Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang Trek

Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang trek is one of the off-beaten adventure treks in the pristine, isolated trans-Himalayan plateau, exploring a vibrant mix of Bon culture lying to the northwest of the Annapurna region of Nepal. Mustang has developed its own distinct cultural and geographical traits, making it an attraction not just for ordinary visitors but also for anthropologists, archaeologists, and geologists.

Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang trek moves through the deepest gorge of the earth made by the Kaligandaki River, Kagbeni - Lo-Manthang, the cultural capital of Upper Mustang. You will have the opportunity to explore the numerous monasteries dating back hundreds of years.

The trail goes past majestic Himalayan ranges, the pretty village of Kagbeni located on the bank of the Kaligandaki (Black) River, primitive Tibetian culture, the longest mani walls in Upper Mustang, Mountain Desert & mystic valley. Red Gompa and a spiritual gate of Chorten, Lomangthang (the capital city of Mustang), Kings Palace, and Prince of Upper Mustang are also the attractions of this trek.

The Upper Mustang region was restricted for foreigners until Nepal Government announced the opening of the restricted areas in October 1991. The people of Mustang call themselves Lobas, and they had their King or Tribe-leader, Jigme Palbar Bista. The Nepal Government took back the official recognition of the Bista as the Mustangi King after Nepal became a republic state in 2008. However, the people there still respected him as their King until he died in 2016.

Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang Trek starts from Kathmandu with the half-day sightseeing and trek preparation. We will take a drive (option to fly) to Pokhara. Then take a flight to Jomsom and hike up to Kagbeni. Present the special permit at Kagbeni and proceed to Chele. Once you reach Lomanthang, there will be an option to explore the surrounding places on a horseback. Then we descend back to Jomsom, Pokhara, and Kathmandu and end the trip. The entire trek is a fantastic combination of the unique culture in Nepal and natural landscapes with the panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchre, and Dhaulagiri Mountain.

Detail Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1300m)
The Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang Trek starts with arrival in Kathmandu, meet greet and transfer to the hotel. Today in the afternoon, you have the option to stroll around ancient traditional local markets of Asan, Indrachowk, and Thamel, the center of tourist activity. There will be a welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with folk dance and cultural performances. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
After breakfast, a sightseeing tour covers 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. It is also known as Monkey Temple as you can see lots of monkeys around the stupa. Next, we shall visit the Boudanath Stupa, the oldest stupa in Nepal. In the afternoon, there will be a short discussion regarding the trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m): 6 hrs
After breakfast, we shall drive to Pokhara (208km/6hrs) via the Prithvi Highway. We will stop at scenic spots to refresh and stretch our legs. The highway follows a series of deep river valleys, passing ancient villages, and reaching 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.

Day 4: Fly to Jomsom (20m) & trek to Kagbeni (2,804m): 3-4 hrs
After an early 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 towards 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. It takes about 3-4 hours of a gentle walk to reach Kagbeni, along the way, we can enjoy the magnificent view of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Tukuche peak. Overnight in Kagbeni.

Day 5: Kagbeni to Chele (3050m): 5-6 hrs
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 goes up past the Hamlet of Tangbe(3060m) with the picturesque scenic field view of barley, wheat, and apple farms. The trail further descends gradually to the riverbed, which is 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 Chele with a magnificent landscape view of the Himalayan ranges. Overnight in Chele.

Day 6: Chele to Syangbochen (3475m): 6-7 hrs
We start trekking a bit early as later in the afternoon will be the windy weather. Trek from Chele to Syangbochen will take approximately 6-7 hours. In the beginning, we pass through Eklo Bhatti and Taklam La Pass (3624m) with views of Tilicho peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. The trail passes through a forest of small trees and green hinterlands, which can persist in the narrow gorge because the high perpendicular walls keep them calm and adequately moist. Sometimes, we can see the blue mountain ship grazing in this area. We enjoy the surrounding view of neat streams and juniper trees. We also pass via a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave in the local community. The weather in Syanbochen is much cooler. Overnight in Syangbochen

Day 7: Syangbochen to Ghami (3520m): 5-6hrs
After early breakfast, we trek from Syangbochen to Ghami, the trek to Ghami takes about 5 to 6 hours. The trail further 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, the trail 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.

Day 8: Ghami to Charang (3560m): 4-5hrs
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, huge white Dzong, Ghar- Gompa, and red Gompa. Overnight in Charang.

Day 9: Charang to Lo-Manthang (3800m): 5-6hrs
Today we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Bhrikuti Peak, and Annapurna. In the beginning, 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 Lomangthang

Day 10: Explore and excursion to Lo-Manthang
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 a 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, the four-story building of the Royal Palace. And also enjoy the surrounding panoramic magnificent views of the Trans-Himalaya Mountain region. Overnight in Lo- Mangthang

There is an option to explore by horse riding that will cost you extra if you are interested. Position our horses and gentle climb to reach the green meadows high above the settlement. After 1.5 hours, arrive at some large yak-wool tents surrounded by a couple of hundred yaks. If you are interested, you can test the yak milk and Tibetan butter tea, which might be a unique experience.

Day 11: Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar (3810 m) 6-7hrs
Our last destination is Lo-Manthang mountain village and surrounding places. After exploring the Lo-Manthang, we return via Dhakmar. We return back 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 major figure. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. Overnight in Dhakmar.

Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling (3570m): 5-6 hrs
Start our trek early in the morning as there will be dusty and windy later in the afternoon. The trek from Dhakmar to Ghiling will take approximately 5-6 hours. In the evening, explore Ghiling to observe the culture, heritage, and lifestyle of the people. Overnight in Ghiling.

Day 13: Ghiling to Chhuksang (2980m): 5-6hrs
Trek from Ghiling to Chuksang will take about 5- 6 hours. Enjoy the spectacular view of the Himalayas. The haunting landscape will be something to remember. Savor the last hours in this remote and unique area before the sun sets over Chhuksang. Overnight in Chhuksang.

Day 14: Chhuksang to Jomsom (2743): 6-7hrs
Today is our last day of the trek and will be a long day. It will take about 6-7 hours to reach Jomsom. 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.

Day 15: Fly back from Jomsom to Pokhara
Take the early morning flight to Pokhara. On arrival check in to your hotel. Rest and relax for a couple of hours. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride at the Phewa Lake and also visit the Tal Barahi temple. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (Option to fly)
After an early breakfast drive to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel and the rest of the evening is free. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 17: Departure
Transfer to the airport as per your flight schedule.