Step through the gate of the walled city of Lo Manthang into an ancient trans-Himalayan kingdom of eroded red canyon walls and preserved Buddhist monasteries.

Trip facts

Duration: 12 Days
Group size: 2 - 10 Travelers
Max altitude: 3,840m (Lo Manthang)
Difficulty: Moderate
Best season: March - November (rain-shadow trek, ideal even during monsoon!)
Start / end: Pokhara - Pokhara
Transport: Flight / 4WD Mountain Jeep to Jomsom & private jeep in Mustang
Meals: All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation: Traditional Tibetan-style guest houses

Overview

Upper Mustang, historically known as the Kingdom of Lo, was sealed off from the outside world until 1992. Situated in the rain-shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, it offers a stark, surreal high-desert landscape of wind-sculpted cliffs and centuries-old cave dwellings. Walking or driving through Mustang is like entering medieval Tibet, culminating in the walled capital of Lo Manthang with its palace and 15th-century gompas.

Trip highlights

Explore the walled medieval fortress capital of Lo Manthang
Discover the prehistoric multi-level cliffside Jhong Sky Caves of Chhosar
Visit Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world
Ideal trek during monsoon season (June to August) due to rain-shadow climate

Itinerary

Day-by-day plans, trail specs, meals, and accommodations.

- Height:2,800m
- Flying:25 min flight + 3 hrs walk
Scenic flight over the Kali Gandaki canyon to Jomsom; walk along river flats to medieval Kagbeni gateway.
Meals:BreakfastLunchDinner
Stay:Lodge

Included & excluded

Included in the price

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit ($500 USD per person included)
Domestic flights between Pokhara and Jomsom round trip
Experienced local cultural guide and luggage porters

Not included

Travel insurance, camera permits for special monasteries, tips

Frequently asked questions

Traveller reviews

5.0

1 verified reviews

Guide & crew: 5.0
Safety: 5.0
Accommodation: 5.0
Food: 5.0
Value for money: 5.0

DA
Dr. Arthur Campbell (USA)
5.0September 2025
Upper Mustang Forbidden Kingdom Trek
Mustang is like traveling back in time. The red rock formations, cave houses, and monasteries of Lo Manthang are unlike anything else on Earth.

Upper Mustang Forbidden Kingdom Trek

Trip facts

Overview

Trip highlights

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly or Drive from Pokhara to Jomsom & Trek to Kagbeni

Day 2: Enter Upper Mustang - Trek to Chele

Day 3: Trek from Chele to Syangboche

Day 4: Trek to Ghami via Nyi La Pass

Day 5: Trek from Ghami to Charang

Day 6: Trek to the Walled Capital of Lo Manthang

Day 7: Explore Lo Manthang & the Chhosar Sky Caves

Day 8: Trek to Dhakmar via Ghar Gompa

Day 9: Trek to Ghiling

Day 10: Trek to Chhusang & drive to Jomsom

Day 11: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara

Included & excluded

Included in the price

Not included

Frequently asked questions

Traveller reviews