12-Day Upper Mustang Express: Lo Manthang Short Trek via Jeep Access

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to your Thamel hotel. Evening orientation walk and welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant with cultural performance. Overnight Kathmandu.

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing & Preparation

Morning visit to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, and Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu site on the banks of the Bagmati River. Afternoon trek briefing, permit processing, and final gear check. Overnight Kathmandu.

Day 3: Fly to Pokhara

Morning flight to Pokhara with spectacular Himalayan views. Afternoon at leisure—explore Lakeside, visit the International Mountain Museum, or take a boat across Phewa Lake to the Peace Pagoda for sunset. Overnight Pokhara.

Day 4: Fly Jomsom — Jeep to Kagbeni

Early flight through the Kali Gandaki gorge to Jomsom. After lunch, take a local jeep to Kagbeni (2,810m), the gateway village at the confluence of two rivers. Afternoon exploration of Kagbeni’s medieval alleyways, ancient monastery, and red-washed chortens. The adventure begins. Overnight Kagbeni teahouse.

Day 5: Jeep to Ghami via the Nyi La Pass

Jeep journey along the newly constructed road through Upper Mustang’s dramatic desert landscape. The road climbs to the Nyi La pass (4,010m) with staggering 360-degree views—Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to the south, the endless red canyons of Mustang to the north. Descend to Ghami (3,520m), a beautiful village known for its enormous monastery and the longest mani wall in Mustang. Afternoon exploration on foot. Overnight Ghami teahouse.

Day 6: Trek Ghami to Tsarang (3,570m)

Today’s trek crosses the Tsarang La pass (3,870m) on foot—a spectacular walk through wind-sculpted canyons and past ancient chortens. Arrive in Tsarang, a former royal seat with its five-story white dzong (fortress-monastery) and palace ruins. The monastery library holds priceless Tibetan Buddhist manuscripts. Overnight Tsarang teahouse.

Day 7: Trek Tsarang to Lo Manthang (3,810m)

The final approach on foot to the Forbidden Kingdom’s capital. Cross the Lo La pass (3,950m) for the iconic first view of the walled city across the plain—white walls, red monastery roofs, and prayer flags snapping in the desert wind. Enter through the city gate that has welcomed traders and pilgrims for six centuries. Evening exploration of the narrow alleys. Overnight Lo Manthang.

Day 8-9: Full Exploration of Lo Manthang

Two full days to immerse yourself in the walled city. Visit Thubchen Gompa and Jampa Gompa, 15th-century monasteries with extraordinary murals considered among the finest surviving Tibetan Buddhist art in Nepal. Meet the ceremonial King of Mustang (the Raja) if he’s in residence. Day 9: excursion to the Chhoser caves, including the five-story Jhong Cave (Sky Cave) carved into the cliff face—climb the ladders for breathtaking views and a profound sense of history. Optional: hike to the Nepal-Tibet border viewpoint where the brown hills of Mustang meet the plateau. Overnight Lo Manthang.

Day 10: Jeep Return Journey

Full-day jeep journey back through Mustang’s canyon country to Jomsom, retracing the route with a new appreciation for the landscape. Evening arrival in Jomsom. Overnight Jomsom.

Day 11: Fly Pokhara — Celebration

Morning flight to Pokhara. The green hills, lakes, and tropical air feel like another planet after the desert. Celebrate with a hot shower, cold beer, and farewell dinner with your trekking crew. Overnight Pokhara.

Day 12: Fly Kathmandu & Departure

Morning flight to Kathmandu. Day use room available before evening international departure.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses