Upper Mustang Trek

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in a private tourist vehicle. Once you're settled at the hotel, we will schedule a trip briefing at the hotel lobby or restaurant.

Your Upper Mustang trekking adventure begins with an early morning tourist bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a journey of about 6 to 7 hours. Along the way, you'll pass scenic landscapes, including the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, lush hills, rocky terrains, and small streams.

Pokhara Valley, known for its tranquil lakes—such as Fewa, Begnas, Rupa, Dipang, Maidi, Khaste, Gunde, and Nyureni—offers stunning views of the Annapurna, Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal ranges. After checking into your hotel, you can enjoy a relaxed lakeside stroll, rent a boat on Fewa Lake, visit local bars, or simply unwind before dinner.

The flight from Pokhara to Jomsom takes about 25 minutes, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. Departing from the scenic Pokhara valley, the plane lands at Jomsom Airport, surrounded by barren hills and snow-capped peaks. As many travelers visit Muktinath from Jomsom, the Upper Mustang Trek allows you to witness the spiritual journey of those seeking enlightenment. A scenic walk from Jomsom leads to Kagbeni, a former trading hub with a Buddhist monastery, situated in the dry Kali Gandaki River valley, just south of the Upper Mustang’s restricted area.

To avoid the strong Mustang wind, you'll start your walk early. At the Kagbeni checkpoint, you must submit your Upper Mustang trekking permit before continuing to Chuksang along the Kali Gandaki River's eastern bank. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Nilgiri, glowing orange in the morning light. The area near the river can be windy and dusty, so bring sunglasses and possibly a face mask.

Next, you'll pass through the striking red sandstone pillars and rock formations of Mustang, shaped by centuries of erosion, before reaching Tangbe Village. This charming village, with its red-and-white homes, apple orchards, and barley fields, offers a peaceful stop. From there, a narrow canyon leads to Chele, a small village perched on a ridge.

Today, the difficulty of the Upper Mustang Trek increases slightly as you gain around 800 meters in elevation. You'll ascend a steep spur and canyon from Chele to Eklo Bhatti, then reach the high pass of Taklam La (3625 m). Along the way, enjoy views of Tilicho Peak, Damodar Danda, and Yaskawa Kang. To reach Samar, you'll cross Taklam La Pass, where you'll also be treated to a stunning view of Mount Nilgiri. Horse and mule caravans often stop here to rest. After passing the brightly decorated Rangchyung Chorten, you'll descend into a large gorge and continue to Syangboche. After about three hours, the path, lined with juniper trees, leads to the famous Ramchung Cave.

From Syangboche, you’ll begin your Upper Mustang Trek through the region's stunning landscape. The day starts with a climb to Yamada La Pass (3845m), crossing a desert environment and passing a few small towns. Enjoy views of the Kali Gandaki canyon and surrounding mountains during the ascent. As you continue, you'll pass through Tamagaon and Chhunggar before reaching Jhaite, traveling through traditional villages. The path, lined with poplar trees and barley fields, leads to Nyi Pass (4010m), where the ascent becomes challenging. Afterward, you'll descend along a peaceful route to Ghami.

After a hearty breakfast, you'll begin your trek through the driest area of Mustang. Your journey starts with an ascent toward Charang, crossing the Ghami Khola and climbing to a plateau with a long Mani wall, the highlight of the trip at 250 meters. After passing through diverse landscapes and crossing a beautiful river, you'll reach the stunning Tsarang La Pass (3870m).

From the pass, you'll head toward Charang. This picturesque alpine village offers panoramic views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains, sparsely populated areas, and snow-capped peaks. To the east, you'll find a large medieval fort and a crimson Gompa, which houses a remarkable collection of sculptures.

Today, you'll reach Lo-Manthang, the final destination of your trek. The journey continues through stunning landscapes. From Charang, you'll descend into the Charang Chu Canyon before beginning a gradual ascent along a wide trail. Along the way, you'll enjoy incredible views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and other major Himalayan peaks. As you approach Lo-Manthang, you'll pass the beautiful Sungda Chorten and the Lo Pass (3850m), offering breathtaking views of Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Bhrikuti, and Tilicho peaks. Lo-Manthang, once the capital of the Kingdom of Lo, is a walled settlement home to several Lo communities. The kingdom remained independent until 2008, when Nepal became a federal republic.

