Upper Mustang Trekking – Journey into Nepal’s Hidden Tibet

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) – briefing & welcome dinner

  You are warmly welcomed at the airport and taken to your hotel. With your first breath in Kathmandu, the scent of incense, the bustle of the streets and the golden light of the afternoon sun blend into a sensual prelude to your trip. After the transfer to the hotel there is time to arrive and breathe deeply. Your guide is then introduced to you, gives you a first overview of the course of the trip and helps to go through the equipment with you. In the evening you are invited to a welcome dinner in a traditional restaurant – a first insight into the warmth and richness of Nepal’s flavours. Overnight at the Kathmandu Guest House (D).

• Day 2: Exploring Kathmandu & preparation for the trek

  Today we dive deep into the spiritual world of the Kathmandu Valley. In the morning we climb up to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. Set high above the valley, it offers a wide view across the sea of Kathmandu’s houses. Among golden stupas, ancient bodhi trees and the watchful eyes of the Buddha, you can feel the timeless presence of this sacred place. Afterwards our path leads to Nepal’s holiest Hindu temple: Pashupatinath. On the banks of the Bagmati River we observe in quiet awareness the rituals of farewell. The cremation fires burn with dignity – a place where life and death touch one another, carried by centuries-old traditions, prayers and respect for the transient. An experience that teaches humility. To close the day we circumambulate the mighty Boudhanath Stupa, whose white dome reaches into the sky and whose aura of stillness draws us in. Between prayer flags, butter lamps and murmured mantras we experience the meditative depth of Tibetan Buddhism. In the late afternoon we turn to the practical preparation for our trekking tour. Overnight at the Kathmandu Guest House (B).

• Day 3: Flight to Pokhara (827 m) – free time at the lake

  A short flight takes us to Pokhara, where the majestic Himalayas are mirrored in the still Phewa Lake. The day gives us time to breathe deeply, take a walk along the shore or enjoy a coffee with a view of the snow-capped peaks. The lake glistens like a jewel between the mountains – a peaceful prelude to the adventure ahead. Overnight at the Mt. Kailash Resort (B).

  

• Day 4: Flight to Jomsom (2,743 m) and trek to Kagbeni (2,810 m) – approx. 11.4 km, 2–3 hrs

  A spectacular flight over the deepest gorge in the world takes us to Jomsom, the gateway to mystical Mustang. The trail winds through the broad, wind-weathered Kali Gandaki Valley to medieval Kagbeni. Black pebbles, white prayer walls and red dust paint the colourful mosaic of this mysterious landscape. The rugged mountains frame the valley like venerable guardians. Overnight at a guest house with private bathroom (B|L|D).

• Day 5: Drive to Chele (3,070 m) and trek to Syangboche (3,624 m) – approx. 11.2 km, 5–6 hrs

  After a jeep transfer the “real” Upper Mustang trek begins. We climb up over the first high passes – Taklam La (3,624 m) and Dajori La (3,735 m). The landscape becomes more barren, the rock faces take on ochre tones that bathe the light in magical colours. Hidden caves like Chungsi whisper of long-gone times. The wind tells stories that only the mountains know. Overnight at a guest house with private bathroom (B|L|D).

  

• Day 6: Trek to Dhakmar (3,820 m) – approx. 15–16 km, 6–7 hrs

  We cross the dry high plateaus of the former kingdom of Mustang. Passing ancient stupas, we cross Yamda La and Nyi La, whose views take our breath away. In Ghami we are greeted by the longest mani wall in Nepal, a colourful symbol of spiritual power. Dhakmar welcomes us with its glowing red rocks, which seem to blaze up out of the earth like tongues of flame. Overnight at a guest house with private bathroom (B|L|D).

  

• Day 7: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840 m) via Ghar Gompa – approx. 14 km, 7 hrs

  The day begins with a visit to the old Ghar Gompa, a place of deep meditation where Guru Rinpoche himself is said to have worked. Afterwards we climb to the highest point of the trip, the Chogo La Pass (4,230 m), with breathtaking views over the valley. The descent leads us into the heart of the Mustang kingdom – Lo Manthang, the old fortress town with white clay houses, prayer flags and a vivid history. Overnight at a guest house with private bathroom (B|L|D).

• Day 8: Explore Lo Manthang (3,840 m) and the Chhoser Valley – approx. 6–8 km, 3–4 hrs

  In the morning we drive by jeep into the remote Chhoser Valley. Here lie the Jhong caves, a five-storey cave complex with more than a hundred rooms – once dwelling, retreat and shrine all at once. The monasteries built into the steep rock faces, such as Nyphu Gompa, look like birds’ nests on stone; above the valley lies a silence that says more than words. In the afternoon we turn to Lo Manthang – a town that seems to have fallen out of time. Behind the whitewashed clay walls a labyrinth of narrow alleys, low houses and centuries-old monasteries stretches out. This was once the capital of the kingdom of Mustang – and even today the spirit of the old kings can still be felt in its quiet courtyards. The monasteries Thubchen, Jampa and Chode Gompa hold centuries-old wall paintings, masks and prayer scrolls – testimonies of a spirituality lived in the lee of the Himalayas. Overnight at a guest house with private bathroom (B|L|D).

