Trip Information:
The Upper Mustang Circuit Trek is a journey into the once-forbidden kingdom of Lo, located in the rain-shadow region of the Himalayas near the Tibetan border. This culturally and geographically unique region offers desert-like landscapes, red-walled monasteries, ancient cave dwellings, and medieval villages that preserve centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist culture.
The trek follows a circular route starting and ending in Jomsom, leading through Kagbeni, Lo Manthang (the walled capital), and returning via a different trail, making it a full circuit. Due to its restricted status, a special permit is required, limiting the number of visitors and preserving the area’s authenticity and mystique.
Highlights:
- Explore the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of the former Mustang Kingdom
- Walk through dramatic landscapes of wind-carved canyons, rock formations, and arid valleys
- Visit centuries-old monasteries, cave dwellings, and Tibetan Buddhist shrines
- Experience authentic Tibetan-influenced culture, traditions, and architecture
- Cross mountain passes with panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and more
- Trek through restricted and preserved regions with minimal tourist traffic
- Enjoy the spiritual and cultural aura of a hidden Himalayan kingdom
- Altitude: 1,400m
- Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and transfer to your hotel.
- Altitude: 840m
- Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara.
- Duration: Approximately 6-7 hours.
- Jomsom Altitude: 2,720m
- Kagbeni Altitude: 2,800m
- Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, then trek to Kagbeni.
- Trek Details: 2-3 hours, 10 km, ↑200m ↓100m.
- Altitude: 3,050m
- Trek from Kagbeni to Chele, officially entering the Mustang region.
- Trek Details: 6-7 hours, 14 km, ↑650m ↓400m.
- Altitude: 3,800m
- Trek from Chele to Syangboche, visiting Chungsi Cave en route.
- Trek Details: 7-8 hours, 13 km, ↑1,250m ↓550m.
- Altitude: 3,520m
- Trek from Syangboche to Ghami, crossing the Nyi La pass.
- Trek Details: 4-5 hours, 11 km, ↑400m ↓650m.
- Altitude: 3,560m
- Trek from Ghami to Tsarang, passing through Dhakmar.
- Trek Details: 6-7 hours, 11 km, ↑500m ↓500m.
- Chogo La Altitude: 4,280m
- Lo Manthang Altitude: 3,840m
- Trek from Tsarang to Lo Manthang, visiting Ghar Gumba and crossing Chogo La. Afternoon exploration in Lo Manthang.
- Trek Details: 7-8 hours, 18 km, ↑800m ↓500m.
- Altitude: 3,840m (Excursion to 4,220m)
- Visit the main monasteries and the old summer palace in Lo Manthang.
- Dhi La Altitude: 3,950m
- Dhi Altitude: 3,400m
- Yara Gaon Altitude: 3,600m
- Trek from Lo Manthang to Yara Gaon via Dhi La and Dhi.
- Trek Details: 5 hours, 15 km, ↑600m ↓800m.
- Altitude: 3,350m
- Trek from Yara Gaon to Tangge.
- Trek Details: 6 hours, 15 km, ↑700m ↓950m.
- Altitude: 3,050m
- Trek from Tangge to Tetang, passing through Paha and Chusang.
- Trek Details: 9-10 hours, 25 km, ↑1,300m ↓1,600m.
Altitude: 3,050m
Trek from Tangge to Tetang, passing through Paha and Chusang.
Trek Details: 9-10 hours, 25 km, ↑1,300m ↓1,600m.
- Altitude: 2,750m
- Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom.
- Trek Details: 6 hours, 19 km, ↑400m ↓1,450m.
- Altitude: 850m
- Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and overnight at the hotel.
Altitude: 850m
Rest and reserve day at Phewa Lake in Pokhara.
- Altitude: 1,400m
- Fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara.
Depart from Kathmandu on your return flight home