Upper Mustang Trek

When you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, you'll go through checks and get your bags. Then you'll walk outside where our team member will be waiting. They'll hold a "Nepal Hiking Team" sign so you can see them easily. They'll drive you to your hotel in a nice vehicle.

The drive through Kathmandu gives you your first real look at Nepal's busy streets. You'll see colorful markets, friendly people, and the lively city atmosphere. After you check into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. You can rest in your room or take a short walk around the neighborhood. This helps you get used to being in a new place before your Upper Mustang trek starts.

You'll discover Nepal's amazing cultural treasures at four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each place has its own special story waiting for you to explore. At the old Swayambhunath temple, you can spin the prayer wheels just like locals do. Watch the playful monkeys jump around the temple grounds.

Next, you'll walk around the massive Boudhanath stupa, one of the biggest in the world. Join the devoted pilgrims as they walk in circles around this holy place. You'll feel the peaceful energy as people pray and chant softly. At Pashupatinath temple, you'll see important Hindu ceremonies happening right by the sacred Bagmati River.

You will get to visit old royal palaces that show Nepal's past rulers. These historic places have beautiful woodwork and old paintings. Walking through these important sites gives you a good look at Nepal's history and gets you ready for the trip into its amazing mountains.

Early in the morning, you'll head to Pokhara, a metropolitan city located in central Nepal. Your friendly guide will travel with you on this long but exciting journey. The bus ride takes about 6-7 hours, but there's plenty to see along the way.

You'll get amazing views of Nepal's small towns and traditional villages. Farmers have been growing rice and other crops on these slopes for thousands of years. The powerful Trisuli River flows alongside the highway for much of the trip. You can watch the rushing water and maybe spot people fishing or washing clothes by the riverbank.

When you reach Pokhara, your guide will help you check into your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You can take a relaxing walk around the famous Lakeside area. There are lots of cozy shops selling local crafts and tasty restaurants with mountain views. If you're feeling adventurous, a peaceful boat ride on Fewa Lake is a perfect way to end your day.

After an exciting flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, you'll start your real trek adventure. This short flight is one of the most thrilling in the world. As the small plane flies high above the mountains, you'll see the snowy peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri stretching out below you. 

Look down and you'll spot the world's deepest river gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge that drops 5,571 meters deep. Once you land in Jomsom, the gateway to Upper Mustang opens up before you. Your first walking destination is the historic village of Kagbeni. 

Kagbeni has an amazing history that your guide will share with you. Back in the 14th century, this village was an important checkpoint. Nepali traders would stop here on their long journeys to Tibet to buy and sell goods. Today, Kagbeni still works as a checkpoint, but now it's for trekkers like you heading to Muktinath and Mustang. The old stone buildings and narrow streets make you feel like you've stepped back in time.

After eating breakfast early in the morning, you'll start walking toward Chele village. The trail follows the east side of the Kali Gandaki River and takes you over several small hills. Your first stop is the beautiful Tangbe village, where you'll see amazing white-washed houses built in traditional Tibetan style.

The houses in Tangbe look surreal. Green fields and apple orchards surround the village, making it look even more special. From Kagbeni, you can also see the massive Nilgiri Himal mountain towering at 7,061 meters high. It's an incredible sight that will take your breath away.

From Tangbe, you'll walk for about an hour and a half to reach Chhusang village at 2,980 meters. This part gets really interesting because the trail crosses the river and goes through a natural tunnel. The tunnel formed when part of a red cliff fell down long ago. Now the Kali Gandaki River flows right through this rocky tunnel.

As your day of walking comes to an end, you'll leave the river valley behind. The final part is a steep climb up a rocky gulch that leads to Chele village. Your legs might be tired, but the sense of achievement feels amazing when you finally reach your destination for the night.

As you climb higher, you'll notice how different the landscape becomes. The green plants disappear and everything looks dry and rocky. This is the real Upper Mustang, a desert in the mountains. After breakfast in Chele, you'll hike up that makes your heart pump faster. You'll reach a pile of stones called a cairn.

From there, you'll walk down a long, gentle slope to Samar village. Look back and you can still see the huge Nilgiri Himal mountain filling up the southern sky. It looks like a giant white wall protecting the valleys below.

After crossing through Samar village, the trail goes up to a ridge above the houses. Then it drops down into a massive gorge that makes you feel very small. You'll walk across another valley, hop over a clear mountain stream, and climb up to a ridge at 3,800 meters high.

The adventure continues as you hike over a pass and cross another ridge. Coming down the other side, you'll arrive at Shyangmochen village. Finally, you'll make one more gentle climb over a pass at 3,770 meters. From there, it's downhill to Geling village, where you'll spend the night.

After eating a hearty breakfast, you'll start your walk toward Charang village. The trail slowly climbs up to Nyi La Pass, which sits 4,010 meters above sea level. When you reach the top, you'll see a huge cliff painted in natural colors of blue, red, and grey. It's one of the most beautiful sights you'll ever see on this trek.

After crossing a small bridge, you'll walk along Mustang's longest Mani wall. This special wall is made of thousands of stones carved with Buddhist prayers. Local people have been adding these prayer stones for hundreds of years. You'll feel the spiritual energy as you walk beside it.

The path then takes you over another pass at 3,600 meters before gently going downhill to Charang. Along the way, you'll spot old statues standing guard over the trail. Large wall paintings and colorful Buddha thangkas decorate some of the rocks and buildings. These beautiful artworks show how important Buddhism is to the people here.

As you walk, you'll notice the landscape opening up around you. The views get wider and you can see Mustang's dry valleys stretching into the distance. Far-off mountains create a dramatic backdrop. When you finally arrive in Charang, you'll feel proud of what you've accomplished and excited about what comes next.

One of the best parts of your Mustang trek is visiting Lo-Gekar Monastery. This incredible place is even older than Tibet's famous Samye Monastery. That makes it really special and worth the walk to get there. Inside the monastery, you'll see ancient paintings on the walls that are hundreds of years old. The peaceful feeling inside has stayed the same for centuries.

Getting to Lo-Gekar means climbing steadily uphill for a while. Your legs will feel the workout, but it's totally worth it. Once you reach the monastery and look around, the path becomes much easier. Most of the way back is downhill with just a few small climbs here and there. The trail is in good condition, so you don't have to worry about difficult walking.

As you get closer to your destination, something amazing happens. The wide Lo-Manthang plateau starts to appear in front of you. It looks like a flat desert surrounded by colorful hills and mountains. Many trekkers say this moment gives them chills because it's so beautiful. You're getting both an incredible cultural experience and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery you'll ever see. It's the perfect combination that makes Upper Mustang so special.

While exploring the village of Lo-Manthang, you can visit Namgyal Gompa, an old monastery from the 14th or 15th century. Nobody knows exactly when it was first built, but a famous monk named Ngorchen Kunga Zangpo fixed it up in the 1400s. 

The two-hour hike to reach this monastery is really worth it. You can actually see it sitting on top of a hill right from Lo-Manthang village. Your adventure continues to Tingkhar, the very last village in the Lo-Manthang area. This tiny place has only about 40 families living there. Walking through this small settlement feels like stepping back in time. You'll see how people live simply and happily in these remote mountains.

The villagers are very friendly and might invite you for tea. You can learn about their daily routines and old traditions that haven't changed for hundreds of years. Kids might follow you around with big smiles on their faces. 

After spending time in this peaceful place and meeting the local people, you'll walk back to your cozy lodge in Lo-Manthang. A warm dinner and comfortable bed will be waiting for you after this special day of discovery.

You'll leave Lo-Manthang behind and start your trek to Dhakmar. You'll get one final look at the ancient walled city before it disappears from view.

The path takes you along a ridge that sits 4,070 meters high. Soon, you'll reach Chogo La Pass at 4,280 meters. This is the highest point of your entire Upper Mustang adventure. Stand here for a moment and take it all in as the rugged landscapes of Mustang spread out.

From the pass, the trail drops steeply down to the Charang River. Your legs will feel the change as you descend. But don't get too comfortable - the path climbs again toward Lo Gekar at 3,950 meters.

Here's where you'll find something special. Ghar Gompa sits quietly at Lo Gekar, an 8th-century monastery that Guru Padmasambhava built with his own hands. Local people believe this sacred place can grant wishes to those who visit with pure hearts.

You'll cross another ridge before the path leads you down into a narrow valley. The cliffs here tell stories of wind and water carving rock over thousands of years. By late afternoon, Dhakmar comes into view. Tonight, you'll rest surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery Nepal has to offer.

After breakfast in Dhakmar, you'll pack up and head toward Shyangmochen. Today's walk is mostly downhill, which your legs will appreciate after yesterday's climbs.

The trail climbs over a ridge before dropping down to lower Ghami at 3,520 meters. This village has a special charm that makes you want to slow down. Ancient houses built from mud and stone line the narrow streets. Each stone carries prayers and hopes from people who passed this way before you.

From Ghami, the path keeps going downward to Jaite. The descent feels good on your knees, and the views open up as you walk. You'll pass through two small settlements next including Chhung-Kah and Tama Gaon.

These tiny villages give you real glimpses into mountain life. After 5 to 6 hours of walking, Shyangmochen appears ahead. This quiet village sits surrounded by rolling hills that change color as the sun moves across the sky. Tonight you can rest your tired feet and breathe in the calm mountain air. The silence here is something you don't find in the busy world back home.

