Upper Mustang

You kick off at dawn with a quick scenic hop to Jomsom’s snowy summits and the deep Kali Gandaki canyon greet your eyes. Moving on from there, trace the riverside trail heading for Kagbeni, weaving past arid, gusty terrains dotted with tiny villages. When you get to Kagbeni, slow down and check out the ancient monastery, tight winding lanes, plus houses shaped by Tibetan culture.

From Kagbeni, you step into proper Upper Mustang. Soon afterward, guards check your papers before the trail follows the Kali Gandaki River between steep rock faces and deep gorges. Beyond Tangbe a spot known for its pale washed homes and fruit trees you push on until reaching Chhusang for midday food. Later, after swinging across a hanging bridge, you hike uphill toward Chele, where the terrain turns rougher, feeling more like Tibet.

The trail today’s tough, yet the sights make it worth every step. Begin by heading up sharply to Taklam La Pass wide open scenes of Tilicho and Damodar Himal stretch out ahead. From there, the track winds through Samar village, weaving past deep cuts in the land until another climb begins toward Yamdo La Pass. By late afternoon, reach Syangboche, a peaceful spot tucked into broad, open hills.

You start by slowly climbing up toward Yamda La Pass, where colorful prayer flags wave in the wind. From there, the path winds past old-style settlements such as Gheling instead of rushing ahead. Along the route, you’ll see carved stone walls beside sturdy homes that show life shaped by Himalayan beliefs. After eating midday, the walk rises again this time to Nyi La Pass, the peak spot today. Then it’s downhill through rocky terrain until Ghami appears below, sitting tight against steep drops and holding one of the longest inscribed walls around.

Your day starts with a descent to a shaky bridge above the Ghami Khola. After that, you’ll pass rows of carved prayer stones while heading uphill toward Charang La Pass. Once in Charang, check out the ancient temple, crumbling fort, or wander through homes made the old way. Perched high on the edge of a broad gorge, the place is full of quiet sights worth taking in before bed.

You head down the trail into a deep canyon, hop across a rushing river, then make your way uphill toward Lo La Pass. At the summit, you’ll catch your first breathtaking glimpse of Lo Manthang – once the capital of the old Kingdom of Lo, surrounded by stone walls. Once there, wander the tight alleyways, check out centuries-old monasteries, or just take in the distant peaks like Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Annapurna.

Now you’ll head off toward Chhoser, where the well-known Jhong Caves also called Sky Caves are located. These caves are cut right into rock faces, stacked like floors in a building. They’re still puzzling even locals aren’t sure who made them or what they were used for. Bring your meal along, since you’ll be out all day checking out both the cliffs and hidden spots. Later, go back to Lo Manthang to rest up again.

You leave the walled town behind, then follow a quieter path across open meadows with bold rock faces on view. Head toward Ghar Gompa among the earliest spots tied to Guru Rinpoche for a short pause. This walk moves through calm hollows, slipping gently lower after that. Reach Dhakmar next, marked by vivid crimson rocks wrapped in ancient tales.

Once you’ve eaten, go back along the path crossing dry hills and wide flats. In case you didn’t see Ghar Gompa yesterday, now’s your chance. As you move toward the south, things start looking more lush. By late afternoon, you arrive in Ghiling a quiet village tucked on a calm hillside, home to an old monastery.

Head south again today, weaving past towering mountain gaps plus broad open valleys this time tackling Nyi La Pass one more time. Move through Gheling then Samar, spots you’ve seen before, yet the views feel fresh from every turn. The path eases downward toward Chhusamg there, milder temps show up alongside groves of apple trees and vivid stone shapes, welcoming you back into lower Mustang’s embrace.

Your last day on the trail begins with a relaxed stroll beside the Kali Gandaki River. After going through Tangbe, you swing back toward Kagbeni for a quick rest. Once you leave that spot behind, the path spreads into broader stretches of open riverland heading to Jomsom. Winds pick up in the afternoon, which makes hitting the road at dawn way more comfortable. Arriving in Jomsom, you settle into your guesthouse instead of staying busy, taking time to unwind during your final night in Mustang.

You catch a dawn flight to Pokhara. After checking in at the hotel, time opens up – maybe chill out, wander Lakeside shops, or toast your trek’s finish with mates. This calm lake spot is ideal for shaking off fatigue.

After breakfast, head back to Kathmandu by vehicle. Once there, go through check-in, then wander around Thamel, pick up small items, or chill with a warm drink. In the evening, meet up for a meal saying goodbye, wrapping up your journey through Upper Mustang.