Physical Requirements
Excellent physical stamina and respiratory health. Expect long trail days navigating high-altitude desert plateaus, crossing exposed mountain passes, and walking 5 to 7 hours daily in a cold, windy environment.
Pokhara Departure
Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang Expedition
Entering a restricted, highly preserved Tibetan kingdom, exploring the magnificent 15th-century walled city of Lo Manthang, and discovering ancient multi-tiered sky caves carved into towering red cliffs.
10 Days
Duration
4,200 m
Max Altitude
Challenging
Difficulty
Teahouse / Lodge
Lodging
Mar–Nov
Best Season
Highlights
Entering a restricted, highly preserved Tibetan kingdom, exploring the magnificent 15th-century walled city of Lo Manthang, and discovering ancient multi-tiered sky caves carved into towering red cliffs.
Expedition Brief
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
2,810m
Fly Pokhara to Jomsom & Trek to Kagbeni
Take the early morning mountain flight to Jomsom and start with an easy 3-hour warm-up trek along the windy river trail to Kagbeni, where your special restricted area permits are registered.
Day 2
3,050m
Kagbeni to Chele
Enter the official Upper Mustang boundary, crossing the east bank of the Kali Gandaki river through the beautiful white-washed farmlands of Tangbe and Chhusang before climbing up to Chele.
Day 3
3,800m
Chele to Syangboche via Taklam La Pass
Climb steadily along steep canyon edges, crossing the Dajori La and Taklam La passes for vast views of the high desert peaks before dropping down into Syangboche.
Day 4
3,570m
Syangboche to Geling
Trek over the Yamada La pass, weaving past traditional chortens and through fields of barley and buckwheat down into the peaceful valley village of Geling.
Day 5
Geling to Tsarang (3,560m) via Nyi La Pass
Push up over the demanding Nyi La pass (4,010m) before descending past the iconic, deep-red cliffs of Ghami and its massive ancient Mani wall to arrive at the fortress town of Tsarang.
Day 6
3,840m
Tsarang to the Walled Capital of Lo Manthang
Walk through the spectacular Charang Chu canyon and make a final steady climb over the Lo Pass (3,950m) to catch your first breathtaking view of the walled capital city of Lo Manthang.
Day 7
Lo Manthang Exploration (Palaces & Monasteries)
A full day inside the legendary city. Tour the historic King's Palace, visit the active centuries-old Thubchen and Jampa monasteries, and sit down with local monks.
Day 8
3,900m
Side Trip to the Chhoser Sky Caves
Take a horse or jeep excursion to the nearby Chhoser valley to explore the incredible multi-story ancient cliff-side caves and the isolated Namgyal Gompa.
Day 9
3,520m
Return Loop from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar & Ghami
Begin your return trek along an alternative high path via the ancient Ghar Gompa monastery, arriving at the striking red-cliff settlement of Dhakmar.
Day 10
Overland Drive from Ghami back to Jomsom & Pokhara Flight
Take a rugged 4x4 overland drive back down the entire valley corridor to Jomsom, followed by your final flight connection back into Pokhara.
Pre-Trek Medical & Safety Prep
For any multi-day trek in Nepal—especially those exceeding 3,000 meters—it is highly recommended to get a baseline health check, confirm your physical fitness levels, and secure proper altitude sickness guidance or necessary travel vaccinations before departure.
Trail Logistics
What's Included
- Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP - $500 per person)
- ACAP permit
- certified government-licensed mountain guide
- porters
- classic teahouse/lodge accommodations
- all regional flight
- ground logistics
What's Not Included
- Personal horse/pony rentals during exploration days
- personal charging fees
- travel insurance with high-altitude helicopter rescue coverage
- tips
What to Bring
High-SPF sunscreen
lip balm
high-quality windbreaker/hard-shell jacket
dust mask or buff
warm 4-season sleeping bag
trekking poles
polarized glacier sunglasses
The Green Forest Standard
cottageVerified teahouses
medical_servicesFirst-Aid certified guides
languageJP · EN · HI
monitor_heartOximeters & satellite comms
home_pinPokhara start & end
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