Upper Mustang Trek

Your journey into the mystical realm of Mustang begins from the bustling capital Kathmandu. There are two transport options for scenic transfer on this day of your Upper Mustang Trek itinerary. If you opt for the driving option, you will follow the Prithvi Highway, admiring the middle hill beauty of Nepal.

The driving road stretches alongside Tsihuli River and takes you across terraced fields, roadside bazaars and beautiful settlements like Mugling, Kurintar and Damauli. Although the drive is long, it gives you the opportunity to witness the slower rhythms of the countryside. 

The final stretch of the drive from Damauli to Pokhara is smoother and more scenic. If the skies are clear, you may also catch the first glimpses of Annapurna and Machhapuchhre. For those who prefer speed and comfort, the domestic flight from Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) to Pokhara offers a brief but unforgettable airborne experience. 

Within 25 minutes, you will soar over the lush hill enjoying the fleeting glimpse of Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Langtang. As the plane descends, Phewa Lake sparkles beneath you, welcoming you to Nepal’s laid-back vacation and adventure capital. 

Once in Pokhara, take your time to unwind and prepare for the journey ahead. The tranquil lakeside area offers a perfect blend of relaxation and practicality, where you will find lined cafes and gear shops. But the real excitement lies ahead, tomorrow, you fly into the rain-shadow lands of Mustang.

This day marks a dramatic transition from the green and lake-hugging city of Pokhara to the stark and windswept landscapes of Mustang. You will board an early morning flight to Jomsom, the flight itself is an unforgettable experience. 

As you rise above Pokhara Valley, the Himalayas start to stretch out in all directions. On the right, you will witness Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre gleaming under the sun and on the left, Dhaulagiri dominates the skyline.

After landing in Jomsom, you will notice the change immediately. The high altitude air is thinner, the sky clearer and the landscape is drier. This is the rain shadow region of the Himalayas, where monsoon rain barely reaches and the gateway to the Mustang region.

Before moving on to the trekking part, you will enjoy a warm breakfast here and take your time to adjust to the high-altitude atmosphere. The trekking trail follows the Kali Gandaki River heading north. 

As you continue walking further in this broad and flat river valley, the views open wide. You will then pass a small village of Ekle Bhatti, where trekkers stop for a brief rest and tea.  From here, the trail gradually climbs uphill and you will arrive at Kagbeni. 

This high-altitude settlement is nestled on a ridgeline above the river junction. With its mud-walled houses, narrow alleyways and flattering prayer flags, Kagbeni feels like a hidden portal to another timeline. 

After reaching Kagbeni, you can take you time to explore the red-walled Kag Chode Thuptsen Samphel Ling Monastery. This ancient monastery, which is believed to have been built in the 15th century, has great spiritual and historical significance in this part of the mountain.

Scenic Drive Option: Approximate 6 to 7 hours

For the trekkers who want to skip the mountain flight, or if the weather disrupts air travel (which can happen often in the Himalayas, the Pokhara to Kagbeni drive is a solid alternative. This drive covers an approximate distance of 159 km (98 miles), depending on the route and road conditions.

From Pokhara, the driving path follows the Baglung Highway toward Beni. The lush scenery alongside the Seti River and the Myagdi River is simply stunning. After crossing Beni, the road hugs the soaring Kali Gandi River to Tatopani, which is famous for its natural hot springs.

Along this stretch, you also get a chance to witness the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki Gorge. In the next part to Ghasa from Tatopani, the driving route runs through the deepest part of this world-renowned gorge. 

Enjoying the stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Tukuche Peak, you will continue with a driving journey to Marpha. This is the apple capital of Mustang and you will find fresh apples, dried apple snacks and the famous apple brandy here.

During the final stretch, the road flattens out and valleys open wide as you pass through Syang and other smaller hamlets before reaching Jomsom. Then, from here, the driving road weaves past Ekle Bhatti and gently toward Kagbeni. 

This overland route from Pokhara to Kagbeni lets you experience the dramatic landscape transition of Nepal. The drive route passes across lush hills and terraced fields to the world's deepest gorge and into the arid landscape of Mustang highlands.

Unlike the quick flight, the drive unfolds like the story of Mustang slowly, one fold at a time. So, the driving journey itself is an unforgettable part of this adventure. 

**Note: Taking a private jeep in Pokhara to the Kagbeni route costs around US$ 240 per jeep. It means the cost per person will depend on the number of travelers joining the drive**

 

After completing your Upper Mustang permit check in Kagbeni, you will follow the trail that heads toward north alongside the east bank of the Kali Gandaki River. The path is dusty, open and wide, and profoundly peaceful. 

As you move higher on the trail, you will sense the energy shifting. The terrain turns more arid and the landscape begins to embrace the Tibetan plateau. This walk feels like a journey back into time, where ochre cliffs, white-washed chortens and the windswept ridges tell the ancient stories.

