18 days – Upper Mustang Trek

Today is to complete the preparation and last arrangements before the heading Upper mustang trek. After the morning breakfast, there is a pre-trek briefing with your guide about itinerary, safety measures and all information related to trek. The day is free to get equipped, shopping for some extra required essentials or strolling around in the Thamel area.. Overnight at Kathmandu.

• Altitude reached: 1,400 M (4,593 ft)
• Time taken: Full day
• Lodging: Hotel
• Meals offered: Breakfast

In the early morning after breakfast, we’ll drive to Pokhara by following the Prithvi Highway. On the way passing through winding rivers, rice paddies and traditional villages and greenery. Upon reaching Pokhara, the awesome views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu will captivate your gaze. In the late afternoon, you can relax on the banks of Fewa Lake, or relax in a lakeside cafe or roam around the lake side. Overnight  at Pokhara.

• Altitude reached: 823 M (2,700 ft)
• Time taken: 6–7 hours drive
• Lodging: Hotel
• Meals offered: Breakfast

After breakfast, drive to the airport to catch an amazing mountain flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. During flight you can witness panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri & other Himalayas. After a short flight we will drive towards the Kaligandaki valley and continue trek towards Kagbeni. You will walk traversing along the oldest Trans Himalayan Salt Route used to link with Tibet & Nepal. Eventually, you’ll cross Eklebhatti to reach Kagbeni. It is a beautiful village situated at the bank of Kaligandaki and Jhong River. Overnight at Kagbeni in the Tea house.

• Altitude reached: 2,858 M (9,377 ft)
• Time taken: 20-minute flight and 4–5 hours trek
• Lodging: Tea House
• Meals offered: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your trek into restricted Upper Mustang begins after completing the permits check today. Follow the river of Kali Gandaki up a breathtaking desert landscape formed over years of erosion and wind. Walk through the remote villages of Tangbe and Chhusang (with traditional houses painted in white), apple orchards and barley fields. While trekking you can try to find rare Saligram fossils in the riverbed. overnight at chele.

• Altitude reached: 3,050 M (10,007 ft)
• Time taken: 5–6 hours
• Lodging: Tea House
• Meals offered: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After having a hearty breakfast in the morning, you will start your trek. Today our trail and terrain will begin to be more dramatic as we ascend toward, and summit, the Taklam La pass (3624m). The views of Tilicho Peak, Damodar Himal, and the range of mountains visible will be fantastic. Descending from the pass, you will walk towards the village of Samar. In the trail you’ll pass through junipers, alongside winding rivers, and traditional villages. In between, take a short break at holy Ramchung Cave before trekking to the attractive village Ghiling. Overnight at Ghiling.

• Altitude reached: 3,570 M (11,713 ft)
• Time taken: 6–7 hours
• Lodging: Tea House
• Meals offered: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today our trail is gradually upward, making your way towards Yamda La Pass and Nyi La Pass. On the way you can experience incredible panoramas of the landscapes as well as of the snow-capped peaks. Passing through ancient chortens, traditional villages, as well as the barley fields. Upon walking downward from Ghaymi, one of the major villages in Upper Mustang, you move on to the village of Dhakmar. It’s Known for its red cliffs and amazing rock configurations and unforgettable Himalayan scenes. Overnight at Dhakmar.

• Altitude reached: 3,820 M (12,533 ft)
• Time taken: 6–7 hours
• Lodging: Tea House
• Meals offered: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, the journey goes by mani walls, Buddhist stupas, and scenic valleys. On your way, the route crosses through Ghar Gompa-the monastery of Ghar and one of the oldest ones in Mustang which stands as old as for over 1000 years. The journey continues through the historic village of Tsarang, where you witness the beautiful monastery and the fort. Until you reach your final destination- the famous ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. Overnight at Lo Manthang.

• Altitude reached: 3,840 M (12,598 ft)
• Time taken: 6–7 hours
• Lodging: Tea House
• Meals offered: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will spend a day exploring the Lo Manthang. You can visit Namgyal Gompa, Tingkhar village, Chhoser Cave and a number of very old monasteries of Buddhist culture. These old monasteries, palaces and old houses are located within this walled kingdom surrounded by numerous Himalayan ranges.

• Altitude reached: 3,840 M (12,598 ft)
• Time taken: Full day exploration
• Lodging: Tea House
• Meals offered: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After trekking beyond the capital kingdom of Lo Manthang, you descend into a much pristine and unexplored part of Upper Mustang. Here the terrain is a blend of harsh, remote mountains with deep valleys and narrow gorges. From this trekkers can see the most dramatic terrain one ever sees. While trekking towards the old monastery of Yara after crossing Dhi Khola and the village of Dhi , you will get opportunities to view colourful cliffs, valleys and mountains with eroded and weathered rock formations along the way. After reaching the village of Yara, you can take a rest and soak in the serene ambience of the village. Overnight at Yara.

• Altitude reached: 3,650 M (11,975 ft)
• Time taken: 6–7 hours
• Lodging: Tea House
• Meals offered: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning after breakfast, we began our trek journey. Today the trail opens up into pristine nature, remote valleys , desert-like contours, revealing the beauty of this trek. The trek of the day will feature an expedition to Luri Gompa, the oldest and one of the holiest cave monasteries in Mustang. The monastery’s ancient wall paintings, Buddhist icons, and cliff-dwelling structures make you feel like you are traveling back in time. Later, follow magnificent pathways, with a view into traditional villages before ending in Tsarang. When you reach Tsarang, you could also see the awe-inspiring Tsarang Gompa and ancient fortifications. Overnight at Tsarang.

• Altitude reached: 3,560 M (11,680 ft)
• Time taken: 7–8 hours
• Lodging: Tea House
• Meals offered: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we will trek through the paths of ancient traders, cutting through the core of the Upper Mustang. Leaving Tsarang we will plunge into deep canyons and stunning valleys with fluttering prayer flags and chortens. We will transit through Ghemi village with huge walls of “mani stones” representing unique cultural influences of Tibetan tradition. As we walk along, we will savor breathtaking vistas of arid cliffs, rock structures, and rugged Himalayan peaks. After what seems like forever walking through rugged terrain we will arrive at Syangboche, a quiet settlement with panoramic vistas of vast mountain ranges. Overnight at Syangbochen.

• Altitude reached: 3,800 M (12,467 ft)
• Time taken: 6–7 hours
• Lodging: Tea House
• Meals offered: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we will descend into the fascinating terrains of the Upper Mustang. Today again we will follow the same trail that we had walked previously covering segments such as Ghiling, Chele and Samar. And experience this rugged terrain from a different angle. We will be amazed with the views of colourful cliffs, gorges and high mountain passes. Ancient monasteries, fields and villages with a strong Tibetan influence covered the landscape as we trekked. After walking through Samar, this will be your final night in the remote wilderness of the Upper Mustang, before heading on to Jomsom. Overnight at Samar.

• Altitude reached: 3,620 M (11,877 ft)
• Time taken: 6–7 hours
• Lodging: Tea House
• Meals offered: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, begin your descent from the peaceful village of Samar, retracing the scenic trail through Chele and descending toward Chhusang. Along the way, you’ll cross several suspension bridges, narrow canyons, and rugged cliffs carved by centuries of wind and water erosion. The trail offers spectacular views of the arid landscapes, colorful rock formations, and the deep Kali Gandaki Valley, while passing traditional villages that reflect the unique Tibetan-influenced culture of Upper Mustang.

As you leave the restricted region behind, the landscape gradually changes with the appearance of cultivated fields, poplar trees, and small settlements. Upon reaching Chhusang, a charming village situated on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, you can relax and reflect on the incredible journey through the ancient Kingdom of Lo. Overnight at Chhusang.

Altitude reached: 2,980 M (9,777 ft)
Time taken: 5–6 hours
Lodging: Tea House
Meals offered: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the last day of your Upper Mustang trek. It starts with descending from Ghemi through a barren and wind- swept landscape along the Kali Gandaki valley to Kagbeni. It is a place where you can see the last views of Upper Mustang, and back on the main trekking path of Annapurna Circuit trekking trail. After taking your lunch at Kagbeni, trek for 2-3 hours more along a plain dusty road with scattered vegetation. Until you reach Jomsom, where you will be delighted on the completion of the trek. overnight in Jomsom.

• Altitude reached: 2,700 M (8,858 ft)
• Time taken: 7 hours
• Lodging: Tea House
• Meals offered: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, having a hearty breakfast, you will be taken to Jomsom Airport to catch a scenic morning flight back to Pokhara. This short flight takes you over the Kali Gandaki Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, and the stunning peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Once in Pokhara, you’ll embark on a drive to Kathmandu on the Prithvi highway. It will pass by lush hills, rivers, terraces of fields, small towns and villages along the way. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel in Kathmandu. You can explore around, go shopping or perhaps have a farewell dinner with your friends and guides in the evening.

• Altitude reached: 1,400 M (4,593 ft)
• Time taken: 20-minute flight and 6–7 hours drive
• Lodging: Hotel
• Meals offered: Breakfast

Today is a free day in Kathmandu, there will be an optional city tour in Kathmandu. Following breakfast, we’ll be enjoying some time, exploring one or more of the historic sites in Kathmandu. These UNESCO’s World Heritage sites as Patan Durbar, Swayambhunath Temple ( Monkey Temple ), or, do some shopping or simply relax.

• Altitude reached: 1,400 M (4,593 ft)
• Time taken: Full day
• Lodging: Hotel
• Meals offered: Breakfast

Today your wonderful Upper Mustang Trek comes to an end. Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to your connecting flight. Leaving Nepal, you have unforgettable memories from the historic Mustang kingdom, the spectacular grandeur of the Himalayas, the centuries old Gompas, and the intriguing Tibetan culture of Upper Mustang.

• Altitude reached: 1,400 M (4,593 ft)
• Time taken: Airport transfer as per flight schedule
• Lodging: Not included
• Meals offered: Breakfast