Upper Mustang Trekking is an adventurous cultural and high-altitude journey into the former Kingdom of Lo. It is Nepal’s ancient “Forbidden Kingdom”, a remote, arid region with Tibetan Buddhist culture, unique desert landscapes with red cliffs, deep canyons, ancient cave dwellings, and isolated villages like walled city Lo-Manthang. You’ll walk through traditional Tibetan Buddhist villages, ancient monasteries, high rugged terrain with many mountain passes. The region lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, it’s dry and windy, making it possible to trek even during monsoon season. This trek is as much as a cultural exploration as it is adventure, showcasing preserved traditions, spiritual sites, and dramatic scenery rarely found elsewhere in Nepal.
Detailed Itinerary
Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (822M)
Highlights of the day: The scenic road journey along the Prithivi Highway, offering views of Trishuli River, terraced fields, roadside small settlements, also the beautiful views of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Manaslu ranges on clear days.
Fly Pokhara to Jomsom (2,750M) and trek to Kagbeni (2,900M)
Highlights of the day: Early morning short flight to Jomsom, dramatic Himalayan views of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri ranges. Start trek to Kagbeni which is relatively easy, mostly flat or moderate but windy valley. You’ll be following the trail along Kali Gandaki River, through semi-arid landscapes, seeing rock formation, fossils, ancient mud-bricks houses, traditional Thakali settlements and the view of Mt. Nilgiri ranges.
Trek Kagbeni to Chele (3,050M)
Highlights of the day: Kagbeni is the starting point of your trek serves as a gateway to the restricted Upper Mustang region, check your permits status in check-point and marking the beginning of this amazing journey. Much of the walk follow nears the river, having wide valley views, see the impressive Nilgiri Himal and also experience the rugged beauty of Kali Gandaki valley.
Trek Chele to Zhaite (3,730M)
Highlights of the day: Big climbs just after leaving Chele, you’ll walk on the high ridges and cross the high mountain passes which provides the distinct views of snow-capped mountains such as Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. You’ll observe villages with unique architecture, traditional mud-brick houses with flat roofs and wood stacked on top.
Trek Zhaite to Charang/Tsarang (3,575M) via Dhakmar (3,730M)
Highlights of the day: This route includes the impressive formation of rock-paintings, the unique and famous Dhakmar red cliffs. Also, the trail passes through high rugged terrain, deep gorges, barren hills which showcasing the surreal beauty of this section.
Trek Charang/Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3,820M) via Lo La Pass (3,950M)
Highlights of the day: The trail is relatively easier than other parts of the trek, mostly flat with gradual ascents up to Lo La Pass (3,950M) and then descents to Lo-Manthang. The Lo La Pass provides the first breathtaking glimpse of the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang and surrounding Himalayas. Lo-Manthang is the largest settlements in this region, upon your arrival you can explore its significant historical and cultural sites.
Lo-Manthang: Explore Chosar Valley
Highlights of the day: You’ll head south along the plateau towards Chosar, the village lies near cliffs dotted with ancient Chosar sky cave which is also know as Jhong cave too. You will be discovering the mysterious man-made, five-story cave with its hidden rooms and ladders, offering a unique perspective of the Chosar valley.
Trek Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar (3,730M) via Lo Gekar Monastery/Ghar Gumba (3,930M) and Marang La/Chogo La Pass (4,230M)
Highlights of the day: Leaving the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang, the trail start flat and ascents with wide valley view up to the high barren pass named Marang La/Chogo La Pass (4,230M). This pass is the highest pass on this trek and it offers the panoramic views of surround semi-desert landscapes, valleys and snow-capped peaks too. Before the pass, you’ll be climbing the trail to Lo Gekar Monastery/Ghar Gumba which is the significant 8th century monastery built by Guru Rimpoche. After the pass the trail pass descend downhill up to Dhakmar village.
Trek Dhakmar to Geling (3,570M)
Highlights of the day: As you progress, you’ll pass through small villages during the trek. These settlements provide insight into the traditional lifestyle of the Mustang region. Upon reaching Geling village, you’ll notice its unique architecture and the presence of the ancient monasteries.
Trek Geling to Chuksang (2,950M)
Highlights of the day: Throughout the trek you’ll encounter numerous monasteries, chortens, colorful prayer flags likewise today’s journey you’ll be also visiting Chungsi Cave which is the spiritual site located in between Syangboche and Samar village.
Trek Chuksang to Jomsom (2,750M)
Highlights of the day: The trek from Chuksang to Jomsom is the part of the lower Mustang trek, the route pass along the Kali Gandaki River, cliffs, caves, Tibetan-style village, wide valley trail which is often very windy after late morning.
Fly Jomsom to Pokhara (822M)
Highlights of the day: Early morning short flight to Pokhara, transfer to your hotel. Afterwards full free day in Pokhara. It is the Nepal’s most touristic and beautiful city which is often called the “Gateway to the Annapurnas”. During free time in the afternoon, you can visit Lake side, Phewa Lake – you can boat across the lake, visit the Bahari temple on the island.
Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400M)
Highlights of the day: Drive back to Kathmandu along the Prithivi Highway, offering the view of Trishuli River. Transfer to your hotel.
Cost Included
- Airport – hotel – airport transfer by private CAR
- Tourist standard hotel on sharing basis in cities on your request
- Round trip ground and air transportation by public or tourist BUS OR private reserve CAR, JEEP or Flight
- All major daily 3 MEALS during your trip, fresh seasonal fruits, hot soups, tea and coffee
- Best available teahouse – lodges on sharing basis during the trip
- A professional English-speaking licenced trekking guide and porters
- Insurance coverage for our supporting crews, their meals and daily wages/salary
- All necessary permits and entry cards for your trek
- Company duffel bags and trekking poles, return after the trip
- All official government taxes and agency charges
Cost Excluded
- International flights, visa fees and airport tax
- Your personal trekking gears except company duffel bags and trekking poles
- All alcoholic and bottled drinks except tea and coffee
- Your personal insurance such as travel, accident and medical emergency evacuation
- Nepal custom duty for import of ang goods arriving to Nepal by air or road
- Laundry, internet and other items of personal nature
- Tips/gratuity for your trekking supporters (not mandatory but expected)
