UPPER MUSTANG TREK
UPPER MUSTANG TREK
Tour Date : September 10, 2026 - September 24, 2026
Overview
Trip Facts
- Duration: 14 Days
- Maximum Altitude: 3,710 m
- Program Type: Tea House Trek
- Best Season: September – January | March – August
- Daily Walking Hours: 6–7 hours
- Trek Grade: Moderate
- Mode of Travel: Flight & Overland
Overview
Upper Mustang Trek – 14 Days | Ultimate Himalayan Journey
The Upper Mustang Trek is one of Nepal’s most exclusive and awe-inspiring adventures, taking you deep into a hidden trans-Himalayankingdom once closed to the outside world. This remarkable journeyblends dramatic desert landscapes, ancient monasteries, and a livingTibetan cultural heritage, creating an experience unlike any other trek in Nepal.
Set in the rain-shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, UpperMustang offers a striking contrast of arid valleys, colorful cliffs, deepcanyons, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Trekking alongside theKali Gandaki River, the world’s deepest gorge, adds a powerful senseof scale and beauty to the journey.
Exploring the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang
Opened to foreign travelers only in 1992, Upper Mustang—often calledthe Forbidden Kingdom—has preserved its centuries-old traditions,architecture, and spiritual practices. Walking through this region feelslike stepping back in time, where whitewashed villages, ancientchortens, and prayer flags define everyday life, much like the remotelandscapes of Upper Dolpo.
A major highlight of the trek is exploring the mysterious Chhoser Cavecomplex, an extraordinary network of man-made caves carved intotowering cliffs. Once used for meditation, shelter, and burial, these cavesstill hold ancient manuscripts and artifacts that reveal Mustang’s deephistorical roots.
Cultural Immersion on the Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek is not just a physical journey—it is a richcultural odyssey. Along the trail, trekkers meet the Loba people, thetraditional inhabitants of Mustang, who proudly preserve their Tibetan-influenced customs and lifestyle.
Ancient monasteries, spinning prayer wheels, sacred murals, andtraditional homes line the route. Many villages still display portraits ofthe former King and Queen of Mustang as a sign of respect and culturalcontinuity. Responsible tourism in Upper Mustang plays an importantrole in protecting this unique spiritual and cultural heritage.
Trekking Route & Itinerary Highlights
The adventure begins with a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom,followed by trekking through Kagbeni, the official gateway to Upper
Mustang. From here, the trail leads north through remote villages andhigh desert landscapes to the legendary walled city of Lo Manthang.
This carefully designed 14-day itinerary includes time for culturalexploration and acclimatization, with optional visits to sacred caves,monasteries, and hidden valleys. The route can also be combined withthe Annapurna Circuit or a pilgrimage to Muktinath Temple.
Trek Highlights
- Lo Manthang: The ancient walled capital, home to ThubchenGompa and Jampa Lhakhang
- Chhoser Cave & Garphu Monastery
- Kali Gandaki Gorge: The world’s deepest river gorge
- Dramatic desert landscapes and red sandstone cliffs
- Authentic Tibetan-style villages and architecture
- Opportunity to witness the vibrant Tiji Festival (May)
Schedule Details
Day 1: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m) & Trek to Kagbeni (2,800m)
Flight Duration:20–25 minutes
Trek Duration:3 hours
Early in the morning, take a scenic mountain flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, offering panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna ranges. After a quick breakfast in Jomsom, trek along the windswept Kali Gandaki riverbed to Kagbeni, a picturesque medieval village with narrow alleys, red-walled monasteries, and apple orchards. Overnight in Kagbeni.Restricted Area Permit checkpoint at Kagbeni.
Day 2: Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m)
Trek Duration:5–6 hours
After registering permits, the trail enters Upper Mustang proper. Pass through the culturally rich village of Tangbe, characterized by whitewashed houses, chortens, and narrow alleys. Continue to Chhusang, then cross the Kali Gandaki River to reach the village of Chele, perched dramatically on the cliffside.Overnight in Chele.
