Extended Upper Mustang Circuit Trek
Our Upper Mustang Circuit Trek itinerary is carefully designed to explore the quieter, more remote corners of Upper Mustang while avoiding most of the main vehicle road. This carefully planned route blends cultural discovery with a moderate trek through the heart of the Trans-Himalayan landscape. Along the way, you’ll walk through centuries-old Buddhist settlements, experience living Tibetan Buddhist traditions, visit ancient monasteries, and explore the legendary Sky Caves carved high into the cliffs. From these dramatic vantage points, the views stretch north toward Tibet and south to the mighty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The journey takes you through Mustang’s striking high-desert terrain to deep gorges, ochre cliffs, and secluded villages that feel untouched by time.
Situated on the border of Tibet, Upper Mustang was once an independent Himalayan kingdom, and its culture and landscape remain distinctly different from the rest of Nepal. Tibetan Buddhist traditions are deeply rooted here, visible in the ancient monasteries, whitewashed chortens, and timeless villages set against a backdrop of red cliffs and snow-capped peaks. The region’s mysterious Sky Caves; believed to date from between the 6th and 12th centuries, add a powerful sense of history and intrigue. These caves were used as burial chambers, meditation retreats, and dwellings, and they remain one of Mustang’s most fascinating features. Combined with the dramatic desert valleys and red hills, the landscape creates an atmosphere that feels both mystical and unforgettable.
One of the trek’s greatest rewards is the tranquillity found along these lesser-travelled trails. Encounters with other trekkers are often rare, often leaving you with the feeling of having this extraordinary region almost to yourself. Our lodge-based trek is not only more cost-effective than a fully supported camping expedition, but it also creates meaningful opportunities to connect with local host families and experience everyday life in Mustang. While Lo Manthang has become a gathering point for travellers since access by road, the ancient walled city still offers a remarkable window into a rich cultural heritage.
Our route follows original, remote trails far removed from the dust and traffic of the Kali Gandaki valley road to the Tibetan border. The journey begins in Kagbeni as we enter the restricted Upper Mustang region, but we drive onward to Chele (2,980m) to avoid unnecessary road walking. From here, we trek along quiet trails for three days on the west bank of the Kali Gandaki, ascending to Lo Manthang. After spending three nights exploring the walled city and its surroundings, we descend over three days along a rarely walked trail on the east bank of Kali Gandaki. This carefully selected route bypasses most of the road and captures the true spirit of Mustang. For trekkers seeking an authentic, relatively short adventure that combines dramatic landscapes, deep cultural immersion, and a refreshing sense of remoteness, Upper Mustang remains one of Nepal’s most rewarding trekking destinations. remains very much alive and waiting to be explored
Itinerary at a glance
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel and welcome briefing. Overnight in hotel
Day 02: Half-day sightseeing, probably Kathmandu and Patan. Overnight in hotel [B]
Day 03: Early morning fly to Pokhara (820m), Overnight at lodge [BLD]
Day 04: Drive to Kalopani (2,530m) or Marpha (2,700m), options to stop at Tatoani and enjoy the hot spring. Overnight at lodge [BLD]
Day 05: Drive to Chele (3,050m), Overnight at lodge [BLD]
Day 06: Trek to Ghiling village (3,570m) via Ghyakar (3,526m), Samar (3,924m), Chugsi Caves, Shyangboche (3,800m) and Tamagaon (3,710m). Overnight at lodge [BLD]
Day 07: Trek to Dhakmar village (3,820m), Overnight at lodge [BLD]
Day 08: Explore/Rest at Dhakmar village (3,820m). Overnight at lodge [BLD]
Day 09: Trek to Ghar Gumpa (3,950m) also known as Lo Gekar via Mul La (4,170m). Overnight in lodge [BLD]
Day 10: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,810m). Overnight at lodge [BLD]
Day 11: Trek to Choser (3,961m). Overnight at lodge [BLD]
Day 12: Exploring the surrounding Choser (3,961m), or trek to Kunchokling and Rinchenling and return to Lo Manthang. Overnight in lodge [BLD]
Day 13: Exploring Lo Manthang (3,810m) & Yartung Festival. Overnight at lodge [BLD]
Day 14: Lo Manthang (3,810m), Yartung Festival and Trek to Yara village (3,650m). Overnight at lodge [BLD]
Day 15: Extra night in Yara. Exploring the surrounding Yara and visit Luri Gompa (3880m) and Tashi Kabum
Day 16: Trek to Tangye village (3,340m). Overnight at lodge [BLD]
Day 17: Explore Tangye village (3,340m). Overnight at lodge [BLD]
Day 18: Trek to Tetang village (3,040m) via Paa La (4,218m) and Siyarko Tangk Danda (4,058m). Overnight at lodge [BLD]
Day 19: Trek to Muktinath (3,760m) or Jharkot (3,550m) via Jhong (3,600m). Overnight at lodge [BLD]
Day 20: Drive back to Pokhara. Overnight hotel in Pokhara [BL]
Day 21: Morning fly to Kathmandu, Overnight hotel [B]
Day 22: Transfer to airport for international departure [B]
Date & Price
All ACCESS-HIMALAYA adventure travel trips are small group departures and therefore places can fill quickly. To avoid disappointment, we suggest you book your trip as soon as possible.
