Trip Overview
Explore the forbidden walled city of Upper Mustang, which is truly a fascinating walking holiday in the lap of majestic Annapurna
Upper Mustang, the wonderland choke full with ancient Tibetan culture and astounding Tibetan landscapes flanks Tibetan border to its north. Nestling in the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges, Upper Mustang is Nepal’s one of the restricted regions, where time has frozen long time ago despite the modern development taking place.
En route to Lomanthang the capital of Upper Mustang, the trek stretches through the trails comprising rugged arid mountains, deep canyons, eroded cliffs and Moraine valleys. Moreover, the landscapes resembling the Tibetan ones with the mountain backdrop is so wonderful that trekkers fall in love with the trekking adventure as soon as they the airport in the Windy City Jomsom.
Upper Mustang not only caters the natural highlights, the cultural delights of the trek are so diverse that trekkers get to witness the authentic cultures of four to five ethnical tribes in short span of time, which are unique and amazing in their own ways.
Upper Mustang, the gateway to Tibetan High Passes and the Hidden Shangri-La Dolpo also houses several ancient monasteries, the ruins of the palace of ancient kingdom of Lo, and the walled city of Lomanthang has incredibly settled ancient hamlet, which are so wonderful to explore that trekkers will definitely have a trip of a lifetime.
Detailed Itinerary
As you fly into Kathmandu, the views of snow-capped mountain peaks greet you. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.
Your day begins with a scenic 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel.
Following check-in, you will embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Pokhara, a picturesque town renowned for its natural beauty. Highlights of the tour include visits to Mahendra Cave, Davis Falls, and the Seti River Gorge. In the evening, enjoy a serene boating experience on the tranquil waters of Fewa Lake.
Overnight stay in Pokhara.
In the first flight, you will fly to Jomsom. The popular apple orchard of Nepal is a Windy town offering close-up views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges.
On arriving to Jomsom, we will begin our Upper Mustang Trek. Heading north we cross the dangling suspension bridge over Kali Gandaki River and then trek beside the river on a flat trail having rcoks and sand.
Easy start of the trek caters the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri Tukuche, Nilgiri and Annapurna Range among others. After four hours of trek, we arrive to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, where we need to produce our Special Permit to enter the region. Overnight in a teahouse at Kagbeni.
The trek begins from Kagbeni, following a scenic river valley along sandy and occasionally uphill trails. En route, visit Gompa Kang, a Nyingmapa monastery distinct from those in Upper Mustang.
Continue to Tangbe, a picturesque village with narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and fields of buckwheat and barley. Here, you’ll see the first black, red, and white chortens typical of the region.
The trail then ascends toward Chele, with the majestic Nilgiri Peak dominating the skyline.
Overnight in Chele.
As the trek ascends, notable cultural transformations become increasingly evident. Heading northward, the trail leads to an impressive natural formation, a massive conglomerate rock that forms a tunnel through which the Kali Gandaki River flows.
The trek begins with a climb to a ridgetop, then descends into a valley of juniper trees. After crossing a stream and a small pass, the trail leads to Shyangbochen and the sacred cave of Rangbyung. A gentle ascent and descent bring you to Geling, a traditional village with barley fields and stone-mud houses, reflecting the authentic culture of Upper Mustang.
The trek begins with a gradual ascent to the ancient Ghar Gompa, one of Mustang’s oldest monasteries. After a short rest, the trail climbs to Marang La Pass (approx. 4,230m), offering sweeping views of the Mustang landscape. A gentle descent then leads to Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang, known for its rich Tibetan culture, royal palace, and historic monasteries.
After breakfast, set out on a scenic morning hike to Chhoser, located approximately 2–3 hours north of Lo Manthang. The trail follows a gently undulating path through arid, high-altitude terrain, with views of the Himalayan plateau and unique cliffside formations.
Upon arrival in Chhoser, explore the remarkable Jhong Cave, a multi-story cave complex carved into a vertical cliff. Historically used as a place of meditation and shelter, this cave system offers fascinating insight into the region’s ancient way of life.
After exploring the cave and the nearby village, return to Lo Manthang by early afternoon. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore more of the city’s cultural landmarks, including monasteries and the royal palace.
Today’s trek begins with a gentle descent from Lo Manthang, leaving behind the walled city as you venture deeper into the Mustang region. The trail passes through dry, barren landscapes dotted with small villages and traditional farms. As you walk, you’ll witness the gradual shift in scenery, with the terrain becoming more rugged and the views opening to expansive valleys surrounded by towering peaks.
After a few hours, the path reaches Dhi Village, a charming settlement where you can take a short rest and interact with the friendly locals. From here, continue along the river valley, crossing small streams and climbing over ridges. The trail offers stunning views of the landscape and the chance to observe the lifestyle of those living in the remote parts of Mustang.
By late afternoon, you will reach Yara, a small village nestled in a scenic valley, known for its traditional stone houses and agricultural terraces. The village is a peaceful stopover, offering a glimpse into the more rural and untouched lifestyle of Upper Mustang.
Today’s excursion takes you on a culturally rich and scenic hike through the remote and spiritually significant sites of Upper Mustang. After an early breakfast in Yara, begin the trek toward Luri Gompa, one of the most sacred cave monasteries in the region. The trail leads through barren but beautiful landscapes with dramatic cliffs and ancient rock formations.
Perched within a cliffside, Luri Gompa dates back to the 13th–14th century and is renowned for its exquisite murals, chortens, and tantric artefacts. This monastery, built inside a natural cave, holds great religious importance and offers insight into ancient Buddhist practices that are still preserved today.
From Luri, continue to Tashi Kabum, another small but significant cave adorned with intricate paintings and relics. Though less visited, it offers a more intimate experience of Mustang’s sacred art and spirituality.
After exploring the caves, descend through remote, rugged trails to reach Ghara Village, a peaceful settlement nestled amidst dry hills. Ghara looks into traditional Mustang lifestyles, with its stone-built homes, terraced fields, and warm hospitality.
Return to Yara by late afternoon.
Today’s trek is one of the most remote and scenic of the journey. Leaving Yara, the trail descends to the Dhechyang Khola, which may require a river crossing depending on the season. After the crossing, a long and steady ascent leads to a high-altitude plateau with spectacular views of Mustang’s rugged terrain.
The route continues through barren landscapes before descending into the valley of Tangye, a quiet village known for its whitewashed homes, long mani walls, and barley fields. It offers a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into Mustang.
This is one of the longest and most physically demanding days of the Upper Mustang trek, but also one of the most rewarding. Starting early from Tangye, the trail begins with a gradual climb through barren hills and open plateaus, offering sweeping views of the vast Mustang landscape. The route is isolated, with few settlements, creating a strong sense of remoteness and connection to the raw natural environment.
After several hours of steady ascent, the trail reaches a high pass—Paha Pass (approximately 4,210 meters)—from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From the pass, the trail descends steeply through dramatic rock formations and dry riverbeds toward the Kali Gandaki Valley.
By late afternoon, you reach Chhuksang or continue slightly further to Tetang, depending on your pace and accommodation plans. Both villages sit below towering cliffs and are known for their traditional houses, orchards, and peaceful ambience.
Today’s trek marks the transition from the remote landscapes of Upper Mustang to the spiritual heart of the region—Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Departing from Chhuksang or Tetang, the trail climbs steadily through dry, rugged terrain with stunning views of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges. The route passes through Gyu La Pass (approximately 4,070 meters), a scenic vantage point offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
After crossing the pass, the trail descends gradually into the lush and culturally significant area of Muktinath. Located at 3,800 meters, Muktinath is home to the famous Muktinath Temple, a revered site where pilgrims come to bathe in the 108 sacred water spouts and visit the eternal flame that burns naturally from underground gas.
The village also offers a blend of Tibetan Buddhist and Hindu traditions, visible in its architecture, monasteries, and daily life.
Today marks the final day of trekking as you journey from the sacred site of Muktinath to Jomsom, with a culturally enriching detour through the Lupra Valley, one of the few remaining villages practicing the ancient Bon religion.
The trek begins with a gentle ascent above Muktinath, offering beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. The trail then veers away from the main route, descending into the lesser-trekked and dramatic Lupra Gorge. As you follow the winding riverbed, the stark cliffs and wind-sculpted terrain create a striking landscape.
After a few hours, you’ll reach Lupra Village, home to the rare Bonpo Gompa, a monastery dedicated to the pre-Buddhist spiritual tradition of Bon. The village provides a unique cultural experience, showcasing customs and beliefs distinct from mainstream Tibetan Buddhism.
From Lupra, continue on a gradual trail that leads to Jomsom, the administrative hub of the Mustang region, located in the Kali Gandaki Valley. Jomsom offers modern amenities, mountain views, and serves as a gateway for flights back to Pokhara.
Begin your day with an early morning transfer to Jomsom Airport for a scenic flight to Pokhara, offering aerial views of the Kali Gandaki Valley, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna ranges. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will connect to a domestic flight to Kathmandu, completing your journey back to Nepal’s vibrant capital.
Weather permitting, both flights provide stunning mountain vistas and a chance to reflect on your trek through the remote and culturally rich Upper Mustang region. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to relax, explore the city, or do some last-minute shopping.
This day is reserved as a buffer to accommodate any unforeseen delays, such as weather-related flight cancellations or changes during the trek. If all goes according to schedule, it serves as an additional day to unwind or explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu.
Guests can choose to visit famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), or the historic squares of Patan and Bhaktapur. Sightseeing can be done independently, or we can arrange a guided tour upon request for a more immersive cultural experience.
This day also offers the chance to shop for souvenirs, relax in a café, enjoy a traditional Nepali massage, or simply prepare for your international departure.
Today, we will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport as per your flight schedule back home. We will see you off pleasantly. Have a safe flight back home.