adventures store during the trek
An experienced & qualified English Speaking Guide Including his food, lodge, transportation, salary, insurance equipment
An experienced porter shared with two individuals including his food, lodging, transportation, Salary, insurance, and equipment.
Deluxe, tourist sofa Seater Bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara before the trek & Pokhara to Kathmandu after the trek
Shared Transportation from Pokhara to trek start point Kande
Shared Transportation from trek end point Siding to Pokhara
1-night hotel at Kathmandu & 1-night hotel at Pokhara with Breakfast
Government VAT & official expenses
Price Excludes
Any extra food & desserts during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara
No coverage of Travel medical insurance and emergency evacuation costs
Self-payment for Nepal entry visa fee and International airfare
Personal expenses such as Alcoholic beverages, donations, cold drinks/Coffee, premium lodge e.t.c
Extra Personal equipment needed for the trek
Tips for guide and Porter (Tipping is expected)
All the personal expenses such as Hot showering at lodges, water bottle, hot water, battery charge, Wifi etc.
Gadgets charging fee at tea houses

Complimentary Items

Company T-Shirt
Trek Completion Certificate
Souvenir
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

These Trekking Gears are provided by the company for rent:

Crampons
Sleeping Bag
Pair of hiking poles
Itinerary

Your journey to Mustang starts in Kathmandu, the main city of Nepal. After landing at the airport, you can go to your hotel and rest there. Go to your room, unpack, and have a drink. Listen to the city sounds. It's a mix of old and new things. Later, your guide will tell you about the trek. You'll have time to look around. A fun place is Thamel, with shops and food. It's a busy place. Or, you can rest at the hotel. Your journey will start tomorrow, so you can take this day to roam around the city, or you can also use the day to prepare last-minute things for your journey ahead.

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Today, you will take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Pokhara is a pleasant city beside a large lake known as Phewa Lake. On a clear day, you’ll get a view of high snowy peaks from the plane. It's a beautiful sight. When you arrive in Pokhara, you’ll find it way more peaceful than Kathmandu. It’s a quiet spot up by the lakeside. Then, you'll drive to Beni. It is a drive through the countryside. You’ll witness green hills, fields, and quaint villages. You will see people working in the fields and children playing. You get a glimpse of life in rural areas. You will reach Beni in the evening and be housed in a cozy lodge. You will rest here during the evening because you will be experiencing an exciting day tomorrow.

Fly to Pokhara (823m) and drive to Beni

Today, you’ll drive deep into the mountains. You bid farewell to Beni and head for Tatopani. Tatopani is one of the most famous places in Nepal for its hot springs. The road follows the Kali Gandaki River. You’ll witness deep valleys sliced through the mountains. You’ll see fields terraced on the sides of hills. And besides all of these you will also see big waterfalls on the way. You should try to enjoy this ride as it will be an exciting journey, and you will be experiencing many things. At Tatopani, it is best recommended that you take a bath in the hot springs. The warm water will make you feel better and prepare you for your upcoming trek. The warm steam and sounds of the river will relax you, so take your time to soak in all of the moment and prepare yourself for the days ahead of you. You will stay in a nice guesthouse and prepare yourself for your walk. You will be feeling refreshed and ready to start your trek after the day has come to an end.

Drive to Tatopani (1,189m)

Today, your walk starts! After breakfast, you will begin ascending into the forest of the mountain. The path is easy at first. It stays by the river and gains altitude gently. You will walk through forests with rhododendrons. You walk slower until you get used to trekking in the mountains. The air is dry, and you will hear the sounds of nature. Ghasa is a big village that is located between the high mountains. It's a peaceful place. You’ll stay in a tea house, converse with other walkers, and enjoy good food. It’s a nice and scenic walk. Ghasa is a quiet and beautiful village. The day will be pleasant and calm, making it ideal for the beginning of your trek.

Trek to Ghasa (2,010m)

Day five is your trek to Lete, a village way up at 2,480 meters. Today, the land you see will change a lot. You'll be going uphill, so the air will be harder to breathe. You might start walking on dry, rocky ground, but later you'll see green plants and trees. This day is mostly about being out in nature. You'll walk more in the wild and see fewer houses. The walk itself is the main thing, not the towns you pass. Lete is situated in the Kali Gandaki River valley. The Kali Gandaki valley offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After your long day of trekking, you will be resting at a peaceful local guesthouse where you will feel at home with warm hospitality and friendly locals.

Trek to Lete (2,480m)

Today’s walk is an easy one, from the rough mountain trails to the center of Marpha, a village famous for its apple trees. You begin your journey, and the air becomes clearer. The trail shifts from dirt to stone as you get close to Marpha. Marpha’s houses are made of stone that survives well in the mountains. You will see the silent, peaceful  village. Villagers go about their daily routine, working in their orchards or selling apple products in small stores. The vibe of Marpha is tranquility and simplicity. It is not a location with anything else, just the sights and smells and sounds of a calm mountain village.

Trek to Marpha (2670M)

Today, you might find it easier to trek down a valley towards Jomsom. Essentially flat, the path moves along the course of the river, encouraging you to relax and enjoy the dramatic views. Jomsom serves as the principal administrative center of Mustang and possesses quite an expansive ambiance in itself. Shops, cafes, and teahouses line the main-oriented street, providing a good change after the smaller villages. A bit of time will be spent for acclimatization, walking around town, and browsing the shops.

Trek to Jomsom (2720M)

Today is important since it's a rest day for acclimatization; the body needs to rest well and prepare for the upcoming days. However, it's more than just rest; it's a day to experience some of the things Jomsom has to offer: leisurely wander about the town, visit the local antique monastery, or stroll the Jomsom bazaar to find different local goods. Just enjoy the delightful mountain breeze and give yourself that well-deserved moment. It's your day of consideration for the body for the continuation of the trek.

Rest and Acclimatization Day in Jomsom

After a vital acclimatization day, the trekking journey gradually continues towards Kagbeni, the well-known gateway to the Upper Mustang region. On the way to the ancient town, the landscape dynamics will become very dry and windy. On your walk you will see big wild lands. After some walking here you will go to kagbeni, a old town where time stops. In Kagbeni, you will be able to experience many things, such as stone paths, spinning prayers, and a bright red building. You can walk around and try to take pictures of this special place. When evening comes, you'll stay in a simple, cozy teahouse. These are like small, family-run guesthouses. You'll eat dinner and get ready for bed. The night will be very quiet and peaceful. You can relax and enjoy the calm, feeling the stillness of the mountains all around you. It's a chance to really rest and feel the quiet beauty of the place.

Trek to Kagbeni (2,800m)

Today, you begin your journey to Upper Mustang. Once you get past a checkpoint, the area will be very dry and wild. The rocks are incredible, in a wide variety of colors and shapes. It’s a narrow, fun path, leading through high cliffs, ancient caves, and deep valleys. It's beautiful to see. You’ll arrive at Chele, a little village with age-old buildings. You can watch the locals quietly living their lives. You will sleep here tonight, and feel how peaceful it is.

Trek to Chele (3,050m)

The trek to Syangbochen is a difficult one, the rewards of which are invaluable. The walking path today is very difficult. It goes up and down many hills. These hills will test your strength. You will need to work harder than usual. There will be moments when you need to push yourself, but your hard work will seem worthwhile once you start admiring those panoramic views of the mountains and the vastness of the beautiful landscape. Syangbochen is a small village in the hills that offers basic amenities for a comfortable stay. Watching the sunset over the mountain peaks with fellow trekkers will be a shared experience where you will be able to tell a few stories.

Trek to Syangbochen (3,475m)

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the more barren and majestic landscapes of Upper Mustang. The trail is exposed to the wind, so appropriate clothing for protection is a must. As you trek, look ahead to see a long, traditional Mani Wall, a stunning structure with holy inscriptions. Ghami is a small village famous for its impressive wall, as well as the traditional way of life of the local people. You will spend the night here, soaking up the traditional life in this high-altitude village.

