Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary

The Upper Mustang trek starts with a drive or flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful city by a lake, about 200 kilometers west of the capital. It is known for its calm atmosphere, peaceful lakes and great views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountains.

If you take a drive, it takes about 6 to 8 hours by tourist bus or private car. The road goes along rivers, through small towns and over green hills. It is a nice way to see the countryside and enjoy a slower pace outside the busy city.

If you donot have much time, you can take a short 25 minute flight. On clear days, you will see amazing mountain views, especially the Annapurna range.

Once in Pokhara, you can walk by Phewa Lake, visit the World Peace Pagoda, or relax in one of the many lakeside cafes. This day helps you move from the busy life of Kathmandu to the calm of Pokhara. It is also a good time to check your trekking gear, buy anything you forgot, and get ready for the days of hiking ahead.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
• Place: Pokhara

The day starts early with a short but exciting flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. The flight takes about 20 minutes and follows the Kali Gandaki River, with amazing views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. Jomsom is a small town at about 2,720 meters high and is the starting point for entering Mustang.

As soon as you land, you will notice the change that the air is cooler, drier and windier. The land looks very different from the green hills of Pokhara. Here, it is more rocky, dry and open. After a short rest, the trek begins.

The walk from Jomsom to Kagbeni takes 3 to 4 hours. It is an easy, mostly flat trail that follows the wide riverbed of the Kali Gandaki. On the way, you will pass small villages and see beautiful views of Nilgiri and nearby peaks.

Kagbeni is a lovely village with narrow paths, stone houses, and a quiet feeling. It sits right at the border of Upper Mustang and feels like a place from the past. There is an old monastery and a gate that marks the start of the restricted Mustang area.

Staying overnight in Kagbeni gives you your first real experience of the local culture and scenery. It is a peaceful place to relax and get ready for the next part of the trek, which goes deeper into the hidden kingdom. 

• Place: Kagbeni
• Altitude: 2,858m

Today is the true start of the Upper Mustang trek as you leave Kagbeni and officially enter the restricted area. You will need to show your special permit at the checkpoint before heading north toward Chele. 

The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River through a dry, windy valley with views of rocky hills and snowy mountains in the distance. The land feels quiet and wild with red cliffs, broken hills, and open skies. It is a peaceful walk, but the strong afternoon winds can make it harder.

After a few hours, you reach Tangbe, a small village with narrow paths, white houses, and apple orchards. Along the way, you will see Tibetan-style homes and colorful chhortens (Buddhist shrines) in black, white, and red, showing the area's deep spiritual roots.

Next, you arrive at Chhusang, where the river cuts through bright red cliffs. You will cross a steel bridge and begin climbing toward Chele, a village about 3,050 meters high. This climb is the hardest part of the day, but also the most rewarding. It gives you your first real feel of high altitude and remote terrain.

Chele is a quiet village surrounded by dry, rocky hills. From here, the landscape changes, and you will see fewer trees and more of Mustang’s high desert views. It is a good place to rest and adjust to the higher altitude before the trail goes deeper into the mountains.

The walk from Chele to Geling is one of the longer and harder days of the trek. The trail goes up and down many times through dry valleys and open hills shaped by the wind. The area is quiet with wide views and very few people.

Your day starts with a steady climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624 meters). The air is cooler and the trail is dry and dusty. After that, you cross another pass, Dajori La (3,735 meters). Along the way, you will see prayer flags, small chhortens (Buddhist shrines), and beautiful views of valleys and mountains behind you.

Soon after the second pass, the trail goes down to Samar, a small, peaceful village with a few houses and tea shops. Many trekkers stop here for a tea break or lunch.

After Samar, the path enters a narrow canyon. You will walk between red and brown cliffs and might see birds flying overhead. Then, you climb again over Bhena La and head toward Geling. This part can feel tiring because of the wind and higher altitude.

By late afternoon, you reach Geling, a quiet village at about 3,570 meters. The stone houses are painted white, and during farming season, you may see green barley fields. An old monastery sits above the village, adding to its peaceful charm.

Geling is calm, with beautiful views of the hills around it. It is a perfect place to rest after a long day. As the sun sets, the hills glow golden and the sky turns quiet and clear, an ideal end to the day. 

The walk from Geling to Charang is one of the most beautiful parts of the Upper Mustang trek. Today, you will pass through open valleys, soft hills and quiet villages. The trail gives peaceful views with the sound of wind and prayer flags in the air. The walk is long but not too steep and the stunning scenery makes it enjoyable.

The day starts with a slow climb to Nyi La Pass at around 4,010 meters. This is one of the highest points so far. From the top, you can see far across Mustang’s dry and colorful hills. The trail is smooth in most places but the air is thinner here, so walking slowly helps.

After crossing the pass, the trail goes down to Ghemi, a small village surrounded by farmland. Ghemi is a nice place to take a break. Just outside the village, you will see one of Mustang’s most famous sights, a long row of mani walls (stones carved with Buddhist prayers). This is the longest mani wall in the region and it is a peaceful spot to stop and enjoy the moment.

From Ghemi, you climb a smaller pass called Choya La (around 3,870 meters), then walk downhill toward Charang. Along the way, you will see open fields, dry riverbeds, and rocky cliffs. The trail feels quiet and ancient like people have been walking it for hundreds of years.

You reach Charang in the late afternoon. This village is bigger than most others on the trek and lies near a wide valley. It has an old palace and a large red monastery called Charang Gompa, which is over 300 years old. If you have time, you can visit the monastery to see its history and wall art. Charang is a calm and restful place. The mountain views are wide and clear. After a long day, it is the perfect spot to relax and get ready for tomorrow’s walk to Lo Manthang, the heart of Upper Mustang.

Today is a special day on the Upper Mustang trek. You leave Charang and walk toward Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital of the Mustang Kingdom. This part of the journey is full of history, quiet beauty,  and strong culture. The trail is not very steep,  but the land is dry and open, and it can get windy in the afternoon.

The day starts with a short downhill walk from Charang,  followed by a gentle climb to Lo La Pass at about 3,950 meters. From the top, you get your first view of Lo Manthang. It sits quietly in a wide valley surrounded by brown hills and snowy mountains in the distance.

As you walk down from the pass, the path winds through open land with few trees. The ground is rocky and dusty. You might see yaks or local people riding horses. The open space, wind, and silence create a peaceful feeling.

By early afternoon, you reach Lo Manthang, the heart of Upper Mustang. A tall wall surrounds the city, with one main gate. Inside, there are narrow streets, white houses, and many old Buddhist monasteries. People wear traditional clothes, speak Tibetan, and follow customs passed down through generations.

Lo Manthang feels unlike any other place in Nepal. Life is slow and quiet. You will stay in a local guesthouse and have time to explore. You can visit ancient sites like Thubchen Gompa, Jampa Lhakhang, and the King’s Palace, which show the area’s royal history.

Spending the night in Lo Manthang is a highlight of the trek. It is not just about reaching a destination, but it is about entering a world that still lives by its old traditions. The views, the culture, and the calm atmosphere will stay in your memory for a long time. 

After many days of walking, today is a rest and exploration day in Lo Manthang. This break helps your body adjust to the high altitude (around 3,800 meters) and gives you time to explore this peaceful and unique walled city.

Lo Manthang is small with narrow streets, flat roofed houses and quiet corners. As you walk around, you will notice how different life is here. People live simply, speak Tibetan and follow old traditions passed down for generations.

There are several interesting places to visit:

● The Royal Palace which a simple but important building that once housed the king of Mustang.

● Jampa Lhakhang , the oldest monastery in the city, also known as the “God House.”

● Thubchen Gompa, a large, beautifully painted monastery from the 15th century.

● Chode Monastery, still active today with monks performing daily prayers.

These places are full of old statues, colorful wall paintings and spinning prayer wheels showing the deep spiritual life of this region. If you want to explore more, you can take a short hike or ride a horse to the Chhoser

Caves, a few hours away. These ancient caves are carved into cliffs and were once used as homes and meditation spaces. Inside, there are small rooms, ladders, and tunnels to explore. Whether you stay in town or visit nearby places, the day feels peaceful and calm.

The air is fresh, the views are wide and the energy here is strong but quiet. It is the perfect time to slow down, learn about local culture and get ready for the second half of your Upper Mustang trek.

Today, you leave the peaceful walls of Lo Manthang and start your return journey on a different and more scenic trail. Instead of going back the same way, you follow an old path that passes through Gekar, a quiet place known for one of Mustang’s oldest monasteries. The walk is long but calm with fewer people and beautiful views along the way.

The trail begins with a gentle climb out of Lo Manthang toward Marang La Pass which is about 4,230 meters high. The path is dry and rocky and the wind can be strong but the views from the top are wide and stunning. You can look back at Lo Manthang and ahead to the rolling hills that lead to Ghami. After the pass, you walk through open land and quiet hills until you reach Gekar Gompa. This monastery is believed to be even older than Samye Monastery in Tibet. It sits alone in the hills and feels very peaceful. If you are lucky, a monk may be there to show you around this simple but sacred place.

From Gekar, the trail goes up and down through dry hills and wide valleys. You might see blue sheep or eagles flying above. Later, the path joins the main trail near Dhakmar, famous for its bright red cliffs and then continues to Ghami, where you will spend the night.

Ghami is a quiet village with fields and hills all around. The guesthouses are simple and the people are kind. After a full day of walking, it is a good place to rest. This new route makes the day special with fresh views and the feeling of walking a less-traveled path.

The trail from Ghami to Samar follows familiar paths but walking in the opposite direction makes the views feel new. As you head south, the landscape opens up in different ways, passing through quiet villages, long prayer walls and wide dry valleys that show the calm beauty of Mustang.

You start early from Ghami. After a short walk, you reach the long mani wall again the longest one in Mustang. In the soft morning light, the stones carved with Tibetan prayers look even more special.

You then slowly climb to Choya La Pass (around 3,870 meters), where the wind whistles through the rocks. From the top, you can see far across the dry hills. The land may seem empty but its quiet stillness leaves a strong impression.

