Upper Mustang Trek

This day you need original passport and VISA number to make Special Restricted Area Permit. This day you will also prepare for the trekking and after that you will visit different famous places listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath today. Stay overnight at hotel.

• Kathmandu Durbar Square: A historic royal palace complex showcasing traditional Newari architecture, ancient temples, and vibrant cultural heritage in the heart of Kathmandu.
• Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple): A sacred hilltop stupa offering panoramic views of Kathmandu and revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.
• Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest spherical stupas in the world, Boudhanath is a spiritual hub for Tibetan Buddhism and a serene place for circumambulation and prayer.
• Pashupatinath Temple: Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River, known for open cremation ghats and spiritual rituals.

Today you will prepare to begin your journey to Pokhara, beautiful city of lakes. In the morning, you will have breakfast at the hotel and then get ready to depart from Kathmandu. You will travel to Pokhara via tourist vehicle which takes about 8-9 hours (200 km). You can explore around lakeside of Pokhara city in the evening. Stay overnight at the hotel.

This day after having breakfast in the early morning, prepare to depart towards Jomsom - the gateway to Mustang region. Drive from Pokhara hotel to airport of Pokhara, 25 minute scenic flight to Jomsom. 

Jomsom is the headquarter of Mustang district. Upon landing in Jomsom prepare to trek towards Kagbeni which takes about 3 hours of walking. 

Kagbeni is one of the famous destinations amongst Hindu pilgrims. Between Jomsom and Kagbeni we will reach the famous black stones that contain the famous Kali Gandaki fossils dating back 40 million years. In the evening, we can explore around Kagbeni and visit Kagchode Thubten Sampheling Gompa which lies there since 1429 and enjoy beautiful landscapes of Kagbeni village.

Note: Incase of travellers wanting to avoid flight, it is possible to drive from Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni which takes about 6-7 hours of driving. 

This day after having breakfast you will trek towards Chele which takes about 5-6 hours.
Before beginning the trek, you will check in with Restricted Area Permit at Kagbeni, thenafter you gradually ascend and descends through arid landscapes, sculpted cliffs, and small caves in the hillsides.

You pass through small villages like Tangbe, with its narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, apple orchards, and fields of barley and buckwheat. Tangbe offers a first glimpse of the traditional Mustang culture and architecture. Again from Tangbe, you continue toward Chhusang village, where the river sometimes carves tunnels through huge red cliffs. After crossing a small bridge, you climb up toward the village of Chele. Here you can view shift from the influences of Manang and Lower Mustang to the distinctly Tibetan culture of Upper Mustang.

Today you have breakfast in the morning and then trek towards Samar which takes about 4-5 hours.

As you trek towards Samar, you ascend steeply up a rocky gully to the village of Ghyakar from where you can see stunning views of the surrounding canyons and rugged cliffs. On the way you will cross passes like Taklam La (3624 m) and Dajori La (3735 m). The landscape is dry and dramatic, with strong winds and wide, open skies. Along the way, you get beautiful views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, and Damodar Danda. After crossing the passes, a gradual descent brings us to Samar — a charming village surrounded by poplar trees and barley fields.

Today after having breakfast, you will trek towards Syangbochen which takes about 5-6 hours.

Today’s journey is both scenic and spiritual. From Samar, you begin with a gentle climb and then descend into a deep gorge. After crossing a stream, the trail climbs again toward Chungsi Cave - a sacred meditation site believed to have been used by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) during his travels through Mustang. The cave, tucked into a cliffside, feels mystical and powerful, offering a perfect spot for a short rest and quiet reflection.

After visiting Chungsi Cave, the trail continues with a steady ascent to Bhena and then crosses the Yamda La pass (3850 m), offering wide views of the desert-like landscapes. You pass through small settlements with typical Mustang architecture and chortens (stupas) dotting the way. Finally, a gentle descent leads us to the small, welcoming village of Syanbochen, surrounded by barren hills and traditional stone houses.

Today after having breakfast, you will trek towards Ghami village which takes about 5-6 hours.

You start the day with a gradual ascent toward the Syangboche La pass (3850 m), with beautiful views opening up along the way.

You pass by the picturesque village of Geling, where whitewashed houses and fields of barley stretch across the valley. After a short rest, the trail climbs again to the Nyi La pass (4010 m) — one of the highest points of the trek — offering breathtaking panoramic views of Mustang’s rugged terrain.

A steep descent from Nyi La brings us down to the village of Ghami, one of the largest and most interesting settlements in Upper Mustang. Ghami village is surrounded by a patchwork of fields and is known for its old monasteries, traditional houses, and the start of the longest mani wall (prayer wall) in Mustang.

