Nepal · Trekking

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

17 Days Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Witness the breathtaking sandy terrain and dramatic rock formations unique to Upper Mustang
  • 02 Experience deep spiritual immersion through ancient gompas, chortens, prayer flags, and meditation caves
  • 03 Discover the vibrant culture, enduring traditions, and distinctive lifestyle of the Mustang people
  • 04 Enjoy views of white-washed villages, colorful prayer flags on historic chortens, and terraced farmlands
  • 05 Explore the historic walled kingdom of Lo Manthang
  • 06 Take in magnificent Himalayan views, including Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri ranges
  • 07 Visit Muktinath Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists
  • 08 Explore the scenic city of Pokhara, famous for its lakes, caves, temples, and waterfalls

The Upper Mustang Trek is a 17-day journey into Nepal's legendary former Kingdom of Mustang, one of the Himalaya's most culturally preserved and visually striking regions. This restricted area combines ancient Tibetan-influenced traditions, dramatic desert-like landscapes, centuries-old settlements, and the historic walled city of Lo-Manthang. Along the way, you trek the old salt trade route through remote villages, high passes, monasteries, chortens, and fertile farmlands set against stark cliffs and vast arid valleys. The route also includes the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, with scenic travel through Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Jomsom.

Visit the temple complex featuring 108 water spouts, an eternal flame, monasteries, and shrines.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 17 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Challenging
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Pokhara, Kathmandu, Jomsom, Muktinath, Lo Manthang, Charang, Kagbeni
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

17-Day Upper Mustang Trek Adventure

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft)
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Marvel Treks will greet you and arrange a private transfer to your hotel, assisting with check-in. After a long journey, you may relax at the hotel or explore nearby attractions in Kathmandu. In the evening, you will attend a trek briefing, meet your guide, and arrange any missing equipment.
Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Thamel

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m) to Pokhara (822m / 2,696ft)
After an early breakfast, begin the scenic drive to Pokhara by tourist bus (6-7 hours). The journey follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers, passing terraced hills, villages, and river valleys. Pokhara offers stunning views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Lamjung Himal. After hotel check-in, enjoy a relaxed walk along Lakeside or a boat ride on Phewa Lake.
Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast
Duration: 7-8 hours | Distance: 205 km / 127 miles

Day 3: Flight from Pokhara (822m) to Jomsom (2,720m / 8,923ft) & Trek to Kagbeni (2,810m / 9,219ft)
Enjoy a spectacular 25-minute mountain flight to Jomsom. From here, trek along the Kali Gandaki River to Kagbeni, an ancient trading village with a beautiful monastery and traditional architecture. Kagbeni marks the gateway to the restricted Upper Mustang region.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 3-4 hours | Distance: 11.4 km / 7 miles

Day 4: Trek from Kagbeni (2,810m) to Chele (3,055m / 10,022ft)
Begin early to avoid strong afternoon winds. After permit verification at the Kagbeni checkpoint, continue along the Kali Gandaki River, enjoying sunrise views of Mt. Nilgiri. Pass through Tangbe village, known for apple orchards and barley fields, before ascending through a narrow canyon to Chele.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 11.2 km / 6.9 miles

Day 5: Trek from Chele (3,055m) to Syanboche (3,930m / 12,893ft)
Today involves a significant altitude gain. Cross the Taklam La Pass (3,625m) with panoramic views of Tilicho Peak, Damodar Danda, and Yaskawa Kang. Descend via Samar village and pass the colorful Rangchyung Chorten before reaching Syanboche through juniper forests and the famous Ramchung Cave.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 11.5 km / 7 miles

Day 6: Trek from Syanboche (3,930m) to Ghami (3,520m / 11,548ft)
Ascend to Yamada La Pass (3,845m) and later cross Nyi Pass (4,010m), one of the highest points of the day. The route passes traditional villages, barley fields, and poplar groves before descending to Ghami.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 9.3 km / 5.7 miles

Day 7: Trek from Ghami (3,520m) to Charang (3,560m / 11,679ft)
Cross the Ghami Khola and pass the longest Mani wall in Mustang (approximately 250m). Ascend to Tsarang La Pass (3,870m) before descending to the beautiful village of Charang, home to an impressive monastery and ancient fortress.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 11.2 km / 6.9 miles

Day 8: Trek from Charang (3,560m) to Lo-Manthang (3,810m / 12,500ft)
Descend to the Charang Chu Canyon, then gradually ascend toward Lo Pass (3,850m), offering breathtaking views of Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Bhrikuti, and Tilicho peaks. Continue to the walled city of Lo-Manthang, the former capital of the ancient Kingdom of Lo.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 5-6 hours | Distance: 11.5 km / 7 miles

Day 9: Exploration & Acclimatization Day in Lo-Manthang (3,810m)
Explore the cultural heart of Upper Mustang. Visit Thubchen Monastery, Jampa Monastery, the royal palace, local museums, and traditional Thangka painting centers. Lo-Manthang was opened to trekkers in 1992 and remains accessible only through registered trekking agencies.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Trek from Lo-Manthang (3,810m) to Yara (3,650m / 11,975ft)
Depart Lo-Manthang via Lo La Pass, descending steep trails to Dhi village along the Kali Gandaki River. After lunch, continue uphill to Yara, a charming village with terraced fields and traditional houses.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours | Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles

Day 11: Trek from Yara (3,650m) to Tangge (3,340m / 10,958ft)
Traverse dramatic cliffs, high plateaus, and the Dhechyang Khola Valley. Look for Shaligram fossils along the riverbanks. Tangge is beautifully set beneath towering granite cliffs, adorned with colorful chortens and mani walls.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours | Distance: 16 km / 9.9 miles

Day 12: Trek from Tangge (3,340m) to Chhusang (2,980m / 9,776ft)
The longest trekking day begins early. Pass the deserted village of Pa and witness extraordinary rock formations and distant views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche peaks. Continue via Chhomnang to reach Chhusang, with possible views of Himalayan salt mines en route.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 9-10 hours | Distance: 24 km / 14.9 miles

Day 13: Trek from Chhusang (2,980m) to Muktinath (3,750m / 12,303ft)
Trek via Tetang, Gyu La Pass, and Jhong to reach the sacred site of Muktinath, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Visit the temple complex featuring 108 water spouts, an eternal flame, monasteries, and shrines.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours | Distance: 14.5 km / 9 miles

Day 14: Trek from Muktinath (3,750m) to Jomsom (2,720m / 8,923ft)
Descend through the traditional Thakali villages of Ranipauwa and Jharkot to Lupra, known for its Bonpo monastery. Continue along the Panda River to Jomsom, the administrative center of Mustang.
Accommodation: Tea House / Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Duration: 6-7 hours | Distance: 22 km / 13.6 miles

Day 15: Flight from Jomsom (2,720m) to Pokhara (822m)
Take an early morning mountain flight back to Pokhara. Spend the rest of the day exploring the lakeside city, visiting Phewa Lake, World Peace Stupa, Devi's Fall, and the International Mountain Museum.
Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Pokhara
Meals: Breakfast
Flight Time: 30-35 minutes

Day 16: Drive from Pokhara (822m) to Kathmandu (1,400m)
Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus, following the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers. After hotel check-in, enjoy your final evening in Nepal exploring Thamel or shopping for souvenirs. A farewell dinner concludes your journey.
Accommodation: 3★ Hotel in Thamel
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Duration: 7-8 hours | Distance: 205 km / 127 miles

Day 17: Final Departure
At the scheduled time, our team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. Extensions and additional arrangements can be organized upon request by Marvel Treks.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
7 cities · 17 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • International airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle
  • 2 nights' accommodation with breakfast at a standard hotel in Pokhara
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with tea/coffee during the trek
  • Best available tea house accommodation during the trek
  • Experienced licensed trekking guide and porter (salary, food, accommodation, insurance, equipment)
  • Flights: Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara including airport taxes
  • Tourist bus tickets: Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS card
  • Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
  • Water purification tablets
  • All government taxes, VAT, and service charges

What's Not Included

  • International airfare and Nepal entry visa fee
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except as specified)
  • Personal expenses (alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, etc.)
  • Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances (road blockages, flight delays, etc.)
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Monastery entrance fees, jeep rides, and horse riding

What to bring

  • Well broken-in trekking boots
  • Warm down jacket
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Thermal base layers (top and bottom)
  • Trekking pants and quick-dry shirts
  • Fleece or insulating mid-layer
  • Warm hat, sun hat, and gloves
  • Sleeping bag (rated for sub-zero temperatures)
  • Daypack (30-40 liters)
  • Trekking poles
  • Sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
  • Reusable water bottle and/or water purification tablets
  • Headlamp with spare batteries
  • Personal toiletries and quick-dry towel
  • Personal medications and basic first-aid kit
  • Passport, trekking permits, and sufficient cash

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Ring Rd, Kathmandu, Nepal
End of the journey

Your 17 days finish where they began.

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