Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary – 17 Days Adventure via Kathmandu and Pokhara (Lo-Manthang Trek)

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Kathmandu Valley with a guided tour of its most sacred and iconic sites. Begin your day visiting Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most revered Hindu shrine located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Witness traditional rituals and spiritual ceremonies that have been performed for centuries.

Next, explore Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, a vibrant center of Tibetan culture and spirituality. Continue to Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), perched atop a hill offering panoramic views of the city and home to numerous monkeys roaming freely among prayer flags and shrines.

Conclude your day at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards telling stories of Nepalese royalty and craftsmanship. This cultural immersion prepares you mentally and spiritually for the trek ahead.

🛌 Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast included
🌄 Highlights: Guided tour of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, and Durbar Square

After an early breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, Nepal’s picturesque lakeside city nestled beneath the Annapurna mountain range. The journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours along the Prithvi Highway, passing terraced hills, traditional villages, and the Trishuli River valley.

Along the way, soak in the beautiful landscapes and observe rural Nepali life unfold before you. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel and spend your evening relaxing by the tranquil Phewa Lake or exploring the bustling lakeside bazaar. Pokhara’s serene atmosphere and spectacular mountain views provide the perfect preparation for your trek into Upper Mustang.

🚙 Drive: 6–7 hours (Tourist vehicle)
🛌 Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast included
🌄 Highlights: Scenic Prithvi Highway, Trishuli River valley, lakeside Pokhara

Early this morning, board a scenic domestic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, a gateway town to Upper Mustang nestled in the shadow of the towering Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks. The short flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, winding rivers, and deep gorges — a spectacular introduction to your Mustang adventure.

Upon arrival in Jomsom, you will meet your trekking crew and begin a gentle trek to Kagbeni, a historic village located at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Rivers. Kagbeni’s ancient mud-brick houses and narrow alleys reflect traditional Tibetan architecture, and the village serves as a checkpoint for Upper Mustang permits.

Spend the afternoon exploring Kagbeni’s monasteries, mani walls, and quaint streets, absorbing the unique blend of Tibetan and Nepali cultures that thrive here.

✈️ Flight: 25 minutes (Pokhara to Jomsom)
🚶 Trekking Distance: 10km
🕑 Duration: 3–4 hours
🛌 Accommodation: Teahouse in Kagbeni
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🌄 Highlights: Kali Gandaki Gorge, Kagbeni’s medieval village, sacred shaligrams

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the arid landscapes of Upper Mustang, crossing high desert plateaus and narrow canyons. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River before gradually climbing to the village of Chele, perched on a rocky ridge.

Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the towering Annapurna massif and the Tibetan-influenced architecture of the villages you pass. Chele is known for its traditional stone houses and ancient gompas (monasteries), including the beautiful Ghar Gompa, nestled on a cliffside overlooking the village.

Experience firsthand the spiritual aura as you visit local monasteries, prayer walls, and ancient caves where monks once meditated. The warm hospitality of the Loba people will welcome you in this remote settlement.

🚶 Trekking Distance: 13km
🕑 Duration: 5–6 hours
🧭 Highest Point: Tangbe village (3,060m)
🛌 Accommodation: Teahouse in Chaile
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🌄 Highlights: Tangbe and Chhusang villages, dramatic cliff views, first Mustang climb

Leaving Chele, your trail quickly ascends through a series of steep, dusty switchbacks carved into the barren canyon walls. As you climb higher, the landscape dramatically transforms—arid cliffs and wind-sculpted rock formations dominate the view, making the terrain feel both ancient and surreal. You'll soon cross the Takam Danda and pass through the beautiful village of Ghyakar, a rare green dot in the ochre landscape, before reaching Samar, a picturesque village surrounded by poplar trees and barley fields.

After a short rest in Samar, you’ll continue trekking uphill toward the Bhena La Pass (3,830 m), followed by another smaller pass Yamda La (3,860 m). These passes offer sweeping views of the Mustang valley and its uniquely eroded canyons. Along the way, you’ll also pass by chortens and caves high up in the cliffs, believed to have been used by ancient monks and hermits for meditation.

Your descent brings you into the peaceful village of Syangbochen, nestled amid barley fields and dotted with traditional Tibetan-style homes. This small settlement is an ideal resting spot after a long day of undulating trails and epic Himalayan views.

🚶 Trekking Distance: 12km
🕑 Duration: 5–6 hours
🧭 Highest Point: Yamda La (3,850m)
🛌 Accommodation: Teahouse in Syanbochen
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🌄 Highlights: Ramchung Cave, ridgeline trail, ancient chortens

Today's trail leads you further into the heart of Upper Mustang, with more encounters of timeless landscapes and rich Tibetan heritage. Departing Syangbochen, you’ll ascend gradually to reach the Nyi La Pass (4,010 m) — one of the highest points on the trek. From here, you’ll enjoy an incredible panorama of the surrounding peaks and barren, wind-carved valleys that define Mustang’s dramatic terrain.

A gentle descent takes you to the small hamlet of Gheling, where you can see traditional mud-brick houses and small terraced fields clinging to the arid slopes. Continuing onward, the trail weaves through dry plateaus and crosses the Tamar Pass (3,800 m) before finally descending to Ghami, one of the larger villages in Upper Mustang.

Ghami is surrounded by red cliffs and eroded hills that glow in the late afternoon sun. You’ll also see one of the longest and most beautiful mani walls (stone walls inscribed with Buddhist prayers) in Nepal, stretching along the trail as you enter the village. The peaceful ambiance of Ghami, with its fluttering prayer flags, whitewashed houses, and traditional gompas, offers a perfect blend of spirituality and solitude.

🚶 Trekking Distance: 11km
🕑 Duration: 5 hours
🧭 Highest Point: Nyi La Pass (3,950m)
🛌 Accommodation: Teahouse in Ghami
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🌄 Highlights: Nyi La and Ghami La Passes, longest mani wall, red cliffs

Today’s trek is a journey through the timeless cultural corridor of Upper Mustang, blending stunning scenery with sacred heritage. After a hearty breakfast in Ghami, you begin the day by crossing a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola. Soon after, you’ll walk alongside one of the longest Mani walls in Nepal, adorned with countless intricately carved prayer stones — a sight that adds a spiritual energy to the trail.

The path gradually ascends to Tsarang La Pass (3,870m), from where you’re treated to sweeping views of wind-eroded cliffs and distant peaks under the wide Himalayan sky. Descending gently into the wide Charang Valley, the dry ochre landscape gives way to a fertile village plateau dotted with traditional houses, trees, barley fields, and ancient chortens — the entrance gate to Charang.

Upon arriving in Charang around midday, you’ll have lunch and some time to rest before the afternoon exploration begins.

🏞️ Afternoon Exploration of Charang Village

In the afternoon, you’ll explore this historically significant village, which was once the capital of the Lo Kingdom. First, visit the ancient Charang Monastery (Thubten Shedrup Dhargyeling Gompa) — a grand red building built in the 14th century, filled with beautifully preserved Buddhist murals, ancient thankas, and large statues of Guru Rinpoche and Chenrezig. Next to it is the White Dzong (Palace), a former royal residence, now mostly unused but still holding a mystique and grandeur of the past.

Wander through the village’s narrow alleys, past ancient whitewashed houses, stone courtyards, and friendly locals going about their daily lives. You’ll also encounter a row of chortens lining the ridge — silhouetted beautifully against the backdrop of the mountains. These spiritual monuments, combined with the terraced fields below, offer a true sense of the deep Buddhist devotion and isolation of this former kingdom.

🚶 Trekking Distance: 10km
🕑 Duration: 4–5 hours
🛌 Accommodation: Teahouse in Charang
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🌄 Highlights: Tsarang Palace, monastery, dry plateau trail

Today is one of the most captivating days of your Upper Mustang journey. Leaving Charang behind, you’ll ascend gradually over a rugged trail and cross the Lo La Pass (3,950 m), which offers a dramatic first view of the mystical walled city of Lo Manthang, the royal capital of Upper Mustang. From here, you’ll gaze down upon the city’s whitewashed walls surrounded by brown hills and the snow-capped peaks of Nilgiri and Annapurna in the distance.

