Upper Mustang Trek — 16 Days

We leave Kathmandu and follow the highway towards Pokhara, passing river valleys, terraced hillsides and roadside towns. The drive introduces the hills before the journey towards Mustang begins.

After reaching the hotel, rest or walk beside Phewa Lake if time allows. Keep your main luggage and daypack ready for tomorrow’s early flight to Jomsom. Weather and airline operations can affect the schedule, so confirm the morning arrangements.

An early flight takes us from Pokhara to Jomsom, around 2,720 metres in the Kali Gandaki Valley. After landing, meet the trekking team and begin the walk north towards Kagbeni.

The route follows the valley through open ground, with mountain slopes and the river nearby. Wind and dust can increase later in the day. Kagbeni’s narrow lanes, stone houses and monastery introduce Mustang’s village setting. Today brings a substantial rise from Pokhara’s elevation, so keep the afternoon gentle and report any symptoms before continuing higher.

After the permit checks, we leave Kagbeni and continue north into Upper Mustang. The route follows dry valley ground towards Tangbe and Chhusang before the climb to Chele.

Whitewashed houses, fields and Buddhist features appear between the open hills and cliffs. Some sections follow or cross the road, with the precise walking line chosen according to access. The final approach gains height above the valley floor. Walk steadily and use the breaks to drink water before reaching your teahouse in Chele for the night.

We leave Chele and climb through dry hills, crossing higher ground between the village valleys. The route continues through the Samar area before reaching Syangboche, also written Syangmochen in trekking descriptions.

Expect repeated climbs and descents on uneven paths, with occasional road sections depending on the chosen trail. Tonight’s sleeping height is around 750 metres above Chele, so discuss the pace before continuing higher. Keep your guide informed about headaches, nausea or unusual fatigue, and take the afternoon gently after arrival.

We continue through the higher valley country towards Ghami, with climbs across the Yamada La and Nyi La areas on the usual route. The day’s highest ground lies above the villages where we sleep tonight.

Dry slopes, fields and distant peaks accompany the walk when visibility allows. After the pass sections, descend towards Ghami, where a long mani wall and village lanes reflect local Buddhist traditions. Follow the guide’s chosen trail and keep warm layers accessible on exposed ground.

Leaving Ghami, we cross the valley and continue towards Charang, also written Tsarang. The route passes dry slopes and open ground between village areas, with climbs and descents despite the modest change in overnight height.

Charang has stone houses, fields and an important monastery above the surrounding valley. After reaching the teahouse, explore nearby lanes if time allows. Follow local visiting instructions at religious sites and ask before photographing residents, monastery interiors or religious paintings.

We leave Charang and continue across open ground towards Lo Manthang, climbing to the Lo La area before descending towards the town. In clear weather, the approach gives views of the walled capital and the valley around it.

After reaching your lodge, take a gentle walk through nearby lanes or rest. Lo Manthang was the capital of the Kingdom of Lo and remains an important cultural centre. Two nights here allow tomorrow’s town exploration and the Chhoser excursion.

We explore Lo Manthang’s lanes and selected monasteries, then make an excursion towards Chhoser, also written Chosar or Chhosar. The town visits and cave excursion are arranged around current local opening times and access.

Cave visits can involve steps, ladders and low entrances, so discuss mobility concerns beforehand. Walking is the basic approach, with horse or jeep options needing separate arrangements. Respect photography restrictions and return to Lo Manthang for the night after completing the excursion.

We leave Lo Manthang and begin the return towards Drakmar, also written Dhakmar. The western trail can cross Chogo La before visiting Ghar Gompa, a monastery associated with Guru Rinpoche. The exact trail determines the highest point and walking time.

The route crosses open, exposed ground before descending towards the red cliffs around Drakmar. Carry sufficient water and confirm a packed lunch before departure, as refreshments cannot be assumed between villages. Move carefully on loose stones and follow the guide’s assessment of conditions throughout.

We leave Drakmar and continue towards Ghiling, also written Geling. The route returns through the Ghami area, crossing higher ground between villages before reaching the cultivated valley around Ghiling.

Although tonight’s lodge is lower than Drakmar, the trail still includes climbs and descents. Stone houses, fields, chortens and the monastery provide opportunities to see village life after the walking stage. Keep sun and wind protection accessible, and allow time to rest before tomorrow’s descent towards Chhusang along the route.

We continue south from Ghiling, following the route through the Syangboche and Samar areas towards Chhusang. Dry hills, village paths and valley crossings mark a day with substantial changes in elevation.

Expect repeated rises as well as the overall descent. Some stretches meet the road, and the guide chooses the walking line according to access and conditions. As Chhusang approaches, cultivated ground and village houses return beside the valley. Settle into the teahouse and prepare for tomorrow’s walking stage to Jomsom.

We leave Chhusang and follow the Kali Gandaki corridor south towards Jomsom, passing through the Kagbeni area. This final walking stage returns along valley ground beneath surrounding hills.

Wind and dust can build during the day, so keep a buff and sunglasses within reach. Complete the required exit checks and continue towards Jomsom. Sections may follow the road or riverbed, depending on current access. On arrival, settle into the lodge and confirm tomorrow’s flight arrangements with the team before preparing your luggage for departure.

We take the scheduled flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, subject to weather and airline operations. After landing, transfer to your hotel and settle in after the Mustang journey.

The remaining time is free for rest or a walk beside Phewa Lake. Mountain visibility depends on the weather. Keep tomorrow’s return arrangements to Kathmandu confirmed, and allow flexibility if changing conditions affect the flight or the onward programme.

We return to Kathmandu by the road or flight option agreed before departure. Driving follows river valleys and hillsides, while the flight shortens the journey between the cities.

After reaching your hotel, rest or explore nearby streets if time allows. A farewell dinner is included in Kathmandu, arranged around the return journey. Road conditions, weather and transport timing can affect the evening programme before tomorrow’s airport transfer.

Your sixteen-day Upper Mustang Trek ends today. After breakfast, prepare for your onward journey and check the airport transfer time. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be time for a walk near the hotel.

Our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure.