Trip Route
Jomsom - Kagbeni - Lo Manthang - Ghar Gomba - Luri Gompa - Garphu Cave - Muktinath
Trip Facts
2+ PAX
Moderate
Hotel/Lodge
4,310 M/14,136 FT
Full Boards Meal On The Trek
Private Vehicle/Flight/ Public Bus
March to November
Upper Mustang Trekking Highlights
- Trek into the forbidden Buddhist kingdom of Nepal in Trans Himalayan terrain
- Explore few hundred thousand old humans made a cave with amazing wall painting
- Visiting 8-century monasteries where Guru Rinpoche and other hermit had done meditation and retreat
- The Jomsom flight provides magnificent mountains view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massif
- Collect Ammonites and fossils on bank of Kaligandaki river
- Trek throughout mixed culture villages (Tibetan and Nepalese) and experience multiple culture
Upper Mustang Trek cost with permit and guide, discover the rich Buddhist culture beyond the Himalayas and day tour around Lo manthang like Tibet border Kora La Pass, Ghar Gompa, Luri Gompa, and Konchok Ling cave. En route to Upper Mustang Trek, you will have treasurable time with exploring antique handicrafts, unique Mustang culture, ancient Buddhist monasteries, beautiful caves, naturally eroded mount, and tall snow-capped mountains beyond the Himalayas. A long time ago Upper Mustang was part of Tibet thus hugely influence of Tibetan culture also have a knotted relationship with Tibet hence the past queen of Lomanthang was from Shigatse, Tibet. Upper Mustang is known as tucked behind towering cliff and deep canyons in a semi-arid plateau where the native practicing Buddhism in the 8-century monasteries also Upper Mustang region is famous for the 1000 years old human-made a hidden cave. The cave and monasteries nearby villages are regularly explored by tourist but some cave in the far distance are astounding ancient paintings not reach any tourist.
A travel guide book said some of the famous western traveler been to Upper Mustang before officially open in 1992 for the international tourist namely Toni Hagen, Michel Peissel, and David Snellgrove. Also from the 15th to the 17th century, Indian and Tibetan traders follow Kaligandaki River for the salt trading and Upper Mustang became revenue junction. The walled city is formerly known as the forbidden kingdom of Mustang in Nepal where the trekkers can explore the last vestiges of outmoded Tibetan Buddhist culture on the planet.
An Upper Mustang region is lying beyond western Nepal's highest mountains namely Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) as well compressed by Thorong la pass and Upper Dolpo Trek in the Himalayas. A semi-arid Upper Mustang is spanning into the north corner of the Annapurna conservation area and connects with Tibetan plateau on Kora La pass (Border of Tibet). The magical trans-Himalayas area is heavily populated by Tibetan original ethnic groups, loba tribe. Lobhas do traditional work agriculture, animal husbandry, trading, and life support, and since last decade tourism helping the uplift living.
The barren moonscape tantalizing Upper mustang have numerous of charming monasteries including Konchok Ling Cave, Ghar Gumba, Jhyampa Monastery, Thubchen Monastery, Choedye Monastery, Kabung Nar Gompa Kang, Mandala cave, Phodaling Cave (Goije Phu), Chukumau Dhakpu Cave, Shaka Phu Cave, Marchung Cave, Luri Cave, Tashe Kabung, Tangya Kabung, Charang cave, Dhakmar Cave, Chili Phu and Tama Gaon Cave.
Daily itinerary
Day 00: Arrival Kathmandu (1,350 m)
30-min ---No--- ---No---
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu international airport receiving by your trek guide with fresh wreath then transfer to your hotel. Your trek guide stays standby at the airport with your name on the signboard. After arriving the hotel have own time until official meeting an evening.
Day 00: Trekking permit Issue Day
---No--- ---No---
It is Upper Mustang trekking permit documentation day, it takes few hours. While doing paperwork you may have your own time in Kathmandu. That leisure time can use to explore the medieval Kathmandu city. Kathmandu valley is a larges population occupied city and has several interesting sites including architecture, heritage, and culture namely Pashupatinath temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swoyambhunath Stupa.
Day 00: Kathmandu - Pokhara (850 m)
7-8 Hrs Drive ---No--- ---No---
Pokhara can be reached by overland and air, a driver gives you the best overland trip of Nepal. Kathmandu to Pokhara drive takes around 8 hours on good condition road, the road would be pretty busy high chance to stuck in the traffic. Pokhara drive is totally picturesque with offering mountain panorama, lush and green landscapes of hilly terrain. Also, enjoy to see adventure lover doing white water rafting on the sacred Trishuli River. Pokhara city is connected by air where the local flight provides services from morning to late afternoon.
A-20 minute flight rendering panoramic mountain view of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Annapurna mountain range and 6th tallest Mount Dhaulagiri. After reaching Pokhara transfer to your hotel near Phewa Lake called Lakeside. Then later an evening enjoys walking around Lakeside street.
Day 01: Fly to Jomsom (2,743 m), 4 hours trek to Kagbeni (2,800 m)
4 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
A 20-minute small plane presents a stunning mountain view of the Annapurna mountain range and Dhaulagiri. A thrilling flight landing at Jomsom airport, the airport is nestled on Mustang valley. Also can reach Kagbeni by day drive from Pokhara and it will be 10 hours shaky drive including paved and off-road drive and passes villages, waterfall, hot spring, and boulder gorge. After breakfast tied-your shoes less than approximately 4 hours trekking on the wide barren valley with passes few villages to Kagbeni villages. During your ramble, the trail also provides a stunning view of Nilgiri range, upon arrive Kagbeni get a magnificent view of Thorong peak. The oldest village have Tibetan cultural flavor and also have beautiful gompa on Shore of Kaligandaki River. In April can see thousands of Hindus doing ritual on confluence Glacier River.
Day 02 : Kagbeni - Chhusang - Chele (3,060 m)
5-6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
After breakfast entering to Upper Mustang region with checking Upper Mustang restricted trekking permit. The landscapes are such amazing in the eroded valley also passes red and white painted Chhorten west bank of the Kali Gandaki River. A little uphill brings us tiny Tangbe village then follow the level trail a side of a river to Chhusang and visit tiger cave above the village in a lunch break. A short distance walk let us cross a river and see amazing sights of 16 lineup cave above the trail where impossible to reach without proper climbing. Around 20/25 minute steep climbing up to brings us another beautiful village of Upper Mustang, Chele.
Day 03: Chele - Samar - Chhunsi/Chungsi Cave - Syanboche (3,700 m)
6-7 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
A trek from Chele to Syanboche is relatively harder than yesterday, most of the day ascending up on the infertile ridge with a stunning view of Yakawa Kang, Thorong Peak and mount Nilgiri. Upon crossing the small summit, Dajori La and short descend to Samar village. From Samar village, we follow narrow pebbles trail including up and down to Rangjung Drakpuk (Chungsi Cave) monastery believed to be found in 8 century and Padmasambhava had done meditation for a long time. After a witness to see a hidden cave on the cliff, the gentle up trail on the shrubs reaches Syanboche village.
Day 04: Syanboche - Ghilling - Ghami (3,520 m)
5-6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
The trek begins after hot breakfast in the morning, a short climb takes us to the ridge, it offers stunning Mountain View of Nilgiri, Tilichi peak, Brikuti, Khamjungar, and Thorong peak. From here gentle descend to Ghiling village, it is a great place for farming of multiple grains. A colorful Buddhist monastery "Tashi Choling" built north of the village and its part of Sakyapa sect Buddhism.
We proceed trek out of jeep track with long ascending on the scrub ridge above the Ghiling village then go over the pass then walking on the downhill where often see some wild animals deer and jackal. The top provides a magnificent view of the mountain desert with the Himalayas.
Day 05 : Ghami - Dhakmar - Muila Bhanjyang - Tsarang (3,620 m)
5-6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
The journey begins and hiking down to Ghami Khola, then trail passes the longest mani wall of Nepal also passes huge trio Chorten on foot of Dhakmar red cliff. Trek continued to Dhakmar with enjoying the dramatic spectacle of the red-walled cliff. Also, see closed scenery of eroded hill above the Dhakmar village. The trail beyond Dhakmar village is steady-up on the stony route to Muila Bhanjyang (4172 m), then follow flatter path to Ghar Gomba, oldest gomba of Upper mustang which was established in the 8th century while Guru Rinpoche heading to Tibet. Few red color Chorten and colorful Tibetan flag around the Ghar gompa make the scenery stunning with far distance snowcapped mountains. We walk to Tsarang village on the level trail. It is the large village and surrounded by the large apple farm as well as distinct high altitude grain. Also, the north side of the village has Tsarang palace and a monastery as well as a couple of multiple colored fortresses.
Day 07: Tsarang - Ghar Gomba - Chogo La - Lomanthang (3,850 m)
5-6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge
After breakfast leaving from Tsarang village, heading north to Chogo La pass. We are hiking on trekking route with skipping jeep road. The upper route offers good view of the landscapes, mountains and massif canyon. From the pass descending on downhill to wall city which also capital of Upper Mustang. The old-city is occupied by several monasteries, stupas and Buddhist sites.
Day 08: Explore cave and monasteries around Lomanthang
6-7 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
It is full day tour to Chhoser village, there are several monasteries and cave nearby lobhas residence can do day trek by walking. After breakfast follows Chhoser village route north of Lo Manthang, side of a fresh stream and throughout the villages Nenyul, Arka, Ghom, Garphu then little ascend up to 5 storey Garphu cave, Nyphu Gumba (half cave and half monastery), Yachebu monastery and Namgyal monastery. Also possible to visit Samjhong village one of the remote and cultural Tibetan settlement in the north of Lomanthagn can so visit Konchok Ling cave, and only a handful tourist visited since it found.
Day 09: Lomanthang - Lo La - Dhigaun - Yara Gaun (3,830 m)
6-7 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
We start the trek from Lo Manthang and trailhead steeply uphill to Lo La pass (3950 m). The trail to the summit provides an outstanding view of Lo Manthang and Choser village and the road to Kora la on for distance. After a short walk on the main road follow branch path on a northeast to another trekking pass Dhi La (3910 m). The walk towards steeply downhill with a magnificent view of the red canyon. From small Dhi village, we follow a gentle uphill trail along the Punyung Khola and passing interesting and scenic nature eroded cliffs to Yara village. We also see a small path leading to holy Damodar Lake, the source of Muktinath water taps.
Day 10: Side trip to Luri Cave
6-7 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
The Luri cave day tour begins from Yara village, a trail keeps climbing from traditional Yara village and passes attractive Ghara village. Pleasant further walk show hanging Tibetan flag on the top and the bottom, the top weighty red color one is Luri cave. The Luri Cave and Gompa is different than others because it has Tashi Kabum, frescoes, Chortens, and dissimilar ancient wall painting. The top section of the cave been ruined and need bad repair as soon as possible. A 30-minute of the path is completely sleeper because of pebble and grit specially ambling down unit. Not allowed to take any pictures of the inner part of Luri cave and gompa because of order to protect this priceless and unique design. After a while trekking back to Yara gaon and take rest.
Day 11: Yara Gaun - Dhechyang Khola - Tangge (3,340 m)
5-6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
After breakfast, half day tour to Luri Cave via Ghara village, ancient Luri gomba set above the villages on the ridge and the path is climbing up on gravel to the 3 storey sanctum hidden cave. The Luri gompa has medieval era painting of meditation and Kabung also get a breathtaking view of unfruitful terrain. Then trek returned to Yara village and after lunch trek retraces across the river to Charang village, a path offers amazing sights of the walled eroded landscapes.
Day 12: Tangge - Paha La - Tetang (3,000 m)
8-9 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
One of the longest trek days during our Upper Mustang Trekking, we probably need to trek around 8-9 hours from Tange to Tangbe including passes. The trail contains up and down plus flattens on huge yak pasture. Tange is a beautiful village with decorated colorful stupas and Chortens. Upon leaving from lodge descending to Yak Khola through seasonal vegetable farm then long and sturdy climb to Paha La, it is pleasant rambling on the huge ground and providing probably the best view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and several other snow-capped mountains with breathless landscapes sceneries. We walking speedily down on grit lane to Tangbe village, small farming village on foot of great canyon and only one lodge is available.
Day 13: Tetang - Gyu La - Muktinath (3,760 m)
6-7 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
The trek starts after eaten breakfast in the lodge, we crossing 4000 m Gyula pass and the pass delivered the best view of Mount Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and wider Kali Gandaki valley. The first section of trek from Tetang to Muktinath route is steeply up on the unyielding path. Then strolling on pretty nicely and scenery flattens footpath to the ditch where often see yak, goat, and sheep are pasturing. Again the trail leading sharply-up hill to Gyu La pass which probably takes 2 hours. Gyula summit to the Muktinath temple route is pretty easy on the barren area and into the villages. On arrival Muktinath site trips to Muktinath complex where can see one hundred and eight sacred water taps, Jwala Mai temple (flame of natural burning gas), holy pond, Narsing Gumba, and nunnery Gumba.
Day 14: Muktinath temple - Lupra - Jomsom (2,743 m)
5-6 Hrs Trek B/L/D with hot drinks Lodge/Guesthouse
It is pleasant trekking from Muktinath to Jomsom via Lupra village. After breakfast straight walk down to Jharkot village and explore the Buddhist monastery. Now trail towards the east of the village with gentle climbing on the scrub pasture to Lupra Danda. The ridge provides a magnificent view of the Kali Gandaki valley, Dhaulagiri and surrounding mountains. The further trail is steeply down on the pebble and also pass apple farm. Upon crossing the bridge on cairn reaching tiny Lupra village, the villager practicing Bon Buddhism. The trek continues along the river on a stony path to Jomsom village. From Eklebhatti to Jomsom section know as Ghost Kali Gandaki valley and facing strong wind force.
Day 15: Jomsom - Pokhara (860 m)
20-min flight then transfer to hotel Breakfast & Lunch ---No---
Early morning 10-min trekking to Jomsom airport then 20-min mountain flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival Pokhara airport transfer to your hotel in Lakeside. We always put our effort to reserve your seat on the first flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Because due to the weather forecast the flight may delay or cancel a day. If the scheduled flight cancel then reschedule the next day.
Day 00: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,350 m)
7-8 Hrs Trek ---No--- ---No---
The distance between Pokhara to Kathmandu is only 205 km but it requires a complete day drive because of the small and zig-zag road as well as the traffic on the road. The standard tourist bus departure at 7:30 am daily from near to Lakeside Pokhara and 7-8 hours' drive on Prithivi highway. The buses stopping along the high way for breakfast, lunch, and toilet, it is a scenic drive. Although it is a long drive but definitely enjoyable and fun trip. Except for the tourist bus the public buses and micro-buses (Van) departure 05:00 hours to 16:00 hours from Prithi Chowk Pokhara.
Day 00: Finale Departure
30-min ---No--- ---No---
The fascinating adventure and cultural exploration Annapurna Base Camp Trek end here by today. We hope you had a memorial and fantastic adventure with us in the Himalayas. As per your international flight scheduled transfer to Kathmandu airport 4 hours before the flight time.
Note:
If you willing to do scenic mountain flight to see Mt. Everest or willing to do one-day thrilling white water rafting. We can help to organize.
What's included?
- International and Domestic airport pick-up and drop-off service
- All the required ground transportation as mention in the Itinerary
- Upper Mustang Trekking Permits (Immigration permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Project entry fees)
- Fluent English speaking experience trek guide/leader with salary, accommodation, food, and insurance
- Three meals a day during the trek (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner with hot drinks)
- Seasonal fresh fruits Apple, Banana, Orange, Pomegranate
- Complimentary trekking equipment's four seasonal sleeping bag, down Jacket etc (should be returned upon completing the trek)
- Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara mountain experience flight cost U$D250
- First aid medical kits including oximeter to check pulse rate and oxygen percentage on your body
- Normal lodge/guesthouse base accommodation during the trek in the mountains
- Farewell dinner Kathmandu/Pokhara with live cultural show
What's not included?
- Meals and Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu in U$D 225 P.P
- Strong High altitude Sherpa porter to carry your luggage
- Entrace fees of local area Monasteries, Cave and Gompa
- Travel insurance and any sort of rescues such as Helicopter or Horse
- Personal expenses battery charge, hot shower, phone call, Internet, laundry etc
- Gratitude (Tips) to guide and porters
Fixed Departures
Essential Information
Upper Mustang Trek Route
Upper Mustang trek starts from Jomsom and there are several ways to reach Jomsom both overland and by air. Lo Manthang, the walled city with Tibetan style villages is the ultimate destination and can reach there by off-road drive and trekking throughout white and red color smear villages with huge wood on the roofs. Most of the trekkers choose 10-days Upper Mustang trek with following the route Jomsom-Kagbeni-Tsaile-Syangbochen-Ghami-Tsarang-Lomanthang-Ghar Gompa-DrakmarCliff-Chhusang-Jomsom-Pokhara.
Also can extend the Upper Mustang Trek via Luri Cave, Yara, Tangge, Muktinath temple then back to Jomsom. Via Tangge and Paha La pass route are challenging but it offers mesmerizing Mountain View on the off the beaten route with excellent diverse landscapes. One of the day from Tangge to Tetang have to do about 9 hours trek with a solid climb up and steeply descending on grit path but gives you bold adventure experience.
Also an open option trek to Lo Manthang then after side trek around Lomanthang, then 7 hours' drive back to Jomsom by private or shared jeep.
How to reach Jomsom
Upper Mustang trek walk begins from Jomsom and drives and flies optionss are obtainable to reach Jomsom from Pokhara and Kathmandu. A 18-minute scenic mountain flight operating from Pokhara as long as good weather, it flying right above the deepest gorge of the planet between the 2 highest mountain of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Traverse by road, both Kathmandu and Pokhara, there are direct buses available, it will be long jarring bus ride probably 11 hours from Pokhara and 17-18 hours from Kathmandu
Upper Mustang Trek Permits Cost
As Mustang beyond the Kagbeni is bisected as a restricted area where international tourists can only travel after obtaining Upper mustang restricted trekking permit from local trekking company either from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Upper Mustang trek permit costs U$D50 per day and a minimum of 2 trekkers require also need to buy at least 10 days permit. Also, have to buy Annapurna conservation area permit Rs-3000 and licensed guide is mandatory. Our Upper Mustang trek package cost is fairly reasonable with the best services.
Upper Mustang Trek Accommodation
The luxurious and wide price range accommodation available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. On the Upper Mustang trek selected village to have a limited private bathroom including Jomsom, Kagbeni, Chhusang, Ghami, Tsarang, Lomanthang, and Muktinath then other that private twin sharing room with sharing a bathroom.
Upper Mustang Trek Meals
Along the Upper Mustang trek in the mountains, you will eat lunch on a local restaurant before arriving campsite and dinner and breakfast at camp, lodge cum restaurant. You may choose any food items from menu cards like rice, potatoes, macaroni, noodles, spaghetti, Mo Mo, curry bread, and soup. It serving with seasonal fresh organic garden vegetables. But still, we recommend you eat local foods which is authentic and delicious.
Upper Mustang Trek Require Experience
Upper Mustang trek classified as a moderate trek in the Himalayas with short steady climbing as well steeply descending on the dry wind. It recommends for average physical fit trekkers also for a novice without prior experienced. 4400 m above sea level is the maximum height of trek where average day walk is 5/7 hours.
Possible Side Trek in Upper Mustang Trek
Along the Upper Mustang Trek, you may add several side trips like Karo La Pass (Tibet Border), Koncho Ling Cave, sacred Damodar Kunda, Chhoser cave, Luri Cave, hot spring, Sky cave, Nyphu Cave and monasteries etc.