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16 days
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Mustang
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Moderate
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4,210 m
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From 2 people
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Trekking
Highlights
- Lo Manthang (3,810 m), the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo
- Ancient monasteries and the royal palace in Lo Manthang
- Red cliffs, cave dwellings and whitewashed chortens
- A restricted area that was closed to foreigners until 1992
- Tibetan Buddhist culture in remote villages
- A trek that is possible even during the monsoon
Overview
Upper Mustang, the former Kingdom of Lo, was closed to foreigners until 1992 and still feels like a part of Tibet. From Kagbeni the route heads north via Samar, the Chungsi Cave and Syangboche to Ghami and Charang, past red cliffs, cave dwellings and whitewashed chortens.
The goal is the walled capital of Lo Manthang (3,810 m), with its ancient monasteries and royal palace, where you spend a full day exploring. The return goes via Yara, the cliff monastery of Luri Gompa, Tangge and Tetang to Muktinath, a quieter route through remote villages.
Know before you go
Best time to go
Mustang lies in the rain shadow north of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, so it can be trekked from March to November, including the monsoon months when most other regions are wet.
Spring and autumn give the clearest mountain views. Winter (December to February) is very cold and windy, and many lodges close.
Difficulty and fitness
This is a moderate trek with five to seven hours of walking per day. The trail crosses several passes between 4,000 and 4,210 m, and afternoons are often windy and dusty.
No technical skills are needed, but you should have good general fitness. Villages are far apart and lodges are simple, which is part of the charm of this remote region.
Permits
You need an Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Restricted area permits are only issued to groups of at least two trekkers travelling with a licensed guide.
We arrange all permits for you before the trip. See Includes/Excludes for what is covered in the price.
Itinerary
Welcome to Nepal. On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. We arrange the restricted area permit required for Upper Mustang, and in the evening your guide gives a trek briefing and checks your equipment. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
A day to complete the restricted area permit formalities and final preparations for the trek. There is time for a guided visit to heritage sites such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Today you travel west to Pokhara by tourist bus along the winding highway, a journey of six to seven hours that can take longer during the current road works. The rest of the day is free to relax by the lakeside and prepare for tomorrow's early start. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
An early morning flight takes you through the deep Kali Gandaki valley between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges to Jomsom. From here you walk up the wide riverbed to the medieval village of Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. Overnight in a teahouse in Kagbeni (2,800 m).
You enter the restricted area at Kagbeni, and a jeep takes you up the Kali Gandaki to Samar (3,660 m). From there you walk to the Chungsi Cave monastery and on to Syangboche (3,800 m), before a second drive to the village of Ghami. Overnight in a teahouse in Ghami (3,520 m).
Today's route passes Nepal's longest mani wall, lined with carved prayer stones; following local custom, keep the wall on your right. You then visit Ghar Gompa (3,950 m), said to be one of the oldest monasteries in the region, before continuing to Charang. Overnight in a teahouse in Charang (3,560 m).
A shorter walk across the open plateau brings you to the walled city of Lo Manthang, the former royal capital of the Kingdom of Lo. The afternoon is free to settle in and wander the narrow lanes inside the walls. Overnight in a lodge in Lo Manthang (3,810 m).
A full day to explore Lo Manthang, including the royal palace and its old monasteries with remarkable wall paintings. For those who wish, an optional ride takes you to the Chhoser cave complex north of the city. Overnight in a lodge in Lo Manthang (3,810 m).
Leaving Lo Manthang, the route crosses Dhi La and descends to the remote eastern side of the valley, which few visitors see. The scenery here is wild, with eroded cliffs and quiet farming villages. Overnight in a teahouse in Yara (3,650 m).
A day walk up the valley leads to the cliff monastery of Luri Gompa (3,890 m), known for its ancient wall paintings set within the rock. You return to Yara in the afternoon through one of the most remote corners of Mustang. Overnight in a teahouse in Yara (3,650 m).
The trail winds south through spectacular eroded canyons and fluted cliffs. It is a quiet, remote stretch with few other trekkers, ending in the traditional village of Tangge. Overnight in a teahouse in Tangge (3,340 m).
A long and remote day of eight to nine hours, crossing Pa La (4,210 m) with wide views, before descending to the village of Tetang. Carry enough water and snacks, as facilities along the way are very limited. Overnight in a teahouse in Tetang (3,040 m).
The trail climbs over Gyu La (4,077 m), with views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range, before descending to Muktinath, a temple complex sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. In the afternoon you can visit the temple. Overnight in a teahouse in Muktinath (3,800 m).
A jeep ride of one to two hours takes you down to Jomsom, from where a short flight returns you to Pokhara between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. The rest of the day is free to relax by the lake. Overnight in a hotel in Pokhara (820 m).
A scenic bus journey takes you back along the river valleys to Kathmandu, usually six to seven hours. On arrival you are transferred to your hotel, and the evening is free to relax or explore the city. Overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu (1,400 m).
Your trip ends today. Depending on your flight time, you may have a few free hours for last-minute shopping or a final stroll, before a Pikey Sherpa Adventure representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight.
