The Upper Mustang Trek travels north of Annapurna an average at a altitude of 4,000 metres The valleys are barren and dry with colourful rocks and many cave dwellings high up on the cliffs. The first trekking groups were only permitted to enter Upper Mustang in 1992.Our Upper Mustang Trek itinerary travels quiet trails with fewer crowds.Experience peaceful Tibetan culture amid friendly settlements. This outstanding trek includes several long trekking days and a hike through the deepest gorge in the world.Larger villages were once stops on a successful trade route between Nepal and Tibet.
The Upper Mustang trek travels through an area that sees very little rainfall. Admire views of rocky mountains snowy peaks bright white painted settlements glittering in the sunshine fields of barley and simple colourful monasteries. A highlight is the visit tothe walled town of Lo Manthang, where the King of Mustang once ruled. The culture and lifestyle here are closer to those of Tibet than Kathmandu.Encounters Nepal will escort you on this dream trip of a lifetime.
Day 01: Scenic Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Distance: 200km | Duration: 6-7 hours
Leave the capital for a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway. Enjoy views of the Trishuli River, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu. Overnight at a lakeside hotel in Pokhara.
Day 02: Flight to Jomsom & Trek to Kagbeni
Altitude: 2,860m | Trek: 3 hours
Take a mountain flight to Jomsom, soaring over the world’s deepest gorge. Begin your trek along the Kali Gandaki River to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang.
Day 03: Entry into Restricted Mustang: Kagbeni to Chele
Altitude: 3,060m | Trek: 5 hours
Register your Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit. Pass the traditional villages of Tangbe and Chhusang to reach Chele.
Day 04: Crossing the Passes: Chele to Geling
Altitude: 3,510m | Trek: 6 hours
Cross the Dajori La and Yamda La passes. Witness the "cold desert" landscape and explore ancient Buddhist gompas in the picturesque village of Geling.
Day 05: Geling to Charang via Ghemi
Altitude: 3,620m | Trek: 7 hours
Climb to 4,025m for panoramic Annapurna views. Walk past the longest mani wall in Mustang before arriving in Charang.
Day 06: Arrival at the Walled City: Charang to Lo Manthang
Altitude: 3,890m | Trek: 4 hours
The highlight of the trek. Cross the Lo La Pass (3,950m) to see the first glimpse of the walled city of Lo-Manthang.
Day 07: Exploration Day: Sky Caves & Ancient Monasteries
Explore Lo-Manthang. Key highlights: Jampa Lhakhang, Chhoser Sky Caves, and the Tingkar Summer Palace. Deep dive into centuries-old Tibetan culture.
Day 08 – 11: The Return Journey
Trek back through Ghemi, Samar, and Kagbeni, retracing your steps through the red cliffs of the Mustang plateau back to Jomsom.
Day 12: Jomsom to Pokhara Flight
Fly back to Pokhara. Spend the afternoon boating on Phewa Lake or visiting Davis Falls.
Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu for a farewell dinner.