Upper Mustang Trek: The Red Cliff & Cave Circuit

Our team will meet you at Tribhuvan International Airport for a private transfer to your hotel in Thamel. In the afternoon, we conduct a formal trip briefing and document collection. Since Upper Mustang is a restricted region, we will finalize your Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and ACAP today. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant to meet your fellow travelers and guide.

After breakfast, we provide a private transfer to the tourist bus station. You’ll board a deluxe tourist bus for a scenic 7-8 hour drive along the Trishuli River. Enjoy views of terraced farms and rural villages with a scheduled stop for lunch. Upon arriving in Lakeside, Pokhara, our team will transfer you to your hotel. Relax by Phewa Lake and enjoy a final briefing as we prepare to fly into the rain-shadow of the Himalayas tomorrow!

Our team provides a sunrise transfer to Pokhara Airport for the breathtaking 20-minute flight to Jomsom Airport. This aerial journey flies through the world’s deepest gorge, flanked by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. After meeting your full trekking crew at the airport, we begin a gentle 3–4 hour trek along the wind-whipped Kali Gandaki riverbed.

Today we officially enter the restricted Upper Mustang region. After checking permits, we trek north along the Kali Gandaki riverbed, passing through the beautiful village of Chhusang with its iconic red cliffs and ancient sky caves. After crossing a natural rock bridge, we tackle a short, steep climb to Chele Village (3,050m). Enjoy the shift into traditional Tibetan-style architecture and stunning canyon views during this 5–6 hour journey.

Today features a steady ascent as we leave the river valley. We cross two high passes, Taklam La (3,624m) and Dajori La (3,735m), offering spectacular views of Tilicho Peak and the Damodar Himal. The trail then descends into Samar, a beautiful oasis of poplar trees and a historic stop for Himalayan traders. This 4–5 hour trek immerses you deeper into the high-altitude desert. Ensure your windbreaker is ready for the afternoon gusts.

Leaving the greenery of Samar, we trek through a dramatic series of canyons. We ascend to Syangboche, crossing high ridges that offer stunning views of the Annapurna range. The trail then winds down into Ghiling, a picturesque village surrounded by extensive barley fields and home to an ancient, vibrant monastery. This 5–6 hour trek showcases the rugged beauty of Mustang's heart. Stay hydrated as the altitude and dry wind increase today.

Leaving Ghiling, we ascend toward the Nyi La Pass (4,010m), the highest point of the trek so far. From here, we descend into Ghami Village, where you’ll see the longest Mani wall in Mustang, covered in ancient prayer stones. The trail then leads us to Dhakmar, famous for its magnificent towering red cliffs that appear to glow in the afternoon sun. This 5–6 hour trek is a visual masterpiece of geological colors and Buddhist heritage.

Today we reach the highest point of our journey. We ascend the Marang La (Chogo La) Pass (4,230m), which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Mustang plateau and the massive Himalayan peaks.

On the descent, we stop at the 8th-century Ghar Gumba, one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in the world, known for its intricate murals. Finally, we reach the legendary walled city of Lo Manthang (3,840m). This 6–7 hour trek marks your triumphant entry into the ancient capital of the "Forbidden Kingdom."

Today we venture north toward the Tibetan border for a specialized exploration of the hidden cave complexes. Our destination is the remote Konchok Ling Cave, a significant archaeological site rediscovered by world-renowned explorers.

The trek takes you through rugged, colorful canyons to a cliffside cavern featuring rare 13th-century murals and Buddhist art. The path is narrow and requires a steady foot, but the reward is a quiet glimpse into the region’s deep spiritual past. Afterward, we return to the comforts of Lo Manthang for the night. This 6–7 hour round trip is a highlight for those seeking Mustang's most secluded treasures.

Today we journey north from Lo Manthang to the remarkable village of Chhoser. This 4–5 hour round trip explores the famous Shija Jhong Cave, a five-story ancient complex carved into a massive cliff featuring over 40 individual rooms. We’ll also visit the historic monasteries of the valley before returning to the walled city. The landscape is a stunning display of Mustang’s iconic high-altitude desert beauty. Enjoy a final evening exploring the hidden alleys of the capital.

Leaving the walled city of Lo Manthang, we trek toward the eastern part of Upper Mustang. The trail descends through a dramatic landscape of eroded canyons and yellow-sand cliffs to the small settlement of Dhi Gaun. After a lunch break, we cross the Kali Gandaki river and follow a winding path to Yara Village. This 6–7 hour trek offers some of the most surreal, desert-like scenery in the region. Rest well tonight before exploring the nearby Luri Gumba.

Today is dedicated to one of the most spiritual and architecturally unique sites in Upper Mustang, Nepal. We take a short but steep 3–4 hour round-trip hike from Yara to visit the 14th-century Ruri Gumba.

This "cave monastery" is perched high in a cliffside and houses ancient Buddhist frescoes and a sacred chorten. The intricate artwork and the absolute silence of this remote sanctuary offer a profound sense of peace. After exploring the caves, we return to the same lodge in Yara for a well-deserved afternoon of rest.

Leaving Yara, we embark on one of the most challenging yet rewarding sections of the Upper Mustang Trek. The trail crosses high, wind-swept plateaus with stark, celestial landscapes before a steep descent into the Dechhyang Khola. After crossing the river, we tackle a final ascent to reach the remote village of Tangge. This 7–8 hour journey offers isolation and raw natural beauty. Enjoy the unique cluster of large, traditional chortens that welcome you into this authentic Mustang settlement.

Leaving Tangge Village, Upper Mustang Click to open side panel for more information early, we begin the long trek toward the Paa La Pass (4,210m). This challenging ascent offers expansive views across the Upper Mustang, Nepal Click to open side panel for more information plateau. After crossing the pass, we face a long descent through rugged canyons to reach Chhusang Click to open side panel for more information . This 9–10 hour journey is the final major leg of the eastern circuit, requiring endurance but rewarding you with incredible geological vistas.

The final trekking day takes us from Chhusang toward the sacred grounds of Lower Mustang. We ascend the Gyu La Pass (4,070m), offering a magnificent panoramic view of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri massifs. After the pass, we descend into the holy valley of Muktinath Temple. This 6–7 hour journey marks a spiritual conclusion to the trek, joining the popular Annapurna Circuit trail. Rest your legs and soak in the divine atmosphere of the temple complex tonight.

We begin our final descent from Muktinath Temple, Nepal, heading back toward the Kali Gandaki valley. The trail passes through the ancient village of Jharkot, offering a last look at traditional Mustang architecture and vast apple orchards. As we reach the valley floor, we follow the riverbed back to Jomsom. This 5–6 hour walk is often windy in the afternoon, so we aim for an early arrival. Celebrate the completion of your trek with a final evening in the bustling hub of JOMSOM, MUSTANG.

We take an early morning transfer to Jomsom Airport for our scenic 20-minute flight back to Pokhara. This final aerial view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges serves as a magnificent farewell to the Mustang region. Upon landing, we transfer you to your lakeside hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by Phewa Lake or enjoying a well-earned celebratory meal. The short flight avoids a long, bumpy jeep ride, ending your adventure on a smooth and spectacular note.

After breakfast, we head back to Kathmandu. A 6–8 hour tourist bus journey along the Trishuli River to enjoy the rural landscapes of central Nepal. Upon arrival, we transfer you to your hotel. Spend your final evening shopping in Thamel or enjoying a traditional Nepali farewell dinner to celebrate your successful Upper Mustang journey.

Our team provides a private transfer from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your final departure. We ensure you arrive approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight to allow ample time for check-in and customs. As you head home, carry the memories of the "Forbidden Kingdom" and the vast, red-cliffed landscapes of Mustang with you. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Himalayas!