Mustang Lo Manthang-luri Gompa Trek

Trip Facts

Difficulty

Moderate

Country

Nepal

Duration

19 Days

Altitude

3840 M

Accommodation

Hotel/Lodge/Tent

Trip Start From

Kathmandu

Trip Ends At

Kathmandu

Overview

The Mustang – Lo Manthang – Luri Gompa Trek is an extended and more adventurous version of the classic Upper Mustang trek. While the standard route ends at the walled city of Lo Manthang, this variation pushes deeper into the remote Luri Valley to visit the spectacular Luri Gompa, a 13th–14th century cave monastery adorned with ancient Buddhist murals . This trek offers one of Nepal’s most culturally rich and spiritually significant experiences in the former “Forbidden Kingdom.”

Highlights and cultural immersion. Here is what makes it truly special:

The Forbidden Kingdom: Until 1992, Upper Mustang was a restricted area closed to foreigners. This isolation has helped preserve its unique Tibetan Buddhist culture, language, and traditions, which remain distinct from the rest of Nepal. The region even has a nominal king, the Lo Gyelpo, who still holds cultural significance.
A Trans-Himalayan Landscape: Trekking in the rain shadow means you are shielded from the monsoon. The landscape is a dramatic, arid desert of canyons, caves, and towering rock formations with stunning views of snow-capped peaks like Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri in the distance.
Ancient Caves and Monasteries: The region is famous for thousands of man-made caves carved into vertical cliff faces, some dating back over 2,000 years. You will also visit some of Nepal’s oldest and most important Buddhist monasteries, including Lo Gekar Gompa, believed to predate the famous Samye Monastery in Tibet.
The Walled City of Lo Manthang: The trek’s highlight is reaching Lo Manthang, the historic capital. This walled city, with its royal palace, maze-like alleyways, and traditional mud-brick houses, feels like a living museum and a glimpse into a bygone era.
The Luri Gompa extension takes you to the remote villages of Yara and Ghara, where life has remained unchanged for centuries. The monastery itself is carved into a sandstone cliff and features:
Ancient Buddhist murals and frescoes
A sacred stupa (chorten) with deep spiritual significance
A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere with minimal tourist traffic

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.

Brief Itinerary

Day 01:

Arrival in Kathmandu, Transfer to the hotel.
Day 02:

In Kathmandu for official procedures and trek preparations.
Day 03:

Flight to Pokhara. Transfer to hotel.
Day 04:

Flight to Jomsom 2720m in the morning. After arriving in Jomsom, drive to Chhuksang 2980m. Visit the local monastery Mentzi Lakhang and rest to get used to the altitude. Overnight lodge.
Day 05:

Trekking from Chhuksang to Syangboche 3800m crossing Taklam La pass 3624m with views of Tilicho peak. Trekking time approximately 7-8 hrs including lunch. Overnight at local lodge.
Day 06:

Trekking from Syangboche La to Dhakmar 3820m after crossing the Nila pass 4010m. Trekking time approximately 7 hrs including lunch. Overnight at local lodge.
Day 07:

Trekking from Dhakmar to Lo Manthang 3810m. Cross a few passes over 4000m. Views of Thorang peak, Nilgiri peak, and Annapurna range. Overnight at lodge.
Day 08:

Sightseeing in Lo Manthang: Acclimatization and exploration. Visit the royal palace, four main monasteries (Jampa, Thubchen, Chode, Choprang), and wander ancient backstreets.
Day 09:

Side trip to Chhoser valley to see Jhong Caves and explore ancient cave dwellings. Overnight at local lodge.
Day 10:

Trekking from Lo Manthang to Yara 3650m, crossing Lo La pass 3960m, arrive at Dhi village for lunch, then reach Yara. Overnight at local lodge.
Day 11:

Day trip to Luri and Chörten Tashi Kabum rock monasteries. Visit ancient Buddhist murals/wall paintings. Duration 3-4 hrs. Overnight at local lodge.
Day 12:

Trekking from Yara to Tangye 3240m. Trekking time 6-7 hrs including lunch. Overnight at local lodge.
Day 13:

Trekking from Tangye to Chhuksang. Trekking time 7 hrs including lunch and 1 hr drive to Jomsom. Overnight at Oms home.
Day 14:

Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara at 07:00 am, then connecting flight to Kathmandu at 08:30 am. Rest day in Kathmandu.
Day 15:

In Kathmandu: Free day.
Day 16:

Departure from Kathmandu.

Moderate

Moderate to strenuous trekking
May require carrying bag pack (10kg)
Elevations from 2500m to 5500m
Moderate terrain
Nights are spent in lodge or tents
Trek duration of two weeks in high altitude

Package Details

Cost Includes:

All arrival and departure transfers for both international and domestic flights (Airport ↔ Hotel).
Round-trip transport by private vehicle as per the itinerary (Jomsom–Chuksang-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).