Upper Mustang (Forbidden Kingdom) Trek

Your Upper Mustang adventure begins the moment you land. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will be there to welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. Settle in, rest up, and soak in the first flavours of Nepal — the evening is yours to unwind before the journey ahead.

After breakfast, board a comfortable luxury tourist bus and set off on the scenic highway to Pokhara. The route winds through the Trishuli River valley with a refreshing stop at Malekhu — famous for its fresh fish and riverside snacks. Watch the hills open up as you roll into Pokhara by evening, ready to explore the lakeside city.

Rise early for a thrilling mountain flight from Pokhara to Jomsom — a short hop with jaw-dropping Himalayan views. Landing in the wind-swept Mustang gateway, you'll gear up and begin your trek north along the Kali Gandaki riverbed toward Kagbeni, the last village before the restricted zone. The whitewashed houses and ancient monastery here set the perfect tone for what lies ahead.

Crossing into the restricted Upper Mustang zone, the landscape transforms dramatically — barren cliffs, sculpted ravines, and a raw Tibetan plateau stretch before you. Trek through the riverside settlement of Chusang before a steady climb brings you to Chele, a small hilltop village perched above the valley. The terrain is rugged and the altitude begins to bite, but the views make every step worthwhile.

A rewarding day of trekking through Upper Mustang's signature terrain — wind-eroded cliffs, hidden caves, and ancient chortens dotting the trail. The path climbs through juniper forests and crosses high ridges offering sweeping views of the Himalayan range before descending into Samar, a peaceful village nestled in a quiet valley—one of the trek's most visually striking days.

The trail climbs steadily from Samar, crossing high ridges and open plateaus before passing through Syanboche – a small settlement with big Himalayan views. The path continues through dramatic wind-carved landscapes, mani walls, and scattered chortens as you descend into Ghiling, one of Upper Mustang's larger villages. A long but deeply rewarding day on the trail.

The trail heads north from Ghiling, passing through Ghami—home to one of the longest mani walls in the entire Mustang region and worth a pause to take it all in. Continuing onwards, the landscape shifts into something truly cinematic as you descend into Dhakmar, a village of striking red cliffs steeped in local legend—a culturally rich and visually unforgettable day on the trail.

The most anticipated day of the trek. Set off from Dhakmar with a packed lunch in hand as the trail climbs to Morang La Pass, rewarding you with sweeping views across the Mustang plateau. The descent leads you into the legendary walled city of Lo Manthang — the ancient capital of the Mustang Kingdom. Cobblestone alleys, royal palaces, and centuries-old monasteries await. A day that simply cannot be overstated.

A day to breathe in the magic of Lo Manthang at a slower pace. Morning takes you out to the fascinating Koncho Ling cave complex — ancient rock-cut chambers carved into the cliffside that offer a rare glimpse into Mustang's mysterious past. Return to Lo Manthang by afternoon with time to wander the walled city, visit monasteries, and soak in the living heritage of this extraordinary medieval kingdom.

A second day of discovery around the ancient capital. Today's excursion leads you to the remarkable Chhosar cave complex — a labyrinth of man-made caves etched into dramatic cliffs that once served as dwellings, meditation retreats, and hideouts across centuries. Return to Lo Manthang by afternoon, with the evening free to explore the city's narrow lanes, local markets, and timeless monastery courtyards.

Leaving the walled city behind, the trail heads south through open plateau country with the Himalayan giants keeping watch on the horizon. Pass through Dhi Gaun, a quiet and traditional Mustang settlement, before continuing on to Yara — a remote village that sees very few trekkers and feels genuinely off the beaten path. A peaceful, unhurried day with authentic Upper Mustang at its purest.

A remarkable out-and-back day from Yara. The trail passes through the small settlement of Ghara before reaching Luri Gompa — one of Upper Mustang's most extraordinary hidden gems, a cave monastery with stunning 14th-century Buddhist murals carved into a towering cliff face. Few trekkers ever make it here, making this one of the most rewarding and exclusive experiences the entire trek has to offer. Return to Yara by evening.

The trail winds south from Yara through Dhy, a traditional village known for its distinct Mustang character, before passing the sacred Saligram fossil site — where ancient ammonite fossils embedded in the riverbed hold deep religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Continue on to Tange, a welcoming village with warm teahouses and sweeping valley views to close out the day.

An adventurous day crossing the high Paa Pass with a packed lunch in hand. The ascent offers dramatic views across the Upper Mustang plateau before the trail descends steeply through raw, wind-sculpted terrain back toward the Kali Gandaki valley. Arrive in Chhusang, where the towering canyon walls and riverside setting mark a striking contrast to the open highland country left behind. A genuinely exhilarating day on the trail.

The trail climbs from Chhusang to the Gyu La Pass with sweeping views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges before descending to Muktinath — one of Nepal's most sacred pilgrimage sites, revered by both Hindus and Buddhists for its eternal flame and 108 holy water spouts.

A relatively easy day to close out the trekking. The trail descends through the Kali Gandaki valley with the towering walls of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri flanking either side — the world's deepest gorge at its most impressive. Arrive in Jomsom by afternoon, a welcome rest before the journey home begins.

An early morning flight from Jomsom brings you back to Pokhara in under 30 minutes — trading mountain trails for lakeside bliss. The rest of the day is entirely yours. Stroll along Phewa Lake, browse the vibrant Lakeside strip, or simply sit back and let the memories of Upper Mustang sink in. You've earned it.

Back in Kathmandu, the evening is one to remember. Travories hosts a special farewell dinner complete with a live cultural performance — traditional music, dance, and the warmth of Nepali hospitality as a fitting send-off. It's a moment to celebrate the journey, share stories with fellow trekkers, and toast to the mountains. Until the next adventure — see you again soon!

Your Upper Mustang adventure comes to a close. Our team will transfer you from your hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport with plenty of time before your flight. It's a fond farewell from the Travories family — we hope the mountains have left their mark on you. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal soon.