Upper Mustang Trek

Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hote Upon arrival at Tribhuvan Intentional Airport, Kathmandu, our staff will warmly welcome you outside the terminal, holding a placard with Himalayan Travelers Trek & Expedition.

You will be greeted with an auspicious garland and transferred to your hotel by a private tourist vehicle. At the hotel, our representative will assist you with check-in and conduct a pre-trip meeting.

Prepare for the trek, check for necessary trekking gears, organize your trekking bag, and flight to Pokhara in the afteoon. Enjoy the atmosphere of Lake side Pokhara. 

Pokhara is one of the most famous tourism destination in Nepal. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and Lakes. 

A scenic short flight offers spectacular views of hills and mountains. After arriving in Jomsom, we trek to Kagbeni via Lubra Village, one of the hidden Bon villages of Lower Mustang. Explore Kagbeni, a traditional Tibetan village and the gateway to Upper Mustang.

After breakfast, Upper Mustang permits are checked before driving to Tangbe and hiking to Tetang. Tangbe is entered from below through beautiful chortens and a ruined fort. Tetang, one of the best-preserved villages of the Shoyul region, offers stunning views when approached from above. We then continue trekking to Chhusang, passing whitewashed houses and buckwheat and barley fields.

Throughout the jouey, we encounter Rigsum Gonpo (the Three Protectors), representing the three bodhisattvas:

• Jampelyang (Manjushri – wisdom, red),
• Chenresig (Avalokiteshvara – compassion, white), and
• Chana Dorje (Vajrapani – power, blue).

These protect villages from spirits of the sky, earth, and underground.

We cross the Kali Gandaki River and trek through steep, barren terrain beside copper-red canyons. We visit Ghyakar village and monastery before continuing through a series of ascents and descents to Samar.

Today’s trek includes challenging ups and downs. We visit Chungsi Cave, a sacred pilgrimage site where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated in the 8th century. The cave is naturally formed in a cliff. We then continue to Shyangboche or Ghiling.

After breakfast, we follow an alteative route toward Ghami. The trail winds through semi-arid desert hills with narrow paths and panoramic Himalayan views. This route offers deep insight into Tibetan plateau villages, landscapes, culture, and natural beauty.
Crossing the steel bridge over Ghami Khola, we walk along the longest mani wall in Upper Mustang and pass many chortens to reach Drakmar, famous for its red cliffs and dramatic scenery. Legend says the red cliffs of Drakmar weere stained by the blood of a slain demon, and its intestines formed the longest mani walls. 

We begin our trek from Dakmar to Lo Manthang via the direct upper route, a rugged and scenic trans-Himalayan trail. The trek takes approximately 6–7 hours and crosses Chogo La Pass (4,280 m). Along the way, trekkers are rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding Himalayas and the region’s striking red cliffs.

We ascend to Ghar Gompa (Lo Gekar Monastery), the oldest monastery in Upper Mustang, Nepal, closely associated with Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) and Samye Monastery in Tibet. We visit this sacred monastery, one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in Nepal, traditionally believed to have been founded in the 8th century by Guru Padmasambhava.

Lo Manthang, founded in 1380 by Ame Pal, is the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo. It features whitewashed mud-brick walls, royal palaces, and ancient monasteries. Key sites include Jampa Lhakhang (the oldest), Thubchen Gompa, Chodey Gompa, and Choprang Gompa (New Gompa).

We trek to Choser, have lunch, and explore the Choser Valley. The area is rich in Tibetan villages, caves, and monasteries. Highlights include Jhong Cave and the deep-red Gharphu Gompa built into the rock face.

After breakfast, we visit Konchok Ling Cave, famous for its exquisite murals depicting Vajradhara, Avalokiteshvara, Tara, and Mahasiddhas. The cave is located at a steep and exposed height, requiring care. The route offers ancient chortens, dramatic landscapes, and one of the most beautiful walks in Mustang.

We follow the route toward Tsarang until near Sungdha Chorten, then take a left trail over small hills to Udi Danda Pass. From the pass, enjoy panoramic views of colorful cliffs and mountains. Descend to Dhi Village for lunch and exploration, then cross the Kali Gandaki River and continue along Puyung Khola to Yara.

A cultural exploration day visiting Tashi Kabum and Luri Gompa. Tashi Kabum is located high on a cliff and requires careful access. Inside, a white chorten stands beneath auspicious symbols. Luri Gompa, a cave monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu sect, features delicate murals and a central chorten surrounded by painted Mahasiddhas. After lunch in Gharagaon, retu to Yara.

Chrang is a peaceful village surrounded by chortens and mani walls, with narrow stone alleyways and whitewashed houses. It is the second-largest village in Mustang and known for its terraced fields and friendly locals.

After breakfast, we drive by jeep to Jomsom. We stop for lunch along the way and then continue our jouey, which takes approximately 5–6 hours. Upon arrival in Jomsom, we celebrate our final day of the trek with all the team members.

We take a flight to Pokhara in the moing and drive to Kathmandu (30m flight/6-7hrs drive)

Leisure Day in Kathmandu Make last minute shopping for souvenir and gifts for the family and friends.

According to your flight schedule, drive to Tribhuvan Intentional Airport for the final departure to the homeland.