You will then arrive at Tangbe, the first Mustang village on this restricted route, which marks the boundary of the restricted area. This quiet village has rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage and the ancient chortens and mani walls will guide your path here.

From Tangbe, the trail gently ascends to Chhusang Village, another ancient settlement perched beside the towering red cliffs. These cliffs are not just beautiful; they feature cave dwellings and sky burial sites carved by the ancient humans who lived here.

After taking a rest at Chhusang, you will then cross the Kali Gandaki River on a steel footbridge. On the opposite bank of the river, the terrain gets more rugged and you will follow a steep winding trail, which the final push that will lead you to Chele (Tshele). 

The ascent is short but demanding, especially due to the thin air. As you turn back occasionally while navigating this stretch, the striking views of the Nilgiri will smile back at you. Chele is a modest village with a handful of stone teahouses and local homes perched on the hillside.

After a hearty breakfast at Chele, you will leave this quiet hamlet following a steady climb across a dry and dramatic gorge. As you climb higher, the landscape changes rapidly and you will trek deeper into the trans-Himalayan rain shadow region where the wind-sculpted cliffs rise like a fortress on the sides of the trekking trail.

You will soon arrive at Ghyakar Village, which is a tiny settlement above Kali Gandaki, which is often skipped unless you are making a detour. The mainstream Mustang trailhead will take you to Samar Village. This is a significant stop on this route, Samar is surrounded by juniper trees and barley fields and it has few teahouses that serve tea, snacks and lunch. 

From Samar, the path continues to ascend to high-altitude desert while winding across alpine vegetation, sharp valleys and exposed ridges. As you continue walking further, the trail drops briefly to Bhena La Pass. After descending from the pass, you will reach the tiny, beautiful settlement of Bhena. 

This village is the stop for seasonal herders and has a few teahouses. From here, you will then continue walking to another uphill section of Yamda La Pass. As you cross the pass, the landscape becomes wide and the views stretch all the way to the dusty gorges and Upper Mustang Valley. 

During the final leg, after crossing the pass, you will move along the path that rolls across the barren plateaus and stone-strewn landscape to reach Syangbochen Village. This village has a handful of traditional houses and a small cluster of lodges offering a perfect place to rest after a long trekking day.

Syangbochen sits near the ancient Rangchyung Chorten, which is an ancient monastery that is believed to have self-manifested. It is considered one of the most sacred religious relics in Upper Mustang. You can visit the chorten for an acclimatization hike.

From Syangbochen, the trail climbs gently to the small settlement of Tamang. This is a less frequented village where only a few families reside. While navigating this stretch, you will have the opportunity to see how deeply the Tibetan culture is woven into the daily lives of natives in Mustang.

After a while, you will begin your ascent on Nyi La Pass, where you need to wind along the bare ridges that unveil the wise views of Mustang’s high desert. After conquering the pass, you will descend along the loose scree and rock to reach Gheling Village. This is a traditional Himalayan settlement with old prayer wheels, windswept fields and ochre-painted gompas.

Most trekkers taking the upper trail bypass the core part of the village but still can enjoy the striking views of Gheling, beautifully tucked inside a small green oasis. You will continue trekking toward Ghemi La Pass. 

After crossing the pass, the landscape drastically changes. As you descend, the mesmerizing views of Ghami Village slowly come into the frame. The whitewashed homes of the village stark beautifully against the eroded cliff, soaked in red, gray and ochre textures.

Ghami is one of the most historically and spiritually significant villages in Upper Mustang. It also features the longest mani wall in Nepal, which stretches over 300 meters and is inscribed with mantras. On the hillside above the village sits Ghami Palace and ancient cliff caves that hold a deeper past, once tied to the royal families of this forbidden kingdom.

Your journey on this day of the Upper Mustang Trek itinerary begins with a warm breakfast in this mystical high-altitude village. Leaving Ghami behind, you will walk past the long mani wall, an ancient stretch of stone-carved Buddhist prayers that is believed to release blessings with each step.

Beyond the mani wall, the trail drops gently across the narrow suspension bridge over a seasonal stream. What follows next is a steep and steady climb up Tsarang La Pass. This section may feel a bit demanding due to altitude, but the views from the top are absolutely phenomenal.

After crossing the pass, the trail moves along the dusty ridges and the terrain begins to shift to rocky spires and sculpted cliffs. Soon enough, the white and red-washed village, Charang, begins to take shape across the horizon above the terraced farmlands.

As you close in, the village is marked with few chortens and mantra-inscribed prayer wheels that lead to an arched gate. Charang is one of the largest and culturally significant villages in Upper Mustang. This village sits in a wide and open valley surrounded by bare fields and stone walls built in a defensive manner, a subtle reminder of this village's position as the second seat of power in the Lo Kingdom. 

But the truly remarkable aspect of Charang Village is its massive red gompa, Tsarang Monastery (Thubten Shedrup Dhagyeling Monastery). This 13th-century monastery is filled with ancient thangkas, manuscripts and a collection of religious statues that hold stories across millennia. 

Nearby the village also sits the old palace of the Lo kings in ruins. Here, the locals speak a dialect that is closer to Tibetan than Nepali and their way of life has barely changed for centuries.

Today’s trekking route follows a high-altitude trail soaked in the silent power of the trans-Himalayan landscape. It is not a long day of trekking in terms of hours, but every step you take is meaningful as it takes you closer to Lo Manthang.

Leaving Charang behind, you will first descend to Charang Chu River and then begin your climb up a wide open ridge. Following the dry and windswept trail, you will cut through the dusty fields of arid terrain and ochre hills.

The stretch further ahead brings you to Lo La Pass, which also happens to be a sacred Himalayan pass. From the top of the pass, you can witness Lo Manthang in the distance, situated between the eroded cliffs and Himalayan silence.

Descending from the pass, the trail gently stretches across the curves to the gate of Lo Manthang. Walking past the fields lined with irrigation canals, you enter the ancient hidden kingdom of the Himalayas. 

Lo Manthang, unlike other villages in Nepal, has a unique allure about it and has a mystical charm. This Himalayan kingdom was founded in the 15th century by the first king Ame Pal. Lo Manthang served as the capital of the Lo Kingdom and still remains steeped in the Tibetan Buddhist culture and traditions, unaffected by modern sprawl.

Within its historic walls, Lo Manthang houses three major monasteries; Jampa Monastery, Thubchen Monastery and Chode Monastery. These monasteries are architectural treasures that hold centuries-old murals, sacred scriptures and religious statues.

Tonight, you will rest inside the walled city in a teahouse where the high-altitude winds echo and the night sky reveals the stars across the universe. You are at the heart of Upper Mustang and following the arid terrain, you have earned your place here.

After several days of traversing across the windswept ridges, deep gorges and the iconic Himalayan passes in the Mustang Nepal Trek, your body will appreciate this slower-paced day. The rest day in Lo Manthang is one of the most unforgettable experiences in this entire odyssey. 

You will wake up to the sound of yak bells and the prayer flags fluttering softly in the cool mountain breeze. After enjoying a warm Tibetan breakfast, you will then begin your exploration of this ancient capital.

You can take your time to explore all three major monasteries that stand distinctively, Jampa Lhakhang Monastery, Thubchen Monastery and Chode Monastery. Jampa houses the three-story (35 meters) statue of Maitreya Buddha. Thubchen is a cultural hub that holds religious ceremonies and Chode Monastery houses young monks in training.

If you are up for light hiking or horseback riding (a traditional and fun way to explore the region), you can head to Chhoser Valley. In this side detour of the Upper Mustang, you will get the chance to explore the Jhong Cave, a five-story cave system that is directly carved into a cliffside.

The Jhong Cave is believed to be more than 2,000 years old. There is also a small monastery, Garphu Monastery, near the cliffside and it is surrounded by wind-sculpted ravines. Along the way, you will also pass the Nyamdo Village, which is known for its traditional barley fields, horse herds and ancient heritage.

In the evening, you can spend your time strolling around Lo Manthang’s narrow lanes, chatting with locals and admiring their lifestyle that has strong ties with the ancient Himalayan civilization.

Today, you will begin your return leg of the journey after spending a soulful day in the walled city of Lo Manthang. Instead of retracing your steps on the same route, you will take a more dramatic path across the wild canyons of Upper Mustang. 

From Lo Manthang, the trail climbs gently across the alpine meadows and dry valleys where the yak herds graze. As you gain elevation, the walled city of Lo Manthang slowly fades into the background. 

Soon, you will arrive at Lo Gekar Monastery (Ghar Gompa), one of the oldest monasteries in Upper Mustang, which is believed to have been built by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. From here, the trail begins to stretch downhill through the scenic landscape.

At this stretch, you get to witness the sandstone cliffs painted in red and orange hues on both sides. These cliffs are also home to the mysterious cave system that was used by ancient Himalayan civilization for dwellings, granaries and even spiritual retreats.

Continuing further ahead, you make your descent to Dhakmar Village. This is a small settlement with a few dozen families. Dhakmar depends on animal husbandry and agriculture, mainly barley, potatoes and buckwheat. 

The isolation here feels complete; there are no motor roads, no shops nor any kind of distractions. It's just you, the tranquil mountains and the sense of untouched purity. There are a handful of rustic teahouses here that offer basic lodging and the simplicity of the mountain life enhances the feeling that you are truly one with the mountains.