Trek to Ghami (3,520m)

The trail continues through the dry landscapes, offering panoramic views of the hills and unique rock formations. The trek to Tsarang is a gradual climb with a few tougher sections to test your endurance. Tsarang is a large village with a tall, strong fort with five levels, as well as a stunning red Gompa. You’ll have the opportunity to explore these ancient sites, witness the impressive architecture, and gain insights into the region's rich history. You'll spend the night in a teahouse, taking in the atmosphere of the village.

Trek to Tsarang (3,560m)

Today, you reach Lo Manthang, the ancient walled town. For many trekkers, this point is one of their best parts of the trek. The place is famous for its old buildings and its history. The trail gives you gorgeous views of the walled city, which appears to be rising out from the dry plateau. As you walk through the gate, you will feel like you just stepped into the past. An unforgettable experience marking the high point of your trip. You sink into a guesthouse to absorb the very special atmosphere of this uniquely charged place. The excitement in the air is palpable as you celebrate this milestone.

Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840m)

Today is dedicated to exploring the rich culture of Lo Manthang. You will have the opportunity to stroll the ancient streets, visit the royal palace, and spend some time watching the gompas in the neighborhood. You will also witness the daily lives of the people who call this place home while learning about the unique traditions preserved over centuries. You will spend the day marveling at this ancient walled city, totally submitting yourself to its charm.

Explore Lo Manthang

You walk out of the main town heading towards Dhakmar. The track today offers stunning views. You will see tall red cliffs, like giant walls of rock. You’ll also see strange rocks that look like nothing you’ve seen before. These shapes of rock only exist in this lofty location. Dhakmar is extremely quiet after the busy town of Lo Manthang. It is a peaceful place. Fantastic views of the mountains and valleys can be seen. A good place to relax after a hectic town.

Trek to Dhakmar (3,820m).

The trek today is a long climb up to the ancient Luri caves with murals and a traditional monastery. You will ascend to Luri Gompa at 4,000m. Luri Gompa carries some ancient wall paintings of Nepal and holds great historical and exploration value. After the Gompa visit, you trek back to Ghiling, where you will stay in a teahouse for the night.

Trek to Luri Monastery and back to Ghiling (3,570m)

On the final day, you will slowly walk back to Jomsom with several familiar villages on the way. The trek descends gradually down the mountain slopes, eventually meeting the Jomsom airport. You will take an early morning flight from Jomsom back to Pokhara, then continue to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, you have time to relax at the hotel, do some shopping for souvenirs, or enjoy some last meals in Nepal.

Trek to Jomsom and fly to Pokhara/Kathmandu

Add-ons & Options

Porter / Guide Service
Porter Services - USD 160
- Let our skilled porters handle your gear, allowing you to fully embrace the stunning landscapes of the Mardi Himal Trek. One porter can be shared between two trekkers, with a maximum load of 25 kg.
Private Guides - USD 35
- Private Guides /Day/Guest
Flight Ticket
Kathmandu to Pokhara - USD 100
- Enjoy a seamless transition from Kathmandu to Pokhara with a flight ticket that includes airport transfers.
Pokhara to Kathmandu - USD 105
- Return to Kathmandu from Pokhara with ease, as this flight ticket also includes airport transportation.
Transportation
Private Jeep/ Car - USD 55
- Jeep/ Car from Pokhara to Kande
Private Jeep/ Car - USD 60
- Jeep/ Car from Sidhing to Pokhara
Location
FAQs

It is an 18-day walking trip through Upper Mustang, a remote region in Nepal. It’s special because it allows you to glimpse a kingdom once hidden from outsiders. You’ll also find old villages, monasteries, and unique landscapes that speak volumes of the rich history and culture of the area.

This trek is hard. It encompasses several days of walking on trails that rise and fall over hills. You need to be in good shape. Good to walk a lot before you go.

You’ll be under the roof of simple mountain guesthouses known as teahouses. They provide simple rooms and meals. Food is typically basic, such as rice, noodles, and vegetable dishes. You can also purchase beverages and snacks.

You will require two special documents: the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These permits can be obtained through a trekking agency. Trekking in Upper Mustang is not allowed solo.

Pack for cold nights, good walking shoes, a sleeping bag, and a backpack. And bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, too. A first-aid kit is a good thing to have.

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