Upper Mustang: The Forbidden Kingdom Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival

Your Upper Mustang journey starts in Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The itinerary for the rest of the day depends upon what time you landed in Nepal. If it’s a late arrival, then no sight-seeing or activities are included. If you arrive earlier in the day and time allows it, then after a rest and lunch your guide will take you to the hilltop Swayambhu Stupa, which is one of the most religiously significant sites in the Kathmandu valley. In parts dating back to the fifth century, Swayambhu, which is sometimes also known as the Monkey Temple, is an important pilgrimage site as well as a popular place for locals to relax and take in sunset views over the city. Your guide will explain the cultural significance of the site to you.

Day 2: Kathmandu

This morning, we have a briefing about our trek and we visit the palace and temple lined, Durbar Square at the very heart of old Kathmandu. In the afternoon we learn about the two main religions of Nepal: Hinduism and Buddhism. We start at one of the most important Shiva temples in the whole of South Asia, the riverside Pashupatinath Temple. Hindu’s consider it auspicious to be cremated here and the site is full of pilgrims and ash smeared holy men known as saddhus. Towards the end of the afternoon we head to the wonderful Boudhanath stupa. Since the Chinese occupation of Tibet, Boudhanath has become one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist sites in the world. We join the hundreds of pilgrims who circumambulate the stupa every evening.

Day 3: Kathmandu to Kagbeni

Our adventure to the far side of the Himalaya begins with an early morning flight to Pokhara (827m), where we transfer to a comfortable private vehicle for a scenic 6-7 hour drive (170 km) to Kagbeni (2,804m) at the gateway to Upper Mustang. This drive takes us through the Kali Gandaki gorge. With mountains standing 8km high on either side, this is the deepest gorge on Earth. On arrival in the small traditional village of Kagbeni we check into a gorgeous Tibetan flavoured boutique guesthouse. Due to the sudden altitude gain we take it easy this evening.

Day 4: Drive and Hike to Ghemi

After a quick exploration of Kagbeni we finally enter the long forbidden kingdom of Mustang. Travelling by road along a gravel dirt road, we ascend to Samar from where we begin a four-hour hike to the rarely visited Chungsi Caves, where the 9th Century Tantric Buddhist Master, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is once said to have meditated. The guru is said to have travelled widely across the Himalaya and Tibet preaching Buddhism, performing miracles and defeating various demons trying to stop the spread of Buddhism. Later, we will travel on to Ghemi, soaking in Himalayan vistas as we go and acclimatizing amid enchanting legends

Day 5: Hike to Lo Manthang

Today the adventure turns it up a gear as we embark on an unforgettable high-altitude trek to Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang, by ascending to the the remote and high Chago La pass at 4,280 meters and then across to the rarely visited Gar Gumba monastery. Built back in the 8th Century, this is one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal and is said to be built over the heart of a demon that Guru Rinpoche fought during his journey across Upper Mustang. From the monastery we will assess trail conditions and how acclimatised you are before making the decision as to whether we hike or drive from here to Lo Manthang. Either way it’s an extraordinary journey through a high-altitude desert of multi-hued rock riven in canyons and with mountains soaring to the sky in the background.

Day 6: Lo Manthang

Venture into the mystical walled city of Lo Manthang, where ancient Tibetan culture thrives amid Nepal’s dramatic desert landscapes. Meander through narrow alleys lined with whitewashed homes, discover centuries-old monasteries, and soak in sweeping mountain vistas. We will visit a number of the towns monasteries and other sights and the guide will bring the history and culture of Lo Manthang alive for you.

Day 7: Around Lo Manthang

The semi-desert landscapes around Lo Manthang is awash in historical and religious sights. By using a combination of private vehicle and short hikes we visit some of these including the spectacular ridge top Namgyal Gompa and the gompas of Chosar, which are half hacked into the cliff face. Along the way will be plenty of opportunities to meet local people and veer off towards unexpected discoveries. In the evening we return to Lo Manthang for the night.

Day 8: Choser Caves & Samdzong

Venture beyond Lho Manthang by car and foot, traversing dramatic landscapes to centuries-old monasteries. Discover Choser’s mystical caves and, if time permits, witness the haunting beauty of Samdzong, a village so badly touched by climate change that most of the population has abandoned the village. This journey seamlessly blends culture, history, and adventure in the heart of Upper Mustang.

Day 9: High Valleys to Tsrang

Today we begin the slow hike back out of Upper Mustang by winding through breathtaking higher valleys, with huge vistas and crisp mountain air. We will be hiking down the remoter easten side of the valley far from the road and cars. Following meandering trading paths, past ancient chortens and fluttering prayer flags, soaking up every moment. As dusk approaches, your journey loops back gently, culminating in a peaceful overnight stay in charming Tsrang.

Day 10: Yara

Wake up in peaceful Tsarang (3,560 m), where golden morning light spills across ancient walls. Savor a relaxed breakfast and soak in mountain views from your cozy lodge. With Yara just 17 km away, enjoy a slow start and gentle explorations before our scenic evening drive to the next village.

Day 11: Luri Gompa Day Hike

Today is likely to be one of the highlights of the trek as we embark on a fabulous day hike to the Luri Gompa. Long hidden away from the world among sandstone pinnacles pocked in manmade cave shrines adorned with exquisite Buddhist art, this small ochre coloured gompa is one of the most extraordinary in Nepal. In the evening we hike back to Yara for the night.

Day 12: Tangye

A more challenging day of hiking today as we trek through the stunning, wind-sculpted landscapes of Mustang to Tangye village (3,340m). Covering approximately 19km over 7-8 hours, this rewarding hike showcases deep canyons, arid hills, and ancient chortens, offering an unforgettable adventure for experienced trekkers amid Nepal’s mystical Himalayan beauty. Tangye village itself is one of the most interesting in Upper Mustang. Lined with mani walls and filled with chortens, it’s a real slice of Tibet.

Day 13: Tetang

Today we can look forward to a scenic trek from Tangye to Tetang (3,040m), covering 16 km of mesmerizing Upper Mustang landscapes. Traverse ancient trails alongside ochre cliffs, cross rugged hills, and witness panoramic Himalayan views. This immersive journey unveils authentic local villages and unforgettable vistas at every step.

Day 14: Muktinath

Taking the remoter upper trail from Tetang to Muktinath, we cross the breathtaking Ghaula Pass at 4,270 meters. and trek through superb Himalayan landscapes as we leave Upper Mustang behind and reach Muktinath (3,710m), on the Annapurna Circuit trek. A much revered pilgrimage Hindu site, every day Muktinath attracts hundreds of Hindu pilgrims from across Nepal, India and beyond. Here, sacred temples and mountain vistas blend spiritual serenity with natural grandeur. Now that we are on the popular Annapurna Circuit you will notice an immeadite change in atmosphere and the kind of facilities available. If time allows then we will visit some of the towns holy sights afterwhich we can take the opportunity to enjoy pizzas, steaks, burgers and all those other things you might have missed in Upper Mustang.

Day 15: Drive to Naurikot

The morning is spent exploring the holy sites of Muktinath. After lunch we travel by private vehicle to Naurikot. The heartland of the Thakali people, this wonderful little village is perched above the world’s deepest gorge.

Day 16: Drive to Beni

This morning we do a short (one hour) hike to the caves of Guru Sampo. This remote cave was one of the (many!) places throughout the Himalaya where Guru Rimpoche spent time in deep meditation. It’s a lovely, easy walk to a spot that’s rarely visited by foreign visitors. After lunch we then set out by private vehicle on the three hour drive to the tiny hillside village of Mallaj near Beni where we check into a beautiful heritage hotel for the night.

Day 17: Pokhara

After a leisurely breakfast and time spent exploring Mallaj we make the three hour drive back to the laidback, lakeside town of Pokhara. In the afternoon we can take a row boat out onto Phewa Lake and, if time allows, we can also visit the mountaineering museum or the Peace Pagoda. Dinner is not included in Pokhara so as to allow you to choose where to eat yourself from the large number of lakeside restaurants.

Day 18: Fly to Kathmandu

In the morning fly from Pokhara to colourful Kathmandu. We go straight from the airport to Kathmanu’s sister city, Patan for a guided walk. The old quarter of Patan is better preserved than old Kathmandu and it’s all a little less chaotic. We will get to appreciate Patan’s hidden courtyards and stunning temple architecture. It might also be possible to visit the Kumari, or Living Goddess of the city (this cannot be guarenteed as she doesn’t always agree to recieve visitors). To cap off your adventure we head to the town of Kirtipur (now near enough a suburb of Kathmandu) for a traditional Newari dinner.

Day 19: Fly home

Most internationl flights out of Kathmandu leave in the morning. We will drop you back at the airport in good time for your flight. If your flight is not until later in the day then we can arrange visits and activities for today or you can just relax around the hotel.