Experience the odyssey of the Upper Mustang trek in 2026 with the exploration of ancient caves, Tibetan culture, and majestic mountainous landscapes in a comfortable way.
The Upper Mustang trek is a magical journey to the walled city and last forbidden kingdom of Nepal, Lo Manthang. On this trek, you will traverse a trans-Himalayan region, which is unlike any other trekking region in Nepal.
The trail is offbeat and crosses many mountain passes under 4,000 meters. The landscape along the Upper Mustang trek route is arid, with towering cliffs, huge rocks, meadows, barren hills, rice and barley fields, and snow-capped mountains.
The Upper Mustang trail is dotted with tea houses, so you will get a comfortable and clean space to spend the night. Services are limited but good enough for the trekkers. Likewise, there are many stupas, chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags scattered throughout the trail.
Centuries-old monasteries are one of the highlights of Upper Mustang. Even though the Upper Mustang trek is an adventurous trip, the voyage will present you with the rich cultural heritage of the residents that has profoundly influenced Tibetan Buddhism.
Upper Mustang trekking has always been considered an exclusive experience in the Himalayas. It is a restricted area in Nepal that demands expensive permits and prohibits solo trekking. The Upper Mustang was forbidden to enter for a very long time, and because of that, the region has independently evolved in its own way.
In 1992, the Nepal government lifted the travel ban and opened the region to travelers from around the world with strict rules and regulations. Unlike the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit- the very famous trekking routes in Nepal, the Upper Mustang sees way fewer trekkers. So, the trail is not crowded and unspoiled. If you are in search of an isolated and peaceful trek in Nepal, the Upper Mustang trek 18 days is an excellent option.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu Transfer to the Hotel [1,400m].
A representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will be waiting outside the airport according to your flight time who will transfer you to the hotel. Briefing will be done once you have settled down. Please do let us know if you have any queries. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 2: Rest day in Kathmandu. must be an official day to issue special permits [1,338m].
You have a full free day in Kathmandu. prepare for trekking. Option day sightseeing.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara [980m]. Flight an Option
On this day, you will drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It will be a morning drive along a beautiful highway. The ride will be comfortable. We use a tourist-standard bus. The highway offers views of lush hills, rivers, waterfalls, terraces, and snow-capped mountains. Spend the evening enjoying the beauty of Phewa Lake.
Day 4: Drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni via Jomsom (2,720 m/8,915 ft). Flight an Option
Today we head further north from Pokhara towards Kagbeni. We will be driving approximately 161 km following the Kali Gandaki River. The drive will be filled with wonderful views of Nilgiri, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Range. As we continue our drive you can also see the change in variation as we pass through dense forests followed by pine forests and rocky terrains at the end. The total drive will be around 6 to 7 hours and lunch will be served in between. On the way we will stop to visit Ruptse Waterfall and some other local villages such as Tukuche, Marpha and Jomsom.
Day 5: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele
You will register the permits at the police checkpoint and continue ascending inside Upper Mustang. Trekking via the narrow alleys of Kagbeni, you will follow the higher trail. Reach Tangbe and trek from here to Chele. The trail offers a view of barley and buckwheat fields.
Day 6: Trek from Chele to Gelling
While trekking from Chele to Gelling, you will mostly see dry and barren landscapes. Ascend to Gyakar village and trek to Samar. From here, the trail continues to Bhena and goes uphill to Yamda La Pass. The view of the mountains is jaw-dropping from the top. Further, descend from the pass and trek to Gelling iva Syanboche.
Day 7: Trek from Gelling to Tsarang via Ghar Gompa (3,930 m/12,894 ft)
Today, you will trek to the beautiful Tsarang village. The trail has fair shares of uphill and downhill walks. On the way, you will stop at the ancient Ghar Gompa and cross the Mui La pass (4,170 m). You may see blue sheep in this part of the trail.
Day 8: Trek from Tsarang to Lo-Manthang
Start trekking from Tsarang and descend to Tsarang Chu Canyon. From here, you will cross a river and follow a steep uphill trail. The views of Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Annapurna I, Tilicho Peak, and Bhrikuti Peak are fantastic along the way. Soon, you will ascend to Lo La Pass (3,950 m/12,959 ft) and descend to Lo Manthang.
Day 9: Rest day in Lo Manthang- visit Chhoser Cave (by horse; self-payable) and Namgyal Monastery
You will spend a rest day in Lo Mantha. This will help you acclimatize and allow you to explore the surrounding areas. Start the day by visiting the Namgyal Gompa, situated on a hilltop. This place is a spiritual center for locals and serves as a court of justice.Then, hike northwest to Tingkhar, the last settlement in this area. You will also visit the Chhoser Caves, also known as the Sky Caves. Some other places you will explore are Tall Champa Lhakhang, Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and the Entrance Hall later in Lo Manthang.
Day 10: Trek from Lo Manthang to Yara
From Lo Manthang, you will trek Yara. Usually, trekkers do not touch this remote settlement. The trail is on the isolated sides. You will see sandy castle-like structures and barren landscapes on the way. Yara is situated on the top of a hill.
Day 11: Visit Luri Gompa and go back to Yara to spend the night
In the early morning, hike to Luri Gompa. Enjoy the isolation and serenity of the area. Luri Gompa is a centuries-old monastery. Here, you will get to see the deep-rooted religious beliefs of the locals. You will see sandstone cliffs and paintings on walls and ceilings. Enjoy breathtaking arid landscapes.
Day 12: Trek from Yara to Tangbe
From Yara, you will trek back to Tangbe. The trail goes to Dhechaeng Khola. On the way, you will cross a stream of melting ice. The trail gradually ascends to Dhi village. Further, enjoy the desert-like views, trek via the Tangya settlement, and descend to Tangbe.
Day 13: Trek from Tangbe to Chuksang
The trail from Tangbe to Tetang is challenging because you will cross the Paha pass (4,210 m) on the way. It is the highest point you will touch on this trek. You will see a stunning view of Damodar Himal and Saribung Himal from the top of the pass. Further, descend to Chuksang village to spend the night.
Day 14: Drive to Pokhara via Muktinath and Tatopani
We will be picked up by our Jeep today and we will begin our drive towards the city of lakes, Pokhara. From Chuksang we will drive towards Muktinath to visit the sacred Hindu Temple. We will spend some time around the temple area where we can also see the eternal flame. From Muktinath we continue driving through the villages of Jomsom, Marpha, Tukuche and Lete before stopping at Tatopani (Hot Spring). After trekking it is believed these natural hot springs help your body recover. We will spend some hours at the Hotspring then continue our drive to Pokhara. Upm reaching Pokhara rest of the evening is at leisure
Day 15: Fly to Kathmandu
After breakfast, fly back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival Kathmandu, the guide will drop you off at the hotel. The remaining day is yours to spend as you like. Rest and window shop in Thamel because this is your last day in Kathmandu. (Drive an option).
Day 16: Trip ends! Fly back home with memories to cherish forever
A representative from Adventure Treks Nepal will drop you to the airport according to your flight time. Returning back with memories that last lifetime.“NAMASTE!”