Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by our Chingu Treks and Tours team. After completing the immigration process, we will transfer you to your hotel in the city. You will have the rest of the day to rest and adjust to the time zone and altitude. You can relax at the hotel or take a light stroll around Thamel, a vibrant tourist district. This is also a good opportunity to finalize your trek preparations. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Today, we will explore some of the cultural gems of Kathmandu. After breakfast, we will visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. Next, we will head to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Afterward, we will visit Boudhanath Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. In the afternoon, there will be time for final trek preparations, including checking gear, permits, and briefing. The evening will be free for last-minute shopping or relaxation. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
After breakfast, Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city nestled in the foothills of the Annapurna Range. The drive will take approximately 6-7 hours, passing through terraced fields, small villages, and winding mountain roads. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the evening, you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Phewa Lake, offering great views of the surrounding mountains. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
After an early breakfast, we take a short domestic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, which offers spectacular views of the Himalayas. Jomsom, located at an altitude of 2,700 meters, is the gateway to Upper Mustang. Upon arrival in Jomsom, we begin our trek towards Kagbeni (2,800 m), a small but picturesque village located at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki River and the Jhong Khola. The trek takes around 3-4 hours and offers the first views of the unique Mustang landscape. Kagbeni is a Tibetan-style village with narrow alleys and a rich culture. Overnight stay in Kagbeni.
After breakfast, we begin our trek from Kagbeni towards Chele (3,050 m), a village located in the Kali Gandaki Valley. The trek takes around 6-7 hours, and we will pass through beautiful desert landscapes, rocky terrain, and Tibetan-style houses. The route offers views of the Nilgiri and Annapurna ranges. As we continue to climb higher, we can begin to feel the unique Tibetan atmosphere of Upper Mustang. Chele is a small settlement with traditional architecture, where we will rest and prepare for the next day's journey. Overnight stay in Chele.
Today’s trek takes us from Chele to Syangmoche (3,750 m). The trek involves a climb up to a ridge and then descends slightly into the valley, continuing for approximately 6-7 hours. We will pass through narrow canyons, dry riverbeds, and small Tibetan villages. As we walk, the terrain becomes more barren, with stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains. Syangmoche is a quiet and peaceful village, ideal for resting and acclimatizing to the altitude. Overnight stay in Syangmoche.
After breakfast, we trek from Syangmoche to Ghami (3,520 m), which is a village known for its beautiful landscapes and Tibetan culture. The trek will take around 5-6 hours, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through arid terrain. The path offers fantastic views of the surrounding valleys, and we will see small settlements along the way. Ghami is surrounded by beautiful monasteries and offers a chance to experience the peaceful Tibetan lifestyle. Overnight stay in Ghami.
Today, we continue our trek from Ghami to Charang (3,560 m). This is a shorter trek, taking about 4-5 hours. The route is more tranquil and less traveled, offering a more serene experience. Along the way, we will pass through villages, farms, and ancient monasteries, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Charang is a picturesque village with a monastery and traditional Tibetan houses, perfect for a quiet evening. Overnight stay in Charang.
Today, we trek from Charang to Lo Manthang (3,840 m), the capital of Upper Mustang. This is a significant day of the trek, taking about 5-6 hours. Lo Manthang is a unique and historic place, with a rich cultural heritage and beautiful Tibetan architecture. It is surrounded by ancient walls and monasteries and offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Mustang people. Upon arrival, we will explore the town, visit the King’s Palace, and interact with the local people. Overnight stay in Lo Manthang.
Today, we take a day trip from Lo Manthang to Chhoser Cave, an ancient cave complex located high above the Kali Gandaki River. This site is known for its fascinating cave dwellings and historical significance. The trek to the caves takes about 3-4 hours, and the caves are famous for their intricate carvings and spiritual importance. After exploring Chhoser Cave, we return to Lo Manthang for an overnight stay.
