A journey into the former Kingdom of Lo, the Upper Mustang Trek presents a stark trans-Himalayan desert, ancient cave dwellings, and Tibetan Buddhist culture preserved for centuries.
The Upper Mustang Trek is a journey into the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal — a stark, windswept land of ochre cliffs, ancient cave dwellings, and medieval walled cities. This remote region, once a separate kingdom, only opened to foreigners in 1992 and still retains strong Tibetan influences in its culture, language, and religion. The trek winds through deep gorges, barren plateaus, and desolate ridges, leading to Lo Manthang, the capital of the former Mustang Kingdom.
Unlike the lush greenery of the Annapurna or Everest regions, Upper Mustang offers a dramatic desert-like landscape, vibrant chortens (Buddhists shrines), and ancient monasteries that speak of a deeply spiritual past. It is more than a trek, it is a cultural exploration into one of the last untouched frontiers of the Himalayas.
Duration
17 Days
Location
Mustang
Difficulty
Moderate
Altitude
3950 m
Best Season
Spring
Located in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Upper Mustang offers year-round trekking possibilities, even during the monsoon. The region is part of the Annapurna Conservation Area and requires a special permit due to its proximity to the Tibetan border and its protected status. The inhabitants are mainly ethnic Loba people who maintain a lifestyle and culture that has changed little over centuries.
Dive into our curated travel styles and find the perfect adventure that speaks to your heart.
Dive into our curated travel styles and find the perfect adventure that speaks to your heart.
1
Day
ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU
Activities: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to hotel.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel.
2
Day
KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING & TREK PREPARATION
Activities: Explore Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, or Bhaktapur or other UNESCO World Heritage sites. Obtain special permits for Mustang.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel.
3
Day
FLY OR DRIVE TO POKHARA (820M)
Activities: 25-minute flight or scenic 6–7-hour drive to Pokhara, a picturesque lakeside town.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel.
4
Day
FLY TO JOMSOM (2,720M) & TREK TO KAGBENI (2,810M) – 3/4 HRS
Activities: Short flight to Jomsom, where the hinds howl after 12 PM; trek to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Kagbeni.
5
Day
KAGBENI TO CHELE – 5/6 HRS
Activities: Enter restricted area of Upper Mustang; trek through Tangbe and Chhusang to reach Chele.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Chele.
6
Day
CHELE TO SAMAR – 4/5 HRS
Activities: Ascend through barren hills, cross Dajori La (3,735m) and Taklam La (3,624m) to arrive in Samar.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Samar.
7
Day
SAMAR TO GHILING – 5/6 HRS
Activities: Trek past Chungsi Cave Monastery; cross small passes and descend into Ghiling.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghiling.
8
Day
GHILING TO TSARANG– 6/7 HRS
Activities: Continue across arid highlands and vast open valleys to reach Tsarang, a large village with a red gompa – offering a contrast that is unmissable.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Tsarang.
9
Day
TSARANG TO LO MANTHANG (3,840M) – 4/5 HRS
Activities: Cross Lo La pass (3,950m) and descend into the fabled walled city of Lo Manthang.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Lo Manthang.
10
Day
EXPLORATION DAY IN LO MANTHANG
Activities: Visit Thubchen and Jampa monasteries, King's Palace, and optional hike to Chhoser Cave dwellings or Garphu Monastery.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Lo Manthang.
11
Day
LO MANTHANG TO DRAKMAR (3,810M) – 6/7 HRS
Activities: Return via a different route; visit Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in Mustang.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Drakmar.
12
Day
DRAKMAR TO SYANGBOCHEN (3,800M) – 5/6 HRS
Activities: Cross several ridges and descend gradually into Syangbochen.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Syangbochen.
13
Day
SYANGBOCHEN TO CHHUSANG (2,980M) – 6/7 HRS
Activities: Final day in Upper Mustang region; descend into Chhusang village.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Chhusang.
14
Day
CHHUSANG TO JOMSOM VIA KAGBENI – 6 HRS
Activities: Exit the restricted area checkpoint in Kagbeni and return to Jomsom.
Accommodation: Teahouse in Jomsom.
15
Day
FLY TO POKHARA
Activities: Short scenic flight; rest in Pokhara for idyllic activities such as sitting by the lake, or enjoying a boat ride.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel.
16
Day
FLY TO KATHMANDU
Activities: Return flight to Kathmandu, free day to explore the city.
Accommodation: Overnight in Hotel.
17
Day
DEPARTURE
Activities: Airport drop for international departure.
Dive into our curated travel styles and find the perfect adventure that speaks to your heart.
Pack Smart, Climb Strong
Explore our curated routes or reach out for a custom plan — your Himalayan adventure starts here.