Upper Mustang Trek - 18 Days

You have the choice of a scenic 30-minute flight or a picturesque 5-6 hour drive from Kathmandu to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara. The flight offers magnificent mountain views, while the drive provides a fascinating glimpse into Nepal’s diverse landscapes. After settling into your hotel, you are free to explore the tranquil Lakeside area.

The day begins with a thrilling 20-minute mountain flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, the administrative center of the Mustang region. From Jomsom (2,743 m), your trek begins, following the windswept Kali Gandaki riverbed to the medieval village of Kagbeni. Known for its ancient chortens and a historic fort, Kagbeni is the official gateway to Upper Mustang. Here, a blend of Thakali and Loba cultures sets the stage for the journey into the heart of the forbidden kingdom.

Leaving Kagbeni, you officially enter the restricted area of Upper Mustang, following the classic route.

The trail ascends from the riverbed into a world of dramatic, arid landscapes. Today's trek involves navigating rocky paths and gradual climbs. You will witness the striking contrast between the green oases of the villages and the barren cliffs and canyons, a defining feature of the region's rain-shadow geography.

This is a long and challenging day with several ascents and descents over high passes. You will cross the Taklam La Pass (3,624 m) and Darjori La Pass (3,735 m), which provide stunning views of the surrounding peaks. En route, you will visit the sacred Chungsi Cave, a revered meditation site with a deep spiritual connection to Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. After a final ascent to the welcoming village of Syangmochen, you can reflect on the powerful legends etched into the very landscape.

Another long day of trekking on the classic route lies ahead.

Today's journey takes you to the heart of the kingdom. You will cross the high Nyi La Pass (4,010 m), the highest point of the main trail, which offers expansive views of the vast, arid plateaus. The trail then descends, leading you to the magnificent village of Tsarang. This village is home to a massive monastery and a crumbling five-story palace, which legend says was built using a human backbone as a pillar.

Finally, you arrive at the the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo Manthang.

The trail is relatively short, building a sense of anticipation for your arrival in Lo Manthang. After settling into your accommodation, the afternoon is dedicated to exploring the city's ancient mud walls, narrow alleyways, and its three main monasteries—Jampa Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, and Choede Gompa—which house some of the finest murals in the Himalayas.

This is a dedicated day of cultural immersion and exploration around Lo Manthang.

You'll hike to Chooser (3,857 m), a village known for its unique "sky caves." , where you will visit the ancient Shija Jhong Cave complex, believed to be the homes of ancient monks, as well as the revered Garphu and Niphu monasteries, which house ancient murals and relics. These sites are a testament to the region's deep and enduring spiritual history.

A challenging day of cultural exploration, today’s trek takes you to two of the region's most fascinating historical sites.

You will visit the Konchok Ling and Ritseling caves, ancient hermitages and homes carved into the dramatic rock faces, offering a glimpse into the isolated lives of early inhabitants and hermits. The journey offers unique geological and historical insights that are unparalleled anywhere else in the Himalayas.

The journey back begins, but the adventure is far from over as you get to explore the significant sites of interest on the western route of the Upper Mustang trek.

The long, demanding day of trekking that takes you to the village of Ghami. You will cross the high passes of Marang La (4,295 m) and Mui La (4,135 m), which offer some of the most spectacular views of the entire trek.

Along the way, you'll visit the ancient Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in the world, believed to have been built by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. Legend says that a wish made here will be fulfilled. You'll also see the striking red cliffs of Dhakmar, where it is said Guru Rinpoche killed a demon, leaving the cliffs stained with its blood.

Another long and rewarding day of trekking. You'll rectrace your steps back to the picturesque village of Samar, a traditional trading post along the ancient salt route.

Today is a shorter, more relaxed day as you descend to Chhusang for some well-deserved rest. The village is known for its dramatic cliffs and unique geological formations.

The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can request an optional excursion to the small settlement of Tetang is you wish to continue exploring.

This is your last day in Upper Mustang as you retrace your steps back to Kagbeni.

From there, you will continue to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Here, you can witness the peaceful coexistence of Hindu and Buddhist faiths, with its famous temples and 108 water spouts.  It is a powerful cultural and spiritual highlight to end your trek.

Today, you'll begin your final long descent. Instead of following the motorable road to Jomsom, you'll detour you via the traditional village of Lupra, known for its Bon monastery, offering a final unique cultural encounter. The trail descends through the Kali Gandaki valley, eventually leading you back to the bustling town of Jomsom, where you can celebrate the completion of your trek.

You have the choice of a 20-minute flight or a scenic 7-8 hour drive back to Pokhara. The flight offers a final, sweeping view of the Himalayan ranges, while the drive provides a more in-depth experience of the beautiful landscape.

The morning is yours to relax by the lakeside in Pokhara, reflecting on the incredible journey. In the afternoon, you will take a short flight back to the capital, Kathmandu.

This is a free day in Kathmandu to unwind, explore the city, and shop for souvenirs. You can visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites you may have missed or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city.

In the evening, you're invited to a farewell dinner celebrating your trip in Nepal.

Depending upon your exit plans, with the most probable being your return flight back home, your guide or a representative will accompany you to the Tribhuvan International Airport.