Upper Mustang Trek

Trip Facts

  • Min. 2 Pax
  • Moderate
  • 4210 M
  • March - December
  • Breakfast in kathmandu, Full board during the trek

Upper Mustang Trek 17 days Highlights

  • Trek to Upper Mustang Region, also known as the forbidden kingdom of Nepal.
  • Hike through the traditional villages in the Upper Mustang region that signifies the rich Tibetan culture and Buddhism practices.
  • Enjoy the scenic views of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Hiuchuli and many more peaks.
  • Get to know the unique culture and lifestyle of people residing in the Upper Mustang region.
  • Go to see the popular monasteries- Red Gompa, Lo Gekar Gompa and Bon Punt Monastery.
  • Pay a visit to sacred Muktinath Temple.
  • Explore the beautiful natural sceneries and arid landscapes of the Upper Mustang region.
  • Enjoy a spectacular flight to and from Pokhara-Jomsom.
  • Enjoy the scenic drive from Kathmandu-Pokhara.

Overview

Upper Mustang Trek 17 days takes you to the incredible, little known villages of the Upper Mustang region offering the most spectacular trekking experience in the Himalayas.

Upper Mustang Trek commences from Jomsom, the district headquarters of the Mustang. From here, you’ll follow the old salt trade caravan trail passing by the mountain villages, valleys and nomadic plateaus. The magnificent views of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri range, Nilgiri and neighbouring peaks imposing majestically along the route are truly rewarding.

This fascinating remote region witnesses many hidden valleys and rugged landscapes between Tibet and the Himalayas. Along the journey, we spend four days hiking to the upper region, and spend a rest day at Lo Manthang. Lo Manthang was known to be the ancient Kingdom of Mustang.

At Lo Manthang, we explore the ancient monasteries of Namgyal and Tingkar where you can get insight into ancient history and religious practices of Tibetran Buddhism. The famed Lo Gekar Monastery was built by the popular Tibetan magician Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. From Lo Manthang, we venture deep into far flung villages hiking for four days to arrive at Muktinath, a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhist.

En route, we first hike to Drakmar, and then another night in Shyangmochen. From there, we hike to Chhusang, then detour to Muktinath before arriving at Jomsom. Next, we take a scenic flight to Pokhara, and the journey comes to close with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

Upper Mustang, also known as the hidden Kingdom of Nepal or the Kingdom of Lo has been opening since 1992 for visitors making it the best preserved classic trekking region due to its unique geography and natural beauty. The majority of people living in this region closely resemble Tibetan culture and lifestyle, and practice Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion.

The white washed Tibetan style villages, trails ladened with prayer flags and ancient monasteries offers you an uniquence experience like travelling in the secluded Tibet region during the Upper Mustang Trek. Come and trek with us, we take care of everything for you along the sojourn.

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our airport representative will pick you up and transfer back to the hotel room. If you arrive early, you can take a rest. In the evening, you can visit our office for a trek briefing with our guides. Thereafter, you can spend your leisure exploring the markets of Thamel streets.

Accommodation: Hotel at Kathmandu
Meals: Not included

Day 2
Guided Sightseeing around heritage sites of Kathmandu

Kathmandu Valley is a hub for rich art, culture and historical sites in the country. There are several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu signifying the rich cultural and religious sites with their abundance history of Nepal. Today, you’ll have a guided sightseeing tour around the four major heritage sites of the country. Up early in the morning, you’ll pay a visit to Pasupatinath Temple, one of the most popular Hindu temples all around the World. Then, you’ll visit Bouddhanath Stupa, the famous Buddhist pilgrimage sites and the largest stupa of Nepal. Continuing on the tour, you’ll go to see Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you can explore several temples and monuments built in the 17th and 18th century. Next, the tour comes to close upon visiting Swayambhunath Temple which is the popular pilgrimage site of both Hindus and Buddhism followers. From here, you can experience the peaceful vibe of this place and enjoy 360 views of the Kathmandu valley.

Accommodation: Hotel at Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 3
Drive to Pokhara (910 m)

Today, our trekking journey starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, 200 km west of Kathmandu. Along the way, you’ll look down on raging Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers, terraced villages and green hills with mountain views in the distance. Once in Pokhara, check into the hotel and have some refreshments. In the evening, you can stroll around the beautiful Lakeside enjoying the superb views of Fewa Lake and Annapurna ranges.

Accommodation: Hotel at Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 4
Fly to Jomsom (2,700 m) and Trek to Kagbeni (2,800 m)

Flight duration: 20 minutes
Hiking duration: 3-4 hours

Today, you’ll have a spectacular flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. Jomsom is the district headquarters of Mustang, and the starting point of the trek. From here, you can enjoy the spectacular views of the Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Ganesh Himal and many more peaks. From Jomsom, we commence our trekking journey towards Kagbeni, lying on the confluence of Kali Gandaki River and Jhong Khola Rivers. This is the last village of lower Mustang and also the gateway to Upper Mustang region. Enjoy your evening wandering around the ancient fortress of this village.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Kagbeni
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 5
Trek to Chele (3,110 m)

Duration: 5-6 hours

Leaving Kagbeni, we wind our way along the banks of Kali Gandaki River and then enter in the Chusang Valley. En route, you can see the superb views of Mt. Nilgiri turns orange as the first rays of the sun reflect on the peak. Then begins the steep climb of the hill that leads to Tangbe Village. Here, you’ll behold the sights of apple orchards, barley and buckwheat fields. Thereafter, you walk past the small hamlet and then cross the river before ascending the ridge that leads to Chele village.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Chele
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 6
Trek to Geling (3,500 m)

Duration: 5-6 hours

From Chele, we trek up the rugged hills, hiking along the scenic trails passing by stone cairn on the way. A short descent takes us to Samar village where you can see various Buddhist monuments and chortens. From here, we continue walking downhill towards the large canyon before arriving at Shyangmochen village. Further, a short hike leads to Geling village where we spend a night there.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Geling
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 7
Trek to Charang (3,620 m)

Duration: 5-6 hours

We continue our Upper Mustang Trek, hiking towards Nyi La Pass. Before reaching Nyi La, you’ll walk past Tama Gaon village and pass by buckwheat and barley fields. Upon arriving at the top of the pass, the trail descends to Tangmar Chu River. Along the way, we walk past several mani stones, and continuing on the trail leads to Charang village where you can behold the sights of Red Gompa and Dzong (five storey monastery).

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Charang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 8
Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840 m)

Duration: 5-6 hours

We follow the trail that heads towards Lo Gekar. Continuing on the hike for one and half hour leads to Lo Gekar in the top of the valley. Here, you can explore Lo Gekar Gompa built in the 8th century which is one of the oldest monasteries in the world. Upon visiting the ancient monastery, we continue on the trail that leads to the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang before arriving at Lo Manthang. Enjoy your evening exploring around this majestic forbidden kingdom of Nepal.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Lo Manthang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 9
Exploration day: Hike to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkar, and back to Lo Manthang

Today is set for exploration around Lo Manthang. We hike to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar valleys, a worthwhile hike to explore around the colorful monasteries of Lo Manthang. Namgyal Gompa lies in a spectacular location on top of a desolate ridge, and one of the most popular monasteries in Lo Manthang. Here, you’ll see young monks practicing their spirituality by reading Tibetan Buddhism prayers and meditating. Next, heading north on the road leads to Tingkhar where you can explore this colorful village and several gompas. From here, we return back to Lo Manthang passing by Phuwa village on the way.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Lo Manthang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 10
Trek to Drakmar (3,820 m)

Duration: 6-7 hours

Leaving Lo Manthang, the trail rises gently up towards Chogo La Pass. From the pass, we continue downhill, then cross the Charang river and arrive at Lo Gekar. In this village, you’ll pay a visit to Ghar Gompa which is popular for its impressive decoration and rock painting. Afterwards, a short walk on the trail leads to Drakmar village for our overnight stay.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Drakmar
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 11
Trek to Shyangmochen (3,800 m)

