Upper Mustang Trek

When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, a friendly representative from Mountain Trail Nepal will be there to greet you. They’ll take you to your hotel where you’ll meet your trek guide. Later, if you want, you can go explore the area around your hotel or shop for things you might need for the trek.

On the second day of your trip to Nepal, you’ll explore the Kathmandu Valley, which is home to many cultural treasures. Some of these sites are so important that they’ve been recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites. Today, you’ll visit Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath. These places will give you a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the city, and you’ll be amazed by their beauty and significance. After a day of exploration, you’ll return to your hotel in Kathmandu for the night.

Today, we embark on a scenic journey from Kathmandu to the beautiful city of Pokhara, located about 200 kilometers to the west. Pokhara is a popular destination for tourists, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and serving as a gateway to the nearby Annapurna Conservation Area. The drive takes approximately 7 hours, during which we’ll pass through lush forests, rolling hills, deep gorges, and alongside the Trishuli and Kali Gandaki rivers. Once we arrive in Pokhara, we’ll check into our hotel and unwind after the journey.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we’ll embark on an exciting trans-Himalayan flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. This quick journey transports us to the other side of the colossal Annapurna massif. During the flight, you’ll have the opportunity to admire breathtaking views of the Kali Gandaki gorge, the Annapurna range, and the majestic Machhapuchhre peak. Upon landing in Jomsom, we’ll take a short break to rest before beginning our trek. Our path leads us northward along the Kali Gandaki river towards the picturesque village of Kagbeni. Here, we’ll settle in for the night and enjoy the tranquility of our surroundings.

At Kagbeni, we’ll undergo permit checks by the local authorities before continuing our journey through the scenic Kali Gandaki valley. As we trek onward, we’ll eventually arrive at Tangbe Village, characterized by its charming narrow alleyways, whitewashed houses, and fields of barley, buckwheat, and lush apple orchards. After traversing a bit further, we’ll cross a bridge that guides us to Chele village, where we’ll spend the night surrounded by the serene beauty of the Himalayan landscape.

The path ahead presents several detours within the picturesque Kali Gandaki valley. Along the way, you’ll come across expansive rock canyons displaying a spectrum of colors. Keep an eye out for the ancient ‘sky caves,’ some dating back over 3000 years. These caves served as burial sites for nomads and offered shelter during times of conflict and disease outbreaks. As you trek, soak in the breathtaking views of peaks like Nilgiri (7061m), Annapurna, and Tilicho. Rest for the night at Syanbochen, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the Himalayas.

From Syanbochen, continue your journey northward towards the village of Ghami. Along the way, you’ll encounter large ancient Mani walls adorned with religious inscriptions and Buddhist scriptures. Keep an eye out for Buddhist Chortens dotting the trail as you make your way to the charming village of Tsarang. Upon reaching Tsarang, take some time to explore the ancient monastery and the renowned white palace. Rest for the night in Tsarang, surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of the region.

A few hours of hiking north of Tsarang brings you to the famous ‘walled city’ of Lo Manthang. This city, once the capital of Mustang, is surrounded by a protective wall that shields it from the strong winds common in the region. Inside the city, you’ll discover three well-known Buddhist monasteries: Jampa Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, and Chodey Gompa. There are many attractions to explore within the city, including the 14th-century royal palace of the former King of Mustang. Additionally, Lo Manthang hosts the annual Tiji festival, a vibrant event that draws both tourists and locals alike.

Today, you’ll venture outside the walled city of Lo Manthang to explore the Niphu and Garphu monasteries of Mustang, along with the northern sparse villages. These monasteries are unique as they are built into the cliffs of overhanging rocks. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to witness the Sky Cave, which is over 2500 years old and contains more than 44 compartments, including a Mandala Cave. After a day of exploration, you’ll return to Lo Manthang for an overnight stay.

You’ll start your journey back to Jomsom today, retracing your steps along the familiar path. However, instead of following the same route, you’ll take a detour to visit the village of Dhakmar via the Ghar Gumba monastery. Ghar Gumba, also known as Lo Gekar monastery, is the oldest monastery in the Mustang region, dating back to the 7th century. It was built by the revered Saint Padmasambhava before he journeyed to Tibet. After exploring Ghar Gumba, you’ll continue on to Dhakmar for an overnight stay.

You’ll begin your descent from Dhakmar today. The initial part of the trail is relatively easy, and you’ll be treated to stunning views of the distant snow-capped peaks. As you continue, the trail gradually becomes steeper, leading you down into a gorge with remarkable erosion. Eventually, you’ll reach the village of Ghiling, known for its traditional mud houses and roofs crafted from twigs and straw. You’ll spend the night here in Ghiling.

The journey from Ghiling to Samar involves a relatively straightforward descent. You’ll begin with a short climb towards Chungsi Cave, which houses impressive stalagmites resembling Chortens. From there, the trail leads downhill through Syanbochen village, passing by a stream, juniper trees, and imposing gorges along the way. Eventually, you’ll arrive at Samar village, where you’ll spend the night.

Today, you’ll backtrack along the trail from Samar to Kagbeni village. This journey may take a while as you navigate through the deep valley alongside the Kali Gandaki River. Along the way, you’ll encounter various rock formations and canyons. Despite the length of the trail, the trek is relatively straightforward and not too challenging. You’ll spend the night in Kagbeni village.

Today, you’ll head back to Jomsom from Kagbeni. The trail follows the Gandaki valley, offering views of Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri mountains. It’s a relatively short trek, covering about 10 kilometers. Once you reach Jomsom, you can explore the town, known for its windy weather, and enjoy a local apple alcoholic beverage called ‘Marpha’. This marks the end of the trek. You’ll spend the night in Jomsom.

Early in the morning, you’ll catch a flight to Pokhara. Once you arrive, there are plenty of exciting activities to choose from. You can go cycling, enjoy a boat ride on Phewa Lake, or explore famous tourist spots like Davis Fall, Mahendra Cave, and Peace Pagoda. Pokhara also has a variety of restaurants and pubs where you can celebrate the success of your trek. You’ll spend the night at a hotel in Pokhara.

Today, you’ll say goodbye to Pokhara and embark on a scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The journey takes about 6 hours, winding along the Trishuli River. Upon reaching Kathmandu, our representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. In the evening, we’ll treat you to a special farewell dinner at one of Kathmandu’s finest restaurants. You’ll spend the night at the hotel in Kathmandu.