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Rishiram Bhandari+977-9851031006Kathmandu Nepal |
Upper Mustang Trek (4010m/13156ft.) - 18 days
Mustang Nepal Trek - The Uncharted Magical Red Mountains of the Least Trodden Remote Region in Nepal
Unlike other mountains with white snow and freezing temperatures, Mustang region trekking mountains are red in color at approximately 4,000 meters in height. Upper Mustang trek is another world on its own with very distinctive landscape and culture different from other regions of Nepal. It is remarkable and arid world where grey-brown treeless rolling hill extends into the distance and where homes are built from sun baked mud brick, which remained intact for decades.
This magical place remains undefiled by tourism and modernization. With a blend of both white and red mountains, it is a sight to marvel at. Mustang region trekking ushers you to the remote world of ancient Buddhist Kingdom Mustang settled between Tibet and the Himalayas. Also referred to as ‘Loho’, this kingdom is closer to Tibet and directly identified with Tibetan tradition, culture and religion. Upper Mustang trek is situated in the Upper Kali Gandaki Valley and seats in the rain-shadow region behind Annapurna massif, with rainfall amounting to 400 millimeters per year.
What makes Mustang Trek Extraordinary?
The restriction enacted on Mustang Nepal trek that lasted till the 90s greatly contributed to an extraordinarily safeguarded culture and nature. The chief pinnacle of Upper Mustang trekking is the capital of Upper Mustang known as Lo Manthang. On the way to Lo Manthang, trekkers can view the breathtaking wall of medieval capital from afar. It includes a white-washed, 6m tall wall that was constructed to guard outsiders from invading.
When you step into Lo Manthang, you feel as if you are walking into another galaxy- A galaxy with restricted space, age-old chortens, long-renowned history, prayer wheels and ancestral people who utilize their time farming and trading business. We then visit the 15th century Thugchen Gompa and royal palace, and also explore Amchi School and Amchi museum.
If you have heard of this place before, you must be aware of the very costly permit, which is a requirement from the Department of Immigration along with Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS). Therefore, many presume it to be a proviso for the wealthy adventurers only. For the several tourists who have had the auspicious chance to visit this place, the $500 permit was worth every penny. If you are planning to explore the Mustang trek, you need to be well prepared moneywise.
Upper Mustang Trek Cost
- Special Upper Mustang trekking permit: The Mustang restricted permit currently costs $500 per individual. This requirement alone makes it not easily accessible to everyone. It is also important to note that this permit is valid for a minimum of 10 days only.
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit): In addition to the special permit, you need to obtain the ACAP that costs $20 per individual. If you wish to reach Upper Mustang, you need this permit that is valid for a one-time entry and exit, with unlimited number of days in Annapurna region.
- TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) card: This is not a must-have, but if you wish to visit other Annapurna treks, then you are required to have the TIMS card that costs $10 per individual.
Aside from the Upper Mustang trek cost, there are other costs you will encounter and need to prepare for such as:
- Cost for porter and guide- roughly between $25 to $30 each per day, inclusive of food, accommodation and insurance.
- Cost of transportation for the Mustang trekking
- Food and beverages cost
- Cost of accommodation and tea houses
- Other miscellaneous costs such as charging your electronic gadgets, bucket shower and tips.
End note
It is quite an expensive trek in comparison to other base camps in Nepal and mainly due to the permits. However, those who have gone before always say you get your money’s worth and there is a reason behind the costly implementations by the government.
Facts of the Trip
Highest access: 4010m/13156ft.
Duration: 18 Days
Group Size: 02-12 persons per Group.
Co-ordinates: 29.0833° N, 83.9167° E
Location: Mustang
Country: Nepal
Airport: TIA (Kathmandu)
Departure From: Kathmandu
Grade: Moderate
Accommodation: Three star to five star as request
Meals: During The Trek (B,L,D)
Transportation: By Tourist / Private vehicles/ Flights
Best season: (Autumn)September to December and (Spring)March to May
Major Activity: Trekking/Hiking
Include Activity: Sights trips of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Culture: Gurung and Thakali
Mode of Travel: Tea House/Camping
Himalayan sights: Mustang , Dhaulagiri , Tilicho, Annapurna , Nilgiri
Route Map:.jpg) |
Itinerary Details
Day 01:Arrival in Kathmandu Airport and transfer to request category hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (1350M/4430ft).
Day 02: Preparation, Briefings, restricted permit issues and Last minute shopping in Kathmandu (1350M/4430ft).
Day 03: Drive or fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (915m/3002ft.) which takes about seven hours by bus and 25 minutes by flight. overnight at request category hotel accommodation in Pokhara.
Day 04: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom(2743m/899ft, 20mins) then trek to Kagbeni (2810m/9219ft, 3-4hrs)Tea house/camping accommodation.
Day 05: Trek from Kagbeni(2810m/9219ft) to Chaqile(3050m/10006ft, 05-06hrs) Tea house/Camping accommodation.
Day 06: Trek from Chaile(3050m/10006ft) to Shyangboche(3475/11401ft, 05-06hrs) Tea house/Camping accommodation.
Day 07: Trek from Shyangboche (3475m/11401ft) to Ghami(3520/11549ft, 05-06hrs)Tea house/Camping accommodation.
Day 08: Trek from Ghami(3520/11549ft) to Tsarang(3500m/11483ft, 04-05hrs) Tea house/Camping accommodation.
Day 09: Trek from Tsarang(3500m/11483ft) to Lo Manthang (3700m/12139ft, 05-06hrs) Tea house/Camping.
Day 10: Rest day at Lo Manthang (3700m/12139ft) explore the fascinating city of Lo Manthang, Tea house/Camping accommodation.
Day 11: Trek from Lo Manthang(3700m/12139ft) to Tamar (3515m/11532ft, 05-06hrs) Tea house/Camping.
Day 12: Trek from Tamar (3515m/11532ft)to Shyangboche (3475m/11401ft, 05-06hrs)Tea house/Camping.
Day 13:Trek from Shyangboche (3475m/11401ft), to Tetang (3590m/11778ft, 05-06hrs) Tea house/Camping accommodation.
Day 14: Trek from Tetang(3590m/11778ft) to Muktinath(3710/12172ft, 05-06hrs)Tea house/Camping.
Day 15: Trek from Muktinath(3710m/12172ft) to Jomsom(2,743m/8,999 ft, 04-05hrs)Tea house/Camping.
Day 16: Fly from Jomsom(2,743m(8,999ft) to Pokhara(915m/3002ft, 20mins) transfer to request category hotel accommodation.
Day 17: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus that takes about seven hours also you can take a flight which takes about 25 minutes, overnight at Hotel.farewell dinner with culture program In the Evening.
Day 18: Drop to airport for final departure, or Join alternative activities.
Cost Include/Exclude
Price For the Trip
- The cost of this trek depends on the group size.
- The cost can affect the numbers of Guides and Porters.
- The cost depends on request category hotel accommodation in KTM & PKR.
- The cost depends on Mode of transportation (Private Car, flight or tourist bus)
- The cost depend in mode of Trekking package(camping or tea house accommodation)
- The Itinerary can be change on your desires.
- The Itinerary mentioned above is from Airport to Airport Service.
- The Itinerary can design according to your Budget and time.
- Please contact us for up to Date, Cost and the Duration.
Package trip Cost Includes:
- Assistance at the International airport by Satori Adventures representative on arrival and departure as per provided flight details.
- Arrival and departure transfer services to and from both Domestic and International airport as per itinerary.
- 3 Nights request hotel accommodations in Kathmandu on bed and Breakfast basis.
- 2 Nights request hotel accommodation in Pokhara on Bed and Breakfast basis.
- Request mode of Transportation from Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu(we have flight, Private car or Jeep and Tourist bus Transportation) as per Itinerary
- Necessary staffs including experienced guides and porters during the trekking period as per Itinerary.
- Schedule Flight Tickets for Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara sector both members and involved trekking staff.
- 3 meals a day (Breakfasts,Lunch and Dinners with tea or coffee) along with available tea house/Lodge/ Guest house during trekking at twin sharing basis.
- 3 Meals a day breakfast (Breakfasts, Lunch and Dinners with tea or coffee) during the camping as per Itinerary (if client request camping accommodation base trekking package).
- 2 trekking members will have 1, V25 North face 4 season tent available During the trekking and camping accommodation.
- Trekking cook and assistance cook will be provided during the trekking (if client choose camping accommodation base trip)
- All request dinning tents, kitchen tents, members tents are available including chairs, kitchen cooking equipment, mattress etc.
- Per person 15kg baggage allowance during trekking-up carrying by porter
- Daily Weather Report Services from Seattle based
- Annapurna conservation area entry Trekking Permit
- 10 Days valid special Upper mustang restricted are permit
- TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System).
- Experienced, Trained, Government Licensed, trekking guide as per group size.
- All wages, equipment, medical and accidental Insurances for all involved trekking staffs
- Warm Down jacket and four seasonal sleeping bag will be provided during the trekking(down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip achievement)
- Satori Adventures duffel bag and t-shirt
- Upper Mustang trekking map
- First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staffs.
- Our service charge and Government Taxes levied in Nepal.
- All necessary paper works, office Service charge and Government Taxes
- complete pre-departure information, flight ticket reconfirmation and extend visa service(if necessary)
- Farewell Dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with domestic culture show in Kathmandu before departure.
- Satori Adventures Special Gifts (T-shirt/Pashmina etc.)
Package trip Cost Excludes:
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu “except farewell dinner in Kathmandu”.
- Travel insurance most covered Emergency rescue evacuation if required.
- Personal accident insurance or Helicopter rescue.
- Airfare of international flights
- Nepal entry visa fee, ( we have on arrival service except 15 nationality )
- Any kind of Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, hot shower.
- Alcoholic beverages, Mineral water, laundry, phone calls, Internets.
- All kind of Personal Expenses
- Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations.
- Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section
- Tips, gifts, souvenirs for involved trekking staff .
Price for the trip
Satori Adventures has not able to include the cost of each package in the company website. Many of our clients have the same query: why Satori Adventures has not included the price in the package. To provide you service in reasonable cost and attempt to address your each requirement we desired to provide you with some information which directly affects the cost and also helps us breakdown the cost. That’s why, we have decided to clarify our customers that due to following reasons we have not included the cost in our website and package:
- The cost of the trip always depends on the size of the group, category of the hotel accommodation and the client’s desire (budget)
- The included itinerary is a guideline and standard pattern which Satori Adventures advises you. This trekking itinerary can be modified according to your time and requirements.
- The itinerary shall be changed after an understanding between both Satori Adventures and the client. Additional activities could be either added or reduced as per client's request before the confirmation of the trip.
- Price shall be adjusted in our mutual understanding, that is, if the client intends to add some services we shall charge him/her for those additional services and if he/she intends to lessen some services, we shall wave the charges accordingly.
- The itinerary is published in full board operation services for the clear understanding of the client. Among many options such as hotel facilities in Kathmandu and Pokhara, the client can make his/her own choice.
- The cost is also affected by the number of employees‒ guides and porters.
Please feel free to contact Satori Adventures for any information about in your selected package.
How to Book?
How to book holiday trip in Nepal?
Satori Adventures and Expedition aims at giving proper information to many travelers, trekkers and climbers who have some confusion regarding the booking process of the trip in Nepal. Satori Adventures therefore desires to provide guideline for the first-time visitors or travelers so that they can comfortably start the process to book the selected package legally. Before starting the booking process we always advise our trekkers, travelers and climbers to intelligently check whether the company is genuine and whether they are fully safe to travel in the company’s guidance. We ask them to be acquainted with the company they want book their holiday trip with. Is the company genuine and authorized from Government of Nepal, Office of the Company Registrar, Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal Rastra Bank ‒Central Bank of Nepal (authorized for foreign currency), Permanent Account Number (PAN), and the Department of Cottage & Small Industries). Are they financially secured and environmentally conscious? We advise them to make sure about these formalities because there are some companies in Nepal that have been running business without abiding by the rules and regulation of the Government. Some companies were once registered but by now their licenses have already been expired and yet they have providing the services illegally.
On many occasions, Government of Nepal and Trekking Agency Association of Nepal have found that many foreigners’ tour operators, NGOs and INGOs have been involved in directly operating tours, trekking, and mountaineering holiday adventures without having government license and abiding by the Government rules. It has been also found that many individuals, freelance guides and porters have been arranging trips illegally by creating their own personal website. We have observed that many trekkers and climbers face a host of problems once they arrive in Kathmandu as they lack adequate information. Many of them file complaints to Government of Nepal and Trekking Agency Association of Nepal for legal action such as the refund of the advanced payment. There is hardly any justice given to the cheated clients. Thus, so as to prevent all these probable problems we request our travelers to check the company before booking any trip to the Himalayas.
To conform and process your trip booking please follow these suggestions:
- Please select the package itinerary and details from our website, that is make sure which package you want to book with us.
- At the bottom of the itinerary (end of the page of the package) you have the following options: Book now, ask expert, write a review and print. Once you click book now bottom it will l take you to booking page; ask expert will allow you to e-mail us in case of any query related to the package.
- Our typical itinerary includes transfer from and to the airport. We can provide you with any type of accommodation‒from budget to 5 Stars. So please indicate class of hotel you wish us to book or alternatively name your preferred hotel. You can also state all additional services apart from those mentioned in the itinerary.
- The web page itinerary is a guideline and a standard pattern which helps you plan your trip. It can be changed or modified according to your time & requirements.
- If you wish to expand the itinerary with additional activities, please let us know by mail. Satori Adventures builds your customized itinerary with the adjusted price.
- There are many fixed departure dates and itinerary packages in Trekking and Mountaineering in our package. If you wish to join with our fixed departure with group, please contact us. The cost in this option is always pretty low compared to a private trip.
- Before you confirm the trip you have to read and understand what is included and excluded in the cost. It is also important to read terms and conditions. If you require additional services which are not included in cost please mention them all in the booking form.
- Please contact us if you are still unclear about the information or required service.
- You have to read our Terms and Conditions before you book the trip; it explains to you the booking timing, the deposit and advance payment requirements, policies, procedures for cancellation, refund and the payment classification.
- Once we have agreed mutually on itinerary you required and the price for the trip, you have to send us the deposit to confirm the booking as specified in our quotation according to our Terms and Conditions.
- Once we receive the advance payment from you, we will process to confirm your trip.
- Without conformation and advance received we may not process for Permits, TIMS, Flight Tickets, Trekking and climbing Guide, Porters and other necessary Staff for trekking and expedition along with food, transportation, etc.
- With your conformation of the trip and advance payments we require copy of your travel document (passport), passport size photo, and your flight reservation details.
- For details on the payments of the trip and time frame you have to follow our terms and conditions.
Please kindly submit Trip Booking Form when you confirm the trip with us. It will be easy for us to process for your trip conformation and prepare all legal processes and permit for the trip. If you have any query, always feel free to contact us at any time. We always want to make sure our clients are well informed before conforming the trip. You are always advised to visit our website and related package for further information.