Upper Mustang Trek

Your Arrival Time (?) Our office representative will meet and greet you at Kathmandu Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.

At. 06:00 PM: In the evening we will meet for a coffee and will brief you on the details of your trek program. If your arrival is late after 5 PM we will meet the next morning during breakfast.

*Optionally you can add one additional night stay in Kathmandu to cover cultural sightseeing in Kathmandu as well for your trek preparation shopping.

Kathmandu Full Day Sightseeing: You will visit for a full day of sightseeing in Kathmandu of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath.

At. 09:00 AM: Have your breakfast at the hotel and be ready for your flight to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara. Our office representative will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport. The flight duration from Kathmandu to Pokhara is just 25-30 minutes. Our office representative will pick you up from the Pokhara airport and transfer you to your respective hotel near the lakeside. You can explore the lakeside and buy your required things for the trek if you wish to. You can explore the lakeside area or take a rest, you can take part in thrilling activities while in Pokhara if you want to as you will be free on this day.

At. 01:00 PM: Your transportation will pick you up from the hotel and drive you to some of the most beautiful natural as well as man-made attractions. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to explore Devi's Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, and the World Peace Pagoda. These attractions are situated on a hill that offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of Pokhara city, as well as the majestic snow-capped mountains on clear days. After sightseeing, you have the option to visit the famous Phewa Lake for a boating experience and have lunch near the lakeside area where you can find amazing restaurants and cafes where you can find authentic Nepali as well as international cuisines.

Optional Activities in Nepal (Price Subject to Change):

• Paragliding in Pokhara. (USD 90 PP)

• Ultra-light flight in Pokhara. (USD 120 PP, 15 Minutes)

• Zip-flying in Pokhara. (USD 70 PP)

• Bungee jump in Kushma. (World’s 2nd highest, 228M) (USD 100 PP)

At. 06:30 AM: Today marks the beginning of your trek, as you embark on a journey to the picturesque town of Jomsom. You will commence your adventure by taking a morning flight from Pokhara. Today marks the beginning of your trek, as you embark on a journey to the picturesque town of Jomsom. You will commence your adventure by taking a morning flight from Pokhara. Jomsom is nestled between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, which is why flights are scheduled in the morning to avoid the strong winds that occur during the daytime. Before heading to the airport, have breakfast at the hotel in Pokhara.

(Jomsom flight depends on weather conditions and if unfortunately the flight gets canceled we will arrange your transfer to Pokhara by road. The road trip is equally enjoyable as the road is smooth and a bit rough meaning you can get off the road and peaceful transfer)

After reaching Jomsom you will start your trek toward the Kagbeni village. You will follow the banks of the Kaligandaki River and pass by apple and potato farms, which is a lovely sight to see as you walk towards your destination today. Kagbeni is a remarkably gorgeous village that you will encounter on your trek. It also serves as the gateway to the Dhaulagiri base camp. The village is surrounded by a local orchard that produces some of the most delicious apples and apricots. Once you reach your destination, check-in at the local lodge and spend your leisure time strolling around the picturesque village while your dinner is being prepared.

At. 07:30 AM: Today, you will start early with a cup of refreshing tea and a local breakfast, enjoying the beautiful view of the surrounding area. After finishing your breakfast and packing your belongings, put on your trekking shoes and begin your journey towards Chele.

Kagbeni serves as the initial point for accessing the restricted area leading to the Upper Mustang. Once you have verified your permits, you can begin your Upper Mustang trek. You will follow the upstream of the windy Kali Gandaki River until you reach the Tangbe village. You will pass by the barley and buckwheat fields, and apple farms in between beautiful villages. If you are traveling during the monsoon season, you will have the opportunity to witness the enchanting agricultural fields adorned with stunning buckwheat flowers. These flowers, predominantly white and pink in color, bring vibrancy to the otherwise arid desert landscape. The distance between Kagbeni to Chele is 15 km which you can cover in 6-7 hours. Finally reaching Chele you will stop for the night here.

At. 07:30 AM: After breakfast, you will start your trek. Today’s trek is comparatively hard among other days. You will cross two beautiful passes, the Dajori La pass (3,735m) and the Taklam La pass (3,624m). The magnificent views of Tilicho, Yakawa Kang Damodar Danda, and Ramchung Cave are seen from the trail. You will descend to reach Samar village before you further start the steep descent to reach Syanbochen. As you ascend to higher elevations, you will notice that the mountain appears to get closer to you. Additionally, you will observe that the vegetation becomes progressively thinner, with arid bushes that can withstand the cold climate.

At higher elevations, the risk of experiencing altitude sickness increases slightly. To prevent this, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, approximately 4-6 liters per day. Additionally, consuming high-carbohydrate foods can help avoid altitude sickness. The distance between Chele to Syanbochen is around 12 km which will take around 6-8 hours. Overnight at the local lodge/ teahouse.

At. 07:30 AM: After early morning breakfast, you will be trekking towards the biggest village in the Lo region. You will start your trek ascending Yamada La pass (3,850m) through the teahouse, Chorten, and peaceful villages. Then you will trek through the poplar forest, and barley field to reach Nyi Pass (4,010m) from where you will descend towards the beautiful Ghami village. The distance between Syanbochen to Ghami is 10 KM which takes 6-7 hours.

Ghami is a charming village situated in the upper Mustang region. It is nestled at the base of towering mud hills, with stunning snow-capped mountains rising above them. The landscape offers some of the most breathtaking sights one can witness. In the village of Ghami, there are ancient and traditional houses that still stand strong, portraying its beautiful history and culture. During your leisure time, you can visit ancient monasteries and Gumbas. In the evening you can explore the village or interact with the natives and learn about the culture and the simple lifestyle of the locals. Overnight at Ghami village.

At. 08:00 AM: Today, your first task will be to descend to cross the Ghami Khola, which is a river. Once you have crossed the River, you will begin your ascent up the hill to reach the Mui-La Pass, which stands at an elevation of 4,170 meters. To reach Marang village, you will pass through the stunning Mani walls and Ghar Gumba. Marang village is located at the top of Charang Chu canyon. It is home to a magnificent fortress and a red gompa situated towards its east. It is highly recommended to explore this ancient attraction. The distance between Ghami to Tasrang is around 11 km and takes 5-6 hours.

Once you arrive at your destination, take a moment to set down your bags and enjoy a warm cup of tea. Allow yourself to fully appreciate the simplicity of this place. Overnight at a charming tea house/ local lodge in Tasrang.

At. 07:30 AM: After having breakfast, you make your way down to the canyon and proceed to cross the river. Once you've crossed the river, you begin your ascent towards Marang La Pass, which stands at an elevation of 4,230 meters. Today, you will embark on a journey towards your final destination, the ancient walled city. From the top of the pass, one can behold the breathtaking sight of the picturesque Lo Manthang village. Next, you will descend towards the breathtaking walled village. One can witness the awe-inspiring sight of the Himalayas, which include the majestic peaks of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, Bhrikuti, and Damodar Himal. The distance between Tasrang to Lo Manthang is around 11 km which takes 6-7 hours.

You have the option to stay overnight at the local lodge in Lo Manthang, or if you prefer a more luxurious and regal experience, you can upgrade your stay at the luxury resort. The resort offers exclusive amenities and services, which are optional and come at an additional cost.

At. 09:00 AM: Have breakfast at the lodge before starting your tour. Today you will spend your entire day exploring the so-called forbidden kingdom of Nepal - Lo Manthang. There are numerous things to see, experience, and simply admire here. Leave your bags at the lodge as you will return to the same hotel after exploration.

The ancient walled city of Lo Manthang is nestled in the mountains of Nepal, secluded from urban areas and existing in its own isolated world. The topography of this region in Nepal is significantly distinct from other areas, characterized by a trans-Himalayan landscape that is cold and dry. The region is located near the Tibet border, allowing you to experience Tibetan culture and tradition. The architecture in the area is also heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. 

Tall white washed mud brick walls, mysterious caves, Gompa (Monastery), and the ancient Royal Palace built 600 years ago are some of the attractions of this place. The Tibetan Buddhist Gompas such as Jampa Lhakhang or Jampa Gompa, also known as ‘’God House’’ were built in the early 15th century making them extremely important for the locals. Visit the monasteries, get along with the locals, and soak in the untamed nature. Your guide will provide you with all the necessary information. You can also visit the seasonal agricultural fields to see the crops along with the village to get an insight into the place’s culture, tradition, and native people’s lifestyle. After exploration, return to the lodge. Overnight stay at the previous local lodge.

At. 07:30 AM: After having breakfast, you will descend along the same trail that you used to reach Lo Manthang. The Upper Mustang trail consists of both uphill and downhill sections, as well as river crossings and pass climbs. The trail is surrounded by the breathtaking Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, adding to the beauty of the landscape. Capture stunning photographs to preserve cherished memories and savor the present moment.

The distance between Lo Manthang and Ghami is approximately 21 km, and it usually takes around 7-8 hours to reach. Despite the long distance, the trail mostly follows a downhill and easy path, allowing you to cover it in a relatively short amount of time. In the evening, you can enjoy the breathtaking celestial sunset and take in the beautiful view of the village and its surroundings. As you do so, you can enhance the experience by sipping on a comforting cup of hot tea. You will be fascinated by the unique landscape. Experience a comfortable stay at a local teahouse in Ghami, where you can spend the night.

At. 07:30 AM: After breakfast, continue following the Kaligandaki river as you make your way back towards the Samar village. Samar Village is a remarkable village known for its distinctive architecture and rich cultural heritage. Feel free to explore the charming rustic village and take a leisurely stroll around if you'd like. The simplicity of the local people brings peace and satisfaction to one's heart. The distance from Ghami to Samar is approximately 19 kilometers, and it typically takes around 9 to 10 hours to travel this distance.

As you descend, you will gradually notice a change in vegetation as you lose altitude. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at the nearby lodge or teahouse, and get a good night's sleep to prepare for the day ahead. Overnight at a local lodge in Samar village.

At. 06:30 AM: To continue your journey, you will follow the same trail that you previously took, leading you towards the Kaligandaki river and eventually back to Kagbeni village. The boundary of the restricted area in Kagbeni concludes at this point. After reaching the Kagbeni checkpoint, you will proceed to check out. Kagbeni is a popular destination, known for both its trekking opportunities and religious significance. One can visit religious sites and explore the surrounding area. The distance between Samar and Kagbeni is approximately 22 km. The journey typically takes around 6-7 hours, as you will be traveling downhill.

After reaching Kagbeni, you will proceed to return to Jomsom from Kagbeni by driving. Your transportation will pick you up from your designated location and drop you off at Jomsom. The trail is relatively easy compared to others, allowing you to comfortably cover a distance of approximately 12 km. The path is mostly flat and well-paved, ensuring a smooth journey ride typically takes around 35-40 minutes.

Check-in at the hotel as soon as you reach the hotel and get refreshed as your delicious dinner gets prepared. Jomsom serves as both the starting and ending point for the Upper Mustang trek. While you are in Jomsom, you have the opportunity to explore the nearby villages and local markets at your leisure. You can also try delicious organic fruits during your travel and harvest season, such as tasty apples and apricots, as well as products made from them. Enjoy a comfortable stay at a hotel in Jomsom and take the opportunity to rest and relax. In October, if you enjoy stargazing, take a moment to observe the beautiful night sky filled with numerous shimmering stars.

At. 07:00 AM: It is recommended to have an early morning breakfast before heading to Jomsom Airport. Jomsom Airport serves as the sole means of connecting the Mustang Region with other regions of Nepal. The flight to Jomsom and from Jomsom are only available until 11 AM. The flight time from Jomsom to Pokhara is approximately 20-25 minutes. The flight through the gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains offers a truly breathtaking experience.

(If the flight is canceled due to the weather condition or other technical issue, we will make arrangements for your transfer by road, which is just as satisfying.)

The road runs alongside the Kaligandaki River until it reaches Beni Bazar. After crossing Marpha, Kalopani, Ghasa, and Tatopani, you will eventually reach Beni Bazar, which serves as the headquarters of the Myagdi district. After approximately two hours of driving, you will arrive at Kushma, the headquarters of the Parbat district. After passing through Beni Bazar, the road becomes paved and the drive will be smooth, allowing you to reach Pokhara within 4-5 hours. Once you arrive in Pokhara, you can transfer to a comfortable hotel located in the Lake Side area. This area offers a variety of fantastic restaurants, bars, and cafes where you can celebrate the success of your trek. (Collect the extra baggage from the hotel before you leave if you have left any)

At. 08:00 AM: Have your breakfast and get ready for your flight back to Kathmandu. Our office representative will pick you up from the hotel and drop you off at the airport. (Flight Duration from Pokhara to Kathmandu 25-30 mins) Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, your transportation will transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You will have plenty of free time to go shopping or explore the Kathmandu Valley. You can also choose the Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour on this day. You can explore several significant cultural sites within the Kathmandu Valley, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath Stupa. These locations showcase the diverse and rich cultural heritage found in this area.

You will have your day leisurely after the sightseeing program, you will have enough free time for shopping or roaming around Kathmandu Valley in the evening. However, if you want to go for authentic shopping for items such as handmade goods for souvenirs, and treat yourself to a relaxing spa after a week-long trek Thamel is the place for you. Enjoy the leisure time as you wish, and in the evening, join us for a traditional Nepali Dinner (Thakali Cuisine) with a live performance of folk songs as a farewell (If you want to visit other places, we can arrange it for you with extra add ons)

You will be free until your flight time, we will drop you at Kathmandu Airport 3 hours before your flight. You will get to the airport 3 hours before your flight time. Carry loads of souvenirs, memories, and lifetime experiences back home, and Have a safe home return! We hope you enjoyed the trip! If you plan to extend your stay, we (Altitude Himalaya) are more than happy to make your visit memorable and enjoyable.