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
Upper Mustang Circuit Trek – 18 Days | Into the Forbidden Kingdom
Trip Overview Journey to the "Last Forbidden Kingdom" with Seven Peak Expedition. The 18-Day Upper Mustang Circuit Trek takes you beyond the mountains into the trans-Himalayan desert of Nepal, bordering Tibet. This is not just a trek; it is a time-travel experience to an ancient Buddhist realm of walled cities, sky caves, and red cliffs.
Our extended 18-day itinerary ensures you have ample time to explore the walled capital of Lo Manthang, visit the famous Tiji Festival (if booked in May), and return via the dramatic Dhakmar route to complete a true circuit.
- Activity: Airport pick-up by the Seven Peak Expedition team.
- Details: Transfer to your hotel. Evening trek briefing and introduction to your Sherpa guide.
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
- Activity: Guided tour of UNESCO Heritage Sites (Boudhanath, Pashupatinath).
- Logistics: While you tour, our office team will finalize your Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, which requires your original passport.
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
- Duration: 7 hours (Tourist Bus).
- Details: A scenic journey along the Prithvi Highway.
- Alternate: Flight upgrade available upon request (25 mins).
- Overnight: Hotel near Phewa Lake, Pokhara.
- Flight: 20 mins (Early morning). | Trek: 3 hours.
- Details: The flight offers spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. In Jomsom, we meet our porters and trek up the windy Kali Gandaki valley to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang.
- Highlight: Explore the medieval alleys of Kagbeni and the Red Monastery.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Kagbeni.
- Trek: 6 hours.
- Details: We show our permits at the checkpoint and officially enter the Forbidden Kingdom. The trail follows the riverbank, passing curious caves and the village of Tangbe with its white-washed houses.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Chele.
- Trek: 6–7 hours.
- Details: A tougher day with climbs over two passes: Taklam La (3,624m) and Dajori La (3,735m).
- Highlight: Views of Tilicho Peak and Damodar Danda. Also, visit the "Ramchung Cave."
- Overnight: Teahouse in Syangboche.
- Trek: 5–6 hours.
- Details: Cross the Yamda La (3,850m) and Nyi Pass (4,010m). Descend into Ghami, the third-largest village in the region, surrounded by vast fields of buckwheat.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Ghami.
- Trek: 5–6 hours.
- Details: Walk past Nepal’s longest Mani Wall (prayer stone wall). The trail leads to Tsarang, home to a massive 5-story white fortress (Dzong) and a red Gompa.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Tsarang.
- Trek: 4–5 hours.
- Details: We cross the Lo La Pass (3,950m) for the first emotional glimpse of the walled city of Lo Manthang on the plateau below.
- Arrival: Enter the city walls and check into your guest house.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Lo Manthang.
- Activity: Hike or Horse Riding (Optional).
- Details: Journey north to the Tibetan border to visit the famous Chhoser Sky Caves and the Jhong Cave complex, which has over 40 rooms carved high into the cliff face.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Lo Manthang.
- Activity: Cultural Tour.
- Details: Spend the day inside the walls visiting the four major Gompas: Jampa, Thubchen, Chodey, and Choprang. View the exterior of the Royal Palace.
- Highlight: Observe the traditional Amchi (Tibetan Doctor) museum and school.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Lo Manthang.
- Trek: 6–7 hours.
- Details: Instead of returning the same way, we take the western route.
- Highlight: Visit Ghar Gompa (8th Century), famous for its Nyingma-pa scriptures. Continue to Dhakmar, famous for its stunning red cliffs which legends say are stained with the blood of a demon.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Dhakmar.
Trek: 5–6 hours.
Details: A scenic walk battling the famous Mustang wind. We descend to Ghiling, a village with excellent views of Nilgiri Himal.
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghiling.
- Trek: 5 hours.
- Details: Retrace the trail back towards Samar. Enjoy the cool streams and poplar trees.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Samar.
- Trek: 6–7 hours.
- Details: A long descent back to the Kali Gandaki riverbed. We check out of the Restricted Area at Kagbeni.
- Overnight: Teahouse in Kagbeni.
Trek: 3–4 hours.
Details: An easy morning walk to Jomsom.
Afternoon: Celebration dinner with the trekking crew. Try the local apple brandy (Marpha).
Overnight: Teahouse in Jomsom.
- Flight: 20 mins.
- Details: Early morning flight back to Pokhara. Transfer to hotel.
- Free Time: Relax at the spa or shop for souvenirs.
- Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara.
Drive: 7 hours.
Details: Return to Kathmandu.
Evening: Final departure transfer or overnight (depending on flight schedule).