Descending from Lo La, you’ll enter the fortified city of Lo Manthang through its ceremonial gate. Inside this medieval capital lies a treasure trove of history and culture. After checking in at your teahouse and having lunch, you’ll begin your afternoon sightseeing with visits to some of the town's ancient and sacred landmarks:

• 🕌 Thupchen Gompa – a 15th-century monastery with huge pillars and sacred murals.
• 🕍 Jampa Lhakhang – the oldest monastery in Lo, known as the “God House,” dating back to the 14th century.
• 🛕 Chhoede Gompa – the main monastic center, home to a large monastic community and Buddhist school.
• 🪷 Chorten (stupas) – found throughout the city, representing peace and enlightenment.
• 🧪 Amchi Museum and School – showcasing traditional Tibetan medicine practiced in Mustang for centuries.

These historic sites are living monuments of Tibetan Buddhist culture, still active in daily religious life. The town itself is a maze of narrow alleys, traditional mud-brick homes, and royal buildings, all nestled in a stark and majestic Himalayan valley. You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance and timeless charm of this unforgettable place.

🚶 Trekking Distance: 13 km
🕑 Duration: 5–6 hours
🛌 Accommodation: Teahouse in Lo Manthang
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🌄 Highlights: First view of Lo Manthang, Lo La Pass, Mustang royal capital, afternoon tour of monasteries, chorten, and the Amchi Museum

Today is dedicated to discovering the ancient mysteries tucked into the cliffs and valleys north of Lo Manthang. After breakfast, you’ll take a scenic excursion (either on foot or by hiring local horses or a jeep) to the culturally rich village of Chhoser, located just a few kilometers from the Tibetan border. This region is one of Upper Mustang’s most captivating historical and archaeological zones.

The highlight of the day is your visit to the legendary Jhong Sky Cave — a multi-storied man-made cave complex carved high into the cliff face. Believed to be over 2,500 years old, the cave contains numerous rooms connected by narrow tunnels and ladders. It once served as a place of meditation, shelter, and burial and still retains its spiritual and mystical aura.

Nearby, you’ll explore Garphu Monastery, nestled right into a red rock wall, as well as Nyphu Gompa, both serene monastic sites reflecting the strong Tibetan Buddhist roots of the region. The stark, arid landscape — with its red cliffs, eroded canyons, and dramatic sky — adds to the surreal atmosphere of this journey.

This is also a great opportunity to interact with locals in remote settlements where life has remained unchanged for centuries. After a fulfilling day of exploration, you’ll return to Lo Manthang in the late afternoon.

🚶 Trekking Distance: ~8km
🕑 Duration: 5–6 hours
🛌 Accommodation: Teahouse in Lo-Manthang
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🌄 Highlights: Jhong Sky Cave, Garphu Monastery, Chhoser valley

After breakfast in the culturally rich walled city of Lomanthang, we bid farewell to its timeless charm and begin our journey back following the upper trail, which offers not only breathtaking highland scenery but also deeper spiritual insights. This alternate route is less frequented, allowing for a more serene trekking experience through Mustang’s wild and rugged landscapes.

The trail gently climbs through high-altitude meadows and remote pastures toward Ghar Gumba (Lo Gekar Monastery), one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal. Built in the 8th century by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), this ancient gompa is believed to be even older than Tibet’s famous Samye Monastery. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche subdued a powerful demon here before the construction of Samye could begin. Ghar Gumba is wrapped in spiritual significance and features ancient murals, sacred texts, and a tranquil environment where colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind. This sacred site holds deep reverence among both pilgrims and locals.

From Ghar Gumba, the trail ascends briefly before descending into the dramatic and striking terrain of Dhakmar. This village is set against a backdrop of deep red cliffs sculpted by wind and erosion over centuries, creating a landscape unlike any other in the Himalayas. The vivid colors of the cliffs, interspersed with scattered sky caves and ancient chortens, make Dhakmar one of the most photogenic and visually unique places in Upper Mustang. Along the way, you may also encounter nomadic herders and yak caravans that evoke Mustang's timeless frontier atmosphere.

We stop at Dhakmar for a scenic lunch, soaking in the magical surroundings. Afterwards, we continue trekking for another 1.5 to 2 hours through undulating terrain with wide vistas and small seasonal streams, finally reaching Ghami, one of Mustang’s larger villages. Ghami is known for its long Mani wall, considered one of the longest in Nepal, as well as for its whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and stunning views of snow-capped peaks to the south. The peaceful atmosphere of this village, nestled in the high desert landscape, offers the perfect setting to rest and reflect on the day's rich experiences.

🚶 Trekking Distance: 14km
🕑 Duration: 6–7 hours
🧭 Highest Point: Mui La (4,170m)
🛌 Accommodation: Teahouse in Dhakmar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🌄 Highlights: Ghar Gompa, red cliffs of Dhakmar, hidden valley feel

Your morning in Dhakmar begins with the soft glow of sun on red cliffs, casting long shadows across this dramatic high desert landscape. After breakfast, you begin your descent from the village, following a trail that winds through canyons and eroded rock formations, shaped over centuries by the fierce Mustang winds. As you leave behind the deep crimson walls of Dhakmar, the path gradually leads you back toward Ghami, retracing steps that now feel familiar but are seen through a new lens of appreciation.

In Ghami, you’ll take time to admire once again the ancient mani wall—the longest in all of Mustang—lined with prayer stones etched in sacred mantras. From there, a gradual ascent takes you to the Nyi La Pass (3,950m), offering wide panoramic views of Mustang’s dry riverbeds, dramatic gorges, and wind-sculpted ridges. After pausing to soak in the beauty, you descend past Syangbochen and begin the next climb to Yamda La Pass (3,850m), another sacred pass adorned with prayer flags that flutter in the high-altitude breeze.

From the pass, the trail begins its final descent toward Samar, a charming village nestled in a tranquil grove of poplar trees. The whitewashed homes, mani walls, and small prayer wheels here reflect the rich Buddhist heritage of the region. Samar was once an important stopping point on the ancient salt trade route to Tibet, and you may still sense echoes of its historic past as you settle into a local teahouse for the evening. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and reflections of your journey through the timeless kingdom of Mustang.

🚶 Trekking Distance: 14km
🕑 Duration: 6–7 hours
🛌 Accommodation: Teahouse in Samar
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🌄 Highlights: Wind-carved cliffs, narrow canyons, peaceful teahouse night
🔑 Focus Keywords: Dhakmar to Samar trek, return trail Upper Mustang

After a peaceful night in the spiritual village of Samar, surrounded by juniper trees and prayer flags fluttering in the wind, we begin our descent toward the southern gateway of the Upper Mustang region. The trail today retraces parts of the ancient salt trading route, descending steadily through dramatic desert landscapes, eroded cliffs, and scattered caves nestled into rock walls.

We pass through Chele and Tangbe, two picturesque villages with whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, and apple orchards. In Tangbe, we may stop to admire its unique cluster of black, red, and white chortens, which are symbolic in Mustang’s Tibetan-Buddhist culture. This section of the trail offers sweeping views over the Kali Gandaki River gorge, which is considered one of the deepest gorges in the world.

Continuing along the trail, we cross a steel suspension bridge and walk alongside the windswept banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Fossils known as shaligrams, sacred to Hindus, can be found along the riverbed—remnants of ancient sea creatures from the time this area lay beneath a prehistoric ocean.

Eventually, we reach Kagbeni, the beautiful windswept village perched above the river. Kagbeni marks the official border of the restricted Upper Mustang region and the entry into the lower Mustang. With its tightly packed mud-brick homes, ancient red-painted Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery, and medieval ambiance, Kagbeni is a treasure trove of culture, history, and striking Himalayan views. You’ll have time to wander the maze-like alleys, visit the monastery, and enjoy the last serene evening in the shadow of Upper Mustang’s mysticism.

🚶 Trekking Distance: 12km
🕑 Duration: 5 hours
🛌 Accommodation: Teahouse in Kagbeni
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🌄 Highlights: Descend to Kali Gandaki valley, farewell to Mustang

After a relaxed breakfast in the enchanting village of Kagbeni, we begin our final trekking day of the Upper Mustang journey. The trail descends along the wide, open banks of the Kali Gandaki River, with the wind beginning to pick up by late morning—a signature of this valley. This section is relatively easy and flat, allowing time to absorb the grand scale of the arid landscape and reflect on the cultural richness of Mustang that we leave behind.

Walking through the river valley, we pass Ekle Bhatti, a small settlement where we can take a short break. By midday, the infamous strong Mustang wind begins to howl through the valley, often making the final stretch more challenging. As we reach Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang, the terrain becomes more developed, with stone-paved streets, administrative buildings, schools, and a small domestic airport.

After lunch and check-in at our tea house or lodge, we have the afternoon to explore Jomsom town. Despite the wind, which usually intensifies in the afternoon, we can visit the local monastery, stroll through the cobbled main street, and explore the Mustang Eco-Museum, which showcases the region’s geology, shaligrams, and Tibetan culture. From Jomsom, the views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri are impressive and rewarding, especially as the golden afternoon light casts dramatic shadows over the barren ridges.

This final night in the Mustang region offers a sense of closure to our remarkable journey through one of the last vestiges of Tibetan culture, still thriving in the remote folds of the Himalayas.

🚶 Trekking Distance: 11km
🕑 Duration: 4–5 hours
🛌 Accommodation: Teahouse in Jomsom
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
🌄 Highlights: Easy walk through the windy Kali Gandaki, last trekking day

Early in the morning, we head to the Jomsom Airport, where short but scenic mountain flights connect the remote Mustang region with the lakeside city of Pokhara. This thrilling flight, usually around 20 minutes, offers a bird’s-eye view of the mighty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, along with the Kali Gandaki Gorge – one of the deepest in the world. The contrast from the arid, windswept plateaus of Upper Mustang to the lush green hills surrounding Pokhara is breathtaking and almost surreal.

Upon arrival at Pokhara Airport, we transfer to a comfortable hotel near the Lakeside area. After checking in and freshening up, the remainder of the day is free to relax and soak in the tranquil vibe of Pokhara. Nestled beside the serene Phewa Lake, this picturesque city is a well-loved haven for trekkers and travelers.

In the afternoon, we recommend a leisurely stroll along Lakeside, where you can enjoy cafés, souvenir shops, bakeries, and charming bookshops. You may also opt for a boat ride on Phewa Lake, gliding across its calm waters with views of the Annapurna Himalaya mirrored on its surface. For those interested, a short paddle brings you to the tiny island that hosts the Tal Barahi Temple, a small but sacred two-tiered pagoda in the middle of the lake.

Whether you're savoring fresh coffee with mountain views, browsing local art galleries, or simply relaxing at your hotel garden with a cool drink, this peaceful afternoon is a well-earned reward after days of rugged exploration through the remote trans-Himalayan kingdom of Upper Mustang.

✈️ Flight: 25 minutes
🛌 Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast included
🌄 Highlights: Scenic mountain flight, relax at lakeside

After a restful morning in Pokhara and a relaxed breakfast, we begin our overland journey back to Kathmandu. The scenic drive, which typically takes around 7 to 8 hours, follows the meandering Trishuli River past terraced hillsides, small towns, and bustling roadside villages. Along the way, you'll notice the dramatic change in landscape—from the lush mid-hills of Pokhara to the urban vibrancy of the Kathmandu Valley.

We stop for lunch en route at a pleasant riverside restaurant and continue our drive through Mugling, Kurintar, and Naubise, with occasional views of the snowy Himalayan peaks in the distance on a clear day.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu by late afternoon or early evening, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for a brief rest and refresh.

🌟 In the evening, we gather for a special farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, where you’ll enjoy an authentic Nepali feast accompanied by a lively cultural performance featuring classical music and folk dances from various ethnic groups across Nepal. It’s a heartfelt celebration of your incredible journey through the hidden kingdom of Mustang, a chance to share stories, laugh with your trekking team, and raise a toast to unforgettable memories.

🚙 Drive: 6–7 hours
🛌 Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner 🎉
🌄 Highlights: Final view of Trishuli valley, return to capital

Your incredible journey to the forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang comes to a close today. After breakfast at your hotel, our team will assist you with check-out and provide a comfortable private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. We recommend arriving at the airport at least three hours before your international flight.

As you board your plane, take with you unforgettable memories of Mustang’s windswept landscapes, sacred monasteries, ancient walled cities, warm-hearted locals, and the spiritual pulse of the Himalayas.

🙏 We hope your journey with Mountain King Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. has been inspiring and meaningful. We look forward to welcoming you again for another Himalayan adventure—whether it's to Everest, Annapurna, Dolpo, or beyond.

🚙 Drive: Airport transfer
🍽️ Meals: Breakfast included
🌄 Highlights: Farewell from Nepal