Upper Mustang Trek

Upon arrival in the Kathmandu airport (TIA), you will be greeted by a representative from Black Diamond at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to the hotel. After check into the hotel, you can either take rest; hang around in the city as it all depends upon your interests. 

Max Altitude: 1350m/4429 ft

Today after breakfast we will start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambunath) and Buddhists shrine (Buddha Nath) which is one of the largest Stupas in the world. In the afternoon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Black Diamond briefs us regarding our trek as well as provides us an opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight in Hotel Encounter Nepal.

Meals: Breakfast

Early morning at around 7 am, we set off for Pokhara on a tourist bus. En-route we will see more of the countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain sceneries. Afternoon, we reach Pokhara. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara is a city of lakes and has numerous beautiful lakes. We can explore the most accessible and beautiful, Fewa Lake during the afternoon -enjoy boating too. Explore, relax and dine by tranquil Lake Fewa. We can even do some shopping during evening hours. Overnight in Pokhara. Overnight in Hotel Middle Path.

Meals: Breakfast
Drive Duration: 6-7 hrs

After an early breakfast transfer to the Pokhara Airport to take the spectacular flight to Jomsom (headquarter of Mustang region and famous for its apples) which is flying over the gorge of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Annapurna. From Jomsom, we cross the small suspension bridge and then walk along the Kali Gandaki River bed enjoying the stunning view of Mt. Nilgiri, Tukuche, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The trail is very windy in the afternoon. After 3 hours walking through flat and barren land, we reach Ekley-bhatti village and then an hour walk takes us to Kagbeni which is situated on the bank of two rivers, Kak Khola and Mustang Khola. Confluence of these two rivers forms Kali Gandagi River. Kagbeni is the main age old Trans-Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Max Altitude: 2,780m
Trek Duration: 3 -4 hrs
Flight Duration: 3 -4 hrs

After breakfast, begin your trek into Upper Mustang, following the rugged trail through the arid Kali Gandaki Valley. You’ll pass through villages like Tangbe and Chhusang, with their traditional Tibetan-style homes and fields of barley. The trail ascends to Chele, a hillside village offering stunning views and marking the entrance to Upper Mustang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek involves crossing high ridges and deep valleys, offering stunning views of Nilgiri and Tilicho peaks against arid landscapes. Pass through Samar, a picturesque village with whitewashed houses and prayer flags, and continue through evergreen forests and ancient caves to reach Syangboche. The high altitude and stark beauty of the region make this a memorable day. Overnight in Syangboche.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek takes you through one of the most beautiful parts of Upper Mustang. The trail climbs steeply to a high pass with wide views of mountains and valleys. As you descend, you’ll pass through Gheling, a village where traditional farming is still practiced in fields of barley and buckwheat. After, we will continue through the dry, desert-like landscape until you reach Ghami, one of the largest villages in Upper Mustang, known for its monastery and the longest Mani wall in Nepal, covered with Buddhist prayers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After leaving Ghami, the trail leads down through barren hills and eroded cliffs, offering wide views of Mustang’s open landscapes. You’ll cross a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola, then climb up to Tsarang, a village known for its large white fortress and red monastery. Tsarang is surrounded by fields and has a timeless feel, with old buildings and traditions still alive. Visit the Tsarang Monastery to see ancient  statues and Buddhist paintings, and learn about the area’s history and culture from the monks.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek is one of the most thrilling as you head toward Lo-Manthang, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mustang. The trail steadily climbs, offering views of the hills and distant peaks. As you near Lo-Manthang, you’ll catch your first glimpse of the walled city, an awe-inspiring and mesmerizing sight. Entering through its massive gate, you step into a world seemingly frozen in time. Lo-Manthang is a maze of narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and ancient monasteries, with the royal palace at its center.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, explore Lo-Manthang and its surroundings. Start by visiting the Royal Palace, the historic residence of Mustang’s kings. Next, check out the city’s monasteries: Thubchen Gompa, with its large hall and ancient murals, and Chode Gompa, which holds rare Buddhist scriptures. In the afternoon, take a short hike or horse ride to see the Chosar Caves, used by monks for meditation, and the Ninpo and Namgyal Monasteries, both offering stunning views. Return to Lo-Manthang in the evening to enjoy the city’s unique atmosphere as the sun sets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Lo-Manthang, you’ll take a different route back, offering new landscapes and experiences. The trail climbs steadily towards the Ghar Gompa, an ancient monastery that is one of the oldest in Mustang. Ghar Gompa is renowned for its beautiful murals and sacred texts, and it is a place of great spiritual significance for the locals. After visiting the monastery, continue your trek through the barren, wind-eroded hills until you reach Dhakmar, a village known for its striking red cliffs. The cliffs, formed by centuries of wind erosion, create a dramatic backdrop to the village and provide a stark contrast to the surrounding landscapes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s trek takes you through some of the most remote and beautiful areas of Upper Mustang. The trail winds through barren hills, crossing high passes with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. As you descend, you’ll pass through the village of Ghiling, which is set amidst fields of barley and buckwheat. The village is known for its large, colorful chortens (Buddhist shrines) and traditional houses. Ghiling offers a peaceful setting to rest and reflect on the journey so far, with the sounds of the wind and the distant calls of yaks creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Ghiling, the trail descends steadily towards the Kali Gandaki Valley, retracing your steps through the arid landscapes of Mustang. As you descend, the terrain becomes greener, and the air warmer, signaling your return to the lower regions of the trek. You’ll pass through the village of Tetang before arriving in Chhusang, a small settlement nestled in the Kali Gandaki Valley. Chhusang is a peaceful village surrounded by towering cliffs and offers a chance to relax and enjoy the last night in the Mustang region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
 

Today is the final day of trekking as you make your way back to Jomsom. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River, passing through the landscapes of Lower Mustang. As you are near of Jomsom, you’ll be greeted by the sight of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri peaks. Upon reaching Jomsom, you can celebrate the completion of your trek with your fellow trekkers and enjoy the comforts of the town.

  : Meals: Breakfast, Lunch,Dinner

After morning breakfast we check in the airport to fly back to Pokhara, a 30-min dramatic flight to Pokhara between gorge of the two huge mountains, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. On arrival at Pokhara airport, guide will transfer to the lakeside hotel. We make use of the rest afternoon for discovering the beautiful Pokhara valley leisurely. While we walk along the bank of Fewa Lake, a second biggest lake of Nepal, we cannot stop admiring the state of Fish Tail Mountain reflecting in the lake. We can also take a boat around the Fewa Lake or just can take an hour’s walk to the World Peace Pagoda. Evening time, we spend exploring around the lakeside. Overnight at Pokhara: Hotel Middle Path.

Meals: Breakfast
Flight Duration: 3o mins

Today, after breakfast, we make a 200 kilometers drive back to Kathmandu. Better to hold on the left pane of the vehicle to enjoy the scenery through the route. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. You can spend the evening leisurely, perhaps catch up on some last minute shopping and celebrate dinner together with Black Diamond staffs. Overnight in Hotel Encounter Nepal.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

You are saying good bye to the mountains as your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! We take you to the airport for your flight time. We hope you enjoyed the trek, and are sure you will be back trekking somewhere in the Himalaya again. Approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Black Diamond will take you to the airport. On your way home you’ll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Meals: Breakfast