Upper Mustang Trekking with Muktinath - 17 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, The Great Adventure Treks representative will receive you and transfer to the respective hotel in the private vehicle. Once you check in the hotel you have a few options. Either you can rest in your room or explore the vibrant Kathmandu city on your own. You’ll spend overnight in Kathmandu.

Early in the morning, after having a hearty breakfast you’ll start a 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 temples 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 the 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 an easier path compared to walking downhill and uphill. Finally, after crossing the steel bridge over Kali Gandaki river and a 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 after having breakfast, you’ll continue your trek climbing uphill and downhill through huge sides of Kali Gandaki valley. After a few hours of walk, you’ll cross a high suspension bridge over Ghyakar Khola and reach Ghyakar.

Further, you’ll continue your walk to the side of a steep canyon and reach the Chele La at an altitude of 3,630 meters. From the top of the pass, you’ll get awesome views of Tilicho Peak, Yakwakang (north shoulder of Thorung La) and the Damodar Himal’s range above 6,000 meters peaks.

After enjoying the fabulous views, you’ll descend to the village of Samar which is famous for a horse caravan watering point. Again after 3 hours of walk leads you to the village of Syhangmohen and then trail gently rises to the Shyangmoche La at an altitude of 3,850 meters. Finally, after passing many colorful red, white, and black chortens you’ll reach a fabulous village of Gelling.

Today’s after total 6-7 hours of walk you’ll reach Gelling village (3,570 m) for an overnight stay.

Today you’ll start your trek in the windy and dusty trail towards Drakmar. The trekking hours between Gelling to Drakmar is 5-6 hours. The Drakmar lies at an elevation of 3,800 meters above the sea level. The trail passes through the arid plateau and rice fields in between. The walk might not be pleasant specially in the noontime as the wind will hit on your face in the Kali Gandaki Wind Valley.

However, this windy valley offers you a majestic view of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Nilgiri. At the late afternoon, you’ll reach Drakmar village. You can explore the village and enjoy the surrounding view and spend overnight at Drakmar village.

Today you’ll leave the village and start your trek through the steep ascent and pass some alpine meadows. After climbing a ridge you’ll descend until you reach Ghar Gompa.

It is also known as Lo Gyaker which means “Pure virtue of Lo”. It is more than 1200 years old and also you can meet Guru Rimpoche. This Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings and there is also a belief that if anyone makes a wish at Ghar Gompa, their wish is fulfilled. After exploring the ancient Ghar Gompa you’ll again descend a large cairn and reach a small ridge from where you’ll get the first view of Lo-Manthang city. Finally, after 5-6 hours of walk, you’ll reach Lo Manthang (3,730 meters), a medieval ancient wall city of Mustang. You’ll spend a night at Lo Manthang.

Today after having morning breakfast, you’ll leave Lo Manthang and trek towards Tsarang, the “Land of Chortens”. You’ll be walking mostly on a flat and wide trail.

Thus, today’s walk is comparably easy than another day. The trekking route from Lo Manthang to Tsarang is full of adventure and scenic beauty. Crossing several plateaus and villages you’ll cross the Tsarang Chu. Also, you’ll cross another windy pass of Lo La at an altitude of 3,950 meters.

From the top of the pass, you’ll get a mesmerizing view of Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Annapurna. After complete 4-5 hours of walk, you’ll reach Tsarang village at an altitude of 3,490 meters. You’ll find Tsarang village little quiet place than Lo Manthang.

After enjoying the hearty breakfast, you’ll head towards the tiny settlement of Syangbcohe (3,880 meters). Today’s walk is about and you’ll explore some of the best scenery of this trip. 6-7 hours. On the way to the Syangboche, you’ll pass 1000 m long Mani wall beautifully decorated with simple cravings. This is well-known as Chinggel La, the longest Mani Wall of Mustang. After passing the Ghami village you’ll rejoin the Gelling trail. After passing the small pass you’ll descend to Syangboche for an overnight stay.

Today’s trek from Syangboche to Chuksang (2,965 meters) is about 6-7 hours. Passing through from big canyons you’ll reach Tsaile. After that, you’ll take a steep descent to the Kali Gandaki River and cross the iron bridge and reach Chuksang village for an overnight stay.

Today you’ll trek to Muktinath through the main trail of the Annapurna region. This is the second last day of your trek where you’ll be following the village trails.

Descending from Chuksang village, you’ll leave the restricted trekking area of Mustang. After 4-5 hours of walk, you’ll reach the Kani gate, the main entrance to Muktinath temple (3,700 meters). Muktinath temple holds a great religious significance. It is a holy place where you can wash your all sins and make your way towards heaven. In the temple surroundings, there are 108 holy springs where you can take bath. There is a belief that taking a bath here gives you salvation.

You’ll also explore the surroundings and visit the Buddhist Gompas. Today you’ll spend a night in the lodge of Muktinath.

Early in the morning, you’ll visit the main temple and explore the surroundings. Muktinath is an important pilgrimage site for both Buddhist and Hindu people. After admiring the natural beauty and visiting a Buddhist monastery nearby you’ll retrace your steps back to Jomsom. Enroute you’ll enjoy the good views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and after 4-5 hours of walk you’ll reach Jomsom (2,713 meters) 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.

Depending on your flight schedule, our representative will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport. Finally, your wonderful trips in the land of the Himalayas will end. Wishing you a safe journey we’ll see you off and hope to meet you soon for another adventure trip.