Welcome to Kathmandu, the vibrant and historic capital of Nepal. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Summit Nepal Adventure representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel in the city. This is your chance to unwind after your flight and acclimatize to the bustling atmosphere of Nepal’s cultural heart. Depending on your arrival time, you may want to explore the lively Thamel district, known for its shops, cafes, and traditional Nepalese cuisine. Rest well to prepare for the days ahead.
After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Pokhara, which takes roughly 7 hours. The journey winds through terraced farmland, charming villages, and panoramic mountain views. As you approach Pokhara, the breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna mountain range and the serene Phewa Lake greet you. Pokhara is a tranquil city known as the gateway to the Himalayas and is a perfect spot to rest and prepare for the trek. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening by the lakeside or explore the bustling Lakeside Bazaar.
An early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom offers spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Jomsom is a charming town located in the Kali Gandaki Valley and serves as the gateway to Upper Mustang. From here, begin your trek with a moderate 3-hour hike to Kagbeni, a traditional Tibetan-style village and a cultural hub. This village marks the official entrance to the restricted Upper Mustang region, where you’ll experience a unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese cultures. Spend the evening exploring Kagbeni’s ancient streets and monasteries.
Today’s trek leads you into the heart of Upper Mustang as you ascend towards Chele. The trail offers stunning views of deep river canyons and arid landscapes that resemble Tibetan plateaus. As you climb, you’ll pass through small villages where traditional lifestyles continue with little change for centuries. Chele is a remote village nestled at a higher altitude, providing magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. The climb is challenging but rewarding, and the local hospitality at the lodge will provide a comforting end to the day.
The trail from Chele to Syangmoche takes you further into the Mustang region’s unique environment. Syangmoche is a small settlement known for its traditional mud-brick houses and friendly locals. Along the way, you’ll encounter stark, barren landscapes and winding paths that showcase Mustang’s otherworldly beauty. The altitude increases steadily, so take breaks to acclimatize. Upon arrival, explore the village and enjoy a peaceful evening under the vast Himalayan sky.
Today’s trek to Ghami is a relatively gentle hike, offering an excellent opportunity to absorb Mustang’s culture and natural beauty. Ghami is one of the larger villages in the region and is famous for its traditional Mustang architecture and colorful prayer flags. Visit the village monastery and interact with the residents, who maintain a lifestyle deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. The surrounding fields and farmlands contrast with the otherwise stark terrain, creating a unique scenic patchwork.
A shorter trekking day brings you to Charang, a village renowned for its impressive gompa (monastery) and stunning valley views. The trail continues through arid landscapes dotted with caves and ancient ruins. Charang monastery houses exquisite frescoes and statues, offering a fascinating insight into Mustang’s spiritual heritage. Spend the afternoon exploring the village’s traditional stone houses and absorbing the tranquil atmosphere.
This day’s trek culminates in Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang. Lo Manthang is a living museum with medieval fortifications, ancient palaces, and vibrant festivals. Upon arrival, stroll through the narrow streets, visit royal palaces, and explore the main monastery. The town’s Tibetan influence is evident in its architecture and culture, making this a truly unique destination. Enjoy the spectacular sunset views over the surrounding desert-like landscape.
Spend the day exploring the fascinating Chhoser caves, located a few hours from Lo Manthang. These ancient caves were carved into cliffs and used as burial chambers by the Mustang people. The hike to Chhoser is moderately challenging but offers stunning views of the Mustang valley and the Himalayan ranges. Return to Lo Manthang in the evening and relax in this culturally rich environment, reflecting on the day’s exploration.
Leaving Lo Manthang behind, today’s trek takes you to Dhakmar, a remote village perched on cliffs overlooking the Kali Gandaki valley. The trail offers breathtaking panoramas of the snow-capped peaks and the expansive Mustang desert. Dhakmar is known for its monastery and cave systems, providing a unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance. The trek is long but rewarding, with opportunities to witness traditional Mustang life along the way.
Today, trek from Dhakmar to Ghiling, traversing high mountain trails and ancient paths used by Mustang’s nomads for centuries. Ghiling is a small, peaceful village famous for its fort-like houses and local monasteries. The village offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. Enjoy a quiet evening soaking in the peaceful mountain atmosphere and preparing for the descent that lies ahead.
Descend gradually from Ghiling to Chuksang, a larger settlement along the Kali Gandaki River. The landscape begins to shift as you approach the river valley, with more vegetation and a warmer climate. Chuksang is known for its impressive suspension bridge and traditional Mustang villages. Explore the area and relax after a rewarding day of trekking. This village is a hub of activity where you can experience local market life and interact with fellow trekkers.
Your final trekking day takes you from Chuksang back to Jomsom. The trail descends further, with expansive views of the Kali Gandaki River and the surrounding Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Jomsom offers a lively atmosphere compared to the remote villages of Mustang. Celebrate the completion of your trek and enjoy the comforts of a lodge with hot showers and hearty meals, reflecting on the incredible journey you have undertaken.
A short but scenic morning flight brings you back to Pokhara. Spend your day relaxing by the beautiful Phewa Lake, enjoying a boat ride, or visiting local attractions like the World Peace Pagoda and Davis Falls. This day is perfect for resting your legs and savoring the memories of your Upper Mustang adventure before returning to Kathmandu.
After breakfast, Scenic drive back to Kathmandu. Take in the changing landscapes as you travel through rural villages, terraced hills, and river valleys. Arrive in Kathmandu in the afternoon, where you can spend your last evening in Nepal enjoying the city’s cultural delights, shopping for souvenirs, or dining in a local restaurant.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a leisurely morning for some final exploration or shopping in Kathmandu. Our Summit Nepal Adventure team will ensure your timely transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. We hope your Upper Mustang trek has left you with lasting memories of adventure, culture, and the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas.
The Upper Mustang Trek is a rare and captivating journey into one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally preserved regions. Often called the "Last Forbidden Kingdom," Upper Mustang was a restricted area for many years, which helped maintain its ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture and stunning desert-like landscapes. Trekkers experience breathtaking views of rugged canyons, dramatic cliffs, and caves adorned with centuries-old Buddhist art. The trek passes through traditional walled villages like Lo Manthang, the ancient capital of Mustang, offering a unique glimpse into a heritage that blends Tibetan and Nepali traditions. Summit Nepal Adventure offers expert-guided treks that uncover the mysteries and beauty of this hidden kingdom with respect and care.
The Upper Mustang Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek primarily due to its high altitude and remote location. The highest point on the trek reaches approximately 3,750 meters at Lo Manthang, where the air is thinner and weather conditions can be harsh. Trekkers need a good level of fitness to handle daily walks of 5 to 7 hours over rocky terrain and some steep ascents. Although technical climbing skills are not required, the trek demands good stamina and acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. Summit Nepal Adventure’s experienced guides carefully manage pacing and acclimatization to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
The best time to visit Upper Mustang is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer clear skies, stable weather, and mild temperatures, making trekking conditions ideal. Because of Mustang’s location in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, the region stays relatively dry even during the monsoon season, but heavy rain can still occasionally affect the trail. Winter treks are possible but can be very cold, with temperatures dropping well below freezing at night.
Upper Mustang is a restricted area, and special permits are required to enter. In addition to the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card, trekkers must obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which is issued by the Nepalese government. These permits help protect the fragile environment and unique culture of Mustang. Summit Nepal Adventure takes care of all permit arrangements, ensuring compliance with all regulations and making the process seamless for you.
Accommodations on the Upper Mustang Trek primarily consist of simple tea houses and lodges, often family-run and deeply connected to the local culture. While facilities are basic, they provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with comfortable beds and home-cooked meals. Hot showers may not always be available, especially in more remote villages. Food typically includes local Tibetan and Nepali dishes such as dal bhat, tsampa (roasted barley flour), momos, and vegetable soups. Summit Nepal Adventure ensures your stay is safe and comfortable by carefully selecting trusted lodges and arranging extra amenities when possible.
Most Upper Mustang treks begin in Jomsom, which is accessible by a short flight from Pokhara. The flight itself is scenic but can sometimes be delayed due to weather. Alternatively, travelers can take a long jeep ride from Pokhara to Jomsom, which is an adventurous and rugged journey through mountain roads. Summit Nepal Adventure handles all internal transportation logistics, including flight bookings and ground transfers, to provide a hassle-free start to your trek.
Packing for Upper Mustang requires preparation for a range of temperatures, especially cold nights and potentially dusty trails. You’ll need layered clothing, including a warm insulated jacket, thermal base layers, fleece sweaters, trekking pants, a sturdy pair of hiking boots, gloves, a hat, and sunglasses. A good quality sleeping bag is essential since accommodations might not provide sufficient warmth. Don’t forget sunscreen, a headlamp, reusable water bottles, and personal medication. Summit Nepal Adventure provides a detailed packing checklist tailored specifically for the Upper Mustang environment.
Because the Upper Mustang trek ascends to around 3,750 meters, altitude sickness can be a concern, especially for trekkers who ascend too quickly or don’t acclimatize properly. Summit Nepal Adventure prioritizes your health by planning gradual ascents, recommending rest days when needed, and providing expert guidance on recognizing and managing symptoms of altitude sickness. Our guides are trained to act promptly should any health issues arise to ensure your safety.
Yes, Summit Nepal Adventure offers flexible and personalized trekking packages to fit your schedule, interests, and fitness level. Whether you want a shorter itinerary, additional cultural tours, or a private guide and porter, we can tailor your experience accordingly. We also provide options to combine Upper Mustang with other treks or sightseeing tours in Nepal for a more comprehensive adventure.
Summit Nepal Adventure is a trusted and experienced trekking company based in Nepal, dedicated to providing authentic and responsible travel experiences. Our knowledgeable guides, thorough planning, and commitment to safety ensure you enjoy every moment of your trek. We work closely with local communities to promote sustainable tourism and provide fair employment opportunities. By choosing us, you are guaranteed professional service, genuine cultural immersion, and memories to last a lifetime.