This day after having breakfast, you trek towards Charang which takes about 5–6 hours.

Today’s trek is rich in cultural exploration. As you trek forwards, you cross a small river and walk alongside the longest mani wall in Mustang, beautifully decorated with prayer stones. The trail then climbs to a plateau and heads toward Gekar Gompa — one of the oldest and most sacred monasteries in the region, even older than the famous Lo Gekar Monastery. It's a peaceful and spiritual place, often quiet and less visited.

After visiting the gompa, the trail continues through beautiful barren landscapes and occasional patches of green fields. You cross another pass before descending gently into Charang (Tsarang), a large and fascinating village perched on the edge of a wide canyon. Charang is filled with history — the imposing five-story Tsarang Palace (once home to Mustang’s royal family), an ancient monastery with huge prayer wheels, and a rare library filled with old Buddhist scriptures and paintings.

This day after having breakfast you will trek towards your final destination, Lo Manthang known as the walled city of Lo Manthang, the heart of Upper Mustang.

Leaving Charang, you descend into a canyon, cross a river, and then climb steadily up to the Lo La pass (3,950 m). From the top, the first view of the magical Lo Manthang appears — a cluster of white-washed houses enclosed within ancient walls, set against the backdrop of the vast Tibetan plateau. From Lo La, a gentle descent brings us into the city gates. After settling into the lodge, the rest of the day is free to explore Lo Manthang’s rich culture and history.

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:

1. Jampa Gompa – The oldest monastery, famous for its huge Buddha statue and intricate mandala paintings.
2. Thubchen Gompa – A large red monastic assembly hall with beautifully restored 15th-century frescoes.
3. Chhoede Gompa – The main active monastery, home to many monks and daily rituals.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Trek from Lo-Manthang to Ghami (3490 m.) takes about 6 hours of walking.
You continue your journey on the highland route, crossing alpine meadows before dropping down a steep eroded alley to Dhakmar for lunch. After lunch, you walk through the pretty valley, climb to a ridge and descend from there back to Ghami. Stay overnight in camp.

Trek from Ghami to Samar takes about 6 hours of walking.

Leaving Ghami you begin to follow a narrow winding path until you reach Geling, crossing a small stream. Samar is a small village with terraces, Tibetan style houses, mani walls, a monastery, prayer flags and people following Tibetan life styles and traditions. Stay overnight in camp.

Today’s trek is a full-day adventure crossing the high Gyu La Pass at 4,077 meters. Starting from Samar, you begin with a steady ascent up to the pass, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Mustang landscape and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.

After crossing the pass, the trail descends toward Muktinath, passing through rugged terrain and offering beautiful vistas along the way. As you approach the Kali Gandaki River, you cross a suspension bridge near Chuksang village, a charming stop surrounded by natural vegetation and flourishing apple orchards.

The trail then follows the riverbank, leading you gently down to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath at 3,710 meters. This temple is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists and provides a peaceful and spiritual end to your trekking day. You will stay at lodge overnight at Muktinath.

Samar to Gyu La Pass (4,077 m): 3.5 to 4.5 hours (steady uphill climb)
Gyu La Pass to Muktinath (3,710 m): 2 to 3 hours (downhill trek)

This day, you begin your descent from the sacred town of Muktinath (3,710 m) to the village of Kagbeni (2,800 m). The trek follows a gentle downhill path along the Kali Gandaki River, passing through traditional villages and scenic landscapes. Crossing suspension bridges and walking beside apple orchards, the route offers peaceful views and cultural encounters.

From Kagbeni, you continue trekking or take a jeep ride to Jomsom (2,700 m), the main hub of the region. Jomsom is well connected by air, providing easy access to your next destination. Overnight stay at Jomsom.

Muktinath to Kagbeni: about 2 to 2.5 hours (around 10 km, mostly downhill)
Kagbeni to Jomsom: about 2 to 3 hours (around 12 km, mostly flat/downhill)

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.

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: Marpa (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. After arrival in Pokhara we can rest in the hotel. Stay overnight at the Hotel / Resort in Pokhara.

This day after having breakfast at the hotel, you will prepare to return back to Kathmandu by tourist bus which takes about 8-9 hours. Stay overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Note: There are three options (flight / private vehicle / tourist bus) to return back to Kathmandu. You can choose the favorable option and return back to Kathmandu. It takes 25 minutes by flight, 7-8 hours by private vehicle and 8- 9 hours by tourist bus to reach Kathmandu from Pokhara.

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.