Manang, Thorong La and Upper Mustang Trek
Manang, Thorong La and Upper Mustang Trek

Manang, Thorong La and Upper Mustang Trek

Manang, Thorong La and Upper Mustang trek is one of the highest treks that go beyond the Annapurna Himal.  The trekking trail is often regarded as one of the best   and enthralling trekking route in the world.

Overview of Manang, Thorong La and Upper Mustang Trek

Manang, Thorong La and Upper Mustang trek is one of the highest treks that go beyond the Annapurna Himal.  The trekking trail is often regarded as one of the best   and enthralling trekking route in the world. as we continue the trek goes through the most happening Annapurna circuit towards the death bed with now functional road-link from the later half of the circuit after Thorung La pass downwards from Muktinath stretching right up to Pokhara.

The trek goes through vast climatic and topographical variations- from lush vegetation, furiously cascading waterfalls, verdant farms to the most demanding thin air of Thorung La, the highest pass in the world and then to the harsh climatic status and severe geographical condition of Upper Mustang. Making our way through the villages inhibited by people with different lingua-franca, cultures and nuances captivates everyone’s heart and mind. This one of a kind invincible trekking route taking us to the Himalayan foothills in the midst of western Himalayas gives every trekker once in a lifetime experience to get to know the isolated, unexplored and hidden treasure of western Nepal.

Manang, Thorong La and Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary

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We will take a early morning ride from Kathmandu to Besi sahar which is the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit which takes around 6hours. Upon reaching Besi sahar we will start the walk which leads downstream, followed by ascent up a series of rocky steps. Further making few ascends and descents through the sub tropical forest and crossing the rice terraces of Sera we will cross the Suspension bridge over Khudi Khola to Bhulbhule.

Further crossing another suspension bridge over Marshyangdi River and then Ngadi the trail gradually climbs up through scrub forests across landslips. Continue the walk for a while we will reach Lampata located opposite rice paddies which has few teashops and cold drink shops. Further walking for a while we will reach our camping site in Bahundanda which is situated on the saddle of long ridge.

The trail continues above the river on a barren trail to Lili Bhir. Further moving we will pass several small streams, it then climbs up over the ridge. Making our way through serene and pleasant villages of Kanigaon and Ghermu Phant and then to Jagat we will ultimately reach our camping site in the village of Chayamje.

Continuing the walk, we will cross to the east bank of Marshyangdi River. Here the gabion walls are used minimize the river bank hazard. Further walking uphill through the cascading waterfalls, teashouses and lodges we will reach Bagarchhap.

Entering the Manang district we will trek through the virgin forest of Rhododendron, pine and fir watching the astonishing view of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II and Manaslu Himal in the distant. Making our way through the village of Timang Besi and then Lattemarang we will ultimately arrive to our camping site in Chame which is also the administrative headquarter of Manang.

Leaving Chame behind us the trail crosses small stream and then with the help of suspension bridge the Marshayangdi River. Further walking through the barley fields, the trail goes downhill to a bridge and reaches Bhratang which is the Khampa settlement. From here the trail enters into the dense forest followed by steep climb over a ridge to Upper Marshyangdi Valley to Pisang. Pisang is a small village with a long loop of Mani walls near a bridge.

From Pisang the trail passes through many small villages including Bryaga. Bryaga has a Gompa which is the largest of Manang districe and is situated in an elevated cliff overlooking Bryaga. The Gompa has the fine collection of statues, thankas and manuscripts dating back to 400-500years. Further walking from Bryaga we will cross a stream and then the trail opens to a flat and arid landscape of Manang.

We will take an extra day to stay in Manang such as to get acclimatized with the rising altitude and explore the area. Manang situated in a mind-boggling setting has the summits of Annapurna and Gangapurna less than 8kms away. Stay overnight in Manang.

From Manang the trail steeply goes up leaving the Marshayangdi Valley towards Thorung La pass. As we continue the walk the large vegetation transforms into scrub juniper and alpine grasses, then through alpine meadows which is the grazing site of Yak and horses, and then to sparse forest of juniper, rose and barberry. Making our way through the large stream flowing from Chulu peak and Gundang the trail reaches Yak Kharka which is also known as Koche.

Today’s walk is quite short as it becomes more challenging with the rising altitude. As we reach Phedi we will take rest and further acclimatize.

We will start early in the morning for crossing the Thorung La pass(5416m). leaving Phedi behind us the trail steeply goes uphill. With 4-6 hours of ascent we will reach the pinnacle of the Pass which is dotted with prayer flags, chortens and stone cairn. The top of the pass offers the miraculous Himalayan vista. Further the trail goes downhill to Chabarbu. From here the trail goes through meadows, deep ravine to Muktinath which is holy to both Hindus and Buddhists.  

Early in the morning we will visit Muktinath Temple to pay our respect to this holy deity. After being spiritually charged we will descend downhill through farmlands to Ranipauwa, Jharkot(3550m) and Khingar(3200m). From Khingar we will get the first glimpse of Kali Gandaki River at its confluence with Jhong Khola. Further the trail takes us to Eklaibhatti and then to Kagbeni which is a green oasis in the middle of dry arid deserted land.

Leaving Kagbeni behind us the trail takes us to the restricted area of Upper Mustang. The trail goes north to the village of Tangbe which is situated in the middle of buckwheat and barley fields and apple orchards. Further the trail takes us the Chhuksang village which is nestled in nook at the confluence of Narshing and Kali Gandaki River. Continuing the walk we will reach our camping site in Chele.

From Chele the trail goes to the spun which offers the view of Ghyakar village. Further the trail climb to the Chele La(3630m) pass and then goes down to Samar. From here one can witness the astonishing view of Annapurnas and Nilgiri in the south. Leaving Samar behind us the trail continues to Bhena and then to Yamdo La(4010m) pass. A short descent and a short ascent takes us to Shyangmochen which is a typical Mustangi village. Further uphill climb takes us to Shyangmochen La(3850km) which is yet another remarkable valley of the area.

From Syangmochen the trail climbs up to Nyi La(4020m) which offers the 360 degree panorama of  Tibetan plateau in the north and Annapurnas in the south. From the pass the trail goes down to Ghemi which is the largest settlement with identical white washed houses surrounded by cultivated walled fields.

 From Ghemi the trail climbs up to Choya La(3870m) pass and then descend through the fields to the village of Charang for overnight stay.

Leaving Charang village the trail goes through barren landscape. A short descent takes us to Lo, and then the trail goes up over the plateau taking us to the walled city of Lo Manthang.

Today we will take a extra day by exploring Lo Manthang. L o Manthang has 150 houses approx clustered in close proximity. The doors of these houses are opened in a two storey central courtyard where the ground level is often used as storage space.

The city has four Buddhist Gompas: Jampa Lhakang, Thubchen, Chodey and Choprang- each of these have different interest and dimly lit by row upon row of butter lamps.

The middle of the city has a incongruous four story building which is the King’s palace. Though the king is only ceremonial, he is still well respected and consulted in many issues.

Leaving Lo Manthang behind us the we will walk to monastery at Lo Gekar via Marang La(4230m). The monastery is surrounded by grassy meadow and the monastery has the fine collection of paintings, statues and prayer wheels. Further we will walk to Mui La and then through alpine meadows to our camping site in Dhakmar.

From Dhakmar we will trek back to Jomsom via Gheling(3570m), Chele(3050m) and Kagbeni(2800m.

We will take a early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara we will check into the hotel. In the afternoon you can either rest or explore the city.

Manang, Thorong La and Upper Mustang Trek Include / Exclude

Cost Includes

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private tourist vehicle.
  • Standard twin sharing accommodation in a three star hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast included
  • Standard twin sharing accommodation in two/three star hotel in Pokhara; Breakfast included. 
  •  Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private tourist vehicle.
  • All your standard Meals prepared by our expert camping cook and kitchen team during the trek (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners).
  • Tented accommodation and equipment during the camping trek. (We will provide two man tents, dinning tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents, shower tent.)
  • Local Actual adventure licensed English speaking guide.
  • The required number of local staff, porters and mules to carry your luggage during the trek.
  • Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff.
  • Special Trekking Permit US$ 700 per person for 10 days (the above price includes 10 days valid trekking permit from Kagbeni to Kagbeni. If you wish to stay more than 10 days in restricted area, you are subjected to extra charge for extra days (US$ 90 per day / per person).
  • Annapurna conservation permit, and all necessary permits
  • Surface transfer from and to Kathmandu (Tourist Bus Transfer from Ktm-Pokhara-Ktm).
  • Airfare for Pokhara – Jomsom - Pokhara including airport departure tax.
  • Sightseeing/Monument entrance fees in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show
  • All our government taxes, vat, tourist service charges.
  • Official expenses.

Cost Excludes

  • Lunch and dinner whilst in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.)
  • International airfare and airport departure tax Nepal entry visa; you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).
  • Alcoholic and cold drinks.
  • Personal trekking Equipment (See the trekking equipment page).
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected).
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on 'Price Includes' section.

Additional Information

Some Related Information

Stay Safe

Altitude Sickness: The main and common risk while trekking above about 2500m is Altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is caused by acute exposure to low partial pressure of oxygen at high altitude. The available amount of oxygen to sustain mental and physical alertness decreases with altitude. Available oxygen drops as the air density itself, the number of molecules (of both oxygen and nitrogen) per given volume, drops as altitude increases. So don’t ignore, if you have any symptoms then descending to a lower altitude is the only option.

Water: Have some means to purify water, iodine or a fine ceramic filter are the best options. The streams should be considered polluted and whilst bottled water is often available, the disposal of plastic bottles is a problem.

Electricity in Nepal

Nepal is a developing country, Outside of major cities area electricity on trekking can be scares. You should have to pay 100-800 NRs per hour to charge goods on many lodges and also many tea-house treks, including in Annapurna base camp trek, Everest Base camp trek and many others treks also. Chargers often won't work on low power solar systems you find right up in the mountains so u can buy alternative bayonet light to electricity power plug converter, which will only works in low voltage is highlow. The standard Nepalese electrical outlet is a three-pronged triangle so bring three-pronged triangle chargers.

Nepal Climate information

Nepal is a landlocked country which lies in Hindu Kush Himalayan region. Nepal has monsoonal climate having four main seasons: spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter.

Below is a general guide to conditions at different seasons:
January to March (winter): In this season temperature will decrease at often 0°C (32°F) at night, with extreme cold at high elevations. It is possible to trek in places like the Everest region during the winter but due to extreme cold weather and heavy snow fall it may be quite difficult than as usual.
April to June (summer): In these months it is quite warm and dry weather. There is an abundance of blooming flowers in the Himalayas at this time, with rhododendrons, in particular, adding a splash of color to the landscape. This season is the best time to undertake mountain expeditions.
June to September (Monsoon): There will be heavy monsoonal rainfall in this season. Rains are generally lighter in high Himalayan reasons. In this season the mountain ranges are not often visible due to the clouds.
October to December (autumn): These months are cool and clear which is due to the end of monsoon, there is little dust in the air so this is the best season to visit the hilly and mountainous regions.

Nepal Visas information

Visa in Nepal can be acquired on arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu and also at the border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki border of Nepal - India and Kodari on Nepal-China border. Visa can also acquire at the nearest Nepal Embassy. For visa renewal purpose you can contact at Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan at Kathmandu. A valid passport and one passport -size photo with a light background is required. Visa can be obtained only through payment of cash in the following currency: Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen. Credit card, Indian currency and Nepali currency are not accepted as payment of visa fee.

Visa Facility         Duration       Fee
Multiple entry       15 days          US$ 25 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry       30 days          US$ 40 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry       90 days          US$ 100 or equivalent convertible currency

Respect to Local Peoples

In Nepal, “Namaste” or “Namaskar” is said to an older or high-status person with palms together, figure up. It is used to greet a person in place of goodbye or hello. There is no limitation how many times you say “Namaste” but, it is better if you say once per person, per day. If You want to say “Thank You” then you can say “Dhanyabaad /'ðɅnjɅbɑ:d/ (Dhan-ya-baad)” 

Client Reviews

Parker Skyes,

Swaziland

26th May, 2022

Amazing Trek to Upper Mustang ! I did Upper Mustang trek of 16 days with Actual Adventure and everything was above my expectations. The place was outstanding and the facilities were great. The company provided me with comfortable and homely environment during my stay in Nepal. All the staffs were very friendly and there was no problem communicating with them because everyone was fluent English speakers. Kedar (CEO of the company) managed all the required permits, tickets and other necessa... See more ry documents. Sujan (brother of Kedar and director of the company) was already there to pick up on my arrival. The accommodation and food was great and guide Pasang was very friendly. I really loved the experience with Actual Adventure and will recommend this company to everyone for any kind of adventure in Nepal.  Switzerland See less...


Anthony R.

Germany

26th May, 2022

  Amazing Trip! November It was an amazing trek to Upper Mustang and I loved the services of Actual Adventure. I am very much thankful to all the team members and especially Kedar, Sujan and my guide Pasang for their assistance during my Nepal stay. The place was extraordinary and the guide was best one could have ever asked for. I thoroughly enjoyed the trek interacting with the locals, knowing their traditions, cultures and tasting their delicious delicacies with... See more Pasang. He took a very good care of me and I’m very happy with their services.  Germany,Berlin See less...


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