Upper Mustang 9 Days

Upon your arrival, a representative from Manaslu Adventure Treks will warmly welcome you at the airport with a flower garland and ensure a smooth transfer to your designated hotel in the city. Once you check in and settle, the representative will provide a detailed program briefing, including an overview of your upcoming trip. Also, any necessary documentation will be reviewed and finalized to ensure everything is in order.

If time permits, you can explore the local area on a short walk. This will allow you to acclimatize to the environment and enjoy the surroundings. The day concludes with a special welcome dinner hosted at a local restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Nepalese cuisine and get acquainted with fellow travelers and the Manaslu Adventure Treks team.

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is yours to explore Kathmandu at your own pace. You can start by visiting some of the city’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Swayambhunath Stupa, which offers a panoramic view of the valley and a serene spiritual atmosphere. Another option is Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site where you can witness traditional rituals along the banks of the Bagmati River. If you prefer historical and cultural experiences, a stroll through Kathmandu Durbar Square will immerse you in centuries-old palaces, temples, and courtyards reflecting Nepal’s rich heritage. The afternoon is perfect for wandering through the lively streets of Thamel, where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and trekking gear, or relax at a cozy café with a cup of Himalayan tea. Alternatively, if you enjoy art and history, a visit to Patan Durbar Square or Bhaktapur Durbar Square offers insights into ancient Malla-era architecture and culture.

Today, you will embark on a long yet scenic drive from Kathmandu to Beni, covering approximately 296 kilometers over 11 hours. The journey begins with a drive along the Prithvi Highway, following the winding path of the Trishuli River, offering breathtaking views of lush green hills, terraced farmlands, and traditional villages. As you descend towards Mugling, the confluence of the Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers, you will experience Nepal’s diverse landscapes, transitioning from the bustling city to the peaceful countryside.

Eventually, you reach Pokhara, a beautiful lakeside city. Here, you may take a short break to enjoy lunch while admiring the tranquil Phewa Lake and the stunning Annapurna mountain range in the background. After lunch, the drive resumes along the Baglung Highway, gradually becoming more rugged as you enter the Myagdi district. The road winds along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, surrounded by forested hills and scattered villages, offering glimpses of rural Nepalese life. Upon arrival in Beni (830m), you will check into a local lodge for a well-deserved rest.

Today, you will set out on an exhilarating jeep drive to Muktinath, covering 133 kilometers in approximately 9 hours. The journey follows the Kali Gandaki River, with the road gradually ascending through charming villages, deep gorges, and rugged mountain terrain. Along the way, you will pass through Tatopani, known for its natural hot springs, and then continue towards Ghasa, where the lush green landscapes of the lower Mustang region start transitioning into arid, rocky terrain. As you ascend further, the road leads through Lete, Kalopani, and Marpha, a picturesque village famous for its apple orchards and traditional whitewashed houses. Reaching Jomsom (2713m), you will notice the dramatic change in the landscape as the region becomes more barren and windswept. From Jomsom, the drive continues through Eklebhatti before reaching Muktinath (3,710m), one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists. Here, you will have time to explore the sacred Muktinath Temple, believed to grant salvation, and visit the eternal flame that has been burning naturally for centuries. Finally, you will begin the return journey, descending back to Kagbeni (2810m), a picturesque medieval village at the entrance of Upper Mustang, where you stay overnight.

Today, you will begin your thrilling off-road journey deeper into Upper Mustang, a region often referred to as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom.” The day’s drive, covering 68 kilometers in approximately 9 hours, takes you through some of Nepal’s most breathtaking and remote landscapes. Leaving Kagbeni, you will enter the restricted area of Upper Mustang, following the winding trail along the Kali Gandaki River. The terrain becomes increasingly barren, with dramatic cliffs, deep canyons, and colorful rock formations creating a surreal, almost otherworldly scenery. The drive takes you through Chhusang and Chele, where the Tibetan influence in the architecture and culture becomes evident. As you ascend, you will pass through Samar and Syangboche, crossing high-altitude passes such as the Yamada La (3850m) and the Nyi La (4010m), offering panoramic views of the Mustang Valley. Arriving in Ghami (3520m), one of the largest villages in Upper Mustang, you will have time to explore its unique red-cliff landscapes and ancient Tibetan-style houses. After a short break and lunch, the journey continues toward Lo-Manthang, the walled capital of the former Mustang Kingdom. The final 17 km stretch from Ghami to Lo-Manthang is equally captivating, passing through Charang, where you can spot the historic Thubchen Monastery and Charang Palace. As you approach Lo-Manthang (3810m), the grand walled city appears like an oasis in the middle of the barren Mustang landscape. If time permits, you can take a short walk around the town to get a glimpse of its centuries-old monasteries, traditional mud-brick houses, and the unique Tibetan culture that has remained largely untouched by modernity. You stay overnight in Lo-Manthang.

Waking up in the mystical town of Lo-Manthang, you will have an early breakfast before beginning the long but scenic journey back to Ghasa (2010m). As you leave the walled city behind, you will once again traverse the rugged trails of Upper Mustang, passing through barren landscapes, deep gorges, and ancient settlements rich in Tibetan culture. The first stretch of the journey retraces the route through Charang and Ghami, before continuing the descent towards Chhusang and Samar. Crossing the high-altitude passes, including Nyi La (4010m) and Yamada La (3850m), you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. As you exit the restricted area of Upper Mustang and descend towards Kagbeni and Jomsom, the barren desert-like landscape

gradually transitions into more lush and green surroundings. After lunch in Jomsom, the journey continues southward, following the Kali Gandaki River through Marpha, Tukuche, and Kalopani. The road becomes more rugged, with sections of bumpy trails and river crossings, making for an adventurous descent. By late afternoon, you will arrive in Ghasa (2010m), a small but picturesque village at the southern edge of the Mustang region, where you stay overnight.

Today, you will set out on a 24-kilometer scenic drive to Marpha, which takes approximately 2 hours. The journey takes you through the beautiful Kali Gandaki Valley, with stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri peaks along the way. The road winds through dense forests, waterfalls, and traditional Thakali villages, offering a stark contrast to the barren landscapes of Upper Mustang. Passing through Kalopani and Tukuche, you will notice a change in terrain, as the green hills gradually merge into the drier, wind-swept Mustang region. By midday, you will arrive in Marpha (2670m), a picturesque village known for its whitewashed houses, narrow stone-paved alleys, and apple orchards. Marpha is often called the “Apple Capital of Nepal”, and you will have the chance to taste its famous apple cider, apple pie, and dried apples. After checking into a local lodge, you can spend the afternoon exploring this beautiful village. You can visit the Marpha Monastery, a peaceful Buddhist gompa perched on a hill, offering a panoramic view of the village and surrounding mountains. Take a leisurely walk through the traditional Thakali settlement, where you can observe local life, interact with the friendly villagers, and learn about their unique culture and traditions. You stay overnight in Marpha.

Today, you will embark on a long but scenic 328-kilometer drive back to Kathmandu, which takes approximately 12 hours. The journey begins with a descent along the Kali Gandaki River, passing through Jomsom, Tukuche, and Kalopani, with breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Nilgiri. As you continue southward, the road leads through Tatopani, where you may take a short break to enjoy the famous natural hot springs, a perfect way to relax after days of travel in the rugged terrain. From Tatopani, the drive follows the winding Baglung Highway, passing through Beni, and continuing towards Pokhara. After lunch in Pokhara, you can resume the journey along the Prithvi Highway, following the Marshyangdi and Trishuli Rivers, with lush hills, terraced fields, and small settlements along the way. The road gradually descends into the bustling Kathmandu Valley, marking the end of an incredible adventure through Mustang. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and unwind after the long journey. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner, perhaps at a cultural restaurant, to celebrate the completion of your Mustang adventure.

On the final day, Manaslu Adventure treks will organize a special Trip Conclude Ceremony. During this heartfelt event, the team will express gratitude for your participation and acknowledge the memorable experiences shared throughout the adventure. Also, the clients are free to provide feedback, which is valuable for the team to understand your experience and gather insights to improve future trips. As a token of appreciation, a souvenir will be presented to you, symbolizing the lasting memories of your adventure and deep connection to Nepal’s culture and natural beauty.

The day concludes with a final goodbye and transfer arrangements to your onward destination, whether to the airport or your next journey within Nepal. The team will ensure your departure is smooth and filled with warm wishes for future travels.