Upper Mustang Trek 15N 16D Itinerary

Upper Mustang Trek 15N 16D Itinerary set off from Kathmandu with a drive to Pokhara, an option is to fly 30 mins. Then, on the next day get an early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, from where we hike up to Kagbeni- the gateway to Upper Mustang. With a night halt in Kagbeni, we start off our actual trek to Lo Manthang after presenting our permits here. The trail passes through the beds of Kaligandaki river initially, then along the numerous ascends and descends through the ridges, gorges, alpine fields, villages and settlements, streams and passes, after 3 more-night halts we will reach Lo Manthang, the Upper Mustang, the capital of Mustang. We will spend one full day in Lo Manthang exploring the fascinating town and never missing the mountain vista, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, etc. from our eyes. On return, we will follow almost the same route but this time from Chhusang we visit Muktinath, one of the most revered and the holiest places amongst the Hindus and the Buddhists. Finally, we trek back to Jomsom the next day. Our trek ends here in Jomsom. However, to return Kathmandu, we will catch the flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and to Kathmandu the following day.

  • Day 1 Kathmandu Arrival

    Upon arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be welcomed one of our representatives and transferred to the hotel. Check-in and get refreshed. Later our representative will hold a short briefing session to explain the further program details.

    Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

    Note: Depending upon your arrival time, one additional day might be required here in Kathmandu to get the permit of ACAP to travel Upper Mustang as we will be passing through Annapurna Conservation Area.

    • Meals: None
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Kathmandu
    • Altitude: 1300m
  • Day 2 Kathmandu to Pokhara (1400m). Drive: 6 hrs.

    After breakfast, we will drive to Pokhara, the lake city. We have the option to fly Pokhara as well, it takes 30 mins. flight time. But right now, we continue via driving in this itinerary. It will take around 6-7 hours drive depending upon the en route traffic and road condition. However, this is going to be a scenic drive throughout the winding road between the cities, towns, villages, rivers, gorges, etc. This is also an interesting road trip to know a little about the geography of Nepal from a bit closer.

    For lunch, we will pull over en route at a decent place.

    Upon arrival at the hotel in Pokhara, we will check-in and get refreshed with some rest. In the evening, we can enjoy strolling around in the streets of lakeside and have a walk at the bank of Fewa Lake. 

    Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Pokhara
    • Altitude: 1400m
  • Day 3 Pokhara to Jomsom (2700m) Flight: 30 mins. Jomsom to Kagbeni (2800m) Trek: 3 - 4 hrs.

    In the early morning, we will be transferred to the Pokhara Airport for our departure to Jomsom. This is going to be an awesome flight between the snowy mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The flight will take us to the enticing arid land-Jomsom (2700m). After 30 mins., we land at Jomsom and enjoy our tea/coffee there. A drive to Kagbeni takes another 30 mins. But we walk to Kagbeni (2800m) along the Kaligandaki riverbeds between the deep gorges, the place where the towering massifs rise over 8000m and the Kaligandaki river flowing at around 2500m, making it the deepest gorge in the earth. This walk will take 3-4 hours to reach Kagbeni. The most revered holy temple- Muktinath is at 3800m, 13km east of Kagbeni. It takes 30 mins. drive or 3-4 hours walk to reach up there. But today, we will explore Kagbeni (2800m), which is the gateway to the Upper Mustang/Lo Manthang. In leisure, we will have our final preparation for trekking tomorrow.

    Overnight at the hotel/guesthouse in Kagbeni.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse/Lodge
    • Place: Kagbeni
    • Altitude: 2800m
  • Day 4 Kagbeni to Chele (3110m) Trek: 5 - 6 hrs.

    After breakfast today, we will take the actual first step of our trekking to Upper Mustang from Kagbeni-the actual gateway.

