Upper Mustang trekking
Upper Mustang trekking
Trek in Mustang, Nepal: Discovering the Last Himalayan Kingdom
Blue skies and ochre rock faces are what greets you in Upper Mustang. A landscape unique to this region, a culture dominated by Tibetan Buddhism, Mustang is nothing like the rest of Nepal. The trek leads you through some spectacular landscapes from the Kali Gandaki valley to Jharkot and Muktinath.Mustang, a former kingdom beyond the Himalayas.
Once we reach the Mustang, we are travelling in a region dominated by Tibetan cultural influence. Villages, monasteries and chortens all speak of the culture of Tibet and the snowy peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri are seen in the background. Due to its geographical location.Mustang, once a small Himalayan kingdom, has always maintained privileged links with Tibet, and in particular cultural and religious ties that dominate the life of the inhabitants. In addition, the absence of large passes made Mustang the ideal place of passage between India and Tibet through the valley of Kali Gandaki. This hike takes us to this well-preserved, partially isolated region of Nepal. The arid land of Mustang contrasts with the snow-capped peaks in the background. Lo Manthang, a fortified town with several monasteries, welcomes us for a cultural stopover.
- A summer trek on the Tibetan plateau along the Kali Gandaki canyon.
- A remote region of Tibetan culture, lively and well-preserved.
- A rich cultural heritage restored in Lo Gekar, Lo Manthang, Luri Gompa.
- A spectacular mountain flight between Jomsom and Pokhara.
- A remote region of Tibetan culture, lively and well-preserved.
- A rich cultural heritage restored in Lo Gekar, Lo Manthang, Luri Gompa.
- A spectacular mountain flight between Jomsom and Pokhara.
Daytime
Flight to Kathmandu. Check-in at the hotel then a free day in the Thamel (Tourist area)
- Accommodation: Holy Himalaya Hotel or Similar in BB
- Meal: Self
Morning flight to Pokhara (25-minute flight), then we take a jeep for a long drive to Mustang,
The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours for 140 km.
- Driving time: 6 hours
- Domestic flight: 25 minutes
- Jeep transfer: 1 hour
- Accommodation: Lodge with full board
The drive takes approximately 6-7 hours for 140 km.
- Driving time: 6 hours
- Domestic flight: 25 minutes
- Jeep transfer: 1 hour
- Accommodation: Lodge with full board
We drive along the banks of the Kali Gandaki by jeep, heading toward the beautiful village of Chhusang and its striking red cliffs. Shortly after, we begin our walk. The trail takes us into the impressive Kali Gandaki gorges, which we cross before a short climb up to the village of Chélé. From there, a path carved directly into the rock gradually climbs to Taklam Pass (3,650 m). We then enjoy a lovely descent to the village of Samar, where we settle in for the night.
- Jeep transfer: about 1 hour
- Walking time: around 5 hours
- Ascent: +650 m
- Descent: –150 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
- Jeep transfer: about 1 hour
- Walking time: around 5 hours
- Ascent: +650 m
- Descent: –150 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
An easy day of walking as we cross several small passes between 3,600 and 3,800 meters, offering spectacular views to the south. After Syangboche, the trail descends to the village of Geling, overlooked by an ancient fortress and a Sakya school monastery, which we take time to visit.
- Walking time: around 6 hours
- Ascent: +700 m
- Descent: –400 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
- Walking time: around 6 hours
- Ascent: +700 m
- Descent: –400 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
We cross the Nyi La Pass (3,950 m) and Ghumi La Pass to reach the village of Ghemi (3,520 m) in time for lunch. In the heart of the village, we visit a small monastery surrounded by caves that once served as shelters from invaders. In the afternoon, we enjoy an easy climb framed by some of Mustang’s most dazzling scenery, with red cliffs towering above the village.
- Walking time: around 6 hours
- Ascent: +650 m
- Descent: –550 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
- Walking time: around 6 hours
- Ascent: +650 m
- Descent: –550 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
This is the longest day of the trek, although it presents no major challenges. We enjoy an easy climb to Mui La Pass (4,100 m) and visit Mustang’s oldest monastery, Ghar Gompa, of the Nyingmapa school, where the frescoes have been carefully restored. After lunch, we cross Marang Pass and descend into the stunning setting of Mustang’s capital, Lo Manthang.
- Walking time: around 7½ hours
- Ascent: +900 m
- Descent: –700 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
- Walking time: around 7½ hours
- Ascent: +900 m
- Descent: –700 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
A day to explore and relax in Lo Manthang, the tiny “capital at the edge of the world,” which flourished in the 15th century. We wander through the town’s winding streets to visit its two historic monasteries, Jampa Lhakhang and Tukche, where Italian teams are carefully restoring the stunning frescoes.
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
We climb to the small pass called Loday La at 3,950 m, then walk across a plateau reaching 4,050 m before descending toward Dhi. From there, we cross the Kali Gandaki and continue to the village of Yara.
- Walking time: around 5 hours
- Ascent: +500 m
- Descent: –700 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
We set out to visit Tashi Kabum Cave and Luri Gompa Monastery, home to beautiful 15th-century Buddhist frescoes. After the visit, we return to the same camp.
- Walking time: around 4 hours
- Ascent: +250 m
- Descent: –250 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
- Walking time: around 4 hours
- Ascent: +250 m
- Descent: –250 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
We cross a remote, rocky plateau, far from any settlements, before a short descent to the Dhechyang Khola (Black River), where numerous fossils can be spotted. We then climb to Sertang Pass (3,975 m) for a picnic, with breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks. The day continues with a descent across several terraced plateaus down to the village of Tangge.
- Walking time: around 6 hours
- Ascent: +400 m
- Descent: –500 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
- Walking time: around 6 hours
- Ascent: +400 m
- Descent: –500 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
We set off early for a long day of trekking. After crossing the Yak Khola, we climb steadily to a pass at 4,150 m, followed by a short descent to enjoy lunch in Paha. The afternoon takes us along ridges before a steep descent into the Nursing Khola valley, ending at the village of Chhusang.
- Walking time: around 8½ hours
- Ascent: +1,100 m
- Descent: –1,300 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
- Walking time: around 8½ hours
- Ascent: +1,100 m
- Descent: –1,300 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
An easy day as we pass through the village of Tangbe and descend to Kagbeni for lunch. In the afternoon, we take a jeep ride along the windy Kali Gandaki riverbed all the way to Jomsom.
- Walking time: around 3 hours
- Descent: –200 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
- Walking time: around 3 hours
- Descent: –200 m
- Accommodation: Lodge, full board
A beautiful driving descent through the Kali Gandaki valley brings us back toward Pokhara. The afternoon is free to relax and explore the Lakeside area.
Domestic flight: 25 min
Road transfer: 6 hours
Accommodation: Middle Path & Spa or Batika, bed & breakfast
Dinner: On your own
We explore some of Kathmandu Valley’s highlights, starting with the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, then the magnificent Bodhnath Stupa, and finally the imperial city of Patan.
- Accommodation: Holy Himalaya Hotel or Thamel House
- Meals Self
- Accommodation: Holy Himalaya Hotel or Thamel House
- Meals Self
Transfer to the airport for your departure.
Notes
- Walking times are approximate because they depend on the groups, photos and stops. As for the elevation differences, they are also general indications and not GPS readings.
- Depending on the weather and operational conditions, the guide reserves the right to modify this itinerary for your safety.
- Depending on the weather and operational conditions, the guide reserves the right to modify this itinerary for your safety.
Destination
Nepal
Activity
Hiking and trekking
Duration
15 Days
Trek days
11
Max. altitude
4230 Meters
Trek Type
Moderate
Domestic flights
KTM - PKR - KTM
Accommodation
Hotel / Lodge
Best Season
April to November
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Include
- Private vehicle transfers as per the itinerary (jeep reserved for Pokhara–Jomsom–Pokhara)- 2 nights at Holy Himalaya Hotel or similar in Kathmandu, bed & breakfast
- 1 night at Batika or similar in Pokhara, bed & breakfast
- Nights in lodges with full board during the trek
- English-speaking guide for the entire trek
- ACAP & Tims trekking permit
- One porter for two people during the trek (max 12 kg/person)
- Cultural tour in Kathmandu with a vehicle and guide
- Meals as mentioned in the program
- Insurance for the trekking team
- 15-day Nepal e-visa (scan ID photo needed)
Not Include
- Meals not mentioned in the program- Mustang special permits pay by cash per day 50USD / pax
- Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu flight (approx. USD 210 per person; price may vary without notice)
- International flights
- Mandatory repatriation, rescue, and search insurance
- Personal expenses, drinks, hot showers in lodges, sleeping bag, battery charging during the trek, tips
- Entrance fees to cultural sites in Mustang (approx. USD 50 per person)
- Entrance fees to sites in Kathmandu