Today is an acclimatization and exploration day in Lo-Manthang, according to your Upper Mustang Trek itinerary. Lo-Manthang is about 50 kilometers from the Tibetan border and was once a key trade hub for garments and salt between Nepal and Tibet. A distinctive feature of this village is its 6-meter-high wall, and you'll notice impressive towers throughout the area.

You can visit several cultural and religious landmarks, including the Thubchen Monastery, the museum, Jampa Monastery, and sites with Thangka paintings. The Lo-Manthang region was opened to tourists in 1992, but only 1,000 visitors are allowed each year. Access is limited to travelers with authorized trekking agencies. After exploring, you’ll return to your accommodation to rest.

Today, you’ll leave Lo-Manthang, passing through Lo La on your way to Dhi. This marks the start of an incredible section of the Upper Mustang Trek with Muktinath, offering stunning panoramic views. After hiking along a ridge and descending steeply through crumbling cliffs, you’ll arrive in Dhi. The village, located along the Kali Gandaki River, features homes, fields, and trees. You’ll take a lunch break here before continuing to Yara, a charming village perched above the river. Like many Upper Mustang villages, Yara has terraced fields and traditional houses. It's also the only place where you may meet local women selling bracelets and trinkets.

From Yara, you'll ascend and descend unique cliffs and cross several scenic plateaus on the Upper Mustang Trek. After passing through the Dhechyang Khola valley, the trek continues toward Tangge, offering stunning Himalayan views. Along the riverbank, you may find dark Shaligram fossils (Ammonoid). The final descent to Tangge, nestled beneath towering granite cliffs, presents breathtaking views of a wide riverbed and the iconic Mustang Mountains. In Tangge, you'll encounter vibrant chortens, impressive mani walls, and friendly villagers, along with the magnificent Mustang horses.

Today's trek from Tangge to Chhusang is the longest of the Upper Mustang Trek with Muktinath, so you'll start early. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of nearby villages, rivers, cliffs, and the Himalayan peaks. The trail passes through Pa, an abandoned village, and features challenging ascents and descents. After Pa, you'll be greeted by impressive rock formations, including sharp rocky pinnacles. In the distance, you'll see the snow-capped peaks of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Nilgiri. The route continues via Siyarko Tangk Danda and Chhomnang before reaching Chhusang. On this hike, you'll also pass a Himalayan salt mine in Nepal.

Today's trek from Chhusang takes you through Tetang, Gyu Lo Pass, and Jhong to reach Muktinath. From Gyu Lo Pass, enjoy views of the Himalayan peaks to the north and the Annapurna range in the distance. Muktinath is a sacred site for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. It is also the point where trekkers on the Annapurna Circuit descend after crossing Thorong La. Muktinath, known as Chumig Gyatsa or "A Hundred Waters" in Tibetan, features an eternal flame, 108 spouts for bathing, a Buddhist monastery, and several Hindu temples within its walled temple grounds.

Today's trek from Muktinath to Jomsom is a long descent, which is easier than the climb. Starting from Ranipauwa and Jharkot, two picturesque Thakali villages, you will continue to Lupra. This charming village, nestled in a small valley, is home to a Bonpo Buddhist cave monastery, with the Lama Tuku Lama monastery located above it. The stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche, and other snow-capped peaks are unforgettable. The trail then follows a wide, level path along the Panda River, eventually connecting to the route leading to Jomsom, the administrative center of Mustang, located in the windy Kali Gandaki River valley.

After an early morning to enjoy the stunning sunrise, you’ll take a 25-minute scenic flight to Pokhara. The flight offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Upon arrival, you can explore the charming lakeside city, visit popular attractions like Phewa Lake, World Peace Stupa, Devi's Fall, and the International Mountain Museum, and celebrate the successful completion of your Upper Mustang Trek with Muktinath. The Lakeside area is especially inviting, with numerous hotels, cafés, bars, and restaurants to enjoy.

After waking up in Pokhara, you’ll board a tourist bus for the journey back to Kathmandu. The 205 km route follows the scenic Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers, passing through vibrant markets like Damauli, Dumre, and Mugling. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of hills, rivers, and snow-capped mountains. Upon reaching Kathmandu, a crew member will assist you to your accommodation, where you can relax before spending your final evening in Nepal shopping or exploring Thamel to wrap up your Upper Mustang Trek.

On the final day of your Upper Mustang Trek with Muktinath, a staff member will assist you to the airport for your flight. If you wish to extend your stay, Green Valley Nepal Treks can help with arrangements. If your flight is in the evening, you can also enjoy some shopping for souvenirs.