Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Gara – 13 Days
Trip Duration
13 Days
Group Sizes
2-16 People
Transportation
Bus, Flight
Destination
Nepal
Max. Altitude
4,230m. / 13,878ft.
Nature of Trip
Trek
Best Season
Spring, Autumn
Activities
- Trekking
- Sightseeing
Difficulty
Moderate
Meals
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Start & End Point
Kathmandu
Accommodation
- Hotel
- Lodge
Trip Highlights
- See the last stronghold of original Tibetan culture
- Hike through the desolate but impressive terrain
- An entire day at the fortified kingdom of Lo Manthang
- Tour of the historical Gompa such as Ghar, and Luri
- See and explore many caves including the Jhong and Chhoser with rock paintings and ancient artifacts
- Challenge of numerous Tibetan Mountain arid Passes
- A unique fusion of flight, drive, and walking journey
- Live with the distinct yet lovely Lhopas
Overview of Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Gara – 13 Days
If you are pursuing an extraordinary trekking journey in the middle of the Himalayas, if you love the off-piste paths, and if you delight in walking along the uncharted stone trails, then look no further. Sonam Adventure presents the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara, where the high altitude is ready to take your breath away immersing you in a tranquil Buddhist environment for a few days.
The walking trail of the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara is perhaps the ultimate enclave of the serene and pure Tibetan custom and culture, cut off from the rest of the world cultivating its unique tradition.
Untouched by the modern world, life in Upper Mustang continues gently like it has been for centuries. Being restricted, the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara 13 days trip is still 100 percent authentic.
Like every other Himalayan trek in Nepal, the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara also presents a uniquely delightful spectacle of the mountain landscape mainly featuring Dhaulagiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, Nilgiri, and Bhrikuti Peaks.
Featuring several remarkable highlights, the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara 13 days itinerary includes numerous Tibetan mountain passes such as Nya La (4010 m), Mui La (4170 m), Marang La (4230 m), Paha Pass (4218 m) to name just a few.
However, the most significant aspect will be reaching Lo Manthang, the tiny walled capital of Upper Mustang with its historic forts, palaces, monasteries, and caves.
Among these, the Jhong Cave has captivated researchers from around the world for many years. Another notable highlight of our Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara is the detour to the Luri Gompa at Yara. It is the 14th-century cave monastery that continues to house numerous frescoes and statues.
Additionally, you will also traverse and dwell in traditional villages that speak the story of the earlier eras. You will also be very close to the local Lhopas, unique in their own manner.
The Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara is undeniably demanding because of the aridity, high altitude, treeless landscape, and strong winds.
However, the expert guide and porter from Sonam Adventure will make your journey more manageable. Since the Upper Mustang lies in the shadow of the most impressive Himalayas at the foothills of the Tibetan plateau, our Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara is also viable in the summer season.
Itinerary of Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Gara – 13 Days
Day 01: Drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu
Our Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara will kick off from the early morning as we depart by tourist bus to Pokhara. The Prithvi Highway offers a fabulous view of the Trishuli Valley.
We will then drive through the superb tropical landscapes of Dumre before climbing to Pokhara.
Duration
7/8 hours
Accommodation
Hotel
Max Altitude
822mDay 02: Fly to Jomsom from Pokhara , drive to Chhusang and hike to Chele
Very early in the morning, we will fly in a small plane over the Kali Gandaki gorge to Jomsom. From the airport, we will then get in our 4WD and drive towards the Chhusang Village.
On the way, we will pass the checkpoint at Kagbeni where we will show our permits. Then leaving the Lower Mustang territory, we will drive onward to Tangbe along the torrent to be at Chhusang.
The actual hike now commences as the route takes us uphill through Mustang Khola (Kali Gandaki) to Chele where we will discover the unusual Mani Walls and chortens.
