Upper Mustang Trekking

Arrival meet-and-greet at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu by an Om Holidays Tour & Trek representative.

Private transfer to your hotel accommodation to check in, unpack, and recover from your international flight.

Welcome meeting and comprehensive briefing covering restricted area regulations, trekking permits (RAP and ACAP), mountain safety, and gear requirements.

Free evening to stroll through the lively streets, bakeries, and outdoor shops of Thamel.

Welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepalese cuisine and overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Wholesome breakfast followed by a guided cultural sightseeing tour of Kathmandu's premier UNESCO World Heritage landmarks:

• Kathmandu Durbar Square: Discover ancient Malla royal courtyards, pagoda temples, and exquisite traditional Newari wood carvings.

• Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Ascend the ancient hilltop dome for sweeping panoramic views across the Kathmandu Valley.

• Pashupatinath Temple: Experience one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage shrines along the holy Bagmati River.

Return to the hotel in the afternoon for final gear checks, duffel packing, and permit handovers.

Evening at leisure followed by dinner and overnight rest in Kathmandu.

Morning breakfast followed by transfer to the domestic airport for a 25-minute flight to the lakeside city of Pokhara.

Enjoy aerial panoramas of the Langtang, Manaslu, and Annapurna mountain ranges from the aircraft.

Arrive in Pokhara, transfer to your hotel, and check in.

Spend a relaxing afternoon exploring Lakeside, taking a gentle walk along the shores of Phewa Lake, or visiting local cafes with views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).

Dinner and overnight stay in Pokhara.

Early morning transfer to Pokhara Airport for a mountain flight between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri through the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Jomsom (2,720 m).

Meet your local trekking crew and porters, organize duffels, and begin the foot journey.

Follow the wide, windswept riverbed of the Kali Gandaki River on an easy trail toward Kagbeni.

Arrive at the medieval oasis village of Kagbeni (2,800 m), the historic checkpoint and northernmost boundary before entering the restricted kingdom.

Explore narrow alleyways, earthen flat-roofed houses, chortens, and the 15th-century Kag Chode Thupten Sampheling Monastery.

Trekking time: Approximately 3–4 hours.

Dinner and overnight stay at a local teahouse in Kagbeni.

Complete official Restricted Area Permit (RAP) checkpoint inspections in Kagbeni before heading north.

Follow the eastern bank of the Kali Gandaki through scenic canyons, passing the village of Tangbe with its whitewashed houses and apple orchards.

Continue to the village of Chhusang, framed by red cliff faces and ancient cave-dotted rock walls.

Cross the Kali Gandaki River via a footbridge near a natural rock tunnel before tackling a short, steep climb up the cliffside.

Arrive at the ridge village of Chele (3,050 m) with views looking down into the river gorge.

Trekking time: Approximately 5–6 hours.

Dinner and overnight stay at a mountain lodge in Chele.

Early morning departure ascending a canyon path carved into sheer rock faces.

Climb steadily across high mountain passes, crossing Taklam La (3,624 m) and Dajori La (3,735 m) with views of Tilicho Peak and Damodar Himal.

Descend into a pleasant ravine and pass through the village of Samar, shaded by poplar trees.

Follow trail switchbacks, passing deep gorges and dramatic eroded rock spires.

Ascend toward Syangboche (3,800 m), a quiet high-altitude settlement nestled in a wide valley.

Trekking time: Approximately 6–7 hours.

Hot tea, warm dinner, and overnight stay at a local teahouse in Syangboche.

Morning ascent climbing toward the summit of Nyi La Pass (3,932 m / 12,900 ft), the highest mountain pass on the standard route.

Marvel at 360-degree panoramas of the dry Tibetan plateau, colorful cliff formations, and the Annapurna range to the south.

Descend past the historic red cliff face of Drakmar and cross a long mani wall before reaching the village of Ghami.

Continue across another gentle pass (Charang La) before arriving at Charang (Tsarang, 3,560 m).

Explore the 5-story white royal palace of Charang and the ancient Tsarang Gompa housing rare Buddhist frescoes and statues.

Trekking time: Approximately 6–7 hours.

Dinner and overnight stay at a traditional lodge in Charang.

Descend into the Charang Chu canyon and cross the river before ascending a plateau trail.

Walk through an open trans-Himalayan desert expanse framed by wind-carved canyons and distant snow peaks.

Climb gently to the crest of Lo La Pass (3,950 m) for your first panoramic view of the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang.

Descend to the single entrance gate of Lo Manthang (3,840 m / 12,598 ft), the historic seat of the King of Lo.

Settle into your lodge and spend the late afternoon strolling through stone-paved alleys and whitewashed courtyards.

Trekking time: Approximately 4–5 hours.

Dinner and overnight stay in Lo Manthang.

Full day dedicated to exploring the spiritual, historical, and architectural treasures of Upper Mustang.

Tour the historic monasteries inside the walled city: Jampa Lhakhang (the oldest "God House"), Thubchen Gompa, and Chhoeda Gompa.

Take a morning excursion (by foot or local horse/jeep) to the northern valley of Chhoser.

Explore the multi-story Jhong Sky Cave carved into a vertical cliff face, as well as the ancient cave monastery of Nyphu.

Observe traditional Tibetan daily life, weavers, and livestock farming.

Return to Lo Manthang for an evening debrief, local dinner, and second overnight stay.

Begin the return journey south through alternative trail sections showcasing diverse canyon viewpoints.

Traverse high desert ridges, crossing scenic passes with sweeping views of the barren Mustang landscape.

Pass near ancient settlement ruins and dramatic red-ochre sandstone cliffs.

Reach the village of Ghami (3,520 m), famous for its traditional mud houses and one of the longest sacred mani walls in Nepal.

Trekking time: Approximately 6–7 hours.

Hearty dinner and overnight stay at a teahouse in Ghami.

Early morning departure from Ghami following the southern trails down the Kali Gandaki basin.

Retrace your steps past Samar, Chele, and Chhusang, exiting the restricted Upper Mustang zone at Kagbeni.

Complete exit permit formalities at the Kagbeni checkpoint and follow the wide riverbed back to Jomsom (2,720 m).

(Note: Depending on trail pacing, weather, and group preference, sections of this long return route along the valley floor can be facilitated using local transport).

Settle into your lodge in Jomsom, enjoy a hot shower, and celebrate the trek's completion with your trekking crew.

Farewell dinner and overnight stay in Jomsom.

Early morning breakfast before heading to the Jomsom airstrip.

Board a morning mountain flight to Pokhara, soaking in final aerial views of the Kali Gandaki gorge and Annapurna peaks.

Connect directly to your domestic flight from Pokhara back to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (subject to weather and schedule).

Private road transfer back to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Conclude your Upper Mustang expedition with Om Holidays Tour & Trek, with options for airport transfers, holiday extensions, or restorative spa therapies.