Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang Trek

The Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang Trek starts with arrival in Kathmandu, meet greet, and transfer to the hotel. Today afternoon, you may stroll around the ancient traditional local markets of Asan, Indra Chowk, and Thamel, the center of tourist activity. There will be a welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with cultural performances. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, a sightseeing tour covering Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa. Kathmandu Durbar Square presents various arts and crafts from the 16 to 18th centuries. Next, drive north of Kathmandu and visit the Swayambhunath Stupa. The Swayambhunath stupa provides a panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley. Next, we will visit the Boudanath Stupa, the oldest stupa in Nepal. In the evening, there will be a short discussion regarding the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we shall drive to Pokhara (208 km/6-7 hrs) via the Prithvi Highway. The highway follows a series of deep river valleys, passing ancient villages and arrive Pokhara in the afternoon. Check into the hotel and rest for a while. In the evening, take a stroll around the popular lakeside area. Overnight in Pokhara.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your early morning flight to Jomsom. It is a scenic adventure of 20 minutes that will take you over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. On arriving at Jomsom, we start our trek toward Kagbeni. Kagbeni is a fascinating windswept village on the banks of the Kali Gandaki River. Kagbeni is also the entry point to the Upper Mustang region. Overnight in Kagbeni.

Our forbidden kingdom of the Upper Mustang trek starts with the special permit check at Kagbeni. We start early as the weather becomes windy and dusty in the afternoon. The trail passes the Hamlet of Tangbe(3060m) with the picturesque scenic field view of barley, wheat, and apple farms. The path further descends gradually to the riverbed, well-known for its fossils. The broad valley terminates abruptly at an upward rock. Then we traverse a bridge over the Kali Gandaki River, which flows via the natural tunnel in the cliff. The valley narrows further north. A steep trail leads us to a small pleasant hamlet of Chele with a magnificent view of the Himalayan ranges. Overnight in Chele.

We start trekking a bit early as the afternoon will be windy. The trail goes past Eklo Bhatti and Taklam La Pass (3624m) with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, and Damodar Danda, through a forest of small trees and green hinterlands, which can persist in the narrow gorge because the high perpendicular walls that keep them moist. Overnight in Syangbochen.

After early breakfast, we trek from Syangbochen to Ghami. The trail goes uphill to the Yamada La (3,850m) – past a few teahouses, Chortens, and local villages with Tibetan-style houses with open Varanda. We then cross a mountain pass and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barley, then descends steadily towards the Ghami La pass with the view of a rundown, deserted village downstream. A broad valley appears to the left-hand side, and in its center is Ghami, the third-largest town in the Mustang district. Overnight in Ghami.

The trek from Ghami to Charang takes about 4-5 hours. After crossing the Ghami Khola, the trail goes past a sacred stone mani wall – made by the Buddhist followers. The trail heads east towards the village of Charang with a maze of fields, a white Dzong, Ghar- Gompa, and Red Gompa. Overnight in Charang.

Today we trek to Lo-Manthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Bhrikuti Peak, and Annapurna. The trail descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then ascends after crossing the river. You can see the Lo-Manthang valley and enjoy the spectacular, magnificent views of the walled city near the Tibetan Border. Overnight in Lomanthang

Enjoy exploring the surrounding areas of Lo-Manthang. Visit Tingkhar and Namgyal Gompa. Namgyal Gompa serves as an important monastery in the local community. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Manthang, and stroll back to the hotel. Here, you have another option to visit the main attraction of this town, the Tall Champa Lakhang(God House), the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and the four-story building of the Royal Palace. And also enjoy the surrounding panoramic views of the Trans-Himalaya Mountain region. Overnight in Lo- Mangthang

Our last destination is Lo-Manthang mountain village and surrounding places. After exploring Lo-Manthang, we return via Dhakmar. We return taking a slightly different route via Ghyakar. We will explore the local area and more than 1200 years old Ghar Gompa with Guru Rinpoche as the main deity. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. Overnight in Dhakmar.

Start our trek early in the morning as the weather will be dusty and windy in the afternoon. We will explore Ghiling to observe the culture, heritage, and lifestyle.  Overnight in Ghiling.

Trek from Ghiling to Chuksang will take about 5- 6 hours. We enjoy the spectacular view of the Himalayas along the way. Relish the last hours in this remote and unique area before the sun sets over Chhuksang. Overnight in Chhuksang.

Today is the last day of the trek. After an early breakfast, we begin through a rocky trail until Tangbe, then continue along the bank of the Kaligandaki River until we reach Kagbeni for lunch. After lunch, we continue our journey to Jomsom. Overnight in Jomsom.

Take the early morning flight to Pokhara. On arrival, check in to your hotel. Rest and relax for a couple of hours. Stroll around the Phewa Lake, enjoy a boat ride, and visit the Tal Barahi temple. Overnight in Pokhara.

After an early breakfast drive to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel, and the rest of the day is free. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.