Journey to the far reaches of the Himalaya, from the exotic and vibrant city of Kathmandu to a land untouched by time and the conforming effects of the modern world. One of the last true examples of James Hilton’s mythical Shangri-La, the lost kingdom of Mustang seeps with history and culture. Annexed by Nepal in the 17th century, the upper Mustang region has miraculously escaped the ravages of both modernization and the far reaching affects of the 1950’s Chinese revolution.

Reached via a stunning flight from Pokhara to the high mountain town of Jomsom and a vigorous camping trek into the depths of the Himalaya, this off-the-beaten-path trek is an explorer’s dream come true.

Along with the stunning mountain views, the highlight of the trek is a visit to Lo Manthang, a walled city of unrivalled history and seat of the titular king Jigme Palbar Bista. Influenced by the Tibetan heritage of her occupants, Lo Manthang and the Mustang region bursts with ancient Buddhist shires, stunning 14th century monasteries, friendly faces, a fascinating and recently discovered cave complex, and most noticeably, a traditional society that remains untouched by the modern world.

B: Breakfast | L: Lunch | D: Dinner

Day 1:
Arrive Kathmandu (4,200 feet)

Arrive at the Kathmandu airport where you will be met by one of our representatives. You will be transferred in a private vehicle to one of the best known hotels for climbers and trekkers located in the heart of the exotic and energetic neighborhood of Thamel. Alternatively you can take a cab to the assigned hotel where our representative will meet you. After you settle in our representative will meet up with you to discuss the itinerary and to answer any last minute questions. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and enjoy the gardens of the hotel or take a walk through the vibrant streets of Thamel.


Day 2:
Kathmandu (4,200 feet)

Today you will take a guided tour of Kathmandu in a private car. Your English speaking guide will introduce you to the magic of this amazing city and its peaceful Buddhist culture. The tour will include many interesting attractions including the old Royal Palaces in Durbar Square, the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath.

The afternoon is a great time to pick up any last minute personal equipment you may need. Kathmandu is a great place to buy supplies for your trek, such as extremely inexpensive, yet quality warm weather clothing, sleeping bags, snacks, etc. Get a good night of sleep tonight, as tomorrow starts your trek to the Upper Mustang region!


Day 3:
Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara

In the morning you will take a picturesque drive from Kathmandu to the town of Pokhara via private car. The afternoon is free to explore this peaceful lakeside town and its wonderful views of the mighty Annapurna range, including Machhapuchure (aka Fish Tail Mountain), considered by many to be one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.


Day 4:
Fly Pokhara to Jomsom, trek to Kagbeni (9,186 feet – 3 hours) (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you will fly from Pokhara, high into the Himalaya to the mountain town of Jomsom, a fascinating town with amazing views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and Dhampus peaks. After gathering your gear and meeting your support Sherpas (who will carry all but your day pack), you and your guide will begin the trek up to your first overnight camp in the village of Kagbeni.


Day 5:
Kagbeni to Chele (10,006 feet – 6 hours) (B, L, D)

Getting an early start, you will trek up the main trail that follows the Kali Gandaki River and passes fields of buckwheat and numerous apple orchards. With each step you take, the views become more impressive and the looming Nilgiri peak feels closer. After leaving the Kali Gandaki valley, the trail climbs steadily up a rock gully to Chele where the cultures change noticeable from Manangi to Tibetan.


Day 6:
Chele to Geling (11,547 feet – 6 hours) (B, L, D)

The climb continues up the trail that runs along the steep canyon. Here the altitude limits tree growth allowing for ever increasing and equally spectacular views of the Himalaya. After a gradual descent into a large gorge and past local fields, the trail crosses the river then climbs along another impressive ridge. A final descent and climb brings you to Geling.


Day 7:
Geling to Charang (11,744 feet – 5.5 hours) (B, L, D)

From Geling the trail passes over the interesting NYI LA pass. From there, the trail descends below the colorful cliffs, crosses a bridge over the river, and then climbs along one of the longest and most spectacular stretches of Mani wall in Nepal. Crossing another pass the trail then descends to Charang, where there are many interesting Buddhist gompas, statues, paintings, etc.


Day 8:
Charang to Lo Manthang (12,138 feet – 5 hours) (B, L, D)

In the morning you will follow the trail that gently descends down to the Charang-Chu River. After crossing the bridge, you will then climb up the steep trail to a ridge that provides an excellent view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. A short descent brings you to Lo Manthang where you will spend the next 2 days resting an exploring the city.


Day 9:
Lo Manthang (12,138 feet) Rest Days (B, L, D)

After a few days of trekking, the next 2 days will be spent resting in the fascinating city of Lo Manthang. Surrounded by stunning views of the Himalaya, Lo Manthang also offers a wonderful variety of historical and cultural sites. Among the many things to see, be sure to visit the five main attractions of the city; the Tall Champa Lakhang "God house", the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, the Entrance Hall and the Raja’s Palace.


Day 10:
Lo Manthang (12,138 feet) Rest Days (B, L, D)

Your visit to the Shangri-La city of Lo Manthang continues today. This rare extra day allows you the privilege of truly taking in the incredibly exotic surroundings and will be sure to stay with you for years to come.


Day 11:
Lo Manthang to Ghami (11,547 feet – 7 hours) (B, L, D)

You begin your descent in the morning, trekking back into groves of poplar trees and past picturesque barley fields, but never away from the towering Himalayan peaks that dominate the skyline above you.


Day 12:
Ghami to Samar (11,613 feet – 6 hours) (B, L, D)

From Ghami you continue your descent, passing spectacular eroded red cliffs laced with an amazing network ancient caves, and past numerous apple orchards and wheat fields.


Day 13:
Samar to Kagbeni (9,186 feet – 5 hours) (B, L, D)

Leaving Samar in the morning, you pass through interesting villages filled with a labyrinth of narrow alleys and whitewashed house. You will end the day in the village of Kagbeni.


Day 14:
Kagbeni to Muktinath (9,186 feet – 3.5 hours) (B, L, D)

From Kagbeni, you’ll follow the trail to the village of Muktinath, where you will spend the night.


Day 15:
Muktinath to Jomsom (8,923 feet – 5 hours) (B, L, D)

From Muktinath, the trail leads you back to Jomsom, where you will spend the night and fly out the next morning.


Day 16:
Fly Jomsom to Pokhara (2,691 feet – 25 minutes) (B)

In the morning you will fly from Jomsom back to Pokhara. The afternoon and evening are free to again explore the lakeside town of Pokhara. Be sure to catch the beautiful sunset turning the mountains beautiful shades of red and purple.


Day 17:
Fly Pokhara to Kathmandu (B)

In the morning, transfer to the airport and take a 25 minute flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu. The evening is free to once again explore the fascinating city of Kathmandu.


Day 18:
Trip Ends

The trip ends and we transport you back to the airport for your flight home. OR, stay on for one of our other incredible Nepal, Tibet or Bhutan trips.