Upper Mustang Trek

Exploration of Once Forbidden Wall Kingdom of Lo-Manthang
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Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trekking
Journey to Upper Mustang
Trip Photos
At a Glance
Duration16 Days
Trip GradeModerate Plus
i
Maximum Altitude3,850 m
Best TimeMarch to Nov

Mustang Trek: Exploration of the Walled Kingdom

Step into the concealed valleys of Mustang, a restricted region brimming with untold stories and ancient wonders. The Upper Mustang Trek unveils the mysteries of the walled kingdom of Lomanthang, a hidden gem nestled between the majestic Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau.

Imagine wandering through deserted canyons and lush grasslands, surrounded by awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks. Once part of the Tibetan Kingdom of Gungthang until the 1830s, Upper Mustang feels like stepping into a world apart, a place untouched by time, steeped in unique culture and history.

Upper Mustang Trek- Restricted Region in Nepal

Opened to trekkers in 1992, the Upper Mustang Trek offers a mesmerizing journey through vast, arid valleys and dramatic, eroded canyons. As you traverse this rugged terrain, you will encounter yak caravans and the enigmatic hidden sky caves of Mustang, leaving visitors spellbound by their ancient secrets.

Adding to the charm of the region, colorful mud-brick houses adorned with traditional designs stand gracefully against the backdrop of towering peaks. The Upper Mustang Trek rewards adventurers with breathtaking views of the Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri ranges, majestic giants that dominate the skyline and elevate the experience to something truly unforgettable.

Lomangthang on the Verge of Change, Mustang Trek Now

Lomanthang, a city steeped in tradition and culture, is home to approximately 275 houses, each bearing the essence of its unique heritage. The community is structured around four distinct castes: the royal caste, the everyday folk, and groups of skilled workers like blacksmiths, butchers, and millers.

Wandering through the town, you will discover small herb gardens adorned with holy decorations, fluttering prayer flags, and meticulously stacked firewood - a nod to old customs when certain families were responsible for supplying firewood to the royal household.

Traditions like sky burials and polyandry continue to be practiced, preserving the rich cultural tapestry of this region. Once a forbidden Buddhist kingdom, Lomanthang has gracefully embraced modernity with the advent of solar power, blending the ancient with the contemporary in a truly remarkable way. We urge you to do the Mustang trek now before it gets late, as the walled kingdom of Lomangthang is on the verge of change.

Booking is open for Spring, Fall, or Monsoon in 2025 and 2026

Nestled in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Upper Mustang offers a unique trekking experience that is as fascinating during the monsoon as in spring or autumn. While much of Nepal experiences heavy rains, this region remains a haven for adventure, with the entire landscape blooming into life during the monsoon season. Picture the wind-eroded hills and striking red cliffs framed by snow-capped mountains; each step immerses you in a world of vibrant contrasts and natural wonders.

Looking ahead, we have set group departure dates for 2025 and 2026 for the Mustang trek, making it easy for solo travelers or small groups to join. For those traveling with family or friends, we also offer customized trips tailored to your preferences to ensure an unforgettable journey through this remarkable region.

Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary
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Day 01

Soon, you land at Kathmandu airport, and your group leader will be there to greet you and transfer you to the hotel. We have time to hand over the trek gear and trek info

Day 02

We explore Boudhanath and Pashupatinatha and then drive to Pokhara. Later in the. day we drive to Pokhara and stay a night on this lake city.

Day 03

A short morning flight to Jomsom, Mustang district headquarters. We fly over the deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge on earth. The flight offers a glorious view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

Twenty minutes of breathtaking flight to the windy valley of Jomsom

Great view with dozens of Himalayan giants poking into the sky.

Witness the Kali Gandaki River, which dates back to 80 million years ago, flowing from the Tibetan Plateau.

After the morning tea, we walked to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang.

Easy walk, lunch at Kagbeni itself. After lunch, an excursion around the antique village of Kagbeni - to attend.

Day 04

We completed the permit formalities today and entered the Mustang restricted area. Known as the desert of Nepal, the valley widens with barren and arid surroundings and green villages in the middle. It appears more like a simply incredible mirage.

Walking on the extended trail with Kagbeni and Nilgiri mountains as the backdrop is dazzling.

Witness the different parts of the world, such as the land of Ammonites (prehistoric stone), with striking views.

The stretch of the Kali Gandaki river bed gives us its ancient history.

The dramatic setting of the landscape with canyons and wind-eroded hills is phenomenal.

Lunch at Tangbe or Chhusang, another ancient village.

Chele is a beautiful small settlement from where you can overlook the picturesque setting of Mustang .

Day 05

Today walk is more into undulating trails with steep climbs and descents. The fantastic canyons, with their unusual color open out, are extraordinary. In this bizarre place, the farming fields with rich red buckwheat and brilliant green and the south view offer you a panorama of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Tilicho Peak, and YakawaKang, adding to its magnificence.

The initial steep walk through the hill-cut trail in one of these fantastic canyons is remarkable.

You would witness the sky caves dating back more than 3000 years. It is used as human settlements, burial chambers, and now lama hermit retreats.

Climbing up to the pass before dropping to Syangboche. Remarkable for its incredible views.

Syangboche is a small settlement deep in the valley with a theatrical setting.

Day 06

From Syangboche, we climb gently to a small pass of 3,800 m/12,467 ft. It offers extraordinary views of mountains and deep valleys into the wind-eroded canyons. Today walk is effortless, with few short climbs in between. The beautiful scenery alongside would hardly allow us to realize the passing away of time.

Endless colorful gullies to the north, east, and west are outstanding.

The soaring peak of Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Annapurna still dominates the South.

Explore Ghami, the ancient village with a time-honored monastery, Chortens, and Mani (prayer) walls.

Day 07

This short trek to Tsarang takes us into the Land of Chortens. This trail marks the history and legend of the Indian saint Padmasambhava (750-810 AD). He is known as the founder of Tibetan Buddhism. He created a fusion of Buddhism with the original Shamanistic religion of Tibet. It is called the Bon religion, and it is still in practice.

Half an hour from Ghami, we see Mustang's Longest ancient Mani wall.

The soaring red cliffs to the west that tell you Padmasambhava's legends are intriguing.

Four hours of walk brings you to the picturesque, fascinating big village of Tsarang.

Visits the ancient Monastery and the white palace of Tsarang, which is their heritage.

Self-exploration around maze-like Tsarang is worth it.

Day 08

Finally, we get to the plateau of Lo Monthang. This is the Capital City and the Plain of Aspiration of Mustang. The fabled walled city of Lo, the kingdom with a single entrance, is a welcome sight! The last king, Lo Gelbu,” named Jigme Palbar Bista, died recently.

Fascinating solitary ancient Chorten in the middle of the road after an hour and a half walk from Tsarang.

From the 4000 m pass of Lo-La, you can see Lo Manthang, the valley of Thinkar, and Chhosar.

View of various historically ruined forts on the high hills is one of the highlights.

After lunch, an exploration into the legendary walled city of Lo.

Your group leader will organize various thrilling side excursions.

Day 09

Lo Manthang, the capital city of Mustang, contains about 150 houses. It has some of the largest and finest Tibetan Buddhism Gompas in Nepal. The town is fascinating, with four major ancient Monasteries, which are impressive. The enormous 14th-century palace is an imposing 4-story building in the city center.

After breakfast, your leader will organize a jeep for the Chhosar excursion.

Nympho Cave monastery was built into the side of a soaring cliff.

Explore the two-thousand-five-hundred-year-old Jhong Mustang Sky Cave. It has more than 44 compartments and shows a prehistoric human settlement.

If you are not exhausted in the afternoon, you can walk to Thinkar Summer Palace; alternatively, an exploration of the ancient monasteries Lo, which is exceptional.

Day 10

Today, we will walk different west terrain, which offers the most beautiful view despite a few steep downhill trials. Then, we will visit the oldest Tibetan monastery, Ghar Gompa, built around the 7th century by the incarnated monk Padmasambhava.

We take a different trail that leads us to the oldest monastery, Ghar Gompa.

The views of the landscape and the mountain in the south are mesmerizing.

The walk to Dhakmar is thrilling, with different trails high above the canyons and eroded hills.

Dhakmar, a land of red cliffs, is one of its kind where overnight is worth it.

Day 11

We trace back to the village of Syanboche. You have ample opportunity to look back into the missed-out views.

Day 12

We again trace our trail towards the south. We start early today by visiting the Chungsi Cave Monastery, one of the most attractive cave monasteries in Mustang. It is believed that Saint Padmasamvaba meditated here around the 7th century. But be prepared for the steep ascent.

Take an early trek to visit the legendary Chungsi Cave Monastery, which is on the side of a vertical canyon wall. Padmasambhava meditated with a vision to bring Buddhism to Tibet.

Descending the Chhusang with a great view of Nilgiri. The vast stretch of Kali Gandaki is significant.

Chhusang is another pretty old village with an apple orchard.

Day 13

We again trace back our trail towards the south. We retrace our way to Chuhusang. Once again, the stunning Nilgiri peak rises from the Kali Gandaki. Today, we exit from the restricted area of Mustang and stay overnight in Jomsom.

Day 14

We take an early morning flight or drive from Jomsom to Pokhara. We have time to explore the peaceful lake city of Pokhara.

Day 15

Today we take the scenic drive back to Kathmandu, which takes around 6 hrs.

Day 16

It is time to fly back home, and we customize the airport transfer.

Cost Details
Included
  • All domestic and International airport transfer
  • Kathmandu Pokhara Kathmandu transportation.
  • Pokhara Jomsom Pokhara flight with airport taxes
  • Twin Share Standard Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara is on the itinerary.
  • Group welcome dinner on arrival in Kathmandu
  • City tour to world Heritage sites
  • Full board meals on the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
  • Upper Mustang special Trek Permit worth US$ 500 PP
  • Tims and Trekking Permit of Annapurna region
  • Reliable guide and trek crew with medical kit
  • Free use of company gear like a sleeping bag and warm jacket
  • Complimentary gear trek duffle bag and T-shirt
Excluded
  • Your travel insurance of any kind
  • Drinks and main meals in cities.
  • Horse ride and jeep drive as required
  • Beverage Drinks on a trek
  • Tips to Trek crew
  • Items of a personal nature like laundry, a hot shower, internet, etc.