The Upper Mustang Trek takes you to a remote and captivating area in the Mustang region, once restricted to outsiders. Surrounded by towering mountains like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, it’s often called a hidden Buddhist kingdom. Strict regulations have preserved age-old traditions here.
Until 1992, Upper Mustang was a restricted demilitarized zone, remaining well-preserved due to its isolation. The majority of locals still speak traditional Tibetan languages. “Mustang” means “Plain of Aspiration” in Tibetan. Access for foreigners began in 1992, making it a popular trekking destination year-round.
Embark on a timeless journey through the Kingdom of Lo, a hidden Tibetan Buddhist enclave until recently. Expect breathtaking sights like sculpted canyons, medieval villages, ancient fortresses, and Tibetan Buddhist gompas. Accessing Upper Mustang is possible via 4WD Jeep tours or biking, with jeeps being the most popular choice due to road conditions.
This Upper Mustang Trek itinerary by Asian Heritage introduces you to Nepal’s pristine destination. Reach out to customize the program to meet your unique needs.
Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal! An Asian Heritage Treks and Travel representative will welcome you at the airport with your nameplate. After your arrival at the Nepal airport, we will transfer you to the hotel. On the way from the airport to the hotel, you will pass by the Pashupatinath Temple, the Royal Palace Museum, i.e., Narayanhity, the Garden of Dreams, and the Thamel. Your hotel will be downtown at the tourist hub. Our representative will facilitate and discuss your travel itinerary. There will be enough time to stroll through the streets of Thamel.
Includes: an overnight stay at Hotel Yatri Suites & Spa, or a similar hotel.
Our tour guide will pick you up in a private vehicle. First, we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kathmandu Durbar Square, known for its intricate wood-carved temples and historic buildings. Then, we’ll head to Swyambhunath, the monkey temple, offering a panoramic view of Kathmandu city and the Himalayas, showcasing religious harmony between Buddhism and Hinduism.
Next, we’ll visit Pashupatinath Temple, a major Hindu pilgrimage site in Southeast Asia. Witness the ritual body cremation ceremony on the banks of the holy Bagmati river. Lastly, we’ll explore another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boudhanath Stupa, dating back to 600 A.D. It’s a symbol of Buddhism worldwide. After sightseeing, we’ll return to the hotel for some rest.
Includes: breakfast and an overnight stay at Hotel Yatri Suites & Spa in Thamel, Kathmandu.
Our Upper Mustang trek begins with a departure to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, we are greeted with breathtaking views of the Himalayas, which include Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,794ft), Manaslu (8,156m/26,759ft), Machhapuchhre (6,993m/22,943ft), the five peaks of Annapurna, and more.
Afterward, we proceeded to our hotel for check-in and a well-deserved rest. Our activities include a delightful boat ride on Phewa Lake and leisurely strolls through the charming streets of the city.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, and an overnight stay at the Hotel Crystal Palace or a similar one in Pokhara.
Today starts your Upper Mustang trekking adventure. We will take an early morning flight to Jomsom, a village famous for its apples, strong winds, and stunning scenery. The trek starts on an open trail that winds through a beautiful valley. We will pass through the village of Eaklibatti before reaching Jomsom, which is ideally located at the confluence of two rivers. The village is charming with its flat-roofed houses and the ruins of an old fortress.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
After our permits are checked, we begin our trek alongside the Kali Gandaki River. We walk on sand, buffeted by strong winds, before ascending a hill. We reach the village of Tangbe, admiring its narrow alleyways, white-washed houses, and fields of barley, buckwheat, and apple orchards. Continuing our walk, we pass another village and cross a river. Next, we walk on a ridge before reaching the village of Chele.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
Today’s trek will be more challenging than any we’ve done so far, as it involves crossing two high passes: Taklam La Pass (3,624m) and Dajori La Pass (3,735m). Along the way, we’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Tilicho, Yakawakang, and Damodar Danda, and we’ll pass by Ramchung Cave. After descending to Samar Village, we’ll follow a trail above the village to a ridge. From there, we’ll descend on a steep trail to a stream and continue our trek to Syanboche.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
We ascend to the 3,850-meter Yamada La pass, passing by teahouses, chortens, and beautiful villages along the way. We trek through poplar forests and barley fields, reaching the 4,010-meter Nyi Pass. From here, we descend to Ghami, one of the largest villages in the Lo region, surrounded by fields.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
Today’s trek begins with a descent down a rough and often slippery trail. We then cross a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola River and begin our ascent. The path is beautiful, with Mani walls lining the way. Next, we cross the 3,870-meter Tsarang La Pass and reach Tsarang Village. The village is perched atop the Charang Chu Canyon, with a massive fortress and red gompa to its east.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
We begin our trek by descending into a canyon and crossing a river before beginning our uphill climb to Lo La Pass (3,950m). From the top of the pass, we can admire the stunning village of Lo Manthang. We then descend to Lo Manthang, a beautiful walled village with magnificent views of the Himalayas, including Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak, and Damodar Kunda (pond).
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight in available local lodge
Lo Manthang, a walled town in the remote Upper Mustang region of Nepal, is home to three major gompas (monasteries): Jhampa, Thupchen, and Chhoeda. Expertly restored over the past two decades, these gompas offer a fascinating glimpse into the region’s Buddhist heritage. Visitors can also trek to Tingkhar, a beautiful village northwest of Lo Manthang.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge
On our return from Lo Manthang, we take a different route, passing through Gyakar Village, home to the centuries-old Ghar Gompa with its stunning rock paintings. Local legend has it that any wish made at the gompa will be granted. After exploring the Gompa, we continued our trek to Drakmar for an overnight stay.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
We start our trek early to avoid the strong winds, descending for most of the day. Our trail passes through a dry plateau and fields before reaching Ghiling. The walk can be challenging, especially with the strong winds whipping our faces. Ghiling is mostly dry but still offers stunning views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains. We can tour the village in the evening.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
After breakfast, we begin our trek on the same route we took to Lo Manthang. On our way to Chhuksang, we enjoy stunning views of the Himalayas and the small villages we pass along the way.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
Today is the final day of our trek, and it’s a long one. After trekking for a while, we reach the end of our Mustang trails and join the Annapurna Circuit trails. We stop for lunch at Kagbeni, then continue our trek to Jomsom for an overnight stay.
Includes: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an overnight stay in an available local lodge.
We take an early morning flight to Pokhara, passing through a gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. The flight itself is an amazing experience, with stunning views of these two Himalayan giants.
After arriving in Pokhara, we can spend the rest of the day exploring this beautiful lakeside city. Pokhara is a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of activities, including boating, hiking, and shopping. We can also visit the many temples and monasteries in the area.
Includes: breakfast and an overnight stay at the Batika Classic Hotel or a similar one.
Your return flight to Kathmandu departs between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., but the scheduled flight time may change due to weather conditions. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and reflect on your amazing trip.
Includes: breakfast and an overnight stay at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel.
Today, you will enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour to Patan and Bhaktapur, two of the three medieval city-states in the Kathmandu Valley.
Patan, once a fiercely independent city-state, is now almost a suburb of Kathmandu. It is known for its beautiful architecture, including temples, palaces, and courtyards. Some of the most popular attractions in Patan include Patan Durbar Square, the Golden Temple, and the Mahaboudha Temple.
Bhaktapur, also known as the City of Devotees, is the best-preserved of the three medieval city-states. It is home to three major squares full of towering temples, including Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, and Dattatreya Square.
Changunarayan, located just outside of Kathmandu, is said to be the oldest Hindu temple still in use in the Kathmandu Valley. It is built in the two-tiered pagoda style and is decorated with intricate carvings of Tantric deities.
This sightseeing tour is a great way to learn about the history and culture of Nepal. You will see some of the country’s most beautiful architecture and learn about the different religions and traditions that make Nepal such a unique place.
Includes: breakfast and an overnight stay at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel.
Your trip comes to an end today. After breakfast, our representative will pick you up with a private van and drop you off at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport approximately three hours before your scheduled flight back to your home or other destination.
Have a safe journey onward, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Includes: breakfast.
