Upper Mustang Trek — 15 Days

Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel in Thamel. Evening briefing with your guide covering the Upper Mustang Restricted Area permit (Rs 500/day, minimum 10 days), cultural protocol in the Lo Kingdom, and flight logistics.

Morning flight to Pokhara, then a 20-minute scenic flight over the Kali Gandaki gorge to Jomsom. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri tower on either side — the Kali Gandaki is the world's deepest gorge. Upper Mustang permit inspection at Jomsom checkpoint.

Walk north along the Kali Gandaki floodplain past Eklebhatti to Kagbeni, the fortified medieval gateway to Upper Mustang. The village's red gompa, winding lanes, and entry checkpost mark the beginning of the restricted zone.

Stamp your permit at Kagbeni checkpost and enter Upper Mustang. The trail climbs steeply through eroded gullies and onto the plateau. Wind-sculpted badlands of red, ochre, and purple rock create an otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere in Nepal.

Cross Taklam La (3,624 m) through a maze of canyons and cliffs. The trail winds through narrow gorges before emerging onto the open plateau above Samar. This sheltered village has apple orchards and a small monastery with ancient wall paintings.

Cross Nyi La pass (4,010 m) for sweeping views across the Mustang plateau to the Himalayan wall beyond. Descend to Syangbochen then continue to Ghami, home to a 400-metre mani wall and a beautifully restored 15th-century monastery.

Cross Ghami La (3,760 m) and descend through Charang village — its cliff-top monastery and dzong (fortress) are remarkable. The final approach to Lo Manthang's walled city across the open plateau is unforgettable.

First full day in the walled city. Guided tour of Thubchen Gompa (15th century, giant clay Maitreya statue), Jampa Gompa (oldest, dating to 1387), Chodey Gompa, and the 4-storey Raja's Palace. The Royal Family of Lo still maintains ceremonial residence here.

Day excursion to the famous Sky Caves (Chhoser) north of Lo Manthang — ancient man-made caves carved into vertical cliffs, containing Buddhist murals, manuscripts, and human remains dating back 2,000–3,000 years. A remarkable archaeological mystery.

Excursion to Tsarang (Charang), 8 km south of Lo Manthang — the second-largest walled village in Upper Mustang. Its red-painted dzong (fortress) and three-storey monastery contain remarkable 15th-century murals. Return to Lo Manthang or overnight in Tsarang.

Begin the return journey south from Lo Manthang. The afternoon light on the cliffs and chortens is especially golden. Overnight in Ghami under a sky full of stars — Upper Mustang has minimal light pollution.

Take the alternative return route via Tetang and Chhusang instead of retracing to Kagbeni. Join the pilgrim trail leading south to Muktinath — one of the holiest sites in Hinduism and Buddhism, with 108 waterspouts and an eternal flame. Sacred site for both traditions.

Descend from Muktinath through Jhong and Khinga villages to the Kali Gandaki valley at Jomsom. The descent offers views of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) — second-highest in the Mustang region. Last evening in the upper Kali Gandaki.

Morning flight back to Pokhara — always book the earliest available flight as afternoon winds frequently cause cancellations. Afternoon free in Pokhara for lakeside relaxation, paragliding, or boating on Phewa Lake.

Morning flight to Kathmandu. Half-day free for Thamel shopping, Boudhanath, or the Garden of Dreams. Transfer to the international airport for your departure or onward flight. Your deep journey through the forbidden kingdom concludes.