Adventure Friendship
Upper Mustang Trek
Trip Overview
Trip Highlight
- Explore the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang, the capital of the former Kingdom of Lo.
- Visit centuries-old Buddhist monasteries like Jampa Gompa, Thubchen, and Chodey.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri ranges.
- Walk through colorful desert canyons, eroded cliffs, and timeless villages.
- Witness the Tiji Festival (if your trek aligns with festival dates).
- Experience authentic Tibetan-influenced culture and hospitality.
- Trek through the rain-shadow region, suitable even during monsoon.
- Scenic mountain flights between Pokhara and Jomsom.
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to a tourist bus heading to Pokhara. The drive passes through lush hills, river valleys, and small towns. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel near the serene Phewa Lake. In the evening, stroll around Lakeside and enjoy Pokhara’s relaxing atmosphere.
- Drive: 6–7 hours
- Altitude: 1,400 m
- Highlights: Riverside views, Annapurna range, local life
- Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
- Day 2 : Fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni
Take an early morning flight to Jomsom (2,700m), offering stunning views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. After breakfast in Jomsom, begin your trek along the Kali Gandaki River. Pass Ekle Bhatti and reach Kagbeni, a beautiful village marking the gateway to Upper Mustang.
- Flight: 20 minutes
- Trek: 3–4 hours
- Altitude: 2,810m
- Highlights: Kali Gandaki gorge, Tibetan-style houses, Buddhist monastery
- Overnight: Lodge in Kagbeni
- Day 3 : Trek from Kagbeni to Chele
After breakfast, check your restricted area permits and officially enter Upper Mustang. Walk along the riverbank and pass traditional villages like Tangbe and Chhusang before crossing the Kali Gandaki River. A short climb takes you to Chele, a charming village with apple orchards and stone-built houses.
- Trek: 5–6 hours
- Altitude: 3,050m
- Highlights: Arid landscapes, whitewashed villages, Mount Nilgiri views
- Overnight: Guesthouse in Chele
- Day 4 : Chele to Syanbochen
Climb up to Taklam La Pass (3,625m) and descend to Samar village, a popular stop for mule caravans. Continue through juniper forests and colorful chortens to reach Syanbochen, a peaceful village surrounded by hills.
- Trek: 6–7 hours
- Altitude: 3,475m
- Highlights: Mountain vistas, chortens, pine and juniper woods
- Overnight: Lodge in Syanbochen
- Day 5 : Syanbochen to Ghaymi
Ascend to Yamda La Pass (3,845m) and Nyi La Pass (4,015m) before descending into the village of Ghaymi, surrounded by fields and ancient walls. Ghaymi is one of the largest villages in Upper Mustang.
- Trek: 6–7 hours
- Altitude: 3,520m
- Highlights: Mani walls, barley fields, Tibetan-influenced houses
- Overnight: Lodge in Ghaymi
- Day 6 : Ghaymi to Charang
Cross the Ghaymi Khola River and walk along a long Mani wall, beautifully decorated with Buddhist mantras. Reach Charang, known for its large red Gompa and whitewashed Dzong (fortress).
- Trek: 5–6 hours
- Altitude: 3,620m
- Highlights: Charang monastery, old fortress, traditional Mustang homes
- Overnight: Lodge in Charang
- Day 7 : Charang to Lo-Manthang
Trek through the Charang Chu Canyon and climb gently to the windy Lo Pass (3,950m). From here, you’ll get your first view of the walled city of Lo-Manthang, the ancient capital of Mustang.
- Trek: 3–4 hours
- Altitude: 3,730m
- Highlights: Himalayan views, Lo-Manthang cityscape, desert valleys
- Overnight: Lodge in Lo-Manthang
- Day 8 : Explore Lo-Manthang
Spend the day exploring the treasures of Lo-Manthang. Visit the Royal Palace, Jampa Lhakhang, Thubchen, Chodey, and Choprang Gompas. Wander through narrow alleys, interact with locals, and enjoy the ancient murals and art that make this city a living museum.
- Altitude: 3,730m
- Highlights: Monasteries, royal palace, Tibetan art, local culture
- Overnight: Lodge in Lo-Manthang
- Day 9 : Lo-Manthang to Drakmar
Leave Lo-Manthang via the upper trail, crossing the Dhi Pass (4,100m). Stop by Ghar Gompa, one of Mustang’s oldest monasteries, believed to grant wishes. Descend through red cliffs to reach Drakmar.
- Trek: 6–7 hours
- Altitude: 3,810m
- Highlights: Ghar Gompa, colorful cliffs, remote villages
- Overnight: Guesthouse in Drakmar
- Day 10 : Drakmar to Ghiling
Descend early to avoid afternoon winds. Walk through arid fields to Ghiling, a quiet village offering impressive views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri.
- Trek: 5–6 hours
- Altitude: 3,806m
- Highlights: Mountain views, village walk
- Overnight: Lodge in Ghiling
- Day 11 : Ghiling to Chhuksang
Follow the ancient trail passing Chungsi Cave Monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava meditated. Cross deep valleys and reach Chhuksang, where the Upper Mustang route reconnects with Lower Mustang.
- Trek: 5–6 hours
- Altitude: 3,050m
- Highlights: Cave monastery, scenic canyons
- Overnight: Lodge in Chhuksang
- Day 12 : Chhuksang to Jomsom
Trek back along the Kali Gandaki River, visiting Jharkot and Khingar villages. Arrive in Jomsom, where your trek concludes.
- Trek: 6–7 hours
- Altitude: 2,700m
- Highlights: Jomsom Bazaar, monasteries, valley scenery
- Overnight: Lodge in Jomsom
- Day 13 : Fly back to Pokhara
Take a scenic morning flight to Pokhara, passing between the massive Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or sightseeing around Pokhara.
- Flight: 20 minutes
- Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
- Day 14 : Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu, where you’ll be treated to a farewell Nepali dinner hosted by the team.
- Drive: 6–7 hours
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Trip Cost Inclusion
- International and Domestic Airport pickup and drop-off.
- 3-star accommodations in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
- Accommodation in local tea houses/lodges during the trek (twin-sharing basis).
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area permit and TIMS card.
- Kathmandu ⇄ Pokhara by tourist bus or private jeep (as per itinerary).
- Scenic flight Pokhara → Jomsom and Return back.
- Breakast in Kathmandu, Pokhara and all meals during the trekking.
- Experienced, English-speaking government-licensed trekking guide .
- 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (15kg luggage allowance per trekker).
- Comprehensive first-aid kit.
- All government taxes and service charges.
Trip Cost Exclusion
- International flight tickets
- Nepal visa fees
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, hot showers, Wi-Fi, etc.)
- Travel insurance (must cover emergency evacuation up to USD 100,000)
- Tips and gratuities for guide, porter, and driver
- Costs due to unforeseen circumstances (weather, flight delays, natural disasters, etc.)
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