Upper Mustang Trek
Days
16
Difficulty
Intermediate
Altitude
3800m
Upper Mustang – The Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal
Upper Mustang is a remote and culturally rich region in northwestern Nepal, nestled in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” it remained closed to foreigners until 1992 and still requires a special trekking permit to enter. Historically part of the Tibetan empire, Upper Mustang preserves an ancient Tibetan-Buddhist culture, language, and traditions rarely found elsewhere.
Its capital, Lo Manthang, is a walled medieval town where a local king (Lo Gyalpo) still holds ceremonial influence—an echo of Nepal’s monarchical past. The region’s geography is equally fascinating: a high-altitude Himalayan desert characterized by red cliffs, eroded canyons, and mysterious sky caves carved into cliffsides. Sacred monasteries like Ghar Gumpa and Luri Gompa, and the vast, arid terrain, offer trekkers a mystical, almost timeless experience. Visiting Upper Mustang is more than a trek—it’s a journey into a living museum of Tibetan culture, untouched landscapes, and deep spiritual heritage
Trek Highlights:
- Trip Type: Semi-restricted trekking (special trekking permit required)
Best Season: Spring (Apr–Jun) & Autumn (Sep–Nov) - Explore the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo, once part of the ancient Tibetan empire.
- Visit Lo Manthang, the walled capital where a local monarch still holds symbolic power.
- Discover centuries-old cave dwellings, Buddhist monasteries, and Gompas like Ghar Gumpa & Luri Gompa.
- Witness the Himalayan rain shadow desert landscape—rarely seen in other parts of Nepal.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna ranges.
- Interact with Tibetan-influenced cultures, preserved almost untouched by modernization.
- Reach the bordering villages of Tibet/China, learning about the region’s geo-political and cultural complexity.
Itirenary
• Arrival at Kathmandu airport.
• Transfer to hotel and rest.
• Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
- Optional: Sightseeing to Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath
- Final permit and gear preparation
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Take a scenic private jeep drive to Chame (approx. 8 hours).
- The journey takes you through stunning views of the Himalayas, passing through villages and rivers.
- Overnight at teahouse in Chame.
- Stunning drive through Kaligandaki Gorge, world’s deepest
- Kagbeni: Gateway to Upper Mustang & permit check post
- Overnight: Local lodge in Kagbeni
- Official entry into Upper Mustang
- Landscape begins to shift: rugged cliffs, red canyons, dry winds
- Overnight: Lodge in Chele
- Cross Taklam La and Dajori La passes
- Tibetan-style villages and first glimpses of cave dwellings
- Trekking Time: ~6 hrs
- Overnight: Teahouse in Syangboche
- Visit Ghami village, ancient mani walls & monastery
- Red cliffs of Dhakmar—one of the most photogenic locations
- Trekking Time: ~6 hrs
- Overnight: Lodge in Dhakmar
- Ghar Gumpa: Oldest monastery linked to Guru Rinpoche
- Cross Chogo La (4,280m), the highest point
- Enter Lo Manthang: The walled capital of the Forbidden Kingdom
- Trekking Time: ~7 hrs
- Overnight: Lodge in Lo Manthang
- Visit royal palace, Namgyal Gompa, Thubchen Monastery
- Optional horseback ride to Chhoser caves (sky caves)
- Cultural interaction with local monarchic traditions
- Overnight: Lodge in Lo Manthang
- Gradual descent through remote settlements and windy trails
- Trekking Time: ~6 hrs
- Overnight: Lodge in Dhigaun
- Side trek to Luri Cave Monastery: 13th-century murals, remote caves
- Return to Yara village
- Trekking Time: ~5 hrs
- Overnight: Lodge in Yara
- Final Mustang village of Tsarang (monastery visit)
- Jeep drive to sacred Muktinath temple (Hindu-Buddhist site)
- Overnight: Lodge in Muktinath
- Cross Lubra Pass (4,200m)
- Visit ancient Bon village of Lubra
- End trek at Jomsom, gateway town
- Trekking Time: ~6 hrs
- Overnight: Hotel in Jomsom
- Scenic drive retracing Kaligandaki route
- Rest and celebration in Pokhara
- Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
- Optional shopping or half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Airport transfer for your onward flight
