Upper Mustang Trek Map and Itinerary

Overview of Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang is a region in north-central Nepal, situated in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. Because of its unique geography, it has a semi-arid climate and a landscape resembling the Tibetan Plateau. Most of the territory is still restricted to foreign tourists, which means that Upper Mustang remains an unspoiled and authentic destination.

The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River valley, which is flanked by towering peaks on both sides. The route passes through ancient Buddhist villages, such as Lo Manthang, and offers stunning views of the Mustang Himal, including Mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

Itinerary for Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang trek usually lasts around 18 days, including rest days and acclimatization time. Here's a day-by-day breakdown of what you can expect on the trail:

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu - Your Adventure Begins at an Altitude of 1300m

As soon as you land at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by our representatives who will transfer you to your hotel. The journey to your hotel will already provide a glimpse of the bustling city and the stunning views of the Himalayan range.

Day 2: Trip Preparation Day - Gear Up for the Ultimate Trekking Experience (Altitude: 1300m)

On the second day, we will take the day to prepare for the trek ahead. We will do a final check of our gear and equipment and make sure we have everything we need. Our trekking guide will provide an overview of the trek route and the expected weather conditions.
You will have the option to rent any missing gear or equipment in Kathmandu. You can also explore the city and indulge in some last-minute shopping and sightseeing.

Day 3:Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Altitude: 740m) - 6 to 7 Hours of Breathtaking Beauty

We will start our journey to Pokhara after breakfast. The drive itself takes around 6 to 7 hours but it offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayan range along the way.

Pokhara, also known as “Lake City”, is a charming and relaxed city located at the base of the Annapurna mountain range. Upon arrival, we will check into a hotel and explore the city at our own pace. We can visit Phewa Lake, the World Peace Pagoda, and the International Mountain Museum.
In the evening, we will have a brief orientation and prepare for the next day’s flight to Jomsom.

Day 4: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (Altitude: 2700m) and Trek to Kagbeni (Altitude: 2700m) - A 30-Minute Flight Followed by a 4-Hour Trek

We will start our journey to Kagbeni, a small town located in the Mustang District of Nepal. The journey starts with an early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, which offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna range.
We will start our trek to Kagbeni after our arrival in Jomsom. The trek is relatively easy, taking us through the Kali Gandaki River bed, where we can witness the beautiful landscape and geology of the region.
Upon arrival at Kagbeni, we will check in to our guest house and take some time to explore the town. Kagbeni is a well-preserved town that marks the entrance to the Upper Mustang region and is rich in history and culture.

Day 5: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (Altitude: 3000m) - A 4 to 5-Hour Journey Through the Himalayan Trails

Today’s trek will take us from Kagbeni to Chele, a small village located on the western shore of the Kali Gandaki River. The trek covers a distance of around 12 km and takes 4 to 5 hours to complete.

We will cross the river and follow the trail through a desert-like landscape. We will pass through the small settlements of Tangbe and Chhusang and get a chance to witness the unique architecture and lifestyle of the locals.

Upon reaching Chele, we will check in to our guest house and take some time to relax and explore the village.

Day 6: Traverse from Chele to Syanboche (Altitude: 3930m) - 6 to 7 Hours

On this day, we will trek from Chele to Syanboche, a challenging but thrilling trek through the Himalayan trails. The trek covers a distance of around 17 km and takes 6 to 7 hours to complete.

We will cross the Taklam La Pass, which stands at an altitude of 3624m and provides panoramic views of the Mustang region. We will also visit two beautiful valleys, Samar and Bhena, before finally reaching Syanboche.

The village of Syanboche is located on a hilltop overlooking the stunning landscape of the Mustang region. We will check in to our guest house and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Day 7: Trek from Syanboche to Ghami (Altitude: 3510m) - 5 Hours

Today’s trek will take us from Syanboche to Ghami, a small village located on the eastern side of the Kali Gandaki River. The trek covers a distance of around 12 km and takes 5 hours to complete.

We will pass through several beautiful villages, including Chhunggar. We will also visit the Ghami Monastery, which is one of the oldest monasteries in the Mustang region and is known for its unique architecture and cultural significance.

Upon reaching Ghami, we will check in to our guest house and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals.

Day 8: Journey from Ghami to Tsarang Village (Altitude: 3510m) - A 4-Hour Trek

Today’s trek will take us from Ghami to Tsarang Village, a small village known for its unique architecture and rich cultural significance. The trek covers a distance of around 10 km and takes 4 hours to complete.

We will pass through the Ghami La Pass. We will also visit the Tsarang Monastery, which is known for its beautiful frescoes and unique architecture.

Upon reaching Tsarang Village, we will check in to our guest house and take some time to explore the village and its surroundings.

Day 9: Trek from Tsarang to Lo-Manthang Village (Altitude: 3800m) - a 3-Hour Expedition

Today’s trek will take us from Tsarang to Lo-Manthang, the capital of the Mustang region and a place of immense historical and cultural significance. The trek covers a distance of around 10 km and takes 3 hours to complete.
We will pass through several beautiful villages and monasteries before finally reaching Lo-Manthang. 
Lo-Manthang is a small and beautiful village known for its unique architecture and rich cultural history. We can explore the village and visit the Royal Palace and the Thubchen Gompa, which is one of the oldest monasteries in the region.

Day 10: Delve into the Wonders of Lo-Manthang - A Day of Rest and Exploration in the Ancient Kingdom

On day 10, we will take a break from trekking and spend the day exploring the wonders of Lo-Manthang. We can visit the local markets, explore the monasteries, and indulge in the unique cultural traditions of the locals.
In the evening, we can attend a cultural program and witness the unique cultural traditions and music of the Mustang region.

Day 11: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Ghami (Altitude: 3400m) - 4 to 5 Hours

Today’s trek will take us from Lo-Manthang to Ghami, retracing our steps through the beautiful landscape of the Mustang region. The trek covers a distance of around 20 km and takes 4 to 5 hours to complete.

We will pass through several beautiful villages and scenic landscapes, enjoying the serenity and beauty of the Himalayas. 

Day 12: Trek from Ghami to Samar (Altitude: 3330m) -5 to 6 Hours

Today’s trek will take us from Ghami to Samar, a small village located in the scenic Mustang region. The trek covers a distance of around 14 km and takes 5 to 6 hours to complete.

We will pass through several villages and monasteries, unveiling the mysteries of the Himalayan landscapes and the cultural traditions of the locals. We will spend the evening exploring the village and its surroundings.

Day 13: Trek from Samar to Chhusang Village (Altitude: 2900m) - A 3-Hour Trek

Today’s journey will take us from Samar to Chhusang Village, a small village located on the eastern shores of the Kali Gandaki River. The trek covers a distance of around 12 km and takes 3 hours to complete.
We will pass through the beautiful landscapes of the Mustang region, including beautiful gorges and valleys. We will also cross several small streams and rivers, enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Day 14: Trek to Muktinath (Altitude: 3780m) via Gyu-la Pass (Altitude: 4100m) - 4 to 5 Hours.

Today’s trek will take us to Muktinath, a famous religious site located in the Mustang region. The trek covers a distance of around 14 km and takes 4 to 5 hours to complete.

We will cross the Gyu-la Pass, which stands at an altitude of 4100m and provides breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. We will also visit the Muktinath Temple, which is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.

Upon reaching Muktinath, we will check in to our guest house and take some time to explore the temple and its surroundings.

Day 15: Return Trek to Jomsom (Altitude: 2700m) - A 4-Hour Expedition through Mesmerizing Terrain

Today’s trek will take us back to Jomsom, retracing our steps through the beautiful landscape of the Mustang region. The trek covers a distance of around 15 km and takes 4 hours to complete.

We will cross the Kali Gandaki River and pass through several beautiful villages and landscapes, enjoying the mesmerizing beauty of the Himalayas.

Day 16: Fly Back to Pokhara from Jomsom (Altitude: 940m) - A 30-Minute Flight Revealing Stunning Vistas

Today, we will bid farewell to the Mustang region and take a flight back to Pokhara, which offers stunning vistas of the Himalayan range. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we will check in to our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day exploring the city at our own pace.

We can visit the local markets, indulge in some last-minute shopping, or simply relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

Day 17: Return Journey to Kathmandu - Drive or Fly and Relish the Memories (6 to 7 Hours by Road, 30 Minutes by Air)

On day 17, we will return to Kathmandu either by air or by road, depending on your preference. The flight takes around 30 minutes while the drive takes around 6 to 7 hours.

Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will check in to our hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing and reminiscing about the wonderful experiences we had in the Mustang region.

Day 18: Transport to the Airport for Your Final Flight to the Next Exciting Destination

On day 18, We will travel to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final flight to your next exciting destination. We hope you had a wonderful time trekking in the Mustang region and we look forward to seeing you again in the future. 
 

Upper Mustang Trek Map

Upper Mustang Trek map To help you visualize the trek, here is a brief Upper Mustang Trek map:

Starting from Jomsom, the upper Mustang trek takes you to Kagbeni, Chele, Syanboche, Ghami, Tsarang village, Lo - man thang village, You will then trek to Samar, Chhusang village, and Muktinath, before returning to Jomsom. Finally, After 18 days of adventurous trek, you will then return to Kathmandu where it all began.

Conclusion

The Upper Mustang trek is a unique experience that takes you through a remote region of Nepal, offering incredible views and cultural encounters. The itinerary we provided in this article is a suggested plan that can be adjusted to your preferences or the trekking agency's recommendations. With proper preparation, equipment, and guidance, you can make the most of this adventure and create unforgettable memories.