Upper Mustang Trekking Expedition

Day 1 – Arriving in Kathmandu

Svāgata cha or welcome to Nepal! As soon as you arrive in Kathmandu, a friendly face will be there to greet you at the airport and whisk you to your hotel. You’ll have a sneak preview of the capital, starting with the buzzing energy of its streets. .

This evening, stroll into the heart of Kathmandu’s famed Thamel neighbourhood. This is where history overlaps with  the lively trade from stalls overflowing with souvenirs, ripened fruits and mouth-watering street food. 

While we’re sure you’re already well prepared for the trek ahead, Thamel is also where many hikers and mountaineers shop for gear as they set off on their own journeys. As you walk past gear shops, you realise that you’re now part of the huge community of people whose adventures all share this starting point.  And then there’s you, and your small group of adventurous women, ready to finally get to know each other.

Cap off Day 1 with a welcome dinner – you’ll finally meet your Camino crew and local guide, enjoy a taste of local Nepali food and get excited for the journey ahead.

Accommodation: Hotel Barahi or similar, Kathmandu
Included: Dinner

Day 2 – Kirtipur and Local Culture

Your morning walk takes you to the historic Durbar Square which boasts the nickname “The Museum of Temples”. You might wonder how a square could double as a museum, but you’ll quickly discover that the title is well-earned. This square is home to over fifty temples and palaces of architectural and spiritual importance.

And that’s all before lunchtime! You’ll then set off on a trip to the town of Kirtipur for a close look (and taste!) into Newari culture. 

Lunchtime today is extra special: you’ll be welcomed into a homestay run by local women. They’ll share a meal with you, and a glimpse into the traditions and lives of the Newari women. A moment of real connection between women from different corners of the world with a side of delicious homemade food! Talk about a perfect lunch date. 

Later, you’ll return to your hotel to relax, repack and gather your energy for the next step of your trip.

Accommodation: Hotel Barahi or similar, Kathmandu
Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 – Pokhara

A flight is the first of many different modes of transport today. Leave Kathmandu behind and fly off towards Pokhara.

Before you know it, you’ll be dumping your bags at the hotel for a boat ride on Phewa Lake. Prepare to be awed by the Tal Bahari temple which seems to rise from the water on a small island in the lake. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Bahari – it’s said to be a manifestation of Ajima, a group of goddesses in the Newar pantheon, and a symbol of female power. It’s sure to inspire you for your journey ahead!

Speaking of inspiration, the final stop of your day is the International Mountain Museum where you’ll hear real-life stories of daring mountain-climbing feats and the history of mountaineering. 

You’re bound to end your day feeling empowered and motivated for the trek that awaits.

Accommodation: Mount Kailash Resort or similar, Pokhara
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 4 – Adventure On The Way to Kagbeni 

Fasten your seatbelt. Today’s adventure takes you on the windy, bumpy road towards Kagbeni. Prepare to get your first taste of feeling like a real adventurer as you head to the starting point of your trek.  

Every single winding turn of the road is worth it for all the sights you’ll pass on your eight-hour ride. There’s Kali Gandaki Gorge- one of the deepest in the world – and the striking peaks of Dhaulagiri with Annapurna to its east and west. 

And just when you think you’ve had your fill of uttering wow under your breath for the day, you’ll arrive at Kagbeni. Like stepping into a snapshot of the past, you’ll be surrounded by narrow alleyways, brick houses and prayer flags at every corner. 

Kagbeni is a village with deep salt trade route history which still echoes in its culture and down its winding streets as they welcome you for the night. 

Accommodation: Local Tea House, Kagbeni
Included: Breakfast

Day 5 – The Trek Begins

You’ll walk along the Kali Gandaki River, tracing the centuries-old trade routes once travelled by caravans between Nepal and Tibet.

Pass through the village of Tangbe, home to the Tangbetani – an ethnic community native to the Mustang region. Today, the village houses just over thirty households, but its deep connection to the  trade route history makes it an unforgettable stop in your journey.

Tangbe is also home to a few Buddhist shrines known locally as chortens, a sight which will become more common as you ascend towards Choile. Further up on your ascent, you’ll begin to notice more Tibetan influences as you pass more chortens and prayer wheels.

Accommodation: Local Tea House, Choile
Included: Breakfast

Day 6 – The Steep Road to Chunsgi Cave Monastery

As you set off on your hike today, know that you’re in for a challenging trek but that you’ll also be rewarded with head-turning views and deeper layers of Himalayan history..

Ascend past steep ridges, stark rock formations and deep canyons on your way to the Chungsi Cave Monastery, a meditation site carved into the cliffs. Legend has it that even Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism himself, meditated here. 

Looking out at the rocky cliffs and the prayer flags that flutter across the carved cave walls, it’s not hard to imagine how such a place can inspire reverence. 

