The Upper Mustang Trek is a rare and culturally rich journey into the former Kingdom of Lo, a restricted and preserved region of Nepal located near the Tibetan border. Known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” Upper Mustang offers a dramatic landscape of red cliffs, deep canyons, ancient caves, and timeless Tibetan Buddhist culture that feels untouched by modern life.
This trek takes you through historic villages such as Kagbeni, Chele, Ghami, Charang, and the walled city of Lo Manthang. Along the trail, you will explore centuries-old monasteries, long mani walls, sacred caves, and royal palaces while walking through a high-altitude desert shaped by wind and time. The region’s unique culture, architecture, and traditions are deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.
Operated by Rainbow Adventure & Travel, this 17-day Upper Mustang Trek is ideal for trekkers seeking a true cultural adventure, moderate trekking challenge, and an exclusive Himalayan experience with special permits, experienced guides, and carefully planned acclimatization.
Upper Mustang Trek – 17 Days Highlights
Explore the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang
Walk through dramatic desert landscapes and colorful cliffs
Visit sacred monasteries like Lo Gekar (Ghar Gompa) and Namgyal Gompa
Experience authentic Tibetan-influenced culture and traditions
Trek through one of Nepal’s most restricted and preserved regions
Outline Itinerary
- Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
- Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing & Trek Preparation (1,400m)
- Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m | 6–7 hrs)
- Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, Trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni (2,800m | 3 hrs)
- Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m | 5–6 hrs)
- Trek from Chele to Geling (3,570m | 5–6 hrs)
- Trek from Geling to Charang (3,560m | 7–8 hrs)
- Trek from Charang to Lo Manthang (3,810m | 4–5 hrs)
- Exploration Day in Lo Manthang, Hike to Namgyal Gompa (3,930m | 4–6 hrs)
- Trek from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar via Chogo La Pass (4,280m | 6–7 hrs)
- Trek from Dhakmar to Shyangmochen (3,800m | 5–6 hrs)
- Trek from Shyangmochen to Chhusang (2,980m | 6 hrs)
- Trek from Chhusang to Muktinath (3,760m | 7 hrs)
- Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m | 6 hrs)
- Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (910m | 20–25 min)
- Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m | 6–7 hrs)
- Final Departure from Kathmandu
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to rest or explore nearby streets filled with temples, markets, and cafés. In the evening, a detailed trek briefing will be provided, including route overview, permits, safety guidelines, and final equipment checks.
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing & Trek Preparation (1,400m)
Today is dedicated to cultural sightseeing around the Kathmandu Valley. You will visit ancient temples, Buddhist stupas, and historical squares that reflect Nepal’s deep Hindu and Buddhist heritage. Easy walking routes allow ample time to observe architecture, rituals, and daily local life. The afternoon is reserved for trek preparation and final packing.
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822m | 6–7 hrs)
After breakfast, travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara on a VIP Sofa Seater Luxury Tourist Bus, offering spacious seating and scenic countryside views. The drive follows river valleys, terraced hills, and rural settlements before reaching Pokhara, a relaxed lakeside city beneath the Annapurna range.
Day 04: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, Trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni (2,800m | 3 hrs)
An early morning flight takes you from Pokhara to Jomsom with spectacular mountain views. After landing, the trek begins along the Kali Gandaki Valley, following a wide trail through arid landscapes. The walk is gentle and ideal for acclimatization, leading to Kagbeni, a historic medieval village that marks the entrance to Upper Mustang.
Day 05: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m | 5–6 hrs)
Leaving Kagbeni, the trail follows the Kali Gandaki River before climbing steeply through narrow gorges and exposed ridges. You pass traditional villages such as Tangbe and Chhusang, known for whitewashed houses and apple orchards. The day ends at Chele village, perched above the river valley.
Day 06: Trek from Chele to Geling (3,570m | 5–6 hrs)
The trail climbs steadily through dry, rugged terrain with deep canyons and eroded cliffs. You cross small passes and walk beneath colorful rock formations shaped by wind and time. Geling is a quiet Mustang village surrounded by open landscapes and stone-built homes reflecting Tibetan architecture.
Day 07: Trek from Geling to Charang (3,560m | 7–8 hrs)
Today’s trek crosses high ridges and open plateaus before descending toward Charang. You pass Mustang’s longest mani wall, carved with ancient Buddhist prayers. Charang is one of the most culturally significant villages in Upper Mustang, home to a large monastery and traditional fortress overlooking the valley.
Day 08: Trek from Charang to Lo Manthang (3,810m | 4–5 hrs)
After visiting the historic Lo Gekar Monastery, the trail continues across open plains toward Lo Manthang. The walled city gradually appears against the barren landscape. Entering Lo Manthang feels like stepping back in time, with royal palaces, monasteries, and narrow alleyways preserving ancient traditions.
Day 09: Exploration Day in Lo Manthang, Hike to Namgyal Gompa (3,930m | 4–6 hrs)
A full day is spent exploring Lo Manthang and its surroundings. You hike to Namgyal Gompa, the region’s most important monastery, offering panoramic views over the Mustang plateau. Additional visits include royal palaces, local monasteries, and nearby villages, providing deep insight into Tibetan-influenced culture and lifestyle.
Day 10: Trek from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar via Chogo La Pass (4,280m | 6–7 hrs)
Today is the most challenging and rewarding trekking day. The trail climbs gradually to Chogo La Pass, the highest point of the trek. After crossing the pass, you visit Ghar Gompa, one of Mustang’s oldest monasteries, before descending to Dhakmar village, known for its striking red cliffs.
Day 11: Trek from Dhakmar to Shyangmochen (3,800m | 5–6 hrs)
The trail descends gently through wide valleys and ancient settlements. Passing Ghami village and prayer walls, the walk is scenic and culturally rich. Shyangmochen is a small settlement surrounded by vast open terrain and traditional Mustang landscapes.
Day 12: Trek from Shyangmochen to Chhusang (2,980m | 6 hrs)
Today’s walk follows high desert trails lined with chortens and eroded cliffs. Optional side visits to nearby caves add cultural interest. As you descend, the air becomes warmer and vegetation slightly denser, leading to Chhusang village beside the Kali Gandaki River.
Day 13: Trek from Chhusang to Muktinath (3,760m | 7 hrs)
The trail climbs steadily toward Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Surrounding views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges enhance the spiritual atmosphere. Arrival at Muktinath marks an important cultural and religious highlight of the trek.
Day 14: Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m | 6 hrs)
After a morning visit to Muktinath Temple, the trail descends through Jharkot and follows the Kali Gandaki Valley to Jomsom. The walk is long but mostly downhill, with wide valley views and strong mountain winds common in the afternoon.
Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (910m | 20–25 min)
An early morning flight takes you from Jomsom to Pokhara, offering final aerial views of the Mustang region and Annapurna range. The rest of the day is free to relax at Lakeside, enjoy cafés, or reflect on the trekking journey.
Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m | 6–7 hrs)
Return to Kathmandu on a VIP Sofa Seater Luxury Tourist Bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu, enjoying a comfortable ride through river valleys and countryside towns. Upon arrival, the evening is free for souvenir shopping or a farewell dinner.
Day 17: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Final Departure from Kathmandu / Trip Extension
Optional trip extensions available such as Chitwan jungle safari, Pokhara sightseeing, Lumbini tour, mountain flight, or Nagarkot sunrise stay.
What's Included
- In Kathmandu & Pokhara: 3-star hotel accommodation with breakfast
- During trek: Twin-sharing tea house lodges / best available guesthouses
- In Kathmandu & Pokhara: Breakfast at hotel
- During trek: Three meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Tea or coffee served up to three times daily
- Seasonal fruits provided in the evenings
- Private airport transfers (arrival & departure)
- Tourist bus: Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara
- Domestic flights: Pokhara ↔ Jomsom
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- TIMS Card
- Down jacket & sleeping bag (during trek)
- Duffel bag for trekking gear
- Trekking map, cap & trip completion certificate
- All required paperwork
- Government taxes & service charges ________________________________________
What's Not Included
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Travel insurance & emergency evacuation
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Cold drinks, bottled water, alcoholic beverages
- Hot showers (available at extra cost in some lodges)
- Personal trekking equipment (boots, poles, clothing, etc.)
- Wi-Fi / internet access during trek
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver
General Trek Information
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in tea houses during the trek and 3-star hotels in Mustang Region Trek.
Meals
Three freshly prepared meals daily during the trek including Dal Bhat, pasta, rice, soups, and vegetables.
Drinking Water
Safe drinking water is provided using filters or purification tablets. Reusable bottles are recommended.
Guide & Porter
Licensed English-speaking guides and local porters ensure safety, navigation, and cultural insights.
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