Luxury Upper Mustang Trek – 9 Days

With the freshness of the Himalayas, you’ll wake up, get freshened up, and enjoy your breakfast. Today, you begin your journey into the restricted Upper Mustang region from Kagbeni to Chele. After breakfast at Kagbeni, you’ll complete the special permit check at the checkpoints and continue your day’s trek. The trek begins with a dry and rugged section along the Kali Gandaki River. The route offers views of eroded cliffs, barren canyons, and the unique landscape of Mustang.

Along the way, you’ll pass through Tangbe, a beautiful village with narrow alleyways, apple orchards, buckwheat fields, and chortens. The trek then continues toward Chhusang. From there, you’ll cross a small bridge and ascend steeply through a narrow canyon to reach Chele. Upon getting to the village, you’ll check into the Hotel Mustang Gate or a similar category. Chale marks the official entry into the culturally Tibetan region of Upper Mustang. Your night’s stay and dinner are at the accommodation point in Chele.

You’ll depart from Chele after having a hearty morning meal at the accommodation point where you’ve spent the last night. Leaving Chele, you’ll continue your Luxury Upper Mustang Trek route ascending through steep, rocky pathways and narrow gorges. The first significant climb leads to the Taklam La Pass (3,624 meters), offering sweeping views of the Nilgiri and Tilicho peaks.

As you continue, you’ll descend into Samar village, surrounded by poplar trees and barley fields. At the village, you’ll take a rest for a while and have lunch. From Somar, the trek continues through a quiet canyon, eventually reaching Bhena and then the Yamda La Pass (3,850 meters). Reaching there, you’ll notice a change in the landscape with more chortens, caves, and a view of sculpted cliffs.

The final section to Syangboche is a gentle climb and descent. Reaching there, you’ll check into Hotel Nilgiri or a similar category. You’ll stay overnight and have dinner at the accommodation point you check into on the day.

Day five takes you deeper into the stunning landscape of Upper Mustang. The day’s Luxury Trek to Upper Mustang starts after breakfast at Syagboche. The trek begins by slowly ascending through barren hills alongside the copper-red canyon. After a steady climb, you’ll reach the Nyi La Pass (4,010 meters), one of the highest points of the trek. From the top of the pass, you can see the astonishing views of Mustang Valley and Himalayan peaks like Nilgiri and Annapurna.

From Nyi La, you’ll descend along a rocky path to reach Gheling village, where you’ll take a rest and have a hearty lunch. After lunch, the trek continues over another small pass, Ghami La (3,765 meters). From the pass, you’ll descend into the village of Ghami. Your day’s overnight stay and dinner will be at Hotel Royal Mustang at Ghami.

Day six of the Upper Mustang Luxury Trip takes you closer to your final destination. After breakfast at Ghami, you’ll continue your trek towards Tsarang. The trek begins by crossing a suspension bridge over Ghami Khola, following the route uphill towards Dhakmar. Along the way, you’ll pass the longest mani wall in Mustang.

As you trek higher, the landscape transforms, with a bright red cliff on your left marking the location of Dhakmar village. According to legend, the Red Cliff is stained with the blood of a demon defeated by Guru Rinpoche. Similarly, it is a mystical village surrounded by crimson-hued rock formations. On the day, you’ll stay overnight and have supper at Maya’s Heritage Inn at Tsarang.

Day seven takes you to your ultimate destination, Lo Manthang, on the Luxury Upper Mustang Trekking route. As usual, you’ll start your day with a warm cup of tea and a hearty breakfast. After breakfast, you’ll leave Tsarang behind, walking past fields, mani walls, and white chortens. From the walkway, the route takes you toward the Marang La Pass (4,280 m), offering panoramic views of the entire Mustang region. Marang La is the final high pass before you descend into the walled capital of the ancient kingdom of Mustang.

From the top of the Marang La, you’ll catch a first view of Lo Manthang village, a treeless settlement, backed by the snow-capped peaks of Tibet. Descending slowly from the pass, you’ll reach Lo Manthang. Stepping there feels like walking through ancient times, providing a sense of accomplishment. Your overnight stay and dinner will be at Shinta Mani Hotel or Royal Mustang Hotel in Lo Manthang.

Day eight is all yours, as it is your exploration day to the Walled City of Lo Manthang. Our knowledgeable guide, who has guided thousands of travellers worldwide in the valley, will guide you, offering insightful knowledge. You’ll start your day by wandering the narrow alleys of Lo Manthang, where you’ll see local people in traditional attire. On the day, you’ll explore the Royal Palace, a residence where the Mustang kings used to live.

Similarly, you’ll explore Jampa Lhakhang, also known as “God House”, a 15th-century monastery which is home to a massive clay statue of Buddha. Likewise, Thubchen Gompa is another visiting point in Lo Manthang. Along with the locations, Chhoede Monastery, the main monastic center of Lo Manthang, where you may witness rituals, prayer sessions, or even traditional debates, is another point of exploration. Tingkhar village is also an option, but visiting there is optional. After a full day of exploration, you’ll return to your accommodation point from yesterday for the day’s overnight stay.

Day nine marks the final day of your Luxury Upper Mustang Trek Journey. After breakfast at the lodging point, you’ll get ready for your final adventure. The day provides you with an authentic taste of the Luxury Upper Mustang trip as you’ll get back to Kathmandu by helicopter from Lo Manthang, rising into the sky. After a hearty morning meal, head to the helipad, where your private helicopter awaits. As the helicopter takes off, Lo Manthang fades into the distance, replaced by nature’s extreme beauty, including snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and high passes, along with Tibetan-style villages.

Within 90-120 minutes, the sight of mountain landscapes gives way to the green hills surrounding the Kathmandu Valley. The helicopter descends and you’ll touch down on the helipad of Kathmandu. Outside the helipad, our representative will be waiting for you to pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation point. You can explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu for the remaining time and experience the nightlife of Thamel on your own. The day’s overnight stay and dinner will be at Kathmandu on your own.