Upper Mustang Trek with Drive Back

Nepal Hiking Team is highly regarded for its excellent service, organization, and care. Past travelers highlight the company's prompt communication, seamless logistics from airport pickup to accommodation, and the professionalism of their guides and porters. Reviews specifically mention guides like Dipendra ("Dip"), Yubraj, Raj, and Arjun for their dedication, humor, and ability to handle challenging situations, such as arranging emergency transport when a trekker suffered Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The owners, Balaram and Ganga, are also noted for personally welcoming guests, ensuring a trustworthy and personal experience.

The company prioritizes trekker safety above all. As evidenced by a traveler's review, when a team member showed symptoms of AMS in the middle of the night, the guide and porter acted immediately to descend to a lower altitude and arranged a helicopter to Pokhara for medical treatment, even when faced with difficulties from an insurance company. Their guides are experienced, insured, and equipped with a comprehensive medical kit to manage health issues on the trail.

Nepal Hiking Team provides a comprehensive support system tailored to the Upper Mustang Trek. This includes an experienced, English-speaking guide and a porter (for every two trekkers) who carries your luggage. They also provide essential gear like a down jacket, sleeping bag, and a duffel bag for the trek. Their service includes arranging all permits, flights, and ground transportation, allowing you to focus entirely on the experience. Their flexibility is also noted, with guides accommodating unusual requests and adjusting itineraries in case of injury.

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), a representative from Nepal Hiking Team will be waiting for you at the arrival terminal. They will greet you and provide a private vehicle transfer to your hotel in Kathmandu, where you can check in. You will also receive a brief overview of your upcoming journey.

The cost of the Nepal entry visa is not included in the package price. You can obtain a visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or at Nepalese embassies/consulates abroad. It is your responsibility to arrange this. The package does not specify the exact visa fee, as it varies by nationality and duration of stay. Be sure to bring a few passport-size photos, as they are also required for your trekking permits.

Yes, the "Cost Includes" section covers all ground transportation by private vehicle, including airport transfers for both your arrival and departure. On your final day (Day 13), a Nepal Hiking Team representative will take you to the international airport approximately three hours before your scheduled flight.

The group size for this trek requires a minimum of 2 people. You can book directly through the Nepal Hiking Team website. If the scheduled departure dates do not suit your availability, you can contact the team to arrange alternative date options. The itinerary can also be personalized based on your preferences.

While the page doesn't detail the deposit structure, it provides a comprehensive list of "Cost Includes." This covers all ground transport, 3-star hotel accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara (with breakfast), all internal flights (KTM-Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara-KTM), full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with tea/coffee during the trek, the best available lodge accommodation during the trek, an experienced guide and porter, all necessary permits, and a comprehensive medical kit. Costs that are excluded are listed separately.

All necessary paperwork and permits, including the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Special Trekking Permit for Upper Mustang, are included in the package cost. You will need to provide three passport-size photos to Nepal Hiking Team for processing these permits. They handle all the logistics, so you don't have to worry about obtaining them yourself.

The Upper Mustang region, also known as the Lo-Manthang kingdom, was a restricted area for a long time. Trekking here requires a special permit in addition to the standard Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). This permit is included in your package cost, and Nepal Hiking Team arranges it for you using the passport-size photos you provide. The permit helps regulate tourism and preserve the unique, preserved Tibetan-Buddhist culture and landscape of this rain-shadow area.

Upper Mustang is a uniquely preserved kingdom with a landscape that resembles the Tibetan Plateau. Its barren, desert-like terrain is a stark contrast to the lush green hills of other trekking regions. The area is rich in ancient Buddhist culture, featuring centuries-old monasteries like Lo-Gekar Gompa (older than Samye Gompa in Tibet), the walled city of Lo-Manthang, and the ancient Sky Caves near Chhoser. The architecture, consisting of mud-brick and stone houses, and the strong Tibetan Buddhist traditions make this a culturally distinct and historically significant trek.

The Sky Caves near Chhoser Village are a major highlight of this trek. These are ancient, multi-story cave dwellings carved high into the cliffs, believed to be over 2,000 years old and used for meditation, burial, and shelter. The itinerary includes a dedicated excursion day (Day 9) where you take a jeep to Chhoser and then hike to explore these caves, including Nyiphuk and Garphu Gompa, which are monasteries carved into the rock.

The package includes three key flights: a 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Day 2), an early morning scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (Day 3), and a return flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (Day 11). The flights offer stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

The weather in Jomsom is highly unpredictable, and flight disruptions are possible. The itinerary explicitly states that in the event of a flight delay or cancellation, Nepal Hiking Team will arrange a jeep drive from Jomsom to Pokhara (approximately 7 hours) and adjust your Kathmandu connection accordingly to ensure minimal disruption to your travel plans.

All ground transportation is provided by private vehicle and is included in the cost. This covers airport transfers in Kathmandu. For the final leg of the trek, a significant portion is a 8-9 hour jeep drive from Lo-Manthang back to Jomsom (Day 10), allowing you to cover the distance comfortably and see the landscape from a different perspective.

The trek is considered moderately difficult, primarily due to the high altitude. While you will have jeep support for a portion of the return journey, the itinerary involves several days of trekking for 5-7 hours over varied terrain, including dry hills, canyon walls, and passes like Nyi La (4,010m). The maximum elevation reached is 4,210m at Chogo La. A good level of physical fitness is required, as you'll be walking on trails that can be dusty and rocky.

Acclimatization is crucial for a safe trek. Despite the dry, desert-like terrain, the region sits at a high elevation (Lo-Manthang is at 3,810m). Ignoring the need to acclimatize can lead to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The itinerary is designed with a gradual ascent and includes a full exploration day in Lo-Manthang (Day 8), which serves as an acclimatization day, allowing your body to adjust to the altitude before the excursion to even higher points like Chogo La (4,210m).

While the trek is not technically challenging (no mountaineering or glacier crossings), it is best suited for those with some trekking experience or a high level of physical fitness. The daily walking distances (up to 16-18 km) and the high altitude make it a demanding endeavor. However, the presence of a supportive guide, porter, and a well-planned itinerary significantly increases your chances of a successful and enjoyable experience. The option to drive back from Lo-Manthang also reduces the total walking days.

Your safety is a priority. The itinerary includes a gradual ascent with an acclimatization day in Lo-Manthang. Before the trek, an extensive counseling session is provided to equip you with knowledge about AMS symptoms and prevention. Your guide carries a comprehensive medical kit to monitor your health and manage any issues. As per a traveler's review, the team is prepared to act quickly, arranging immediate descent and helicopter evacuation if a serious case of AMS arises.

You will be accompanied by an experienced, English-speaking trekking guide who is knowledgeable about the region's culture, terrain, and safety protocols. Additionally, a porter will be provided to carry your luggage (with a ratio of one porter for every two trekkers). The porter's salary, insurance, equipment, and all their logistics (food, lodging, flights) are covered by the package, ensuring a well-supported and ethical operation.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory and is listed in the "Cost Excludes" section. You must have a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers emergency evacuation, including helicopter rescue, at high altitudes up to at least 4,500m, as well as trip cancellation, medical expenses, and lost baggage.

To reduce your packing burden, Nepal Hiking Team provides a down jacket and a four-season sleeping bag for the duration of the trek, which you return after the trip. They also give you a Nepal Hiking Team duffel bag for your gear and a trekking map to help you follow the route.

You are responsible for your personal trekking equipment, which is listed in the "Cost Excludes" section. Essential items include sturdy, broken-in trekking boots, comfortable trekking pants and shirts, a warm fleece jacket, a waterproof/windproof jacket, thermal base layers, a sun hat, a warm beanie, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and personal toiletries. A detailed packing list is usually provided by the company upon booking.

Items like cold drinks, water, snacks, and other personal expenses are not included in the cost. You should bring enough cash (Nepalese rupees) to cover these expenses, as ATMs are not available on the trek. Hot showers, also not included, can be paid for at the tea houses.

In Kathmandu and Pokhara, the package includes a total of four nights' accommodation (2 nights in each city) at a 3-star category hotel. This includes breakfast and provides a comfortable, clean environment to relax before and after your trek.

During the trek, you will stay in the "best available twin sharing lodge" (tea houses). These are basic but comfortable guesthouses that provide a bed, a shared bathroom, and a common dining area where meals are served. The specific lodge names are not listed, but the itinerary includes overnight stays in Kagbeni, Chele, Shyangbochen, Charang, and Lo-Manthang, among others.

The page does not specify details on mobile network coverage or Wi-Fi availability. Given the remote, high-altitude nature of the Upper Mustang region, connectivity can be limited or non-existent in many villages. It's best to expect no reliable internet or phone service for the majority of the trek and to use this as an opportunity to disconnect.

The package includes "full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek." You will be served these meals at the tea houses where you stay. The cost excludes lunches and dinners while in Kathmandu. The itinerary also notes that on the trek days, "B.L.D" (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) are included.

Drinking water and cold drinks are listed in the "Cost Excludes" section, meaning they are not covered by the package price. You can purchase bottled water, boiled water, or other beverages at the tea houses along the trail. To save costs and reduce plastic waste, it is highly recommended to bring a reusable water bottle and use water purification tablets or a filter to treat tap water, which is often available at the lodges for a small fee or for free.

While not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary, the "Top Moments" section highlights the opportunity to "enjoy the famed local apples and apple wine (Marpha)" in the Jomsom area. Marpha, a village you pass near the start of the trek, is renowned for its apple orchards and apple products, making it a delightful local specialty to try.

Yes, the package can be personalized. The page states, "If you require any personalized Upper Mustang Trek with Drive Back or any kind of trip, feel free to contact the Nepal Hiking Team." A private trek allows for greater flexibility in itinerary, pace, and departure dates, ensuring the experience is tailored specifically to your interests and needs.

Joining a group trek is an excellent option for solo travelers or those looking to share the experience with like-minded people. The cost is typically lower as expenses like the guide and porter are shared. The scheduled departures listed on the website are for the "group joining option." It's a great way to meet new people while still enjoying the support of the Nepal Hiking Team's professional guides and logistics.

Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers are not included in the package price. While it is a personal gesture, tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for good service. The recommended amount can vary, but it is common to tip as a group. Your guide can provide guidance on appropriate amounts based on the level of service and the duration of the trek. It is best to budget for this expense separately.