Upper Mustang Trek - 17 Days

Early in the morning, after having hearty breakfast you’ll start half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city. Our tour guide will accompany you with a comfortable private vehicle. The tour begins with a visit to one of the biggest and sacred Hindu temple of Nepal, Pashupatinath. From here, you’ll visit the biggest Buddhist Stupa of Nepal, Boudhanath. Continuing the tour, your next stop will be Swayambhunath Temple. It is also famous as Monkey Temple. This temple is one of the oldest temples in the Kathmandu valley and offers panoramic views of Kathmandu valley and surrounding Himalayas. At the end of the day, you’ll visit Kathmandu Durbar Square. This place was home of Nepal’s king till the late 19th century. In the evening, you can do shopping in Thamel. You can buy any equipment or gear and prepare yourself for the upcoming trek. You’ll spend a night in Kathmandu.

Today, after having a morning breakfast, you’ll head towards Pokhara via Prithvi Highway. After 6-7 hours of long scenic drive, you’ll reach Pokhara. Pokhara is the gateway to the several famous trekking destinations of the Annapurna region. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you’ll check in to the hotel and get refreshed. In the evening, you can explore the beautiful lake city. The nightlife of Pokhara is quite happening at a local cafe, pub, and bars. If you have you can also do boating in the beautiful Phewa Lake and visit the Tal Barahi Temple on the lake. You’ll spend an overnight in one of the finest hotels of Pokhara.

Today, early in the morning you’ll head to the domestic terminal of the Pokhara airport and fly to Jomsom. The flight duration is less than 20 minutes. On the clear days, in this short flight, you’ll get an awesome view of the lofty snow-capped mountains. You’ll also get a close spectacular view of both Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain range. Jomsom is the district headquarter of the Mustang. From here you’ll begin your actual trek. As this is your first day of the trek, you’ll only walk uphill for 3 hours alongside Kali Gandaki river and reach scenic Kagebani village (2,800 m). This beautiful village is the gateway to the Upper Mustang. It lies in the bank of the two rivers. On the south side of Kagbeni village, you’ll get the majestic views of Mt. Nilgiri. You’ll spend an overnight at a local guesthouse in Kagbeni village.

Today after having early morning breakfast you’ll start your trek via the eastern bank of Kaligandaki river. After climbing over several ridges on the north side you’ll reach beautiful mountainous hamlet Tangbe. It is a typical Gurung village of Mustang full of whitewashed houses. You’ll see apple orchards, barley and buckwheat fields which add the scenic beauty to this place. From the Tangbe village, the trek goes via Chhusang village. After exploring the Chhusang village you’ll continue your trek along the bank of the Kali Gandaki river and in some places you’ve to walk through the riverbed. Walking through the riverbed is easier path comparing to walking downhill and uphill. Finally, after crossing the steel bridge over Kali Gandaki river and short steep climb you’ll reach the destination for the day Chele village. The trekking hours from Kagbeni to Chele is 6-7 hours. Chele village lies at an elevation of 3050 meters above sea level. On the way, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking view of Mt. Nilgiri and Tukche. You’ll also get the views of the red cliff and mysterious cave. Most of the caves are inaccessible. Upon your arrival in Chele village, you’ll start to experience the Tibetan influence. During this trek, you’ll get an opportunity to explore highly Tibetan influenced culture, lifestyle, and traditions. You’ll spend an overnight at Chele village.

Today you’ll explore the Lo Manthang the capital city of the former kingdom of Lo. It lies on the ancient trade route that runs along the Kali Gandaki River that cuts through the Himalayas. The settlement is beautifully surrounded by a 6-meter high earthen wall with square towers or dzong on the corners. You can go small hike to the north of Lo Manthang Jhong and explore the Chosar Caves. Here you may also hire a horse and the cost will be approximately US$20 per day. Ascetics used these caves for meditation and locals as a home. You can also explore 15th century Champa Lakhang and the red Thubchen Gompa. Similarly, you’ll visit two main Gompa’s of 18th Century i.e, Chodi Gompa in the monastic quarter of town plus and the nearby new Choprang Gompa. Further, you can also visit the Namgyal Gompa situated at the nearby hilltop. This one is very special for the local community as it acts as a court. In the northwest of the city, there is a small beautiful village of Tingkhar where you can visit three Gompas and the Raja’s summer palace. After exploring the hidden kingdom of Upper Mustang you’ll return back to the lodge in Lo Manthang for an overnight stay.

Today you’ll take an early morning flight back to Pokhara. Upon arrival at the Pokhara airport, you’ll drive to the respective hotel in Pokhara. The rest of the day is free you can take around tour of Pokhara Valley. The main attraction is Fewa Lake, Peace Pagoda Stupa, Davis Fall, Gupteshwor Cave, and so on. Furthermore, you’ll also have an option of paragliding, zip-flying, cycling, boating, and kayaking. After exploring the Pokhara, you can also experience the best nightlife at the lakeside of Pokhara. You can celebrate your trek accomplishment in one of the good cafes or pubs. Undoubtedly, you’ll find plenty of great places to enjoy and relax. Overnight stay at one of the finest hotels in Pokhara.

After having a great day at Pokhara, today you’ll return back to Kathmandu. Remember two options are available i.e you can take a scenic drive or short flight. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you can go shopping or go for a small excursion. And in the evening, you can go to clubs or traditional restaurants and enjoy some authentic Nepalese dishes. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.