Welcome to Kathmandu — Nepal's ancient, vibrant capital and the gateway to the Himalayas! A TrekkingKey representative will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Thamel. Spend the afternoon resting, or explore Thamel's lively streets with their trekking shops, cafes, and authentic Nepali restaurants. In the evening your TrekkingKey trek leader will brief you on the full Upper Mustang itinerary, gear requirements, special permits, and safety procedures. End the night with a traditional Nepali welcome dinner complete with cultural entertainment.Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel  |  Meals: Welcome Dinner

Today is dedicated to completing the special restricted area permits required for Upper Mustang — an essential administrative step unique to this restricted region of Nepal. Your TrekkingKey team handles all paperwork at the Nepal Immigration Office in Maitighar, Kathmandu. You are free to explore the Kathmandu Valley during this time — visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, or Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple). Thamel's trekking equipment shops are perfect for last-minute gear. In the evening, prepare and check all your equipment ahead of the journey to Pokhara.

Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel  |  Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, board a comfortable tourist bus for the scenic 6–7 hour drive along the Prithvi Highway from Kathmandu to Pokhara — Nepal's most beloved lakeside city. The route winds through terraced rice fields, dense forests, charming highway towns, and alongside the rushing Trishuli River, offering a beautiful first taste of rural Nepal. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your hotel and spend the evening exploring the vibrant Lakeside area — stroll around the shores of Phewa Lake, browse local shops selling Tibetan handicrafts, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere with the Annapurna range glowing in the distance. A wonderful prelude to your Mustang adventure.

Drive: ~6–7 hours  |  Accommodation: Tourist-Standard Hotel  |  Meals: Breakfast

Your Upper Mustang adventure begins in earnest. Board the spectacular 20-minute morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom — a thrilling aerial journey offering bird's-eye views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges at close range. Jomsom, once a key stop on the ancient trans-Himalayan salt trade route, is the district headquarters of Mustang. After landing, drive to the permit checkpoint at Kagbeni — where your TrekkingKey guide completes formalities and you can take a brief stroll along the Kali Gandaki River and visit the historic Kag Choden Monastery. Continue by jeep to Chhusang village, nestled beneath dramatic red sedimentary cliffs carved by millennia of wind and water. From Chhusang, a gentle one-hour introductory walk brings you to Chele — your first teahouse night in Upper Mustang.

Flight: ~20 min  |  Drive: ~2 hrs  |  Walking: ~1 hr  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

A magnificent day of trekking that showcases the dramatic landscape of Upper Mustang at its most spectacular. From Chele, the trail climbs steeply through a series of breath-taking plateaus and deep valleys, passing over two exhilarating mountain passes — Taklam La and Dajori La — each offering panoramic views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, and the vast desert wilderness stretching north towards Tibet. The trail passes through the picturesque settlement of Samar before descending into a narrow valley. The spiritual highlight of the day is the sacred Chungsi Cave — known as Ramchung Cave — where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century. This extraordinary sky cave is ringed by self-formed rock walls, and locals use its stones as traditional medicine. After exploring this ancient sacred site, the trail continues through arid, wind-sculpted landscapes to the remote settlement of Syangbochen.

Walking: ~7 hrs  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today's trek traverses some of the most dramatic desert scenery in the entire Upper Mustang region. From Syangbochen, the trail climbs to the Nyi La Pass (4,020m) — spectacularly decorated with prayer stones and colourful prayer flags — before descending into the wide valley and passing through the tiny hamlets of Tamagaon and Chhunggar. The crossing of Ghami La (3,765m) leads over a rugged suspension bridge spanning the Ghami Khola River before arriving at Ghami — the third-largest settlement in the Lo region. Here stands one of Upper Mustang's most famous cultural landmarks: a remarkable 250-metre-long Mani wall, every stone carved with sacred Tibetan Buddhist mantras — a deeply moving testament to the faith and craftsmanship of generations of Loba people. The trail then leads to Dhakmar, a striking village nestled beneath vivid red iron-rich cliffs that glow in the afternoon sun like burnished copper.

Walking: ~5 hrs  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The most culturally magnificent day of the entire trek. From Dhakmar, the trail climbs the Mui La Pass (4,170m), offering sweeping views of vivid green irrigated fields surrounded by vivid red rock formations — a stunning visual contrast that seems almost surreal in this desert wilderness. En route, the ancient Ghar Gompa (Lo Gekar Monastery) stands at 3,950m — a Nyingma Buddhist monastery built in the 8th century by Guru Padmasambhava himself. This sacred site, one of the oldest monasteries in the Upper Mustang region, is surrounded by mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags, and holds a revered place in Tibetan Buddhist tradition as a companion site to Tibet's Samye Monastery. Continuing upward, you cross the Chogo La Pass (4,280m) — the highest point of the entire trek — where the first breathtaking view of Lo Manthang Valley unfolds below, with the Tibetan border visible just 50km to the north. Descend into the historic walled city of Lo Manthang — one of the greatest living relics of medieval Tibetan civilization, with its royal palaces, ancient monasteries, and the warm hospitality of the Loba people.

Walking: ~6 hrs  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

A full day to immerse yourself in the extraordinary cultural heritage of Lo Manthang — the ancient walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo. Home to approximately 900 Loba families, this city was closed to the outside world until 1992 and still limits annual visitors to just 1,000. Today you will explore the city's three remarkable monasteries: Chode Gompa (established in the late 13th century, the city's spiritual heart), Jampa Monastery (14th century, famous for 108 mandalas adorned with gold, silver, and precious gemstones), and Thupchen Gompa (late 15th century, with extraordinary murals and statues of Buddhist deities). In the afternoon, your TrekkingKey guide will take you to the nearby Choser Valley for an unforgettable visit to the mysterious Jhong Cave — a remarkable five-story man-made structure cut into a cliff face with over 40 rooms and dramatic valley views, accessible by jeep or horseback. If you visit in May, you may be fortunate enough to witness the extraordinary three-day Tiji Festival — one of the most spectacular religious celebrations in all of Nepal.

Walking: ~4–5 hrs  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today the trek ventures beyond Lo Manthang into the more remote and rarely visited terrain of the Yara extension — the distinctive highlight that sets this TrekkingKey itinerary apart. Departing Lo Manthang, the trail drops gently at first before the route to Dhi becomes challenging — a narrow, steep canyon path with dramatic cliff walls rising on either side. Dhi is a beautifully preserved hamlet of whitewashed houses and narrow stone-paved streets, offering an intimate glimpse of authentic mountain culture. After crossing the Kali Gandaki River, the trail becomes rougher: stone steps, large boulders, and dramatic cliff faces characterise this final remote stretch. Yara appears at last — a small, remote settlement surrounded by rocky terrain and extraordinary silence, a place where the modern world feels genuinely distant. This is one of Upper Mustang's most authentic and untouched communities.Walking: ~6–7 hrs  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The crown jewel of the Yara extension — a day of extraordinary cultural and spiritual discovery. After an early Tibetan-style breakfast, set out on the day hike to Luri Gompa and Tashi Kabum. The 3.5km walk begins along a riverbed strewn with Saligram fossil stones — sacred to Hindus as natural manifestations of Lord Vishnu. After an hour you reach Tashi Kabum — a remarkable 15th-century cave complex containing six ancient chambers, exquisite Buddhist murals, and a beautifully painted chorten of rare artistic quality. Continuing through a narrow river valley for another hour, Luri Gompa appears dramatically perched 100 metres above the valley floor on sheer red cliffs. This 700-year-old monastery of the Nyingma Kargypa Sect contains two interconnected chambers filled with spiritual and artistic treasures: the outer chamber dedicated to shrines, the inner chamber adorned with masterful murals of Mahasiddhas (enlightened saints), intricate mandalas, chortens, and statues of Buddhist deities. The crowning glory is the three-metre Luri Chorten — a masterpiece of Himalayan Buddhist art. On the return to Yara, pass through the lovely remote village of Ghara.

Walking: ~4–5 hrs  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

From Yara, the trail descends towards the Kali Gandaki River Valley, navigating the raw, demanding terrain that characterises this less-travelled part of Upper Mustang. The route involves challenging river crossings without bridges, winding through the Surkhang area with scenic river views. Pass the Dhey/Dhechyang Khola area — renowned for its Saligram fossil beds — before the final climb into Tangye. This picturesque settlement sits on a hillside surrounded by beautifully terraced barley fields and is dominated by Mustang's most impressive chorten — an extraordinary structure standing over 50 feet tall. Long Mani walls line the village perimeter and friendly locals — who rarely encounter trekkers on this remote route — offer some of the most genuine cultural interactions of the entire journey. The sense of being truly off the beaten trail here is profound.

Walking: ~7–8 hrs  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The most demanding day of the trek — a long, challenging, and deeply rewarding wilderness traverse. The day begins with a strenuous climb to the Pa Summit at 4,218m — marked by colourful prayer flags at the top — where panoramic views of the Damdor and Saribung Himal peaks reward the effort magnificently. After a brief lunch stop at the remote and atmospheric abandoned town of Pa, the trail winds through a rolling high-altitude landscape of extraordinary rock formations, distant snow peaks including Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, and Nilgiri, and vast, silent wilderness. With no teahouses en route, TrekkingKey ensures you carry sufficient packed lunch and water. The final descent to Tetang is steep and requires care — strong winds and slippery surfaces characterise this last section. The village itself, with its distinctive mud-roofed houses blending seamlessly into the surrounding rockscape, is a remarkable sight on arrival.

Walking: ~8–9 hrs  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The trek's spiritual finale. From Tetang, the trail climbs to the Gyu La Pass (4,077m), where the magnificent panorama of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche Peak spreads before you in one final, unforgettable mountain vista. The gradual descent passes through the quiet settlement of Chyanggur before arriving at Muktinath — one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in all of Asia, revered equally by Hindus and Buddhists. The temple complex of Lord Vishnu contains 108 sacred water spouts arranged in a semicircle, through which devotees take ritual baths believing the waters cleanse all sins, and an eternal flame fed by a natural gas spring that burns simultaneously with water — a spiritual wonder. After exploring this extraordinary holy site, board a jeep for the drive down to Jomsom — the Mustang district headquarters — where a warm teahouse, hot food, and well-earned rest await.Walking: ~5 hrs  |  Drive: ~2 hrs  |  Accommodation: Teahouse  |  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Board the early morning flight from Jomsom back to Pokhara — a spectacular 20-minute aerial return over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, and the transition from the rugged brown desert of Upper Mustang to the lush green valleys of the Annapurna region. Arrive in Pokhara and transfer to your hotel for a warm shower, clean clothes, and the luxury of a real bed. The afternoon is completely free — Pokhara is Nepal's most laid-back and enjoyable city, ideal for reflection and celebration. Enjoy a boat ride on the serene Phewa Lake, watch the sunset from World Peace Pagoda, treat yourself to paragliding over the Himalayas, or simply wander the Lakeside area and enjoy the vibrant cafe scene. A well-earned evening of relaxation after an outstanding 14-day journey.

Flight: ~20 min  |  Accommodation: Tourist-Standard Hotel  |  Meals: Breakfast

Board a comfortable tourist bus for the scenic 6–7 hour return drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu along the Prithvi Highway. The journey offers one final opportunity to enjoy Nepal's beautiful countryside — terraced rice paddies, dense forests, riverside villages, and the rolling hills of central Nepal. Arrive in Kathmandu by evening, transfer to your hotel for a hot shower and rest. TrekkingKey will host a celebratory farewell dinner at one of Kathmandu's finest Nepali restaurants — a fitting and joyful conclusion to your extraordinary Upper Mustang adventure. Raise a glass to the Forbidden Kingdom, to Lo Manthang's ancient walls, to Luri Gompa's cliffside treasures, and to the remarkable Loba people.

Drive: ~6–7 hrs  |  Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel  |  Meals: Breakfast + Farewell Dinner

Your final morning in Nepal. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and take time for last-minute shopping in Thamel for Tibetan thangka paintings, handmade Mustang crafts, local artwork, and souvenirs. TrekkingKey will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport with plenty of time before your onward flight. We say farewell with warm memories, extraordinary photographs, and the knowledge that you have explored one of the most ancient, culturally profound, and geographically spectacular kingdoms on the face of the earth.

Meals: Breakfast  |  Airport Transfer Included Road & Flight Note: The Pokhara–Jomsom flight is weather-dependent and subject to occasional delay or cancellation. TrekkingKey strongly recommends scheduling at least one buffer day in Pokhara at the end of your trek. All domestic flights and transport are arranged by TrekkingKey. The Chogo La Pass crossing requires good weather and physical readiness — your guide will assess conditions on the day.