Upper Mustang Ancient Kingdom Trek
- 13 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May), Summer (Jun–Aug), & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We traverse the rain-shadowed gorges and arid plateau of the former Kingdom of Lo-Manthang over thirteen days.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our thirteen-day expedition into Upper Mustang takes us across the high-altitude desert plateaus sandwiched between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Once a restricted kingdom, this rain-shadow region preserves a distinct Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient walled settlements, and cave networks carved into red clay cliffs. Walking along the Kali Gandaki river valley, we encounter traditional stone-and-mud brick houses, prayer walls, and centuries-old gompas that remain largely untouched by modern development.
This journey suits trekkers with previous high-altitude experience who are comfortable walking across barren terrain, wind-scoured ridges, and loose gravel paths for five to seven hours each day. While vehicle tracks now reach parts of the region, our route prioritizes foot trails that pass through historic settlements such as Kagbeni, Chele, Charang, and the walled capital of Lo-Manthang. We cross high points including the Nyi La pass at 4,010 m and Chogo La at 4,210 m.
Because the trail stays above 2,800 m for the duration of the trek and reaches a maximum elevation of 4,210 m at Chogo La, careful attention to acclimatization is necessary. Our team monitors hydration and daily physical output closely to minimize the risk of acute mountain sickness. We balance long days of walking with cultural exploration inside active monasteries and village settlements, ensuring a thorough immersion in the heritage of the Lo people.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Lo-Manthang Walled City
We explore the historic capital of the former kingdom, featuring the five-story whitewashed palace and ancient monasteries.
Chumsi Cave Pilgrimage
We visit this sacred meditation cave nestled along canyon walls, believed to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche.
High Desert Crossings
We ascend over Nyi La pass at 4,010 m and Chogo La at 4,210 m, taking in panoramic views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri.
Kali Gandaki Gorge
We walk alongside the deepest river gorge in the world, flanked by arid hills and wind-carved rock tunnels.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our staff meets our team at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers us to our hotel for check-in and an initial briefing. The remainder of the day is free for us to rest or independently explore the surrounding streets of Kathmandu.
Day 2
Flight to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Flight to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We take a morning or afternoon flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, enjoying views of the mid-hills along the way. Upon landing, we check in at our hotel and spend the afternoon walking along the lakeside.
Day 3
Flight to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Flight to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni
Meals: B / L / D
An early morning flight carries us across the gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to the airstrip at Jomsom. From Jomsom, we begin our walk along the riverbed toward Kagbeni, the fourteenth-century gateway village to Upper Mustang.
Day 4
Kagbeni to Chele
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Kagbeni to Chele
Meals: B / L / D
We set out along the eastern bank of the Kali Gandaki River, passing through Tangbe village with its whitewashed houses and small orchards. The trail continues past red rock formations and natural tunnels before climbing toward Chele.
Day 5
Chele to Shyangbochen via Chungsi Cave
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Chele to Shyangbochen via Chungsi Cave
Meals: B / L / D
Our route climbs across wind-carved hills into the rain-shadow zone, leading us off the main path to the sacred Chungsi Cave. After exploring the cave site, we traverse open ridges and descend into the valley before ascending to Shyangbochen.
Day 6
Shyangbochen to Charang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Shyangbochen to Charang
Meals: B / L / D
We ascend to the Nyi La pass at 4,010 m before dropping down toward Ghami village past the longest mani wall in Mustang. A steady climb across a ridge then brings us into Charang, where we visit the red monastery and white dzong.
Day 7
Charang to Lo-Manthang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Charang to Lo-Manthang
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail climbs steadily toward Lo-Gekar, home to one of the oldest gompas in the region, pre-dating Samye in Tibet. We then continue across the plateau until we reach the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang.
Day 8
Exploration of Lo-Manthang and Namgyal Gompa
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Exploration of Lo-Manthang and Namgyal Gompa
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day exploring Lo-Manthang, visiting the Champa Lhakang, Thubchen Gompa, and making a side trip to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar village. This rest and exploration day assists our bodies in adapting to the 3,810 m elevation.
Day 9
Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar via Chogo La
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar via Chogo La
Meals: B / L / D
Today we climb to Chogo La at 4,210 m, the highest point of our trek, before descending past Ghar Gompa. We continue our walk through striking red rock canyon country until we reach the isolated settlement of Dhakmar.
Day 10
Dhakmar to Jomsom and Drive
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Dhakmar to Jomsom and Drive
Meals: B / L / D
We walk from Dhakmar down to Ghami village, where our transport vehicle waits to drive us back south through the Kali Gandaki valley. We check into our guesthouse in Jomsom for the evening.
Day 11
Flight to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Flight to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We board an early morning mountain flight from Jomsom back to Pokhara, watching the peaks recede behind us. The afternoon is free for us to relax by the lake or organize our gear.
Day 12
Flight to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Flight to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We take a scheduled flight from Pokhara back to Kathmandu and transfer to our hotel. The afternoon remains open for personal rest or final packing.
Day 13
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 13
Departure from Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our transport team transfers us to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for our international flight home.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off on arrival and departure
- Domestic flights between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Jomsom
- Twin-share teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) while on trek
- Experienced government-licensed trekking guide and support porters
- Restricted Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude emergency evacuation
- Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara outside of standard breakfast
- Personal expenses such as hot showers, device charging, and Wi-Fi on trek
- Tips for guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & Acclimatisation
Our route keeps us above 2,800 m for most of the trek, peaking at Chogo La (4,210 m). We maintain a steady pace and include exploration days at Lo-Manthang to allow our bodies time to adjust safely.
Our guides carry pulse oximeters and monitor daily health indicators. Anyone showing persistent symptoms of altitude sickness will descend immediately under staff supervision.
Terrain & Footwear
The paths consist of loose gravel, dry soil, stone steps, and exposed ridge tracks subject to strong afternoon winds. Sturdy trekking boots with good ankle support and broken-in soles are essential.
Trekking poles help significantly on loose descents around Nyi La and Chogo La, reducing impact on knees and maintaining balance on windy sections.
Weather & Climate
Upper Mustang lies in a rain shadow, making it accessible during summer months when other Himalayan regions experience heavy monsoon rains. Days are typically sunny and clear, though winds pick up significantly by midday.
Temperatures drop sharply after sunset, often falling below freezing at higher elevations. Layered thermal clothing and a windproof shell are necessary.
Cultural Etiquette
We respect local Tibetan Buddhist customs by walking clockwise around mani stones, chortens, and prayer walls. We always ask for permission before photographing residents or religious interiors.
Removing hats and shoes inside monasteries is mandatory, and touching sacred objects or wall paintings with bare hands is prohibited to preserve ancient artifacts.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be broken in prior to arrival.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Windproof and waterproof shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Essential for high-altitude wind exposure.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Required for cold evenings above 3,000 m.
Trekking polesEssential
Camping
Useful for stability on loose gravel descents.
Sleeping bag rated to -10°CEssential
Camping
Teahouse blankets are insufficient at higher elevations.
UV-protection sunglassesEssential
Safety
Required due to intense glare on the arid plateau.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must cover emergency evacuation up to 5,000 m.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang
PermitMandatory special permit issued by the Department of Immigration for entering Upper Mustang.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitRequired entry permit for conservation areas managed by the NTNC.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Upper Mustang accessible during the summer monsoon?
Yes. Because Upper Mustang sits in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, it remains largely dry while the rest of Nepal experiences monsoon rains.
What is the highest elevation we reach on this trek?
The highest point on our itinerary is Chogo La at 4,210 m, which we cross on Day 9 between Lo-Manthang and Dhakmar.
What permits are required for Upper Mustang?
Trekkers need a special Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang, alongside the standard Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
How cold does it get at night?
Temperatures at higher elevations like Lo-Manthang and Shyangbochen frequently drop below freezing after sunset, even during spring and summer.
Do we need trekking poles?
Yes, trekking poles are strongly recommended for the steep gravel descents and loose terrain encountered across the high passes.
Are there charging facilities along the trail?
Basic electricity is available in most teahouses, though charging devices usually incurs a small hourly fee set by local lodge owners.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 13 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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