Horse Riding Trek to Upper Mustang - 16 days

Trip Overview

Duration: 16 days Country: Nepal
Max. Altitude: 4,230m/13,875ft. Walking Per Day: 5-6 hours
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodge grade Grade: Strenuous
Best Season: Summer, Autumn and Spring Group Size: Minimum 2
Mode: Tea-house Culture: Tibetan-Influence Culture

Horse Riding Trek to Upper Mustang is a top-notch holiday package for travel lovers that entangles the adventure and excitement of horse riding along with the admirable astounding landscapes and sceneries of Upper Mustang. This trekking cum horse riding package in Upper Mustang is getting very popular among travel enthusiasts around the globe due to the remarkable experience of horse riding in the desert-like landscape of the Himalayan nation, often considered a cold desert.

Horse Riding Trek to Upper Mustang can be best fitted for travelers looking for adventure and excitement but wanting to escape long hours of walking back-to-back each day. As well as, to explore a unique experience combining trekking and horse-riding simultaneously.

About Upper Mustang

Situated in one of the most isolated and remote areas of the Annapurna region in Nepal, Upper Mustang offers a great opportunity to explore the unique culture, lifestyle, and traditions of the local population, bringing you into the hidden world of the Buddhist Kingdom. It was a restricted location until 1991, after which the government opened it to tourists.

Ancient architecture has been well preserved in the area, with monasteries, caves, and the spectacular palace of the ancient king being highlights of the trek. The region offers the opportunity to see the culture and lifestyle of different tribes in Nepal. It attracts ordinary people who are looking for an exciting trek in the region, as well as archaeologists, geologists, and anthropologists who wish to take in distinct geographical and cultural features.

Overview - Horse Riding Trek to Upper Mustang, Nepal

Our Horse-Riding Trek to Upper Mustang commences with a flight or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, we will have a flight towards Jomsom where we shall meet and get introduced to our horse-riding team. Our riding team will instruct you with briefing and instructions regarding the horse ride, controlling the horse, gestures, and so on. We highly recommend our trekkers reach Jomsom before noon since, afternoon, it gets extremely windy and dusty. The windy valley of Jomsom is also well-known for its mouthwatering apple orchards.

During Horse Riding Trek to Upper Mustang, you can witness an eye-dazzling panorama of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Nilgiri (7061m), Saribung (6328m), Manshail (6235m), and other snow-capped mountains. Whereas, one can closely observe and explore the unique and distinct lifestyle and culture of the locals.

Cultural Importance, Yartung Mela and Tiji Festival

Beyond the natural gorgeousness, Upper Mustang is also enriched with ancient Buddhist monasteries, Chortens, and Mani walls, and the lifestyle and culture of the indigenous people there which is highly influenced by Tibetan culture is adorable and interesting as well. One of the major highlights of this trek is Lo-Manthang, the ancient walled capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang, which is vibrant with colorful deserts and ancient houses of similar patterns. The trek also reaches Rachung Cave, Ghar Gompa, and Dzong Cave where the trekkers can observe the best-preserved form of Tibetan Buddhism. Trekking to the restricted areas of the Upper Mustang on a horse's back helps the trekker understand the way of life in the Himalayas.

Likewise, the distinct and thought-provoking festival celebrations like Yartung Mela and Tiji Festival in the Upper Mustang make this trip even more noteworthy if the time frame of your trip happens to coincide with the festival dates. To bid farewell to Summer, a celebration with horse races, drinking authentic local wines, singing, and dancing are what the local Gurung and Thakali people of Mustang do. And they call this three-day-long celebration, “Yartung Mela”. It is celebrated throughout the Mustang’s territory but is exclusive and special at Lo-Manthang and Muktinath during mid-August/September (on the full moon day) every year. It is a 3-day celebration and is celebrated with horse races, drinking, and dancing by local Gurung and Thakali people. 

Throughout the three days of festivities, they have the Local King’s activities taking place on the first, the monks on the second, and the local people on the third. Whereas, the enticing happening of this fair is the horse racing competition by both the men and women. This festival can also be celebrated by foreign and local tourists after the indigenous have accomplished the rituals.

Whereas, Tiji is known as the most colorful and important festival in Upper Mustang. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and consists of meditation and dancing. It takes place around mid-May and lasts for 3 days. Tiji is a mesmerizing annual three-day festival involving Tibetan rituals that celebrate the myth of a son who had to save the Mustang kingdom from destruction. Though it is not related to horse riding like in Yartung, it is also widely appreciated by tourists who have been to Mustang during that time frame. 

Best time for the Upper Mustang Horse Riding

Even during monsoon season, the Upper Mustang region receives much less rainfall than other local areas. Because of this, the Horse riding trek to Upper Mustang can be joined any time during the year. However, August and October are the peak visiting months, with other popular times coinciding with cultural celebrations such as the Tiji festival, which is known as the most colorful and important festival in Upper Mustang. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and consists of meditation and dancing.

 


Horse Riding Trek to Upper Mustang Itinerary

  • Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Meals :Breakfast
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Thamel

    • Highlights :

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Welcoming with Marigold Flower Garland

      » Group Photo

      » Introduction with group members and trekking crew

      » Evening Walk at Thamel

      » Welcome Dinner


       

     

  • Day 2 Trek Preparation and Kathmandu Sightseeing
    • Duration :Whole day
    • Meals :Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu Durbar Square

      » Boudhanath Stupa

      » Pashupatinath Temple

      » Thamel

    • Highlights :

      » Kathmandu Sightseeing

      » Equipment Checking

      » Briefing about the trek

      » Introduction with Guide

     

  • Day 3 Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara(823m/2,700ft)
    • Duration :30 mins flight
    • Meals :Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle and Domestic Flight
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu Domestic Airport

      » Pokhara Domestic Airport

      » Pokhara


       

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic flight

      » Small Settlements

      » Unique Lifestyle

      » Hills

      » Fishtail Mountain

     

  • Day 4 Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m/8,925ft) | Ride and trek to Kagbeni (2,800m/9,186ft)
    • Duration :25mins flight and 3-4hrs riding(7-8Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Transportation :Domestic Flight and Horse Ride
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Ascend :80m/262ft
    • Note :It is highly recommended to reach Jomsom Before 12 because after 12 the route gets very windy
    • Location :

      » Pokhara Domestic Airport

      » Jomsom Airport

      » Jomosm Village

      » Ekle Bhatti

      » Kagbeni

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Flight

      » Meet the riding team

      » Brief introduction plus instruction of riding

      » After breakfast start the ride

      » Snow-Capped Mountain

      » Lofty Massif of above 8,000m

      » Kali Gandaki River

      » Clustered Village

      » Ancient Monasteries

      » Thakali Culture

      » Salt Trade Route  

     

  • Day 5 Ride and Trek from Kagbeni to Tsaile (3,100m/10,170ft)
    • Duration :5-6hrs ride(12-13Km)
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Ascend :300m/984ft
    • Location :

      » Kagbeni

      » Tangbe

      » Chusang

      » Tsaile

    • Highlights :

      » Tibetan Culture

      » Complex Trails

      » Whitewashed Settlements

      » Cultivations

      » Apple Orchards

      » Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri Mountain View

      » Ride along Kali Gandaki River Bank

      » Fossils

     

  • Day 6 Ride and Trek from Tsaile to Syanboche (3,800m/12,464ft) via Rachung Cave (3,842m)
    • Duration :6-7hrs ride(15-16Km)
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Ascend :910m/ 2,985ft
    • Descend :400m/ 1,312ft
    • Location :

      » Chele

      » Taklam la Pass(3,624m/11,888ft)

      » Dajong La Pass(3,660m/12,005ft)

      » Samar

      » Rachung Cave

      » Yamda La Pass (4,010m/13,156ft)

      » Syanboche

    • Highlights :

      » Steep Ascend Westwards

      » Deep Crayon

      » Gorge

      » Rocky Trail

      » Steep Descend on some section

      » Red Painted Cave Monastery or the Rangchyung Chorten

      » Believed to have hosted the famed Buddhist saints Padmasambhava and Atisha centuries ago

      » Forests and gouges with high vertical wall

     

  • Day 7 Ride and Trek from Syanbochen to Drakmar (3,820m/12,532ft)
    • Duration :6-7hrs(15-16Km)
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Ascend :240m/787ft
    • Descend :200m/656ft
    • Location :

      » Syanbochen

      » Ghiling

      » Jhaite

      » Nyi La Pass(4,020m/13,190ft)

      » Ghami La Pass(3,765m/12,350ft)

      » Ghyami

      » Drakmar

    • Highlights :

      » Distinctive Chortens painted with Buddhism’s auspicious symbols

      » Downhill to the Settlement of Drakmar

      » Villages

      » Impressive Old and Ancient Chortens and Monasteries

      » Gorgeous Landscapes

      » Ghaymi village – the third largest settlement in the Mustang valley

      » Visit Mustang’s longest Mani wall

      » Adorned with the carvings

      » View and Annapurna and Mustang Valley

     

  • Day 8 Ride and Trek from Drakmar to Lo-Mangthang (3,840m/12,600ft ) via Ghar Gompa (3,920m)
    • Duration :5-6hrs ride(16-17Km)
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Ascend :420m/ 1,377ft
    • Descend :390m/1,280ft
    • Location :

      » Drakmar

      » Muila Bhanjyang(4,170m)

      » Ghar Gompa

      » Marang Chongo La Pass(4,230m/13,875ft)

      » Pangga

      » Lo Manthang

    • Highlights :

      » Pure virtue of Lo Nyingma Sect Scriptures of Padmasambhava

      » Marang Chongo La Pass(4,230m/13,875ft)

      » Colorful Caves

      » Wonderful Landscapes

      » Windy trail

      » Spectacular view of Annapurna ranges and Mustang valley

      » Forbidden City

      » Beautiful Rock Paintings

      » Kingdom of LoManthang

     

  • Day 9 Exploration Day to Tibet Border Area (Chosar village and caves)
    • Duration :6-7 hours riding (17-18Km)
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Ascend :330m/1,082ft
    • Descend :330m/1,082ft
    • Location :

      » Lo-Manthang

      » Dhuk

      » Ghom

      » Garpho

      » Kimaling

      » Lo-Manthang

    • Highlights :

      » Rich Culture

      » Sound Architecture Settlement

      » Well Preserved Legacy since the 14th Century

      » Walled City

      » Four Major Ancient Shrines

      » Brick-Red Jampa Lhakhang – the oldest Gompas

      » 50 Foot Large Clay Statue of Lord Buddha

      » 15th Century Old Thubchen Gompa and Choprang Gompa

      » Royal Palace of the Mustangi King

      » The Tall Champa Lakhang

      » Red Thugchen Gompa and Entrance Hall

      » Cave Village of Chosar

      » Deep Red Nyhu Gompa

      » Ancient Cave-Dwelling Sire of Jhong Cave

      » White-washed Villages

      » Old Fortress

      » Ruins of Ancient Palaces and Monuments

     

  • Day 10 Ride and Trek from Lo-Mangthang to Tsarang (3,560m/11,680ft)
    • Duration :5hrs ride(9-10Km)
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Ascend :130m/426ft
    • Descend :390m/1,280ft
    • Location :

      » Lo-Manthang

      » Lo(Day) La Pass(3,950m/12,957ft)

      » Sungda La Chorten

      » Tsarang

    • Highlights :

      » Famous Settlement of LoMangthang

      » Ancient Palace

      » Chorten Gate

      » Caharang Chu Canyon

      » Descend Steeply after Crossing River

      » Palace and Gompas

      » Barren Land

      » Ancient Fortress and Monasteries

      » Windy Pass

      » Small Bridge

     

  • Day 11 Ride and Trek from Tsarang to Syangboche (3,800m/12,464ft)
    • Duration :5-6hrs ride(13-14Km)
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Ascend :460m/1,509ft
    • Descend :220m/721ft
    • Location :

      » Tsarang

      » Tsarang La Pass

      » Ghami

      » Ghami(Ghemi) La Pass(3,765m/12,350)

      » Nyi La Pass(4,020m/13,190ft)

      » Jhaite

      » Chhungar

      » Tamagaon

      » Syangboche

    • Highlights :

      » Cultivation Fields

      » Apple Orchards

      » Impressive Old and Ancient Chortens and Monasteries

      » Gorgeous Landscapes

      » Tsarang La Pass (3,870m/12,695ft)

      » Panoramic view of Annapurna Ranges

      » Meet the same trail we started and observe the same view from another angle

      » Sparsely Settled Village


       

     

  • Day 12 Ride and Trek from Syangboche to Chhusang (2,980m/9,776ft)
    • Duration :6-7hrs ride(13-14Km)
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Ascend :50m/164ft
    • Descend :860m/2,821ft
    • Location :

      » Syangboche

      » Beg La Pass (3,840m)

      » Bheng

      » Bhena La Pass(3,830m/12,563ft)

      » Samar

      » Dajong La Pass(3,660m/12,005ft)

      » Taklam la Pass(3,624m/11,888ft)

      » Chele

      » Chhusang

    • Highlights :

      » Unique and Desert-Like Landscapes Decorated by Cultural Legacies and Glorious Mountain

      » Breathtaking Views of the Himalayas

      » Scenic Diversity and Interaction with the locals  

     

  • Day 13 Ride and Trek from Chhusang to Jomsom (2,720m/8,924ft) via Kagbeni
    • Duration :5hrs ride(13-14Km)
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Descend :260m/1,315ft
    • Location :

      » Chhusang

      » Tangbe

      » Kagbeni

      » Ekle Bhatti

      » Jomsom

    • Highlights :