Duration
20 min flight , 2 hours drive & 1 hour hikeAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
3050mDay 03: Trek to Syangbochen from Chele via Chungsi Cave
From Chele, a trek piece uphill will direct us over the Taklam La (3624 m) and Dajori La (3650 m). Yakawakang and Tilicho shine at the distant horizon while we descend steeply to Samar (3600 m).
We will now go around the two rocky spurs and walk down to the Syangbochen River. Right when the path ahead turns, we can look at the cave: the Chungsi where Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century meditated.
After a brief detour to the cave temple, we will go back up to the settlement of Syangbochen.
Duration
7 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
3500mDay 04: Trek to Dhakmar from Syangbochen
From Syangbochen, we will climb up through a tight gorge to the Syangbochen La Pass (3850 m) before descending to the village of Ghiling.
From here on, we will follow a slope wall of a ridge and then descend to Jhaite (3811 m). The 4010 m Nya La Pass and 3765 m Ghami La Pass await in the middle of the route before we descend to Ghami Village (3520 m).
We will then make an upward trip to the foot of the brightening cliff of Dhakmar.
Duration
5/6 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
3740mDay 05: Trek to Lo Manthang from Dhakmar via Ghar Gumba
Our day will start with a climb to Mui La Pass (4170 m) before going down to Lo Ghekar Monastery aka Ghar Gumba. This 11th century Gumba houses beautiful paintings and sculptures along with the scriptures of Padmasambhava.
We will now cross a wide moraine to walk down to the Tsarang River which potentially leads us to Tsarang (Charang) Village. The yellowish plateau slope will walk us up sharply for around 3 hours to Marang La pass (4230 m).
We will then descend through the green mountain pasture to Lo Manthang, Mustang Capital, and the walled city.
Duration
6/7 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
3860mDay 06: Lo Manthang and its Historic Forts Visit
In the morning, we will explore the Mustang Capital’s three Gumbas: the Champa Lhakang, Thugchen Gumba, and the Chyodi monastery. Then in the afternoon, we will take a jeep route towards Chhoser Cave lying to the northeast.
The Jhong Cave will be of particular interest with wooden ladders linking chambers via tunnels. The entire cave complex is of five levels and some chambers even belong to the 3rd millennium period.
It’s time to remove ourselves from this mystic environment and return to Lo Manthang.
Accommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
3860mDay 07: Trek to Yara from Lo Manthang
After we finish exploring the central attraction of our Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara, it’s time for us to move ahead towards our second attraction, Yara Gara.
Following the Kali Gandaki eastern flank, we will start to steeply ascend the Lo La Pass then descend sharply to Dhi and Surkhang villages before reaching the village of Yara.
Duration
6/7 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
3610mDay 08: : Luri Gompa Excursion (3950 m) and trek back to Yara
Today, we will take a small excursion tour of the cave monastery of Luri Gompa which is built by carving into the cliff. Inside this Gompa, we can see many frescoes and sculptures belonging to the 14th century era.
On the upward route, we will also meet the troglodyte stupa and Tashi Kabum, marvels of Buddhist art. Then, we will direct ourselves back down to Yara for the overnight meal and rest.
Duration
4/5 hoursAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
3610mDay 09: Trek to Tange from Yara
Resuming our walk in the morning, we will descend towards the Dhechyang River which we will cross by fording. Look out for black Shaligram fossils on the riverbank as we walk.
We will walk upward through Dhey Village plateau and climb to a 3900 m Pass before descending to the village of Tange.
Duration
7/8 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
3240mDay 10: Trek to Tetang from Tange via Paha Pass, (4218 m)
This is our longest day of the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara 13 days itinerary. It involves the crossing of the Paha Pass, the second-highest stage of the entire trip.
After walking across the two bridges, a steep ascent will lead us by around 1000 m above the Pass. View the Dhaulagiri Peak glistening with its white profile along with Annapurna while in Mustang.
We will then cross the mineral landscape of the Siyarko Tangk Danda and Chhomnang before descending to Chhusang and then Tetang.
Duration
8/9 hours trekAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
3040mDay 11: Trek to Muktinath from Tetang (3760 m) and drive to Jomsom
From the Tetang Village, we will climb over some rocky pastures and then cross the 4077 m Gyula Pass. Here, we can rediscover the magic of Tukuche, Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri.
Onward, we will cross the Putang village and then Jhong Khola after which we will ascend through Chyongur lying just outside Muktinath. Our 4WD will now be ready to take us into drive through Lupra, Jharkot, Kagbeni, and Ekle Bhatti to Jomsom in Lower Mustang.
Duration
5 hours trek & 2 hours driveAccommodation
LodgeMax Altitude
2710mDay 12: Fly to Pokhara from Jomsom
Our Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara is now gradually nearing its end. One more early morning flight over the Kali Gandaki gorge will take us back to the grand setting of Pokhara.
Please understand that the flight’s fixed departure is not guaranteed due to the vagaries of the climate. In the absence of flight, a day’s drive may be included towards Pokhara.
Duration
20 minutes flightAccommodation
HotelMax Altitude
822mDay 13: Drive to Kathmandu from Pokhara
This day, we will reach Kathmandu traveling via tourist bus. A very short internal mountain flight can also be sorted out towards Kathmandu on request at an extra service charge.
Duration
7/8 hours driveAccommodation
HotelMax Altitude
1400mUpper Mustang Trek with Yara Gara – 13 Days Altitude Chart
Trip Information - Good to Know
Why is Upper Mustang still restricted?
Upper Mustang is still an exclusive restricted trekking trip in Nepal and even now only a small number of tourists make their way here. It is because the Upper Mustang lies very very near to Tibet land, like the two areas are separated by only a thin line.
To prevent unauthorized entry into the Nepal border, strict rules are in place. Also, the region is home to a very distinguishable Lhopas who still stay away from outward civilization. Plus, too many travelers mean endangering the region’s environment.
Thus for sustainable ecology, to prevent overcrowding and for border safety, the Upper Mustang is enlisted as restricted.
What is the best time for the Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Gara?
The Upper Mustang lying under the shadow of the high Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas at the foothills of the Tibetan plateaus, the region is protected against rain. So it is one of the few places in Nepal that you can also go in the summer/monsoon of June, July, and August.
Additionally, the general suggested trekking time of March, April, and May in spring and September, October, and November in autumn is also a favorable window with steady weather and sunny skies.
What is the Difficulty Grade of the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara 13 Days Adventure?
The Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara 13 days itinerary presents the challenge belonging to category II trek indicating it is a moderate trek that suits even the new trekkers provided they are entirely healthy.
The aridity, treeless barren terrain, strong winds, and extremely shining sun above the head during the day, along with the higher elevated area between 3000 to 4500 m with numerous passes touching the sky with an average 4000 m altitude make this trek one of the demanding in Nepal.
Will there be contact with Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS in the Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Gara 13 Days Itinerary?
Yes, you may come into contact with AMS during the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara. Although it is a moderate altitude hike never going above 4300 m, the AMS occurs because of the low oxygen in Mustang air just like in Tibet.
From the third day of the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara 13 days itinerary, you may begin to feel shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and fatigue.
To ward off these early signs of AMS, we have organized a touring day in Lo Manthang on day 6 followed by a very brief tour of Luri Gompa on day 8.
Even with these rest days, if your AMS symptoms do not improve, you can begin taking Diamox, stay hydrated, and sleep enough at your current altitude.
How can you prepare for the Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Gara?
For the long hours you are going to spend walking in our Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara, we suggest you focus on building your endurance through swimming, walking, running, cycling, and stair climbing.
Other activities such as squats, planks, and treadmill running will also aid you in boosting your leg strength very necessary to tackle the big passes on the way.
Please do not underestimate the altitude, terrain, and length of walking you have to tackle each day during our Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara 13 days journey.
Arrangements regarding your Sleeping, Meals, and Travel
In Pokhara, we have arranged for you twin sharing room at a medium-rated three-star hotel while on the road, you will have modest mountain lodges which are pretty straightforward but provide essential amenities such as food, water, and shelter.
As for food, you will get breakfast from Sonam Adventure every morning and on the road, you will get lunch and dinner along with breakfast.
For your travel during the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara 13 days, a tourist bus with AC will be offered for travel between Kathmandu and Pokhara, while a flight will be booked for you between Pokhara and Jomsom.
The overland drive involved between Jomsom to Chhusang and from Muktinath to Jomsom will occur in a private jeep or local transport as per availability.
What are the Permits important for the Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Gara 13 Days Journey?
The following official permits are essential for the undertaking of the Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Gara:
- Restricted Area Permit: It is a special restricted area permit that allows foreign travelers to enter Upper Mustang land and a bit pricey costing US Dollars 500 per person for the first 10 traveling days and US Dollars 50 per person for each extra stay day thereafter.
- ACAP Permit: Hikers also need to posses a permit from the office of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), which costs 3,000 NPR for foreigners.
- TIMS: Trekkers also require a Trekkers Information Management System Card which costs 2000 NPR for foreigners.
Travel Insurance
For getting the trekking permits for the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara, your personal travel insurance policy with a helicopter rescue plan up to 5000 m and medical costs are must. This policy will help you cover the expenses should any urgent medical repatriation be needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go to Upper Mustang as a single tourist without any guide?
No, you can’t go to Upper Mustang without any guide and alone. All kinds of Upper Mustang trips need to be bought from a certified travel company like Sonam Adventure and you must travel in a group that consists of a minimum of 2 travelers. Plus, you must always have a local licensed hiking guide with you.
Can I book your Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara in July?
Certainly, Upper Mustang will be more pleasing in July with mild clouds hovering in the sky lightening the day.
Since there are so many towering passes involved, will the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara be very tough for me?
The Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara 13 days trip is of medium level difficulty so if you are a very healthy and fit individual with inspiration and resilience, then it will not be tough for you.
While I am on the monastery tour in Lo Manthang, can I picture them?
You can picture their courtyards but ask the monks before you click any inside parts of the monastery which usually is not permitted.
Why should I go with Sonam Adventure for the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara?
Because Sonam Adventure is not only a loyal certified companion who will look after the management of all your facilities and safety but also an advocate of sustainable travel.
Will I have mobile connectivity in Upper Mustang and Yara Gara?
Yes, more than NCELL, you will have a good signal from the network through the Namaste/NTC in Yara Gara and Upper Mustang.
Will WiFi be available on the route of the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara?
Yes, except for Syangbochen, Ghami, and Chele, you will get WiFi in the tea houses where you are sleeping.
Is the Annapurna Circuit trek very near to Upper Mustang?
Certainly, in fact, up to Jomsom, you will be traveling along the route of the Annapurna Circuit.
Between the Annapurna Circuit and the Upper Mustang trek, which one is the best mountain hiking journey?
Upper Mustang is quite an expensive travel due to the special permit but believe us, Upper Mustang will be an extraordinary adventure not only in terms of nature but also in terms of culture, mystery, and solitude. Annapurna circuit on the other hand is a fusion of nature and comfort but unfortunately, it has been commercialized over the years. So if you want to know what real nature hiking means, Upper Mustang should be the one for you.
Can Everest be seen from the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara trail?
Unfortunately no, as Upper Mustang and Everest are in a sense in two opposite directions of Nepal.
Can the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara 13 days trip can be taken as an alternate trip to Tibet?
Certainly, Upper Mustang was in fact used to be Tibet a very long long time ago. Tibet has been very commercialized over the years but in Upper Mustang, you can see what Tibet used to be centuries ago.
What will be the hardest segment of your Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara 13 days itinerary?
Your hardest and lengthiest day in the Upper Mustang trek with Yara Gara 13 days itinerary will occur on day ten when you will trek toward Tetang from Tenge crossing the Paha pass.
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