Next, you pass through Ghemi again and continue to Syangmochen and Bhena, two small villages with a few houses and rest spots. The trail gently winds through hills and slopes. On the way, you might walk alongside herders, mules, or school children going to nearby villages.

After several hours, you reach Samar, a peaceful village with tea houses and soft views of the hills. The air feels warmer and a bit thicker as you descend in altitude, which brings a nice change after the high passes. It is a perfect place to rest, enjoy a hot meal, and relax after a full day of walking.

Even though you have walked this path before, it feels different now. Heading toward the end of the journey gives you time to reflect, enjoy the quiet, and take in the mountain peace, one day at a time.

Today’s walk is an important part of your journey. You leave the restricted area of Upper Mustang and slowly return to the lower paths. The trail from Samar to Kagbeni goes through quiet villages and familiar views. The air becomes warmer and heavier as you walk.

The day begins with an easy walk from Samar. The path goes past Chhusang, a small village with red cliffs rising above the Kali Gandaki River. These cliffs have old caves that were once used for meditation and storing things. You can stop here for a break, enjoy the view or talk to locals.

After Chhusang, the trail follows the river. The path is wide and dry and the wind gets stronger in the afternoon which is normal in this area. The hills get softer and you will start seeing more greenery as you get closer to Kagbeni.

The walk isnot too hard but it feels long as you return to lower heights. The river flows beside you, and the sound of your boots on the gravel mixes with the wind, creating a steady rhythm.

By afternoon, you reach Kagbeni again, the entrance to Upper Mustang. This time, you pass the permit check on your way out. It is a small moment but it feels special and you have explored one of Nepal’s most unique places and are now heading back with unforgettable memories.

Kagbeni now feels familiar with its stone houses, quiet streets and small monastery. It is a good place to rest and think about your journey through Lo Manthang, the high mountains, and the peaceful villages you visited.

Today’s walk from Kagbeni to Jomsom is short and relaxing. It is your final trekking day on the Upper Mustang journey. After many days of walking through dry hills, high passes and quiet villages, this return feels peaceful and easy. It is a time to enjoy your last steps on the trail.

The path follows the Kali Gandaki River, just like when you started. The trail is mostly flat and open with wide views of the mountains around you. The wind usually gets strong by late morning, so it is better to start early.

As you walk, things may feel different now. The same path you took earlier feels more familiar. Instead of looking forward, you are gently finishing a journey through one of Nepal’s most special places.

After about 3 to 4 hours of easy walking, you arrive in Jomsom, the main town in the Mustang region. It is a small but busy place with shops, tea houses and an airport. You will check into a guesthouse and have the rest of the day to rest.

In the afternoon, you can walk around town, try local apple products like juice or brandy or just relax and look at the mountains. The wind, the dry air and the smell of dust are all part of Jomsom’s charm.

Tonight is your last night in Mustang. It is a good moment to think about all that you have seen from the high mountain paths to the walled city of Lo Manthang and enjoy the calm feeling this journey has given you. 

After spending over a week in the highlands of Mustang, it’s time to return to the green and peaceful world of Pokhara. The day begins early with a short morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara which takes about 20 minutes. Even though it is a short flight, it feels special.

The small plane takes off from the windy runway in Jomsom and quickly rises above the Kali Gandaki Valley. If the weather is clear, you will get one last look at the snowy peaks of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Annapurna. Flying between these giant mountains is exciting and gives a final beautiful view of the land you just explored.

When you land in Pokhara, everything changes, the air is warm, the trees are green and instead of strong winds, you hear the soft sounds of city life. It feels good to be back. After many days in the cold and dusty mountains, you can enjoy a warm shower, clean clothes and a gentle walk by Phewa Lake.

Many trekkers use this day to relax, eat their favorite food or enjoy a quiet cafe near the lake. You might visit a spa, do some light sightseeing or simply sit by the water and let your body rest. This is not just the end of the trek but it is a soft return to everyday life. You can still see the Himalayas, but now from a more comfortable place with fresh fruit, cozy beds and calm moments. 

Today is the last day of your Upper Mustang journey as you travel from Pokhara back to Kathmandu. You can go by tourist bus, private vehicle or take a short flight depending on your time and preference.

If you take the tourist bus, the ride takes about 6 to 8 hours. The road follows the curvy Prithvi Highway passing through green hills, rivers and small towns. You can sit back and enjoy the peaceful countryside views. There are a few stops for snacks, lunch and tea. The road may be bumpy in some places but the changing scenery keeps the journey interesting.

If you fly, the trip takes only 25 minutes. From the sky, you will get one last look at the mountains and wide valleys. It is a fast and easy way to return to the busy life of Kathmandu.

Once you arrive in Kathmandu, the city’s noise and busy streets feel very different from the quiet hills. You can go back to your hotel, take a warm shower and enjoy a nice meal. In the evening, you might want to explore Thamel, visit a stupa or just rest.

This day gently ends your trek. From ancient monasteries and high mountain passes to quiet villages and the walled city of Lo Manthang, you have explored one of Nepal’s most special places. Now, with a full heart and many good memories, you return to the capital, tired but happy.