    The trail is going to be along the Kaligandaki riverbed and some two and half hours later we will be passing through the walled orchard of Organic Apple Farm in a strange arid land of this small beautiful town called Tangbe (3060m) which will appear after climbing the first ridge. We will explore this beautiful serene town full of black and white and rusty red chortens, whitewashed houses with quite a lot of narrow alleys while leaving. From Tangbe it takes 1.5 hours of walk to reach Chhusang (2980m) village, hiking uphill and downhill. From Chhusang, we continue our trek for another 2 hours through the riverbed beside the valley until we reach the bridge below our destination- Chele. We leave the valley after crossing the bridge above Kaligandaki river and climbing through the eroded red cliffs with numerous inaccessible mysterious caves. Our trail now follows through a steep climb out of the valley leading up to the village of Chele (3050m)- our destination today. We will call it a day. Overnight at the guesthouse in Chele.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Guesthouse
    • Place: Chele
    • Altitude: 3110m
  • Day 5 Chele to Geling (3570m) Trek: 5 - 6 hrs

    After breakfast, we continue our trek ascending and descending through the arid terrains, steep canyons and villages. We will reach Samar village at 3660m in two hours, enjoying the view of Nilgiri and Annapurna. The trail continues passing through a ridge and ravine, through the valley and rivulet taking us to Syangboche/ Shyangmochen at 3800m. The trail then descends to the village after a short climb from Syangboche. This is Geling/Ghiling (3570m), where we will layover for the night.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Guesthouse
    • Place: Geling
    • Altitude: 3800m
  • Day 6 Geling to Charang (3620m) Trek: 4 - 5 hrs

    Today, after breakfast, we continue our trail climbing to Nyi La pass at 4010m. Then descending through the colorful cliff and crossing the bridge over Tangmar Chu river we encounter the longest Mani wall in Mustang district. With ascends and descends en route, we will reach Charang/Tsarang village at 3560m. We will call it a day for our overnight stay here in Charang.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Guesthouse
    • Place: Charang
    • Altitude: 4010m
  • Day 7 Charang to Lo Manthang (3800m) Trek: 4 - 5 hrs

    We will start off our trek as usual, after breakfast. Our trek ascends to reach Lo Gekar (3900m), where we will find one of the oldest Gompas of the region. From Lo-Gekar, we will continue our trail through Charang Chu canyon with another ascends and descends through the river streams and side-walled trail. After 4-5 hours of walk, we will finally reach Lo-Manthang at 3800m. Welcome to the Upper Mustang! We will toss ourselves in the lodge and get refreshed. The rest is for the rest! Or we can have a brief stroll around this beautiful Lo-Manthang. Tomorrow is for the exploration of this historic town.  Overnight stay at the lodge/guesthouse.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Guesthouse/Lodge
    • Place: Lo Manthang
    • Altitude: 3900m
  • Day 8 Exploration of Lo Manthang (3800m): Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar (3840m). Trek: 4 - 6 hrs with return trip.

    It’s an exploration day today. We will take breakfast at the hotel and hike to Namgyal Gompa on the hilltop. It takes around two hours. The monastery still serves as the local court in the community of the area. From there, we will hike to the last village Tingkhar, which is at the elevation of 3840m near the northwest border to China. After exploring Tingkhar, we will hike back to Lo Manthang.

    We have an option to stay at Lo Manthang and visit the sites in the periphery. The major attractions of this town are Chyodi Gompa- a four-storied Royal Palace, the red Thughen Gompa, the tall Champa La Khang- the God House, etc. Pay for the hire and we can ride a horse to explore the town or enjoy the local Tibetan tea with Yak milk and butter. Explore the town to the fullest and get more pictures of this unique town in a unique landscape surrounded by the mesmerizing view of the western Himalayas of Nepal.

    Overnight at the lodge in Lo Manthang.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Guesthouse/Lodge
    • Place: Lo Manthang
    • Altitude: 3800m
  • Day 9 Lo-Manthang to Drakmar (3820m) Trek: 6-7 hrs

    A return day! After warm breakfast, we will start off our trek back to Jomsom. But our first return destination will be to Drakmar. First, our trail ascends above 4000m which then continues to the highest point of this trek to reach Chogo La at 4210m. Then, we descend and cross the Charang river to climb again to reach Geker. Crossing Ghar Gompa at Geker, we will climb the ridge to cross a valley and the field heading the trail towards Drakmar at 3820m. Arrive at Drakmar after 6-7 hours walk and we will throw ourselves at the guesthouse for the night. 