Duration: 5-6 hours

A beautiful trekking day in the Himalayas. Continuing on the trail, you’ll walk past the fields and stone walls of Drakmar village and then walk towards Ghami. From here, you follow the downhill path to arrive at Jaite, and continue on the trail towards Chhung Kah. From here, a short hike leads to Tama Gaon and further we go on a downhill path to arrive at Shyangmochen.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Shyangmochen
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 12
Trek to Chhusang (2,980 m)

Duration: 5-6 hours

This morning, we continue our trek from Shyangmochen to Chhusang. The trail goes downhill before arriving at Samar village. On the way, you’ll pass by Ranchung Cave, and continuing walking for a few hours leads to Chhusang village where we spend a night there.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Chhusang
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 13
Trek to Muktinath (3,800 m)

Duration: 7-8 hours

Leaving Chhusang, we follow the trail that rises gently up the valley floor. Along the way, we come across a pass from where you can behold the sights of Muktinath Temple and beautiful surrounding landcsapes. From here, we descend down, cross small streams on the way and walk past several villages before arriving at Muktinath. Muktinath is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites of Hindus and Buddhist followers. In the evening, we pay a visit to Muktinath Temple and stroll around the surrounding villages.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Muktinath
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 14
Trek to Jomsom (2,700 m)

Duration: 5-6 hours

We’ll have an easy trek from Muktinath to Jomsom. We follow a trail towards Lubra Pass where you can visit Bon Punt Monastery. On the way, you can enjoy spectacular views of Annapurna ranges and Dhaulagiri ranges. Continuing on, we descend down to Kali Gandaki Valley and then hike towards Kagbeni village which is popular for its apple production in the mountain region. Next, a short hike leads to Jomsom where we spend a night there.

Accommodation: Guesthouse at Jomsom
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 15
Fly to Pokhara (910 m)

Duration: 20-30 minutes

Up early in the morning, we fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom. Enjoy the scenic aerial views of the snow capped Himalayan peaks during the flight. Once in Pokhara, you can check into a hotel and have some refreshments. You can spend your leisure wandering around the streets of Pokhara and the shores of Fewa Lake.

Accommodation: Hotel at Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 16
Drive back to Kathmandu (1,400 m)

Duration: 7 hours

Today is the final leg of the journey. We drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. Along the journey, you’ll enjoy the scenic views of surrounding hills and villages, raging rivers and local markets. Once in Kathmandu, you can take rest or spend your time wandering around the Kathmandu streets. In the evening, you’ll have a farewell dinner with your teammates.

Accommodation: Hotel at Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Day 17
Final Departure

The Upper Mustang Trek concludes today. Our airport representative will drop you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure. Namaste and have a safe journey.

Meals: Breakfast included

Trip Includes / Excludes

COST INCLUDES

  • Airport pick up and drop off by private vehicle
  • Three nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu.
  • sightseeing in Kathmandu with a tour guide and entrance fees of temples/monuments
  • Two nights accommodation with breakfast at a 3-star category hotel in Pokhara
  • Round trip flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara including departure taxes
  • Transfer Pokhara by tourist bus then by private vehicle Nayapul.
  • Full board meals with (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
  • Best available twin sharing lodge accommodation during the trek
  • An experienced English-speaking (trekking guide), porter to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, meals.
  • First Aid medical kit
  • All necessary paperwork and permits (ACAP and TIMS, please bring 3 passport size photographs)
  • All government, local taxes and service charges

COST EXCLUDES

  • Travel insurance
  • International Flight Tickets
  • Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
  • Nepal entry visa, upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu can be obtained easily ( for 30 days tourist visa $40, for 90 days $100) please bring 2 copies of passport size photo
  • All kind of cold drinks including water, coke, Fanta, juice etc.
  • Hot shower, battery charging, Internet(WI-FI) unless its free during the trek
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • personal expenses and other expenes that are not mentioned in the Price Includes section
  • Tips for airport representative, tour guide, trekking staff, driver etc.( Mandotary But Expected)

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Upper Mustang Trek
From $ 2,250
per Adult