Upper Mustang Trek

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, a company representative will receive you and bring you to your hotel. You’ll meet the trek guide at the hotel and discuss the trip. Afterward, you can choose to relax or go out to take a stroll. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, you’ll drive to the airport to catch a short flight to Pokhara. The 30-minute flight will take over the forested hills, massive rivers, and colorful towns towards the touristic city of Pokhara. You can catch the beautiful sight of Mt. Machhapuchhre (6997m) and Mt. Annapurna (8091m) on the flight. You can also choose to drive all the way to Pokhara riding along the Trishuli River for most of the road. Once at Pokhara, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. You can head to the Lakeside area and indulge in boating around the Phewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara.

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll embark on a trans-Himalayan flight to Jomsom. Lying on the other side of Annapurna massif, the flight offer quite a scenery of the high mountains, lush forests of Annapurna Conservation Area, and the vast Kali Gandaki valley. Don’t forget to grab a window seat so you can relish this beautiful scenery. Once at Jomsom, you’ll commence the trek north to Kagbeni village through Kali Gandaki valley. The village is also the entry point into the Upper Mustang. Overnight in Kagbeni.

After getting your TIMS/Restricted Area permits checked at Kagbeni, you’ll begin trekking through the Kali Gandaki valley towards Tangbe village. You’ll walk along the narrow alleyways, white-washed houses, and sparse vegetation field consisting of barley and buckwheat, and apple orchards. You’ll arrive at the bridge that leads directly to Chele village. Overnight in Chele.

You’ll encounter a longer trail today as you take multiple detours through Kali Gandaki valley. En route, you’ll encounter large, colorful rock canyons which are the highlights of Mustang region. You’ll also encounter numerous man-made ‘sky caves’ built on the high canyons. Some of these caves date back 3000 years and are believed to have been built as a burial site and war-shelters. Along the way, you can enjoy the majestic panorama of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Tilicho ranges. Overnight in Shyangbochen.

You’ll leave Shyangbochen village and advance towards the village of Ghami. A brief uphill trek from Ghami brings to a place with large Mani walls with Buddhist graffiti and Tibetan literature. You will also encounter numerous Buddhist Chortens before arriving at the quaint village of Tsarang. Upon arrival at Tsarang, you will explore the ancient monastery and the local white palace that carries the heritage of the village. Overnight in Tsarang.

Today is a special day as you leave Tsarang and make your way into the ‘walled city’, Lo Manthang. A short trek from Tsarang through the sand dunes will bring you to Lo Manthang. The walled city will be visible from distance. Lo Manthang is surrounded by a mud and stone wall from all sides, hence the name ‘walled city’. Lo Manthang hosts the annual Tiji festival which brings in flocks of tourists and locals. Overnight in Lo Manthang.

Today you’ll leave Lo Manthang and explore the outskirts. You’ll visit the popular Niphu and Garphu monasteries. Niphu and Garphu monasteries are the cave monasteries that are built on a cliff of the large overhanging rock. You’ll also get to explore the 2500 years old Jhong Sky Cave that has more than 44 compartments and the Cave. Similarly, Lo Manthang is home to three popular Buddhist monasteries in the region namely; Jampa Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, and Chodey Gompa, which serve as the popular tourist attractions. Along with these, you’ll also get to witness the 14th Century royal palace of the former King of Mustang which is located at the center of the city. Overnight in Lo Manthang.

Today, you’ll begin retracing your path and trek back to Dhakmar via Ghar Gumba. Instead of taking the usual route, you’ll advance towards the village of Dhakmar crossing Chogo La Pass (4280m) on the way. You’ll pass by Ghar Gumba or Lo Gekar Monastery, which is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the world. It is believed to have been built around the 7th century by the incarnated Saint Padmasambhava before he left for Tibet. After exploring the monastery and its nearby surroundings, you head to Dhakmar on a gradually descending trail. Overnight in Dhakmar.

You’ll descend along with the sparse settlements and remote landscape to Ghiling village. A short downhill trek offers a wonderful panorama of the Dhaulagiri peak at the distance. The trail is gentle at first, however, it advances steeply towards a spectacularly eroded gully into the village of Ghiling. Overnight in Ghiling.

Today you’ll descend from Ghiling to Samar village. The trail begins with a brief ascent towards Chungsi Cave containing the stalagmites formed in the shape of Chortens. Afterward, it’s a continuous descent until Shyangbochen village. You’ll pass through a stream, juniper trees, and large gorges to Samar village. Overnight in Samar.

You’ll enter the Kali Gandaki valley and head towards Kagbeni. It may take longer than usual to reach Kagbeni as you make your way through the valley along the Kali Gandaki River. You will encounter numerous rock canyons en trail. Passing Chhokam Lake and the Rataula River, you reach Kagbeni. Overnight at Kagbeni.

The trek concedes at Jomsom. The trail from Kagbeni leads directly to windy-city or Jomsom along the Kali Gandaki River. The river bank is also famous for Saligram, a fossilized shell believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Relishing the gorgeous sceneries, you arrive at Jomsom. The trail offers the beautiful sights of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Once at Jomsom, you can explore the windy city and enjoy the local apple brandy ‘Marpha’. Overnight in Jomsom.

A short trans-Himalayan flight from Jomsom will take you back to Pokhara. Once at Pokhara, you’ll catch another flight back to Kathmandu. These two flights are equally grand in nature as you fly with the sights of Himalayas all the way to Kathmandu. Once at Kathmandu, our representative will escort you to your hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Today is a free day at Kathmandu. You can indulge in the sightseeing tour of the city. You can also choose to visit Thamel, the tourist destination inside Kathmandu, and enjoy dining in the finest diners. Similarly, you can also choose to indulge in souvenir and gift shopping as you prepare to head out of the nation. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Today you’ll bid adieu to Nepal. Our representative will drive you off to the airport so you can catch your flight back home. We hope to have assisted you well on the Upper Mustang Trek and hope to see you soon.