Trip Duration
15 Days
Group Sizes
2 to 25 People
Difficulty
Moderate
Max. Altitude
4218 m
Activities
Meals
Accommodation
The Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village is an enriching experience in one of the most isolated parts of the Himalaya in Nepal. This walk is a combination of the popular path to Lo Manthang and a less-traveled one to Yara Ghara Village and Luri Gompa. It is a great option for those who travel and want to cover more than the basic Upper Mustang trail and adhere to a well-thought-out plan.
It starts in Kathmandu, then goes to Pokhara and then by air to Jomsom. Then, you drive to Chhusang and begin a trek across villages such as Chele, Syangbochen, Dhakmar and Lo Manthang. You will see Kagbeni Monastery, ancient monasteries in Lo Manthang, Chhoser Cave, Ghara Village and the ancient Luri Gompa on the way. The road goes back via Tange, then over Paha Pass (4,218 m / 13,839 ft), and then to Muktinath and finally drives to Jomsom before returning to Kathmandu and Pokhara.
The Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village itinerary is structured to achieve a gradual increase in altitude, enabling the trekkers to have a good time as they adapt easily to the higher altitude. The walks are moderate to challenging every day and so this trek can be considered by active tourists who are well-fit. The trek has comfortable teahouses where one can stay and every day is a combination of walking, resting and cultural learning, based on the itinerary.
This trip also encompasses the serene eastern part of the area, unlike other shorter routes to the Upper Mustang, which enable trekkers to explore destinations that are not a common feature in the regular trekking packages. The trekking, short flights and overland modes of transportation make the whole adventure an enjoyable experience throughout the journey.
In case you want a well-organized Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village package, Mega Trek offers trained guides, permit support, travel, accommodation and logistical facilities to enable you to have a safe and enjoyable trekking experience in Upper Mustang.
The Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village starts with your arrival at Kathmandu, where you will be taken to your hotel and briefed about this coming adventure. The next day will be dedicated to the preparation of the permits and sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley. Then you drive to Pokhara and then fly in the morning to Jomsom.
It is a short drive to Jomsom, and then through Kagbeni to Chhusang, where the permit entry procedure is done and Kagbeni Monastery is seen. The trekking process commences at Chhusang with a stroll to Chele, which is the initial point in your journey of Upper Mustang.
Welcome to Nepal. Upon landing at Kathmandu Airport, you will be welcomed and will be transported to your hotel, which is located in the center of the city. The drive is your first view of a bustling capital of Nepal as you move through vibrant streets that are lined with shops, houses and local enterprises. Once you check in, you will have a rest period and recuperate after your travel.
When you come early in the morning, you can prepare your trekking gear, have a rest at the hotel or go on a leisurely walk in the surrounding environment. The next day will also be a quick introduction to the upcoming Upper Mustang Trek with an explanation of the schedule of the following days by your guide. This simple first day will enable you to relax before the adventure actually starts.
The day will be reserved to work on the permits you will need to do the Upper Mustang Trek and you will spend the day exploring Kathmandu Valley. As you tour sightseeing sites in the program of the day, your guide will take care of the permit procedure. This is a free day which offers you time to get acquainted with this city and thereafter go to the mountains.
You can also finish any last-minute preparations for the trek, test your gear and have any unanswered questions concerning the trek answered by your guide. All the required travel papers will be prepared by the end of the day and you will be able to start your trip to Pokhara the next morning without any delays. On your way back to your hotel, you will have an opportunity to relax and have a good evening prior to the next adventure.
Then, having breakfast, you will start the picturesque Kathmandu-Pokhara drive. The highway takes the Trishuli River as an accompaniment most of the way and traverses little towns, terraced farmlands, hills and river valleys. We will have several brief stops where you can stretch your legs and have refreshments to continue with the drive.
The closer you are to Pokhara, the more serene the landscape is, and the journey to the mountains begins. On arrival, you will be taken to your hotel and the rest of the day to rest and then take flight in the morning to Jomsom. Before the trekking adventure commences in earnest, a good night’s sleep is vital.
You will fly to Jomsom in the early morning and the Upper Mustang adventure begins at Jomsom. Upon landing, you will be driven on the way to Chhusang through Kagbeni. There will be time at Kagbeni to visit the monastery and fulfill the permit entry process before proceeding into the restricted Upper Mustang region.
The first trekking part of the trip will commence after reaching Chhusang. The path starts off slowly ascending to Chele, which gives you time to get used to the pace of walking and appreciate the varying scenery. In the late afternoon, you will reach Chele, and you may rest and prepare yourself for the higher altitudes which now await you in the next few days.
You will leave Chele and continue your trek to Syangbochen, after breakfast. The path is slowly ascending and descending, as you pass by the terrain of Upper Mustang. On the way, you will see Chungsi Cave and then proceed with the walk of the day. The pace is constant with several brief resting and rehydrating periods in between.
The further you go up, the more the environment will change as you walk with the set trekking route. By afternoon, you will be in Syangbochen, where you will be able to relax in your accommodation and rest before another good day of trekking.
The trek leads today from Syangbochen and Dhakmar. You will exit the village and go through the trekking trail in the Upper Mustang country at a very slow pace. The path comprises some slow rises and falls, and one has ample time to acclimatize to the elevation and enjoy the day hike.
There will be frequent rests along the trek and then on to the last destination. In the late afternoon, you will reach Dhakmar, and will have time to rest after another delightful day on the trail. We have a peaceful evening before we go out to Lo Manthang tomorrow.
This morning you will start at Dhakmar and proceed trekking to Lo Manthang via Ghar Gumba. The path is on the intended path, though slowly taking on a path inwards into Upper Mustang. You will pass Ghar Gumba, and proceed with the last part of this walk. Your guide will keep a very relaxed schedule throughout the day with breaks in between as required.
Several hours of the trail will bring you to Lo Manthang, where you can rest and spend the rest of the day. The next day will be spent on the exploration of this historic settlement and its surrounding locations.
Today is a day of complete sightseeing in Lo Manthang. Your itinerary will include visiting the historic monasteries after you have taken breakfast before proceeding to Chhoser Cave. As you have one more night at the same place, you do not need to pack your baggage on this excursion.
Visits will be conducted by your guide and time will be given to explore each place before coming back to Lo Manthang. This day of rest is a welcome respite after days of constant trekking as it prepares you for the journey to Yara the next day.
You will set out after breakfast and begin the trek to Yara from Lo Manthang. The route takes the planned path on the remote terrain of the Upper Mustang with a mixture of slow climbs and drops. Your guide will maintain a moderate pace during the walk, giving you time to take frequent rests during the day.
You will find yourself moving slowly towards Yara as you move on with the trail and will stay there overnight. Once here, you can rest and look forward to the trip to Luri Gompa, via Ghara Village, the following day.
The trek starts today from Yara and travels along the path to Ghara Village and then on to Luri Gompa (3,950 m / 12,959 ft). The path slowly ascends to the monastery and then you take time to tour the place.
Once you have visited, you will follow the same path back to Yara to spend another night. Though you visit the same village, it is a day with a number of hours walking uphill and downhill. You had better get a good rest after visiting Yara, and go on to Tange tomorrow.
You will leave Yara behind you and proceed to Tange. The current trek is by the scheduled path that goes through the Upper Mustang area and a complete day of walking is involved. The path features gradual ascents and descents, with your guide keeping it at a comfortable pace during the day.
Regular stops will be provided to have some rest and then proceed to your destination. Later on in the afternoon, you will arrive in Tange and base yourself. This bivouac sets you in readiness to cross Paha Pass the next day.
The day is one of the longest walks of the journey. The morning following breakfast, you will leave Tange and gradually climb to Paha Pass (4,218 m / 13,839 ft), the highest of the day. Your guide will maintain a moderate speed with frequent pauses as you go up.
Once on the pass, the trail leads lazily down to Tetang. When you get there, it will be time to rest after having accomplished one of the best parts of the Upper Mustang Trek. The last day of trekking will be ready with a good night of rest.
Then you will start the last part of the trekking Tetang to Muktinath. Through the laid trail, you will slowly arrive at Muktinath, where the trekking part of your adventure will end. Then you will resume by vehicle to Jomsom.
The trek is significantly shorter than the prior trekking days and lets you rest as you contemplate the experience over the years in Upper Mustang. When you arrive in Jomsom, you will be able to spend a relaxing evening, after which you will take a flight the next morning to Pokhara.
You are going to fly this morning a few miles out of Jomsom to Pokhara. At the end of your mountain adventure, the flight returns you to the city, after many days on the trail. Upon reaching Pokhara, you will move to your hotel and will undergo check-in.
The remaining day is at liberty to relax following your trek. You may use your time to rest in the hotel and pack to drive back to Kathmandu the next day.
You will leave Pokhara after having breakfast and start the drive to Kathmandu. The path takes the same highway into the valleys of rivers, hills, small towns and countryside until it arrives at the capital city. There will be a few brief breaks to have refreshments and breaks.
As soon as you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be taken to your hotel or where you would like to go. This is the end of your 15-day Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village and you are left with fantastic memories of your trekking experience in one of the most breathtaking trekking areas in Nepal.
You can cutomize this trip as per your requirements if met the proper guidelines.
The ideal season of the Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village is between March and May and between September and November. In spring, the weather is usually not harsh; daytime temperatures are comfortable and the mountain view is clear. Another good time of the year is during autumn since the weather is generally clear following the monsoon and trekking is also nice.
Unlike most of the trekking areas in Nepal, Upper Mustang is in a rain shadow area; hence, it can also be explored during the summer seasons when most of the other trekking trails are heavily rained. Winter is colder and even more so at higher levels and certain services might be restricted. Mega Trek can help you choose the most suitable season based on your travel plans and the latest weather conditions.
The Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village takes about 135 to 145 km, as per the walking track and its excursions on the side. It starts with a flight to Jomsom (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) and ascends gradually through the Upper Mustang Valley. The peak of the journey is Paha Pass (4,218 m / 13,839 ft) and then comes down to Tetang and Muktinath.
The majority of overnight locations lie between (3,000 m / 9,843 ft) and (3,900 m / 12,795 ft), so the altitude can be gained gradually during the journey. The Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village itinerary is tailored to provide comfort in trekking, combining walks and heights.
The Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village is regarded as a moderately difficult trek. The majority of the trekking days include a number of hours of walking along uneven tracks with frequent uphill and downhill. Even though the technical challenge is not high, the elevation is higher, which requires proper preparation.
The trek peaks at Paha Pass (4,218 m / 13,839 ft), where some trekkers might experience slight altitude sickness symptoms. A moderate pace of walking, consuming enough water, having balanced meals and following the recommendation of the guide will help to minimize the risk. Mega Trek will design the itinerary in a way that it will help in gradual acclimatization and give the trekking experience a more secure experience in the journey.
The time of walking during the Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village differs depending on the route that is taken on a specific day. During shorter days, it is possible to walk about 5 hours, with the most extended days of trekking typically being 8 to 9 hours. The distance varies between about 8 km and 21km per day depending on the itinerary.
A few days are also combined flights or drives with trekking, and thus, the days are easier. Breaks are scheduled along the way to have a rest, to have some refreshments and to travel very slowly. The Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village package will be designed in such a way so as to offer a gradual flow without having to hurry along destinations.
The Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village is primarily accommodated in local lodges and teahouses along the trail of the trek. The rooms are plain, neat and tend to have twin beds with simple bedding. In certain areas they might be individual, but in remote villages they are shared. The teahouses prepare their meals on a fresh basis and normally serve Nepali, Tibetan and simple international meals.
There are three meals a day served on the trek: breakfast, lunch and dinner. Most of the stops sell hot drinks, bottled water, boiled water and other drinks. Mega Trek chooses quality accommodations where possible to enable you to have a comfortable trekking experience during the trip.
One can explore Upper Mustang in several ways provided that you want to have a different experience. Some trekkers take the traditional route to Lo Manthang and go back on the same path and there are trekkers who have a side trip to Yara, Ghara Village and Luri Gompa. The Upper Mustang Trek with the Yara Ghara Village itinerary can be recommended to the traveler who wants to explore not only the old capital of Mustang, Lo Manthang, but also the less visited eastern side of this region.
The itinerary can usually be accommodated to suit your schedule in case you have a few or many days to spare. Your guide may also advise appropriate changes of routes depending on weather, road conditions, and your trekking pace.
Yes, beginners who are physically fit can participate in the Upper Mustang Trek with the Yara Ghara Village. Experience in trekking is useful but not necessary. The greatest necessity is the possibility to walk a couple of hours a day on rough mountain routes. The trek will take you to (4,218 m / 13,839 ft), so you need to train to walk at higher altitudes with thinner air.
You will enjoy the trek by taking slow steps, listening to your guide and walking at a steady speed. Mega Trek suggests such a trip to active travelers who are willing to train before arrival and are interested in a more extended trekking adventure.
Organizing before traveling will make the Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village a lot easier. A few weeks before departure, you can enhance your fitness by walking, hiking, jogging, cycling or climbing stairs regularly. Endurance and strengthening exercises are also beneficial for your legs. It should be noted that comfortable trekking boots should be worn and their breaking-in must be done before the trek.
It is also important to pack appropriate clothes according to the changing weather conditions. Maintaining good health, consuming ample water and having enough sleep before your journey will also enable you to have a good experience during the journey. Proper preparation makes you more confident and each day of trekking easier.
In most villages along the Upper Mustang Trek, such as Yara Ghara Village, electricity is available and you can charge electronic devices, though an extra fee is usually charged. It is advisable to carry a power bank when there are longer trekking days involved. There is a mobile network connection in specific areas, but it becomes patchy in far areas of the trek.
Most of the teahouses have Wi-Fi, although the connection is slow and is not always available due to weather or local conditions. In case of the necessity to remain in touch on the way, you can download maps and other necessary information in Kathmandu or Pokhara. It is also advisable to have spare batteries for cameras.
Special permits are needed in the Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village since Upper Mustang is a restricted area. Trekkers are required to have a Restricted Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These are permits that have to be made prior to travelling in the area and are usually acquired via a registered trekking agency.
The application process also requires you to have a valid passport and passport-sized photographs. Because the permit regulations and fees can vary, it is advisable to get the paperwork done prior to the beginning of the trek. Mega Trek helps to make all the required preparations in terms of permits in order to begin your journey without any needless delays.
The transportation in the Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village package will involve road transport, domestic flights and trekking. The trip begins with a Kathmandu to Pokhara drive and a brief flight to Jomsom. You reach Jomsom by vehicle and then by vehicle to Chhusang and start the trek. The journey ends with a walk to Muktinath, a drive back to Jomsom, a flight to Pokhara, and finally a road trip back to Kathmandu.
Flights in and out of Jomsom are sometimes influenced by weather and thus, a flexible travel schedule is advised. This driving, flying and trekking combination lets you enjoy various segments of the journey in a comfortable way.
The Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village is highly recommended to be covered by travel insurance. Trekking at an altitude of more than (4,000 m / 13,123 ft) should be covered in your policy, and emergency medical care, helicopter evacuation (where applicable) and cancellation of the trip, as well as personal effects. Read the policy carefully before purchasing insurance, and ensure that high altitude trekking is covered in the policy.
Always have a print and electronic copy of your insurance information with you on the trip. With the right insurance, you will be at ease and you can also easily cope with unforeseen circumstances. It is a significant aspect of organizing a safe and responsible trekking holiday in Nepal.
The Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Ghara Village is a rewarding adventure in one of the most remote valleys of Nepal. You will have a mix of scenic trekking, traditional villages, old monasteries, cave tours, mountain flights and overland travel. The itinerary involves visiting Kagbeni Monastery, Lo Manthang, Chhoser Cave, Ghara Village and Luri Gompa following a well-laid trekking trail.
The walking days are accompanied by sightseeing and gradual gain of altitude, thus comfortable for well-prepared trekkers. All through the trip, Mega Trek strives to ensure quality guides, logistics and support arrangements to enable you to enjoy your adventure without any fears.
The number of people in a group differs according to bookings. You can also participate in a small group or select a personal trek in case you want to have a more flexible experience.
Yes. Individual departures can be made to individual travelers, couples, families and groups who wish to have their own guide and at their own pace.
The porter can carry your main duffel bag; use a comfortable daypack in the meantime and keep your daily necessities.
Yes. Most teahouses have bottled water and boiled drinking water. It is also a good idea to carry a reusable bottle and water purification tablets.
One should always bring along as many Nepalese Rupees as personal expenses since there are no ATMs in most areas of the trekking trail.
Yes. Vegetarian options are common and other dietary options can usually be arranged with prior arrangements, although options are restricted in rural areas.
The weather is rapidly changing in the mountains. Depending on the time of the year, warm days, cold mornings and evenings, sunshine, wind and some snowfall at high altitudes are possible.
Yes. There are numerous rental stores in Kathmandu where you can rent a sleeping bag, down jackets, trekking poles and other equipment prior to the start of the trek.
Some villages have basic health posts available; however, there is a lack of medical services. Medical emergencies are serious and can necessitate evacuation to a bigger medical facility.
Yes. Lots of tourists prefer to visit Pokhara or Kathmandu or to combine this trek with some other Nepal tours.
The use of drones is to be authorized by the authorities. It is not permissible to fly the drone without permits.
Yes. Domestic flights usually have baggage restrictions. Additional baggage can be accommodated at an extra cost provided there is space.
Flight delays are possible due to weather conditions. You are advised to have one or two days in your travel schedule as an added time.
Most of the travelers do not have any obligatory vaccinations; however, it is always better to visit your doctor before traveling to get the most up-to-date health advice.
Yes. The itinerary may be modified to suit your time, fitness and travel interests as long as there are permits and logistics to accommodate the changes.
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