Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek leads into the formerly isolated, Tibetan-influenced Kingdom of Lo, nestled in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. The landscape differs drastically from the rest of Nepal: instead of dense jungle and snow-capped south faces, you hike through a desert-like high plateau with massive, eroded canyons, ochre-colored rock faces, and centuries-old cave systems.
The classic trekking tour takes 10 to 12 days starting from Jomsom, not including travel to and from Kathmandu. Since Upper Mustang lies north of the main ridge, there is hardly any rain here in the summer (June to August). The trek is therefore one of the few routes in Nepal that can be undertaken during the European summer months.
The Upper Mustang Trek is an easy hike that mostly follows dirt roads, gravel roads, and mountain trails.
A Restricted Area Permit is mandatory and costs $500 for 10 days (each additional day costs $50). Additionally, a guide is required, and the minimum group size is 2 people.
Jomsom - Kagbeni - Day 1
Start: Jomsom (2,743 m)
Destination: Kagbeni (2,858 m)
Elevation gain: 120 m
Länge: 10.5 km, Dauer: 3-4 hours
After the spectacular flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, the trail begins on flat ground in the wide, windy valley of the Kali Gandaki River. After a leisurely hike, you’ll reach Kagbeni, the historic “gateway” to Upper Mustang; this is where the restricted special zone begins.
Kagbeni to Chele - Day 2
Start: Kagbeni (2,858 m)
Destination: Chele (3,071 m)
Elevation gain: 840 m
Länge: 21 km, Dauer: 6-7 hours
The trail continues upstream. The landscape grows noticeably drier. You pass through the village of Tangbe, with its whitewashed houses, and finally climb steeply across a suspension bridge to the village of Chele, perched on a rocky plateau.
Chele to Syangboche - Day 3
Start: Chele (3,071 m)
Destination: Syangboche (3,774 m)
Elevation gain: 1,280 m
Länge: 13 km, Dauer: 6-7 hours
A strenuous day. You leave the river valley behind and cross the Taklam La (3,624 m) and Dajori La (3,735 m) passes. The landscape becomes spectacularly rugged, with deep gorges. A highlight along the way is the sacred Chungsi Cave.
Syangboche to Ghami - Day 4
Start: Syangboche (3,774 m)
Destination: Ghami (3,564 m)
Elevation gain: 530 m
Länge: 11 km, Dauer: 4-5 hours
After crossing the windy Nyi La Pass (3,870 m), the view opens up to the vast Ghandruk/Ghami Valley, surrounded by red cliffs. Ghami itself looks like a green oasis with barley fields in the middle of the rocky desert.
Ghami to Tsarang (Charang) - Day 5
Start: Ghami (3,564 m)
Destination: Tsarang (3,565 m)
Elevation gain: 450 m
Länge: 11 km, Dauer: 4–5 hours
You pass Nepal’s longest mani wall (a kilometer-long, intricately engraved wall of prayer stones). The trail winds through a hilly landscape dotted with bizarre rock formations all the way to Tsarang, which is known for its massive, five-story palace and a red monastery.
From Tsarang to the royal city of Lo Manthang - Day 6
Start: Tsarang (3,565 m)
Destination: Lo Manthang (3,825 m)
Elevation gain: 780 m
Länge: 20 km, Dauer: 5-7 hours
A gentle but steady climb through desert-like terrain. From the Lo La Pass (3,950 m), you catch your first glimpse of the walled capital, Lo Manthang, nestled in the wide valley basin – an unforgettable sight.
Exploring Lo Manthang - Day 7
Start and Destination: Lo Manthang (3,825 m)
Elevation gain: 180 m
Länge: 3 km, Dauer: 2-3 hours
You can explore the centuries-old monasteries (such as Thubchen and Jampa), the Royal Palace, or take a trip to the spectacular, multi-level cave systems of Chhoser (by horse or jeep). The cave systems of Chhoser (near the border with Tibet, north of Lo Manthang) are among the most fascinating archaeological sites in the Himalayas. The most spectacular cave is Jhong Cave, a five-story, man-made labyrinth that was completely carved into a vertical rock face.