After breakfast in Shyangmochen, you'll begin your trek toward Chhusang. You can see small chortens throughout the path. The walking today is steady but not too challenging. No steep climbs will leave you gasping for air. Instead, you can focus on the views and soak in the quiet beauty of Mustang's hidden corners.

If you want a little adventure, there's an alternative route through Samar. This detour adds about thirty minutes to your day, but it's worth every extra step. You'll get to explore Ranchung Cave, a sacred spot tied to old Buddhist legends.

The cave sits tucked into dramatic cliffs that rise like walls around you. Local people believe important lamas once meditated in these dark chambers. Even if you're not religious, the cave feels mysterious and special. The surrounding rocks create shapes that look almost magical in the changing light.

Whether you take the main trail or the detour, you'll end up in Chhusang by evening. This friendly village sits surrounded by red cliffs that glow like embers in the setting sun. Tonight you'll rest in one of Mustang's most beautiful settings, with those ancient red walls watching over you as you sleep.

You'll leave Chhusang in the morning and start walking along the valley floor. The trail begins gently, but soon you'll notice it climbing higher with each step. 

After some steady hiking, you'll reach a small pass that changes everything. This is the moment many trekkers wait for. Muktinath appears with its beautiful maroon-colored Buddhist buildings. This sacred place has drawn pilgrims for centuries. You're now looking at one of the most holy destinations in all the Himalayas. The excitement builds as you realize you're almost there.

From the pass, the trail drops down toward a suspension bridge that sways gently in the mountain breeze. As you walk from Tetang at 3,040 meters up toward Gyu La Pass at 4,077 meters, keep your eyes on the ground. You might spot Saligrams along the way. These special stones are sacred treasures that both Hindus and Buddhists prize highly.
The massive peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche Himal rise around you like white giants touching the sky. These mountains have watched over this valley for millions of years.

Each step brings you closer to Muktinath. You’ll reach one of Nepal's most sacred places, surrounded by some of the world's greatest mountains.

One of the highlights of trekking Upper Mustang is visiting the Shree Muktinath Temple. This sacred site is revered by both Hindu and Buddhist followers. The temple structure itself dates back to the 1900s, while the Vishnu idol inside is much older, from the 16th century.

You will visit Muktinath Temple early in the morning. From the temple, trekkers can enjoy a stunning view of Mt. Dhaulagiri, making the moment of reaching this iconic landmark even more special. 

You may also see pilgrims bathing at the 108 holy water spouts nearby. At the temple’s entrance, there is a small Buddhist monastery called Mebar Lha Gompa, famous for its eternal flame.

After your morning visit, you will descend from Muktinath towards Jomsom. The first stop is Jharkot village, where you can explore the Jharkot Monastery, an old fortress, and a Tibetan medical center offering Ayurvedic treatments. 

As you continue downhill, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Kali Gandaki Valley, with Kagbeni village appearing in the distance. Passing Ekle Bhatti, you will finally arrive at Jomsom, ready to celebrate the successful completion of your 17-day Upper Mustang trek!

You will catch an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, which takes around 25 minutes. Trekkers can enjoy beautiful views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks as the plane soars above the mountains.

After landing, you will have the rest of the day to explore Pokhara. The Lakeside area is perfect for a relaxing stroll along Phewa Lake, where you can enjoy the scenery, visit local shops, or stop by the bars and restaurants for a pleasant break.

Today, you will travel back to Kathmandu along the same scenic highway you took on your way to Upper Mustang. As you drive, you can look out at the green hills and mountains, recalling the amazing moments of your trek.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you will receive a trip completion certificate for your 17-day Upper Mustang Trek. The certificate will feature your name and the highest point you reached at 4,200 meters, celebrating your achievement with the Nepal Hiking Team.

Trekkers often say this is a perfect way to mark the end of an unforgettable adventure and capture the memories of Mustang’s unique landscapes and culture.

You will be taken to Tribhuvan International Airport, marking the end of your Upper Mustang trek. Our team will help with your bags and make sure you check in with plenty of time to spare. While waiting, you might watch other travelers and think about their own mountain adventures.

This time, you are returning home with more than just photos and prayer flags. Something special happened in those mountains and on the Upper Mustang trek 17-day. Perhaps it was the sunrise over peaks few people see, or sharing tea with families living far from the world.

You walked through restricted areas of the valley that most people never visit, making you part of a unique experience. If you are already dreaming of your next adventure, we understand, as the mountains always call you back. Whether it’s Nepal again, Bhutan, or Tibet, we will be ready when you are. For now, enjoy your flight and the warm shower waiting for you at home.