Upper Mustang Trek · 15 days
Discover the wind-carved valleys, cave monasteries and walled villages of Nepal’s once-forbidden kingdom beyond the Annapurna range.
Country
Nepal
Duration
15 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Max. altitude
3,840 m
Start / end
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Accommodation
Tea house
Meals
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Best season
Mar–Nov
Why this trip
Trip highlights
- Fly along the Kali Gandaki gorge to Jomsom
- Explore the walled city of Lo Manthang
- Visit ancient cave monasteries and chortens
- See surreal red and ochre desert landscapes
- Experience distinctive Tibetan-influenced culture
- Travel in a restricted region with a special permit
The experience
Upper Mustang Trek overview
Upper Mustang feels like another world. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki north from Jomsom into a high desert of red cliffs, ochre hills and ancient settlements. Behind the scenery is a living Tibetan Buddhist culture, best experienced slowly through local food, monasteries and conversations in the villages.
Every departure is paced to give you time to adjust to the altitude, enjoy the trail and connect with the communities along the way. Your guide handles the practical details, while you focus on the views, stories and small moments that make a Himalayan trek your own.
A day-by-day route
Short itinerary
Day 01–02Arrive in Kathmandu and fly to Jomsom
Complete the permit briefing, then fly through the Kali Gandaki gorge to Jomsom and begin the trek.
Day 03–06Trek north through the Mustang valleys
Walk through Kagbeni, Chele, Ghami and Tsarang, following cliffside trails between high-desert villages.
Day 07–08Explore Lo Manthang
Spend time in the walled capital, visiting monasteries, palace courtyards and the surrounding villages.
Day 09–12Return through the upper Kali Gandaki
Retrace the route south with time for cave monasteries, chortens and the changing colours of the valley.
Day 13–15Jomsom, Pokhara and Kathmandu
Return to Jomsom, fly to Pokhara and connect with Kathmandu for your final departure.
Included in your package
Travel with confidence
Experienced local team
Licensed guide, porter support and first-aid kit.
Tea-house stays
Clean, welcoming accommodation along the route.
Meals on the trail
Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.
Permits and planning
Restricted-area permit, transfers and pre-trip briefing included.