Overview

The Upper Mustang trek is one of Nepal’s most iconic and unforgettable adventures. This 17-day trek with Destination Unlimited Treks will take you through the hidden kingdom of Lo, where you’ll encounter the legendary stone-walled city of Lo-Manghtang, pass through low-altitude mountain passes, explore local villages, and visit countless monasteries and stupas. This trek is unique not only because of its rich cultural heritage but also due to the opportunity to explore newly discovered cave networks!

Your adventure begins as soon as you land in Nepal. Our team from Destination Unlimited Treks will be eagerly waiting to meet and greet you at the airport. After a warm welcome, we’ll transfer you to your booked hotel in Kathmandu. Here, you’ll get a briefing about the plan for the next day. This first day and evening in Nepal are all about settling in, taking in the nearby sights, and exploring the vibrant Thamel area. While we prepare your permits for the Upper Mustang trek, you’ll embark on a cultural guided tour of Kathmandu. This city is a treasure trove of historical and spiritual sites, each offering a glimpse into Nepal’s rich heritage.

The next leg of your journey takes you on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, following the Trishuli River. The drive takes about 5 to 6 hours and is filled with picturesque views of terraced fields, lush forests, and distant mountain peaks. Pokhara is a serene city, known for its lakeside charm and as the starting point for many treks in the Annapurna region. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you’ll check into your hotel and spend the evening preparing for the trek. Pokhara’s relaxed atmosphere is perfect for unwinding before the trek begins. You can take a stroll along Phewa Lake, visit the local markets, or simply enjoy the mountain views. The following morning, we’ll head to Pokhara’s domestic airport for a short but scenic flight to Jomsom. As the plane soars above the clouds, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Nilgiri Peak, with its snow-capped summit, is particularly striking as you approach Jomsom. The air is cooler here, and the landscape begins to change, hinting at the arid terrain that awaits you in the Mustang region. After landing, we’ll spend some time acclimatizing and preparing for the trek ahead.

The adventure truly begins as we set off from Jomsom. Kagbeni is famous for its apple orchards and ancient monasteries. The trail follows the Kaligandaki River, and as we ascend gradually, the views become increasingly spectacular. Kagbeni is a picturesque village, with narrow alleys and traditional stone houses. The local monastery is a must-visit, offering insights into the region’s spiritual practices. The apple orchards add a splash of color to the otherwise barren landscape, and you can even sample some local apple products. The next day, we continue our trek from Kagbeni to Chele, passing through the village of Tangbe. One of the highlights of this section of the trek is the Sky Cave, an ancient cave complex that was recently discovered. These caves are carved into the cliffside and were used by monks and locals centuries ago. Exploring the Sky Cave offers a glimpse into the region’s fascinating history and the ingenuity of its people. As we continue the trek to Syanbochen, the landscape becomes more barren and rocky. The unique rock formations, sculpted by the elements over millennia, are a sight to behold. Despite the arid conditions, small settlements dot the landscape, offering glimpses of the resilient communities that thrive here. Along the way, we’ll visit the ruins of an ancient palace, a testament to the rich history of the Upper Mustang region. The palace offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for a rest before continuing to Syanbochen. The next challenge on our trek is crossing the Yamda La Pass. The ascent is steep, but the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks make it worth the effort. After crossing the pass, we descend into Ghyami village, one of the larger settlements in the region. Ghyami is home to the Red Monastery, one of the most important spiritual sites in the region. From Ghyami, we continue our trek to Tsarang, crossing the Tsarang Pass. The pass offers stunning views of the Mustang region, with its unique blend of arid plains and snow-capped peaks. The descent into Tsarang is gradual, allowing you to take in the changing landscape. Tsarang is a historic village, home to the Tsarang Monastery and an ancient palace. The monastery is known for its collection of ancient scriptures and thangkas (Buddhist paintings), while the palace, though partially in ruins, offers a glimpse into the region’s royal past. As you explore Tsarang, the rich history and culture of Upper Mustang come alive. The monastery, with its ancient scriptures, paintings, and statues, serves as a spiritual hub for the local community.

