Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary - 14 Days

The Upper Mustang Trek takes you into one of Nepal’s most unique landscapes, often called the "Last Forbidden Kingdom." With dramatic desert valleys, colorful cliffs, and centuries-old monasteries, this trek blends natural beauty with deep cultural immersion. Starting from Kathmandu, the journey moves through Pokhara and Jomsom into the restricted Mustang region, culminating in the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang before returning.

  • Day 1 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (830 m / 2,723 ft – 7 hrs)

    •Altitude: 830 m / 2,723 ft

    •Duration: 7 hrs drive (200 km approx.)

    Your journey begins with a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway, winding beside the Trishuli and Marsyangdi Rivers. Along the way, you’ll pass terraced rice fields, roadside bazaars, and glimpses of rural Nepali life. As you approach Pokhara, snow peaks like Machapuchare (Fishtail) and the Annapurna Range come into view. In the evening, relax at Lakeside Pokhara, stroll along Phewa Lake, or enjoy dinner with a mountain backdrop.

    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Pokhara
    • Altitude: 830 m / 2,723 ft – 7 hrs
  • Day 2 Fly to Jomsom (2,720 m / 8,907 ft) and trek to Kagbeni (2,930 m / 9,613 ft – 3 hrs)

    •Altitude: Jomsom – 2,720 m / 8,907 ft → Kagbeni – 2,930 m / 9,613 ft

    •Duration: 25-min flight + 3 hrs trek | ~10 km

    Take a thrilling mountain flight to Jomsom, flying between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The scenery switches dramatically from green hills to Mustang’s arid, desert-like landscape. After landing, begin your trek along the Kali Gandaki River Valley, famous for fossils and sacred shaligrams (black stones). The trail is relatively flat and windy, leading to Kagbeni, a medieval village with mud-brick houses, narrow lanes, and a 500-year-old monastery marking the official gateway to Upper Mustang.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Kagbeni
    • Altitude: 2,930 m / 9,613 ft
  • Day 3 Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,050 m / 10,006 ft – 6 hrs)

    •Altitude: 3,050 m / 10,006 ft

    •Duration: 5–6 hrs | 11 km

    Leaving Kagbeni, you enter the restricted Upper Mustang area. The path follows the riverbed, passing through Tangbe village, with its whitewashed houses, apple orchards, and barley fields. You’ll notice red cliffs riddled with ancient sky caves, once used for meditation and burial. After crossing a suspension bridge at Chhusang, a final steep climb brings you to Chele, a small settlement with Tibetan-style homes and panoramic views of Nilgiri Peak.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Chele
    • Altitude: 3,050 m / 10,006 ft
  • Day 4 Trek from Chele to Syangboche (3,475 m / 11,400 ft – 6 hrs)

    •Altitude: 3,475 m / 11,400 ft

    •Duration: 6–7 hrs | 12 km

    Today is a challenging but rewarding trekking day. The trail climbs to Taklam La Pass (3,624 m) and Dajori La Pass (3,735 m), with wide views of barren ridges, deep gorges, and distant snowy peaks. You pass through Samar village, shaded by poplar trees and known for juniper groves used in local rituals. The trek continues through red and yellow canyons before a steep descent and climb to reach Syangboche, a peaceful village surrounded by rugged Mustang hills.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Syangboche
  • Day 5 Trek from Syangboche to Ghami (3,500 m / 11,482 ft – 5 hrs)

    •Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,482 ft

    •Duration: 5–6 hrs | 11 km

    The trail ascends gradually to Yamda La Pass (3,850 m), decorated with mani walls (stone carvings with Buddhist prayers) and chortens. Crossing rolling plateaus and ridges, you then climb Nyi La Pass (4,010 m)—one of the highest points of the trek. A long descent leads to Ghami, one of Mustang’s largest villages, surrounded by fields of buckwheat and barley. Ghami is home to the longest Mani wall in Nepal, stretching hundreds of meters, symbolizing centuries of devotion.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Ghami
    • Altitude: 3,500 m / 11,482 ft
  • Day 6 Trek from Ghami to Charang (3,560 m / 11,679 ft – 4 hrs)

    •Altitude: 3,560 m / 11,679 ft

    •Duration: 4–5 hrs | 10 km

    After crossing the Ghami Khola (river), the path climbs through colorful cliffs and more chortens. The landscape becomes increasingly striking, with red and ochre cliffs against a blue sky. Soon you arrive at Charang (Tsarang), a historically important village with a five-story white dzong (fortress) and a large red-walled monastery. The village, perched above the valley, offers sweeping views and showcases Mustang’s deep Buddhist heritage.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Charang
    • Altitude: 3,560 m / 11,679 ft
  • Day 7 Trek from Charang to Lo Manthang (3,770 m / 12,368 ft – 5 hrs)

