Upper Mustang Trek - 17 Days

The Himalayan adventure starts in the capital of Nepal, i.e., Kathmandu. At your arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from our group who will drive you to your hotel in the center of the city. After you get settled, you can take a rest or take an orientation walk through Thamel, a thriving hub renowned for its lively streets, cafes, handicraft stores, and trekking shops. Tonight, you will have a short briefing session regarding the trek and what awaits you.

Today is devoted to the exploration of the cultural richness of Kathmandu Valley. A guided city tour takes you to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath Stupa (the Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple (the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal), and Boudhanath Stupa, which is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. All of these places give spiritual depth and vibrant exposure to the religious tolerance of Nepal. After the tour, you'll be ready to prepare yourselves for the last preparations of the trek. Evening: Gather with your trekking group at a typical welcome dinner, preceded by Nepali cultural performance of low music and traditional dance.

Early breakfast and scenic 6–7 hour drive to Pokhara, Nepal's second-largest city and entrance to the Annapurna area. You drive on the Prithvi Highway, with rural vistas of river valleys, wooded hills, cultivated fields, and brief vistas of snow peaks. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your lakeside hotel. In the afternoon, depending on time, you might take a walk around the serene Phewa Lake or go for an evening lakeside promenade walk along the sidewalk, bordering cafés and shops.

This morning, enjoy a thrilling mountain flight to Jomsom, an important hub of the Mustang area. The 20-minute flight across the Kali Gandaki Gorge offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek begins on arrival at Jomsom (2,720 m). Trek on a wind-swept trail along the Kali Gandaki River. Scenery begins to change towards Mustang's characteristic bare landscape. Reach Kagbeni, a dramatic medieval-styled village with red-walled Buddhist monastery, prayer wheels, and stone streets by afternoon. Kagbeni is the official starting point to the Upper Mustang region and lies at the confluence of two rivers.

You shall leave green foothills behind today and venture into Upper Mustang's restricted area. After presenting your permits at the Kagbeni checkpost, proceed north along a windswept desert-like landscape, through minor caves and cliffs worn away by centuries of erosion. Cross the Kali Gandaki River and start a steep climb to the Tangbe village, marked by whitewashed buildings and apple orchards. Proceed along undulating trails towards the Chele village, set atop a stunning canyon. The ancient Tibetan presence is increasingly apparent as you enter this remote trans-Himalayan terrain.

This segment of the trek is strenuous but highly rewarding. Begin by climbing up a deep gorge and hike up the Taklam La Pass (3,624 m), with views of the Nilgiri and Tilicho mountains. On to Dajori La (3,735 m), another high pass with great views of rugged valleys. The trail passes through ancient chortens, barren plains, and open ridges. Visit the picturesque village of Samar before descending into a canyon, then up again towards the open country close to Geling. Here is the rugged beauty of Mustang—red rock cliffs, high desert plateaus, and dry riverbeds etched out by centuries of water and wind.

Start the day climbing gently to the Nyi La Pass (4,010 m), the highest point on the trail. The summit provides stunning views, with rolling expanses of Mustang's high-altitude deserts. Descend into the Ghemi Valley, through freshly painted mani walls and isolated chortens standing in the deep stillness of the Himalayas. Ghemi is one of the larger settlements along the road. Rest for a while, and then head to Charang, a traditionally important village with a five-story white dzong and red monastery overlooking terraced fields. Spend the day strolling through its narrow alleyways and chatting with the villagers.

One of the trip's most highly anticipated days, as you ride to Lo-Manthang, medieval walled city of Upper Mustang. Begin with a gradual ascent along a desolate, wide plateau and cross the Lo La Pass (3,950 m), with your first glimpse of the enigmatic kingdom of Lo-Manthang. The desert rapidly yields to a group of whitewashed buildings nestled behind a medieval wall. Enter the city through a ceremonial gate and walk through its narrow lanes, royal palace, and ancient gompas such as Thubchen and Jampa Lhakhang. Lo-Manthang is a living museum of Tibetan civilization, preserved over centuries since it was in seclusion.

Spend the day on the outskirts of Lo-Manthang, beginning a hike to Namgyal Gompa, the hilltop monastery that's also a local court. It affords great views over the surrounding hills and valleys. Continue to Tingkar, one of the most remote and elevated villages around. The trek provides us a preview of Upper Mustang's arid landscape and rural way of life, with occasional encounters with yak treks, herders, and monks. Back in Lo-Manthang for a night of rest and a repeat opportunity to indulge in the town's understated charm under Himalayan skies.

Having soaked up all the culture and mystique of Lo-Manthang, you'll return the way you came but on a different route. The hike today follows via the Chogo La Pass (4,280 m), the top of the entire Upper Mustang trek. The trail provides stunning views of Mustang's rugged, wind-swept cliffs, tusked hills, and distant Himalayan peaks. Along the way, stop at Ghar Gompa, an ancient monastery that is linked to the great sage Padmasambhava and famous for rock carvings and local legend. Continue driving on a steep downward slope through red cliffs and dusty gully roads to Drakmar, a village set deep in rural countryside surrounded by caves and red-rock cliffs that glow in the afternoon sun.

Leave Drakmar early in the morning to avoid strong afternoon winds common in this region. The path descends gradually, following the trails past several chortens and dry stone walls. You’ll retrace sections of the route while enjoying different perspectives of the surreal landscape. The trail passes Ghami and crosses back over Nyi La Pass before descending to the peaceful village of Shyangmochen. This rural village nestles in the heart of hills and is a serene refuge after a tiring day's hike. You can hike its ridge lines at sunset or enjoy a hot meal at a hill village teahouse.

Trek today involves easy descents on rocky ridges and uneven terrain as you slowly bid goodbye to high desert plateaus. You will journey through Samar and take in the scenery of steep canyons and caverns that have been carved into cliffs. Rest along the route to stop at small villages or mani walls along the path. You finally reach Chhusang, a village where the Narshing Khola meets the Kali Gandaki River. The area is renowned for red rock cliffs and natural caves. Chhusang offers a dramatic contrast of lush riverbeds and dry rocky terrain so typical of Upper Mustang.

Today's walk climbs out of Upper Mustang country up to the holy pilgrimage place of Muktinath. The walk is physically demanding but highly rewarding, with changing views ranging from barren cliffs to greener hills as you ascend. Muktinath is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Pilgrims from all of South Asia come here to worship at the sacred temple, which houses 108 stone water spouts, a perpetually burning flame, and a serene spot at the base of Thorong La. At dusk, stroll around the temple complex and soak in the combination of spiritual energy and mountain peace.

The final day of trekking takes you downhill from Muktinath to Jomsom. Pass through the picturesque village of Jharkot, known for its old monastery and apple orchards. Walking along the trail by the Kali Gandaki River, desert land slowly metamorphoses into more temperate surroundings. You arrive in Jomsom by early afternoon, and you'll have sufficient time to relax and recapture this incredible experience. Seal the end of your journey with your staff and guide in this booming town, which has retained the old Mustang way of life and blended modern comforts.

Fly back early in the morning to Pokhara by air from Jomsom once more, with breathtaking aerial vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. On arrival at Pokhara, check into your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure. You can opt for a peaceful boat trip on Phewa Lake, a visit to the World Peace Pagoda, or relax in one of the many lakeside cafes. Pokhara after weeks of seclusion in the Himalayas feels like a peaceful oasis with all the comforts to which you are entitled.

In the morning, take a short domestic flight back to Kathmandu. On arrival, you will be driven to your hotel. The afternoon is at leisure for personal pursuits—buying souvenirs, visiting any last remaining heritage sites, or strolling down the colorful streets of Thamel. In the evening, you can choose to dine out at a traditional restaurant enjoying a farewell dinner as you reminisce over memories from one of Nepal's most mythic treks.

After breakfast, your tour concludes. Our representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport for the departure flight. Travel with lasting impressions of the ancient Kingdom of Lo, mystique of Mustang, and the warmth of the Himalayan culture.