Continuing your ascent even further, you’ll reach the remote settlement of Syangboche, your resting spot for the night. Watch the sunset paint the rugged cliffs that surround you in an awe-inspiring bright orange, and then retire into the tea house for a well-earned night’s rest.

Accommodation: Local Tea House, Syangboche
Included: Breakfast

Day 7 – Dhakmar

On your way, you will pass Ghami, the largest village in the area and home to the Ghami Mani Wall. The mani wall is inscribed with Tibetan prayers and is one of the longest in Nepal.

The next part of your trek will present you with a new challenge: a suspension bridge over a deep gorge which will reward you with a truly amazing view (if you dare to look down)! Once you’ve conquered the bridge, continue towards Dhakmar and its bright red cliffs. Legend claims they get their colour from the blood of a demon defeated by the Buddhist guru, Padmasambhava. 

It’s not hard to believe how demons and gods would have walked the road you walked today! As you settle down to rest for the night, your local guide will treat you to more legends and you’ll perhaps drift off to dreams of red cliffs, deep gorges and ancient deities.

Accommodation: Local Tea House, Dhakmar
Included: Breakfast

Day 8 – The Windy Walk to Ghar Gompa

Pull out your buff or scarf and prepare for the windy hike towards Ghar Gompa, the oldest monastery in the region. Seeing Ghar Gompa for yourself makes the strong winds and the accompanying dust all worth it. 

The monastery is believed to have been built by Padmasambhava in the 8th century, and legends claim that it can fulfil the wishes of visitors with a pure heart. Breathe in the butter lamps and incense, behold the murals on the walls, and imagine for a moment all the people before you who have made the same journey – with faith and a wish to pray for. 

You will then face the windy descent towards your final stop for the day, the village of Tsarang. Alive with local history, Tsarang welcomes you with its still-standing white dzong and Red Gompa, and offers you a warm, cosy place to rest for the night at a local tea house.

Accommodation: Local Tea House, Tsarang
Included: Breakfast

Day 9 – Lo Manthang

The village of Tsarang, with its Lo Mustang (Tibetan influenced) architecture, stands as a living memory of the region’s past as an independent kingdom. So far you’ve only scratched the surface, but today you’ll go elbows’ deep into the Mustang Kingdom and its culture..

After waving goodbye to Tsarang, you’ll head off on a relatively short trek towards Lo Manthang, the former capital of the Kingdom.

Spend your afternoon exploring the walled city of Lo Manthang – aka the ‘Forbidden City’ – where the preserved mud-brick buildings and King’s Palace bring the history of the Mustang region to life. You can almost hear the footsteps of royalty and monks, mingling with the chanting of devotees.  

To deepen your connection to Lo Manthang’s culture even further, you’ll finish your evening with a  traditional performance by a local women’s group.

Accommodation: Local Tea House, Lo Manthang
Included: Breakfast

Day 10 – Chhoser Village

This morning in Lo Manthang finds you at a crossroads – where you get to pick your own adventure for the day. 

If yesterday’s glimpse of Lo Manthang’s local life left you wishing to slow down, relax and take in every tiny hidden corner of this historic place, you can opt to spend the day doing just that. There’s plenty of time tonight to reunite with your Camino crew. 

But if a good night’s rest has you itching for more adventuring right away, join your guide for a hike to Chhoser Village. The village is home to the famous and mysterious Jhong Cave, a 2,500-year-old complex of tunnels and chambers carved into the cliffs that once served as homes, granaries and places of worship.

Regardless of how you choose to spend your day, you’ll finish it up with a gorgeous sunset and warm dinner at the tea house back in Lo Manthang.

Accommodation: Local Tea House, Lo Manthang
Included: Breakfast

Day 11 – Kali Gandaki Valley

Another challenging trek day as you descend into the Kali Gandaki valley. The harsh landscape that surrounds you will treat you to the kind of views that are truly hard to put into words: windswept canyons, striking cliffs and the sense that it’s just you and nature.  

By now you’re walking on trails that are nearly unpopulated, but before the remoteness turns into something juuust this side of almost-lonely, you’ll reach your final stop for the day: the quiet, welcoming village of Yara. You’ll go to sleep in a local tea house, surrounded by towering rock formations, perfectly at peace with how far away you are from the rest of the world.

Accommodation: Local Tea House, Yara
Included: Breakfast

Day 12 – Exploring Yara & Luri Gompa

It’s Day 12 already and this morning Yara greets you with sunrise and the pleasure of knowing you get to slow down today. 

Spend your day exploring Yara and especially its crowning jewel Luri Gompa, one of the oldest and best preserved monasteries in all of Mustang. 

Built into a cliff face, Luri Gompa is home to some of the best-kept Buddhist murals, wrapping the walls and ceiling so that Tibetan deities and legendary myths almost step out of the wall to greet you.  What a peaceful yet deeply personal way to connect firsthand with the region’s lore!

Accommodation: Local Tea House, Yara
Included: Breakfast

Day 13 – A Challenging Trek

You’re back on the road, rested and ready to face today’s challenging hike towards Tangge. 

You’ll follow steep, narrow trails into the very heart of Upper Mustang and some of its wildest, most remote lands. 

Once again, your sense of awe that it really is just you and nature in this extremely remote spot will accompany you on the most challenging – and yet most rewarding – part of your trek yet. 

Finally, you and your weary muscles will arrive in Tangge. This  village is deeply rooted in salt trade importance and its traditions are preserved in its white-washed chortens – a symbol of Tangge’s spiritual connection with travellers – and tonight you’re one of those travellers.

Accommodation: Local Tea House, Tangge
Included: Breakfast

Day 14 – The Trek Continues

As you progress in your trek, each day presents a new, growing challenge and today is no different. 

You’ll start the day early and set off on a remote, isolated hike through some of the most beautiful scenes yet. Your trek will feature several passes with wide-angled views of the Himalayan ranges which you’ll simply have to stop in your tracks and take in. 

You’ll enjoy your trusty packed lunch with pinch-me-worthy views of the Paa cliffs. Rest up a little while and  prepare for the remainder of today’s trek. 

During your afternoon descent, the stark landscape will gradually transform and eventually you’ll glimpse the meeting of two rivers. Welcome to the gateway between Upper and Lower Mustang. Breathe in that mountain air and exhale with a sense of achievement; you’ve made it to Chhusang! It’s the perfect spot to rest your feet, fuel up and prepare for the biggest day of your trek in the morning.

Accommodation: Local Tea House, Chhusang
Included: Breakfast

Day 15 – The Ascend To Gyu La Pass

It’s here. Today, you’ll reach the highest point of your journey as you ascend Gyu La Pass. 

You’ll trek through a steep climb and surprising weather changes but it’s nothing that you and your well-packed, peak-ready layers aren’t prepared for. 

As you reach the 4,077-metre peak, every gust of wind and sudden chill will have been worth it for the heart-stopping panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and the surrounding peaks in the distance. 

Allow yourself to really stand here, at the very peak of your trek, and take in that you’ve made it all the way – and that you get to experience such a great height.

It’s enough to make you emotional, and as you descend into Muktinath you may feel even more struck by this trek’s spiritual significance. Only fitting, you’ll end your journey visiting Muktinath Temple. This pilgrimage site is shared by Hindus and Buddhists and it’s believed to grant moksha (liberation) to those who visit. After the day you’ve successfully endured, it’s easy to understand how such a place has become so important to so many.

Accommodation: Local Tea House, Muktinath
Included: Breakfast

Day 16 – Kalopani

Today you’ll wake up to a feeling of achievement. Congratulations, you made it! It’s an amazing feat which you get to celebrate with your Camino tribe as you head off on a drive towards Kalopani, following the Kali Gandaki river on your way.

Your midday stop is in Marpha, a village known for its apple orchards and especially its local apple brandy. You’ll get to explore the village, have an apple-flavoured taste of local goods, and maybe even carry on your way with a crispy Marpha apple and a slurp of the good stuff for the road. 

Kalopani and its quiet, serene surroundings will welcome you for a well-earned good night’s rest.

Accommodation: Local Tea House, Kalopani
Included: Breakfast

Day 17 – Back To Pokhara

Spend your morning taking in (and okay, maybe taking heaps of pictures) of the wondrous Kalopani before you head back on the road. Today, you leave your trekking self behind, at least for now, as you take the long, winding drive back to Pokhara. 

While the trekking part of your adventure is behind you, your journey isn’t quite done just yet. You’ll arrive in Pokhara with enough time to explore the lakeside city some more, treat yourself to a delicious local meal and make more memories along Phewa Lake.

Accommodation: Mount Kailash Resort or similar, Pokhara
Included: Breakfast

Day 18 – Return to Kathmandu

It’s hard to say, but this really, really is your final day of this journey.

Your morning flight will take you back to Kathmandu where it all started. Day 1 seems like a lifetime ago and you’ll probably return to the city feeling like a completely different person. 

Some melancholy might start to creep in but there’s still a full day of adventuring to enjoy to the fullest. Get yourself some keepsakes and souvenirs or even treat yourself to a nice long massage (we bet your body will thank you)! 

In the evening, reunite with your group for one final shared meal. Enjoy your farewell dinner, remember to trade contacts with your newfound friends and take a few final photos with everyone.

Accommodation: Hotel Barahi or similar, Kathmandu
Included: Breakfast and Dinner

Day 19 – Goodbye, Friends!

It’s time to check out and head to the airport. Say a final Namaste to your trek mates and squeeze in a hug or two. 

As the plane takes off and you peek one last aerial view of Kathmandu, you’ll set off into the skies with new memories, achievements and dreams of many more adventures to come.`

Included: Breakfast