17-Day Upper Mustang Trek Experience Ancient Tibetan Culture and Himalayan Views

Upper Mustang Trek

Highlights

Explore the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, a cultural and historical gem of Upper Mustang

Trek along the old Trans-Himalayan salt trade route, walking through dramatic landscapes of red cliffs and moonscape valleys

Visit centuries-old monasteries, sacred caves, and culturally preserved villages showcasing traditional Tibetan-influenced lifestyles

Experience Bon and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, including colorful festivals like the Tiji Festival, for a deeply immersive cultural journey

Kathmandu, Pokhara, Jomsom

trekking, cultural, historical

Group Tour

17 Days

Medium

English, Russian

Description

Embark on a 17-day Upper Mustang trek, exploring a hidden Himalayan kingdom rich in Tibetan culture and history. Traverse dramatic landscapes of red cliffs, windswept plateaus, and moonscape valleys while walking ancient trade routes once used by caravans between Nepal and Tibet. Visit culturally preserved villages, centuries-old monasteries, and the walled city of Lo Manthang. Immerse yourself in Bon and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, witness the Tiji Festival, and experience the serene beauty of Upper Mustang’s remote high-altitude desert, a journey blending adventure, culture, and spirituality.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,600 ft)
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Meet company representative and transfer to hotel.
- Attend pre-trek briefing with guide.
- Optional visit to Swayambhunath Stupa or Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
- Guided tour of Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple).
- Visit Pashupatinath Temple.
- Explore Boudhanath Stupa.
- Visit Patan Durbar Square (City of Fine Arts).
- Optional walk through Kathmandu Durbar Square and Thamel.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Drive/Flight to Pokhara (822 m / 2,697 ft)
- Travel by scenic road or 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
- Transfer to hotel near Phewa Lake.
- Leisure time to relax or explore lakeside.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 4: Fly to Jomsom (2,715 m / 8,907 ft) & Trek to Kagbeni (2,810 m / 9,219 ft)
- Scenic flight to Jomsom.
- Trek along Kali Gandaki River to Kagbeni, Tibetan-influenced gateway village.
Overnight in Kagbeni.
Day 5: Trek to Chele / Tshele (3,045 m / 9,990 ft)
- Ascend along the Kali Gandaki River, passing Tiri Gaon.
- Explore Chele Village and interact with locals.
Overnight in Chele.
Day 6: Trek to Syangbochen (3,800 m / 11,811 ft) and visit Samar Ramchung Cave
- Trek through Gyakar and Samar villages.
- Visit Ramchung Cave, a sacred meditation site.
- Cross Yamda La Pass (3,860 m / 12,660 ft).
Overnight in Syangbochen.
Day 7: Trek to Ghami (3,600 m / 12,467 ft)
- Gradual climb through fields and arid valleys.
- Cross Nyi La Pass (3,932 m / 12,900 ft).
- Descend to Ghami Village, Tibetan-influenced settlement.
Overnight in Ghami.
Day 8: Trek to Charang / Tsarang (3,520 m / 11,548 ft)
- Trek across cliffs and valleys.
- Cross Tangmarchu River.
- Explore long Mani prayer wall.
Overnight in Charang.
Day 9: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840 m / 12,600 ft)
- Final climb to walled city of Lo Manthang.
- Explore monasteries, royal palace, and local markets.
Overnight in Lo Manthang.
Day 10: Rest & Exploration in Lo Manthang
- Visit Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang, Red Thubchen Gompa, and Chyodi Gompa.
- Interact with locals and explore traditional streets.
Overnight in Lo Manthang.
Day 11: Trek to Drakmar Village (3,810 m / 12,500 ft)
- Begin return trek via scenic route.
- Pass Marang Village and red cliffs.
- Explore Drakmar and its hidden caves.
Overnight in Drakmar.
Day 12: Trek to Ghiling (3,806 m / 12,500 ft)
- Trek across scenic bridges and arid terrain.
- Visit Ghiling Monastery and water-powered prayer wheel.
Overnight in Ghiling.
Day 13: Trek to Chusang / Tsusang (3,050 m / 10,006 ft)
- Gradual descent through traditional villages and mani walls.
- Pass through streams and valleys to Chusang.
Overnight in Chusang.
Day 14: Trek to Jomsom (2,715 m / 8,907 ft)
- Final trek along Kali Gandaki Valley.
- Reach Jomsom, administrative center of Mustang District.
- Celebrate the journey.
Overnight in Jomsom.
Day 15: Fly to Pokhara (822 m / 2,697 ft)
- Scenic flight back to Pokhara.
- Leisure time to explore or relax by Phewa Lake.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Day 16: Drive/Flight back to Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,600 ft)
- Travel back to Kathmandu by scenic road or flight.
- Farewell dinner with cultural performances.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 17: Departure
- Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home.
- Carry memories of the breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences.

What's Included

All airport and hotel transfers by private tourist vehicle

3 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast

Guided sightseeing tour with a tour guide and private vehicle

2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast

Farewell dinner in Kathmandu

Kathmandu to Pokhara by luxurious tourist bus

Pokhara to Kathmandu by luxurious tourist bus

Pokhara to Jomsom flight tickets

Jomsom to Pokhara flight tickets

Best available accommodation during the trek

All meals during the trek (breakfast, tea break, lunch, and dinner) with seasonal fruits

All necessary paperwork and permits

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) Card

All entrance fees for parks, monasteries, and museums during the trek

All government and local taxes

Experienced English-speaking trekking guide

Assistant trekking guide (1 assistant for every 7 trekkers)

Support staff / Sherpa porters (1 support staff for every 2 trekkers), including salary, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging

Personalized virtual consultation before finalizing trek booking

Free online pre-trek briefing after booking confirmation

Free excess luggage storage at the office store

Duffle bag

T-shirt and baseball cap

Trekking poles, down jacket, and seasonal sleeping bag (to be returned after completion of the trip)

Self-sufficient medical first aid kit with vital medications

Oximeter to check pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate twice daily

Trekking map

Hand sanitizer

What's Excluded

Nepal visa fee (lowest fee for a 15-day visa is $30 per person)

International airfare to and from Kathmandu

Excess luggage charges

Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara except for farewell dinner and breakfast

Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara (for early return from the mountains, early arrival, or late departure)

Travel and rescue insurance

Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, personal drinks, battery charging, bottled or boiled water, Wi-Fi, internet, etc.)

Tips for guides and support staff/porters

Know Before You Go

Accommodation during the Upper Mustang Trek is primarily in local teahouses blending traditional hospitality and modern comforts.

Lower altitude towns like Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Chusang offer basic teahouses to upgraded lodges with attached bathrooms and hot showers.

Higher altitude lodges such as Lo Manthang and Charang are more rustic with shared bathrooms and common dining halls, but remain clean and cozy.

Most rooms are twin-sharing with comfortable beds, clean bedding, and warm blankets; single rooms are available in Kathmandu and lower Mustang.

Sleeping with Himalayan views is a highlight even with simple comforts.

Food along the trek combines traditional Nepali meals and international dishes including Dal Bhat, Thukpa, momos, noodles, pasta, fried rice, pizzas, burgers, soups, and Tibetan specialties.

Breakfast options include bread, eggs, porridge, pancakes, muesli, cornflakes, hash browns, and Tibetan bread.

Hot beverages include masala tea, black tea, herbal tea, coffee, hot lemon, ginger honey tea, and hot chocolate.

Meat is limited at higher altitudes, so vegetarian meals are recommended.

Meals are served three times daily with breakfast and dinner at lodges and lunch at teahouses en route.

The best time to trek is spring (March–May) for colorful landscapes and blooming alpine flora, and autumn (September–November) for clear skies, mild temperatures, and excellent mountain views.

Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, so trekking is possible even during the monsoon (June–August) when other parts of Nepal are wet.

Winter (December–February) is possible but very cold in high-altitude villages like Lo Manthang, offering fewer crowds and a raw, peaceful atmosphere, requiring proper gear.

What To Bring

Sun hat or scarf

Warm fleece hat

Sunglasses

Under garments

Hiking shorts

Lightweight cotton long pants

Fleece or wool pants

Waterproof pants

Thin, lightweight inner socks

Thick, warm wool hiking socks

Hiking boots with spare laces

Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals)

T-shirts

Fleece jacket or pullover

Fleece wind-stopper jacket (optional)

Waterproof breathable shell jacket

Down jacket

Lightweight gloves

Heavyweight gloves

Sleeping bag

Headlamp

Duffle bag

Daypack (approx. 2500–3000 cubic inches)

Trekking poles

Water bottles

Basic first aid kit

Regular medicine

Medium-sized quick-drying towel

Toothbrush/paste

Multipurpose soap

Deodorant

Nail clippers

Face and body moisturizer

Female hygiene products

Wet wipes (baby wipes)

Tissue/toilet roll

Anti-bacterial hand wash

Reading book

Trail map/guide book

Journal and pen

IPod

Pencils and small notebooks

Traveling games (Uno, playing cards, dice, etc.)

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 10	/person
Child
1 to 10	/person
This is a group tour

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17-Day Upper Mustang Trek Experience Ancient Tibetan Culture and Himalayan Views

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,600 ft)

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Day 3: Drive/Flight to Pokhara (822 m / 2,697 ft)

Day 4: Fly to Jomsom (2,715 m / 8,907 ft) & Trek to Kagbeni (2,810 m / 9,219 ft)

Day 5: Trek to Chele / Tshele (3,045 m / 9,990 ft)

Day 6: Trek to Syangbochen (3,800 m / 11,811 ft) and visit Samar Ramchung Cave

Day 7: Trek to Ghami (3,600 m / 12,467 ft)

Day 8: Trek to Charang / Tsarang (3,520 m / 11,548 ft)

Day 9: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840 m / 12,600 ft)

Day 10: Rest & Exploration in Lo Manthang

Day 11: Trek to Drakmar Village (3,810 m / 12,500 ft)

Day 12: Trek to Ghiling (3,806 m / 12,500 ft)

Day 13: Trek to Chusang / Tsusang (3,050 m / 10,006 ft)

Day 14: Trek to Jomsom (2,715 m / 8,907 ft)

Day 15: Fly to Pokhara (822 m / 2,697 ft)

Day 16: Drive/Flight back to Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,600 ft)

Day 17: Departure

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Cancellation Policy

Price

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17-Day Upper Mustang Trek Experience Ancient Tibetan Culture and Himalayan Views

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,600 ft)

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Day 3: Drive/Flight to Pokhara (822 m / 2,697 ft)

Day 4: Fly to Jomsom (2,715 m / 8,907 ft) & Trek to Kagbeni (2,810 m / 9,219 ft)

Day 5: Trek to Chele / Tshele (3,045 m / 9,990 ft)

Day 6: Trek to Syangbochen (3,800 m / 11,811 ft) and visit Samar Ramchung Cave

Day 7: Trek to Ghami (3,600 m / 12,467 ft)

Day 8: Trek to Charang / Tsarang (3,520 m / 11,548 ft)

Day 9: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840 m / 12,600 ft)

Day 10: Rest & Exploration in Lo Manthang

Day 11: Trek to Drakmar Village (3,810 m / 12,500 ft)

Day 12: Trek to Ghiling (3,806 m / 12,500 ft)

Day 13: Trek to Chusang / Tsusang (3,050 m / 10,006 ft)

Day 14: Trek to Jomsom (2,715 m / 8,907 ft)

Day 15: Fly to Pokhara (822 m / 2,697 ft)

Day 16: Drive/Flight back to Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,600 ft)

Day 17: Departure

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

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