Upper Mustang, Nepal / Trek

Upper Mustang

Walk through the Kali Gandaki highlands to Lo Manthang, returning by villages on a different route.

Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang
Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang.
Duration
17 daysOutline programme
Lo Manthang area
3,840 mRoute objective
Season
Spring, summer and autumnAsk for current dates
Experience
Moderate to challenging trekTrek

A closer look at the journey.

Upper Mustang opens a landscape of dry valleys, eroded cliffs and settlements built around a long connection with Tibet. The approach begins at Jomsom and Kagbeni before continuing through Chele, Ghami and Tsarang to Lo Manthang. The walled town provides a base for exploring local monasteries and the surrounding countryside.

The primary programme returns through Drakmar and Ghiling, rather than simply reversing every outward stage. A second Lo Manthang programme can be discussed within the same trip, with a different village sequence. Walking and road sections should be agreed for the season, and the travel plan must include the access arrangements required for Upper Mustang.

  • Kagbeni and the dry Kali Gandaki landscape
  • Time to explore Lo Manthang
  • A return through Drakmar and Ghiling

The route, day by day.

This is an outline programme. The team will confirm the route and arrangements with you, allowing for weather, access and local conditions.

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu

Begin the programme with your arrival connection and time to settle in. Meet the local team to review the journey ahead.

Day 2Kathmandu: sightseeing and preparation

Spend the day on the planned local visits, with walking and travel arranged around access and your interests.

Day 3Travel to Pokhara

Continue the agreed road or onward travel stage, with stops and the overnight location coordinated locally.

Day 4Fly to Jomsom and walk to Kagbeni

Take the planned flight connection, subject to the operating schedule and weather. Coordinate the onward stage with the local team.

Day 5Kagbeni to Chele

Follow the walking route from Kagbeni to Chele. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 6Chele to Syanbochen

Follow the walking route from Chele to Syanbochen. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 7Syanbochen to Ghami

Follow the walking route from Syanbochen to Ghami. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 8Ghami to Tsarang

Follow the walking route from Ghami to Tsarang. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 9Tsarang to Lo Manthang

Follow the walking route from Tsarang to Lo Manthang. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 10Explore Lo Manthang

Remain based in Lo Manthang for local walks and cultural visits, with the programme arranged around available access.

Day 11Lo Manthang to Drakmar

Follow the walking route from Lo Manthang to Drakmar. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 12Drakmar to Ghiling

Follow the walking route from Drakmar to Ghiling. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 13Ghiling to Chhuksang

Follow the walking route from Ghiling to Chhuksang. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 14Chhuksang to Jomsom

Follow the walking route from Chhuksang to Jomsom. Overnight arrangements follow the agreed programme.

Day 15Fly to Pokhara

Take the planned flight connection, subject to the operating schedule and weather. Coordinate the onward stage with the local team.

Day 16Travel to Kathmandu

Continue the agreed road or onward travel stage, with stops and the overnight location coordinated locally.

Day 17Depart Kathmandu

Complete the programme with the agreed departure transfer and onward travel arrangements.

A clear plan and quotation.

Request an itemised quotation for your group, dates and preferred level of support. Agree the inclusions before booking travel.

Services to discuss

  • Local guiding and mountain support arrangements
  • City and mountain accommodation, equipment and meal plan
  • Ground travel and any domestic flights shown in the agreed programme
  • Local access and trip arrangements required for the route

Budget separately

  • International travel and connections outside the agreed programme
  • Personal travel insurance and personal equipment
  • Drinks, personal purchases and optional activities
  • Tips and changes requested beyond the agreed programme

Before you set out.

Previous multi-day walking experience and preparation for consecutive mountain days are useful. Discuss the altitude, terrain and pass requirements with the team.

Accommodation: Hotels on the travel stages, with mountain lodges or camps as agreed for the walking route.

Use the trip preparation guide to plan equipment, travel documents and questions for the team.

Can the daily walking plan change?

Yes. Weather, trail conditions and the group's pace can affect individual stages. Agree the overall route and any important alternatives with the team.

Can the Lo Manthang route vary?

Yes. The main programme returns through Drakmar and Ghiling. Other village sequences can be discussed within the same Upper Mustang journey.

Everest, Lhotse and Makalu catching the last sun, seen from Gokyo Ri

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