Into the walled city of the last forbidden kingdom
Upper Mustang Cultural Trek
A 10-day journey along the old salt route to Lo Manthang, mixing trail days with jeep transfers through Nepal's trans-Himalayan desert.
10 days / 9 nights, privately guided
Share your dates and we’ll shape this itinerary around your pace, interests, and comfort level — usually within one working day.
Plan this journeyNo deposit required to start planning.
The journey
Overview
Upper Mustang sat closed to outsiders until 1992, and the old kingdom of Lo still feels that way — ochre cliffs, whitewashed monasteries, and a walled capital that has barely changed in six centuries. Restricted-area permits keep visitor numbers low. We travel with a cultural guide who can read the murals and introduce you to the monks who maintain them.
What stays with you
Highlights
- Restricted-area permits and guided access inside the walled city of Lo Manthang
- The Chhoser sky caves, carved into cliff faces over a thousand years ago
- Private blessing and mural viewing at Thubchen and Jampa monasteries
- The Kali Gandaki gorge flight from Pokhara to Jomsom
- Rides in the saddle across the Lo plateau, the way locals still travel
- Also available as an 8-day jeep-based express itinerary for shorter trips
Up and over
The climb
| Day | Place | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
| 2 | Kagbeni | 2,810 m |
| 3 | Kagbeni | 2,810 m |
| 5 | Tsarang | 3,560 m |
| 6 | Lo Manthang | 3,810 m |
| 7 | Lo Manthang | 3,810 m |
| 10 | Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
Day by day
Itinerary
8 days mapped out — every one of them adjustable.
- 1
Kathmandu arrival and permits
1,400 mBriefing, restricted-area permit processing, and an evening to settle in before flying west.
- 2
Fly to Jomsom via Pokhara
2,810 mEarly flight through the Kali Gandaki gorge between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, then transfer to Kagbeni.
- 3
Kagbeni, gateway to Upper Mustang
2,810 mExplore the medieval village and its red gompa before the permit checkpoint the following morning.
- 5
Through Ghami and Tsarang
3,560 mCross ochre badlands past Nepal's longest mani wall to the old winter palace at Tsarang.
- 6
Arrive in Lo Manthang
3,810 mEnter the walled capital, then walk the ramparts at golden hour with your cultural guide.
- 7
Lo Manthang immersion
3,810 mRoyal palace, Thubchen and Jampa monasteries, and the artisan workshops keeping thangka traditions alive.
- 8
Chhoser sky caves
Jeep excursion to the multi-storey cliff dwellings, followed by tea and conversation with resident monks.
- 10
Fly Jomsom to Kathmandu
1,400 mReturn flight via Pokhara, arriving in the capital by early afternoon.
What’s included
- Upper Mustang restricted-area permit and ACAP conservation fees
- Domestic flights (Kathmandu–Pokhara–Jomsom and return)
- Private 4x4 support vehicle with an experienced local driver
- Bilingual cultural guide alongside your trekking guide
- Comfort lodges with full board, featuring Thakali cuisine
- Oxygen, first-aid kit, and emergency response coordination
Not included
- International flights and Nepal visa fees
- Horse hire for optional riding sections
- Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses
- Tips for the field team
Keep exploring
