Based on 746 reviews
Upper Mustang Trek
Explore Old Buddhist Kingdom of Lo Mangthang
Duration
18 Days
Meals
- 17 Breakfast
- 13 Lunch & 13 Dinner
Accommodation
- 6-nights hotel
- 11-nights eco-hotel
Activities
- Trekking
- Sightseeing
- Lo-Mangthang
SAVE
€ 430Price Starts From
€ 2150
Overview of Upper Mustang Trek
Nepal is a mysterious land, rich in diversity and home to three major geographical regions. The Upper Mustang Trek lets you encounter it from plains, hills, and the Himalayas! This trek takes you on an adventure beyond your dreams in the Himalayan culture, vast valleys, wild rivers, and Himalayan views. It is known as the Upper Mustang region of Nepal and is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal.
Trek Highlights
- Trek into the ancient Kingdom of Lo Manthang, a remarkably preserved walled city that feels like a step back in time.
- Explore living Buddhist monasteries such as Thubchen Lhakang and Jampa Lhakang, adorned with stunning ancient frescoes and mandalas.
- Discover mysterious ancient sky caves, including the fascinating Luri Gompa Cave Monastery, carved into sheer cliffs.
- Trek through an incredibly unique desert landscape characterized by dramatic spires, fluted cliffs, and vibrant multi-colored canyons.
- Enjoy ideal trekking conditions during the monsoon season, as the region lies entirely within the Himalayan rain shadow.
- Capture breathtaking panoramic views of towering peaks like Nilgiri, Tilicho, and the Annapurna range to the south.
- Immerse yourself in the distinct Tibetan Buddhist culture of the “Lo-pa” people, largely untouched by external influences.
Trekking in the Upper Mustang region lets you encounter diverse wildlife and traditional culture. On the way to the highest point of the Upper Mustang Trek is Drakmar. Along with the stone-walled village of Lo-Mangthang, where a day of exploration will occur at 8,700 meters above sea level. The village here is set among cliffs and ravines.
Now, with all the ruins, it is worth exploring the ancient homes of the people who lived and thrived here. Even the famous international channel National Geographic has made a documentary about the Upper Mustang and its attractions. This trek also offers fantastic views of the snow-capped Himalayas, accessible only from the Mustang region.
Upper Mustang Trek Route
The trek through Mustang starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a magical lakeside city. A scenic flight to Jomsom will take place, with views of the Nilgiri that are just unique from the airplane. Jomsom is where we start trekking to Kagbeni, following the Kali Gandaki River. The trail mainly runs along the road until it reaches Kagbeni village. We go on more secluded trails towards Syanbochen and ultimately to Lo-Mangthang.
Along with scenery that reflects an American Western movie, it’s common to see horse riders in this area. Peregrine has conducted hundreds of expeditions in the Mustang region; we will provide better service to trekkers exploring the magical area.
The Kali Gandaki River is our main point during the Upper Mustang Trek. Furthermore, we notice many thriving villages situated near this life-giving river. Crossing suspension bridges over deep gorges and rivers, and crossing jungles and rocky trails, makes this trek more adventurous. The Peregrine Treks & Expedition team will be there every step of the way to let you enjoy the beauty of the Upper Mustang Trek.
Detail Itinerary of Upper Mustang Trek
Day 01: Arrival At Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu (1300 m / 4264 ft)
- Meet and greet at the airport by our representative and transfer to your hotel
- Relax at the hotel or explore the lively streets of Thamel
- Enjoy a special welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant
- Overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Not Included
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
- Enjoy breakfast at the hotel
- Visit the Peregrine Treks & Expedition office for trek preparation
- Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, including:
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Spend the remainder of the day shopping for souvenirs or relaxing at your leisure
- Overnight stay in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (823m/2,700ft) 6 hrs drive
- Hotel breakfast and checkout
- Departure to Pokhara by AC tourist bus
- Lunch break near the riverside
- Scenic drive along the Trishuli river
- Arrival and check-in at Pokhara Lakeside
- Evening walk along Phewa Lake
- Overnight stay in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni (2,858m/9,375ft) 3/4 hrs treks
- Early hotel breakfast and checkout
- We catch a morning flight to Jomsom
- From Jomsom, we start our trek officially
- Following the Kaligandaki River, we reach Kagbeni
- Overnight stay in Kagbeni
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: Did you know that Jomsom is famous for its apple orchards, and from Jomsom, amazing views of the Nilgiri can be seen!
Day 05: Kagbeni to chele (3050m/10,004ft) 5/6 hrs treks
- Breakfast and departure
- After our permits check, we head along the Kaligandaki River
- It’s a sandy trail with strong winds until reaching an uphill ascend
- The route takes us to Tangbe village, where we take a small break
- Continuing, we pass another village and cross a river
- A ridge trail leads us to Chele
- Overnight stay in Chele village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: Did you know that Tangbe village is full of whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, apple orchards and buck weed, and barley fields. Tomorrow we have a hard day so better take an early sleep!
Day 06: Chele to Syanbochen (3475m/11,398ft) 6/7 hrs treks
- We head upwards to cross two passes.
- The trail is strenuous, and we watch our condition as we cross the Taklam La Pass and the Dajori La Pass.
- We enjoy the fantastic views of the Yaskawa Kang, Damodar Danda, and Tilicho.
- Following the road, we descend and pass by the Ramchung Cave
- The trail heads on plunging on a steep trail until reaching Syanboche
- Overnight stay in Syanboche village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: Did you know that the Taklam La Pass and the Dajori Pass are over 3,600 meters in height! The Ramchung Cave is an exciting point during today’s trek! Tomorrow we face another two passes, so a good night’s sleep is recommended!
Day 07: Trek to Ghaymi (3520m/11,546ft) 5/6 hrs treks
- Breakfast and departure
- We pass by a few chortens and rural villages as we head for the Yamada La Pass.
- The ascent is steep, and after crossing the Yamada La, we head through Poplar forest trails.
- A final climb leads us to the Nyi Pass, where we take a break and view.
- Descending trails lead to the fields of Ghami village
- Overnight stay at Ghami
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: Did you know that the Yamada La and Nyi Passes are over 3,800 meters! Ghami is known to be the largest village in the Lo region and is famous for its fields surrounding the entire village.
Day 08: Ghaymi to Charang (3500m/11,480ft) 4/5 hrs treks
- Breakfast and departure
- We start by descending through rough and slippery terrain
- Once we reach the Ghami Khola, we cross it from the suspension bridge and begin our ascend
- Heading upwards, we pass by beautiful Mani walls and enter the Charang La Pass
- From here, we can reach Charang
- Overnight stay in Charang village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: The Charang Pass lies at a height of 3,870 meters. Charang village is one exciting place as it rests atop the Charang Chu Canyon and is home to a big fortress and a red gompa east of it.
Day 09: Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3700m/12,136ft): 5/6 hrs treks
- Breakfast and departure
- Starting with a descent towards the Charang Chu Canyon, we reach a river
- Crossing the river gives us access to an ascent that leads to the Lo La Pass
- Reaching the top of the Pass, we get to relax and enjoy the fantastic views and panoramas
- A final descent takes us to the walled village of Lo-Manthang
- Overnight stay in Lo-Manthang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: Lo-Manthang gives terrific views of the Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak, and a beautiful pond called Damodar Kunda. Lo-Manthang village is entirely enclosed by a large stone wall, which makes the village resemble an old medieval settlement!
Day 10 Explore at Lo-Mangthang
- Breakfast
- Today we rest for acclimatization and to explore the medieval town of Lo-Manthang
- Sightseeing at the three Gompas :
- The Jhumpa Gompa
- The Thupchen Gompa
- The Chhota Gompa
- Excursion to Tingkhar village
- In the late afternoon, we head back to Lo-Manthang
- Overnight stay in Lo-Manthang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 11: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar (3810 m/12,500ft) 6/7 hrs treks
- Breakfast and departure
- Following a different route leaving Lo-Manthang behind, we reach Gyakar village
- After a short break, we continue towards Drakmar
- Overnight stay in Drakmar village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: Gyakar village is home to a hundred years old Gompa. The Ghar Gompa is decorated with beautiful rock paintings, and according to legend, anyone who makes a wish at the Gompa gets it fulfilled! Our trek tomorrow will be tight, so we are going to get up early to avoid strong winds.
Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling (3806m/12,484ft) 5/6 hrs treks
- Early breakfast and departure
- Mostly descending we try to avoid strong winds
- Hiking downwards and gradually flat across dry plateaus and fields we reach Ghiling
- After our lodge check-in, we get to tour this beautiful and charming village
- Overnight stay in Ghiling village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: The mountains we get to see today are the mighty Dhaulagiri and the Nilgiri.
Day 13: Ghiling to Chhuksang (3050m/10,004ft) 5/6 hrs treks
- Breakfast and departure
- The trail today is familiar, and we head back towards Lo Manthang
- After a good five hours of trekking, we reach Chhuksang
- Overnight stay in Chhuksang village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: Tomorrow is our last day of trekking so we should enjoy the beautiful Himalayan views for the last time!
