Mustang, renowned as the “forbidden kingdom,” has become a favored horse ride trekking destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of ancient monasteries, caves, and a remote and captivating landscape. Opened to trekkers in 1992, Mustang offers an enjoyable and isolating trekking experience. This ancient Himalayan Kingdom, situated in the northern central part of Nepal, features two distinct regions with languages, culture, and traditions akin to those of the Tibetan people. The isolated and mystical ambiance of Upper Mustang, surrounded by the stunning Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks, makes it one of Nepal’s most picturesque and intriguing destinations.
The region’s captivating landscape, characterized by snow-capped mountains, barren hills, and deep canyons, creates a stark yet enchanting backdrop for settlements along rivers and creeks. Mustang, untouched by foreign influence until 1992, retains a thriving medieval society with ancient dwellings, including inaccessible caves that served as homes two thousand years ago. The people of Mustang, resilient in their agricultural pursuits, cultivate barley and potatoes while herding cattle, making their whitewashed villages appear like oases in the vast desert. Mustang’s rich history and cultural heritage, coupled with its awe-inspiring scenery, make it an extraordinary trekking destination, providing an immersive and memorable experience for adventurers.
Overview
| Duration: | 18 days | Trip Grade: | |
| Country: | Activity: | Horse Riding | |
| Arrival on: | Departure From: | ||
| Attractions: |
Short itinerary
Day 1:-Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.
Day 2:-Sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Day 3:-Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus ,6-7 hours
Day 4:-Pokhara to Jomsom by flight and trek to Kagbeni 2800m, 3-4 hours Walk.
Day 5:-Kagbeni to Tsaile 3100m, 5-6 hours.
Day 6:-Tsaile to Ghiling 3570m, 6-7 hours.
Day 7:-Ghiling to Tsarang 3560m, 6-7 hours.
Day 8:-Tsarang to Lo-Manthang 3840m 4-5 hours.
Day 9:-Acclimatization Day or Resting Day.
Day 10:-Lo-Manthang to Yara 3900m, 6-7 hours.
Day 11:-Acclimatization Day:
Day 12:-Yara to Tangya 3240m, 6-7 hours
Day 13:-Tangya to Chhusang 2980m,8-9 hours
Day 14:-Chhusang to Jomsom 2720m 5-6 hours.
Day 15:-Jomsom to Pokhara by flight and sightseeing in Pokhara.
Day 16:-Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus 6-7 hours
Day 17:-Transfer to international airport.
Detail Itinerary
Day 1:-Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome drink and a brief orientation session before having some time to relax.
Day 2:-Sightseeing in Kathmandu.
You will embark on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Bauddhanath, Pasupatinath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide. Transportation will be provided by a private vehicle. After exploring these historic and culturally significant sites, you will spend the night at your hotel.
Day 3:-Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus ,6-7 hours
At 7:00 in the morning, we will depart from Kathmandu to Pokhara via an air-conditioned tourist bus. The journey will take approximately 7 hours, passing by the scenic Riverside of Trisuli. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we will engage in some sightseeing activities with our guide. Afterward, we will check into our hotel for the night.
Day 4:-Pokhara to Jomsom by flight and trek to Kagbeni 2800m, 3-4 hours Walk.
In the early morning, we take a taxi to the airport and board a flight to Jomsom. Upon arrival, we enjoy breakfast before continuing our journey on horseback along the River bank of Kaligandaki until Eklebatti, which typically takes around 3 hours. After reaching Eklebatti, we have lunch before continuing our trek to Kagbeni, which is approximately a 1-hour walk. In Kagbeni, we have the opportunity to visit the ancient red-painted Gompa, reputed to be around 1000 years old, before settling in for the night at a lodge.
Day 5:-Kagbeni to Tsaile 3100m, 5-6 hours.
After breakfast, we begin our day by registering our Restricted Area Permit at the check post located at the village’s end. Our journey resumes along the river bank of Kaligandaki, characterized by intermittent small ascents and descents, offering stunning landscapes and evident Buddhist influences such as Chhörtens and Maniwalls. After approximately 3 hours of walking, we reach Tangbe village. Continuing for another hour, we arrive at Chhusang village via a rocky trail, where we pause for lunch.
Post-lunch, our trek proceeds along the river bank, leading us to cross an iron bridge where the Kaligandaki River naturally tunnels through a massive rock, a sight to behold that takes about an hour. Following this, we encounter 16 caves situated above the tunnel. We then embark on a steep ascent, lasting around 30 minutes, until we reach the village of Tsaile. From here, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of Nilgiri Himal and the Kaligandaki River. We will spend the night at a lodge in Tsaile.
Day 6:-Tsaile to Ghiling 3570m, 6-7 hours.
In the morning, we ascend along an unstable path until we reach a plateau. Continuing our ascent up a gentle slope, we eventually encounter a steep cliff, which we climb to arrive at a small pass. From there, we begin a gentle descent towards Samar village, a journey that takes approximately 2 and a half hours. Upon reaching Samar, we take a lunch break.
After lunch, we depart from Samar and continue our trek, navigating through varied terrain of ups and downs until we reach the Chungsi cave monastery. This monastery holds a remarkable spiritual ambiance, where we immerse ourselves in its serene atmosphere. The ascent to the monastery takes about 1 and a half hours. Upon arrival, we explore the monastery where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century.
Continuing our trek, we pass through a narrow pathway between two massive rocks, eventually reaching Syangmochen village after approximately 1 and a half hours. From there, we ascend once more until we reach a small pass. After a gentle descent, we finally arrive at Ghiling village, where we encounter a large Chhörten and two Gompas with striking red-painted walls. We will spend the night at a lodge in Ghiling.
Day 7:-Ghiling to Tsarang 3560m, 6-7 hours.
In the morning, following breakfast, we begin our day by visiting the monastery before continuing our trek. We ascend gently until we reach Zaite village, which typically takes about 1 hour. Beyond the village, a long ascent awaits us, leading us to Nyi-La pass at 4020 meters. Crossing over this pass marks our entry into the heart of Mustang, known as the Lo region. From there, we continue our journey with a gentle descent until we reach another small pass.
After descending from this pass, the trail steepens considerably, leading us in a zigzag pattern down to Ghami village, a journey lasting approximately 2 and a half hours. Following a lunch break in Ghami, we resume our trek through Nepali flat terrain, characterized by undulating paths of both ascent and descent. Eventually, we cross a small Khola (stream), where we are greeted by the sight of the longest Mani Wall in the Mustang region, adorned with vertical stripes of white, red, and black.
Continuing our journey, we encounter another long, steep ascent to a small pass before gently descending to Tsarang village, an approximately 3-hour trek. Upon arrival, we are greeted by a large Chhörten at the village entrance, as well as an Old Palace and Tsarang Gompa, which we will visit later in the evening. We will spend the night at a lodge in Tsarang.
Day 8:-Tsarang to Lo-Manthang 3840m 4-5 hours.
From Tsarang, the trail descends approximately 100 meters and crosses the Tsarang–Chu (Tsarang River). It then ascends steeply up a rocky trail to reach a cairn on a ridge, from where it continues to climb gently. Along the way, you’ll encounter a large isolated Chorten (Buddhist shrine) and cross a stream. Continuing onwards, you’ll reach the Lo-La pass at an altitude of 3950 meters, offering panoramic views of the walled city of Lo-Manthang.
After descending for a while, the trail crosses another stream and ascends once more, eventually leading you to Lo-Manthang. Here, you’ll find various amenities such as the school, health post, police check post, and several significant chortens (Buddhist stupas).
Day 9:-Acclimatization Day or Resting Day.
Today, we have two enticing options to explore the forbidden kingdom. The first option is a hike to Chhoser Village, which takes approximately 7-8 hours round trip. Along this route, we can visit numerous caves and a cave monastery. We should carry packed lunches for this excursion.
Alternatively, we can opt for a shorter hike of 2-3 hours to Namgyal Monastery. This monastery offers a unique and enriching experience.
After completing our chosen hike, we will have the opportunity to explore other monasteries in Lo-Manthang or indulge in some shopping. We will spend the night at a lodge in Lo-Manthang.
Day 10:-Lo-Manthang to Yara 3900m, 6-7 hours.
After breakfast, we commence our trek by departing from the village, ascending gently until we arrive at Day-La, which typically takes about 1 hour. This marks the final point from which we can admire the view of Lo-Manthang. Continuing on, we trek for approximately 3 hours to reach Dhi village.
From Dhi village, we begin a descent lasting around 1 hour, where we will break for lunch. Following lunch, we cross a small Khola (stream) and embark on a short, steep climb to Yara village, which takes about 1 and a half hours. Along the way, we’ll observe numerous caves within the stone walls. We will spend the night at a lodge or home stay in Yara village.
Day 11:-Acclimatization Day:
Today, we embark on an excursion to Luri Gompa, focusing our morning on the Luri Cave Monastery. Beginning in the morning, we continue along the river route towards Luri cave Monastery, which entails approximately 2 hours of trekking. En route, we encounter two monasteries. We first visit the one situated below Luri Cave Monastery. Following this, a short, steep ascent of about 30 minutes brings us to Luri Cave Monastery, the oldest and most renowned cave monastery in the Mustang region, constructed in the 15th century. Perched at an elevation of 4005 meters, this monastery boasts a large Old Chhörten (Buddhist shrine) and numerous images and statues of Protectors and Deities. Within the cave, there is also a highly sacred religious text that remains closed at all times.
After exploring the Luri Cave Monastery, we begin our return journey via Ghara Village, where we will pause for lunch. Following lunch, we make our way back to Yara, where we will spend the night at a lodge or home stay.
Day 12:-Yara to Tangya 3240m, 6-7 hours
Today’s trek is challenging and lengthy, so we begin our journey very early in the morning. We start with a short but steep ascent, followed by a long flat stretch lasting approximately 1 hour. Afterward, the trail takes a steep descent to Dechhyang Khola, originating from Damodar Kunda, a journey of about 30 minutes. Along this path, we encounter Saligrames, black fossils of marine animals, scattered throughout.
Continuing on, we face another steep ascent, leading us to the top of the pass, a trek of approximately 2 and a half hours. From there, we embark on another climb lasting about 30 minutes, where we will stop for our packed lunch break.
After lunch, the trail undulates, with sections of ascent and descent lasting approximately 1 and a half hours. Eventually, we find ourselves on a vast plateau, which we traverse to reach Tangya village. Along the way, we’ll encounter several large Chhörtens (Buddhist shrines). We will spend the night at a lodge or home stay in Tangya village.
Day 13:-Tangya to Chhusang 2980m,8-9 hours
Today’s trek is another long day, so once again we start early in the morning. Leaving the village behind, we cross a suspension bridge and follow a short river route. After crossing the river, we embark on a steep climb that leads us to a small pass, a journey of about 3 hours.
From the pass, the trail continues straight to Pha (shelter house), where we will stop for our packed lunch. After our break, we resume our trek, crossing many small passes until we reach the top of a hill, a trek of about 2 hours.
From the hilltop, the trail descends steeply, and we may encounter strong winds along the way until we reach Chhusang village. Here, we are rewarded with a superb view of Nilgiri Himal, Dhaulagiri I, Tukuche Peak, and other snow-capped peaks. We will spend the night at a lodge in Chhusang village.