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Guesthouse
    • Place: Drakmar
    • Altitude: 4210m
  • Day 10 Drakmar to Shyangmochen (3800m) Trek: 5 - 6 hrs

    Morning breakfast. Today, our destination is Syangboche/Shyangmochen, where we laid over for a night halt earlier. The trail passes through the walls and fields at Drakmar and ascends up to a ridge to reach the Ghami after another descend. We will cross Jaite, Chhung Kah and Tama Gaon to drop down at Syangboche. After 5-6 hours of walk, we reach Syangboche, we rest at the guesthouse and get refreshed. Our night halt and dinner at Syangboche. 

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Guesthouse
    • Place: Syangboche
    • Altitude: 3800m
  • Day 11 Shyangbochen to Chhusang (2980m) Trek: 6 hrs

    The trail traces down to Chhusang today. However, we have another optional route as well, which is a bit longer- around 30 mins. more. But, this trail cruises towards the Ranchung cave and lands at Samar. For now, this itinerary concentrates towards Chhusang. After 6 hours of walk, we will finally reach Chhusang (2980m). Dinner and night stay at the guesthouse in Chhusang.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Guesthouse
    • Place: Chhusang
    • Altitude: 2980m
  • Day 12 Chhusang to Muktinath (3800m) Trek: 7 hrs

    Breakfast in the morning. Today, we will follow a different trail along the stream leaving the village and climbing onto a small pass. Then descend heading towards the stream to cross the bridge. Next, climbing up through the villages will take us to the town of Muktinath (3800m). Enjoy the stunning view of the great Himalayas and the breathtaking landscapes. We can climb up to the Muktinath temple- one of the holiest and most revered temples in Nepal amongst Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, or call it for the day and rest. Overnight at the guesthouse/hotel in Muktinath.

    Optional: We can choose to drive from Muktinath to Jomsom for an overnight stay and catch the early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara to reach Kathmandu if we want to expedite/shorten this trip. It’s around one-hour driving distance (24km) from Muktinath to Jomsom.

    • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation: Hotel/Guesthouse
    • Place: Muktinath
    • Altitude: 3800m
  • Day 13 Muktinath to Jomsom (2700m) Duration: 6 hrs

    Today is the last day of our Upper Mustang Trek. After breakfast, we will visit Muktinath Temple. Get acquainted with the deities and the significances of this highly revered temple. The 108 water spouts running the chilled water behind the temple and two ponds in front of the temple are to purify oneself from the sin by taking a chilled shower and a dip, as is highly believed. From Muktinath, we drop down to the village of Jharkot, where we visit the Jharkot monastery which is renowned for both as an ancient fortress and a Tibetan herbal medical center. While we continue our trek towards Jomsom, we will get a stunning glimpse of the Kaligandaki valley and Kagbeni village. Our trail passes through Ekle Bhatti and finally reach Jomsom (2700m). We will celebrate our successful trek to Upper Mustang together with our team.

    Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Jomsom. 


    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Jomsom
    • Altitude: 2700m
  • Day 14 Jomsom to Pokhara Flight: 20 mins.

    Early morning, we will take the return flight to Pokhara (20 mins.). After arrival, we will be transferred to the hotel. Leisure time can be spent with a short exploration of this charming city of lakes. Enjoy the view of Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail). Evening walk around the lakeside of Fewa is quite pleasing. Overnight at the hotel in Pokhara.

    Optional: Book a half-day city and cave tour with Sarangkot or Peace Pagoda visits if not much exhausted.

    Or, if we want to shorten this trip by one day, we can catch the flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu today. However, Pre-planning and pre-booking are necessary.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Pokhara
    • Altitude: 1400m
  • Day 15 Pokhara to Kathmandu Flight: 30 mins.

    Breakfast at the hotel and depending upon our departure time, we will be transferred to the Pokhara airport. Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, we will be transferred again to the hotel in Kathmandu.

    We can spend the leisure time strolling around the streets of Kathmandu or shopping.

    Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Kathmandu
    • Altitude: 1400m
  • Day 16 Farewell and Return Departure

    Breakfast at the hotel. Transferred to the Kathmandu airport depending upon the flight departure. We bid a warm farewell for your return departure and gratefulness for your presence being with us while in Nepal.

    Thank you very much!

    • Meals: Breakfast