The Upper Mustang region of Nepal, near the border of Tibet, is a place as hallowed as it is high altitude. In this land of myth and mystery, at the base of the Himalayan mountains and adjacent to the famed Annapurna Circuit, remote monasteries cling to cliffsides, and the peaks feel so close you could reach out and touch them.
An otherworldly landscape that will literally take your breath away, the harsh, desert-like terrain reveals stunning natural beauty around every corner, from the imposing Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Dhaulagiri peaks to the apple orchards that dot the countryside. Renowned for its unique Tibetan-influenced culture, Upper Mustang is a mecca for trekkers looking for that perfect blend of off-grid exploration, dramatic vistas and cultural discovery.
Formerly known as the Kingdom of Lo, the area earned the nickname “The Forbidden Kingdom”, as foreigners were barred from entering until the early 1990s. At its heart lies its ancient capital, the walled city of Lo Manthang, boasting an exotic mix of Thakali, Magar, Tibetan, and Hindu and Buddhist cultures – and offering a glimpse of a world that has hardly changed in decades.
Amid Mustang’s breathtaking landscapes lies the Chungsi Cave Monastery, a sacred site revered by Hindus and Buddhists alike. Unlike the many man-made caves throughout the region, Chungsi Cave is a natural wonder sculpted by time and nature. Legends about the site abound – it is believed that both the 8th century Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche and the Hindu god Shiva meditated here.
Located in a remote and beautiful valley, the pilgrimage site of Muktinath is built in the pagoda style, with stupa, holy taps, ponds, eternal flames, and the monastery itself. A space of spiritual liberation at 3750 meters, it is believed that bathing in the waters of its taps and ponds provides eternal salvation. With horizon views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and mysterious landscapes across all of Upper Mustang, you’re sure to feel transformed by this holy place.
Mustang is the Tibet of your imagination, with windswept views of Himalayan peaks and desert-like valleys where the chants and hymns of wandering monks beckon trekkers and pilgrims from near and far! While this region is no longer “forbidden”, it remains somewhat restricted to outsiders – so don’t miss the chance to be among the few that experience its magic.
Let’s go!!
Day 1: Kathmandu + flight to Pokhara
Morning arrival in Kathmandu, short rest and set off for our first bit of sightseeing, while Mustang permits are being processed.
We ll head to Bhaktapur Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where we’ll explore ancient temples, courtyards, and vibrant local culture. Later, with permits in hand, we’ll board a scenic flight to Pokhara, where the stunning Annapurna mountain range awaits.
Day 2: Flight to Jomsom / Dumba Lake / Kagbeni
We start the day with a thrilling early-morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, flying between the mighty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and over the world’s deepest gorge. After arriving in Jomsom, we’ll make the short drive toward Kagbeni (2,810 m), the ancient gateway to Upper Mustang. Along the route, we’ll stop to visit the peaceful Dumba Lake, a serene Himalayan gem.
Day 3: Samar / Trek to Chungsi Cave Monastery / Ghami
Today will be a full and active day combining both driving and trekking. We’ll start with a scenic drive from Kagbeni to Samar (3,600 m), where we’ll enjoy lunch before beginning a 2-to-3-hour hike from Samar to the fascinating Chungsi Cave Monastery, set inside a natural cave.
After exploring Chungsi, we’ll continue with a short 30-minute climb to reach Syangboche Monastery at 3,850 m. Following our visit there, we’ll drive onward to Ghami (3,520 m), where we will spend the night. Throughout the journey, you’ll experience Mustang’s strikingly dry, desert-like landscapes, offering a unique and rugged Himalayan atmosphere.
Day 4: Trek to Lo-Gekar Gompa & Ghar Gompa / Charang
Today’s trek features stops at two historic settlements along the route to Lo-Gekar. Lo-Gekar Gompa, one of Nepal’s oldest monasteries—older even than Tibet’s famous Samye Gompa—is believed to be a meditation site of Guru Rinpoche, credited with bringing Tantric Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century.
A short walk from there brings you to Ghar Gompa, dating back to the 1200s, where Guru Rinpoche is venerated as the central figure. This gompa is especially renowned for its intricate rock carvings and holds a local belief that it grants the wishes of those who visit.
The trek from Ghami to Ghar Gompa takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, and after about an hour exploring Ghar Gompa, we’ll continue onward for another 2 to 3 hours to reach Charang (3,560 m), where we settle in for the night.
Day 5: Drive to Lo Manthang
Today we reach Lo Manthang, making the 2-to-3-hour drive from Charang to our final and most anticipated stop, sitting at an altitude of 3,810 meters. Known as the “walled city”, the ancient capital of Upper Mustang is entirely enclosed by stone walls, preserving its centuries-old charm and cultural significance. Every trek or journey to Upper Mustang finds its culmination here, where history, tradition, and breathtaking landscapes come together.
Day 6: Lo Manthang
We have an additional day in Lo-Manthang today, giving us the opportunity to explore the city in more depth. We’ll visit the historic King’s Palace and other nearby cultural landmarks. One of the key highlights is experiencing the Tibetan-influenced culture of the Lhobas people, which gives Lo Manthang its distinctive charm.
Additionally, the area is believed to have 12 ancient caves adorned with old Buddhist paintings, dramatically situated along the edge of a 14,000-foot cliff. As we explore the city and its surroundings, we’ll spend around 3 to 4 hours walking and soaking in the remarkable atmosphere.
Day 7: Muktinath / Jomsom
Today we begin our return journey, driving from Lo Manthang back to Jomsom via the sacred site of Muktinath. The route offers spectacular mountain views and passes through rugged Mustang landscapes, with stops at local villages along the way.
At Muktinath, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists, you’ll have the chance to visit the temple and explore its spiritual surroundings before continuing the scenic drive to Jomsom, where we’ll spend the night.
Day 8: Flight to Pokhara
This morning, we board a short but scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, soaring over the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Upon arrival in Pokhara, short rest and relax at leisure.
Day 9: Flight to Kathmandu / Departure
Connecting flight to Kathmandu and back home. Bye bye, Nepal!
Level of difficulty: Moderate - limited facilities + high altitude ahead!
Accommodation: 4* hotel in Kathmandu, local tea houses in Mustang – double sharing. Local meals included.
Activities: Trekking, off-roading, sightseeing, immersion in ancient Buddhist culture.
Cost: AED 8,990 incl. 4 domestic flights and permits. International flights excluded.
Cost valid until July 15th. Past this date cost will change.
Specifically excluded: International flights, visa, insurance, meals on transfers (ie. in Kathmandu).
Visas / Permits:
Visa to Nepal available on arrival.
Upper Mustang permits included in trip budget.
Trekkup Crew
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