Day 14: Chhuksang to Jomsom (2700/8,856ft) 6/7 hrs
- Breakfast and departure
- We prepare for a long last trek back to Jomsom
- After trekking for most of the day, we join up with the Annapurna circuit trail and head for Kagbeni
- After a break here we head on the familiar route back to Jomsom
- The last farewell party will be organized with our staff and the locals
- Overnight stay in Jomsom
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: We got an early flight back to Pokhara so better not to party too late.
Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara
- Early breakfast and head for the airport
- We catch a flight back to Pokhara the amazing Lakeside city
- After arriving in Pokhara, we transfer to the hotel
- The rest of the day is at leisure and relaxing
- Overnight stay in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: The flight back to Pokhara passes through the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountains, keep your cameras ready!
Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Hotel breakfast and transfer to the bus station
- We take a scenic bus drive back to Kathmandu and stop on the way for lunch at the highroad restaurant
- After arriving back in Kathmandu, we transfer to the hotel
- Overnight stay in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast
Day 17: Rest Day in Kathmandu Farewell dinner
- Hotel breakfast
- Today is a day to enjoy the last of Kathmandu
- For any day tours, please inquire to your Peregrine Treks and Expedition’s contact person
- A special farewell dinner will be organized in a traditional Nepali restaurant
- Overnight stay in Kathmandu
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 18: Transfer to the airport for your departure
- Hotel breakfast and checkout
- Transfer to the International airport 3 hours before your departing time
Meals: Breakfast
Customize this trip with help from our local travel specialist that matches your interests.
Includes & Excludes
What is included?
- Private vehicle airport transfers for pickups and drop-offs
- Accommodation in three-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Stays in the best available lodges with all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the Upper Mustang Trek
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- Ground transportation in private vehicles, as outlined in the itinerary
- Flight tickets for the Pokhara–Jomsom–Pokhara route
- Guided city tours according to the itinerary
- Entrance fees for all sightseeing and trekking activities
- Services of an experienced English-speaking (or other language-speaking) guide, with an assistant guide provided for groups of more than five trekkers
- Salaries, insurance, accommodation, meals, and airfares (if needed) for guides, porters, and necessary staff
- Sleeping bag provided (to be returned after the trek)
- Complimentary trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt, achievement certificate, and trekking map from the company
- Upper Mustang Trek Special Permit and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- First aid medical kit and essential medicines
- Seasonal fruits provided during the Upper Mustang Trek
- All relevant government and local taxes
What is excluded?
- Nepal visa fees and international airfare
- Costs for hotel accommodation, lunch, and dinner in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, or an early return from the Upper Mustang Trek outside the planned itinerary
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses during the trek, such as phone calls, laundry, beverages, battery charging, bottled or boiled water, additional porters, hot showers, and tea
- Tips and gratuities for guides, porters, and drivers
Departure Dates
We also operate Private Trips.
Trip Information
Weather and Temperature
During the Upper Mustang Trek, the weather and temperature regularly fluctuate and depend on the time of year. Therefore, picking the appropriate time of year can allow you to have the ideal trek with pleasant weather and comfortable temperatures.
Spring Season [March to May]
The spring season brings a variety of weather patterns to the Mustang region. While passing through Kagbeni, the faint water vapor above the hills might deliver a heavy downpour. However, the day will have adequate sunshine, and the sky will be mostly clear blue so that one may take in the most incredible views while on the trek.
Average temperature: [20 to -5 degree Celsius]
Autumn Season [September to November]
The Lo Manthang Valley consistently receives a western breeze, which keeps the temperature pleasant and ideal for trekking. On the sandy Mustang Region trails, the afternoon breeze is an obstacle. Therefore, finishing the daily trek before the afternoon breeze will be much more beneficial. Along with the Himalayan landscape, magnificent greenery will also be this season. The probability of rain and snowfall will both be relatively low.
Average temperature: [15 to -8 degree Celsius]
Summer Season [June to August]
Rainfall will be adequate in the lower Mustang region but insufficient in the upper half due to the rainshadow zone. A raincoat and other essentials are essential for the Upper Mustang Trek during the summer. From place to place, the weather pattern will suddenly alter. A wide diversity of species and clouds will cover the terrain, making it a marvelous witness. The eastern wind’s moisture also contributes to the endless variety of weather. Furthermore, the sun’s intensity will increase during the day. Also, one must use caution when crossing rivers and waterfalls.
Average temperature: [25 to -2 degree Celsius]
Winter Season [December to February]
The wind will be bitterly cold as it descends from the Himalayas. Snow will blanket the upper Mustang region, and the wind will continue to blow. During this season, a shivering cold could be an issue. However, this is the finest time of year for those who enjoy chilly and snowy adventures. Make sure to carry warm clothing for this season.
Average temperature: [10 to -12 degree Celsius]
Reviews on Upper Mustang Trek
5.0
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