Embark on a captivating journey with Taktok Brothers as we unveil the extraordinary beauty of the Upper Mustang via Throng La Pass, an off-the-beaten-path adventure intertwined with the renowned Annapurna Circuit. Popularly dubbed as “The Forbidden Kingdom,” Upper Mustang offers a trekking experience through a treeless landscape, revealing its allure below 5000 meters.
Nestled in the northern part of the Mustang district, this hidden gem elevates to 3,840m, providing awe-inspiring vistas of Annapurna, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and more. The official opening of the Annapurna Range in 1977 and Upper Mustang in 1992 marked the beginning of numerous trekkers exploring this pristine trail. Traverse through the untouched beauty of Manang, discovering Thorung Phedi, Muktinath Temple, Lo Manthang Municipality, and the cultural richness of northwest Mustang, including Chode Gompa, Choprang Gompa, The Royal Palace, and The Monastic Museum.
Upper Mustang, historically rich in Tibetan culture, language, and ancient caves adorned with rock paintings, serves as a testament to the legacy of King Lo and pivotal events from the 8th century, earning its title as “The Kingdom of Lo.” Once a forbidden site, Upper Mustang stands as one of the world’s most protected places.
Trekking to this region via the Annapurna Circuit demands a robust fitness level due to its challenging elevation. The journey presents its most formidable aspect at Thorung Phedi (4420m), the highest point of the trek, rewarding trekkers with breathtaking views that alleviate the challenges of higher altitudes.
Best Seasons to Trek to Upper Mustang via Annapurna Circuit
The ideal seasons for trekking in the Annapurna and Upper Mustang Region are autumn (September-November) and spring (March-April). These months offer clear and dry weather, ensuring a delightful trekking experience. For those seeking vibrant rhododendrons and the cultural spectacle of the Tibetan festival Tiji, early March is the perfect time to embark on this extraordinary journey.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team's representative will greet and transfer us to the hotel. The second day will be dedicated to initial procedures like obtaining travel permits, organizing equipment, shopping for essentials, necessary documentation, and a detailed trek briefing. It's also a great opportunity to get to know our fellow team members.
Our journey begins with a long drive to Besi Sahar, the capital of Lamjung. Despite the bumpy ride, we'll enjoy views of the Trishuli River, Marsyangdi, Manakamana Cable Car, and numerous hilly settlements. After reaching Besi Sahar, we'll relax and explore this commercial town.
Continuing our drive, we head towards Chame, Manang, covering a distance of 66 kilometers by jeep. This drive significantly shortens our trek duration. We'll stay in Chame and prepare for the upcoming trek.
Our trek officially commences towards the Valley of Manang. Trekking along the Marsyandi River, we pass through Bhratang (2950m) and Dhukur Pokhari (3200m) before reaching Pisang, where we'll spend the night.
Continuing our trek into Manang Valley, we explore historical sites like Braga Gompa and the Ney Guru Sang cave. The next day, we acclimatize, witnessing the sunrise over Gangapurna and exploring Chongar Viewpoint.
Moving forward from Manang Valley, the vegetation starts to change as we ascend further. After a five-hour trek, we reach Chure Letdar (4250m) to rest for the night.
We ascend to Thorung Phedi (4420m), crossing the East bank of river Jarkang and encountering Blue Sheep and Snow Leopard on the way.
This day involves reaching Thorung La Pass (5416m) and descending to Muktinath (3800m), where we'll spend the night.
After exploring Muktinath, we drive to Kagbeni and trek to Chele, enjoying the scenic landscape.
The trek becomes more challenging, passing Talkam La Pass (3624m) and Dajori La Pass (3735m), offering mesmerizing views. We rest in Syangboche.
We trek to Ghami via Yamada La Pass (3850m) and Nyi Pass (4010m), passing through forests and reaching one of the largest villages in Upper Mustang.
Trekking through Tsarang Pass (3870m) and Lo La Pass (3950m), we reach Lo Manthang, preparing for the Tiji Festival.
We celebrate the Tiji festival, exploring monasteries, witnessing ceremonial dances, and immersing ourselves in the local culture.
We trek through Gyakar village, passing Ghar Gompa, before reaching Drakmar for an overnight stay.
Descending from Drakmar to Ghiling, we experience strong winds across the dry plateau and rest in Ghiling.
Descending further to Chhuksang through picturesque hamlets, we explore the village before concluding our day.
A longer trek day back to Jomsom via the Upper Mustang region and Annapurna Circuit Route.
We fly to Pokhara, enjoying stunning views before spending the day exploring the city.
We drive back to Kathmandu and gather for a farewell dinner with cultural shows.
Our remarkable journey concludes as we bid farewell to Nepal, escorted to Tribhuvan International Airport.
Thank you for choosing Taktok Brothers for your Upper Mustang trek via Throng La Pass adventure. Here are some essential notes to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey:
Our trips are strategically scheduled during the most favorable seasons. While we aim for a seamless itinerary, be prepared for adjustments due to unforeseen expedition obstacles. Rest assured, our commitment to service excellence remains unwavering. In the event of a delayed flight, we’ll promptly inform you. However, clients are responsible for covering additional expenses for extra days beyond the itinerary. Trust 8k Expeditions to facilitate necessary arrangements for your comfort during unexpected delays.
Trekkers are advised to schedule flights with convenient time frames. We do not assume responsibility for missed international flights or any issues with luggage before our reception. Plan your journey thoughtfully to avoid any inconvenience. Pack wisely, avoiding unnecessary items for your ease during the trek. Prioritize essential gear and clothing for comfort and convenience during the expedition.
We sincerely appreciate your trust in Taktok Brothers, and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories together on this extraordinary journey!