UPPER MUSTANG TREK

Sherpa Teams staff will be there to greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and take you to your hotel, followed by a briefing covering information and details of your trek. We will also answer any questions you have concerning the trek. Your safety and comfort are paramount.

Our journey begins with a 6-7 hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara Valley and its beautiful Phewa Tal (lake) and then checking in to your hotel - close to Phewa Tal. There is plenty to see and do along Lakeside with its many shops, bars and restaurants to choose from. You may also enjoy a boat ride on the lake.

Today we fly from Pokhara to Jomson – a 20 – 25-minute flight scenic flight with views of the famous Kali Gandaki Gorge (world’s deepest), along with views of several colossal peaks” Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Ranges and Machapuchare (Fishtail). After landing at Jomson we begin our trek heading to Kagbeni, about a 3-4 hour trek. Kagbeni is also the checkpoint where authorities will check your documents before you enter the restricted Upper Mustang region. Along the trail, we will have views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Tukuche Peak. We will stay the night at Kagbeni.

Today we head out early in order to avoid the high winds that develop later in the day. In the early morning light we can see Nilgiri that has an orange glow due to the sun’s reflection on it. We follow the east bank of the Kali Gandaki River until we enter the wide Chhusang Valley. After leaving Kagbeni we ascend giving us spectacular views of the village and Mt Nilgiri (7061m).The trail then heads east towards the more arid rugged and barren land common to the Mustang region. We soon reach the village of Tangbe with its red and whitewashed houses situated on the opposite banks of the river, and from here there are superb views over the Kali Gandaki River. High up the cliffs above the village are caves thought to have been home to the early inhabitants of this area. The trail then comes to Chele where we have views of the Himalayan Ranges. Tonight we will stay at Chele.

Today we will cross the rocky hills and eventually come to a stone cairn at 3540m at which point we descend to the small village of Samar with its chortens, stupa (religious– monuments), and other Buddhist structures. After leaving Samar we head down into a large canyon and then once again ascend to a 3800m ridge before again descending to the remote Shyangmochen Village and then head to Geling Village where we will stay the night.

From Geling we head up to Nyi La Pass (3932m) and then descend and follow the Tangmar Chu River past Mani stone walls (stones inscribed with Lamaist prayers). We then follow the trail to Charang Village with its huge five-story Dzong (monastery) and red Gompa (a type of monastery) and Thankas (forms of art).

Today the trail is mostly uphill as we first head to Lo-Gekar - home to one of the oldest Tibetan monasteries in the world. Lo-Gekar Gompa is older than the well known Samye Gompa in Tibet. After visiting Lo Gekar we travel by horse to Lo-Manthang. The trail takes us past the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang before descending to cross a stream before reaching Lo-Manthang.

Today we climb to Namgyal Gompa located at the top of a peak and then proceed to Tingkhar situated north-west of Lo Manthang. It is a small village consisting of about 40 houses.

Today the trail takes us up an altitude of 4070m and then heads to the Chogo La Pass (4320m), the highest point on our trek. We will then head downhill and cross the Charang River and make our way to Lo Gekar, passing the village of Ghar Gompa (3839m) with its Tibetan religious structures. After passing Ghar Gompa we follow the trail down to Drakmar.

Today we descend and pass the stone walls and fields of Drakmar before heading down again until we reach Ghami (3475m), then Jaite (3820m) and finally Chhung-Kah. From here we continue to Tama Gaon (3710m) and further downhill to Shyangmochen.

Our trail today follows a river to Chhusang, or an alternative route is to head to Samar and visit the Ranchung Caves. This route adds another 30 minutes to the trek.

Today we head out on the trail that leads to Chhusang Village and then heads up to the valley above where we can see Muktinath in the distance. We then continue through the valley, descending and crossing the river via a suspension bridge. This area is well known for fossils found in the Gandaki River (Shaligrams – black holy stones). As we continue along the trail we have breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Himalayan ranges.

After leaving Muktinath we pass through lush meadows, fruit trees, and streams, passing through Kagbeni before we reach Jomson situated in the Kali Gandaki Valley. Today we will take a short detour to Bon Punt Monastery in Lubra. Bon-Po has just 14 families and is one of the few Bonpo villages in Nepal. Bon Po is said to be older than traditional Buddhism. We will finally arrive at Kagbeni which has a well-deserved reputation for its horticulture industry –, especially apple orchards.

Today we will head to the small airport terminal at Jomson where we take a short 15 to 20-minute flight to Pokhara. Once airborne you will have some incredible views of the Himalayas. This evening you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a drink or two and look back on your amazing adventure through the Annapurna Conservation Area. You can walk along Lakeside or visit the World Peace Pagoda (clearly visible across Phewa Tal, the Bindabasini Temple, the Matepani Buddhist Monastery, the International Mountain Museum or take a ride out to Devi's Falls.

Today we head back on a 6 to 7-hour drive to Kathmandu with many warm memories of Nepal and its unique culture and geography. 

SherpaTeams staff will transfer you to the airport at least three hours prior to your final departure from Nepal. We hope that this epic trek will be firmly ingrained in your memory and will be enough to prompt you to consider your next trek with us!