Upper Mustang Trek

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a scenic morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Enjoy spectacular Himalayan views on the way. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring Lakeside and Phewa Lake or relaxing before the trek. Flight: approximately 25 minutes.

Take an exciting mountain flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, enjoying views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. From Jomsom, begin trekking along the Kali Gandaki Valley toward Kagbeni, an ancient medieval settlement with narrow alleys, traditional mud-brick houses, chortens, prayer wheels, and strong Tibetan Buddhist influence. Kagbeni is the gateway to the restricted Upper Mustang region. Flight: approximately 20 minutes; Walking: 3–4 hours, approximately 10 km.

After permit verification at the Upper Mustang checkpoint, continue north through the dramatic Kali Gandaki Valley. The trail follows the river through spectacular red cliffs, rocky landscapes, and traditional villages. Visit Tangbe, famous for its whitewashed houses, narrow lanes, apple orchards, chortens, and Tibetan-influenced culture before continuing toward Chhusang. Walking: 6–7 hours, approximately 16 km.

Cross suspension bridges and gradually ascend through colorful canyon landscapes toward Samar. The scenery becomes increasingly dry and dramatic as you enter the high desert of Mustang, with barren mountains, rocky cliffs, and scattered juniper vegetation. Samar is a beautiful traditional village surrounded by mountains and offers an excellent opportunity to experience the local lifestyle. Walking: 5–6 hours, approximately 12 km.

Leave the main trail to visit the sacred Chungsi Cave Monastery, where Guru Rinpoche is traditionally believed to have meditated. The monastery is dramatically situated among cliffs and caves and offers a memorable cultural and spiritual experience. Continue through hidden valleys and spectacular high-desert landscapes before reaching the peaceful village of Ghiling, surrounded by cultivated fields and ancient monasteries. Walking: 6–7 hours, approximately 15 km.

Trek toward Ghami, one of the largest traditional villages in Upper Mustang, known for its ancient monastery, whitewashed houses, cultivated fields, and impressive mani wall. Continue toward Mui La Pass through barren valleys and colorful rock formations before descending to Dhakmar. Famous for its striking red cliffs and traditional houses, Dhakmar is one of the most photogenic villages in Upper Mustang. Walking: 6–7 hours, approximately 13 km.

Continue toward Charang through the spectacular landscapes of Upper Mustang, stopping at Ghar Gompa, one of the region’s important ancient monasteries traditionally associated with Guru Rinpoche. Explore its historic Buddhist paintings, statues, and religious heritage before continuing through dry valleys to Charang. Upon arrival, explore the traditional village, monasteries, and historic Charang Palace. Walking: 5–6 hours, approximately 13 km.

Today, trek toward the legendary walled city of Lo Manthang using a more remote route through the traditional nomadic landscape. Cross wide barren valleys surrounded by spectacular Himalayan mountains and gradually approach the historic capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang. The first sight of Lo Manthang rising from the high desert is one of the highlights of the journey. Walking: 5–6 hours, approximately 12 km.

Spend the day discovering the cultural heart of Upper Mustang. Explore the ancient walled city, narrow lanes, traditional houses, courtyards, prayer wheels, and historic Buddhist monasteries. Visit the major monasteries and a local monastic school to learn about Buddhist traditions and the education of young monks. Meet local residents and experience traditional Mustang culture, lifestyle, handicrafts, and customs. Depending on local conditions, enjoy a relaxing visit to a nearby natural hot spring. Sightseeing: 3–5 hours.

Travel into the fascinating Choser Valley by jeep or horse and explore its spectacular cave settlements, ancient monasteries, and traditional villages. Visit Dzong Cave, Kanchuling Cave, and surrounding cultural sites carved into the dramatic cliffs. Discover the spiritual and historical heritage of these remote settlements and observe the traditional lifestyle of the local communities before returning to Lo Manthang. Transportation: Jeep or horse; Full-day exploration.

Leave Lo Manthang and trek through remote high-desert landscapes toward Yara. The trail passes dramatic cliffs, barren valleys, and spectacular rock formations before reaching Dhi Village, a traditional settlement beside the Kali Gandaki River. Explore the village and observe its traditional architecture and agricultural practices before continuing toward Yara, known for its spectacular cliffs, caves, and isolated Himalayan setting. Walking: 6–7 hours, approximately 16 km.

Explore the remote cultural landscape around Yara, visiting the ancient Lori Gompa and its surrounding caves and rock formations. Continue toward Tashikhabung, a secluded settlement surrounded by dramatic Himalayan terrain and traditional villages. Experience the spiritual heritage and remote lifestyle of Mustang before returning to Yara for the night. Walking and exploration: approximately 5–6 hours.

Begin one of the most remote and spectacular sections of the journey as you trek toward Tange. The trail crosses vast barren valleys, rugged mountain terrain, and dramatic landscapes far from the busier trekking routes. Tange is a traditional settlement characterized by stone houses, agricultural terraces, chortens, and mani walls, offering an authentic glimpse into life in remote Mustang. Walking: 7–8 hours, approximately 17 km.

Continue south toward Tetang through remote mountain valleys and rugged Himalayan landscapes. The trail gradually descends toward the Kali Gandaki region, offering changing scenery and impressive views of the surrounding mountains. Tetang is a traditional stone-built village whose architecture reflects the cultural heritage of both Mustang and the lower Kali Gandaki region. Walking: 6–7 hours, approximately 14 km.

Trek toward the sacred pilgrimage destination of Muktinath. The trail climbs through spectacular mountain scenery before reaching the famous pilgrimage area, which is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Visit Muktinath Temple, the 108 water spouts, Buddhist shrines, prayer wheels, and the naturally occurring sacred flame. Walking: 5–6 hours, approximately 13 km.

Leave Muktinath and trek toward Jomsom through the traditional village of Lubra. The route offers beautiful mountain views and follows a less-traveled trail through the Kali Gandaki region. Lubra is particularly notable for its Bon cultural heritage and traditional architecture. Continue to Jomsom, the administrative and commercial center of Mustang and the endpoint of the Upper Mustang trekking circuit. Walking: 6–7 hours, approximately 16 km.

After breakfast, transfer to Jomsom Airport for a scenic flight to Pokhara. Enjoy spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges during the short mountain flight. Upon arrival in Pokhara, transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day relaxing after the trek. Flight: approximately 20–25 minutes.

Enjoy a relaxed day in Pokhara after completing your Upper Mustang adventure. Explore Lakeside and Phewa Lake, enjoy local cafés and restaurants, or choose optional sightseeing activities such as boating, visiting the World Peace Pagoda, exploring the International Mountain Museum, or enjoying panoramic Himalayan views from Sarangkot. This leisure day also provides a useful buffer in case of mountain flight delays.

After breakfast, take your morning flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward international flight according to your departure schedule. Our representative will assist you with the airport transfer and bid you farewell as your memorable Upper Mustang Trek comes to an end. Flight: approximately 25 minutes; Driving: approximately 30–45 minutes.