      » Strenuous Physical Walking

      » Reach the Settlement in Kagbeni(Special Permit Exit Point)

      » Mark the end of the Upper Mustang Trail and Join Annapurna Circuit Trekking Trail

      » Historical Essence

      » Exotic Arts and Sculpture which is renowned as Bamfu Culture

      » Pony Ride

      » Farewell with Local Staffs


       

     

  • Day 14 Fly back to Pokhara and Explore
    • Duration :25mins Flight
    • Transportation :Domestic Flight
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Meals :Breakfast
    • Descend :1,877m/6,157ft
    • Location :

      » Jomsom

      » Pokhara

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Flight

      » Lake City

      » Hotspot for Adventurous Activities and Gateway for Several Trekking Expeditions in and around Annapurna region


       

     

  • Day 15 Buffer Day for flight delay/cancellation | An afternoon flight back to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner in the Evening

     

  • Day 16 Departure Day
    • Meals :Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

    • Highlights :

      » Souvenir Shopping

      » Airport Drop with Khata/Khatag as a Symbol of Wishing Safe Journey

      » Group Photo

     

Horse Riding Trek to Upper Mustang Photos / Videos

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pickup and Drop Service
  • Domestic Flights (Kathmandu-Pokhara, Pokhara-Jomsom, Jomsom-Pokhara, and Pokhara-Kathmandu)
  • 3 nights Accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara.
  • All accommodation during the trek (hotel with attached bathroom in possible places).
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with Tea/Coffee and hot/cold filter water during the trek.
  • All required land transportation except for trekking days
  • Upper Mustang Restricted area special permits (USD 500/ 10 Days).
  • Annapurna conservation area permit and all necessary permits.
  • 1 experienced, helpful, and friendly guide, porters (1 porter between 2 people), their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and their insurance.
  • 1 Horse (for each candidate) and a horseman including his food, accommodation, salary, and insurance.
  • First Aid Medical kit box.
  • Rescue Arrangement Service
  • Office Service charge and government tax
  • Welcome and Farewell Dinner
  • Airport Pickup and Drop Service
  • Domestic Flights (Kathmandu-Pokhara, Pokhara-Jomsom, Jomsom-Pokhara, and Pokhara-Kathmandu)
  • 3 nights Deluxe Accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara.
  • All accommodation during the trek (hotel with attached bathroom in possible places).
  • Breakfast with Tea/Coffee and hot/cold filter water during the trek.
  • All required land transportation except for trekking days
  • Upper Mustang Restricted area special permits (USD 500/ 10 Days).
  • Annapurna conservation area permit and all necessary permits.
  • 1 experienced, helpful, and friendly guide, porters (1 porter between 2 people), their food, accommodation, salary, equipment, and their insurance.
  • 1 Horse (for each candidate) and a horseman including his food, accommodation, salary, and insurance.
  • First Aid Medical kit box.
  • Rescue Arrangement Service
  • Office Service charge and government tax
  • Welcome and Farewell Dinner

Cost Excludes

  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Nepal VISA information)
  • International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Transportation during the trek
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses
  • Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, snacks, laundry, phone calls, internet, Personal Trekking Equipment, and so on
  • Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
  • Tip for guides and porters
  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Nepal VISA information)
  • International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and Dinner during the trek
  • Transportation during the trek
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses
  • Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, snacks, laundry, phone calls, internet, Personal Trekking Equipment, and so on
  • Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
  • Tip for guides and porters

Equipment Checklist

Equipment lists for 16 days Horse Riding Trek to Upper Mustang

HEAD

  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Head Torch
  • Suncreams(40+) and Lip Balms

 

UPPER BODY

  • Cotton t-shirts and thermals
  • Fleece jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Down jacket

 

LOWER BODY

  • Lightweight cotton pants (long)
  • Waterproof pants
  • Inner thermals

 

FEET

  • Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Shower sandals

 

HANDS

  • Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
  • Creams
  • Sanitizer

 

ACCESSORIES

  • Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
  • Trekking bag (Rucksack)
  • Duffel bag
  • Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
  • Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
  • Water bottle or camel bag
  • Toiletries and Tissue Papers

 

First Aid Kits

  • Personal Regular Medicines
  • Knee Caps
  • Bandages
  • Ointments
  • Blister Tape

 

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Medicines: We recommend you bring your regular medicines; we will provide a first aid kit from our side.
  • Light-weighted Towel
  • Swiss Knife
  • Passport and extra passport photos
  • Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer

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date Depature Date status Status action Action
16 days
Apr 1, 2024 - Apr 14, 2024
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Horse Riding Trek to Upper Mustang - 16 days

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