Most Upper Mustang itineraries take about ten to fourteen days door to door, including the journey to Jomsom and back. The length depends on how much you walk, how much you drive, and how many rest days you want.
A typical outline
- Day 1: Travel from Pokhara to Jomsom, by flight or road, and overnight there.
- Day 2: Walk or drive to Kagbeni, the gateway to the restricted zone. Permits are checked here.
- Days 3 to 6: Continue north through villages such as Chele, Syanbochen, Ghami and Tsarang, crossing high passes and canyons.
- Days 7 and 8: Reach Lo Manthang and spend a full day exploring its monasteries and palace.
- Days 9 to 11: Return by the same route or by an alternative trail through different villages.
- Day 12: Back to Jomsom, then on to Pokhara.
Where the time goes
The walking days are generally moderate, but there are long stretches on dry, exposed ground with little shade. A rest day at Lo Manthang is worthwhile, and an excursion day to nearby monasteries or caves adds value if you have time.
Shortening or lengthening
A jeep for part of the route reduces the trip by a few days. Walking the entire distance and adding the side valleys can stretch it beyond two weeks. Remember that permits are charged by the day.
Buffer days
Flights to Jomsom depend on wind and cloud. One spare day at the start or end protects your onward travel.
We can adjust this outline to match your time and budget.
A day in the life of the trek
Days usually begin with breakfast at the lodge and an early departure to take advantage of the calm morning air. The trail follows the river or the contour of dry hillsides, passing chortens, mani walls and cave dwellings. After a lunch stop in a village, the afternoon is shorter, and you reach the night's village before the wind rises. Evenings are spent around a heater, writing notes, playing cards or talking to the lodge family.
What the rest days give you
A day in Lo Manthang is not wasted time, since the walled town has many monasteries and lanes to explore, and nearby excursions reach cliff caves and remote villages. A rest day also helps your body to adapt to the altitude and gives you a chance to wash clothes and recharge devices. Without it, the trip can feel like a rush from one place to another.
Tailoring it to your interests
Photographers may want extra time in the landscape at dawn and dusk, while culture enthusiasts may add a visit to a monastery during prayers. People who prefer to walk can plan a longer trek, while those who prefer comfort can mix jeep and trail sections. Share your interests with your operator so that the plan suits you.
Planning notes
- Allow at least one buffer day for flights and weather.
- Check how many hours of driving are included on each day.
- Confirm the sequence of villages and the lodges you will use.
A sample plan in detail
A 12 to 14 day plan runs: fly Pokhara to Jomsom, walk or drive to Kagbeni, then Chele, Syangboche, Ghami, Charang, Lo Manthang (two nights), and return via Drakmar, Ghiling and Chhuksang. Some groups use a jeep for part of the route to save time.
Day trips from Lo Manthang
With two nights you can visit Chhoser caves, Namgyal Gompa or Tingkar village. These excursions show different aspects of Mustang's history and landscape, and help you adjust to altitude of around 3,800 m.
