Mustang Region Trekking

Upper Mustang Trekking

In common usage, the name Mustang refers to the arid Tibet-like region at the northern end of the Kali Gandaki (known to its inhabitants as Lo). Mustang is probably a Nepalese mispronunciation of the name of the capital of Lo, the city of Manthang. The name is pronounced "Moo-stang" and has nothing to do with either the automobile or horse with a similar name. Officially, Mustang is the name of the district along the Kali Gandaki from the Tibetan border south to Ghasa. The capital of the Mustang district is Jomsom; the region of Tibetan influence north of Kagbeni is generally referred to as upper Mustang. Upper Mustang consists of two distinct regions: the southern region, with five villages inhabited by people related to the Manangis; and the northern region (the ancient kingdom of Lo where the language, culture and traditions are almost purely Tibetan. The capital of Lo is named Manthang, which translates from the Tibetan as "plain of aspiration". Many texts refer to the capital as Lo Manthang, but this is not strictly correct. Other texts spell the name of the kingdom as Lho, but this is a transliteration of the Tibetan word for "south" and is also incorrect. Thus the portion of the upper Mustang district north of Samar is Lo and its capital is Manthang. The king of Lo is the Lo Gyelbu, though most people use the Nepalese term raja. To avoid total confusion with existing maps and texts, this page refers to the capital of Lo as "Lo Manthang". Because of the cold and snow, most of the population departs from Lo on trading expeditions during the winter. The trekking season, therefore, is from late March until early November. The trek does not go to extremely high elevations, but the cold, dust and unrelenting afternoon winds can make the trek less pleasant than other treks in Nepal. Because of the wind and the lack of water, you must always camp in a village, but these are not conveniently spaced, so some days are too short and others too long. There is little opportunity to vary the itinerary as there is on most Nepal treks.

Upper Mustang Trekking Highlights

Lo-Mangthang - capital of Mustang district, Damodhar Kunda, pristine lakes, Holy and ancient caves, Amazing Kaligandaki valley, Lifestyles of Mustangi People, great Himalayan panorama including Dhaulagiri family as well as Nilgiri and other hundreds of Boarder himalaya, Saligram Fossils hunting and more...

Upper Mustang Trekking Facts

  • Trekking Destination: Lomangthang
  • Group Size: Min - 2 Pax.
  • Highest Access: 4320m
  • Best Season: May, June, July, August, September
  • Mode of Travel: Land Transfer/ Flight
  • Trip Grade: Strenuous
  • Mode of Trekking: Tented Camp/Tea House/Alpine
  • Trekking Hour: Approx. 5-6 hours
  • Total Days : 16 Days
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Explore Jharkot village & Monestery

Mustang Region

Upper Mustang Trekking Itinerary

Day 01
Arrival in Kathmandu Airport (1348m)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuwan International Airport we will receive you with private vehicle and transfer to hotel in Kathmandu/Planet Bhaktapur in B/B plan. Our representative will give you information about further programs. As your request we go to short walk around old city area.
Day 02
Sightseeing of World Heritage sites (BB)
Full day guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley Tour including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Baudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath Stupa also known as monkey temple which are World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO
Day 03
Kathmandu to Pokhara by bus (900m) 6 hrs
Drive to Pokhara by tourist bus. Between on the way we will see the natural beauty like Trisuli river which is most popular in Nepal for rafting and we will follow the way almost bank of the Trisuli and Marsyandi River when we arrive in Pokhara transfer to hotel.
Day 04
Fly to Jomsom (2720m) to Kagbeni (2800m) 3hrs
You will be land on District headquarters of Mustang and will start trek to Kagbeni, the starting point of the Upper Mustang, where you can make your eyes busy for The spectacular views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak and Dhampus. Kagbeni is the most interesting typical Tibetan village and the entry point of the upper Mustang for overnight stop. Overnight camping at Kagbeni
Day 05
Kagbeni – Chele (3100m / 6hrs)
The trail leads up toward the east bank of the Kaligandaki that climbs over many ridges as it heads north and reaches Tangbe Village. The town is labyrinth of narrow alleys amongst white washed house, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards. The Nilgiri peaks, which dominates the southern skyline of Kagbeni. Continues to loom massively at the foot of the valley. Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang Village and crosses the river, continue climbing north up the trail to a huge red chunk of conglomerate that ahs fallen from the cliff above forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. The trek now leaves the Kaligandaki valley and climb steeply up a rocky gully to chele at 3030m.
Day 06
Chele – Gheling (3570m / 8hrs)
The climb continues along step, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to pass and cairn of rock at 3540m. Then the trail makes a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge, and then the trail descends further on a pleasant trail to Samar. The Annapurna, still dominated by Nilgiri, is visible far to the south. Climb above Samar to a ridge, then descend into a large gorge and the trail goes into another valley field, crosses a stream and climbs up to a ridge at 3800m. The route climbs sharply up and down over a series of high passes, before the final descend to Geiling.
Day 07
Geling – Tsarang (3560m / 7hrs)
From Geling, the trail climbs gently to the interesting pass on our trek NYILA and descends below the blue, gray and red cliffs. After crossing a steel bridge of the Tangmar chu (river), we arrive to a MANI (Prayer WALL) perhaps the longest and most spectacular stretch and main wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600m the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang. The huge five – story white Dzong and red Gompa is an interesting visit to observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as many large paintings of seated Buddha’s.
Day 08
Tsarang - Lo Manthang (3840m / 5hrs)
The trail descends about 100 meters down from Charang, crosses the Charang- Chu and climbs steeply up a rocky trail to a cairn on a ridge and continues to climb. Finally, from a ridge at 3850m. There is a view of the walled city of LO. After a short descent, cross a stream then climb up into the plateau of Lo- Manthang.
Day 09
Lo-Manthang rest for excursion.
Another day in Lo -Manthang gives you the chance to explore its many sights; the Tall Champa Lakhang (God house,) the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Raja's Palace; as well as to gaze at the surrounding panoramic views of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalaya. Besides Lo-Manthangthere is two other interesting valleys worth visiting. The western valley Tingkhar, the sight of Raja's summer palace, Kimling and Phuwa as well as the Gompa of Namgyal (The Monastery of Victory) is the newest and most active Gompa in Lo. In the eastern valley lies the village of Chosar, also rich in gompas and the valley is the main trading route to Lhasa.
Day 10
Lo-Manthang- Dhakmar (3520m / 9 hrs) via Ghar Gompa.

This is an opportunity to visit two other villages on your return trek. The trail climbs steadily to the pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lo-Manthang. We cross highest pass this trek and arrive in Ghar Gompa (3920 Meters). This monastery is very old and older than Samye monastery in Tibet, supposed to be built around 730AD. After crossing the pass around 4100meters than we decants down to all the way in Dhakmar (3520m) and over night is lodge.

Day 11
Dhakmar–Samar (3540m / 6hrs):
From Dhakmar the way goes down to until Ghami (3460m) the huge greenery village in Mustang where we can see the ancient monastery and stupas with. You can see the local people houses here like cave. Than after the trail goes uphill until Nyi La pass and descend to Samar through the same route.
Day 12
Samar - Kagbeni (2800m / 5hrs):
Today, all the way downhill to Chhusang with panoramic red stone cliffs. After Chhusang we will climb little more than arrive in Tangbe village and finally we will be in Kagbeni.
Day 13
Kagbeni – Jomsom (2720m / 4hrs)

We trek to Jomsom with the valley of Kaligandaki River which is also known as windy valley where every day big wind blowing  and overnight in Jomsom. You will explore in Jomsom village.

Day 14
Jomsom - Pokhara fly (960m / ½ hr)

Early morning we fly to Pokhara with thrilling spectacular Mountain View including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna south, Annapurna I and Machhapuchre during the flight. In the day Time if we have time we will meet the places are in Pokhara such as International Mountain Museum, Devis falls, and Boating in Fewa Lake and transfer to hotel.

Day 15
Pokhara – Kathmandu flight (1348m / 25 minutes):

In the mid day we fly to Kathmandu from Pokhara with 25 minutes. And transfer to hotel in Kathmandu/Bhaktapur with breakfast.

Day 16
Final departure.

Drop you in Kathmandu international Airport onward your final destination. Wish you your wonderful blissful journey !! 

If above itinerary couldn’t meet your needs, we can design a tailor-made itinerary to suit your needs. Please let us know whether you would like to make it shorter or longer.

Cost Includes

  • Kathamndu international airport transfer by private car/van/bus.
  • 3 Nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu /Planet Bhaktapur with in BB Plan.
  • 2 Nights accommodation in Tourist standard hotel in Pokhara lake side with BB Plan.
  • Flight : Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara round trip flight fare with required domestic airport tax
  • One day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with license holder tour guide
  • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) each day during the trekking
  • Guest house accommodation according to the given itinerary (Twin sharing basis)
  • All necessary grounded transportation
  • Lo Manthang restricted area permit and their fees US$ 500 each person
  • Annapurna Permits and TIMS permits and their fees
  • Professional license holder mountain trekking guide and necessary cook - sherpa - kitchen helper and necessary porters according to the group size
  • Equipments, Food, salary and as well as insurance for all Nepali crew
  • A special gift as a souvenir from our company.

Cost Excludes

  • Nepal entry visa fee cost US$ 40.
  • Lunch & Dinner during the stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Any kinds of battery charges and hot shower during the trekking.
  • Personal trekking equipments, bar bills and personal nature expenses.
  • Your travel insurance (it is mandatory in case of emergency).
  • Any donation, monuments and monesteries entrance fees and as well as TIPS for crew .
  • Any other things not mentioned.
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