The high desert region of Upper Mustang, with its strong Tibetan influence, is a remote and captivating Trans-Himalayan mountain area known for its natural and cultural beauty. The trek to Upper Mustang begins in Jomsom and takes you to Kagbeni, the gateway to this enchanting region. Following the upstream course of the Kaligandaki river, you will make your way to the capital of Upper Mustang, Lo-Manthang. Along the journey, you will discover the hidden gem of Muktinath Temple, a sacred site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists for its spiritual significance and religious harmony.
Isolated from the rest of the world and inaccessible to foreigners until 1992, Lo-Manthang, once ruled by the King of Mustang, preserves its ancient traditions and remains a testament to the rich Tibetan heritage. Even today, life in Lo-Manthang continues as it did centuries ago, untouched by the influences of modern civilization, making it a rare enclave of pristine cultural heritage. Amidst this timeless setting, you will be treated to awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas, with more than 35 majestic peaks over 6,000 meters, including the towering Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m). Embarking on this extraordinary journey will transport you to one of the most remote and captivating corners of Nepal.
This trek is limited and we can only guarantee your place once we secure your trekking permit which ensures entry to Upper Mustang. We will do our best to accommodate last minute bookings. Please book as soon as possible.
Departure From | Pokhara or Kathmandu |
Departure Time | 6:30 AM |
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu.
You will land in Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. We will receive you and drive you to your hotel. In the evening, the tourist hub of Thamel is a good place to grab your first meal, with a variety of restaurants to chose from offering both Western and local Nepali dishes.
Day 2 : Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and Trek preparation
After breakfast, your sightseeing tour of the ancient city begins. A licenced tour guide will be at your service along with a comfortable private vehicle. After sightseeing tour Guide will tell you to make sure everything you have everything you need to pack for trekking and finalise all documentation for your trekking permit.
Day 3 : Drive to Pokhara
You will be drive Kathmandu to Pokhara 6-7 hours depends on traffic jam. On arrival you will check into the hotel. If you want to hang out go to the Lakeside or just chill in the hotel.
Day 4 : Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni
After a short morning flight to Jomsom. Pokhar to Jomsom 25 minutes flight and then We start our trek to Kagbeni.(Jomsom is headquarters of Mustang).
Day 5 : Kagbeni to Chele
After breakfast, we set off to enter Upper Mustang! The trail takes us along the Kali Gandaki River where the wind will challenge us as it whistles up the valley gorge. At Tangbe Village we notice how the houses are white-washed, set among fields of buckwheat and barley. Apple orchards also dot the landscape. Following a ridge, we reach the village of Chele.
Day 6 : Chele to Syanbochen
This is the day of crossing many small passes. The trek leads on a steep trail uphill to Dajori La via Taklam La taking you to the village of Samar. From there, the trail goes up and down over a gorge and crosses Bhena La and Yamdo La to reach Syambochen.
Day 7 : Syanbochen to Ghami
From Syangboche, you climb a gentle pass that provides a stunning view of the mountains you have seen before and the deep valleys below it. The walk may seem effortless but the scenery is surely captivating. You arrive at Ghami in about 5 to 6 hours. Here you can explore the ancient village and its honored monasteries.
Day 8 : Ghami to Tsarang
Today we descend and cross Ghami river and climb to plateau and pass long Mani wall. After Mani wall trail climb to Choya La Pass and drops to Charang Khola. Next, flat trail lead us to Charang. Explore around and rest overnight.
Day 9 : Tsarang to Lo-Manthang
From Charang we ascend over a ridge before entering the Tholung valley where are journey takes to the arid landscape that we so often see in the photographs of Mustang. It is appropriate, as with all mystic journeys (and stories) there seems to be a descent into a wasteland before the hero enters the blissful realm he is seeking. So, is true with ours as we cross over Lo La at 3950 meters and behold the view of prayer flags flapping in the wind signaling the approach of the walled city of Lo Manthang, summer home of the Raja of Mustang.
Day 10 : Explore Lo-Manthang / Acclimatisation
Today you stay in Lo-Manthang discovering the majesties of the city adorned with ancient monasteries, traditional shops, and the king’s palace. You will visit the Monastery of Victory in Namgyal and also visit many other monasteries preserving the true virtue of ancient Tibetan Buddhism. The colorful deserts of Lo-Manthang accompany you as you explore this capital city of the former Kingdom of Lo. Overnight in Lo-Manthang.
Day 11 : Lo-Manthang to Drakmar
Today the trail ascends to and then heads to the Chogo La Pass the highest point of our trek. We then head downhill and cross the Charang River and make our way to Lo Gekar, pass the village of Ghar Gompa with its Tibetan religious structures. After passing Ghar Gompa we follow the trail down to Drakmar.
Day 12 : Drakmar to Ghiling
The trail today descends and passes the stone walls and fields of Drakmar before heading lower again reaching Ghami and then Jaite and again dropping to Chhung-Kah. From here we continue to Tama Gaon and further downhill to Shyangmochen.
Day 13 : Ghiling to Chhuksang
We will continue our trek over steep ridges and over hills. We will trek to Tetang, the upper village of Chhuksang which lies between two hills. It is a safe escapade from the fierce wind that hits the Kali Gandaki valley frequently. You begin today’s trek shortly after breakfast. Today’s trails are mostly the same as the ones you took on your way up to Lo Manthang. En route, you can enjoy great mountain views. You will run into various small villages where you can meet the local people and enjoy their company.
Day 14 : Chhuksang to Muktinath and Jomsom
Today we say goodbye to Upper Mustang and enter the lower regions of the district at Jomson. On this, our final trekking day, we will have lunch at Kagbeni and perhaps this time explore the little monetary and look fondly up the Kali Gandaki gorge to where we have spent the last 10 days – the Kingdom of Lo. Our trek has in fact, rejoined the Annapurna Circuit Trek as we head from Kagbeni to Jomson
Day 15 : Fly back to Pokhara
Today early in the morning we fly to Pokhara and wait for connected flight to Kathmandu or you can stay in Pokhara.
Day 16 : Pokhara to Kathmandu
Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu 6-7 hours. On the way breakfast and lunch. Check-in into your hotel.
Day 17 : Final Departure
This is your last day in Nepal, you will leave Nepal with breathtaking memories. Farewell to your guides and new friends.