Operators arrange the route slightly differently. This outline shows the logic of the days.
The outline
Heights and times here are rounded. A lodge sign or your guide's GPS may differ by a little.
- Drive toward Koto and begin the Nar Phu approach.
- Koto, Meta and Kayang, gaining altitude gradually.
- Phu village and a rest day.
- Climb toward Teri La base camp.
- Teri La base camp to the pass and onward to a high camp near 4,800 m, an 8 to 9 hour day.
- Descent toward Tange and the first Mustang villages.
- Tsarang and Lo Manthang, with a rest day.
- Return toward Jomsom by trek or jeep, and fly out.
Spare day
A contingency day for weather, trail or permit delays is standard and wise.
Camping
About half the nights are in tents. Your crew sets camp, cooks and carries equipment.
Acclimatisation
Nar Phu and Phu village give a useful profile before the pass. See Nar Phu altitude guide.
Acclimatisation logic
The route spends several nights above 4,000 m in Nar Phu before the pass. This helps the body adapt, and the rest day at Phu is a key part of the plan. After the pass, the descent into Mustang is gentler, with time to recover.
What the pass day looks like
The pass day starts before dawn, with a steep climb over scree and moraine to the top, and a long descent to a high camp. Expect eight to nine hours of walking, with cold wind and variable weather. Guides carry out checks and may delay if conditions are poor.
Exit options
After Lo Manthang, you can return to Jomsom on foot or by jeep, and fly out. Your operator should confirm the plan and the fallback if the road or flights are disrupted.
Spare day and weather logic
Published itineraries include a contingency day for weather, trail or permit delays. Use it for rest if it is not needed, rather than racing ahead. The best protection against a bad forecast is time.
Common questions
How many days is Teri La?
About 21 days in total, with around 13 trekking days, on a published itinerary.
Where does it end?
Usually Lo Manthang and Jomsom.
Is there a spare day?
Yes, and it is important.
