Upper Mustang Tours & Travels

About Dolpo Mustang traverse trek

Upper Mustang and dolpo region is known for its dramatic landscape, similar to the Tibetan plateau. The both area preserved the ancient culture and traditions for centuries, in this way it is a hidden gem of the Himalayas. Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang trek is an unforgettable adventure that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge.

Upper Dolpo to upper mustang trek connects two sacred and isolated region; upper dolpo and upper mustang of Nepal. Both routes are control by the government of Nepal as a restricted area require special to discover this mysterious world. Individual trekking is not allowed in this area. Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang trek is one of the most adventurous treks in Nepal.

• Experience challenging journey in off the beaten path of upper Dolpo to upper mustang trek Nepal.
• Discover flor fauna and villages like Chharka Bhot, Saldang, Shey Gumba, Dho Tarap and Rigmo village of Phoksundo national park.
• Get spiritual feeling from century-old Gompas, Chortens, prayer flags, Mani wall, caves, rock murals and Tibetan-influenced culture.
• Experience culture and lifestyle mustang ‘Loba’ and Dolpo pa people of the world's most culturally preserved region of Nepal.
• Witness the arid desert-type landscapes of two remote areas with amazing mountain vistas and high cliffs made by erosion.
• Know about lifestyle of bon Buddhists in Dolpo and Thakali people of mustang, its rich history, culture and rare wildlife.
• Know about Tibetan Buddhism, bon religion and unique culture of Dolpo region of Himalayas.
• Walking through the untouched route to upper Dolpo one of the highest inhabited places in the world.

• Day 1 : Arrival day in Kathmandu, Nepal

  After arrival in Kathmandu Airport (TIA) Nepal, our representative will welcome you and transfer to hotel by private vehicle. At hotel he/ she will give short briefing about program agreement and day to day plan. Check into hotel, use free time to take rest, relax and explore around Thamel.

  Elevation: 1,400 meters / 4593 feet.

• Day 2 : Kathmandu city tours and permits preparation

  City tours, gear shopping and permit preparation is the main task of this day. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and beautiful landscapes. Our guide takes you to the Swayambhunath & Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square for sightseeing. Kathmandu sightseeing trip covers major historical, and cultural monuments that beautifully crafted with various wood, metal, and stonework. After city tours, we will drive back to hotel and conduct Pre-trip meeting. You spent rest of the time at hotel or explore around Thamel.

• Day 3 : Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj 150 meters / 492feet
• Day 4 : Flight to Juphal then trek to Dunai 2140 meters / 7020 feet
• Day 5 : Trek to Chhepka 2678 meters /8786 feet
• Day 6 : Trek to Rechi 3011 meters / 9878 feet
• Day 7 : Trek to Ringmo 3,641meters / 11945 feet
• Day 8 : Rest day to travel around Phoksundo Lake for acclimatization
• Day 9 : Trek to Phoksundo Khola 3750 meters / 12303 feet
• Day 10 : Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang 4500 meters / 14763 feet
• Day 11 : Trek to Shey Gompa 4343 meters / 14248 feet via Nagdalo La 5350m / 17552 feet
• Day 12 : Rest day to travel around Shey Gompa for acclimatization
• Day 13 : Trek to Namgung 4360 meters /14304 feet via Sela La 5094 meters / 16712 feet
• Day 14 : Trek to Saldang 3770 meters / 12368 feet
• Day 15 : Trek to Yangtsher Gompa 4559 / 14957 feet
• Day 16 : Trek to Shimengaon 3885 meters / 12746 feet
• Day 17 : Trek to Tinjegaon 4110meters / 13484 feet
• Day 18 : Trek to Taraka campsite 4210 meters / 13812 feet
• Day 19 : Trek to Kharka 4500 meters / 14763 feet
• Day 20 : Trek to Charkha Bhot 4302 meters / 14114 feet
• Day 21 : Trek to Charkha Khola camp 4380 meters / 14370 feet

  (trail separate for Ghami la from this place but Ghami la track open only Oct and Nov months takes 7 nights to reach Lo Manthang.

• Day 22 : Trek to Nulungsumde kharka 4987 meters / 16361 feet
• Day 23 : Trek to Jungben la base camp 5140 meters / 16863 feet
• Day 24 : Trek to Santa 3777 meters / 12391 feet
• Day 25 : Trek to Kagbeni 2800 meters /9186 feet
• Day 26 : Trek to Chele 3100 meters / 10170 feet

  The journey from Kagbeni to Chele begins after breakfast at lodge. The trail winds its way northwards along the Kali Gandaki River. It offers stunning views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Dhampus and Tukuche peak of Himalayas and unique landscapes of Mustang. Chele itself is a fascinating destination, with a rich history, ancient monasteries, chortens, culture, traditional architecture influences by Tibetan Buddhism.
  We traverse several ridges, farm land, apple orchard, picturesque mountain scenery and Tangbe villages to take a break at Chhusang village for lunch. Then after walk along the river observing unique rock formation, high cliff and sky caves of Nepal. Finally cross the Kaligandaki River and from the river bed short uphill climb to reach Chele village of Mustang. This area become very windy and dusty after noon try to cross earlier as much as possible and use sunglasses, mask and windproof clothes. Kagbeni to Chele is a beautiful journey to experience the unique culture and beauty of the Mustang region in Nepal.

• Day 27 : Trek to Ghiling 3570 meters / 11712 feet

  Chele to Ghiling trek is a part of Upper Mustang journey starts from Chele and goes through beautiful villages, rocky trails, and narrow canyons. Hiking from Chele to Syangboche or Ghiling will be hard compared to other days to cross two passes, Taklam La 3,624m and Dajori La 3,660m.

  You will get to witness the unique culture and lifestyle of the people living in Mustang. The trail passes through several small villages like Ghyakar, Samar to reach Syangboche, and Ghiling. Samar is a beautiful village with traditional houses and ancient monasteries, well known common lunch stop of travelers. Along the way you will pass ups and down off-road trail in barren hills, rocky terrain via Ranchung Chungsi cave of Mustang.

  The trip ends at Ghiling where you can discover ancient monasteries, chortens, school, village and interact with local. Ghiling is a beautiful village with traditional Mustang houses located in the middle of barren meadow surrounded by mountains and agricultural field. Chele to Ghiling trek is a wonderful experience for those who want to explore the unique culture and landscape of Upper Mustang region.

• Day 28 : Trek to Ghami 3520 meters / 11548 feet

  The trek from Ghiling to Ghami passes through beautiful landscapes, including arid desert-like terrain, deep canyons and impressive rock formations. There is a new walking path to connect two villages Ghiling and Ghami. We follow new walking route to avoid the road.

  Along the way, we will visit ancient monastery of Ghami, which is one of the oldest monasteries of Mustang. Ghami village surrounded by the farm land and desert types hills, Ghami river supply water for whole valley. The trek from Ghiling to Ghami is a scenic and rewarding experience for those looking to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Mustang.

• Day 29 : Trek to Tsarang 3560 meters / 11679 feet

  Ghemi to Charang trek in Mustang is known for its fabulous mountain views, ancient monasteries, Mani wall, ancient Chorten in unique landscapes. Journey of the day start with downhill walk to cross Ghami river. After crossing the river, we climb along longest Mani wall of Mustang, years old Chortens, and red cliff of Dhakmar to reach Chinggel La pass 3870 meters above sea level. From the pass you can see the incredible view of mountain and valley. We take a short break at pass, capture some picture then walk towards Charang village of Mustang.

  The scenery around Charang / Tsarang is truly amazing offers a glimpse into the rich culture and natural beauty of Mustang Nepal. Charang / Tsarang is a second largest and beautiful village of upper mustang area. There are ancient Chortens at the beginning and the end of village. Beside that red Gumba, royal palace, Mani wall, holy flags, stupas, farming land and vibrant village are worth to discover.

• Day 30 : Trek to Lo Manthang 3840 meters / 12598 feet

  Today is the final day to reach the highlights of upper mustang trip the wall city “Lo Manthang “. Tsarang to Lo Manthnang distance offers stunning views of mountains, an opportunity to explore the culture, history and natural beauty of Mustang. Most of the walking trail to Lo Manthang is flat; wide and gradually up crossing Sungda Chorten.
  Lo La pass 3960 meters is the highest point of the day to reach the wall capital of former kingdom of Lo. From the pass we descend to Lo Manthang which is a beautiful walled village.
  Trail to go to Lo Manthang from Tsarang is easier than other part. It offers eye catching views of Himalayan range including two above 8000 meters’ peaks Mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massif.
  From the Lo La pass explorer gets the first glimpse of Lo Manthang city, wide barren land in mustang valley. Famous wall city known for their traditional mud-brick houses, narrow alleys, and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
  Finally, we reached ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang. At the Lo Manthang city we feel pure Tibetan culture, rich history, interact with Lowa people and know about their way of life. There are many things to see around Lo like historic royal palace, ancient monasteries, local markets, mani, chortens and prayer wheels that provides lifetime experiences.

• Day 31 : Explore Lo Manthang and Chhoser area 3897 m / 12785 feet

  Today is the day to discover the secret of Lo Manthang Nepal that you’ve been waiting for. After breakfast trip starts with either horse riding, walking or jeep safari towards chhoser, garphu & kora la border. Chhosar village offers a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life, daily activities that the practice in upper mustang.
  Ancient monasteries like Garphu and Niphu monastery, surrounding colorful rock formations and centuries old caves in rock cliff are really impressive to see in Chhoser area. Niphu monastery is an ancient cave monastery carved into the cliffs. Travelers impressed to visiting Jhong cave, Konchok ling cave & Ritseling cave in Chhoser valley Nepal.
  After of before Chhoser we heading to kora la, a high mountain pass located in mustang district of Nepal. It is a part of ancient salt trading route between Nepal and Tibet autonomous region of china. Kora la is known for its stunning mountain views and rugged terrain.
  Afternoon we will be back to Lo Manthang and spent rest of the day visiting the city’s ancient monasteries, palace, narrow alleys, stupas and the architecture of earthen wall city. The long walls of the prayer wheels and flags provide a colorful appearance of the place. Royal palace, three ancient monasteries, Amchi school and the local way of life are the highlights of Lo Manthang exploration.
  Lo Manthang is a small town surrounded by towering mountains and arid landscapes. It is a fascinating place to explore, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty which make an epic journey into the Himalayas.

• Day 32 : Trek to Ghami 3510 meters / 11515 feet

  ………………Journey to Dhakmar village began early in the morning as we left the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. The day bit more adventurous then others because the path was rough, long way ascend and decent and cross 2 high passes of mustang. Lo Manthang to Dhakmar trail via Chago La 4280m, Ghar Gumba and Mui La 4170 m offers fabulous view of Himalayan peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and more.
  You will pass ancient monastery, several Chorten, Deurali and many Buddhist monuments, which carry great religious and historic significance. You visit Lo Gekar monastery, which is believed to be one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal built by guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) in 8th century. The monastery decorated with great architecture, Buddhist arts, stone carvings, vivid murals in walls depicting scenes from the life of the Buddha, as well as images of other deities and figures from Tibetan Buddhism. Stay silence inside to monastery to feel the peaceful atmosphere and the profound spirituality of sacred space.
  Trek takes you through the scenic landscapes canyons, barren hills and ancient villages of mustang region in Nepal. You explore truly unique red cliffs of Dhakmar, village life and interact with locals. Lo Manthang to Dhakmar trip was an amazing experience and gave us a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Nepal.

• Day 33 : Trek to Syangboche 3800 meters / 12467 feet

  The journey from Ghami to Syangboche is a relatively short but incredibly scenic one. Along this route traveler spellbound with picturesque mountain vista, exceptional landscape, ancient monasteries, chortens, mani wall and traditional hamlet of Ghiling area.
  Ghami to Syangboche route cross Ghami la 7365m and Nyi la 4010 m then descend towards Ghiling and Syangboche village. Route follow Zaite, Chhunggar, Ghiling and Tamagaon villages of upper mustang to reach Syangboche. Syangbovche is a small settlement with few tea houses but nice and quiet place to spend the quality time. Where you can observe the stars in the sky, feel the sense of peace and tranquility after mustang excursion.

