$ / Per Person
The Upper Mustang Trek is a journey into a hidden world in the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and Tibet. Known as the driest part of Nepal, away in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, this was once a restricted kingdom, isolated from the outside world for centuries. Even today, traveling through feels like stepping back in time, where ancient traditions, pure Tibetan culture, and untouched landscapes continue to thrive.
From the moment you arrive, this journey through Upper Mustang harmonizes trekking, culture, and centuries-old history into one unforgettable experience. The Upper Mustang Trek is beyond the ordinary trek and destination; it offers a meaningful journey.
Your adventure begins in Kathmandu, a city full of life, color, and history. Before heading into the mountains, you explore its spiritual, historical, and cultural treasures, visiting the self-originated Buddhist Stupa Swayambhunath, walking through ancient royal courtyards, meeting the living goddess of Kathmandu, and walking through Ason Bazaar, learning what the Nepalese require most in their daily lives. This introductory guided tour fuels your curiosity and expands the dimension of your journey onward to Upper Mustang.
From Kathmandu, a scenic sightseeing drive takes you to Pokhara, a peaceful lakeside city crowned by the Annapurna Mountains. The following morning, a 22-minute mountain flight above the deepest gorge in the world, between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, lands you at Jomsom Airport. As you come out of the airplane, a gush of Kali Gandaki wind hugs you, and Tukche, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri stand not very far.
The trek begins toward Kagbeni, following the Kali Gandaki River upstream, a windswept village that serves as the gateway to Upper Mustang, but the territory’s original name from here on is Lo Man Thang, written as Lo Manthang. As you move deeper, the scenery becomes more striking, with dry valleys, eroded cliffs, and vast open spaces shaped by its strong wind and the powerful Kali Gandaki River.
Passing through villages like Tangbe, Samar, Geling, and Charang, you encounter a way of life that reflects the true spirit: quiet, spiritual, and deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist traditions. The pinpoint destination of the Mustang trek is reaching the walled city of Lo Manthang, the fortified capital of the Lo Kingdom until recent years, founded in 1380 AD by Gyalpo (King) Ame Pal, offering a rare glimpse into a preserved culture. The meaning of Lo Man Thang is Lo (Originally Lho) is South, Man is wish or heart, and Thang is meadow or plain, carrying a beautiful meaning to the Lo Manthang Kingdom as Heart’s Desired Land or Plain of Aspiration or the Remote, hidden, land of happiness and beauty.
Exploring the centuries-old caves, cave monasteries, and monasteries older than those in Tibet adds even more depth to your Upper Mustang Trek, revealing the hidden history of this remarkable region and its importance.
The return journey includes a visit to Lo Gekar Gompa, a 7th-century monastery founded by Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) and named Lo Gekar (Monastery of White Virtue); Lo Gekar Gompa also translates as Indian Monastery of Lo. After Lo Gekar, you visit the dramatic red cliffs of Drakmar. Crossing the high Ngyu La Pass, on the way to Muktinath, is rewarded with breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
A meaningful stop at Muktinath, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, brings a spiritual close to the trek. Muktinath means the Lord of salvation in Nepali-Hindi and Salamebar Dolamebar in Tibetan-Sherpa. The peaceful atmosphere, along with the 108 water spouts and the eternal flame, shakes your spirituality.
Throughout the Upper Mustang trek, life on the trail is simple, hard yet fulfilling. Staying in local tea houses and lodges, eating from a local menu or a simple daal bhat in a family atmosphere, and connecting with local people are some of the memorable parts of the journey. This unique desert-like landscape, centuries-old cave monasteries, countless caves in the sheer sand cliffs on the high shores of the Kali Gandaki River and side valleys, and unimaginable human effort to live there, unlike anywhere else in Nepal, make every step feel special.
Your Upper Mustang trek concludes back at Jomsom and another mountain flight to Pokhara, where the city life, choices of hotels and restaurants on the shores of Phewa and Begnas Lakes, under the grandeur of Machhapuchhre (Fish-tailed Mountain) and Annapurna, the world relax gets a real meaning.
Finally, return to Kathmandu via a short flight and take a guided tour of its medieval city, Bhaktapur; Pashupatinath, the holiest of Hindu temples; and Boudhanath, the Mecca of Buddhism, and prepare to travel home or to further destinations with distant and deeply meaningful memories of your Upper Mustang trek. LIFE IS A JOURNEY!
For a day-to-day itinerary, hotel information, customised programs, or anything else related to your travel plan. Please get in touch with annatreks@gmail.com or WhatsApp/Message at +977 985 10 30619. You can also message us on Facebook.
The Forbidden Kingdom
Explore the restricted, medieval Tibetan kingdom of Lo Manthang, opened to outsiders only in 1992, with its walled city, ancient caves, and preserved monarchy.
Living Museum of Tibetan Buddhism
Witness 7th-century monastery and 11th-14th-century cave monasteries (Thubten, Nyaphu), intricate thangkas, and the vibrant Tiji Mask Dance Festival in Lo Manthang (if timed right).
Geological & Mythical Landscapes
Trek through the Kali Gandaki Gorge (deepest on Earth), past wind-sculpted red cliffs, and sacred sites like Muktinath, revered by Hindus and Buddhists for its 108 waterspouts and eternal flames.
Ancient Trade Routes & Villages
Follow historic salt-trading paths to Kagbeni (Tibetan checkpoint) and Chhusang, weaving through apple orchards and labyrinthine alleys of whitewashed villages.
Exclusive Isolation
Experience profound solitude in the high desert of Mustang, where fewer trekkers venture due to permit restrictions ($500 fee), offering an unmatched cultural experience.
Arrive, traditional welcome at the airport, transfer to your hotel, and a trip briefing.
While permits are finalized, exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the ancient monkey temple at Swayambhunath and the historic palaces of Kathmandu Durbar Square. Evening visit to the great Boudhanath Stupa.
A scenic ~5 hours drive through Nepalese countryside to the serene lakeside city of Pokhara. Evening walking tour around Phewa Lake.
Flight for ~22-minutes, ~2-hour trek. Breathtaking mountain flight between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Trek to the ancient trading post and gateway to Upper Mustang.
Trek for ~4 hours, passing the picturesque Tangbe village with its whitewashed houses and apple orchards.
Trek for ~4 hours, leaving the Kali Gandaki River and climbing into arid, spectacular canyons. Experience a clear cultural shift.
Trek for ~6 hour, crossing high passes (Nyi La at 3,770m) with dramatic views of multi-colored cliffs.
Trek for ~4 hours, seeing one of Nepal’s longest and most spectacular mani walls. Visiting Charang’s historic white dzong and red monastery.
Trek for ~4 hours, your first breathtaking view of the remote, walled “Forbidden City” of Lo Manthang.
A full day to explore the ancient capital. Visit cliff-side caves, monasteries (like Nyaphu and Thubten), and the fascinating cave village of Chhoser.
Trek for ~6 hours, visiting the ancient Lo Gekar Monastery and seeing Drakmar’s iconic red cliffs and ancient caves.
Trek for ~5 hours, rtracing the route through the stark, beautiful landscape of Upper Mustang.
Trek for ~7 hours, visiting the sacred Rangjyung Cave and crossing the Kali Gandaki River.
Trek for ~7 hours, crossing the high Ngyu La Pass for panoramic Himalayan views. Reaching the revered pilgrimage site of Muktinath, sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus.
Trek for ~5 hours, final trekking day through traditional villages like Lupra and Thini, with stunning views of Dhaulagiri and the Kali Gandaki Valley.
A spectacular ~22-minute panoramic mountain flight back to Pokhara for a well-deserved rest.
Sunrise views of the Annapurna range from Sarangkot. Visit Pumdikot for grand Himalayan and lake views. Hike down to the Peace Stupa. Visit the informative International Mountain Museum, flight back to Kathmandu.
Enjoy a final day for souvenir shopping, additional sightseeing, or relaxation.
Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
No essential information available.
Please contact at annatreks@gmail.com
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