17 Days Upper Mustang Trek

When you land at Kathmandu International Airport in Nepal, our team will be there to greet you. We'll take you to your hotel in Thamel, a bustling area in Kathmandu. After you've settled in and had a chance to freshen up, our guide will meet with you. They'll provide details about your hotel, Nepali culture, and the upcoming Upper Mustang Trekking adventure. To welcome you properly, we'll treat you to a traditional Nepalese dinner at a local restaurant, complete with folk music and cultural performances.

This day is dedicated to getting ready for our journey. We'll share details about trekking plans, packing lists, and what to expect to make it more exciting. If you're interested, you can choose to join a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu and explore its UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Start your day early with an 8-hour scenic drive to Pokhara, a beloved tourist destination in Nepal. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and soak in the city's tranquil atmosphere, known for its popularity among global travelers. You can opt for sightseeing tours to explore the local culture and surroundings. Additionally, a 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara is available upon request, with extra charges.

Early in the morning, we take a short scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. The 22-minute flight offers stunning views of forests, rivers, and snow-capped mountains. Upon arrival in Jomsom, visitors are greeted by apple orchards and cool mountain breezes.

Our trek begins from Jomsom along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, leading us to Kagbeni. Kagbeni serves as the gateway to Upper Mustang, where we stay to explore its windy village, the flowing river, and colorful barren hills.

After spending a night in Kagbeni village, we set off towards Chele along Nepal's historic Trans-Himalayan Caravan route to Tibet. This morning, we walk alongside the Kali Gandaki River, passing through well-tended terraced farms near Tirigaon village. Along the way to Chele, we're treated to stunning landscapes with towering cliffs and canyons.

During our journey to Chele, we might spot pilgrims hunting for fossils known as "Salagram Silas," revered by Hindus as sacred stones symbolizing Lord Vishnu. The route continues through Tangbe and Tsusang (Chusang) villages, where we encounter ancient canyons and castle ruins surrounded by tall, red cliffs. Crossing a small bridge, we climb uphill for 45 minutes until we reach Chele village.

Start your morning walk from Chele village, gradually climbing for an hour until you reach a ridge at 3,130 meters. From here, enjoy breathtaking views of Gyagar across a vast canyon. The trek then continues with a gentle ascent across windy terrain until you reach a pass at 3,540 meters.

Afterwards, walk from Samar village to another ridge overlooking a large gorge adorned with rocks in red, black, yellow, and white hues. Follow the trail into a valley with juniper trees and a stream, climbing up to a ridge at 3,800 meters. A short walk from there leads to Syangbochen, a small settlement with a few tea shops, situated at 3,710 meters.

From Syangbochen, we trek through fields and pass several settlements. Our midday stop is Giling village, known for its monastery and a water-powered prayer wheel. After a brief rest and lunch to recharge, we continue towards Dhakmar. The trail forks ahead: the right path goes to Tsarang, while we take the left path, crossing Ghami rivulets and passing through Ghaymi village before reaching Dhakmar, where we will spend the night.

On the eighth day of our trek, we arrived at Lo-Manthang, our main destination. Leaving Dhakmar, we encountered the longest and most impressive series of Mani walls, built by locals and Buddhist pilgrims for sacred prayers. Continuing our journey, we climbed to reach Lo-Manthang. Along the way, we visited Ghar Ghumba, the oldest monastery in the area, and took in its historical significance. After this memorable stop, we continued our ascent, passing over the highest pass of our trek, Morang-La, which sits at 4353 meters above sea level. As we approached Lo-Manthang, we were greeted by a breathtaking view of the walled village. A short descent brought us to a stream outlining the village, and a brief climb onto a plateau led us to the walls of our final destination, Lo-Manthang. The village is accessed only through its northeast gate, the main entrance for visitors.

A day in Lo-Manthang offers a chance to relax, observe, and soak in the surroundings. It's ideal for leisurely walks and getting used to the altitude, while exploring the historical and cultural sites of Lo-Manthang. There are four important monasteries or Gompas to visit: Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House), the Red Thubchen Gompa, and Chyodi Gompa, along with the grand Entrance Hall. These sites are the main attractions of Lo-Manthang and may require an entry fee to visit. If accessible to visitors, touring the palace of the late King Jigme is also highly recommended.

After a great visit to Lo-Manthang, we set off early in the morning for Charang. It takes us about two hours of walking to get there. Along the way from Yara, we stop to see an ancient palace, a monastery, and an open valley. We take our time exploring the area before finally arriving at the cozy village of Yara, where we'll be staying.

The path from Yara to Tengbe is peaceful and quiet, with no villages along the way. There's a small tea house, a welcome break far from the noise and bustle of the city. All you see are the Himalayas, colorful barren hills, long trails, and our Nepal Adventure Team guide leading the way. Today is about enjoying the calm of nature, free from busy towns, and savoring the hike. After a smooth, relaxing trek, we rest at Tengbe for the night.

Today marks the most challenging leg of our trek, with hours of walking ahead. The path from Tengbe to Chuksang offers a serene journey, free from bustling settlements unlike the route from Yara to Tengbe. Here, untouched nature reigns supreme, devoid of human habitation. Nepal Adventure Team ensures your well-being with packed lunches, allowing you to savor the tranquility and natural beauty as you trek towards Chuksang for the night.

Today marks the final day of our Upper Mustang Trek, where we get to enjoy the untouched beauty of nature. As we reach the end of these remote trails with few settlements and little hustle and bustle, we pass by occasional villages and tea house lodges. For lunch today, Nepal Adventure Team provides us with high-quality packed meals. Unlike yesterday's long hike from Tengbe to Chuksang, today's journey is shorter.

Our destination is Muktinath, one of the most renowned places along our trek. Situated at 3700 meters altitude, Muktinath Temple holds immense religious significance for Hindus and Buddhists alike. People from around the globe visit this sacred site to seek blessings. Nestled amidst the Himalayas, Muktinath Temple offers breathtaking views of mountains, hills, and settlements. The temple features 108 holy water springs and two sacred ponds, where bathing is considered purifying and a path to spiritual salvation according to pilgrims' beliefs.

After our spiritual journey to Muktinath, today we travel down the Kali Gandaki River valley and return to Jomsom. We will explore the lively Jomsom Bazaar and then relax and spend the night there.

In the morning, we visit Muktinath Temple to soak in its serene atmosphere and spiritual significance. Afterward, we journey downhill to Jomsom, where we catch a flight to Pokhara. Jomsom stands out in this area for its modern amenities and bustling community set amidst breathtaking scenery. You have the option to stay in Jomsom instead of Muktinath for more comfort and less walking. Nepal Adventure Team ensures your accommodation in Pokhara, and we can also arrange sightseeing tours if desired.

After our adventure in Pokhara, we return to Kathmandu by a comfortable tourist bus. You'll be dropped off at your hotel where you can relax or shop for souvenirs. To cap off your Nepal experience, Nepal Adventure Team hosts a special Farewell Dinner. Optionally, you can fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara in just 30 minutes (additional charges apply, available upon request).

After 17 amazing days, your Upper Mustang Trek concludes. Our team will take you to the airport according to your flight time. Nepal Adventure Team thanks you for finishing the trek and wishes you a fond farewell, looking forward to assisting you again soon.