Upper Mustang Trek

The journey to Upper Mustang begins with a scenic drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu by a luxurious tourist bus. The drive offers a stunning view of Nepal’s countryside from lush hills, terraced fields, winding rivers, and an astonishing view of mountain peaks on clear days from afar. It takes 6-7 hours to reach Pokhara at 823m from Kathmandu (1,400m), covering 205km/ 127 miles. As you reach Pokhara, Mount Annapurna and Machapuchare will welcome you. Check into your Hotel, get fresh, and walk to the lakeside. Stay overnight at the Hotel of Pokhara.

We’ll begin our journey at 7 AM, driving towards Jomsom kagbeni—approximately 163km from Pokhara by local bus. The route offers stunning Himalayan views as we pass through Beni, Tatopani, Ghasa, and the charming village of Marpha. The drive takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on road conditions, with plenty of scenic moments along the way.

If you arrive on time in jomsome hike to kagbeni relatively easy and short, taking 3 hours. Following the Kali Gandaki river, with a panorama of the arid landscape of Mustang and mountain peaks, you’ll get to the day’s destination, Kagbeni, at 2850m/ 9350ft, covering 10km/6.5 miles. But if you want to drive until kagbeni your bus will take you directly kagbeni in a hour. Your night stay point on the day is at Kagbeni’s Lodge, which has an attached bathroom facility.

Wake up and bless your eye with mesmerizing peaks of mountain ranges. Have a warm breakfast at the lodge you stayed at night and prepare for the trek. From today on, the journey will take place in the restricted Upper Mustang region. As you set off from Kathmandu, you’ll get to the checkpost. You must show your Restricted area permit there, and then you can continue the trek. The day’s trail passes through rugged terrain alongside the Kali Gandaki River. After walking for a while, you’ll get to Tangbe village, where you’ll have lunch.

Visit the village’s several chortens, caves, and stone-paved white-painted houses and continue our trek towards the day’s destination. Crossing a suspension bridge and walking through a steep and rocky climb, you’ll get to Chele village at 3055m (10025ft) after walking for 5-6 hours, covering 15km (9 miles). Stay overnight at the lodge of Chele after having a warm dinner.

Wake up, have breakfast, and get ready to trek towards Syangboche at 3930m (12840ft). The day’s hike is quite challenging as you have to cross Taklam La Pass (3,624m) and the Darjori La Pass (3,735m). However, the trek showcases the stunning landscape and mountain views. Walking through narrow paths, steep ascents, and descents, the trek takes you to Syangboche village after 5-6 hours of walking. On the day, you’ll cover 12km/7.8 miles. You’ll have lunch at Samar village, dinner, and an overnight stay at Syangboche’s tea house.

Today is another challenging day involving crossing Yamada La (3,850m). So make your way towards Ghami early after having dinner at Syangboche. The section’s trail takes you deeper into the region’s culture. The route passes through small settlements, ascent sections with breathtaking views of mountain ranges, varied terrain, and Kali Gandaki George. Covering 11km (7 miles), you’ll get to Ghame (3900m/ 12600ft) after walking for 6-7 hours. Stay overnight at Ghami’s tea house.

After a hearty meal at Gami, make your way towards Tsarang ( 3505m/11000ft). The journey passes through traditional villages, ancient monasteries, and Tibetan architecture. The trek offers a view of arid landscapes, cliffs, and barren hills. The trek is moderately difficult but definitely worth it. A 250-meter-long prayer wall is the major highlight of the trek, and crossing Charang La Pass (3,870m) is the most difficult section. 5-6 hours of walk takes you to the day’s destination, covering 11km (7 miles).

The seventh day is the most awaited day that takes you to Lo-Manthang (3810m/ 12135ft). After finishing the morning meal at Tsarang, make your way towards the trek’s highest point. The trail passes through a mix of arid landscapes, narrow valleys, small villages, and astonishing views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and other surrounding mountain peaks. You’ll get to your ultimate destination by passing through the beautiful red and white Sungda Chorten. The journey takes 5-6 hours, covering 11.7km/7.2 miles. Stay overnight at the Lo-Manthang’s lodge.

Day eight is all yours. It is an acclimatization and Lo-Manthang exploration day. After a hearty breakfast at your Hotel, start exploring the area. Start your day with a visit to Jhong cave in Chhoser. The cave is one of the amazing caves in Upper Mustang and has captured the attention of archaeologists worldwide. Likewise, visit the historical areas of Lo-Mangthang, King Valley, Jampa Gompa, Thumchen Gompa, Chodey Gompa, and other surrounding areas.

After a pleasant exploration day, return to your lodge for an overnight stay.

The trekking journey to Upper Mustang returns on the ninth day. After a morning meal at Lo Manthang for the last time, start descending to Ghami. Prayer wheels, chortens, and mani walls adorned the trail, showcasing the region’s Buddhist heritage. It takes 6 to 7 hours to descend from Lo-Manthang to Ghmi, covering 16/10 miles.

Saying goodbye to Ghami, continue descending to Samar. As you leave Ghami, you’ll encounter one of the longest mani walls. Passing through Tsarang village, Syangboche La Pass, and Smar village, you’ll get to Samar after walking for 5-6 hours, covering 13.5km/ 8.2 miles. Stay overnight at Samar.

Day eleven takes you to Chhusang (2980m/ 9776ft), and the journey combines natural beauty with amazing terrain. The trail involves descending through steep gorges and crossing rivers. You’ll visit the sacred Rangchyung cave and Tethang village along the way. The trail features a mix of rocky terrain and windy sections. You’ll reach Chhusang within 5 hours of walking, covering 10km (6 miles). As you get to the village, have a hearty lunch and explore the Chhusang village. Stay overnight at the lodge of Chhusang.

Day twelfth is one of the remarkable days on the journey to the Upper Mustang trek. The journey starts after breakfast at the Chhusang and heads towards Muktinath. The adventure is unique because it is part of the Annapurna and Upper Mustang regions, offering a mix of natural beauty and spiritual experience. The trail runs along the famous river of Klai Gandaki. The trail involves gradual ascents and descents, and the scenery is jaw-dropping, from Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri ranges to Tibetan-style plateaus.

Early morning, explore the sacred Hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva, Muktinath. After exploration, have lunch at your lodge and prepare for the drive to Pokhara. Saying goodbye to the area and your entire journey, you’ll get a local bus and return to Pokhara. Kali Gandaki village, Tatopani, rural areas, and lush scenery are the highlights of the drive. After 8-9 hours of drive from Muktinath, you’ll reach Pokhara, covering  174km/108 miles. Enjoy the nightlife at Pokhara and stay at a luxury hotel.

The 14-day itinerary concludes today. After breakfast at Pokhara, get ready to return to Kathmandu through a luxurious tourist bus. You’ll drive through the same road you have taken at the start of your journey. 6-7 hours of scenic drive takes you to Kathmandu, covering 205km. Stay overnight at Kathmandu’s Hotel.