With increase in its popularity, it is possible to trek Upper Mustang in fully teahouse mode these days. Staying at local teahouse adds more splash to the trek as you get direct connection with local people and their culture. As the region lies in rain shadow area, it is great to trek during monsoon season (June – August). While November is still the best season to trek Mustang for its incredible scenery and friendly weather.

Upper Mustang was restricted until 1992 for foreign travelers. The Upper Mustang trekking permit cost is USD $ 500 per week (to be arranged via government authorized trekking agency ) and USD $ 50 per day per person.

Trekking to Lo Manthang is like stepping into bygone era – completely different for outside world. A beautiful world of narrow alley way, age-old chortens, prayer flags, traditional farmers and highly religious people. At Lo, we explore the royal palace, amchi museum and Amchi School. Amchi is tradition doctor of the region. You can also hire ponies to visit Chhoser where you can discover small monasteries and age-old cave dwelling perched high above in the rocks.

Upper Mustang trekking trail follows the ancient salt trade route which is significant route to trade Tibetan salt for grain from the lowlands. As we approach the Lo La Pass (3950m), you can view the amazing medieval capital (Lo Manthang) in the distance, the white-washed 6-meter tall wall sticking out in sharp contrast to the arid landscape. It is the final destination of the trek.

The walled settlement of Lo-manthang is full of myths and legends rather than the recorded facts. Upper Mustang trekking surprises you with its magical mountain vistas, amazing high passes and unique culture. Around 250 houses in Lo-Manthang comprise 4 castes: the royal caste, the everyday folk, the blacksmiths, the butchers and millers. The sky burial and polyandry system are still in practice in the region which can be unique experience for the travelers. Legend has it that Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, came to Mustang to stand guard against and do battle with evil power who wants to destroy Buddhism.

The isolation policy of the region has contributed to a highly preserved Tibetan culture and pristine nature. The restriction policy was enforced to protect its fragile ecology and culture. Mustang is located in the rain protected are of Dhaulagiri massif creating a ruggedly barren landscapes filled with rocks of different colors and impressive formation. This arid region is festooned with amazing white washed houses, barley filed and chorten embellished with prayer flags and sculptures.

Upper Mustang Trek, a spectacular trekking experience, takes you to the secluded land of the old Buddhist Kingdom in Mustang, also known as Lo Kingdom. This trek takes you to discover the concealed valley of Upper Mustang which was restricted until early 90s. Lo kingdom, once part of Tibetan empire, has deep connection with Tibetan culture and tradition and highly resembles to Tibetan geography.

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport (1,300m/4,428ft)

Nepal Horizon Trek & Expedition Airport Representative will meet you outside the airport terminal hall. Please, look for our airport trek & expedition play card. You will be transferred to the hotel and introduced to your trekking guide. Stroll around the bustling city of Thamel in the evening.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight at star hotel in Kathmandu

Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and preparation for the trek

After breakfast, we proceed for exploration tour to cultural and religious sites in Kathmandu. We explore the UNESCO world heritage sites: Pashupatinath Temple – the holiest temple located on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, Swayambhunath (2,000 years old monkey temple), Boudnath Stupa – the biggest Stupa architecture in the world! Patan Durbar Square (oldest city in Kathmandu valley with ancient culture and tradition). The sightseeing tour also covers Durbar Square, the Krishna Temple, the Kumbheswore temple, the golden temple and many more.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight at star hotel in Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m/2,689ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek

After morning, we drive via private car to Pokhara through the spectacular countryside and follow the down steam of Trishuli River. Trishuli River is famous river rafting for travelling with family & beginner. Upon arrival at Pokhara, we will be transferred to the hotel at Pokhara. Free afternoon in Pokhara.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Overnight at star hotel in Lakeside Pokhara

Day 04: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,700m/8,898ft) and trek to Kagbeni (2,810m/9,216ft) – 3 – 4 hours trek

Today, we take an early morning flight to Jomsom. It is famous for apples, strong winds and the amazing landscape. We start our trek on an open trail alongside a beautiful valley. We walk across the village of Eaklibatti village before reaching Kagbeni. The village is beautiful with flat – roofed houses and also protects an ancient fortress.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Kagbeni

Day 05: Kagbeni – Chele (3,050m/10,004ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek

At Kagbeni, we get our special trekking permits checked. Then we begin our trail alongside the Kali Gandaki River. We walk on a sandy trail for a while and climb on a hill. We reach the Tangbe village and walk across the narrow alleyways, white-washed houses and farmlands of barley, buckwheat and apple orchards. Further we continue our walk and pass the village and cross river on our way. Finally, we ascend on a ridge to reach the village of Chele.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Chele

Day 06: Chele – Syanbochen (3,475m/11,398ft) – 6 – 7 hours trek

Today we experience little hard walk in comparison to what we experienced before. We cross two passes – Taklam La Pass (3,624m) and Dajori La Pass (3,735m). On the way, we get to admire outstanding views of Tilicho, Yakwa Kang and Damodar Danda. We also pass Ramchung cave and make descend to the village of Samar. From here , we continue on a trail above the village and climb down on a steep trail to a stream to reach Syanboche.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Syanbochen

Day 07: Syanbochen – Ghami (3,520m/11,546ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek

Today we climb up to the Yamda la Pass (3,850m). En route, we pass several houses, chorten and small villages. We also walk across the forest, cultivated fields and reach Nyi Pass at 4,010m. Now, we descend to Ghami, the biggest village in Lo region. The village is surrounded by beautiful farmlands.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Ghami

Day 08: Ghami – Tsarang (3,620m/11,873ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek

Today’s trek starts with a descent through a rough and slippery trail. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola, we start climbing along the beautiful mani walls. Then we cross the Tsarang La Pass at 3,870m and walk to the village of Tsarang. The village is perched at the top of Charang Chu canyon with a huge fortress and red gompa towards its east.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Tsarang

Day 09: Tsarang – Lo Manthang (3,730m/12,234ft) – 3 – 4 hours trek

Today we start our trek by climbing down to a canyon and crossing river. We then trek uphill to Lo La Pass at 3,950m. The pass summit features the picturesque view Lo Manthang village. From the Pass, we climb down to Lo Manthang – beautifully walled village. The village showcases the outstanding view of Nulgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak as well as Damodar Kunda (pond).

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Lo Manthang

Day 10: Exploration of Lo Manthang/ Acclimatization

Lo Manthang is beautiful town of the remote Upper Mustang region of Nepal. Here we visit three major gompas – Jhampa, Thupchen and Chhoeda. These gompas has been restoration over the last two decades. If we have time, we can trek to the beautiful village located north-west of Lo-Manthang.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Lo Mangthang

Day 11: Lo Manthang – Drakmar (3,810m/12,500ft) – 6 – 7 hours trek

After breakfast, we trek on a different route when returning from Lo-Manthang. The trail crosses the village of Gyakar which houses age-old Ghar Gompa with beautiful rock paintings. Legend has it that anyone who makes a wish at the Gompa will have it fulfilled.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Drakmar

Day 12: Drakmar – Ghiling (3,806m/12,484ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek

We start early to avoid the strong winds and climb down to the most part of the trek. We walk on a dry plateau and fields before reaching the village of Ghiling. We walk on a strenuous trail and likely to get affected by strong winds. Ghiling is barren but present excellent view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains. We make a tour around the village to explore the local culture and lifestyle.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Ghiling

Day13: Ghiling – Chhuksang (3,050m/10,004ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek

After breakfast, we retrace via same route we used previously on our way to Lo Manthang. On the way, we pass small villages and get the outstanding Himalayan views.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Chhuksang

Day 14: Chhuksang – Jomsom (2,700m/8,856ft) – 6 – 7 hours trek

Today is the last day of the trek. The journey is quite long and we conclude our Mustang trail and join the trail to Annapurna circuit. We stop for lunch at Kagbeni. After lunch, we trek to Jomsom for overnight stay.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Jomsom

Day 15: Fly from Josom to Pokhara

Today we take an early morning flight to Pokhara. We fly across the gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains making the flight an enthralling experience. Upon arrival at Pokhara, we take the rest day at Pokhara.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Overnight at lodge in Pokhara

Day 16: Drive: Pokahra – Kathmandu

After morning breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu via same route we used previously. Upon arrival, we dive back to hotel and take our time to rest and refresh. We enjoy the free day or catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any physical landmarks. In the evening, we attend farewell dinner hosted by Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition in typical Nepali restaurant with cultural shows.

Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 17: Final Departure

It’s your last day in Nepal! Take some breakfast and if you wish, you can catch last-minute shopping at Kathmandu. Our airport representative will transfer you to airport with plenty time before your flight home.

Farewell!!!