Upper Mustang trek

Trip ID: UM1
DestinationMustang, Nepal
Duration14 Days
DifficultyModerate Persons
Group SizeMin 2 to Max 10
Maximum AltitudeLo Manthang 3840 Meters
Best TimeMarch to November
ActivitiesTrekking tours in Mustang
AccommodationTea houses / Lodges / Hotels
Meals3 Meals a day (BLD)
TransportationFlight, Drive & Hiking
Start fromKathmandu - Pokhara - Jomsom
End atJomsom - Pokhara - Kathmandu

Trip Overview

About Upper Mustang trek Nepal

A short time ago local built different trail for upper mustang trek beyond the driving road. It helps the hikers to explore its nature, a living museum of Tibetan culture and history by walking in natural path, bypassing the jeep road. Upper Mustang is a high-altitude desert with eroded cliffs, colorful deep canyons and traditional villages in windswept plateaus. The colors of landscape are breathtaking, with hues of red, yellow, and brown blending, clear blue sky and snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.

Upper Mustang trek is an adventurous journey in remote region of Nepal placed behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. High mountains ranges make Mustang a rain shadow area, which means that the area receives very little rainfall. Embark on Upper Mustang trekking to unveil the secrets of Nepal’s most preserved and least-traveled regions.

Upper Mustang lodge to lodge trek is a unique and unforgettable experience that takes you to the heart of one of the Nepal’s most remote and fascinating regions. Upper Mustang gives you the challenge, realistic deal with nature and freshness of surroundings. It lures the people to learn new ways to enjoy the natural world in its purest form. Would you like to know the mystery of ancient kingdom discovered in Nepal; go to Upper Mustang. The stark beauty of the landscape, combined with the rich cultural heritage, makes this trek an epic adventure in mysterious land.

Trip Highlight

  • Explore unique culture, traditions and lifestyle of local untouched by modernity.
  • Discover the history of former kingdom of Lo, wall city, ancient monastery and palaces.
  • Feel the inner peace and spirituality at mustang deeply rooted with Tibetan Buddhism.
  • Catch the glimpse of deepest gorge in the world, Mt Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other peaks of Himalayas
  • Visit rain shadow area, Yak pastures, lakes, glaciers, gorges, waterfalls, caves, mane and holy flags.
  • Walk in restricted area along the ancient salt trading route of Trans-Himalayas Nepal.
  • Refresh your body, mind and soul by visiting Muktinath temple a holy site for both Hindu and Buddhist
  • Mysterious caves, traditional architecture unique Terrain like Tibet make this trek a truly memorable experience.

Detailed Itinerary

  • Day 1 : Arrival day in Kathmandu, Nepal

    Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. At the hotel, representative will brief you about program and plan. After a short rest, you can explore the city and its cultural heritage.
    Elevation: 1,400 meters / 4593 feet.

  • Day 2 : Rest day in Kathmandu / Permits Preparation / Sightseeing

    After breakfast, full day sightseeing journey in Kathmandu valley start with private vehicle and professional guide. There are many sights to see in Kathmandu Nepal. Among of them guide takes you to the selected destination like Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square etc. Kathmandu sightseeing trip covers major historical, and cultural monuments that beautifully crafted with various wood, metal, and stonework. The city is full of history and culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy. After city tours, we will drive back to hotel and conduct Pre-trip meeting. You spent rest of the time for gear shopping, packaging, exploring streets of Thamel and sample local cuisine.

  • Day 3 : Kathmandu to Pokhara by flight or drive 822 meters / 2,697 feet

    After breakfast, you will drive or flight to Pokhara as per itinerary (deal). It takes 25 minutes by flight and around 6 to 7 hours by road. You will have the option to explore Pokhara in the evening. Pokhara city famous for its beautiful lakes and stunning views of Annapurna range.

    Distance: 200 Kilometers / 124 miles,

    Duration: 6 to 7 hours

    Accommodation: Hotel

    Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) included

  • Day 4 : Pokhara to Jomsom by flight then trek to Kagbeni 2800 meters / 9185 feet

    Early in the morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, then begin trek towards Kagbeni or Drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni by jeep as per weather condition and choice. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River, passing through the picturesque villages, unique landscape before arriving at Kagbeni.