After a day of exploration, we settle in for the night in Tsarang, resting and preparing for the next leg of our journey to Lo-Manghtang. The next day, we embark on the final push to Lo-Manghtang, the capital of the former Kingdom of Lo. The trail leads us through barren landscapes and wide valleys, with the towering peaks of the Himalayas in the distance. As we approach Lo-Manghtang, the walled city gradually comes into view, its ancient structures standing out against the stark surroundings. Entering the city feels like stepping back in time. Lo-Manghtang is a maze of narrow alleys, stone houses, and chortens (Buddhist shrines), all enclosed within its protective walls. The city has a unique atmosphere, blending the old-world charm of its architecture with the vibrant culture of its inhabitants. Lo-Manghtang is a treasure trove of cultural and historical sites. The city is home to several important monasteries, including the Thubchen and Jampa Gompas, both adorned with intricate murals and ancient artifacts. The royal palace, though now largely uninhabited, is another highlight, offering insights into the region’s royal heritage. Wandering through the narrow alleys of Lo-Manghtang, you’ll encounter locals dressed in traditional attire, going about their daily lives. The city’s distinct architecture, with its flat-roofed houses and richly decorated prayer wheels, adds to the sense of stepping into a living museum. This is a place where time seems to have stood still, preserving a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

One of the most exciting parts of the Upper Mustang trek is the day excursion to Chhosar, a village located near the Tibetan border. This area is known for its ancient cave systems, which were recently discovered and are believed to have been used for meditation and as dwellings by monk’s centuries ago. The caves are carved into the cliffs and contain numerous rooms connected by narrow passageways. Exploring these caves offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s spiritual and historical past. While in Chhosar, we also visit the Garphu and Nyiphu monasteries, both of which are significant religious sites in the region. These monasteries are nestled in the cliffs and are accessible by steep paths, offering a serene and secluded atmosphere perfect for meditation and reflection. After a full day of exploration, we return to Lo-Manghtang, where you can enjoy a quiet evening reflecting on the unique experiences of the day. Leaving Lo-Manghtang, we begin our journey back, taking a different route to Dhakmar. This part of the trek is particularly striking due to the presence of the red cliffs, which are said to have turned red from the blood of a slain demon according to local legend. The cliffs, with their vibrant hues, create a dramatic contrast against the arid landscape. Dhakmar is a small village, but it’s a fascinating place to explore, especially the cliff-side caves that were once used by monks. The village’s remote location and rugged beauty make it a memorable stop on the return journey. As we continue our descent, we pass through Lo Gekar, home to one of the oldest monasteries in the Mustang region. The Lo Gekar Monastery is an important pilgrimage site and is considered a spiritual center for the region’s Buddhist community. On the way to Ghiling, we also encounter the longest Mani wall in Nepal. These walls, inscribed with prayers and mantras, are a significant feature of the landscape in Upper Mustang. Walking along this wall, you can feel the deep spiritual energy that permeates the region. The last stretch of the Upper Mustang trek takes us back to Chhuksang, retracing our steps through the villages we passed on the way up. The return journey offers a chance to revisit some of the places that left a strong impression, and to appreciate the changing perspectives as we head south. Chhuksang, with its vibrant local culture and beautiful surroundings, is the perfect place to spend our last night in the Mustang region.

On the final day of the trek, we return to Jomsom via Kagbeni, where our journey began. The sense of accomplishment is palpable as we reach Jomsom, marking the successful completion of the Upper Mustang trek. In the evening, we celebrate with our team, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the past 17 days. The next morning, we take a scenic flight back to Pokhara. The aerial view of the Himalayas and the Mustang region is a breathtaking way to bid farewell to this extraordinary part of the world. After landing in Pokhara, you’ll have some free time to relax by the lakeside, explore the city, or partake in some of the adventure activities available.

After an overnight stay in Pokhara, we drive back to Kathmandu, where our journey began. The drive offers one last opportunity to take in the stunning scenery of Nepal’s landscapes. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, conclude your trek with a special farewell dinner organized by Destination Unlimited Treks, celebrating the incredible journey of the Upper Mustang trek you’ve just completed!