WE KNOW MUSTANG BEYOND THE MAP.
WE KNOW MUSTANG BEYOND THE MAP.
WE KNOW MUSTANG BEYOND THE MAP.
WE KNOW MUSTANG BEYOND THE MAP.
WE KNOW MUSTANG BEYOND THE MAP.
WE KNOW MUSTANG BEYOND THE MAP.
The Short Off The Beaten Path Upper Mustang Trek is an immersive 9-day journey into the remote Himalayan kingdom of Mustang, combining spectacular mountain flights, ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, dramatic desert landscapes, centuries-old monasteries and extraordinary cave settlements.
This carefully designed short itinerary takes you from Jomsom through Samar, Chungsi Cave, Syangbochen and Dhakmar to the walled city of Lo Manthang, before exploring the remarkable caves of Choser and Konchulong. The return journey includes a final exploration of Lo Manthang before flying back through Jomsom and Pokhara.
Unlike a conventional Mustang itinerary, this route focuses on the most culturally and visually significant experiences of Upper Mustang within a compact timeframe.
Arrive in Kathmandu, where you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, meet your trekking team for a briefing about the journey into Upper Mustang, including the route, altitude, weather, permits and preparations. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore Kathmandu.
Take a morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna and Mustang regions. Enjoy the spectacular Himalayan scenery during the flight and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the lakeside surroundings of Pokhara before your journey into Upper Mustang.
Take an early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, flying through the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From Jomsom, drive toward Samar before beginning your trek through the rugged landscapes of Upper Mustang. Follow the trail toward the sacred Chungsi Cave, a remarkable cave monastery carved into the cliffs, before continuing through the barren Himalayan terrain to Syangbochen.
Leave Syangbochen and trek deeper into the remote landscapes of Upper Mustang, crossing rugged trails, high ridges and dramatic mountain valleys. Continue toward Dhakmar, a distinctive settlement renowned for its striking red cliffs and traditional whitewashed houses. Enjoy the extraordinary scenery and peaceful atmosphere of this isolated Mustang village.
Trek from Dhakmar toward the legendary walled city of Lo Manthang, passing through the historic Ghar Gompa along the way. Continue across Mustang's high-altitude desert landscape, surrounded by eroded cliffs, barren mountains and ancient settlements. Arrive at Lo Manthang, the cultural heart of the former Kingdom of Lo, and settle into your accommodation.
Venture beyond Lo Manthang toward Choser, one of the most fascinating areas of Upper Mustang, known for its ancient cliffside caves and traditional settlements. Explore the remarkable Konchulong Cave and surrounding landscapes, gaining insight into the region's ancient Buddhist heritage and distinctive cave culture. Return to Lo Manthang in the afternoon and enjoy another evening within the historic walled city.
Spend the morning discovering Lo Manthang's historic streets, traditional houses, monasteries and cultural landmarks. Take time to experience the unique Tibetan-influenced architecture and atmosphere of this ancient Himalayan settlement before beginning your afternoon drive back toward Jomsom. Descend through the changing landscapes of Upper Mustang and the Kali Gandaki valley before arriving in Jomsom.
Take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, enjoying spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges along the Kali Gandaki corridor. Upon arrival, spend the remainder of the day relaxing beside Phewa Lake or exploring Pokhara at your own pace.
Take a morning flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Depending on your international flight schedule, enjoy some free time in Kathmandu before transferring to the airport for your onward departure, marking the end of your short off-the-beaten-path journey through Upper Mustang.
Best Time to Trek: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) generally offer favorable conditions for trekking in Upper Mustang. Because Mustang lies in the Himalayan rain shadow, the region can also be suitable during the monsoon, although weather and flight conditions should always be considered.
Permits: Upper Mustang is a restricted trekking area and requires a special trekking permit. Trekkers must follow the designated route and travel with the required authorized arrangements. The current Nepal Tourism Board listing shows the Upper Mustang permit at USD 50 per person per day.
Altitude & Difficulty: The trek reaches around 3,800–4,000 m around Lo Manthang. Although the trek is shorter than traditional Upper Mustang itineraries, the high altitude, dry terrain and strong mountain winds can make some sections demanding.
Flights: The Jomsom flights are weather-dependent, particularly because of strong winds in the Kali Gandaki valley. Some flexibility is recommended when planning onward international flights.
Accommodation & Connectivity: Accommodation is provided in local hotels and guesthouses along the route. Facilities become simpler in remote villages, while internet and electricity can be limited. Carrying a power bank is recommended.
Responsible Travel: Upper Mustang is a culturally sensitive and environmentally fragile region. Respect local customs, monasteries and sacred sites, avoid photographing people without permission, and help preserve the region's ancient heritage and landscapes
