Upper Mustang Trek
Explore Old Buddhist Kingdom of Lomangthang
Overview & Highlights
Upper Mustang Trek Highlights
- Visit the ancient Kingdom of Lo Manthang
- Trek through a stark desert landscape with spires and cliffs
- Lying in the rain shadow area; an excellent trek to escape the summer monsoon
- Picturesque mountains to the south
- The region situated in the rain shadow
- Unique cultural and historical monuments
- Monasteries of high importance
- Scenic flight to and from Jomsom
- Kathmandu and Pokhara city
Overview of Upper Mustang Trek
Being a land of mystery, Nepal is filled with diversity and three major geographical points. From plains, hills, and Himalayas the Upper Mustang Trek lets you encounter it all! Himalayan culture, vast valleys, wild rivers, and Himalayan views this trek takes you on an adventure beyond your dreams. They are known as the Upper Mustang region of Nepal and one of the most beautiful places in Nepal.
Trekking in the Upper Mustang region lets you encounter various types of 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 take place at 8,700 meters above the sea level. The village here consists of cliffs and ravines. Now all ruins it is worth it to have some exploration in these ancients living places of the people that used to live and thrive here. Even the famous international channel National Geographic has made a documentary about the Upper Mustang and its attractions. This trek also offers amazing snowcapped Himalayan views that are only accessible from the Mustang region.
Upper Mustang Trekking, The Route
The journey through Mustang starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a magical lakeside city. From here, a scenic flight to Jomsom will take place, also with views of the Nilgiri are just amazing from the airplane. Jomsom is where we start trekking to Kagbeni following the Kali Gandaki River. The trail is mostly along the road until reaching Kagbeni village. From here we go on more secluded trails towards Syanbochen and ultimately to Lo-Mangthang.
Along with scenery that reflects an American Western movie and it’s common to see horse riders in this area. Peregrine Treks & Expedition has concluded more than hundreds of expeditions in the Mustang region; we will provide better service to the trekkers to explore the magical area.
The Kali Gandaki River is our main follow point during the Upper Mustang Trek. Furthermore, we notice many thriving villages situated near this life-giving river. Along with, crossing suspension bridges over deep gorges and rivers, crossing jungles and rocky trails makes this trek more adventures. The Peregrine Treks & Expedition team will be there every step of the way to let you enjoy the beauty of the Upper Mustang Trek.
Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary
- Arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel by our representative
- Hotel rest / explore the streets of Thamel
- A special welcome dinner will be organized in a traditional Nepali restaurant
- Overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Not Included
- Hotel breakfast
- Meeting the Peregrine Treks & Expedition office for your trek preparation
- Sightseeing around Kathmandu:
- Swayambunath Monkey Temple
- Bouddhanath Buddhist Stupa
- The Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath
- The Royal Durbar Square of Kathmandu
- The rest of the day is free for souvenir shopping or leisure
- Overnight stay in Kathmandu city
Meals: Breakfast
- 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 Pokhara Lakeside
- Evening walk along Phewa Lake
- Overnight stay in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast
- 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
Traveler’s note: did you know that Jomsom is famous for its apple orchards, and from Jomsom, amazing views of the Nilgiri can be seen!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
Traveler’s note: Did you know that Tangbe village is full of whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, apple orchards and buck weed, barley fields. Tomorrow we have a hard day so better take an early sleep!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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 Yakawa 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
Traveler’s 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!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Breakfast and departure
- As we head for the Yamda La Pass, we pass by a few chortens and rural villages
- The ascent is steep, and after crossing the Yamda La, we head through Poplar forest trails
- A final climb leads us to the Nyi Pass, where we take a break and take in the view
- Descending trails lead to the fields of Ghami village
- Overnight stay at Ghami
Traveler’s note: Did you know that the Yamda La and Nyi Passes are over 3,800 meters! Ghami is known to be the largest village in the Lo region, and famous for its fields surrounding the entire village.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Breakfast and departure
- We start by descending through rough and most 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 entering the Charang La Pass
- From here we can reach Charang
- Overnight stay in Charang village
Traveler’s note: The Charang Pass lies at the 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
Traveler’s 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!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Breakfast
- Today we rest for acclimatization and to explore the medieval town of Lo-Manthang
- Sightseeing at the three Gompas :
- The Jhampa Gompa
- The Thupchen Gompa
- The Chhoeda Gompa
- Excursion to Tingkhar village
- Late afternoon we head back to Lo-Manthang
- Overnight stay in Lo-Manthang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
Traveler’s note: Gyakar village is home to a one 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
Traveler’s note: the mountains we get to see today are the mighty Dhaulagiri and the Nilgiri.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
Traveler’s note: tomorrow is our last day of trekking so we should enjoy the beautiful Himalayan views for the last time!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
Traveler’s note: we got an early flight back to Pokhara so better not to party too late.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
- Rest of the day is at leisure and relaxing
- Overnight stay in Pokhara
Traveler’s note: the flight back to Pokhara passes through the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountains, keep your cameras ready!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
- 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
- Hotel breakfast and checkout
- Transfer to the International airport 3 hours before your departing time
Meals: Breakfast
Includes/Excludes
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
- A three-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Room in the best available lodge and all meal (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during trekking
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- All ground transportation in private vehicle as per itinerary
- Pokhara Jomsom and Jomsom Pokhara flight ticket
- City tour with tour guide as per itinerary
- All entrance fees during sightseeing and trekking
- An experienced English or other Language speaking guide and one assistance guide for more than five trekkers
- Guide, porter and necessary staff salaries, insurance, accommodation and food, and airfares if necessary
- Sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
- Trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt, achievement certificate, and trekking map are free services from the company.
- All necessary Special Permit and TIMS
- First Aid Medical kit or essential medicine
- Seasonal fruits during the trek
- All applicable government and local taxes
- Nepal visa fee and international airfares
- Hotel accommodation, Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu because of early arrival in Nepal or late departure from Nepal, prior return from the mountain because of any reason than the scheduled itinerary.
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, soft or hard beverages, recharge the battery, bottled/boiled water, extra porters, hot shower, a pot of tea, etc.) during trekking
- Tips and gratuities for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
Upper Mustang Trek Accommodation
Accommodations
You will stay in Samsara Resort or Hotel Arts Kathmandu or similar 3-star hotel in Thamel, and Kuti Resort or similar 4-star hotel in Pokhara. A solo traveler needs to share the room with same-gender another traveler. If you need a single supplement, you will have to pay an additional cost of about USD 200. During the trek, most of your accommodations contain attached bathrooms, while some of the teahouses may not have and you may have to share the washing and toilet facilities in that case. Kathmandu and the trekking regions in lower elevation will have sing room facilities, but it will be hard to find them at higher elevations.
Meals
You will enjoy typical Nepalese food and international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, India, etc.) as well during your trek. Be sure that breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided by the lodges or teahouses as per their available menu. You may not be served breakfast somewhere during your trek. You may get opportunities for welcome and farewell dinners for guests.
Upper Mustang Trek Route Map
Departure Dates
Quick Inquiry
Upper Mustang Trek Reviews
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Upper Mustang Trek Highlights
- Visit the ancient Kingdom of Lo Manthang
- Trek through a stark desert landscape with spires and cliffs
- Lying in the rain shadow area; an excellent trek to escape the summer monsoon
- Picturesque mountains to the south
- The region situated in the rain shadow
- Unique cultural and historical monuments
- Monasteries of high importance
- Scenic flight to and from Jomsom
- Kathmandu and Pokhara city
Overview of Upper Mustang Trek
Being a land of mystery, Nepal is filled with diversity and three major geographical points. From plains, hills, and Himalayas the Upper Mustang Trek lets you encounter it all! Himalayan culture, vast valleys, wild rivers, and Himalayan views this trek takes you on an adventure beyond your dreams. They are known as the Upper Mustang region of Nepal and one of the most beautiful places in Nepal.
Trekking in the Upper Mustang region lets you encounter various types of 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 take place at 8,700 meters above the sea level. The village here consists of cliffs and ravines. Now all ruins it is worth it to have some exploration in these ancients living places of the people that used to live and thrive here. Even the famous international channel National Geographic has made a documentary about the Upper Mustang and its attractions. This trek also offers amazing snowcapped Himalayan views that are only accessible from the Mustang region.
Upper Mustang Trekking, The Route
The journey through Mustang starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a magical lakeside city. From here, a scenic flight to Jomsom will take place, also with views of the Nilgiri are just amazing from the airplane. Jomsom is where we start trekking to Kagbeni following the Kali Gandaki River. The trail is mostly along the road until reaching Kagbeni village. From here we go on more secluded trails towards Syanbochen and ultimately to Lo-Mangthang.
Along with scenery that reflects an American Western movie and it’s common to see horse riders in this area. Peregrine Treks & Expedition has concluded more than hundreds of expeditions in the Mustang region; we will provide better service to the trekkers to explore the magical area.
The Kali Gandaki River is our main follow point during the Upper Mustang Trek. Furthermore, we notice many thriving villages situated near this life-giving river. Along with, crossing suspension bridges over deep gorges and rivers, crossing jungles and rocky trails makes this trek more adventures. The Peregrine Treks & Expedition team will be there every step of the way to let you enjoy the beauty of the Upper Mustang Trek.
- Arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel by our representative
- Hotel rest / explore the streets of Thamel
- A special welcome dinner will be organized in a traditional Nepali restaurant
- Overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Not Included
- Hotel breakfast
- Meeting the Peregrine Treks & Expedition office for your trek preparation
- Sightseeing around Kathmandu:
- Swayambunath Monkey Temple
- Bouddhanath Buddhist Stupa
- The Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath
- The Royal Durbar Square of Kathmandu
- The rest of the day is free for souvenir shopping or leisure
- Overnight stay in Kathmandu city
Meals: Breakfast
- 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 Pokhara Lakeside
- Evening walk along Phewa Lake
- Overnight stay in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast
- 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
Traveler’s note: did you know that Jomsom is famous for its apple orchards, and from Jomsom, amazing views of the Nilgiri can be seen!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
Traveler’s note: Did you know that Tangbe village is full of whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, apple orchards and buck weed, barley fields. Tomorrow we have a hard day so better take an early sleep!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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 Yakawa 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
Traveler’s 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!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Breakfast and departure
- As we head for the Yamda La Pass, we pass by a few chortens and rural villages
- The ascent is steep, and after crossing the Yamda La, we head through Poplar forest trails
- A final climb leads us to the Nyi Pass, where we take a break and take in the view
- Descending trails lead to the fields of Ghami village
- Overnight stay at Ghami
Traveler’s note: Did you know that the Yamda La and Nyi Passes are over 3,800 meters! Ghami is known to be the largest village in the Lo region, and famous for its fields surrounding the entire village.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Breakfast and departure
- We start by descending through rough and most 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 entering the Charang La Pass
- From here we can reach Charang
- Overnight stay in Charang village
Traveler’s note: The Charang Pass lies at the 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
Traveler’s 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!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Breakfast
- Today we rest for acclimatization and to explore the medieval town of Lo-Manthang
- Sightseeing at the three Gompas :
- The Jhampa Gompa
- The Thupchen Gompa
- The Chhoeda Gompa
- Excursion to Tingkhar village
- Late afternoon we head back to Lo-Manthang
- Overnight stay in Lo-Manthang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
Traveler’s note: Gyakar village is home to a one 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
Traveler’s note: the mountains we get to see today are the mighty Dhaulagiri and the Nilgiri.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
Traveler’s note: tomorrow is our last day of trekking so we should enjoy the beautiful Himalayan views for the last time!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
Traveler’s note: we got an early flight back to Pokhara so better not to party too late.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
- Rest of the day is at leisure and relaxing
- Overnight stay in Pokhara
Traveler’s note: the flight back to Pokhara passes through the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountains, keep your cameras ready!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- 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
- 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
- Hotel breakfast and checkout
- Transfer to the International airport 3 hours before your departing time
Meals: Breakfast
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
- A three-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Room in the best available lodge and all meal (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during trekking
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- All ground transportation in private vehicle as per itinerary
- Pokhara Jomsom and Jomsom Pokhara flight ticket
- City tour with tour guide as per itinerary
- All entrance fees during sightseeing and trekking
- An experienced English or other Language speaking guide and one assistance guide for more than five trekkers
- Guide, porter and necessary staff salaries, insurance, accommodation and food, and airfares if necessary
- Sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
- Trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt, achievement certificate, and trekking map are free services from the company.
- All necessary Special Permit and TIMS
- First Aid Medical kit or essential medicine
- Seasonal fruits during the trek
- All applicable government and local taxes
- Nepal visa fee and international airfares
- Hotel accommodation, Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu because of early arrival in Nepal or late departure from Nepal, prior return from the mountain because of any reason than the scheduled itinerary.
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, soft or hard beverages, recharge the battery, bottled/boiled water, extra porters, hot shower, a pot of tea, etc.) during trekking
- Tips and gratuities for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
Accommodations
You will stay in Samsara Resort or Hotel Arts Kathmandu or similar 3-star hotel in Thamel, and Kuti Resort or similar 4-star hotel in Pokhara. A solo traveler needs to share the room with same-gender another traveler. If you need a single supplement, you will have to pay an additional cost of about USD 200. During the trek, most of your accommodations contain attached bathrooms, while some of the teahouses may not have and you may have to share the washing and toilet facilities in that case. Kathmandu and the trekking regions in lower elevation will have sing room facilities, but it will be hard to find them at higher elevations.
Meals
You will enjoy typical Nepalese food and international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, India, etc.) as well during your trek. Be sure that breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided by the lodges or teahouses as per their available menu. You may not be served breakfast somewhere during your trek. You may get opportunities for welcome and farewell dinners for guests.
