Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek

Dolpo lies between the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri mountain ranges whereas Upper Mustang lies between the rainshadow of mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang is one of the challenging treks where you will have to trek above the height of 4000 meters and cross some passes which are above 5000 meters.

Some of the major attractions of Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang treks are Phoksundo National Park, Phoskundo Lake, Shey Monastery, Forbidden Kingdom of Lo Manthang and many more. Both of the areas are one of the restricted regions in Nepal and requires special permits before trekking.

So, the trek will definitely give you a wonderful experience to the off beaten trails of Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang Regions. If you are someone who is interested in anthropology, animal wildlife, Tibetian culture and tradition, trekking to Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang would be best for you.

Trip Highlights of Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek

• Exploring Shey Phoksundo Lake and Shey Phoksundo National park.
• Visiting the oldest monastery of the region Shey Monastery which reflects the culture and history of 12th century BC.
• Visiting the hidden kingdom of Lo Manthang.
• Crossing some of the adventurous high passes along the route.

Outline Itinerary of Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek

Day1: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

Day 2: Nepalgunj to Jhupal (Flight) to Dunai (2850 m)

Day 3: Dunai to Ankhe (2896 m)

Day 4: Ankhe to Renje (3104m)

Day 5: Renje to Phoksundo Lake ( 3612 m)

Day 6: Phoksundo Lake to Chunemba (3639m)

Day 7: Chunemba to Snowfield Camp (4400m)

Day 8: Snowfield Camp to Shey Gompa (4310m)

Day 9: Shey Gompa to Nam Gaun Gompa (4360m)

Day 10: Namgaun Gompa to Marang (4350m)

Day 11: Marang to Dora Sumna ( 3670m)

Day 12: Dora Sumna to Misha Gaun (4200m )

Day 13: Misha Gaun to Shimen Gaun (3850m)

Day 14: Shimen Gaun to Tinje (4110m)

Day 15: Tinje to Rapka (4535m)

Day 16: Rapka to Charka (4302m)

Day 17: Charka to Tulsi Khola (4935m)

Day 18: Tulsi Khola to Nakhkem Khola (5066m)

Day 19: Nakhkem Khola to Kharka (5445m)

Day 20: Kharka to Ghami Phedi (3680m)

Day 21: Ghami Phedi to Ghami (3520m)

Day 22: Ghami to Marang (3540m)

Day 23: Marang to Lo Manthang (3810m)

Day 24: Acclimatization Day

Day 25: Lo Manthang to Yara Gaun (3900m)

Day 26: Yara Gaun to Tange (3240m)

Day 27: Jtange to Tetang (3040 m)

Day 28: Tetang to Muktinath (3700m)

Day 29: Muktinath to Jomsom (2710m)

Day 30: Jomsom to Pokhara (Flight) to Kathmandu (Flight)

Major Attractions of Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek

Shey Phoksundo Lake

Shey Phoksundo Lake sits at an altitude of 3612 meters. After reaching Renje, you will start your trek towards Phoksundo lake. The blue waters of Poksundo lake will surely take your breath away. The main reason for the growing number of people in the Dolpo region is to view the Phoksundo Lake.

You can find more than 20 stupas on the southern side and a Gompa on the eastern side of the lake.

Shey Gompa

Shey Gompa sits at an altitude of 4310 meters which is a famous landmark also known as the spiritual heart of Dolpo. The monastery is the oldest of the region and known for the gold and copper coated Shakyamuni Buddha.

The Gompa sits at the base of majestic mountains and welcomes a large number of devotees and pilgrims every year.

Lo Manthang

Lo Manthang is the Capital of Upper Mustang and is also known to the name the Hidden Kingdom of Lo. The area was before restricted and secluded with the outside world. It is highly influenced by Tibetan culture.

You can still find some royal families living in the four-storey palace. Tiji Festival is the major festival of Lo Manthang. So, if you trek to Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang during May, you can be a part of this major festival too.

Best Time for Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang trek is doable in every season. Unlike other treks, Upper Mustang Trek expects minimum or no rainfall at all as it sits in the rainshadow of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range. So, trekking to Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang would not be a problem even in the monsoon season.

However, the best time for this trek would during Autumn and Spring season which falls in the month of September, October, November and March, April and May respectively. Autumn offers trekkers with stable weather and temperature. It is neither too hot nor too cold during autumn due to which it has become one of the peak seasons for trekking in Nepal.

Likewise, Spring is the second best time for Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek. The trails to Upper Mustang becomes incredibly beautiful during the spring season. Most of the times, the forest are filled with rhododendrons during spring.

The weather and temperature of Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang remain constant during this season. The clear visibility of the mountains and scenic beauty will surround you throughout your trek.

Conclusion

Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang is a strenuous trek taking you to one of the most challenging trekking trails in Nepal. It is an extraordinary trek, completely different from other treks.

Walking through the lush jungles along the bank of Phoksundo lake and visiting ancient and historical monasteries and stupas is truly a joy you will have a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Contact us at Marvel Adventures to book your trip to Upper Dolpo Upper Mustang Trek. You can call us if you have any queries regarding your trip. We can also customize your trip according to your choice if you want to.