Upper Mustang Trek (14 days walk)

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the city. After settling in, enjoy a short walk around Kathmandu, including the bustling streets of Thamel and local markets.

Optional full-day cultural sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. Visit Swayambhunath, the famous Buddhist stupa on a hill overlooking the city. Explore Patan, the second-largest city in the valley, known for its pagoda-style temples and palace complex. Continue to Bugmati, a beautiful cultural village of traditional wood sculptors. End the day at Kathmandu Durbar Square, the old royal square with temples and the residence of the living goddess (Kumari).

Take a scenic 6–7 hour drive to Pokhara by tourist bus. Upon arrival, take a peaceful walk along Phewa Lake and optionally attend the evening prayer ceremony by the lakeside.

Enjoy a spectacular 20-minute flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, soaring over the world’s deepest gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. From Jomsom, begin trekking along the Kaligandaki River to Kagbeni, a traditional village and the entry point to Upper Mustang. Explore the ancient streets and monasteries of the village. Overnight at lodge with breakfast, lunch, and dinner (BLD).

Walk along the Kaligandaki River, passing the picturesque village of Tangbe with its chortens and farming terraces. Continue to Chhusang, nestled by the river with dramatic red cliffs. Check into a local lodge and explore the village and its monastery. Enjoy views of Annapurna and Nilgiri. Lodge on BLD.

Cross a river flowing from Tetang village and return to the Kaligandaki. Ascend to Chele, a beautiful flat-roofed village perched on a ridge. Continue to the 3,550m pass and descend to Samar, a small but scenic village known for its unique desert-like landscape. Overnight at lodge on BLD.

One of the most beautiful days of the trek. Although a direct trail exists, take the more rewarding detour to Chungsi Cave Monastery, carved into the cliffs. Explore the sacred cave and continue a steep ascent to Syangbochen, a small village atop a hill with a few lodges. At this altitude, take care and acclimatize properly. Lodge on BLD.

Walk through Ghiling village, then continue to Ghemi, one of Mustang’s larger settlements surrounded by green fields and traditional homes. After lunch, continue toward Dhakmar, a small village set against striking red cliffs. Overnight at lodge on BLD.

Climb to Mui La Pass at 4,170m, adorned with prayer flags. Descend to Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in Mustang, possibly dating back to the 11th century. After exploration, follow the trail to Tsarang, a historically important village with expansive fields and a large monastery. Overnight at lodge on BLD.

Trek toward the capital city of Upper Mustang, following the wide valley and passing ancient mani walls and chortens. Cross the final pass at 3,950m, with your first breathtaking view of Lo Manthang, the fortified city surrounded by white walls. Inside are narrow alleys, traditional flat-roofed homes, and historic monasteries with wall paintings and statues. Overnight at lodge on BLD.

Spend the day visiting ancient monasteries, local homes, and the royal palace (if open). Lo Manthang preserves Tibetan culture and architecture in its purest form, offering an unmatched cultural immersion. Lodge on BLD.

Take a scenic jeep ride to Choser, the last village before the Tibetan border. Visit cliffside monasteries and the unique cave dwellings used for centuries. Continue to Kora La (4,660m), the highest point of the trek and the official border with Tibet. Lunch at a local tea house and return to Lo Manthang. Lodge on BLD.

Climb to a ridge at 4100m, offering expansive views of Lo Manthang. Descend to Dhee village (3,400m) and continue to Yara, a remote village with only a few lodges. Lodge on BLD.

Hike to Luri Gompa, a cave monastery with ancient Buddhist murals, rarely visited by tourists. Once inside, you’ll marvel at how such intricate art was created in a cliffside shrine. Return to Yara for the night. Lodge on BLD.

Trek across a vast high-altitude plateau with views of prayer flags, mani walls, and snow-covered peaks. Tanggye is a charming farming village known for sheep and yak herding. Lodge on BLD.

Prepare for one of the longest days of the trek. There are no villages along the way, so carry enough water and a packed lunch. The trail offers magnificent views of multi-colored cliffs and the high Himalayas. Tetang, known for its colorful chortens, awaits. Lodge on BLD.

Walk down to Chhusang, rejoining the trail from the first week. Continue along the Kaligandaki River to Jomsom, often called the “windy valley.” Optional detour to Muktinath (3,800m), a sacred site, via a 4,050m pass. Jeep ride back to Jomsom if time permits. Lodge on BLD.

Take a morning flight back to Pokhara. In case of bad weather, a jeep ride can be arranged. Check into the hotel, relax, and enjoy an optional Ayurvedic massage. Hotel on bed-and-breakfast basis.