After a restful night, we leave Lo Manthang and trek to Dhakmar (3,820 m), a village known for its unique red cliffs and beautiful landscapes. This trek takes around 6-7 hours, passing through remote areas with a stark landscape. The area is home to numerous caves, cliffs, and ancient Buddhist monasteries. Dhakmar provides a peaceful atmosphere to reflect on your journey. Overnight stay in Dhakmar.
Today, we trek from Dhakmar to Ghiling (3,806 m), passing through dry landscapes, Tibetan villages, and terraced fields. The trek will take about 6-7 hours. As we descend, the views of the mountains and valleys become even more dramatic. Ghiling is a charming village where we can explore the local culture and interact with the villagers. Overnight stay in Ghiling.
After breakfast, we begin the trek from Ghiling to Chuksang (2,980 m), which will take about 5-6 hours. The trail leads us through narrow gorges, dry riverbeds, and small Tibetan villages. Chuksang is a pleasant village, and it marks the beginning of our return journey from Upper Mustang. Overnight stay in Chuksang.
Today’s trek takes us from Chuksang to Jomsom (2,700 m), a trek of about 5-6 hours. The route is mostly downhill, following the Kali Gandaki River. Jomsom, the gateway to the Mustang region, is a small town with a wide variety of services and shops. After arriving, we can relax and enjoy the mountain views. Overnight stay in Jomsom.
After breakfast, we take a scenic flight from Jomsom back to Pokhara. This flight offers incredible views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you can rest or enjoy a peaceful afternoon at Phewa Lake. The day will be free for sightseeing or relaxation. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
After breakfast, we begin the drive back to Kathmandu, which takes approximately 6-7 hours. The journey offers more scenic views of the countryside. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will have some free time for shopping or exploring before your final departure. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
On the final day of your trek, after breakfast, our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. We hope you leave Nepal with unforgettable memories of your trek to Upper Mustang. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back for future adventures with Chingu Treks and Tours.
The Upper Mustang Trek takes you into one of Nepal's most remote and culturally rich regions, nestled in the rain-shadowed area of the Annapurna range. Known as the "Last Forbidden Kingdom," Mustang is a land where ancient Tibetan culture and traditions have remained preserved for centuries. The trek leads you through dramatic landscapes, ancient monasteries, caves, and traditional villages. The region, which is largely influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, offers trekkers the unique opportunity to explore its spiritual heritage, including sites like the Lo Manthang Palace, Choser Cave, and Geling Monastery, while also experiencing its rugged, high-desert terrain.
At Chingu Treks and Tours, we pride ourselves on providing well-organized, safe, and immersive trekking experiences in Nepal. Our team of experienced local guides and porters is highly knowledgeable about the Upper Mustang region, its history, culture, and natural beauty. We prioritize your safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout the trek. With personalized itineraries, excellent support services, and a deep commitment to sustainable tourism, we ensure that your journey through Upper Mustang will be unforgettable. We also provide complete assistance with permits, transportation, and other logistics, so you can focus solely on the adventure.
The Upper Mustang Trek generally takes around 13 to 17 days, depending on the itinerary and pace. The trek starts from Jomsom after a flight from Pokhara and takes you through key villages like Kagbeni, Chuksang, and Geling, eventually reaching the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. On the way, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to acclimatize, explore the local culture, and enjoy the dramatic scenery. The journey is often extended to include explorations of the nearby caves, monasteries, and scenic viewpoints, and can be adjusted to suit your specific preferences and time frame.
The Upper Mustang Trek is full of cultural and natural highlights. Some of the must-see attractions include:
1. Lo Manthang: The former capital of the Kingdom of Mustang, known for its medieval architecture, traditional Tibetan culture, and Lo Manthang Palace.
2. Choser Cave: Ancient caves carved into the cliffs, some believed to be over 2,000 years old, offering insight into the region’s historical way of life.
3. Monasteries and Gompas: The trek visits several Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, including Jomsom Monastery, Geling Monastery, and Luri Monastery, where you can experience Buddhist rituals and teachings.
4. Tiji Festival: If you trek during the spring (April-May), you might witness the Tiji Festival, a unique Buddhist festival held in Lo Manthang.
5. Dramatic Landscapes: The region’s barren, desert-like landscape, with striking red cliffs, deep valleys, and rugged terrain, is unlike any other trekking experience in Nepal.
Yes, the Upper Mustang Trek requires special permits due to its location in a restricted area. These permits include:
Upper Mustang Trekking Permit: A special permit for the restricted region, which is required to access the area beyond Kagbeni.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): A standard permit for trekking in the Annapurna region.
At Chingu Treks and Tours, we handle all the permit arrangements for you, ensuring that you comply with local regulations and enjoy a hassle-free journey.
The best time to trek in Upper Mustang is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer the best weather conditions, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures. Spring (April-May) is especially popular as it coincides with the Tiji Festival, a vibrant cultural event in Lo Manthang. The autumn months are ideal for clear mountain views and moderate temperatures. While winter (December to February) is cold, especially in the higher altitudes, Upper Mustang remains relatively dry, making it a possible destination even during the colder months. However, trekking in the summer monsoon season (June to August) is not recommended due to the risk of landslides and heavy rains.
The Upper Mustang Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek. While it does not involve technical climbing, the trek takes you to high altitudes (up to 4,000 meters or more), which requires good physical fitness and proper acclimatization. The terrain is rugged and involves long days of walking on rough, dusty trails, especially in remote sections of the trek. However, the overall difficulty is manageable for trekkers with prior trekking experience or those in good health. The altitude is not as high as some other treks in Nepal, but we still recommend taking acclimatization days to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Accommodation during the Upper Mustang Trek typically includes local teahouses or guesthouses. The lodges in the region are basic but comfortable, offering a warm and cozy environment after a day of trekking. Rooms generally have twin-sharing beds with blankets, and shared bathroom facilities are available in most places. In Lo Manthang, there are slightly more comfortable accommodations, including some with private bathrooms. While the facilities are simple compared to other trekking regions, they offer an authentic experience in the remote parts of Nepal. Chingu Treks and Tours ensures that you stay in the best available accommodations along the trek.
During the Upper Mustang Trek, most of your meals are provided by the teahouses where you stay. The menu typically includes a range of Nepali, Tibetan, and Western dishes, such as dal bhat, momo, thukpa, and pasta. Breakfasts often consist of porridge, eggs, toast, and tea or coffee, while lunches and dinners feature hearty, nutritious meals. Although vegetarian options are available, it's advisable to bring some extra snacks like energy bars or dried fruit for additional nutrition on the trail.
The Upper Mustang Trek requires a good level of physical fitness, especially for the higher-altitude sections. While the trek is not technical, you will need stamina to walk long distances over rugged terrain. The best preparation is regular walking or hiking before your trek, along with aerobic exercises to build endurance. It is also crucial to take the trek at a comfortable pace to allow for proper acclimatization, which minimizes the risk of altitude sickness. At Chingu Treks and Tours, we tailor the pace of the trek to suit the group, allowing everyone to enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.
Yes, the Upper Mustang Trek is safe when undertaken with a reliable guide and tour operator like Chingu Treks and Tours. Our expert guides are experienced in high-altitude trekking and are well-versed in emergency response protocols. We ensure proper acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness, and we provide all necessary trekking equipment and first aid kits. We also stay updated on weather conditions to ensure a smooth journey. As Upper Mustang is a remote region, we recommend trekking with a licensed company to ensure safety, as it’s difficult to find medical facilities in the area.
Booking your Upper Mustang Trek with Chingu Treks and Tours is simple and straightforward. You can reach out to us via our website, email, or phone. After discussing your preferred dates, itinerary, and trekking experience, we will guide you through the booking process. Once you confirm your trek, we will take care of all logistics, including permits, accommodations, meals, and transportation, to make your trekking experience seamless. We’re here to ensure that every detail is taken care of, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure.
