Address:Kathmandu, Nepal
Being located on the north side of Annapurna and at an altitude of 4000m above sea level, Upper Mustang is the most amazing adventurous destination that comprises ethnic groups of Thakalis, Gurungs, Tamangs, Limbus, and Tibetans and showcases Tibetan culture at its best. It is also known as a rain shadow area as it remains dry throughout the year.
Trekking up to Upper Mustang was first allowed in the year 1992, and since then it has been attracting more tourists and trekkers in the western Himalayan region. However, the trekkers need to have a special permit to walk through the trail to Upper Mustang.
This incredible 18-day-long Upper Mustang trek itinerary is designed carefully so that the trekkers can witness and explore the Himalayan region to their best and not miss any of the must-visit places around. Trek to Upper Mustang, the forbidden kingdom of Nepal, provides an opportunity to explore the culture of different ethnicities and breathtaking landscapes.
Hotels
Breakfast
Day 1 marks your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport Kathmandu. Upon your arrival, a representative from Diverse Adventure will welcome you to Kathmandu and escort you to our hotel.
Freshen up yourself after a long flight and then we will conduct a short intro meeting where you along with all the travelers will be introduced to the respective travel guide and will discuss the whole journey and essential equipment.
The second day of the journey is just to make you familiar with the environment of Nepal, its diverse culture and traditions. In Kathmandu, there live people from different religions, regions, castes, cultures, and traditions. So it's no surprise to say that you will get a timeless opportunity to observe the blend of all religions, cultures, and traditions and harmony among them.
You may begin the day with a short visit to Pashupatinath Temple, the most famous Hindu temple in Kathmandu. Despite the mass of people waiting for their turn to worship lord Shiva, you will find peace of mind over there and explore Hindu culture.
Or else, you may visit Swoyambhunath Temple, a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists at a height in Kathmandu. It is no wonder that you will notice a flock of birds and a troop of monkeys around the pilgrimage site. The temple is also known as the 'Monkey Temple'.
Next, you may visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and the markets nearby. Then return to the hotel and stay overnight.
822m
The day commences with a drive from Kathmandu. Get ready early for 8 hours of drive as the point of disembarkation for today is Pokhara, the city of lights in western Nepal. It's a scenic drive past the diverse geography, Enjoy the view of the countryside along the Trishuli River, green hills, and mountains.
As soon as the drive is completed, you will be sent to the respective hotel where you can freshen up and get ready for a short tour around the lakeside, the must-visit place in Pokhara in the evening. Explore the beauty of the lakeside and give a try out to the street markets over there.
Hotel
Breakfast, Luch
2,800mm
The second day of the drive and the fourth day of the adventurous journey begins from Pokhara in the early morning. Drive past Jomsom, the headquarter of Mustang, accompanied by the magnificent view of the Himalayas including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre, and many more. An eight hours long drive will end up at Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, also known as the desert of Nepal. Stay overnight.
Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
3,650m
Wake up with the chilling vibes in Kagbeni and get ready for the drive to Chele (3,050m), where you will kick off the first trek of the adventurous journey. The drive through sandy and windy trails will in aggregate be for a total of 6 hours. After reaching Chele Village, you will ascend to cliffside high to reach Samar. Crossing the suspension bridge over the gorge to Ghyakar and continuing the trail ahead, you will reach Samar, a small settlement with an overnight stay facility for trekkers.
Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
3,860m
Begin the trek early in the morning through a barren plateau and past some agricultural fields to reach Geling, also known as Ghiling. The trail is not an easy one, yet when you succeed on the trek up to Geling and witness the breathtaking view of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Nilgiri, you will realize that the destination is worth your effort. You will stay overnight in the village.
Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
3,820m
To avoid the strong wind, you will begin to walk early in the morning and head towards Dhakmar. It takes around 6 hours to reach Dhakmar from Geling. Dhakmar, a small village in Mustang district offers a stunning view of landscapes, Himalayas, monasteries, and caves. Further, you can explore many more things cultural and traditional sites around.
Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
3,630m
Get ready to trek to the second-largest settlement of Upper Mustang, Tsarang, (Charang). Tsarang is the driest region of Mustang, It takes around 6 hours of walking from Dhakmar to reach Tsarang through fairly tough terrain observing the countryside beauty and the Himalayas. The village even hosts an incredible collection of statues and thankas.
Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
3,840m
The walk today is quite easier in comparison to other days as it’s gonna be a straightforward walk. First, trek past Lo Pass (3,950m), the point where you can notice the walled city of Lo Manthang. Then you will descend to today’s destination, Lo Manthang, the city where King Lo used to live and stay overnight.
Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
Today is the first acclimatization day of the trek. As you have come to the high altitude, you may need to adjust according to the low oxygen level and avoid the risk of high altitude, you will not walk higher today. You will spend your day exploring Lo Manthang.
The city on the hilltop is so filled with heavenly beauty that you will undoubtedly get lost in the beauty of the city. The alleys and stone paved streets, the King's palace, the chortens and Buddhist culture and traditions, everything about the city is just enthralling. You may go for horse riding up to Namgyal Gompa, or a gentle walk to Tingkhar, Champa Lhakang, and Jhong Caves.
Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
3,840m
Early morning you will leave Lo Manthang and move to your next destination, Yara. Following a steep path, you will walk past Lo La to Dhi Village. Dhi is situated on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River and is surrounded by towering columns of crumbling cliffs. Next, you will move towards Yara, from where you can enjoy an absolutely beautiful and unique cliff face and terraced fields.
Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
3,340m
Continuing the trek, you will walk towards Tange from Yara. The trek is going to be more adventurous and interesting as you ascend and descend mystical cliffs past beautiful plateaus, chortens, and mani walls. In no time, you will find yourself surrounded by spectacular mountains once you reach Tange.
Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
3,049m
You are going to trek for a long hour today, so you will begin the trek earlier than any other day. Beginning the trek from Tange, you will walk past Pa and Chhusang. As you walk by, you will see the prayer flags and astonishing views of the landscapes with pink and red thorny bushes, and the abandoned settlement of Pa. Moreover, you will be stunned by the mesmerizing view of the snowcaps including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and Mt. Nilgiri. Finally, after a long day trek, you will reach Tetang and stay overnight.
Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
3,710m
It is also a long day trek, but not the venturesome. You will trek from Tetang to Muktinath. The trek offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas including Mt. Annapurna. Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and many more. After a long walk, you will reach Muktinath, a holy place for Hindus and Buddhists. Stay overnight.
The trek has already concluded in Muktinath. After spending a wonderful night in Muktinath, you will drive to Jomsom today. As you have already been so tired of a two-week-long trek, we will not bother you to drive to Pokhara from Jomsom. Instead, you will return to Pokhara on a domestic flight, with a great opportunity to observe the aerial view of towering peaks from above. In sound 20 to 25 minutes you will reach Pokhara and stay overnight.
The day is all yours today. As you have completed the whole trek, you can stroll around Pokhara on your own without rushing for the next destination. The first option for you is that you can visit Sarangkot if you want to enjoy the view of sunrise. It is the best viewpoint in Pokhara.
Besides, the must-visit places in Pokhara are Fewa Lake and markets on the lakeside, Tal-Barahi Temple, Shanti Stupa (Peace Pagoda), Gupteshwor Cave, Chamero Gufa (Bat Cave), and Begnas Lake. After exploring Pokhara the whole day, you can enjoy the nightlife here in the clubs and bars (including Trisara, Busy Bee, Irish Pub, and so on), chill out with friends, and enjoy the live music in the streets of Pokhara.
It is the second last day of the overall journey. So, you will drive back to Kathmandu from Pokhara today. Depending upon the traffic, you will reach Kathmandu within 7 to 8 hours and stay overnight in a hotel here.
As it is your departure day, a representative from Diverse Adventure will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport at the given time so that you can catch your flight and make your way back to your home safely.
Due to its sensitive location and the desire to preserve its unique culture, there are strict regulations on trekking independently in Upper Mustang. Trekkers are required to hire a licensed guide and trek with a minimum group size.
The best and suggested times to trek to Upper Mustang are mid-September to mid-December (Autumn) and March to late June (Spring). However, this trek is possible year-round. We suggest you trek during the best time of year but we can organize if you need to trek during the monsoon or winter. During the winter it can be done with proper winter gear.