Upper Mustang Discovery Tour

Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu, you are welcomed by the team and then you will be transferred to your hotel. This trail goes through Ghorepani Poon Hill. Normally, the trek starts like Pokhara to Nayapul and ends like Phedi to Pokhara. While early travel tended to be slower, more dangerous, and more dominated by trade and migration, cultural and technological advances over many years have tended to mean that travel has become easier and more accessible. The evolution of technology in such diverse fields as horse tack and bullet trains has contributed to this trend.

With your French-speaking guide and a private vehicle, this day is dedicated to discovering the main monuments of the Kathmandu Valley. You will visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in Asia, then Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, whose soothing presence and benevolent eyes dominate the city's Tibetan quarter. The day continues at Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple, perched on a hill with a panoramic view of the entire valley.

Departure in the morning by private jeep towards Pokhara. The road crosses green valleys, lively villages, and runs along several Himalayan rivers before reaching the city of lakes. The rest of the day is free to enjoy Phewa Lake and the relaxed atmosphere of Pokhara.

Elevation change: -528 m · Driving time: 5 to 6 h · Overnight in Pokhara — 822 m

This is the big departure for Mustang. The jeep goes up the Kali Gandaki Valley towards the north, with a stop at Rupse Waterfall, a powerful cascade that plunges from the heights of the cliff. The road passes through Galeshwor, Tatopani, and Lete before reaching Tukuche and finally Marpha, a characteristic village with whitewashed houses, paved alleys, and apple orchards. The first views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas open up along the way.

Elevation change: +1,848 m · Driving time: 6 to 7 h · Overnight in Marpha — 2,670 m

The landscape changes progressively over the kilometers. Green fields give way to stretches of stone and wind-swept sand. After passing Dhumba Lake and the village of Tini, you arrive at Kagbeni, a medieval town built at the confluence of two rivers. Kagbeni marks the gateway to Upper Mustang: beyond this point, a special permit is mandatory.

Elevation change: +140 m · Driving time: 4 to 5 h · Overnight in Kagbeni — 2,810 m

Official entry into Upper Mustang. The dirt track climbs towards lunar landscapes of canyons and cliffs in red and ochre earth colors. The villages you pass through—Chele, Syangboche, Ghami—look more like geographical compositions than inhabited places, and yet families live there, monks pray there, and children play there. At the end of the day, Lo Manthang appears at the bottom of a high plain: its white ramparts and ancient buildings form a silhouette that is immediately recognizable, yet still surprising.

Elevation change: +1,030 m · Driving time: 6 to 7 h · Overnight in Lo Manthang — 3,840 m

Entire day dedicated to discovering the heritage of Upper Mustang. The Jhong Caves are one of the most intriguing curiosities of the region: carved into the cliff walls, they are said to have served alternately as dwellings, places of meditation, and refuges. The afternoon is spent visiting the Buddhist monasteries of Lo Manthang, some of which house rare murals and ancient texts. A slow, precious day that deserves to be given all the time it needs.

Overnight in Lo Manthang — 3,840 m

Before leaving Lo Manthang, you explore the royal palace and the alleys of the old town. The circuit then continues towards Charang, a perched Himalayan village that also possesses a monastery and an ancient fortress. The gradual descent allows you to appreciate the color contrasts between the cliffs, the terraced crops, and the high-altitude sky.

Elevation change: -280 m · Driving time: 4 to 5 h · Overnight in Charang — 3,560 m

A major transition day. The circuit descends towards Muktinath, a major Himalayan pilgrimage site revered by both Buddhists and Hindus. Its temple, its 108 sacred springs arranged in a semi-circle, and its eternal flame fed by natural gas make it a place apart, silent and charged with an emotion difficult to describe. Then the descent resumes towards Tatopani, a town known for its natural hot springs by the river.

Maximum altitude: approx. 3,800 m · Elevation change: approx. -2,370 m · Driving time: 6 to 7 h · Overnight in Tatopani — 1,190 m

Return to Pokhara along the Kali Gandaki towards the south. Vegetation gradually reappears, and temperatures rise. You have the rest of the day free by Phewa Lake to rest, walk, or simply watch the reflection of the Annapurnas on the water.

Elevation change: -368 m · Driving time: 5 to 6 h · Overnight in Pokhara — 822 m

Last long jeep journey through the varied landscapes of central Nepal. Arrival in the late afternoon or evening in Kathmandu.

Elevation change: +528 m · Driving time: 6 to 7 h · Overnight in Kathmandu — 1,350 m

Free time for personal visits, shopping in the Thamel markets, or simply to catch your breath before departure. Your guide or our local team remains available for any last-minute requests or recommendations.

Overnight in Kathmandu — 1,350 m

Transfer to Kathmandu International Airport according to your flight schedule. End of the journey with Nepal Yetiraj Treks. We wish you a peaceful return, with the Himalayas still in your eyes.