Price Includes
... in Lodge Trek
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara, bed & breakfast basis, (accommodation in twin room unless otherwise arranged) – see itinerary above for dates - accommodation facilities/details outlined belowAll three meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) during the trek
All internal transportation as stated in itinerary (see itinerary above)
All lodge accommodation on trek – twin room with clean beds and mattresses, toilet facilities may be outside – no attached bathroom, unless specifically arranged, and where available.
Annapurna Conservation Area entrance permit
Trekking Permits (TIMS) for Annapurna area
Experienced English speaking government licensed guide/s
The required number of local porters to carry your luggage during the trek (We assign one porter for every two guests on lodge treks)
Staff and porter insurance
Guided world heritage sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with private tourist vehicle (2 or 3 sites - Durbar Square/s and Swayambunath (Monkey temple)) (English speaking licensed guide & private transport only)
Lunch on the overland travel (see itinerary)
Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
Free gift of Access-Himalaya trekking kit bag for each member of group (to be distributed on arrival in Kathmandu)
Free hire of four seasons Sleeping Bag and fleece liner for trek (should be returned after the trek).
Free airport pick and drop
Price Excludes
... in Lodge Trek
Your personal equipmentInternational flights
Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond our control
Your travel insurance, (Make sure the policy covers helicopter rescue and evacuation service)
Medical examination and vaccination costs
Personal expenditure, including bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, tips, shower/bathroom facilities on the trek etc.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and elsewhere-apart from trek (see itinerary)
Heritage sights/Monastery/Temple entrance fees
Trek and Tour crew and driver gratuity/tips at end of tour/trek
Any others expenses which are not mentioned in 'Price Includes' section
Availability Explained
- A AVAILABLE - Trip date is available and open for bookings. Go for it!
- G GUARANTEED - Trip is reached minimum numbers and this is 'Guaranteed to Run'
- L LIMITED - Trip is 'Guaranteed to Run' and there are a very limited number of available places remaining. Immediate booking is recommended.
- C CLOSED - Trip has reached maximum numbers and it is unavailable. Please Contact Us to enquire about other trip departure dates or booking this trip as a private departure
Trip Info (Tour/Trek Styles) Explained
- PG Private Group: This style of trip is organized for specific groups of people (families, friends,school and college students, colleagues, business associates etc.), and is closed to outsiders. If you are interested in this particular trip departure date then please get in touch with us.
- OA Open to All: This trip departure is open to all. However, if you are interested in this particular trip departure date but want your own private group, then please get in touch with us.
- LT Lodge Based Trip/Trek: This trip/trek is lodge (teahouse) based. All accommodation, including food, is provided in local lodges. Occasionally however, where a large group is concerned we may choose to send our own cook along, as well, to take care of your food hygiene and to cook some special additional items.We provide all necessary documentation, including permits, and arrange all internal transport. We provide trekking guide, assistant guide(s) and porters/animals for transport of your gear. You merely carry a daysack with essentials, including water.
- CT Camping Based Trip/Trek: This trip/trek is camping (tent) based. We will provide one 3-man tent for every two people, also single tents, where requested, on payment of supplementary costs. All food and drinks are provided by our experienced cook and his kitchen team. We provide all necessary documentation, including permits, and arrange all internal transport. We provide trekking guide, assistant guide(s), cook, kitchen crew, food and drink, and porters/animals for transport of your gear. You merely carry a daysack with essentials, including water.
- GAP Guide, Accommodation & Porter only: In this trip neither food nor transportation is included. Clients are responsible for food and local transportation, and our responsibility is to provide insured guide, insured porter, and all necessary permits. All additional costs are the responsibility of the clients, including charges incurred as a result of delays or cancellation of services beyond our control. Clients pay for their own accommodation. Any additional costs are the responsibility of the clients, We can arrange hotels and international airport transfer, on request.
- SG Self Guided/Budget Trip: This trip is specially designed for low-budget travellers who prefer fairly basic facilities with reduced services. It is a pre-requisite that a porter is hired for any self-guided trip, which is an ideal set-up for those who enjoy independent travel with minimum cost. We have added support to minimise the hard work of planning and costing, and we will be available to help in the unlikely event of an emergency. We will arrange all documentation (including permits), before you arrive in Nepal, so that you are free to get on with your adventure, relying only on your porter to help you on your way. All additional costs are the responsibility of the clients, including charges incurred as a result of delays or cancellation of services beyond our control. Hotel accommodation, local transportation and international airport transfers may be arranged, on request.
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Accommodation in Kathmandu
It is our policy to use Nepali-owned accommodation, always, as we feel this is an aspect of fair trade, and the hotels we use in Kathmandu are comfortable, clean, efficient and friendly. Most hotels are also family-run; we visit, and stay in the hotels ourselves, to ensure that facilities are ... read more.. -
Food on LodgeTrek
On lodge treks clients are provided with three meals a day - breakfast, lunch and dinner. Menus will be fairly standard, according to the region visited, but will vary in style from place to place, according to availability of ingredients, and in more remote areas choice will be relatively restricted ... read more.. -
Travel Insurance
It is a strict condition of joining an Access-Himalaya adventure holiday that you must be insured against all medical and personal accident risks, including repatriation if necessary. Helicopter evacuation, in the unlikely event of your being injured or taken seriously ill on trek, is very costly - an average rescue ... read more.. -
Nepal Visa and Passport
All visitors to Nepal require a passport (valid for at least 6 months after your return to your home country) and an entry visa. A visa application should be obtained from the Nepalese Embassy, in London (click here to download Nepal visa application form ), or in your own country ... read more.. -
Travel Money
Travellers' cheques are no longer accepted in Nepal, so please do not bring these as your currency. However, ATM facilities are widely available in Kathmandu, Pokhara and other large towns, so a Visa, or other internationally-recognized credit/debit card, would be useful. Larger shops accept payment by credit/debit card, although they ... read more.. -
Arrival in Nepal
At Kathmandu airport you should proceed through Immigration (you apply for your Visa here) to the baggage collection area. Once you have collected your baggage you should move on to the Customs officers to have your baggage cleared and chalked up, before leaving the Arrivals lounge. Immediately outside, you will ... read more.. -
Tipping and Service Charges
Tipping is an entirely personal and optional matter and at the discretion of the individual. Should you wish to give a tip in a restaurant, if there is not already a service charge included you may consider a tip of 10%. Recently there has been a recommendation for 10% charge ... read more.. -
Trekking Clothing & Equipment Guideline
The following is a guideline, not a prescription: we hope it will help you find your way through the minefield of items of clothing and equipment which fill the catalogues of outdoor adventure outfitters! Jacket x 1This should be breathable, wind-proof and waterproof (not showerproof), with attached hood. Suitable fabrics to ... read more.. -
Accommodation on lodge treks
Accommodation will be in simple lodges offering twin-bedded rooms with standard foam mattresses (if you require additional comfort you might consider taking along Thermarest or similar self-inflating mattresses). Toilets are mostly of the squat type, situated outside the main building. Toilet paper is not provided, so you should bring this ... read more.. -
Getting Around in Kathmandu
Your first day in Kathmandu is usually dedicated to settling in, and exploring the city. The next morning may include a sightseeing tour to Pashupatinath, Boudanath or the Monkey Temple (Swayambunath). During your free time, the best way to explore your environs is to walk, as this enables you to ... read more.. -
Accommodation in Pokhara
It is our policy to use Nepali-owned accommodation, always, as we feel this is an aspect of fair trade, and most of the hotels are also family-run.. The hotels we use in Pokhara are no more than 20 minutes away from the airport and are very close to the beautiful ... read more..
If our fixed departure dates are not convenient for you or your group, we can also arrange private departures on all of our small group tours. Private group departures will follow the same itineraries as our usual small group tours, or itineraries may be tailormade to suit your own convenient tour date/budgets.
Itineraries may be tailor-made to suit your dates. So if you can’t find a date to suit you or if you want to have your very own tour just with your friends or family then we can help you.
Customised Private Groups:
For most of our usual tours, or itineraries, where there is a group numbering 2 or more, we can customise and organise private group trip(s) where we design the itinerary and activities exclusively for you, according to your requirements and budgets, such as Honeymoon, Anniversary, Family, Scouts, School, College, Fundraising or Charity trips. Find out more about our private group tours.
To enquire about booking a private departure of this tour or about organising your own private group tour, please fill in the form below and we will get back to you shortly with details.
