17-Day Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal with Lo Manthang and Tibetan Culture

17 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

Embark on a 17-day Upper Mustang trek through a hidden Himalayan kingdom rich in Tibetan culture and history. Follow ancient trade routes once used by caravans...

Duration: 17 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Moderate · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: Yes · Cities: Pokhara, Kathmandu, Mustang, Patan, Jomsom, Lo Manthang, Charang, Kagbeni · Languages: English, Russian

Know before you go: Accommodation during the Upper Mustang Trek is primarily in local teahouses, blending traditional hospitality and modern comforts.; Lower altitude towns like Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Chusang offer basic teahouses to upgraded lodges with attached bathrooms and hot showers.; Higher altitude lodges such as Lo Manthang and Charang are more rustic, with shared bathrooms and common dining halls, but remain clean and cozy.; Most rooms are twin-sharing, with comfortable beds, clean bedding, and warm blankets; single rooms are available in Kathmandu and lower Mustang.; Sleeping with Himalayan views is a highlight, even with simple comforts.; Food along the trek combines traditional Nepali meals and international dishes, including Dal Bhat, Thukpa, momos, noodles, pasta, fried rice, pizzas, burgers, soups, and Tibetan specialties.; Breakfast options include bread, eggs, porridge, pancakes, muesli, cornflakes, hash browns, and Tibetan bread.; Hot beverages include masala tea, black tea, herbal tea, coffee, hot lemon, ginger honey tea, and hot chocolate.; Meat is limited at higher altitudes, so vegetarian meals are recommended.; Meals are served three times daily, with breakfast and dinner at lodges and lunch at teahouses en route.; The best time to trek is spring (March-May) for colorful landscapes and blooming alpine flora, and autumn (September-November) for clear skies, mild temperatures, and excellent mountain views.; Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, so trekking is possible even during the monsoon (June-August), when other parts of Nepal are wet.; Winter (December-February) is possible but very cold in high-altitude villages like Lo Manthang, offering fewer crowds and a raw, peaceful atmosphere, and requiring proper gear.

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What's Included

All airport and hotel transfers by private tourist vehicle
3 nights in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
Guided sightseeing tour with a tour guide and private vehicle
2 nights in a 3-star hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Kathmandu to Pokhara by luxurious tourist bus
Pokhara to Kathmandu by luxurious tourist bus
Pokhara to Jomsom flight tickets
Jomsom to Pokhara flight tickets
Best available accommodation during the trek
All meals during the trek (breakfast, tea break, lunch, and dinner) with seasonal fruits
All necessary paperwork and permits
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
TIMS (Trekking Information Management System) Card
All entrance fees for parks, monasteries, and museums during the trek
All government and local taxes
Experienced English-speaking trekking guide
Assistant trekking guide (1 assistant for every 7 trekkers)
Support staff / Sherpa porters (1 support staff for every 2 trekkers), including salary, insurance, equipment, transport, food, and lodging
Personalized virtual consultation before finalizing trek booking
Free online pre-trek briefing after booking confirmation
Free excess luggage storage at the office store
Duffle bag
T-shirt and baseball cap
Trekking poles, down jacket, and seasonal sleeping bag (to be returned after completion of the trip)
Self-sufficient medical first aid kit with vital medications
Oximeter to check pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate twice daily
Trekking map
Hand sanitizer

Not Included

Nepal visa fee (lowest fee for a 15-day visa is $30 per person)
International airfare to and from Kathmandu
Excess luggage charges
Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara except for farewell dinner and breakfast
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or Pokhara (for early return from the mountains, early arrival, or late departure)
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, personal drinks, battery charging, bottled or boiled water, Wi-Fi, internet, etc.)
Tips for guides and support staff/porters

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Pre-Trek Briefing

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Meet the company representative and transfer to your hotel. Attend a pre-trek briefing with your guide. Optional visit to Swayambhunath Stupa or Kathmandu Durbar Square. Overnight in Kathmandu.
2

Day 02

Kathmandu Valley Heritage Sightseeing

Enjoy a guided tour of Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). Visit Pashupatinath Temple. Explore Boudhanath Stupa. Visit Patan Durbar Square, the City of Fine Arts. Optional walk through Kathmandu Durbar Square and Thamel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
3

Day 03

Journey to Pokhara by Road or Flight

Travel by scenic road or take a 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Transfer to your hotel near Phewa Lake. Enjoy leisure time to relax or explore the lakeside area. Overnight in Pokhara.
4

Day 04

Fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni

Take a scenic flight to Jomsom. Trek along the Kali Gandaki River to Kagbeni, a Tibetan-influenced gateway village. Overnight in Kagbeni.
5

Day 05

Trek to Chele via Tiri Gaon

Ascend along the Kali Gandaki River, passing Tiri Gaon. Explore Chele Village and interact with locals. Overnight in Chele.
6

Day 06

Trek to Syangbochen via Samar Ramchung Cave

Trek through Gyakar and Samar villages. Visit Ramchung Cave, a sacred meditation site. Cross Yamda La Pass (3,860 m / 12,660 ft). Overnight in Syangbochen.
7

Day 07

Cross Nyi La Pass to Ghami

Enjoy a gradual climb through fields and arid valleys. Cross Nyi La Pass (3,932 m / 12,900 ft). Descend to Ghami Village, a Tibetan-influenced settlement. Overnight in Ghami.
8

Day 08

Trek to Charang Across Cliffs and Valleys

Trek across cliffs and valleys. Cross the Tangmarchu River. Explore the long Mani prayer wall. Overnight in Charang.
9

Day 09

Final Climb to Lo Manthang

Make the final climb to the walled city of Lo Manthang. Explore monasteries, the royal palace, and local markets. Overnight in Lo Manthang.
10

Day 10

Rest Day and Exploration in Lo Manthang

Visit Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang, Red Thubchen Gompa, and Chyodi Gompa. Interact with locals and explore the traditional streets. Overnight in Lo Manthang.
11

Day 11

Return Trek to Drakmar Village

Begin the return trek via a scenic route. Pass Marang Village and the red cliffs. Explore Drakmar and its hidden caves. Overnight in Drakmar.
12

Day 12

Trek to Ghiling and Visit Its Monastery

Trek across scenic bridges and arid terrain. Visit Ghiling Monastery and its water-powered prayer wheel. Overnight in Ghiling.
13

Day 13

Descend to Chusang Through Traditional Villages

Enjoy a gradual descent through traditional villages and mani walls. Pass through streams and valleys to Chusang. Overnight in Chusang.
14

Day 14

Final Trek to Jomsom

Complete the final trek along the Kali Gandaki Valley. Reach Jomsom, the administrative center of Mustang District. Celebrate the journey. Overnight in Jomsom.
15

Day 15

Fly Back to Pokhara

Take a scenic flight back to Pokhara. Enjoy leisure time to explore or relax by Phewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara.
16

Day 16

Return to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner

Travel back to Kathmandu by scenic road or flight. Enjoy a farewell dinner with cultural performances. Overnight in Kathmandu.
17

Day 17

Departure from Kathmandu

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home. Carry memories of the breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences.