Upper Mustang Trek – 17 Days

Itinerary

• Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m)

  Your journey begins with your arrival in Kathmandu (1,300 m / 4,265 ft), the vibrant capital city and main international gateway to Nepal via Tribhuvan International Airport. Upon landing, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Sherpa Himalaya, who will greet you with a traditional flower garland and a brief introduction to your upcoming adventure. Afterward, you will be comfortably transferred to your hotel, where you can relax, freshen up, and recover from jet lag, preparing yourself for the exciting Himalayan journey ahead.

  Overnight at KTM Hotel

• Day 02: Trek Preparation in Kathmandu

  Trek Preparation Day in Kathmandu is dedicated to finalizing your Himalayan adventure. On this day, we will meet to briefly review the full trekking itinerary and provide important information about the journey ahead.

  Our team will also assist you in checking your clothing and trekking equipment to ensure you are fully prepared for the conditions in the mountains. If any essential gear is missing, you will be guided to trusted shops in Kathmandu where you can purchase or rent necessary items.

  This preparation day ensures everything is well-organized and ready for a smooth and comfortable trekking experience. You will spend the night at your hotel in Kathmandu, relaxing and getting ready for the adventure ahead.

  Overnight at KTM Hotel

• Day 03: Drive/ flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (823m/2,700feet)

  Today, you will either fly or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara as per your travel plan. If you choose to fly, the journey takes approximately 25–30 minutes, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Annapurna and Himalayan ranges. Alternatively, the drive takes around 6–8 hours, passing through scenic hills, rivers, and traditional countryside landscapes.

  Overnight at Pokhara

   

• Day 04: Drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni (2,858m/9,375feet), (8-9 hours)

  The drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni takes approximately 8–9 hours and offers one of Nepal’s most spectacular mountain journeys.

  The route follows the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing through charming villages, deep gorges, waterfalls, and dramatic desert-like landscapes. Along the way, travelers enjoy stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and other snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

  As you approach Kagbeni (2,810 m / 9,219 ft), the scenery transforms into the unique landscapes of Lower Mustang, with ancient stone houses, Tibetan-influenced culture, and breathtaking mountain vistas. This scenic drive is a memorable introduction to the mystical Mustang region.

  Overnight at Kagbeni

• Day 05: Trek from Kagbeni (2,810 m) to Chele (3,050 m), (5-6 hours)

  The trek from Kagbeni (2,810 m) to Chele (3,050 m) serves as your official entry into the restricted Upper Mustang region, taking about 5 to 6 hours of walking along the windswept Kali Gandaki River bed. This stretch transitions you into a high-desert landscape, offering stunning rear views of the snow-capped Nilgiri peaks contrasting against towering, wind-sculpted red clay cliffs. Along the way, you will pass the picturesque villages of Tangbe and Chhusang vibrant oases of green barley fields and apple orchards before a final, steep climb over a dramatic river canyon brings you to the rim-perched village of Chele.

  Overnight at Chele

• Day 06: Trek from Chele (3,050m) to Syangboche (3,800m) (6-7 hours)

  The trek from Chele (3,050m) to Syangboche (3,800m) takes approximately 6–7 hours and crosses several high passes, including Taklam La (3,624m) and Yamda La (3,850m). The trail passes through traditional Mustang villages, ancient chortens, and rugged desert-like landscapes. Along the way, trekkers enjoy stunning views of Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Damodar Himal, and the colorful cliffs that define the unique beauty of Upper Mustang.

  Overnight at Syanbochen

• Day 07: Trek from Syangboche (3,800m) to Ghami (3,520m), (5-6 hours)

  The trek from Syangboche (3,800m) to Ghami (3,520m) takes approximately 5-6 hours. The trail climbs to Nyi La Pass (4,010m), one of the highest points of the Upper Mustang Trek, before descending through vast barren landscapes and traditional villages. Along the route, trekkers enjoy spectacular views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and the colorful eroded cliffs of Mustang. The day ends at the picturesque village of Ghami, known for its ancient mani walls and Tibetan-influenced culture.

  Overnight at Ghaymi 

• Day 08: Trek from Ghami (3,520m) to Charang (3,560m) (4-5 hours)

  The trek from Ghami (3,520m) to Charang (3,560m) takes approximately 4–5 hours. The trail descends through a dramatic canyon, crosses a suspension bridge, and climbs over Charang La Pass (3,870m) before reaching the historic village of Charang. Along the way, trekkers enjoy stunning views of colorful rock formations, vast Mustang landscapes, and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Charang is renowned for its ancient monastery, traditional whitewashed houses, and rich Tibetan heritage.

  Overnight at Charang.

• Day 09: Trek from Charang (3,560m) to Lo Manthang (3,840m), 5-6 hours

  The trek from Charang (3,560m) to Lo Manthang (3,840m) takes approximately 5-6 hours. The trail ascends to Lo La Pass (3,950m), offering breathtaking panoramic views of the walled city of Lo Manthang, the former Kingdom of Mustang. Along the route, trekkers are rewarded with spectacular vistas of the barren Mustang landscape, colorful cliffs, and surrounding Himalayan peaks. The day concludes in the historic capital of Upper Mustang, renowned for its ancient monasteries, royal palace, and rich Tibetan culture.