    Distance: 183 Kilometers / 114 miles

    Duration: 7 to 8 hours drive or 20 minute flight and 3 hrs walking

    Elevation gain: 1978 meters / 6489 feet

    Accommodation: Lodge / Teahouse

    Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) included

  • Day 5 : Trek from Kagbeni to Chele 3100 meters / 10171 feet

    Our journey began in Kagbeni, a beautiful village of Mustang district Nepal. Walking trail was mostly flat with a few ups and downs. We crossed several small villages on the way and finally reached Chele. Tsaile is a small but charming village with narrow alleys and traditional houses made of mud and stone. The trail was surrounded by barren hills, beautiful landscapes and the Kali Gandaki river flowed alongside us.

    Distance: 16 kilometers / 10 miles

    Duration: 6 hours

    Elevation gain: 300 meters / 984 feet

    Accommodation: Lodge / Tea house

    Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) included

  • Day 6 : Trek from Tsaile to Syangboche 3850 meters / 12631 feet

    We left Chele early in the morning and headed towards Syangboche via Samar village and Chungsi cave. Hiking trail was steep and challenging, but beautiful landscapes, snow-capped mountains in the distance inspire to kept us going. As soon as leaving summer village we trek towards ancient Chungsi cave meditated by guru Rinpoche in 8th century. We cross several steep ridges, rocky trails, famous red cliffs of Mustang and several small streams to reach Syangboche.

    Distance: 17 Kilometers / 10.5 miles

    Duration: 7 hours

    Elevation gain: 750 meters / 2461 feet

    Accommodation: Lodge / Tea house

    Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) included

  • Day 7 : Trek from Syangboche to Dhakmar 3820 meters / 12533 feet via Ghami

    After breakfast, group set off towards Dhakmar through a dry and arid landscape of Mustang via Ghai village. The trail is a gradual ascent, slope down and again up to reach Dhakmar village which is famous for its beautiful red cliffs, unique geological formations, architecture and traditional way of life. After an hour hiking from Ghami river travelers enter farmland seeing red cliff, caves, chortens, desert types Landscape and snow capped mountains of Himalayas. Ghami is a good place to take lunch break to refuel water bottle. Dhakmar is a beautiful hamlet that is rich in history and culture, worth to visit once in a lifetime.

    Distance: 14.5 Kilometers / 9 miles

    Duration: 7 hours

    Elevation decline: 30 meters / 98 feet

    Accommodation: Hotel / Tea house

    Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) included

  • Day 8 : Trek from Dhakmar to Lo Manthang 3840 meters / 12598 feet

    Start early in the morning to reach the highlight of the trip “the ancient city of Lo Manthang”. Dhakmar to Lo Manthang is a popular route among trekkers pass through ghar gumba “lo geker monastery”. It is an ancient monastery of mustang built in 8th century by guru Padmasambhaw. Classic salt trading trail is relatively easy, Passes through the beautiful landscape of the upper Mustang and takes you to the capital of former kingdom of Lo. This is the best time to explore walled city, monasteries, royal palace, learn the history, observe the lifestyle of local influences by Tibetan Buddhism. Take a break, try the local cuisine, visit local market to buy souvenirs and handicrafts and enjoy surrounding attractions.

    Distance: 17 Kilometers / 10.5 Miles

    Duration: 8 hours

    Elevation gain: 20 Meters / 66 Feet

    Accommodation: Lodge / Hotel

    Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) included

  • Day 9 : Explore Lo Manthang & Chhoser by jeep, horse or walk on choice

    Today you will have a full day to explore lo manthang city, choser village and nearby highlights. Lo Manthang is a town is known for its unique culture, traditions and stunning mountain scenery around. Ancient monasteries, palace, chortens, mani wall, prayers flags, canyons and beautiful landscapes attract the attention of visitors. Chhoser is a small village located near Lo Manthang. It is famous for its ancient monasteries, Jhong Cave and traditional houses made of stone and mud. Trip to Lo Manthang and Chhoser can be a unique and rewarding experience for those who love adventure and culture.

    Distance: 16 Kilometers / 10 miles

    Duration: 6 hours (round trip)

    Elevation gain: 50 meters / 164 feet

    Accommodation: Lodge / Hotel

    Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) included

  • Day 10 : Trek from Lo Manthang to Yara 3550 meters / 11647 feet

    After breakfast, we set off towards beautiful Yara village, which was a sight to behold. After a few hours walk, reach the village of Dhi passing through a few steep, flat and descent sections. Dhi, a picturesque village with traditional houses and winding streets, is a common lunch stop. This exciting adventure takes you through beautiful landscapes, including deep gorges, rocky cliffs, and beautiful valleys to observe the rich cultural heritage of Yara. The trail from Lo Manthang to Yara was relatively challenging, with steep climbs, flat and long descents but passes through stunning landscapes and offers great views of the Himalayas.

    Distance: 16 Kilometers / 10 miles

    Duration: 6-7 hours

    Elevation decline: 290 meters / 951 feet

    Accommodation: Lodge / Tea house

    Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) included

  • Day 11 : Hiking Luri Gumba, Tashi Kabum, back to Yara via Ghara

    After breakfast, trek starts from Yara to visit Luri gumba of Upper Mustang. Walking trail is well marked and passes through a beautiful Tashi kabum and eroded canyons. After arrive at the Luri Gumba you can explore both new and age old monastery and urrounding scenery. On the way back we will visit the traditional ghara village, culture, lifestyle that make journey memorable.

    Distance: 11 Kilometers / 6.8 miles

    Duration: 5 hours

    Elevation decline: 350 meters / 1148 feet

    Accommodation: Lodge / Tea house

    Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) included

  • Day 12 : Trek to Tsarang 3560 meters / 11680 feet

    Today’s trek takes us to Tasarang village along Kaligandaki river valley. Journey pass through beautiful landscapes, including deep gorges, high cliff, valleys and unique rock formation. Charang is another tourist attraction of the day it is famous for ancient Palace, Red Gumba, Chortens and traditional houses. As soon as we reach charang village check into hotel, rest for a while and evening walk around to see the sights of Tsarang like monastery, palace, chortens etc.

  • Day 13 : Drive from Tsarang to Jomsom or Marpha 2,650 meters / 8694 feet

    Today is the last day of our trip and enter lower mustang after upper mustang trek following Kali Gandaki River. We drive through beautiful landscapes and villages like ghmi, Ghiling, Chhuksang, Tangbe, Kagbeni, Ekle Bhatti to reach Jomsom or Marpha. If you prefer flight to Pokhara then need to halt at Jomsom, if you prefer drive back to Pokhara then better to spend night at Marpha village of Mustang. During this journey visitor get an opportunity to experience desert types landscape, ancient monasteries, sky caves and spectacular views of the Himalayas.

    Driving Distance: 55 Kilometers / 34 miles

    Takes time: 5  hours

    Accommodation: Lodge / Hotel

    Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) included

  • Day 14 : Morning flight or drive back to Pokhara on choice

    Early in the morning, heading to airport to catch scenic flight to Pokhara from Jomsom airport. Flight takes you to Pokhara along Kali Gandaki River, flight between mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna and offer breathtaking views 10th and 7th highest peak of the world. if the weather is not favorable for flight then we drive back to pokhara via Marpha, Tatopani, Beni and Kusma. The journey from Jomsom to Pokhara is a scenic and adventurous one, and it’s a great way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Nepal.

    Drive distance: 172 kilometers / 107 miles

    Duration: 7-8 hours by jeep or 20-minute by flight

    Elevation decline: 1978 meters / 6489 feet

    Accommodation: Lodge / Hotel

    Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) included

  • Day 15 : Pokhara to Kathmandu by flight or drive

    The journey from Pokhara to Kathmandu is one of the most scenic and breathtaking routes in Nepal. The distance between the two cities is approximately 200 kilometers/ 124 miles, and the travel time is around 6-7 hours by road and 25 minute by plane. Keep in mind that the actual travel time may vary depending on the mode of transportation, traffic conditions, and your personal preferences. As soon as reach Kathmandu, take a rest, spend evening time explore city for shopping souvenirs. Enjoy typical Nepali dinner party with culture show to celebrate successful journey.

  • Day 16 : Airport transfer to depart Nepal

    Today we will transfer you to airport to depart from Kathmandu and head back home after amazing trip to Lo Manthang in Mustang Nepal.  “Wishing you a safe journey! We look forward to our paths crossing again someday.”

Trip Cost Inclusion

  • Airports pick up on arrival day by private vehicle
  • 3 Nights Hotels in Kathmandu on twin sharing BB basis
  • Transportation Kathmandu - Pokhara by private vehicle / flight
  • Two nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara twin sharing
  • Round trip flight / drive from Pokhara to Jomsom to Pokhara
  • 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner) on choice with 4 cups of hot drink each day
  • Best accommodation at tea houses during trekking period
  • English speaking local guide service trained by government of Nepal
  • Experience trekking staffs (2 guest =1 porter basic) to carry the backpack
  • All necessary mustang trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS) and local taxes
  • Travel and rescue arrangements if require

Trip Cost Exclusion

  • Visa fees / international airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses phone calls, mineral water, bar bills, hot shower, battery recharge, extra porters & gears etc
  • Tips for guides, porters (Tipping are expected but not mandatory)