Upper Mustang trek
Upper Mustang, nestled in northern Nepal, is a mythical kingdom that remained closed to foreigners for a long time. Trekking in this region is like traveling through time, amid desert-like landscapes shaped by the wind, with canyons, cave dwellings, and villages with whitewashed houses. Dominated by Tibetan culture, Upper Mustang captivates with its ancient Buddhist monasteries, whispered prayers along the trails, and the warm hospitality of its people. Lo Manthang, the former royal capital surrounded by earthen walls, is a true gem frozen in history. Trekking in Upper Mustang is more than an adventure: it is a spiritual and cultural immersion into a little-known and well-preserved Nepal.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu – Pokhara
Departure by bus to Pokhara. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 2: Pokhara – Jomsom – Kagbeni (2,800m)
Early morning flight to Jomsom (flight subject to weather and operational conditions). Upon arrival in Jomsom, transfer by private local jeep to Kagbeni. Visit the village and its gompa, with beautiful views of the Nilgiris to the south. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 3: Kagbeni – Samar (3,620m) – Syangmochen (3,800m) – Geling (3,540m)
Private local jeep transfer to Samar. Stunning views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Tilicho Peak. Start of the trek: steep descent to the river, then ascent to a pass and narrow descent to a stream. Gradual climb to Syangmochen, then crossing another pass to descend to Geling. About 1.5 hours by jeep and 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 4: Geling – Nyila (3,840m) – Ghami (3,500m) – Tragmar (3,820m)
Ascent to Nyila Pass, with stunning views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Tilicho Peak. A sandy trail leads to Ghami, a charming village with fields and cliffs. We follow the large mani wall at the village exit and reach Tragmar, “the red rock,” dominated by caves carved into the cliffs that date back to ancient times. About 5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 5: Tragmar – Lo Gekar (3,920m) – Tsarang (3,620m)
Ascent to Mui La Pass (4,170m) and descent to the mysterious 8th-century monastery of Lo Gekar. Short trek onward to Tsarang. About 5.5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 6: Tsarang – Marang La (4,200m) – Lo Manthang (3,800m)
In the morning, visit the palace and monastery of Tsarang. Then ascend Marang La Pass to reach the walled capital of Lo Manthang. About 5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 7: Lo Manthang
Visit the caves and gompas of Niphu and Garphu. Return to Lo Manthang and explore the town. About 5 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge in Lo Manthang.
Day 8: Lo Manthang – Dri – Yara (3,650m)
Cross a pass (3,950m) and descend steeply to Dri. River crossing by ford, then ascent to Yara. About 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 9: Yara – Luri Gompa (3,985m) – Yara
Ascent through a gorge at Tashi Kabum with its numerous rock-cut caves. Continue through the gorge to reach Luri Gompa. Visit the cave and its magnificent 15th-century paintings, then return to Yara. About 4.5 hours of walking. Stunning landscapes. Overnight in a lodge in Yara.
Day 10: Yara – Tangye (3,240m)
Ascent followed by descent to cross the Dhe Khola. Long climb to a pass, then descent to the village of Tangye. About 6 to 7 hours of walking. Beautiful views of Dhaulagiri. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 11: Tangye – Baha (4,200m) – Chhuksang (2,980m)
A long day of trekking, ascending to Baha Pass. Walk along a ridge for an extended period, followed by a long descent to Tetang and then Chhuksang. Stunning views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas. About 8 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 12: Chhuksang – Gyu La (4,100m) – Muktinath (3,800m)
Ascent to Gyu La Pass at 4,100m, then descent to the village of Muktinath. About 6 hours of walking. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 13: Muktinath – Lupra – Jomsom
Gradual ascent with beautiful views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, the Annapurnas, and the Nilgiris, followed by a descent to the village of Lupra and then down the Kali Gandaki Valley to Jomsom. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 14: Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu
Early morning flight to Pokhara (flight subject to weather and operational conditions), then onward flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel.
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