• Day 34 : Trek to Chhusang 2980 meters / 9776 feet

  Syangboche to Chhusang journey start after breakfast at local tea house. Today’s trek is relatively easy, with a few uphill sections and some downhill stretches. Walking trail was dusty and windy, but the views were amazing. During the journey we cross narrow gorges, passes (Dajori la 3735 m, Bhena la 3860m, Yamdo la 3865m & Syangboche la 3850 m), several streams and Kali Gandaki river of mustang area. After pass the path continue descent and leads to small hamlet like Samar, Ghyakaar and Chele, amazing rock formations and beautiful waterfalls.
  There are 2 alternative routes in between Syangboche to Chusang. If you hike up via Chungsi cave, then back via bhena for better experience. Journey of the day ends at Chhusang village where one can discover ancient monasteries, Chortens, farm land and mesmerizing red cliffs. It is a wonderful ending of upper mustang trip that frequent in your mind forever.

• Day 35 : Trek to Jomsom 2720 meters / 8923 feet

  It was time to say goodbye to upper mustang and head back to Jomsom. Walking trail is easy with several flat stretches and gentle descents. After a few hours of walk you cross Tangbe village and reach Kagbeni. It is a small but charming village, famous as the gateway to upper mustang with traditional mud-brick houses, narrow alleyways and adorned with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze.
  From Kagbeni, the trail gradually ascended towards Jomsom, and the landscape or topography also began to change. The barren terrain give way to lush green vegetation and the mountains became even more majestic. You pass through several small villages like Tangbe, Kagbeni, Ekle Bhatti along Kali Gandaki river and eventually reached Jomsom. At the Jomsom you can roam around city, visit eco museum, apple orchards or take a rest at lodge to make good time.
  Chhusang to Jomsom part of the trip provide an opportunity to see awe-inspiring view of mountains, desert-like landscape, cultivated fields, traditional village, people, culture and way of life. The journey from Chhusang to Jomsom is an incredible experience in Kali Gandaki valley where you witness the beauty of mustang closely.

• Day 36 : Flight / drive from Jomsom to Pokhara

  Today is the day to say goodbye to Mustang, early in the morning, we will take a flight to Pokhara. Jomsom to Pokhara flight is a popular domestic route of Nepal. Plane passes through a gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, offers stunning view of snow-capped mountains and valleys below. Once you arrive in Pokhara, there are plenty of places to see and things to do. You can spend rest of the day in leisure or walk around the streets of lake city, souvenir shopping, boating in Phewa lake and experience nightlife in Pokhara etc.
  The weather of Jomsom change in no time that affect Pokhara flight frequently. If the weather is not fine, we’ll arrange jeep to drive back to Pokhara. We request you to plan some buffer time for this possibility and be flexible to use alternative ways of transportation like jeep or helicopter.
  Jomsom Pokhara travel by jeep is a great way to explore the beautiful scenery, countryside, waterfalls, people and culture of Nepal, the memories will remain forever.

• Day 37 : Flight / drive to Kathmandu

  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 you will check into hotel, take a rest, spend evening time explore city for souvenirs shopping. Enjoy farewell dinner at evening to celebrate the successful excursion.

• Day 38 : Airport transfer by private vehicle to depart Nepal

  Today we will transfer you to airport 3 hours before scheduled flight to depart from Kathmandu or back home after amazing trip to Himalayas. “Have a safe journey! hope to see you again in future”

• Airports pick up on your arrival day by private vehicle
• Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Jhupal
• One night hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj
• All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner) 4 cups of hot drink each day on choice
• Accommodation at organize camping tent during trekking period
• Professional English speaking guide service trained by government of Nepal
• Trekking staffs to carry your backpack & camping equipments
• All necessary paperwork, special permits (SPNP, TIMS) and local taxes
• Travel and rescue arrangements if require
• Jomsom to Pokhara flight / drive according weather condition
• Drive / flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu
• Airport transfer to depart Nepal

• 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)