Upper Mustang Trek

After breakfast, we set off early to drive to Pokhara. The road winds its way out of the Kathmandu Valley along the Trishuli River until the point we stop for lunch when the road becomes flatter.

On the way, we can watch rafters tackle the rapid on the river (your next trip perhaps?), and catch glimpses of mountains in the distance. On arrival in Pokhara, there are even more stunning mountains to see. In fact, you cannot escape the gaze of Machhapucchre (also known as Fishtail) which towers over the city at 6,993m.

After checking into your hotel you have time to explore the lakeside area, boat on Fewa Lake, visit one of the many lakeside bars before dinner or simply relax.

Note: we normally use tourists’ buses which are to a high standard. But if you would like to hire a private vehicle please let us know. 

Your Upper Mustang adventure begins in earnest today with an early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720 m), a short yet scenic 20-minute journey through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, flanked by the towering Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The aerial views are breathtaking, offering a first glimpse of the arid landscapes that define Mustang.

Upon landing in the windy, high-desert town of Jomsom, you’ll begin your trek to Kagbeni, the ancient gateway to Upper Mustang. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River, passing through sparse settlements, windswept valleys, and dramatic cliffs.

Kagbeni (2,810 m) is a picturesque village with mud-brick houses, red-and-white-washed monasteries, and narrow alleys steeped in Tibetan culture. After reaching Kagbeni, take time to explore the village, visit the 14th-century monastery, and absorb the unique fusion of natural and spiritual beauty.

After breakfast in Kagbeni, your trek officially enters the restricted Upper Mustang region. You’ll check your permits before continuing north along the Kali Gandaki River, walking through a dramatic, arid landscape shaped by wind and time. The trail winds past canyons, caves, and eroded cliffs, offering a stark contrast to the greener areas of lower Mustang.

Along the way, you’ll pass the picturesque Tangbe village, a maze of whitewashed houses, prayer flags, barley fields, and apple orchards. After a short break, you continue toward Chhusang, a small riverside village nestled beneath towering red rock formations, a perfect spot for lunch and rest.

From Chhusang, you’ll cross a suspension bridge and begin a gradual but steady climb to Chele, located high above the river gorge. As you arrive, you’ll notice a shift in the environment and culture, the landscape becomes more barren, and the architecture begins to reflect the Tibetan-influenced traditions of Upper Mustang.

Today’s trek from Chele to Syangboche is both challenging and rewarding, as you navigate some of the most dramatic terrain in Lower Mustang. The trail begins with a steep ascent along dry, rugged cliffs and narrow gorges, soon leading to the Taklam La Pass (3,624 m), offering sweeping views of the Tilicho and Damodar Himal ranges. From here, the trail undulates over windswept ridges and passes fascinating cave dwellings carved into the cliffs.

As you continue, you’ll pass through Samar, a charming village surrounded by poplar trees and barley fields, often used for a short tea break or lunch. After Samar, you’ll descend into a deep gorge and then climb back up toward Bhena and Yamdo La Pass (3,850 m) before arriving in Syangboche (3,800 m), a small, peaceful settlement overlooking a vast high-altitude plateau.

This day tests your endurance but rewards you with incredible views, cultural encounters, and a deeper sense of Mustang’s remote beauty..

Today’s journey from Syangboche to Ghami offers one of the most scenic and culturally rich segments of the Upper Mustang Trek. The trail begins with a steady climb to the Yamda La Pass (3,850 m), where prayer flags flutter in the breeze and panoramic views stretch across Mustang’s high-altitude desert. From there, the trail continues through traditional villages like Gheling and Tamagaon, where whitewashed houses and mani walls reflect the deep-rooted Tibetan Buddhist culture.

After a lunch break and some rest, you’ll ascend again to the Nyi La Pass (4,010 m), one of the highest points on the trek, before making a steep descent into the beautiful village of Ghami (3,520 m). Surrounded by barren cliffs and deep canyons, Ghami is known for its red cliffs, ancient chortens, and the longest mani wall in Mustang, stretching across the valley floor. It’s a quiet, atmospheric place to spend the night, filled with history and Himalayan charm.

Today’s trek starts off over rough and sometimes slippery ground as we descend to a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola. The trail takes us passed mani walls (stone-built walls with Tibetan mantras carved into the stones) and over the Charang La Pass (3,870m).

At the top of the Charang Chu canyon lies the village of Charang. This village also has a fortress and red gompa to the east of it. There is plenty of time to explore after lunch!

Dropping down into a canyon we cross a river and ascend to the Lo La pass (3,950m). From the pass we get our first look at the historic and beautiful village of Lo Manthang.

This walled village is the traditional home to the King of Lo and is still the scene of many interesting and colourful Buddhist festivals. The surrounding mountains – Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti Peak at to the atmosphere of the place.

Today we get to explore some of the mysteries of Upper Mustang. A short trek to the area of Chhoser is the beginning of a day you will not forget! Here we find what is known as the Jhong Caves or even Sky Caves.

What these are five-storey high caves built into the side of cliffs. Researchers are still puzzling as to who built these caves and why. It is assumed they were used as burial chambers, hiding places, places of meditation and later, monasteries.

But no one really knows the origins of these amazing caves. We can explore some of these caves, taking a packed lunch with us so we can enjoy the atmosphere of the caves, lunar-like landscape and mountains while relaxing also. Then we head back to Lo Manthang were we overnight again.

Leaving the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, you embark on a scenic and spiritually rich route to Dhakmar, often considered one of the most visually stunning sections of the Upper Mustang Trek. Instead of retracing your steps, this alternative trail leads you through remote highland pastures, dramatic red cliffs, and ancient caves, offering a deeper glimpse into Mustang’s mystical terrain. En route, you’ll visit Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in the region, associated with the legendary Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). It’s said that wishes made here come true, making it a meaningful spiritual stop.

As you continue, the trail undulates through windswept passes and hidden valleys before descending into Dhakmar, a striking village known for its vivid red cliffs, said to be stained by the blood of a slain demon in local legend. This mystical landscape, combined with the quiet charm of the village, makes Dhakmar a memorable and peaceful overnight stay.

After a peaceful night in the mystical village of Dhakmar, today’s trek leads you southward through the stunning, high-altitude landscapes of Upper Mustang. The trail begins with a gradual climb back through the desert-like ridges and windswept valleys, retracing part of your earlier route but offering new perspectives of the dramatic cliffs and wide, open plateaus.

You’ll pass by Ghar Gompa once again if you didn’t visit it the previous day, a sacred and historic monastery linked to Guru Rinpoche. As you descend further, the terrain becomes more hospitable, with the occasional patch of green fields and stone-walled farms emerging along the way.

By afternoon, you’ll arrive in Ghiling (also spelled Geling), a peaceful village nestled against a barren slope. Known for its traditional houses, ancient chortens, and a beautiful monastery, Ghiling provides a quiet and culturally rich overnight stay. The winds tend to pick up in the afternoon, so an early start is recommended for a more comfortable trek.