Nepal · Trekking

17-Day Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal with Lo Manthang and Tibetan Culture

17 Days Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Moderate pace
Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, a cultural and historical gem of Upper Mustang
  • 02 Trek the old Trans-Himalayan salt trade route through red cliffs and moonscape valleys
  • 03 Visit centuries-old monasteries, sacred caves, and culturally preserved Tibetan-influenced villages
  • 04 Experience Bon and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, including the colorful Tiji Festival

Embark on a 17-day Upper Mustang trek through a hidden Himalayan kingdom rich in Tibetan culture and history. Follow ancient trade routes once used by caravans between Nepal and Tibet as you cross dramatic landscapes of red cliffs, windswept plateaus, and moonscape valleys. Visit culturally preserved villages, centuries-old monasteries, sacred caves, and the walled city of Lo Manthang. This journey blends adventure, spirituality, and remote high-altitude beauty, with opportunities to experience Bon and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, including the Tiji Festival.

Embark on a 17-day Upper Mustang trek through a hidden Himalayan kingdom rich in Tibetan culture and history.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 17 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Yes
Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Mustang, Patan, Jomsom, Lo Manthang, Charang, Kagbeni
Languages English, Russian

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Pre-Trek Briefing

  • Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport.
  • Meet the company representative and transfer to your hotel.
  • Attend a pre-trek briefing with your guide.
  • Optional visit to Swayambhunath Stupa or Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

2
Day 02

Kathmandu Valley Heritage Sightseeing

  • Enjoy a guided tour of Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple).
  • Visit Pashupatinath Temple.
  • Explore Boudhanath Stupa.
  • Visit Patan Durbar Square, the City of Fine Arts.
  • Optional walk through Kathmandu Durbar Square and Thamel.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

3
Day 03

Journey to Pokhara by Road or Flight

  • Travel by scenic road or take a 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
  • Transfer to your hotel near Phewa Lake.
  • Enjoy leisure time to relax or explore the lakeside area.

Overnight in Pokhara.

4
Day 04

Fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni

  • Take a scenic flight to Jomsom.
  • Trek along the Kali Gandaki River to Kagbeni, a Tibetan-influenced gateway village.

Overnight in Kagbeni.

5
Day 05

Trek to Chele via Tiri Gaon

  • Ascend along the Kali Gandaki River, passing Tiri Gaon.
  • Explore Chele Village and interact with locals.

Overnight in Chele.

6
Day 06

Trek to Syangbochen via 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.

7
Day 07

Cross Nyi La Pass to Ghami

  • Enjoy a gradual climb through fields and arid valleys.
  • Cross Nyi La Pass (3,932 m / 12,900 ft).
  • Descend to Ghami Village, a Tibetan-influenced settlement.

Overnight in Ghami.

8
Day 08

Trek to Charang Across Cliffs and Valleys

  • Trek across cliffs and valleys.
  • Cross the Tangmarchu River.
  • Explore the long Mani prayer wall.

Overnight in Charang.

9
Day 09

Final Climb to Lo Manthang

  • Make the final climb to the walled city of Lo Manthang.
  • Explore monasteries, the royal palace, and local markets.

Overnight in Lo Manthang.

10
Day 10

Rest Day and Exploration in Lo Manthang

  • Visit Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang, Red Thubchen Gompa, and Chyodi Gompa.
  • Interact with locals and explore the traditional streets.

Overnight in Lo Manthang.

11
Day 11

Return Trek to Drakmar Village

  • Begin the return trek via a scenic route.
  • Pass Marang Village and the red cliffs.
  • Explore Drakmar and its hidden caves.

Overnight in Drakmar.

12
Day 12

Trek to Ghiling and Visit Its Monastery

  • Trek across scenic bridges and arid terrain.
  • Visit Ghiling Monastery and its water-powered prayer wheel.

Overnight in Ghiling.

13
Day 13

Descend to Chusang Through Traditional Villages

  • Enjoy a gradual descent through traditional villages and mani walls.
  • Pass through streams and valleys to Chusang.

Overnight in Chusang.

14
Day 14

Final Trek to Jomsom

  • Complete the final trek along the Kali Gandaki Valley.
  • Reach Jomsom, the administrative center of Mustang District.
  • Celebrate the journey.

Overnight in Jomsom.

15
Day 15

Fly Back to Pokhara

  • Take a scenic flight back to Pokhara.
  • Enjoy leisure time to explore or relax by Phewa Lake.

Overnight in Pokhara.

16
Day 16

Return to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner

  • Travel back to Kathmandu by scenic road or flight.
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner with cultural performances.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

17
Day 17

Departure from Kathmandu

  • Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home.
  • Carry memories of the breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences.
Walled city of Lo Manthang, Kali Gandaki River valley, Phewa Lake

Where this trip takes you

Walled city of Lo Manthang, Kali Gandaki River valley, Phewa Lake

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 8 cities · 17 Days

The fine print

Trip details

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 Not Included

  • 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

What to bring

  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Undergarments
  • 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.)

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, and requiring proper gear.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour start
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 17 days finish where they began, in Kathmandu 44600.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 2,375 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total