Upper Mustang Circuit Trek, 16 Days
English German French

Upper Mustang Circuit Trek, 16 Days

Days: 16 / Difficulty: 3 of 5 (Moderate to strenuous)
Min Group Size: 1 / Max Group Size: 14

Mustang is a magical world of the unknown with great archaeological mysteries, deep-rooted history, and a culture of its own. Upper Mustang is also known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom” as foreigners were not allowed to enter until Nepal Government lifted the restrictions in 1992. Trekking in Upper Mustang is the exploration of thousand-year-old monasteries, caves, canyons, desert beauty, cliff-faced landscapes, local tribes, and their incredible culture. 

Upper Mustang Circuit Trek starts with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. After a brief stay in the valley, the trip begins as you take a scenic flight to Pokhara and then to Jomsom. The flight to Jomsom takes you through the deepest gorge in the world, Kali Gandaki River. Upon arrival in the windy town of Jomsom, your Mustang Circuit Trek starts as you walk to Kagbeni on the dry terrain. After Kagbeni, the trail continues alongside Kali Gandaki River and you will be required to cross many passes as you explore the restricted areas of Upper Mustang. It will be an enticing trek to the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo in Lo-Manthang. Mustang Circuit Trek takes you to ancient monasteries and caves that hold sacred value to the people of the last forbidden kingdom of Tibetan Buddhism. En route, you will pass through several narrow alleyways, herds of domesticated animals, and long walls of prayer wheels. Mustang Circuit Trek features the most unique landscape of Nepal and allows you to have an insight into the practice of Buddhism.

Swiss Family Treks and Expedition provides you the best trekking experiences in the Nepal Himalayas. Best known for its quality of service, Swiss Family Treks and Expedition has 15 years of experience in the field of travel and tourism. We provide you with English speaking guides with years of experience and knowledge to make your trip worthy and full of fun and excitement. Our excellent trek packages allow you to have a memorable time in Nepal.

Highlights of the Trek: 

  • A challenging trekking through arid desert canyons to the walled city of Lo Manthang,
  • a pocket of lost Tibet that boasts spectacular ancients Buddhist monasteries such as Ghar Gompa, Jampa Gompa, Namgyal Gompa,
  • walled villages and remote caves shrines such as Chungsi cave, Dzong Cave, spectacular views of high Himalayan range, 
  • scenic mountain flight in and out of Jomsom and Pokhara, meeting local Loba people and their traditional Tibetan culture, 
  • passing several Buddhist monuments,
  • explore the formar Himalayan kingdom of Upper Mustang and its beautiful landscapes. 

Fact of the Mustang Circuit Trek

Trek Region
Upper Mustang Region
Type of Trek
Private Trip
Duration
16 Days
Highest Elevation
4,230 m (13,878 ft)
Grade
Moderate to Strenuous
Meals
Full board during the trek
Accomodations
4* Hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara & Lodge during the trek
Best Season
Spring (March-April-May) & Monsoon (June-July-August) & Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov)
Transportation by
Domestic Flight & Private Vehicle

Similar Trips

Horse Riding Trek to Upper Mustang, 15 Days

from 2.885 USD / Days: 15 / Difficulty: 3 of 5 (Moderate to strenuous)
Min Group Size: 1 / Max Group Size: 14
Horse Riding Trek to Upper Mustang has caught the attention of many adventure lovers around the world as it adds up a unique experience in the only desert area of the Himalayan country. Also known as The Last Forbidden Kingdom, Upper Mustang is one of the favorite trekking destinations in Nepal, though it was accessible only after the year 1992. Horseback Riding Trek to Upper Mustang is also...

Explore Details

Mustang Tiji Festival Trekking, 17 Days | 5th-7th May, 2024

from 2.700 USD / Days: 17 / Difficulty: 3 of 5 (Moderate to strenuous)
Min Group Size: 1 / Max Group Size: 14
The sandy terrain, amazing yak caravans, exquisite mountains views, ancient monasteries, traditional costumes, Tibetan culture, and the spiritual values of the region make Mustang Tiji (Tenchi) Festival Trekking a delight for the visitors. The trek is a combination of the fascinating Mustang villages, Buddhist shrines, and the spiritual values in the region, and features the most sacred festival...

Explore Details

Saribung Pass Trek (Upper Mustang to Nar-Phu Valley Trek), 22 Days

from 3.930 USD / Days: 22 / Difficulty: 5 of 5 (Very Strenuous)
Min Group Size: 2 / Max Group Size: 8
Saribung Pass Trek is one of the most challenging and demanding treks in Nepal that connects the restricted areas of Upper Mustang with the quaint Nar Phu Valley via the frozen Saribung Pass (6042m). Saribung is one of the highest mountain passes in Nepal which offers a spectacular view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs along with a close-up view of different Himalayan ranges of Mustang...

Explore Details

Yartung Festival Mustang Trek 2023 (the ancient Wall City of Lo-Manthang), 16 Days - 8th-10th September 2024

from 2.565 USD / Days: 16 / Difficulty: 3 of 5 (Moderate to strenuous)
Min Group Size: 2 / Max Group Size: 12
The Yartung festival is celebrated all over Mustang and is especially celebrated in Lo-Manthang and Muktinath during August/September (in the full moon day) every year. It is a three day celebration and is celebrated with horse races, drinking and dancing by local Gurung and Thakali people. During the three days celebration, they have the King's (local king) activities taking place on the...

Explore Details

Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour, 16 Days

from 3.490 USD / Days: 16 / Difficulty: 3 of 5 (Moderate to strenuous)
Min Group Size: 2 / Max Group Size: 8
Upper Mustang Mountain Biking Tour is a fulfilling off-road journey for adventure lovers who seek thrill in the remote Himalayas. The exhilarating feeling of biking in the restricted areas of Upper Mustang and to the desert capital of Lo-Manthang, whilst enjoying the vista of snowy mountains and barren hills, cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world. The challenge to ride is nothing...

Explore Details

Itinerary 
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 1338m

The trip begins with your arrival in Kathmandu. One of the company representatives will come to welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport. Then you will be transferred to the hotel in our private van. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Permits procedure and afternoon flight to Pokhara 820m/25 minutes
As Upper Mustang is a restricted area to foreigners, you will require the permit to pass through the checkpoint. After acquiring the permits, you drive to the airport and take the afternoon flight to Pokhara. It will be a 25-minute flight to Pokhara where you can enjoy the magnificent views of the Himalayas such as Machhapuchhre (6993m), Annapurna massif, and Dhaulagiri massif. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Pokhara.

Day 3: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom 2720m/20 minutes and trek to Kagbeni 2810m/3-4 hours
Today, you leave Pokhara and take an exciting flight to Jomsom. Jomsom is famous for its strong winds and breathtaking landscape. After some rest in Jomsom, the trek begins with the walk on the riverbed of Kali Gandaki River. The trail is mostly flat and filled with uneven rocks and sand. You can view the peaks of Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Nilgiri (7061m) ranges on the way to Kagbeni. Kagbeni is a traditional town with narrow alleyways and ruins of the ancient fortress. Overnight at a lodge in Kagbeni.

Day 4: Trek from Kagbeni to Tsaile 3050m/5-6 hours
After getting the permits checked in Kagbeni, you enter the restricted area of Upper Mustang. The trail follows on the eastern bank of Kali Gandaki River and you will walk mostly on sand. You can see some caves on the western side of the river. You arrive at the Gurung village of Tangbe where you will have lunch. Tangbe has red and whitewashed houses. Then, you cross Kali Gandaki River and climb up the steep trail to reach Tsaile. Tsaile is a small settlement from where you can overlook the beautiful valley. Overnight at a lodge in Tsaile.

Day 5: Trek from Tsaile to Syangboche 3800m/6-7 hours via Rachung Cave
Today’s trek is difficult as it involves some steep climbs and descents. You will cross the Taklam La Pass (3624m) and Dajori La Pass (3735m), and descend on a pleasant trail to Samar. About two hours from Samar is Rachung Cave. It is a cave which looks as if it has been stuck on the vertical wall. The trail goes through a forest of green bushes and small trees. You then cross a river and descend along a ridge to reach Syangboche. Overnight at a lodge in Syangboche.

Day 6: Trek from Shyangbochen to Dhakmar 3820m/5-6 hours
In the morning, you climb up to a small pass from where you can see the Ghiling valley spreading out in front of you. Then, you walk through Ghiling village and cross Nyi La Pass (4010m). You continue the trek further and pass the longest Mani wall in Mustang. After crossing a stream, you walk through the terraced fields and arrive in Dhakmar. Overnight at a lodge in Dhakmar.

Day 7: Trek from Dhakmar to Lo-Manthang 3810m/6-7 hours via Ghar Gompa
After breakfast, you leave Dhakmar and ascend a steep crumbled gully and cross some alpine meadows. You climb a ridge and keep descending until you reach Ghar Gompa. It is one of the oldest monasteries in Mustang, which was built by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. After Ghar Gompa, the trail descends to a wooden bridge over Charang Khola. Then, you climb up and keep walking until you arrive at a ridge in Marang. After having lunch here, you cross Marang-La Pass (4230m) and descend to a small ridge. You follow the crisscrossed trail and arrive at the walled capital of Lo-Manthang. Overnight at a lodge in Lo-Manthang.

Day 8: Exploration Day to Chhosar village and caves, 6-7 hours roundtrip
Today, you head for the mysterious Chhosar village. If you wish, you can ride horses or ponies to get to Chhosar from Lo-Manthang. You explore Niphu Monastery and ancient caves which are about 2500 years old. Jhong Cave is the largest man-made the cave in Upper Mustang. It is fascinating as it is five stories high and has more than 40 rooms. These caves hold the secrets from the past centuries as they are decorated with Buddhist murals and Tibetan scripts on ancient parchments held by worn wooden covers. You return back to Lo-Manthang in the afternoon and explore the palaces and fortress of the capital of the former Kingdom of Lo. Overnight at a lodge in Lo-Manthang.

Day 9: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Yara 3650m/6-7 hours
You leave the beautiful village of Lo-Manthang and move to Yara. First, you ascend gently until you reach Dhi La Pass (3950m). It will take an hour to reach here. Then, you make a steep descent and pass a canyon to reach Dhi village. Walking down along the colored canyon, you arrive in Yara. Overnight at a lodge in Yara.

Day 10: Hike to Luri Cave Monastery, 4-5 hours roundtrip
Following the river route, you hike to Luri Cave Monastery. It is set on a ledge at least a 100m from the ground. The winding footpath from the bottom of the valley will take you to a single entrance which leads into two chambers; the outer chamber and the inner chamber. The outer chamber is a shrine whereas the inner chamber is decorated with a series of paintings. These paintings are believed to be made during the 14th century or even earlier. After exploring these chambers, you retrace your steps back to Yara. Overnight at a lodge in Yara. 

Day 11: Trek from Yara to Tangge 3240m/6-7 hours
It will be a long and difficult trek today. First, you make a steep ascent and then the trail continues downside to Dhechyang Khola. You will find Shaligrams (fossilized black rock collected in the riverbeds) all around the place. The trail then steeply ascends and takes you to the top of a small pass. Then, you cross a large plateau and reach Tangge village. Overnight at a lodge in Tangge.

Day 12: Trek from Tangge to Chhusang 2980m/8-9 hours
You start the trek to Chhusang early in the morning. First, you cross a suspension bridge and follow the short river route. Then, it will be a climb for around 3 hours. After reaching Pa (shelter house), you take a short break around the small water spring and have lunch. Then, you cross many small passes and reach the top of a ridge. Encountering the strong winds, you steeply descend to reach Chhusang village. Overnight at a lodge in Chhusang.

Day 13: Trek from Chhusang to Jomsom 2720m/5-6 hours
It is the last day of trekking as you head back to Jomsom. You follow the same way from which you came to Upper Mustang. After the climb, over the rocky trail to Tangbe, you descend to Kali Gandaki riverbed. You walk along the banks of Kali Gandaki River and reach Kagbeni. After having lunch in Kagbeni, you follow the motor trail and arrive in Jomsom. Overnight at a lodge in Jomsom.

Day 14: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara 820m/20 minutes
It will be an early morning flight back to Pokhara. The view is absolutely amazing as you pass over the mountains and the gorge of Kali Gandaki River. In the evening, you can enjoy the lakeside or visit the pubs and local bars in Pokhara. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Pokhara.

Day 15: Reserve Day for flight delay/cancellation and afternoon flight back to Kathmandu
It is a reserve day for flight delay/cancellation, so you can get a quick tour of Pokhara before heading back to Kathmandu. Phewa Lake is one of the most preferred tourist sites as you can do boating there or just relax at the hotel. You can also visit the World Peace Pagoda. Then, you take the afternoon flight back to Kathmandu. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 16: Final Departure from Kathmandu
After a fulfilling breakfast at the hotel, our company representative will accompany you to the airport to connect you with your scheduled flight back home.

Pricing for Group Size Basis: (Private Trip)
All inclusive Trek Price for single/individual trekker; USD 3795
All inclusive Trek Price for 2 trekkers basis; USD 2785 per person
All inclusive Trek Price for 3 trekkers basis; USD 2625 per person
All inclusive Trek Price for 4 trekkers basis; USD 2455 per person

Join with us on a Mustang Circuit Trek in 2024/2025.
 
Customize your Trek: The package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste. For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de

NOTE: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition GmbH. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.

Price starts from/Adult Status *
USD 2,455
EUR 2.288
SFr 2.271
GBP 1.915
AUD 3.658
CAD 3.265
Trip is available
* Dates can be flexible, please contact us for individual dates.

Our Mustang Circuit Trek Cost includes:
* Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by car / Van.
* 2 nights deluxe accommodation with breakfast at 4* Hotel Kathmandu Guest House in Kathmandu.
* 2 nights deluxe accommodation with breakfast at 4* Hotel Temple Tree Resort in Pokhara.
* Domestic Flight Kathmandu-Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara-Kathmandu and domestic airport tax
* Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot/cold filter water during the trek.
* Lodge to Lodge accommodation during the trek.
* 1 experienced, helpful and friendly guide, porters (1 porter for 2 peoples), their food & accommodation, salary, equipment & insurance.
* Down Sleeping Bag (Minus 20-30 Degree Celsius), Duffel Bag, LifeStraw Water Filter for drinking water and trekking map.
* All transportation by private vehicle.
* Upper Mustang Restricted area special permits.
* Annapurna conservation area permit. 
* All necessary permits.
* First Aid Medical kit box.
* Office Service charge.
* Government Tax. 



Our Mustang Circuit Trek Cost doesn't include:
* Any meals (Lunch and Dinner) in Kathmandu and Pokhara other than breakfast.
* Travel insurance.
* International air fare to and from Nepal.
* Nepal Tourist Visa fees.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, snacks, laundry, phone call, Internet, Battery Charging, Hot Shower, Monastery entrance Fees.
* Personal Trekking Equipment.
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, domestic flight delays, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Horse renting and additional porters due to natural calamities during the trek.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...
                                  
                                                 Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.


Upper Mustang Circuit Trek, 16 Days


Captcha


* Your private information will be kept very confidential and will never be shared with anyone.


Swiss Family Treks & Expedition GmbH, Switzerland
Swiss Himalayan Family Treks & Expedition P. Ltd

Address
Ganeshtan-6, Pharping Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone +977 4710390
Cell +977 9803200543 Stephan
Cell +977 9849193453 Ashta
Email snftnepal@yahoo.de

  • The Forbidden Kingdom Upper Mustang, Lodge Trek 8 Days flight back by Heli 25 Aug to 31 Aug 2013

Hello Stephan, Ashta and Deepak
Thank you for the note and thanks to all of you for an exceptional experience in Nepal. Both Todd and I were absolutely overwhelmed by the beauty of the country and the culture. It has been sad to have left all that behind.
Take care, and say hello to everyone.
Rob Chad and Todd Bell
2 Adults
Canadian

Please have a look what our clients saying about their trip with us in our Testimonials in website and Tripadvisor Reviews.