Upper Mustang Trek - 17 Days

Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. The tourist hub of Thamel can be a sensory overload after a long flight, so use this afternoon to rest in your room or grab a quiet coffee in one of the cozy cafes nearby.

Today, you will discuss the trail condition and safety precautions with our guide. After the briefing, your guide will take you on a cultural tour covering some of the most prominent cultural destinations, including Swayambhu Nath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudha Nath, and Pashupatinath. While you’re on the tour, our travel experts finalize your documents, including the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit.

Ensure you have packed all necessary gear. We further recommend getting a rich lip balm and a quality neck gaiter, as the Mustang winds are notoriously dry and dusty.

Leaving the Kathmandu valley, you drive along the Trishuli River to Pokhara. By late afternoon, you will arrive in the lakeside city and check into your hotel. In Pokhara, you can head to a serene lakeside cafe for a relaxing evening.

Your journey into the Himalayas begins with a scenic early-morning flight to Jomsom. Early flights are crucial to avoid the darting afternoon winds.

Once you land, you begin a moderate trek up the Kali Gandaki riverbed. Keeping your sunglasses and buff on will protect your face from the afternoon gusts as you approach Kagbeni, a stunning Tibetan-style village that serves as the official gateway to Mustang.

Today, enter the restricted zone. Submit your documents at the checkpost before continuing along the trails across the river valley. You will often share the path with local mule trains carrying supplies. Always stand on the mountainside of the trail when they pass.

As you approach Chele, experience a distinct shift in the landscape. You will see the farmlands replaced by towering red and orange sandstone cliffs.

The journey to Syangbochen takes you on a steep ascent. Stay hydrated and maintain a rhythmic pace as the oxygen levels are lower in the higher altitudes. You will cross a few high passes today and find breathtaking views of the barren canyons as you make your way to Syangbochen.

The trail climbs gently before descending into Ghami, a beautiful village surrounded by vast fields of buckwheat and apple orchards. The local Mustang apples are famous throughout Nepal. Try a slice of dried apple or a small taste. In the evening, the high-altitude temperatures drop significantly. Try a small quantity of local apple brandy to keep your body warm.

Today’s walk is deeply spiritual. You will walk alongside a massive Mani wall adorned with intricately carved stone mantras. As you approach these sacred structures, walk to the left to show respect to the local customs.

Upon reaching Charang, you can visit the impressive five-story white dzong (fortress) and the massive red Gompa perched dramatically on the edge of the Kali Gandaki gorge.

The anticipation builds as you cross a windswept pass. Along your way, you will get your very first glimpse of the mythic walled city of Lo-Manthang. While the terrain is relatively flat, it remains exposed. Pull your buff to stop inhaling the dust.

Today is dedicated to a full day of Lo-Manthang exploration. Discover the narrow alleys and ancient monasteries of this ancient capital. The Jhampa Gompa and the royal palace are must-visit sites.

For an added adventure, hire a local pony to ride out to the Chhoser cave complex to climb into multi-story dwellings carved directly into the cliff faces centuries ago.

Your day starts early today. The early start guarantees the best lighting for photographing the vibrant, blood-red cliffs of Dhamkar. As per local Tibetan folklore, the cliffs were stained by the blood of a demon defeated by a Buddhist saint.

The return trek is a steady downhill journey to Syagbochen. As you head to a lower altitude, the air feels easier on your lungs. But the downhill trek can strain your knees. Utilizing trekking poles today will save your joints on the steep, loose-gravel sections.

Today involves a long, continuous descent back toward the valley floor. Keep an eye on the towering cliff walls as you near Chhusang; you can spot meditation caves perched hundreds of feet above the river. It will keep you wondering how ancient monks ever reached them.

Your final day of trekking follows the riverbed back to Jomsom. Today, there’s a high probability of facing the powerful Kali Gandaki headwinds. Zipping up your windbreaker and keeping your head down is the best strategy here.

Arriving in Jomsom marks the successful completion of your trek. This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate your journey with your guide and porter.

You board an early morning flight back to the serenity of Pokhara. Enjoy the aerial view of the Himalayan terrain, including the impressive eye-level view of the Annapurna massif.

Spend your afternoon indulging in a hot shower and relaxing by the tranquil waters of Phewa Lake.

A private vehicle will drive you back to Kathmandu along the winding highway. You can skip the long overland travel and speak to your guide for an upgrade to a 25-minute flight to Kathmandu. It’s a massive time-saver and provides fantastic aerial views of the transforming landscape before touching down in the capital.

Your trans-Himalayan journey concludes today. Our representative will transfer you to the airport 3 hours before your scheduled boarding time, or assist you if you are extending your stay.