Short upper mustang trek 10 days to discover Lo Manthang

The fastest way to reach Jomsom from Pokhara is to take a flight. Pokhara to Jomsom flight is known for its scenic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range of Himalayas. It takes 25 minutes to reach by flight and total weight allowed for baggage is 15 kg per person.
Due to frequently changing weather of Jomsom, flights can be delayed or cancelled at short notice. In this way, it is highly recommended to use road transportation instead of flight to make safe and sure journey.
Safe, sure and easiest way to reach Kagbeni from Pokhara is by road via Jomsom. It is 182 km / 113 miles and takes about 6/7 hours to reach. Road pass along Kali Gandaki river valley observing beautiful mountain scenery and countryside, deepest gorge in the world etc. We arrange flight or jeep as per weather condition, needs and agreement.
From jomsom we can take a jeep or walk to reach Kagbeni village. The road is rugged and bumpy, but the views are breathtaking. If you choose to walk, the trail is mostly flat and easy to follow along Kali Gandaki River. It takes around 3-4 hours, depend on your pace.
Kagbeni is a small village situated at the edge of lower and Upper Mustang Nepal. It is famous for its religious point of view (pilgrimage), traditional houses, narrow alleys, and ancient monasteries. Pokhara to Jomsom to Kagbeni journey is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Today we enter the special permit zone of upper mustang Nepal. 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.

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 Ghiling via Syangboche 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 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.

Today’s trek takes us to Tsarang from Ghiling village of upper mustang Nepal. The distance from Tsarang to Ghiling is around 23 kilometers and possible to cross by driving, horse riding or walking. The walking trail is rocky with several uphill climbs and downhill descents. There are many small villages, sky caves, ancient monastery, Mani wall, Chortens on the way and worth to see.
Walking path go through high desert terrain of mustang & cross nyi la 4025 m, Ghami la 3765m and Tsarang la 3870m to reach Charang. The stunning views of mountains, rich culture, history and traditional way of life of upper mustang make this trip memorable forever.

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.

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.

……………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.

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.

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.

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.