Day 3: Chele to Syanbochen (3,475m)
Trek Duration:6–7 hours
A challenging but rewarding day. Ascend steeply to Taklam La Pass (3,624m) and Dajori La (3,735m), offering views of Tilicho and Damodar Himal. Walk past caves, unique rock formations, and remote seasonal settlements. Lunch at Samar village, before a gentle climb through juniper forests leads you to Syanbochen.Overnight in Syanbochen.
Day 4: Syanbochen to Ghami (3,520m)
Trek Duration:5–6 hours
Continue uphill to cross the Yamda La (3,850m) and later the Nyi La Pass (4,010m), one of the highest points on the trek. The landscape transitions into barren hills and ochre-colored cliffs. Descend to the whitewashed village of Ghami, home to the longest mani wall in Mustang. Overnight in Ghami.
Day 5: Ghami to Charang (3,570m)
Trek Duration:4–5 hours
A short trek through rugged terrain and ancient mud villages. Aftercrossing the Ghami Khola, continue to Charang, one of the oldest
and largest settlements in Mustang. Visit the 400-year-old monastery and the crumbling red-walled dzong (fortress).Overnight in Charang.
Day 6: Charang to Lo Manthang (3,810m)
Trek Duration:4–5 hours
Cross the Lo La Pass (3,950m), with stunning views of the Lo Manthang valley and snow-capped mountains. Descend gently to reach the legendary walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang.
Overnight in Lo Manthang
Day 7: Explore Lo Manthang & Chhoser Cave Monasteries (3,810m)
Spend the day exploring ancient Buddhist monasteries, including Jampa Lhakhang, Thubchen Gompa, and the Royal Palace. Optional excursion by jeep or horseback to Chhoser, where you’ll visit the sky caves and centuries-old Nyphu and Garphu Gompa.Overnight in Lo Manthang.
Day 8: Lo Manthang to Yara (3,650m)
Trek Duration:6–7 hours
Depart from Lo Manthang through lesser-trekked territory with spectacular views and desert cliffs. Descend to the village of Dhi, cross the river, and ascend to Yara. This region is known for its unique cliff caves and fossil-rich terrain.
Overnight in Yara.
Day 9: Excursion to Luri Gompa & Return to Yara (3,900m)
Trek Duration:4–5 hours
A day trip to the remote and sacred Luri Gompa, tucked inside a cliff and decorated with ancient Tibetan murals and artifacts. This 13th-century cave monastery is a spiritual highlight of the trek. Return to Yara by evening.
Overnight in Yara
Day 10: Yara to Tangge (3,240m)
Trek Duration:7–8 hours
One of the longest and most remote trekking days. Cross the Dhechyang Khola and climb rugged desert hills to reach the hidden village of Tangge, known for its many chortens and traditional stone-built houses.
Overnight in Tangge
Day 11: Tangge to Chhusang (2,980m)
Trek Duration:8–9 hours
Start early for a tough ascent over Pha Pass (approx. 4,050m). After enjoying views of Upper Mustang and the Dhaulagiri range, descend to Chhusang. A long and scenic day on a lesser-used route with wild, remote beauty.
Overnight in Chhusang
Day 12: Chhusang to Muktinath (3,800m)
Trek Duration:6–7 hours
Climb gradually via Tetang, an ancient fortified village, and reach the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Visit the Muktinath Temple complex, sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, where natural gas flames burn eternally beside water spouts.
Overnight in Muktinath
Day 13: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m)
Trek Duration:5–6 hours
Descend through the traditional village of Jharkot, known for its beautiful monasteries and herbal medicine schools. Follow the trail down to Jomsom along the Kali Gandaki River.
Overnight in Jomsom
Day 14: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara
Take an early morning flight back to Pokhara. Enjoy your final aerial views of Mustang and the Annapurna ranges.
End of Trek.