Mustang Classic Trek

Trek Highlights

The Walled City of Lo Manthang: A medieval capital where the king’s palace and ancient monasteries are enclosed by a 600-year-old mud-brick wall.
Sky Caves of Chhoser: Thousands of man-made caves carved into vertical cliffs, some containing 13th-century murals and human remains.
Ghar Gompa (Lo Gekar): Built in the 8th century, it is arguably the oldest Buddhist monastery in Nepal.
Tiji Festival: If you trek in May 2026, you can witness this 3-day ritual involving masked dances that symbolize the victory of good over evil.
Kali Gandaki Gorge: The trail follows the world’s deepest gorge, offering a unique geological perspective of the Himalayas.

Trip Facts

Difficulty

Easy

Country

Nepal

Duration

17 Days

Altitude

3730 M

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge/Tent

Trip Start From

Kathmandu

Trip Ends At

Kathmandu

Overview

The Mustang Classic Trek is a journey into the former Himalayan Kingdom of Lo, a remote and culturally distinct region in north-central Nepal. Tucked in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, Mustang offers a landscape of stark, breathtaking beauty—a high-altitude desert of eroded cliffs in shades of red, brown, and ochre, dotted with whitewashed villages, ancient monasteries, and intricate prayer walls. Unlike the lush, green hills of other Himalayan treks, Mustang feels otherworldly, often compared to the Tibetan Plateau.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about this iconic trek, from its unique cultural significance and detailed daily itinerary to essential logistical information on permits, costs, and the best time to go.

Best time to trek: Spring (March to May): This is one of the best times. Days are warm and pleasant with clear skies, and the region is alive with blooming wildflowers. Temperatures at night can still be cold.

Autumn (September to November): The other peak season. The weather is stable with excellent visibility, offering crisp, stunning mountain views. Days are comfortable for trekking.
Fitness Level: You need a moderate to good level of physical fitness. Expect to walk for 5 to 7 hours per day on rugged, uneven terrain. While there are no extreme high passes, the trails involve daily ascents and descents, and the arid climate can be dehydrating.
Acclimatization: The itinerary is designed with a rest day in Lo Manthang to help you acclimatize to the altitude (3,840m). Staying hydrated and walking at a steady, slow pace is key.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1:

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m) and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2:

Kathmandu Official procedures and trek preparations.
Day 3:

Flight to Pokhara. Transfer to hotel. (960m)
Day 4:

Fly: Pokhara to Jomsom (2,700m) & Trek to Kagbeni (2,810m). Enjoy the scenic 20-25 minutes flight.
Day 5:

Kagbeni to Chele (3,100m) crossing the villages of Tangbe and Chuksang.
Day 6:

Chele to Geling (3,570m). A challenging day with steep climbs through dramatic canyons.
Day 7:

Geling to Charang (3,560m). Cross the Nyi La pass (3,950m) enroute to see one of Nepal’s longest and most spectacular mani (prayer walls) before arriving at Charang.
Day 8:

Charang to Lo Manthang (3,840m).
Day 9:

In Lo Manthang. Acclimatization and exploration. Visit the royal palace and the four main monasteries.
Day 10:

Lo Manthang to Chhoser & Back (3,900m). Explore Chosar Valley to see the famous Jhong Caves and ancient cave dwellings.
Day 11:

Lo Manthang to Dhakmar (3,520m). Enroute cross a few passes over 4,000m. In good weather we can see Thorong Peak, Nilgiri Peak, and the Annapurna range.
Day 12:

Dhakmar to Syangbochen (3,800m) after crossing the Nila Pass (4,010m).
Day 13:

Syangbochen to Chhusang (2,980m) via the Chungsi Rangjung Cave Monastery, a sacred cave associated with Guru Rinpoche.
Day 14:

Chhusang to Kagbeni and drive to Jomsom (2,700m).
Day 15:

Fly: Jomsom to Pokhara & Drive to Kathmandu.
Day 16:

Final Departure.

Easy

Easy to moderate hiking and trekking
Light packs (10kg)
Elevations often below 2500m
Easy terrain
Trek duration less than a week in high altitude

Package Details

Cost Includes:

All arrival and departure transfers for both international and domestic flights (Airport ↔ Hotel).
Transport by private vehicle as per the itinerary (Kagbeni-Jomsom).
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a twin/double sharing basis with breakfast as per itinerary.
Hotel accommodation in Pokhara on a twin/double sharing basis with breakfast.
Standard lodge accommodation on a twin/double sharing basis.
Three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) throughout the trek.
Experienced, government-licensed trek guide and porter support (typically one porter shared by two trekkers).
All wages, accommodation, meals, and comprehensive insurance for your guide and porter.
Applicable government and local taxes, as well as required trekking permits (e.g., TIMS card, conservation area entry fees).

Cost Excludes:

Airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Nepal Tourist Visa fee (can be obtained on arrival).
Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Expenses of a personal nature, including phone calls, laundry, and internet access.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, tea, coffee, snacks between meals, mineral water, and boiled water.
Personal trekking equipment (e.g., sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles).
Personal travel and medical insurance mandatory to cover medical, hospitalization, and rescue evacuation charges (must cover emergency evacuation and high-altitude trekking).
Gratuities for guides, porters, and drivers.
Any additional costs arising from unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (e.g., flight cancellations, political unrest, natural disasters, or illness).