The Mustang Valley trek takes adventurers to the ancient kingdom of Tibet in Mustang, northwest Nepal. This route is famous for its connection to the Muktinath pilgrimage site and Sherpa traditions, showcasing Tibetan culture. Jomsom, the valley’s administrative center, is one of Nepal’s windiest locations.
Historically restricted, Mustang lies north of the Annapurna Mountains at the Kali Gandaki River’s source, featuring rugged mountains, grazing yaks and goats, and deep gorges. The traditional paths remain largely untouched, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and rich traditions of ancient Tibet, with highlights including the Tsarang monastery and the historic walled city of Lo-Manthang.
The trek begins at Jomsom airport, passing through Kagbeni’s mud houses and narrow streets. Trekkers navigate the fertile Lo-Manthang valley, where local architecture features firewood stacks and sheep and yak horns, symbolizing social status. Monasteries from the 1420s, adorned with intricate mandalas, provide cultural insights, while Thungchengompa’s grand assembly halls enhance the experience.
A highlight of this trek is visiting King’s palace of Mustang and his royal family, learning about their history in this ancient region. You’ll explore upper Mustang and its two mysterious valleys, visiting key sites like the Mustang Late King’s summer palace and Namgyalgompa. This valley has long served as a vital trade route to Tibet. The Mustang Valley trek promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Trip Info
-
Hotel/Lodge
-
Spring/Auumn
-
3960m
-
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
-
Local Bus/Jeep
-
7-8 hours
-
Some places
-
17 days
Highlights
- This route is famous for its connection to the Muktinath pilgrimage site and Sherpa traditions, showcasing Tibetan culture.
Itinerary
Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight at a hotel
Meals, Welcome diner
Transport, private vehicle
After breakfast, we left for Pokhara, (by tourist bus). The city of Pokhara is best known to tourists for its lake, Fewa Tal, as well as the superb view of the Annapurna range and the famous Machhaphuchhare, the Matterhorn of Nepal. We have lunch on the road and during the day we start the visit and go boating on the lake.
Overnight at a hotel
Meals, Breakfast and lunch
Transport, private vehicle
Fly to Jomsom in the morning, then walk to Kagbeni. Explore this stunning Tibetan-style fortified village, which serves as the entryway to Upper Mustang. Spend the night at Kagbeni.
Flight duration, 20 min
Overnight at guest house
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and diner
Transport, Private vehicle (hotel to airport drop)
The entrance to Mustang’s kingdom. The Kali Gandaki dive. The village of Tangbe (3060m) is a stunning fortress with winding streets that are dominated by a series of striking chortens. When the first chortens painted in the distinctive colors of Mustang—the protective deities of Mustang—are discovered, they join the village of Chele in the riverbed and cross it, signaling the beginning of the Tibetan-influenced area. Spend the night at Chele.
Walking duration, 5 to 6 hours
Overnight at guest house
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and diner
A balcony path above a gorge leads to Samar, a typical village lined with poplars and surrounded by barley fields. A nice view of Annapurna and Nilgiri mountains. Go to Syangboche, an old caravanserai. Spend the night at Syangboche.
Walking duration, 5 to 6 hours
Overnight at guest house
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and diner
Descent into the Ghiling plain: a lovely village, a verdant oasis, and a red gompa with amazing architecture, particularly its magnificent and imposing line of chortens. Before arriving at Ghami and its clustered white houses on the edge of the Tsarang Chu canyon, there is a stunning view of the Mustang, the Annapurnas, and the Nilgiris from the Nya La pass. Spend the night at Ghami.
Walking duration, 6 hours
Overnight at guest house
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and diner
You can reach the village of Dhakmar at the foot of the red cliffs via a balcony path and a little steep, troglodyte cave. We descend from Dhakmar and climb to a pass from where we have a last view of Lo and the mountains of Tibet. We then have a short and easy stage in a desert landscape, a village clinging to the rock and an imposing monastery. Spend the night at Tsarang.
Walking duration, 6 hours
Overnight at guest house
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and diner
Tsarang is a beautiful village dominated by the old palace in ochre, blue, and white colors. You can visit the beautifully located monastery. Wander through the vast Thulung valley to the Lo (Day) La pass (3,950 m), from where dozens of prayer flags fly. From here, one can enjoy a magnificent view of Mustang’s capital and its surrounding areas, which were fortified by the ancient kingdom of Lo, including the summer palace of the king and three significant monasteries. Spend the night at Lo-Manthang.
Walking duration, 5 to 6 hours
Overnight at guest house
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and diner
Today, the ancient citadel was discovered along the cliffs in a desert setting. Explore the major landmarks and sites in the Lo Manthang area, including monasteries with exquisite mandalas and distinctive paintings. Spend the night in Lo-Manthang.
Walking duration, 4 to 5 hours
Overnight at guest house
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and diner
It is a steep descent, crossing the river, and arriving at Ghar Gompa, the old monastery. It is worth visiting this village. Continue your walk to Dhakmar via the Mui La pass (4170m). Spend the night at Dhakmar.
Walking duration, 6 to 7 hours
Overnight at guest house
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and diner
Between Ghami La and Nya La, there is a somewhat steep climb and descent before reaching Ghiling, which has a view of an old fortress. After that, you can visit the monastery. Spend the night at Ghiling.
Walking duration, 6 hours
Overnight at guest house
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and diner
After leaving Ghiling via Bhena La (3,838m), they made a gradual descent before climbing back up to Samar. Nice journey down to Chhusang. Spend the night at Chhusang.
Walking duration, 6 to 7 hours
Overnight at guest house
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and diner
To reach Muktinath, which is a Hindu temple, you need to climb a long and steep hill. But the view is amazing. You can see many mountains like Muktinath Range, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, Thapa Peak, and Nilgiri.
Walking duration, 6 hours
Overnight at guest house
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and diner
You can find the classic route to Jomsom via Eklo Bhatti. The panoramic view of Kali Gandaki is truly exceptional. Spend the night at Jomsom.
Walking duration, 5 hours
Overnight at guest house
Meals, Breakfast, lunch and diner
Return by jeep to Pokhara in 6 to 7 hours of driving. Transfer to the hotel in Pokhara.
Overnight at a hotel
Meals, Breakfast and lunch
Return to Kathmandu by tourist bus. Transfer at hotel.
Driving hours, 6 to 7 hours
Overnight at a hotel
Meals, Breakfast and lunch
Transport, Tourist bus
Transfer to the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your final departure.
Meals, Breakfast
Transport, private vehicle
