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mustang
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Mustang

Journey into the ancient Kingdom of Lo, a hidden Himalayan land of wind-carved cliffs, red and ochre canyons, cave dwellings and centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. Opened to foreigners only in 1992, Upper Mustang still preserves a way of life that has barely changed for hundreds of years. This trip combines a classic trek through the dramatic Kali Gandaki valley to the walled city of Lo Manthang with a scenic overland jeep journey back, giving you the best of both walking and road adventure. Lying in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Mustang is one of the few treks in Nepal that is excellent even during the monsoon season.

Trip Facts

Detail Information
Duration 16 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Trekking Days 7 days trekking + 2 days overland by jeep
Max Altitude 3,840 m (Lo Manthang)
Grade Moderate
Start / End Kathmandu
Transport Tourist bus / private vehicle, domestic flight, 4WD jeep
Accommodation Hotels in Kathmandu & Pokhara, teahouses on trek
Best Season March to November (monsoon friendly)
Permits Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, ACAP permit
Group Size Minimum 2 persons (restricted area rule)

Trip Highlights

Highlight Details
Lo Manthang The ancient walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo
Monasteries Visit Thubchen, Jampa and Chhoede gompas, rich with old murals
Cave Dwellings Explore sky caves and Chhoser cave complex near Lo Manthang
Desert Landscapes Colourful cliffs, canyons and Tibetan-plateau scenery
Kali Gandaki Gorge Walk through one of the deepest gorges in the world
Living Culture Tibetan-influenced villages, prayer walls and chortens
Overland Adventure Scenic jeep drive back through Mustang to Pokhara
Monsoon Trek Rain shadow area, ideal even in June–August

Outline Itinerary

Day Itinerary Altitude
1 Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel 1,400 m
2 Sightseeing & permit preparation in Kathmandu 1,400 m
3 Drive or fly to Pokhara 820 m
4 Fly to Jomsom, trek to Kagbeni 2,810 m
5 Trek Kagbeni to Chele 3,050 m
6 Trek Chele to Syanboche 3,475 m
7 Trek Syanboche to Ghami 3,520 m
8 Trek Ghami to Tsarang 3,560 m
9 Trek Tsarang to Lo Manthang 3,840 m
10 Explore Lo Manthang & monasteries 3,840 m
11 Excursion to Chhoser caves / Namgyal Gompa 3,840 m
12 Overland jeep drive Lo Manthang to Jomsom 2,720 m
13 Overland drive Jomsom to Tatopani / Pokhara 820 m
14 Free day in Pokhara 820 m
15 Drive or fly back to Kathmandu 1,400 m
16 Final departure –

Permit fees for Upper Mustang change from time to time, so it's worth confirming the current rate with the immigration office before publishing prices. If you'd like a different version, such as a fully overland trip by jeep or motorbike, a trek both ways, or a detailed day-by-day description for each day, just let me know.