  

• Day 9: Trek to Yara (3,838 m) – approx. 14–15 km, 5–6 hrs

  We leave the royal city and walk through lonely, wind-sculpted landscapes. Deep gorges and bizarre rock faces accompany our path. After a rest in the village of Dhi we descend to the river and climb again to remote Yara, where the houses nestle for shelter against the rocks. Overnight at a guest house with private bathroom (B|L|D).

• Day 10: Excursion to Luri Gompa (3,838 m) and return – approx. 6–8 km, 3–4 hrs

  A short walk takes us to Luri Gompa, a cave monastery with ancient tantric wall paintings and spiritual symbols. The place radiates a special power. We also visit the Tashi Kabum cave with its painted mandalas, before returning to Yara to relax. Overnight at a guest house with private bathroom (B|L|D).

• Day 11: Trek to Tangge (3,240 m) – approx. 17 km, 6–7 hrs

  The trail leads through lonely, dusty desert landscapes. Yaks and goats are rare encounters here. On the horizon the snow-capped mountains shimmer. Tangge appears almost like a mirage, with its white clay houses and chortens, embedded in the scree. Overnight at a simple guest house (B|L|D).

  

• Day 12: Trek to Chhusang (3,067 m) via Paha Pass (4,210 m) – approx. 22 km, 9–10 hrs

  The longest and most demanding day of the trip! The steep ascent to the Paha Pass demands stamina, but the vastness and silence of this high-mountain landscape gift us unforgettable views. The descent leads us into the green valley of Chhusang, where we feel the return to civilisation. Overnight at a guest house with private bathroom (B|L|D).

• Day 13: Trek to Muktinath (3,800 m) via Gyu La Pass (4,077 m) – approx. 22 km, 8 hrs

  
  One last high pass lies ahead of us: the Gyu La (4,077 m). From its summit the view sweeps far across the rugged highlands we are leaving behind – a backdrop of wind, stone and silence. The descent leads us into legendary Muktinath – one of the holiest places in Nepal, where Hinduism and Buddhism touch each other in a unique way. The temple complex sits on a barren, sun-drenched plateau, threaded by the clear water of sacred springs. For Hindus, Muktinath is one of the 108 Vishnu shrines, a place of liberation (Mukti). The 108 water spouts – the Muktidhara – symbolise purity: pilgrims stand under the icy water to cleanse themselves of past karma. Behind the temple, eternal flames flicker – fed by underground gas that mysteriously rises here from the sacred water. Buddhists too come on pilgrimage here. For them, Jwala Mai – the goddess of the flame – is a powerful symbol of the eternal life force. It is said that Guru Rinpoche meditated here and blessed the place. As we wander through the shrine, the scent of juniper, the murmuring of pilgrims and the light of butter lamps blend into a feeling of deep reverence. To the west, the white peaks of Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and Tukuche Peak rise majestically, and on a clear sky you can even see the Nilgiri range. A scene that brings heart and mind to stillness – like a window onto the heavens. Overnight at a guest house with private bathroom (B|L|D).

  

• Day 14: Drive back to Pokhara (827 m) – approx. 7 hrs

  The journey is coming to an end. By jeep we drive back through apple plantations, past the hot springs of Tatopani and charming Marpha. Back in Pokhara, comfort and a feeling of homecoming await. Overnight at the Mt. Kailash Resort (B).

• Day 15: Flight to Kathmandu (1,400 m) and sightseeing in Bhaktapur

  A short flight takes us back to the capital. Afterwards, Bhaktapur awaits us, a city full of history and art: cobbled streets, intricate wood carvings and centuries-old temples make time stand still. Overnight at the Bhaktapur Heritage House (B).

• Day 16: Day trip to Patan and back to Kathmandu

  Today we devote ourselves to the artistic side of the Kathmandu Valley. In Patan, the oldest of the three royal cities, impressive temples, intricately decorated palaces and the unique architecture of Durbar Square await us. Strolling through the lively alleyways we discover traditional craftsmanship and feel the cultural richness that has shaped Patan for centuries. Afterwards we drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at the Kathmandu Guest House (B).

• Day 17: Farewell and journey home

  One last time we soak up the special atmosphere of Kathmandu — the lively streets, the many impressions and the warmth of the people. With a heart full of memories and a soul drawing fresh energy, we set off on the journey home (B).

  We reserve the right to make changes to the programme due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.

  B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner