Nar Phu and Upper Mustang Trek

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our correspondent who will assist with your transfer to the hotel. Once checked in, we will arrange a pre-trip meeting where we will brief in short about the trek, answer any queries you have and meet your trekking guide as well. After the short brief, you can relax and spend rest of the day at your leisure. Stay overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

This day is a reserve day as we need to prepare the Special Restricted Area Trekking permit for trekking in Narphu Valley.  Meanwhile, this will be free day in Kathmandu for UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE sightseeing / mountain flight to see beautiful views of Everest range and so on..

• Patan Durbar Square: Home of several ancient places, temples, statues, religious objects, former royal palace (museum).
• Boudhanath: One of the largest stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Pashupatinath: A sacred Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River.

This day you will prepare to begin the journey from city of temples, Kathmandu to village of majestic Himalayas, Annapurna Region. Today’s whole journey will be drive from Kathmandu to Dharapani via Besisahar which takes about 9-10 hours (220 km). You will change the vehicle from Besisahar and drive in local private jeep for next 3-4 hours journey in mountain road till Dharapani.

You will enjoy the scenic and adventurous ride to Dharapani as the road lies along the bank of Marsyangdi River thorugh Syange and continues with a short and steep climb to one of the beautiful villages of Tal (an ancient glacier lake) before we reach Dharpani. From Besisahar you can see local village people, small villages, spectacular waterfalls on the way to Dharapani. Stay overnight at lodge in Dharapani.

After having breakfast in morning, prepare to start the first day of the trek from Dharapani to Koto which take about 6.5 hours. Today’s route will be same as Annapurna Circuit Trek route until you reach Koto. On the way will walk along the pine forest on straight ascending trial. After passing through many traditional villages like Bagarchhap, Danaque, Timang and Syarkyu to reach Koto. As you reach towards Timang village (end point of Namun Bhanjyang Trek) we start to see Annapurna II, Mount Manaslu and Peak 29. We can have lunch here in Timang. And after Timang walking another 2.5 hours we will reach Koto.

Koto is a small village inhabited by the Gurungs and here we can explore around the local monastery and enjoy the spectacular view of Mount Manaslu. Stay overnight at lodge in Koto.

After having breakfast in morning, prepare to begin the trek towards Nar Phu side, which takes about 6-7 hours of walking. Before beginning the trek, your guide will have to register your details showing restricted area permits and ACAP in Koto check post. Koto marks the beginning of the remote Nar Phu Valley trail as trekkers leave the main Annapurna Circuit behind.

 Begin the trek by following narrow Soti Khola gorge. On the way you will cross multiples of suspension bridge and wooden bridge above Phu Khola, pass through Chhongche caves, see waterfalls and get the chance to observe the local traditional settlement of people. As you gradually gain altitude, you'll pass through dense pine forests, waterfalls, and a few small rest points like Dharmasala. Lunch Camp in Dharmasala. 

After stop in Dharmasala and restign for a while, continue the journey to Meta which takes another 1.5 hours of straight uphill trial. On the you can see mesmerizing views of Annapurna II, Himlung Himal and Lamjung Himal.  Meta village is also known as the plateau of Tibet. Meta is the first major settlement in the Nar Phu valley and offers dramatic views of surrounding peaks. This place is influenced by Tibetan - Buddhist culture. Stay overnight at lodge in Meta.

After having breakfast in morning, begin the trek towards Kyang which takes about 5-6 hours of walking through a gently ascending and smooth hill trial. 

Today's trek to Kyang offers stunning high-altitude desert kind of views with eroded cliffs, narrow gorges, and wide riverbeds. You have to ascend through Phu Khola (river), pass through small seasonal shelters once used by herderes along the barren landscape. Along the way to Kyang we can see amazing views of mountains like: Pisang peak & Kangaru Himal and also you get toe explore ancient Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries. You will reach Kyang in Lunch camp.

Kyang is a broad, open area that was historically a significant Khampa settlement and now offers a quiet overnight resting spot with spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayas. Stay overnight at lodge in Kyang.

After having breakfast in morning, hike towards Phu gaun (village) which takes about 3-4 hours. 

The hike continues with ascending through the rugged terrain in dry desert kind of landscape with the breathtaking views of glacial streams, barren cliffs & distant snow peaks. On the way you will be mesmerized by the heavenly view of Pisang peak and Annapurna II. On the way to Phu gaun you can see Chhortens and many Walls, which are part of Tibetan culture. Also, you get the chance to spot one of the endangered blue sheep on the way to Phu. As we trek along the ascending trail in about 3-4 hours you will see beautifully craved wooden gate of Phu. 

As you each Phu village, you get to experience unique Tibetan culture and traditions. Phu Gaun is culturally rich beautiful settlement of the Tibetan people - Gurung and is one of the ancient villages of Nepal. Here you can explore the surroundings of the Tashi Lhakhang Monastery in Phu acknowledged by Dalai Lama. From Phu Gaun we can see the beautiful Himalayan range such as Kangroo, Himlung and others. Stay overnight at lodge in Phu.

After having breakfast in morning, get ready to trek towards Nar Phedi which takes about 6-7 hours of walk.

At the beginning of the trek, you will have to descend downhill and then cross Phu Khola (River) through its suspension bridge. Then after start to ascend towards Nar phedi and on the way we pass through the different villages like: Kyang and Upper Chyako. On the way to Nar Phedi you can enjoy the scenic view of Pisang peak and other peaks accompanied by the breathtaking landscape of Nar Phu valley.

As you reach Nar Phedi, experience Tibetan communities and Buddhist culture. In the evening, you can also participate in daily rituals performed by the monks which believes to create holy ambiance around the monastery. Stay overnight at lodge in Nar Phedi.

After having breakfast in morning, hike from Nar Phedi to Nar which takes about 3 hours along the uphill trials. Throughout the trek you will be amazed by the barren landscape of Nar Phu valley and yak pastures. Also, you will pass through the Chortens, mani walls, gompas and reach Nar in about 3 hours.

Nar is a beautiful ancient village where Nar means "blue sheep". The village of Nar is quite larger than the village of Phu. 

From Nar you can see fascinating views of Kangaru Himal and Pisang peaks. You can explore around four different monasteries (gompa) in the village of Nar. The four different important gompas (monastery) of Nar are: Guru Choling Gompa, Samten Pelgye Ling Gompa, Kunsei Dechen Gompa, and Samdru Choling Gompa. The Nar Phu trek is also very popular as the Hidden Valley Trek in Nepal, as the settlement at Nar-Phu was discovered in later days or eras.

Here you can also see Gurung settlement, coexisting with the Tibetan people whose culture and adaptation is greatly influenced by Tibetan culture. You can also see women engaged in weaving woolen fabric for rugs and blankets. Stay overnight at lodge in Nar.

On this day, you’ll take a break from long trekking to help your body adjust to the high altitude of Nar village, which sits at around 4,110 meters. Acclimatization is important to reduce the risk of altitude sickness and keep you healthy for the challenging days ahead, especially the crossing of Teri La Pass. You can spend the day resting, exploring the village, visiting local monasteries, or taking short, easy hikes around Nar to gently increase your altitude exposure. This day also gives you a chance to interact with the friendly Tibetan-influenced community and learn about their traditional lifestyle and culture.

This is an important step you take today as you leave the village of Nar and enter a more remote and untouched part of the trek. The trail leads you through beautiful alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and grazing yaks. Towering snow-capped peaks surround you, creating breathtaking views at every turn. The air becomes crisper and the landscape wilder as you progress deeper into the high Himalayas. This day offers a peaceful walking experience far from busy trails, allowing you to fully connect with the natural beauty around you.

Dharamshala (Lapse Kharka) is a peaceful high-altitude meadow located along the Nar Phu to Upper Mustang trekking route. Surrounded by rugged mountains and open grassy fields, Dharamshala offers a quiet place to relax, enjoy fresh mountain air, and take in stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. The area is used by local herders for grazing yaks and sheep during warmer months, adding to its authentic Himalayan atmosphere.

Since there are no lodges in this area, today you will start camping. Your experienced camping team will set up warm and comfortable tents and prepare nutritious meals to keep you energized for the days ahead. The trek today is moderately challenging with steady uphill stretches that help your body adjust to higher altitude. After a rewarding day on the trail, you’ll rest under clear, star-filled skies, surrounded by the silence and grandeur of the mountains. Overnight stay at camp.

Today, you continue your journey deeper into the high Himalayas as you trek from Dharamshala to Pokhari, a peaceful mountain meadow located at around 5150 meters. The trail takes you through rugged terrain with stunning views of snow-capped peaks and vast open landscapes. The air becomes thinner as you gain altitude, so it’s important to maintain a steady pace and stay well hydrated.

Pokhari is a quiet, grassy place high up in the mountains at about 5150 meters. It is a good spot to camp and rest before crossing the big Teri La Pass. Around Pokhari, you can enjoy beautiful views of the snowy peaks and fresh mountain air.

This day is moderately challenging due to the altitude and the uphill sections, but the beautiful scenery and quiet surroundings make it a memorable part of your trek. After arriving at camp, you can relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain environment under the wide Himalayan sky. Overnight at tented camp.

Today’s trek takes you from Pokhari to Teri Bhanjyang Phedi, a beautiful high-altitude campsite situated near the base of the Teri La Pass. The trail winds through open grasslands and rocky paths, with sweeping views of towering Himalayan peaks around you. As you gain elevation, the air becomes thinner, so it’s important to pace yourself and take breaks as needed.

Teri Bhanjyang Phedi is a high campsite near the base of the Teri La Pass. It’s a quiet and beautiful spot where trekkers rest before crossing the pass. Surrounded by rocky hills and mountain views, it offers a peaceful place to camp and prepare for the challenging climb ahead.

Since there are no lodges in this remote area, you will camp again tonight. Your camping team will prepare cozy tents and warm meals to keep you comfortable after a day of trekking. This stretch of the trek is moderately challenging but rewarding, as you get closer to crossing the high Teri La Pass the next day. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and rest well for the big climb ahead. Overnight at tented camp.

Today is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of your trek. You start early from Teri Bhanjyang Phedi and begin the ascent to Teri La Pass, the highest point on this Nar Phu & Upper Mustang Trek route having an maximum altitude of 5595 meters. The climb is steep and requires good fitness and careful pacing, but the spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks make every step worthwhile. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and the vast Tibetan plateau.

After spending some time at the pass, you begin the descent toward Yak Kharka, a peaceful camping spot located in a grassy alpine valley. Yak Kharka is named for the yaks that graze in the area and offers a quiet place to rest and recover after the demanding climb. Here, you will set up camp and enjoy a warm meal, surrounded by the pristine beauty of the high Himalayas. Overnight at tented camp.

Today you trek from Yak Kharka to Bhedi Kharka, continuing through beautiful alpine meadows and rugged mountain terrain. The trail is mostly gentle with some gradual uphill and downhill sections, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful surroundings and stunning views of snow-covered peaks. Both Yak Kharka and Bhedi Kharka are remote camping spots where yaks graze during warmer months, adding to the authentic Himalayan atmosphere. At Bhedi Kharka, your camping team will set up comfortable tents, and you can relax and enjoy the fresh mountain air after the day’s trek. This day provides a chance to rest and prepare as you move closer to lower elevations ahead. Overnight at tented Camp. 

Today you descend from Bhedi Kharka down to the village of Tange at 3500 meters. The trek is mostly downhill and offers beautiful views of forests, rocky slopes, and mountain landscapes. Tange is a traditional village where you will stay in a comfortable teahouse (trek lodge), giving you a chance to rest in a warm setting after several days of camping. This day’s walk is easier and helps your body adjust to the lower altitude while enjoying the local culture and peaceful surroundings. Overnight stay at lodge.

Today’s trek takes you from the village of Tange to Yara, a beautiful mountain village at 3650 meters. The trail gently climbs through forests and open landscapes, offering beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. Yara is known for its friendly local community and traditional Tibetan-influenced culture. Here, you’ll stay in a comfortable trek lodge where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere after the day’s walk. Overnight stay at lodge.

Today you walk from Yara to Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital of Upper Mustang, sitting at 3700 meters. The trail is mostly gentle and scenic, passing through beautiful landscapes with views of rugged mountains and traditional villages. Lo Manthang is rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture, with historic monasteries, ancient walls, and vibrant local life. You’ll stay in a comfortable trek lodge and have time to explore this unique and culturally important town. Stay overnight at lodge. 

Today is a full day to explore the wonders of Lo Manthang. Without the pressure of trekking, you can wander slowly through the ancient alleys and open yourself to the deep spiritual and historical beauty of the region.

You can visit:

• Jampa Gompa – The oldest monastery, famous for its huge Buddha statue and intricate mandala paintings.
• Thubchen Gompa – A large red monastic assembly hall with beautifully restored 15th-century frescoes.
• Chhoede Gompa – The main active monastery, home to many monks and daily rituals.
• Royal Palace – A five-story building where Mustang’s last king lived. You can sometimes meet members of the royal family if they're present.
• Chhoser Caves – A short trip from Lo Manthang (optional by horseback or jeep) to visit the remarkable Jhong Cave, a multi-story complex of rooms carved directly into a cliff — used as meditation cells, living spaces, and storage centuries ago.

Here each monastery holds deep history, art, and devotion that shaped Mustang’s identity. Walking through the narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and courtyards offers a true sense of stepping back in time.

Walking the perimeter of the old city wall and soaking in the views of the Tibetan plateau adds even more to the experience. It's a perfect day to slow down and absorb the soul of Mustang.

Today you leave the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang and walk down to the quiet village of Charang. The trail goes through beautiful open fields and past traditional Tibetan-style houses. The path is mostly downhill and easy, giving you time to enjoy the fresh mountain air and lovely views. Charang is a small village where you will stay in a comfortable lodge. Here, you can relax, meet friendly locals, and learn more about the Mustang culture. This day is a peaceful break after exploring Lo Manthang. Stay overnight at lodge.

Today you walk from Gilling to Chele, passing through scenic valleys and small villages along the way. The trail is gentle with some ups and downs, offering lovely views of the surrounding mountains and farmland. Chele is a quiet village where you’ll stay in a comfortable lodge. This day allows you to relax and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere as you continue your trek through Upper Mustang. Stay overnight at lodge.

After breakfast, you will start walking from Chele to Kagbeni which takes about 4 to 5 hours of walking. The trail goes through dry hills with cliffs and small caves. You will see small villages like Tangbe with narrow streets, white houses, apple trees, and fields of barley and buckwheat. Tangbe shows the traditional Mustang way of life. Next, you will pass Chhusang village, where the river cuts through big red cliffs. After crossing a small bridge, you climb a little to reach Kagbeni. Kagbeni is the main village before Upper Mustang and has a strong Tibetan culture. Stay overnight at lodge.

After days of trekking through the magical landscapes of Upper Mustang, today you begin your return journey to Jomsom which takes about 7-9 hours.

You leave Lo Manthang by jeep, traveling along the rugged, dusty roads that cut through dramatic cliffs, deep canyons, and windswept valleys. The drive retraces much of the route you trekked earlier — passing through villages like Charang, Ghami, Samar, and Kagbeni — giving a final glimpse of the beautiful Mustang landscapes and Tibetan-influenced culture. By late afternoon, you reach Jomsom, a bustling town known for its strong winds, apple orchards, and as the gateway to the Mustang region. Stay overnight at lodge.

This day we will have breakfast in early morning and then prepare to fly Pokhara. There is only early morning flight, i.e 6 – 9 am in the morning from Jomsom to Pokhara. We will take 25 minutes flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will take direct flight to Kathmandu of another 25 minute. After arrival in Kathmandu, drive back to hotel and you rest in the hotel. Stay overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.

Note:

During rainy season and in case of bad weather we have other options to drive from Jomsom to Pokhara which takes about 6 hours. On the way to Pokhara via private jeep we can explore beautiful destinations of Lower Mustang like: Marpha (monastery, apple farm, white houses), Lete (beautiful mountain views), Tatopani (hot spring), Beni, Kusma and then reach Pokhara. On the way to Pokhara we will also pass through the biggest Kaligandaki Gorge.

Today is free day for shopping / sightseeing, etc, in Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel.

Enjoy your last day in Kathmandu before departure. At your scheduled departure time, our correspondent will pick you up from the hotel, transfer you to the airport, and bid you farewell with warm hearts.