Upper Mustang Trek – 15 Days

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu. Leaving the capital’s hustle behind, the road winds through hills and alongside the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. You’ll pass terraced farms, small roadside towns, and lush green landscapes, eventually arriving in the tranquil city of Pokhara. Upon arrival, you can settle in and enjoy the iconic view of the Annapurna mountain range reflected in Phewa Lake.

An exhilarating morning flight takes you through the world’s deepest gorge, with the massive peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri on either side. Landing in the windy, high-desert town of Jomsom is a dramatic shift in environment. From here, your trek begins on the wide, stony bed of the Kali Gandaki River. The relatively gentle walk brings you to Kagbeni, an ancient village of narrow alleys and mud-brick houses that serves as the official entry point to Upper Mustang.

After your permits are checked, you officially enter the restricted territory. The trail climbs above the river, offering spectacular views as you trek through a stark and beautiful landscape. You’ll pass the whitewashed village of Tangbe before being introduced to the region’s signature geological features: immense cliffs of sandstone eroded by the wind into fantastic, fluted formations. The day ends with a short, steep climb to the village of Chele.

This is a challenging day of ascents and descents over high passes. You’ll conquer the Taklam La Pass (3,625 m), from which the views of the peaks and valleys are simply breathtaking. The trail takes you through the charming, green village of Samar, a welcome oasis, before continuing over further ridges and canyons to reach the small settlement of Syangboche.

The trek continues deeper into Mustang’s otherworldly landscape. You will cross two more passes, the Yamda La and the Nyi La (4,010 m), the highest point on this stage of the trek. From the Nyi La, you begin a long descent into the Ghami valley. Ghami is one of the region’s largest villages, notable for its vast fields, a long and beautifully carved Mani wall, and a backdrop of dramatic, rust-colored cliffs.

Today’s walk takes you through the heart of Mustang’s arid, high-altitude desert. The barren terrain and vast, empty spaces give a profound sense of remoteness. Your destination is Tsarang, a historically significant village. It is dominated by a huge, five-story medieval fortress and an old, red monastery, both perched on a cliff edge, hinting at the village’s former importance.

The final approach to the ancient capital is filled with anticipation. The trail leads you to the Lo La Pass (3,850 m), a windy saddle that offers the first, awe-inspiring view of the walled city of Lo Manthang below. This iconic sight is a major highlight of the entire journey. A steady descent brings you to the gates of this legendary, isolated kingdom where you will spend the next two nights.

Immerse yourself in the unique culture and history of Lo Manthang. You can spend the day exploring the narrow streets, observing the local life, and visiting the city’s four major monasteries (gompas), including the 15th-century Jampa Lhakhang. You can also view the King’s Palace from the outside and perhaps arrange a side trip to the fascinating Chhoser caves, ancient cliff dwellings located just outside the city.

You begin the return journey on an alternate path that is rich in both scenery and culture. The highlight is a visit to Ghar Gompa, a revered monastery that dates back to the 8th century, making it one of the oldest in Nepal. The route also takes you through Drakmar, an area renowned for its spectacularly dramatic and intensely red cliffs.

This is a longer day of trekking as you retrace your steps through the vast landscapes of Mustang. While the path is familiar, the reverse perspective offers entirely new views of the valleys and distant mountains. It’s a day to appreciate the scale and solitude of the region as you make steady progress back towards Samar.

Continuing your descent, the trail leads you back towards the Kali Gandaki valley. You will pass Chele and descend steeply to the riverbed. The day’s trek finishes in Chhusang, a village nestled beneath towering cliffs that are dotted with ancient, inaccessible cave dwellings.

Today involves a strenuous climb as you diverge from the Upper Mustang trail and head to the famous pilgrimage site of Muktinath. The ascent is rewarded with excellent views. Muktinath is a spiritually significant place for both Hindus and Buddhists, featuring a temple with 108 sacred water spouts and an eternal flame fueled by natural gas.

On your final trekking day, you’ll make a long descent from Muktinath. The path takes you through the interesting village of Jharkot before rejoining the main trail leading down to the Kali Gandaki. The last stretch into the windy town of Jomsom marks the successful completion of your high-altitude adventure.

An early morning flight ensures you avoid the strong afternoon winds of the gorge. Enjoy the spectacular mountain views one last time as you fly back to the lush, green valley of Pokhara. The afternoon is free for you to relax, explore the lakeside area, and celebrate your accomplishment.

The final leg of your journey is the drive back to Kathmandu. It’s a day for reflection on the incredible landscapes and unique culture you experienced in the remote Kingdom of Mustang, arriving back in the capital by late afternoon.