Naar to Upper Mustang

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Driving Time: Approx. 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic

Accommodation: ***Hotel Tibet or similar

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International airport, our representative will be awaiting you to cordially welcome you with great hospitality. The representative will be displaying the “Nepal Sanctuary Treks” placard outside the airport terminal.

You will be then escorted and transferred to the hotel in our private vehicle. Our staff will accompany you and help you with the check-in at your accommodation. Further, you will be given a brief description of the activities that will take place during the upcoming trip and a preliminary briefing on hygiene and safety by our representative.

Altitude above sea level: 1,302 m

Tour Duration:  8 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: ***Hotel Tibet or similar

9:00 AM: After breakfast, you start a guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. Experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

Local Market Tour

Take a short drive to Ason. Then, start wandering Ason and Indrachowk marketplaces to get a glimpse of traditional Nepalese life. Witness the bustle of the market, see how locals purchase the products, and haggle for a bargain. Whilst walking around, enjoy the lively and vibrant atmosphere this local market has to offer. Observe firsthand the local produce people from Nepal actually purchase. You will also take in the sights and smells of the market. Your friendly tour guide will explain in full detail all the products and procedures you will see. There are lots of photo opportunities to capture with your camera.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Next, head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess.  Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with the wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burns constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

PM: Boudhanath

Thereafter, take a short drive towards Boudhanath.  From the moment you step into the sanctuary, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual energy that comes from the place. Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupa in Nepal built in the 5^th century and listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The surrounding area is a central spiritual hub of Tibetan life and culture in Nepal. Observe a beautiful dome-shaped structure stupa surrounded by brilliant colorful prayer flags. It is believed that prayer flags convey mantras and prayers into the universe while fluttering in the wind. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.

Witness monks draped in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles. Moreover, it’s fascinating to see the people feeding grains and maize to hundreds of pigeons around stupa areas. The devotees turn the prayer wheels & chant, which is humbling to see such dedication to their beliefs.

Delight in the serenity as you hear the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ being chanted by devotees, alongside the echo of music streaming out from the nearby shops.

Pashupatinath

Moving on, visit Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the bank of Bagmati River. The word Pashupati means “the king of animals” and the temple is famous for its monkeys. You will be visiting the Pashupatinath area to indulge in a spiritual journey.

Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. The temple, spread across 246 hectares of land, abounds in temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. Witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyres burning at open-air cremation. Also, see elaborately dressed holy men meditating outside the temple and pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines. After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.

Altitude above sea level:  (1,300 m) Jagat

Driving duration: 8-9 hours, approx. 204 KM

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, we take a long scenic drive to Jagat. As you leave Kathmandu, you can find the road winding as you cross several hills, beautiful farms, and various communities. Driving to the south of the Himalayan highlands, you cross several rivers like Trishuli (the most popular of all rafting rivers in Nepal) and Marsyangdi. These rivers originate from the glacial peaks of the Himalayas in the north.

After driving for several hours, you reach Dumre and head out to Marsyangdi Valley. Then continue your drive to Besisahar before reaching Syange. You will see a beautiful high waterfall here. Eventually, you reach your today’s destination -Jagat. Jagat was a toll station in medieval times. It also was an ancient salt-trade route to Tibet.

Altitude above sea level: (1,940 m) Dharapani

Trekking time: 6-7 hours approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After having breakfast, you will leave Jagat behind and trek to Dharapani. Initially, the trek takes you downhill before you trek uphill to get to a rocky forest. As you trek through the forest, you will get to Chamje, which is a little Tibetan village. Hiking further from Chamje, you will reach a suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River.

After crossing the bridge, you will trek up a steady uphill to Tal (1,700 m). This is a lovely small village and was a former lake bed. From Tal, the trek takes you to some barley, wheat, and potato fields. You will also come across some pine forests before you encounter the Marsyangdi River again near the settlement of Khotro.

Soon after leaving this village, you ascend the narrowing valley and downhill to cross the river at Dharapani.

Altitude above sea level: (2,600 m) Koto

Trekking duration: 5-6 hours approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After having a hearty breakfast, you’ll start today’s journey trekking uphill and downhill where you get to witness varied types of vegetation and beautiful landscapes followed by imposing views of mountains. At the beginning of the trek, you will see the Marsyangdi River swerve to the left where Annapurna II becomes noticeable. After that, you trek through a nice path all the way to Bagarchhap, a village recognized for traditional Tibetan architecture and its abundance of colorful prayer flags.

From Bagarchhap, you will keep on ascending through the forest of oak and pine trees as you pass through Danaque. Then, you will come into the alpine area where the air gets cooler, passing through farmland and pine woodland. Further on, you will head into the gorge where the trail involves steep stone steps where you will witness views of Manaslu. As you take a trail that takes you along the upstream Marsyangdi River, you will come across the village of Ratamanang and onto Koto overnight.

Altitude above sea level: (2,960 m) Chhongche Caves Camp

Hiking duration: 4 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The trail is excellent and wanders through pine forests. The valley narrows to a spectacular gorge with the river a torrent running through it. The path follows around pine-clad spurs, crossing the Naar Khola after a short descent to a bridge. There is a hot spring some 50 meters downstream of this bridge. The path can be slippery, the spring is natural is worth the 5-minute detour. After about four hours of walking you stop in a small clearing in the pine forests where there are a few tea houses.

Altitude above sea level: (3,560 m) Meta

Trekking duration: 7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

The day starts with the mesmerizing views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m) and Peak 29 (7,161 m) as you begin to set off the trek heading towards Meta. The trail heads through the lush green forests alongside the banks of Soti Khola.

The journey to Meta also marks entry into the restricted region of Naar Phu valley as you continue your ascent, reaching Singenge. After a brief rest, the trail takes a steeper turn, continuing all the way to Meta, where spectacular views of Annapurna II (7,937 m) adorn the horizon.

Altitude above sea level: Naar (4,110 m) 

Hiking duration: 4-5 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After having an early breakfast, you head towards Naar village by taking a descend trail and crossing the river. You will be hiking uphill and downhill, and reach Gompa (Buddhist monastery). Visit a monastery along the way and take a steep ascent up to Naar village.

Observe the Chorten around Naar village, situated above the tree line. There are traditional houses surrounded by the stunning Himalayas such as Kanguru Himal, Pisang Peak, and so on. Naar village trails also connect to Manang via Kang La Pass.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you hike towards Kang La Base Camp to adapt to the local atmosphere and acclimatized. You can see blue sheep grazing on pasture land along the way.  From the Base Camp, we will see amazing panoramic views of Pisang Peak, Kanguru, and Himlung Himal. After savoring the view, return to camp and have lunch. After lunch, spend your evening leisurely exploring the Naar village.

Altitude above sea level: Lapse Khola Camp (4,500 m)

Hiking duration: 7-8 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you set off for today’s hike to Lapse Khola Camp. You start taking a short and gentle climb out of Naar. Then take a steep descent down a meandering trail for some 300 m to the Lapse Khola River, taking around an hour. . Thereafter, you follow the Lapse Khola River along an impressive path, cross on a Himalayan bridge and then make the steep ascent to Chaungseng Kharka. This yak pastureland lies on the opposite side of the valley. This area is very windy, and the villagers collect Yak dung for fuel.

You have lunch at Kharka and continue traversing high above the Lapse Khola. You can see expansive views of surrounding areas, as you are now above the tree line. The trail undulates along the side of the valley bottom, with ascends and descends spurs. Further, the trail drops to a small Yak grazing land. There is a short section where the trail is narrow and above a series of steep slopes. You continue alongside the river for a further 30 minutes to an open grassy area set above the river.

Altitude above sea level: Lungre (4,600 m)

Hiking duration: 6-7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you take a short walk along the valley, and ascent and descend a rocky spur on a good trail before crossing the Lapse Khola River. Further, take a gradual walk along and up the valley close to the river for around a couple of hours before ascending the west bank opposite Jomsom Khola which enters the Lapse Khola from the north. The trail then contours along the valley side with occasional rocky steps. You pass a number of small yak kharka where you will have lunch. Thereafter, you take a downhill from the Lapse Khola River to Lungre.

Altitude above sea level: Teri La Base Camp (4,900 m)

Hiking duration: 5 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you climb the left valley side for a short distance until the trail levels out and then cross the valley through sparse vegetation. There are superb views both back down the Lapse Khola and ahead towards the Teri La. Eagles may be seen circling above and along the valley sides. After a couple of hours, you pass a small camp area as the Lapse Khola valley turns northwards. In another hour, you head west, leaving the Lapse Khola valley, there is a Teri La Base Camp where you stay overnight.

Altitude above sea level: Teri La High Camp (5,200 m)

Hiking duration:  3 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you ascend 300 m from Teri La Base Camp to Teri La High Camp. The trail follows a side valley on easy terrain for about 3 hours until the valley opens up. There are remarkable views from Teri La High Camp. You can spend the afternoon relaxing and preparing for tomorrow’s crossing of the Teri La.

Altitude above sea level: Papshu Khola Camp (4,730 m), Teri La  (5,595 m)

Hiking duration:  8-9 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After having a hearty breakfast, the trek continues towards the summit of Teri La Pass. Once reaching the top of Teri La; you will witness the commanding views of Annapurna, Chulu Himal, Teri La peak, and Purtun Himal. After savoring the view, you then descend to Pashu Khola Camp.

Altitude above sea level: (4,300 m) Yak Pa

Hiking duration: 7-8 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you leave Pasphu Khola Camp behind and hit the trail to Yak Pa. Trek from Papshu Khola camp to Yak Pa means entering into an arid area of Mustang, which is known as “The last hidden Buddhist Kingdom”.

You hike downhill to the river and the area of Yakpa Kharka and then ascend to a rocky ridge. Further,  descend to Samena Khola Valley, cross the river, and eventually reach our campsite at old Kampa Village of Yakpa.  Yakpa is in the Upper Kali Gandaki Valley, with its collection of quaint Tibetan houses.

Altitude above sea level: (3,300 m) Tangge

Hiking duration: 8 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you trek towards Tangge, a small village of just twenty houses. Along the way, you can witness several sheep, goats, large mastiffs, and the largest chorten in Mustang. Though this is a predominantly downhill day, it starts uphill, which is quite steep and exposed in places. From the top of this climb, there are breathtaking views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri and a wide-open view across the high plateau area to the north. Further, take a long descent to reach the small village of Tangge.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today is a complete rest day after a long trek. Tangge is an interesting place and this is a great opportunity to take a glimpse of local life in this trans-Himalayan village.

Altitude above sea level: (3,600 m) Yara village

Hiking duration:7-8 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you hike through the valley shoulder after crossing the river. Today, you trek along with unique and incredible rock formations. After crossing a river, you then reach the attractive village of Yara Gaon.  It is worth looking out for fossils in the riverbed.

Altitude above sea level: (3,820 m) Lo Manthang

Hiking duration: 6-7 hrs. Approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you have a beautiful walk down the river valley as we leave Yara and arrive at another beautiful village named Dhi. Explore this picturesque village and start ascending towards the Dhi La Pass through more rock formations. From the summit, you descend for an hour to arrive at the ancient walled city of Lo.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, you spend the day exploring Lo Manthang. There are four main monasteries within the medieval walls of Lo Manthang: the red Jampa Lhakhang (built-in 1387) with its impressive 50-foot tall clay statue of ‘Jamba’ (or Future Buddha); a 15th-century Thubchen Gompa; Chhoede Gompa (where the Khempo resides); and Choprang Gompa.

Alternatively, you can explore the mystical town of Lo-Manthang, starting with a 2-hour visit to the Namgyal Gompa. This beautiful Gompa is perched on a hilltop, which is of high social, religious as well as legal significance as it serves as a local courthouse. Then, visit the village of Tingkhar, northwest of Lomanthang with its 40 households. You will also visit Champa Lhakang where you have an opportunity to admire a large Buddha statue and intricate Mandalas painted on the walls.

Another option can be a trek to Chhosar also known as the Jhong Caves or even Sky Caves. This is a multi-story cave built into the side of cliffs. Researchers are still confused as to who built these caves and why. It is assumed they were used as burial chambers, hiding places, places of meditation, and later, monasteries.

Altitude above sea level: (3,500 m)  Ghemi

Hiking duration: 7-8 hrs approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After breakfast, you set off on today’s trek to Ghemi. Ghami village is filled with few lodges and local homes and is surrounded by trees and fields. Today the trail looks across the valley to ocher, blue and steel-grey cliffs, and past tri-coloured chortens and the longest and incredible Mani wall in Mustang. Further, you take steep downhill,  cross the bridge and ascent to Ghami.

Explore through this fascinating village, passing the Mani walls and prayer wheels, and have a quick visit to Ghar Gumba Monastery.

Altitude above sea level: Jomsom (2,743 m) 

Driving duration: 7 hrs. approx.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, we take a drive to Jomsom. We drive through Chele and Chussang. Continue driving through Tangbe to Jomsom.  You can explore the market area of Jomsom until dinner.

Flight Duration: Jomsom-Pokhara (25 minutes), Pokhara-Kathmandu (25-30 minutes)

Accommodation: *** Hotel Tibet or similar

Meals: Breakfast

After having an early breakfast, walk up to the airport nearby the hotel in Jomsom. Take a last glimpse of the breathtaking Himalayas. You will take a short flight to Pokhara and onto Kathmandu. After check-in at the hotel, spend your afternoon at leisure. You can spend the day resting or catch up on some last-minute shopping or shop for some locally made handicrafts and souvenirs.

Accommodation: *** *** Hotel Tibet or similar

Meal: Breakfast

It is time to fly back home, keeping all the terrific experiences of Nepal in mind. The representative from Nepal Sanctuary Treks will transfer you to TIA airport, where you should check-in 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight.