Article Published On - 24-07-2024
Make an adventure out of the Upper Mustang trek in Nepal, an exploratory expedition into the hidden Buddhist realm known as Lo. Situated high up in the trans-Himalayan mountains near Tibet. This high-altitude region features a distinctive Tibetan charm, evident in its rugged landscape of towering cliffs and vibrant rock formations. Beginning in Kagbeni, Upper Mustang’s gateway town, this trek passes over barren landscape beneath Dhaulagiri Mountain before arriving at Lo-Manthang – once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lo-Manthang. Explore ancient caves, rock art, monasteries, and gompas while delving deeper into the rich cultural heritage of this mystical land. Experience breathtaking vistas from the Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri ranges as your backdrop on this exciting journey! Visit Lo Manthang to gain more of an understanding of its history and customs by visiting Namgyal Gompa, King’s Palace, Tingkhar village, and Amchi Museum and School; there you’ll see traditional Tibetan medicine being preserved and modernized. Ghar Gompa, an ancient monastery dating back 1,200 years, is just a short trek from Lo Manthang and is known for its vibrant rock paintings and the legend that wishes made here will come true. This trek covers an altitude range between 3,000-3,800 meters, so a moderate pace must be maintained to prevent altitude sickness; with daily walks lasting 5-7 hours along dusty and winding pathways. With this extraordinary Himalayan kingdom at your doorstep, awaits an experience you won’t soon forget.
After breakfast, we set off early for Pokhara. Our route will lead us out of Kathmandu Valley along the Trishuli River until reaching an ideal stopover point where the terrain becomes more level. As we travel downriver, we may witness rafters navigating rapids on the river and catch glimpses of distant mountains. When arriving at Pokhara, more breathtaking mountain vistas await. Machhapuchhre (or Fishtail), standing tall at 6,993m, provides an unforgettable view over the city. Once settled into your accommodation, explore the lakeside district by boating across Fewa Lake or taking advantage of one of the lakeside bars for drinks before dinner; otherwise, just unwind and enjoy an enjoyable trip!
Today marks the beginning of your Upper Mustang adventure, as a short 20-minute flight takes you from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720 meters). Pass through Kali Gandaki Gorge as you glide past Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges in their entirety. As soon as you arrive in Jomsom, famed for its strong winds and desert landscapes, a trek will commence towards Kagbeni – the historic entrance of Upper Mustang. Following along the Kali Gandaki River, you will pass by scattered villages, vast valleys, and rugged cliffs along your journey. On your arrival in Kagbeni (2,810 m), an idyllic village known for its earth-toned houses, vibrant monasteries, and narrow streets steeped with Tibetan heritage, take time to explore this picturesque locale, visit its 14th-century monastery, and appreciate both natural and spiritual splendour.
After breakfast in Kagbeni, your trek officially enters the Upper Mustang area, where permits must be verified before traveling along the Kali Gandaki River northwards. The path winds its way through an eye-catching, barren landscape shaped by nature’s elements, featuring rugged canyons, ancient caves, and weathered cliffs – an unexpected contrast from the lusher lower Mustang region. On your journey, you’ll stop at Tangbe, an idyllic village adorned with whitewashed homes, vibrant prayer flags, sprawling barley fields, and orchards of apple trees. After taking a brief respite, your journey continues towards Chhusang – an idyllic riverside village nestled beneath towering red rock formations and offering an ideal place for rest and refuel. After crossing a suspension bridge in Chhusang, a steady climb up towards Chele begins, and upon arrival, you’ll notice a distinct change in both environment and culture, with the landscape becoming increasingly desolate while architecture reflecting Tibetan influences in Upper Mustang.
Today’s journey from Chele to Syangboche offers both challenges and rewards as you explore Lower Mustang’s breathtaking terrain. Starting off with a steep ascent through rugged cliffs and narrow valleys, this trek leads to Taklam La Pass (3,624 m). From here, enjoy panoramic vistas of Tilicho and Damodar Himal ranges. Following that point onward, its path meanders across breezy ridges past interesting cave homes carved directly into rocks before coming full circle back down through breezy ridges before finally arriving back at Taklam Lake Pass (4,938 m). As you continue, Samar will offer an idyllic oasis, complete with poplar trees and barley fields, providing the ideal opportunity for a short rest stop. Beginning by descending into a deep gorge and ascending towards Bhena and Yamdo La Pass (3,850 m), your journey ends up at Syangboche (3,800 m). Along the way, you will encounter spectacular views, cultural interactions, and gain an appreciation of Mustang’s remote beauty. This day will test your endurance but reward it with breathtaking vistas, cultural exchanges, and profound appreciation of its remote beauty.
The trek from Syangboche to Ghami is a highlight of the Upper Mustang Trek, providing breathtaking vistas and an in-depth exploration of local culture. Each day starts slowly, climbing to Yamda La Pass where prayer flags dance in the wind against a backdrop of spectacular landscape. The trek then winds through charming villages such as Gheling and Tamagaon, displaying their rich Tibetan Buddhist history with elegant white houses and intricately-carved mani walls. Following an early lunch break, the journey continues northward to reach Nyi La Pass – one of the highest points along this trek – before turning sharply south towards Ghami Village and its tranquil environs. Ghami Village lies among rugged cliffs and deep gorges, and is known for its stunning rock formations, ancient shrines, and the longest mani wall in Mustang, which spans the valley floor. When night falls, Ghami takes on an entrancing quality that oozes history and Himalayan mystery.
Starting our day with an exhilarating and potentially hazardous trek on uneven, slippery terrain, we head toward a suspension bridge spanning the Ghami Khola river. Along the way, we pass traditional mani walls adorned with Tibetan inscriptions before ascending Charang La Pass (3,870 meters). After passing through Charang Chu canyon, we reach Charang village, where a historic fortress and vibrant red monastery await our exploration after enjoying lunch in its idyllic atmosphere.
Start off your day on an unforgettable journey as we trek over uneven terrain to reach a suspension bridge spanning Ghami Khola. On our journey, we pass intricately carved mani walls before ascending the Charang La Pass at 3,870 meters – our final stop for today. At the top of Charang Chu Canyon is the picturesque village of Charang, home to a historic fortress and colorful red gompa. After lunch, we have plenty of time to discover its treasures. Next, we descend into a canyon and cross a river before ascending the Lo La pass at an elevation of 3,950 meters. Here is where our first view of Lo Manthang comes into focus – this centuries-old walled city has long been used by its King as his residence, and its vibrant Buddhist festivals are legendary! Surrounding it are majestic mountains such as Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, and Bhrikuti Peak that add even further mystique.
Today, we embark on an unforgettable adventure to uncover the mysteries of Upper Mustang. After an enjoyable trek to Chhoser, where we’ll discover the mysterious Jhong Caves (also known as Sky Caves), researchers are left pondering who built them and why; theories include ancient burial sites, hideaways, meditation chambers, or monasteries being potential reasons. After exploring some caves, we will enjoy a picnic lunch among moon-like landscapes and magnificent mountains before returning back to Lo Manthang for the night.
Begin your Upper Mustang Trek from Lo Manthang and head along a breathtaking and culturally significant path towards Dhakmar, one of the highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek. This unique route through Mustang will lead you through high-altitude meadows, towering red rock formations, and ancient caverns, all while uncovering its mystique. Your journey will include a visit to Ghar Gompa, an iconic Tibetan monastery associated with Guru Rinpoche that’s believed to fulfil heartfelt wishes. Trek passes over rugged mountain passes and quiet valleys before finally arriving in Dhakmar – an idyllic village located beneath vibrant red cliffs that’s said to have the spirit of an ancient demon living within. Dhakmar offers an unforgettable and tranquil overnight destination, making this village unforgettable.
Once rested in Dhakmar village, your journey today will lead you south through Upper Mustang’s breathtaking high-altitude scenery. The path begins with a gentle climb through arid ridges and exposed valleys, following some of your previous footsteps while providing breathtaking views of towering cliffs and expansive plateaus. If you missed Gompa Ghar the day before, you will pass by it again today; it’s a famed monastery associated with Guru Rinpoche. As you progress downwards, the landscape changes into more inviting terrain with pockets of verdant fields and stonewall farms dotting your path. By early afternoon, you should arrive in Ghiling (also called Geling), a peaceful village perched upon a barren incline. Famous for its traditional dwellings, ancient stupas, and spectacular monastery, Ghiling provides an idyllic overnight stop that promises cultural immersion and serenity. As winds tend to pick up after midday, an early departure is recommended to ensure a smooth journey.
Today’s journey from Ghiling village will take you deeper south across arid plateaus, weathered cliffs, and lush valleys on your return towards the lower Mustang region. While parts of this trek may overlap with parts of your previous route, descending through its breathtaking landscape will offer stunning new perspectives and natural lighting. On your journey through Mustang, you will once more traverse the Nyi La Pass (4,010 meters). Here you can enjoy breathtaking views of its worn canyon walls and distant snow-coated peaks. As you travel between Gheling and Samar villages, take time for lunch in Chele before following a windswept serpentine path that eventually brings you back to Chhusang (2,980m), an idyllic settlement located beneath vibrant red and orange cliffs. As one descends in elevation, temperatures become milder and flora changes dramatically; lush greenery proliferates along riverbanks. Chhusang offers tranquil pathways, apple orchards, and captivating cliffside caverns, which create an idyllic and picturesque environment for an overnight stay.
Your final day of trekking begins with a gentle downhill walk from Chhusang, following the Kali Gandaki River back towards Jomsom, serving as the primary administrative and transportation hub in Mustang. Through Tangbe village with its charming white buildings, apple orchards, and narrow pathways lies Kagbeni, an important entryway between Upper and Lower Mustang. After making a brief stop in Kagbeni, the trek becomes flat as you climb to Jomsom at an elevation of 2,720 meters. Terrain shifts from dry cliffs to a more open valley landscape with a river. To avoid strong winds that tend to blow in the afternoons, start early! Once in Jomsom, check into your accommodation and enjoy one final evening in the Mustang region. With its small airport and bakeries as well as breathtaking views of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountains, Jomsom provides the ideal endpoint to this unforgettable high-altitude journey.
Beginning our day early with an early wakeup call to catch our morning flight to Pokhara, having experienced the mountains from every angle has given them greater significance for us. Once settled into our hotel room in Pokhara, you will have free reign to explore Pokhara at your leisure – browsing shops and cafes along its beautiful Lakeside or marking our trek’s conclusion with a lively night out exploring Pokhara’s lively bars and clubs offering traditional Nepali and modern Western styles; or simply unwind and take in Fewa Lake’s twinkling lights reflecting across Fewa Lake!
Once again, say farewell to Fishtail and Annapurna as we embark on our return journey to Kathmandu. Take this time to rest up, as tonight is our farewell dinner from our trek! Beforehand, spend some time exploring Thamel; shop, rejuvenate with a massage, rejuvenate at one of the numerous cafes or restaurants, or just unwind by relaxing with a cup of coffee from one of the numerous cafes or restaurants nearby.
By Air: Take a flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara (25 minutes). Next, fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (15-20 minutes).
By Road: Assuming one departs Pokhara for Jomsom via Beni, Ghasa, and Marpha, it should take between 10-12 hours of travel time by road.
Spring (March to May): Clear skies, mild conditions, and beautiful landscapes make up what makes up spring in nature. Autumn (Sept – Nov) offers unparalleled views, no treks, and vibrant festivals. Monsoon (June-August): Due to Mustang’s rain shadow area, the monsoon season is surprisingly enjoyable, with dry and wide treks available for travel.
Director & Founder
With over 12 years of experience in the Himalayas, Preetam has summited multiple 6000 - 7000 meter peaks and led more than 200 expeditions across iconic routes like Bali Pass, Buran Ghati, Rupin Pass, Pin Bhabha, Stok Kangri, and Black Peak. His deep mountain experience and leadership make him a trusted name in Himalayan trekking. Write to him at: preetam@trekupindia.com
