Upper Mustang Trek

As soon as you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey or step out to explore Thamel, Kathmandu’s lively tourist hub filled with shops, cafés, and handicraft stores. In the evening, we’ll have a short briefing about the trek.

Today is dedicated to exploring Kathmandu’s cultural gems. With a local guide, you’ll visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the towering Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, and the ancient Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) that overlooks the city. You’ll also see Kathmandu Durbar Square, a palace complex rich in history. This tour gives you a glimpse of Nepal’s spiritual and cultural roots before heading into the mountains.

After breakfast, we leave Kathmandu for Pokhara, Nepal’s beautiful lakeside city. A scenic drive (6–7 hours) takes you through rolling hills, rivers, and terraced farmland, while a short flight (30 minutes) gives you a bird’s-eye view of the Himalayas. Once in Pokhara, you can relax by Phewa Lake, with Annapurna and Machapuchare reflecting on the water.

We take an early morning flight or jeep ride to Jomsom, a windy valley town and gateway to Mustang. From here, your trek officially begins. Walking along the Kali Gandaki River, you’ll reach Kagbeni, a picturesque village with narrow alleyways, mud-brick houses, and Tibetan prayer wheels. Kagbeni feels like stepping back in time and serves as the entrance to Upper Mustang.

Leaving Kagbeni, the trail follows the river before climbing into Mustang’s dry, desert-like landscapes. You’ll notice the scenery shifting from green hills to rugged cliffs with unique rock formations. Small villages with whitewashed houses appear along the way until you reach Chele, perched above the valley.

Today’s trek takes you over several small passes, with great views of the Kali Gandaki Gorge and the arid hills of Mustang. The path winds up and down ridges, past caves and Buddhist chortens (stupas). After a rewarding day, you’ll arrive at Syanboche, a quiet highland settlement.

The trail continues through canyons and barren hills before reaching Dhakmar, famous for its red cliffs that glow brightly in the sunlight. You’ll also see caves carved into the cliffs, believed to have been meditation sites for monks centuries ago. The dramatic colors of the landscape make this one of the trek’s most unique stops.

A long but exciting day as you trek across high passes and windswept plains before arriving at Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang. Entering through its ancient gate feels like stepping into another world. Inside, you’ll find narrow streets, old monasteries, and the Royal Palace, with Tibetan Buddhist traditions still alive in daily life.

Spend a full day discovering Lo Manthang. You can visit the town’s centuries-old monasteries, explore ancient caves, and learn about Mustang’s history from locals. Optional excursions include a horse ride to nearby villages or visiting the Chosar Caves and the Tingkhar village. This day lets you soak up the culture and spirit of Mustang.

Leaving Lo Manthang, the trail heads southeast toward Yara, a small and rarely visited village. The walk takes you through high desert terrain and rocky paths, offering solitude and wide views. Yara is known for its caves and simple lifestyle, far removed from modern development.

Today’s walk continues through Mustang’s barren yet beautiful landscapes. The trail can feel quiet and remote, with only the wind and prayer flags breaking the silence. You’ll reach Tangya, a traditional village surrounded by arid hills.

This is one of the toughest but most rewarding days. You’ll cross the high Pa Pass, which offers sweeping views of Mustang’s canyons and cliffs. The trail is long, around 10 hours, but the dramatic scenery keeps you inspired. Eventually, you’ll descend to Chhuksang, where you can rest.

A shorter but significant day as you cross La Pass and descend to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Pilgrims visit the Muktinath Temple and its 108 water spouts. The spiritual atmosphere here is unforgettable.

A gentle downhill trek leads you back to Jomsom, the windy valley town. After many days in remote areas, Jomsom feels lively with trekkers, locals, and traders.

Take a short flight or a jeep ride back to Pokhara. The rest of the day is free to relax by the lake, enjoy cafés, or explore the city.

After the long trek, you deserve a rest. Spend the day strolling around Phewa Lake, go boating, or visit the Peace Pagoda for panoramic views.

Travel back to Kathmandu. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with cultural dance, celebrating your adventure in Mustang.

A buffer day in case of flight delays or to simply relax, shop for souvenirs, or revisit a favorite spot in the city.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying with you incredible memories of the hidden kingdom of Mustang.