Upper Mustang Trek - 16 Days

Trip Overview

The Upper Mustang Trek is a journey to the Shangri-La beyond the Annapurna Himalayas. The trek starting point Kagbeni is reached with a short 25-min flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a 6 hour road drive. The road passes along the Kali Gandaki river between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas. The heart of the remote Himalayan destination is Lo-Manthang in Mustang. Instead of returning the same trail, on this trek you will trek back to Muktinath via the eastern side of Kali Gandaki river. 

It is known for its dry mountain landscapes, Tibetan villages, Buddhist culture, caves, monasteries, and dramatic cliffs. The trek begins at Kagbeni and follows the main Upper Mustang trail through Chele, Geling, Charang, and Lo Manthang, with views of the unique Trans Himalayan landscape.

This 16 day Upper Mustang Trek is slightly different from the classical route because the return journey goes through Yara, Tangya, Tetang, and finally to Muktinath, on the eastern side of the Kali Gandaki River, instead of retracing the same trail. This trek suits travelers who want authentic trekking experience and a high altitude desert landscape rather than the forested and glacial scenery of Nepal's more classic trekking regions.

Trip Detail

Itinerary Overview

This 16 day trek begins with arrival in Kathmandu, followed by a free day for trek preparation and permit processing. On Day 3, you fly to Pokhara and drive to Kagbeni, the gateway checkpoint to the Upper Mustang restricted area. The trail then climbs through Chele, Geling, and Charang to Lo Manthang, the walled former capital of the Kingdom of Lo, where a full day is set aside for excursions. From Lo Manthang, the route departs from the classical trail and heads to Yara, with a side trip to the cave monastery of Luri Gompa, before continuing east of the Kali Gandaki River through Tangya and Tetang to Muktinath. From Muktinath, you drive to Pokhara and fly back to Kathmandu, with final departure on Day 16.

• Day 1: Arrival and overnight in Kathmandu

• Day 2: Free day and Upper Mustang Trek Preparation in Kathmandu

• Day 3: Fly to Pokhara, drive to Kagbeni at 2,810 m, about 30 minutes flight and 170 km drive, 6 to 7 hours

• Day 4: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele at 3,110 m, about 5 to 6 hours, 15 km

• Day 5: Trek from Chele to Geling at 3,500 m, about 5 to 6 hours, 18 km

• Day 6: Trek from Geling to Charang at 3,620 m, about 4 to 5 hours, 16 km

• Day 7: Trek from Charang to Lo Manthang at 3,840 m, about 3 to 4 hours, 12 km

• Day 8: Excursion day in Lo Manthang at 3,840 m

• Day 9: Trek from Lo Manthang to Yara at 3,838 m, about 6 to 7 hours, 17 km

• Day 10: Visit Luri Gompa and return to Yara at 3,900 m, about 6 to 7 hours, 7 km

• Day 11: Trek from Yara to Tangya at 3,240 m, about 6 to 7 hours, 18.3 km

• Day 12: Trek from Tangya to Tetang at 3,067 m, about 7 to 8 hours, 28 km

• Day 13: Trek from Tetang to Muktinath at 3,800 m, about 7 to 8 hours, 15 km

• Day 14: Drive from Muktinath to Pokhara, about 170 km, 6 to 7 hours

• Day 15: Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu

• Day 16: Farewell and departure

Upper Mustang Trek Highlights

• Lo Manthang and Its Ancient Heritage: Lo Manthang is the cultural heart of Upper Mustang and one of the most memorable places on the trek. Its old mud walls, traditional houses, royal palace area, and ancient monasteries show the unique history and Tibetan Buddhist heritage of the former Kingdom of Lo.

• An Off the Beaten Return Route: Instead of retracing the classical trail, this trek returns east of the Kali Gandaki River through Yara, Tangya, and Tetang. This quieter route offers a more authentic experience and uses foot trails whenever possible, avoiding much of the road affected classical route.

• Dramatic Trans Himalayan Landscape: The trail passes through a spectacular dry landscape of red cliffs, deep valleys, rocky hills, caves, and barren mountains. The unusual colors and formations create a completely different Himalayan experience from the green forests and snow covered landscapes found on many other trekking routes in Nepal.

• Ancient Cave Monastery of Luri Gompa: From Yara, the route continues to Luri Gompa, an ancient Buddhist cave monastery built into a high cliff. Its remote location, old cave shrines, and peaceful mountain setting make it one of the most special cultural sites in Upper Mustang.

• Charang Village and Its Fortress: Charang is a historic Mustang village known for its old fortress, red monastery, and traditional whitewashed houses overlooking the Charang Chu valley. Nearby Lo Gekar Monastery, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Mustang, adds to the cultural importance of the area.

• Muktinath Temple: The trek finishes at Muktinath Temple, a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists surrounded by the rugged landscapes of Mustang. Visiting this important site after trekking through the remote valleys of Upper Mustang provides a meaningful end to the journey before continuing toward Pokhara.

• Tibetan Buddhist Culture: The trek passes through Chele, Geling, Charang, Lo Manthang, Yara, Ghara, and Tangya, where traditional mud houses, ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and Buddhist practices remain part of daily life. These remote villages offer a close look at the Tibetan influenced unique culture and traditions of Upper Mustang.

Altitude and Activities

Accommodation and Meals

You will stay in a comfortable 3 star hotel in both Kathmandu and Pokhara, and in mountain lodges or teahouses throughout the trekking portion of the journey. Full board meals of breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided on every trekking day. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, breakfast is provided, with a welcome dinner on arrival and a farewell dinner near the end of the trip.