Today, your journey in the Upper Mustang Trek Nepal will continue across the arid highlands. After a warm breakfast in Dhakmar, you will follow the trail that ascends out of the villages and passes chortens and ancient mani walls. 

Soon, you rejoin the route near Lo Gekar (Ghar Gompa), where you get another chance to visit the 8th-century gompa. As you slowly gain altitude, you traverse across the high windswept passes from where the views stretch across the entire Mustang region. 

Trekking further ahead, you reach the tiny settlement of Gheling and the journey continues across the Yamda La Pass. Then, you will continue walking toward Bhena Village and cross another pass, Bhena La Pass. During the final stretch of this day’s trek, you trek past Gyakar, Ghami, Ghiling and Tsamkhang to reach Syangbochen. 

This is a good day to reflect on how far you have come across this Himalayan landscape to the heart of the forbidden kingdom. Your journey tomorrow will take you far from the mystical charms of the Upper Mustang. 

Tonight, under the starry sky, you will rest at this quiet settlement that feels like a suspended outpost between past and present. 

After a peaceful night in Syangbochen, this day’s trek marks the beginning of your descent deeper into the southern edge of Mustang. The windswept ridges and the dry alpine hills give way to familiar gorges and narrow paths carved into the duster cliffs.

You begin your journey retracing your steps toward Samar Village, one of the last large settlements of Upper Mustang. The path from here drops steeply, offering you sweeping views of the barren hills around. As you continue to descend further, the landscape becomes warmer and less exposed.

From Smar, you follow the path that drops into a deep ravine and gradually climbs again, pushing toward Chele Village. Although you have explored it already, coming from the north, the views of this village nestled between steep rock walls and ancient caves appear even more dramatic.

Finally, the dusty descent from Chele leads you to the bank of the Kali Gandaki River and you will cross the riverbed to conquer the last leg of the trek to Chusang. This is your last night in the Upper Mustang. The wind still hums at the exposed ridges, but the altitude feels forgiving. This will be a quiet and grounding closure to your time in the heart of Upper Mustang.

This is the last morning of trekking in Upper Mustang. You will follow the path along the riverbed of the Kali Gandaki River. The terrain alternates between river flats and short climbs along the eroded cliffs. After crossing a metal footbridge, you arrive at the beautiful Tanbge Village. 

Tange is one of the most culturally preserved villages in Lower Mustang. It has narrow alleys, whitewashed homes and tall chortens. As you continue walking south, the trail leads you to Kagbeni Village, a symbolic exit point of Upper Mustang. 

This ancient fortress town sits at the confluence of the Jhong River and the Kali Gandaki River. From here, the path continues along a broad and windswept valley to Jomsom, the administrative center of the Mustang district.

Jomsom is more modern and busier than the isolated villages that you have passed along the trail. It is lined with bakeries, teahouses and traditional Thakali homes. The views of Nilgiri and Dhaualgiri are also exceptional from here.

Tonight, you will rest with a full heart in Jomsom, knowing that you have walked through a mystical land that only a few truly get to experience. The Upper Mustang isn’t just a place, it is a passage through time, culture and spirituality. 

After over a week of exploring the barren cliffs, sacred valleys and the timeless villages of Mustang, the departing day arrives quietly. You will walk to Jomsom Airport to take a flight back to Pokhara.

As the plane takes off from this small airstrip hugging the edge of the Kali Gandaki River, you get to admire the wide valleys, deep canyons and sunlit ridges. On the left side, you will see the Nilgiri gleaming and on the west, Dhaulagiri dominates the skyline.

Although the flight is short, the scenery is unforgettable. Within 20 minutes, leaving the arid landscape, the aircraft descends over the lush hills of Pokhara. The humid air, bustling vibrance and presence of Phewa Lake welcome you back to the lower ground. 

After we transfer you back to your hotel, take the rest of the day to unwind. Walk around the lakeside, explore the cafes or restaurants, or simply relax, enjoying the reflecting and soothing water surface.

Return Drive Option: Approximate 6 to 7 hours

After completing the trek, you have the option to take the overland drive from Jomsom back to Pokhara. It is a dramatic descent across the shifting landscapes and the ethnic heartlands of the Annapurna region. 

Leaving the arid and wind-blasted terrain of Mustang, the road retraces the Kali Gandaki River to the south, cutting through the world’s deepest gorge. Along the way, you will pass Marpha, Kalopani, Ghasa and Tatopani. The driving stretch from Ghasa to Tatopani offers some of the wildest scenery; roaring waterfalls, narrow cliffside and the pristine mountain walls rising above.

Then, driving past the tropical terrain of Dana and Beni with warmer air, terraced fields and rushing rivers, you descend to Pokhara.

**Note: The cost of a private jeep drive from Jomsom to Pokhara is around US$ 220 per jeep. The overall cost will be shared among the number of travelers taking the jeep**