Upper Mustang trekking adventure in Nepal

Kathmandu - Transfer To The Hotel

Day 1: Welcome To Kathmandu!

Welcome to Kathmandu!

Pretty much as soon as you touch down in this magical land at the top of the world, you'll be eagerly greeted, and then whisked off to your comfy hotel in the middle of the city.

Kathmandu - Tour To Swayambhunath Stupa

Day 2: Tour The Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath is one of the holiest Buddhist Chaityas in Nepal. It is said to have evolved spontaneously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake more than 2,000 years ago.

This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises. The stupa sits atop the hill and the exceedingly steep stone steps leading up to the shrine is quite a challenge.

A large number of Buddhists and Hindus alike visit Swayambhunath throughout the day. Swayambhu is perhaps the best place to observe religious harmony in Nepal. Swayambhunath sits atop its hill, overlooking most parts of the valley.

This is a good place to catch panoramic views of the city. The site itself has stood as a hallmark of faith and harmony for centuries. The glory of Kathmandu Valley is said to have started from this point.

Kathmandu - Pokhara

Day 3: Prepare For Your Trek To The Forbidden Kingdom

Today morning you will be driven by a private vehicle from Kathmandu to Pokhara, about an 8-hour drive.

Pokhara is a beautiful lake city with views of Machhapuchhre and Annapurna.

Here you will spend the night. Explore the lakeside and do the last minute shopping for your trek to the Forbidden Kingdom Lo Manthang.

Pokhara - Fly To Jomsom - Trek To Kagbeni

Day 4: Fly To Jomsom

Enjoy an early breakfast.

In the early morning, fly to Jomsom from Pokhara about 25 minutes at the elevation of 2720meters. From Jomsom, you will follow a northern path along the Kali Gandaki River.

In addition, you will get to see magnificent views of the mountain Nilgiri. Then you will reach a medieval village, Kagbeni at the elevation of 2810meters.

The village is built on a gray boulder and has many, narrow, winding and partially covered streets. Today you will spend the night in Kagbeni.

Kagbeni - Trek To Chusang

Day 5: Go Trekking Today And Enjoy The Views Of Nilgiri Mountain

After completing trek formalities in Kagbeni, you will start the trek for today. Kagbeni is very windy in the afternoon and it's very uncomfortable with dust and sand.

That's why you will start as early as possible. En route you get the beautiful views of Nilgiri Mountain and the mountain appears like a golden goddess.

You will walk west and follow the river east until you reach Chusang Valley at 2962m.

Chusang - Trek To Samar

Day 6: Stop At Magical Samar

Today you will leave the valley and climb up the mountain to reach the village of Chole.

Samar is the main stopping place situated at the elevation of 3600m and the horse caravans are often the sights. If weather permits from here you can see the Annapurna massif in the south.

Samar - Trek To Gheling

Day 7: Travel Past A Chorten

Climb up Samar today and walk through the gorge where you will pass a chorten before reaching Juniper Valley.

Then the path leads down the ridge to the small village of Syangmochen with teahouses. Afterwards, start the ascent to the valley, from where you start the descent to Gheling at the elevation of 3544m.

Gheling village is very famous for their barley production.

Gheling - Ghami

Day 8: Visit Ghami Village

From Gheling, the path climbs up. Today you will cross the Nyi La pass at 3840m and you will arrive at an intersection.

On the right, the road leads to Tsharang and links to Ghami. Ghami is a white village with overhanging cliffs and also the third largest village in Mustang situated at an elevation of 3440m.

Ghami - Trek To Tsharang

Day 9: Travel To Arid Tsharang

Today's hike takes you to one of Mustang's most arid parts. You will then reach Tsharang at 3620m, a flat village located atop Tsharang Chu Canyon.

On the eastern edge of the city, there is a fortress and a red gompa, which has a large gathering of statues and thangkas.

Tsharang - Trek To Lo Manthang

Day 10: Visit Amazing Lo Manthang

This morning you will discover Tsharang village and its largest monastery and you will start the way to Lo Manthang.

Climb up the valley to reach an isolated chorten, which is the border between Tsharang and Lo.

The trail widens and you get the first views of the town with Wall - Lo Manthang, located at 3730m.

There is only one entrance to the city of Lomanthang, so you will make a round from the northeastern corner to reach the town.

Lo Manthang - Visit Garphu And Nyphu

Day 11: See The Ruins Of Ketcher Dzong

In Lomanthang you can go horseback riding. On horses, it is a very nice experience to make a round trip to the villages.

You can also visit Garphu and Nyphu. At Garphu and Nyphu you will find some interesting cave monasteries and numerous caves.

Please do not forget to make a detour to the ruins of Ketcher Dzong on the way back to Lo Manthang. From there you get an excellent panoramic view of the valleys to the north and south.

Lo Manthang - Trek To Yara Via Dhi

Day 12: Marvel At Ancient Caves

Today you start your return journey, so leave Lo Manthang behind from the north and trek over Lo La at 3950m. Your steepest descent will be towards Dhi situated at 3410m.

In the afternoon you will start the ascent to the village of Yara at 3600m  via Puyon Khola.

On the way, you will see plenty of caves in the age-old stone walls.

Yara - Trek To Tangye

Day 13: Descend To Tange Village

Today you start the way back.

Firstly, you will cross a small pass, after which you will trek towards a high plateau with a view of Dhaulagiri and you will ascend to Ghechung Khola.

Then you will be trained to go to another pass at 3900m. From here you will start a long descent down to the village Tange which lies at 3320 m.

Tangye - Chusang

Day 14: Cross The Tangye La Pass

A long day awaits you ahead with the challenge of crossing the Tangye La pass at 4150 meters.

There will be lots of ascents and descents along the alpine pastures till you reach the village Chusnag.

Chusang village lies in the junction of Narsing river and Kali Gandaki river.

The spectacular view of Dhaulagiri massif and the gorge makes your day worthwhile by forgetting all the tiredness you've been experiencing.

Chusang - Muktinath

Day 15: Go On A Pilgrimage To Muktinath

From Chuksang you will climb up through the wasteland and fields, and apple gardens and yaks can be seen at a distance.

After reaching Muktinath, feel free to take a holy shower in 108 water tap.

Muktinath is a pilgrimage site for both Hindu and Buddhist devotees, which is also a perfect example of religious harmony between Hinduism and Buddhism.

Here you can also visit an old monastery from the 15th century.

Muktinath - Trek To Jomsom

Day 16: Marvel At The Kali Gandaki River Bed

After a hearty breakfast, head down to the Kali Gandaki Riverbed on your way to Jomsom, the administrative bureau for this region.

The Kali Gandaki Valley can get very windy in the afternoon, so it is important to arrive before noon.

Lunch will be served in Jomsom, and you will have enough time to rest today.

Make sure to cover yourself while you are out in the afternoon. You may experience dust and small pebbles blown by the strong wind.

Jomsom - Fly To Pokhara

Day 17: Go On A Flight Around The Himalayas

In the early morning, you will fly about 25min from Jomson to Pokhara.

This is one of the world's most exciting mountain flights, from where you can see the Himalayas such as Annapurna I (8091m), the Dhaulagiri (8167m), Machhapuchhre (6997m).

After arriving at Pokhara, enjoy this afternoon for individual recreation and enjoy a cold beer on the waterfront of Phewa Lake.

Let yourself be pampered during a soothing massage for relaxation.

Pokhara Free Day

Day 18: Have An Adventurous Day In Pokhara!

Wake up at your leisure.

You can utilize your day in whatever manner you wish.

This being an adventurous city, you may take part in paragliding, zip lining, and bungee jumping if you wish!

Pokhara - Drive Back To Kathmandu

Day 19: Explore Thamel

Have your breakfast at leisure as you travel from Pokhara to Kathmandu in a private vehicle. This is a great way to experience the country and its local villages and people's life.

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu you will be transferred to your hotel in the city.

Rest and explore Thamel at your ease.

Kathmandu - Transfer To The Airport-departure To The Next Destination

Day 20: Farewell, Kathmandu!

Transfer to the airport for the flight back to your home with the sweet memory of Nepal, Kathmandu, different temples, and memories.

Safe travels home, and visit again soon!