    •Altitude: 3,770 m / 12,368 ft

    •Duration: 5–6 hrs | 12 km

    Today’s trail descends to the Charang Chu Canyon, crosses a bridge, and climbs gradually to the Lo La Pass (3,950 m). From the top, you’ll see your first breathtaking view of Lo Manthang, the legendary walled city. Descend into the valley and enter the medieval capital of Mustang, once home to kings and nobles. Inside its ancient walls, you’ll find monasteries, a royal palace, and labyrinthine alleys filled with Tibetan culture.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Lo Manthang
    • Altitude: 3,770 m / 12,368 ft
  • Day 8 Day excursion to Chhoser Cave & surrounding monasteries (Lo Manthang – 6 hrs)

    •Altitude: 3,770 m / 12,368 ft

    •Duration: 5–6 hrs exploration

    Spend the day exploring the cultural wonders of Lo Manthang. Visit the great monasteries of Jampa Lhakhang, Thubchen Gompa, and Chode Lhakhang, each adorned with centuries-old frescoes. Take a side trip to Chhoser Cave, an ancient cave complex carved high into cliffs, used as meditation retreats and dwellings in the past. You can also explore nearby villages by horse or jeep, immersing yourself in Mustang’s unique way of life.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Lo Manthang
    • Altitude: 3,770 m / 12,368 ft
  • Day 9 Trek from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar (3,800 m / 12,467 ft – 7 hrs)

    •Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft

    •Duration: 6–7 hrs | 13 km

    Instead of retracing the same path, you follow a high-altitude trail offering stunning views of the valley. On the way, visit Ghar Gompa (Lo Gekar Monastery), said to be one of Mustang’s oldest monasteries, built in the 8th century by Guru Rinpoche. Continuing through rocky canyons, you reach Dhakmar, a village famed for its dramatic red cliffs and cave formations glowing in the afternoon sun.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Dhakmar
    • Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
  • Day 10 Trek from Dhakmar to Ghiling (3,860 m / 12,664 ft – 6 hrs)

    •Altitude: 3,860 m / 12,664 ft

    •Duration: 5–6 hrs | 12 km

    The trail climbs steeply at first, crossing high passes before descending into expansive valleys. With strong afternoon winds, trekking in the morning is recommended. You arrive at Ghiling, a quiet settlement with traditional Tibetan-style homes and a monastery. The dry, windswept surroundings give the village a mystical, isolated feel.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Ghiling
    • Altitude: 3,860 m / 12,664 ft
  • Day 11 Trek from Ghiling to Chhusang (3,050 m / 10,050 ft – 6 hrs)

    •Altitude: 3,050 m / 10,050 ft

    •Duration: 5–6 hrs | 13 km

    Descending gradually, you retrace your steps towards the southern Mustang. The trail passes through barren plateaus, eroded cliffs, and occasional green fields, before reaching Chhusang, where the Mustang trails reconnect with the Kali Gandaki Valley.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Chhusang
    • Altitude: 3,050 m / 10,050 ft
  • Day 12 Trek from Chhusang to Jomsom (2,715 m / 8,907 ft – 7 hrs)

    •Altitude: 2,715 m / 8,907 ft

    •Duration: 6–7 hrs | 14 km

    Today’s final trekking day follows the Kali Gandaki River back towards Jomsom. The walk is long but relatively easy, with the wind picking up in the afternoon. By evening, you arrive at Jomsom, the administrative and transport hub of Mustang. Celebrate the end of your trek with your team.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
    • Accommodation: Teahouse
    • Place: Jomsom
    • Altitude: 2,715 m / 8,907 ft
  • Day 13 Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (830 m / 2,723 ft – 25 min)

    •Altitude: 830 m / 2,723 ft

    •Duration: 25-min flight

    Board a morning flight back to Pokhara, enjoying one last aerial view of Mustang’s unique desert plateau. The rest of the day is free to relax—take a boat ride on Phewa Lake, explore caves and waterfalls, or simply enjoy the lakeside cafes.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Pokhara
    • Altitude: 830 m / 2,723 ft
  • Day 14 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,320 m / 4,330 ft – 8 hrs)

    •Altitude: 1,320 m / 4,330 ft

    •Duration: 7–8 hrs drive (200 km)

    A scenic return drive brings you back to Kathmandu. Along the way, enjoy views of rivers, terraced hillsides, and traditional villages. Upon arrival, you can relax at your hotel or explore Kathmandu’s lively streets—an ideal way to wrap up your journey into the mystical kingdom of Mustang.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Place: Kathmandu
    • Altitude: 1,320 m / 4,330 ft
Back to package