  Overnight at Lo-Manthang

• Day 10: Exploration day in Lo-Manthang

  Spend the day exploring Lo Manthang (3,840m), the ancient walled capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang. This acclimatization and sightseeing day includes visits to historic monasteries, the royal palace, and traditional Tibetan-style villages. Optional excursions to Chhoser Cave, Jhong Sky Caves, and nearby monasteries offer fascinating insights into Mustang’s unique culture and history. Throughout the day, enjoy spectacular views of the arid Mustang landscape and surrounding Himalayan peaks.

  Overnight in Lo-Manthang

• Day 11: Trek from Lo Manthang (3,840m) to Dhakmar (3,820m) ( 6-7 hours )

  The trek from Lo Manthang (3,840m) to Dhakmar (3,820m) takes approximately 6–7 hours. The trail follows a scenic high route through remote landscapes and ancient monasteries, crossing Mui La Pass (4,170m), the highest point of the day. Trekkers enjoy breathtaking views of the Mustang valleys, rugged cliffs, and Himalayan peaks before descending to the dramatic red cliffs of Dhakmar, one of the most picturesque villages in Upper Mustang.

  Overnight at Dhakmar

• Day 12: Trek from Dhakmar (3,820m) to Ghiling (3,570m) (5-6 hours)

  The trek from Dhakmar (3,820m) to Ghiling (3,570m) takes approximately 5–6 hours. The trail passes through rugged Mustang landscapes and crosses Ghami La Pass (3,765m) before descending through traditional villages and open valleys. Along the way, trekkers enjoy magnificent views of colorful cliffs, ancient mani walls, and snow-capped peaks, while experiencing the unique Tibetan culture of Upper Mustang. The day ends in the peaceful village of Ghiling, surrounded by barley fields and dramatic mountain scenery.

  Overnight at Ghiling

• Day 13: Trek from Ghiling (3,570m) to Chhusang (2,980m)(5-6 hours)

  The trek from Ghiling (3,570m) to Chhusang (2,980m) takes approximately 5–6 hours. The trail gradually descends through arid valleys, crossing Nyi La Pass (4,010m) before dropping into lower Mustang landscapes. Along the route, trekkers pass isolated settlements, ancient chortens, and colorful rock formations, with distant views of Nilgiri and Annapurna ranges. The journey ends at Chhusang, a scenic village located at the confluence of dramatic cliffs and river valleys.

  Overnight at Chhuksang

• Day 14: Trek from Chhusang (2,980m) to Kagbeni (2,810m) (3-4 hours)

  The trek from Chhusang (2,980m) to Kagbeni (2,810m) takes approximately 3–4 hours. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River, gradually descending through a wide, arid valley with striking wind-carved cliffs and ancient caves. Along the way, trekkers pass small settlements and Buddhist shrines while enjoying views of Nilgiri and the surrounding Mustang landscape. The journey ends at Kagbeni, a historic gateway village to Upper Mustang, known for its medieval charm and traditional Tibetan-influenced architecture.

  Overnight at Kagbeni

• Day 15: Drive from Kagbeni (2,810m) to Pokhara (822m) (10- 12 hours)

  The drive from Kagbeni (2,810m) to Pokhara (822m) takes approximately 10–12 hours, depending on road and traffic conditions. The journey follows the scenic Kali Gandaki Valley before connecting to the Prithvi Highway, gradually transitioning from the dry, dramatic landscapes of Mustang to lush hills, rivers, and terraced fields. Along the way, travelers pass through small towns like Jomsom, Beni, and Kushma, with glimpses of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and other Himalayan ranges before reaching the lakeside city of Pokhara.

  Overnight at Pokhara

• Day 16: Drive/ fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu

  Today, you will either fly or drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu as per your travel plan. If you choose to fly, the journey takes approximately 25–30 minutes, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Annapurna and Himalayan ranges. Alternatively, the drive takes around 6–8 hours, passing through scenic hills, rivers, and traditional countryside landscapes.

  Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be warmly received by a Sherpa Himalaya representative and transferred to your hotel. After completing your incredible Annapurna Circuit trek, this is the perfect time to relax and unwind. Depending on your schedule, you may also explore the vibrant city, enjoy some local shopping, or take a short sightseeing tour around Kathmandu.

  Overnight at Kathmandu

• Day 17: Final Departure

  On your final day in Kathmandu, a Sherpa Himalaya representative will meet you at your hotel for a warm farewell before your departure. You will be comfortably transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your flight, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free exit from Nepal.

  Before saying goodbye, the team will express their gratitude for sharing this incredible Himalayan journey with you. As a token of appreciation, you will be presented with a traditional Buddhist scarf (Kha-tak), symbolizing peace, prosperity, long life, and harmony, along with a certificate marking your successful completion of the Upper Mustang Trek. With heartfelt thanks and a warm Namaste, the team bids you farewell, hoping to welcome you again for another unforgettable adventure in Nepal.