Upper Mustang Trek with Luri Gompa

Trip Facts
Accommodation: Standard to Deluxe Hotel's Options in Cities & Tea Houses During Trek
Grade: Moderate
Max Altitude: 4,150 m/13,616 ft
Transportation: Private Vehicle/Flight
Meals: As Mentioned In The Itinerary
Duration : 17 Nights/18 Days
Group Size: 2 Pax To 15 Pax
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Highlights of The Trek

  • Trek to The Restricted Upper Mustang Valley and Walled City of Lo- Manthang
  • Visit 14th Century Sacred Luri Cave Monastery perched in 100m high cliff
  • Witness Mustang People, Tibetan Culture and Barren Landscapes
  • Visit Former Royal Palace of King of Mustang and admire the Mountain Views
  • Trek Into Nyi La Pass at 3,950 m, Serthang Pass (3,975 m), Cha Cha Pass (4,040 m) and Gyula Pass (4,077 m)
  • Visit Champa Lakhang of Maitreya Buddha, The Red Thugchen Gompa and Chyodi Gompa in Lo-Manthang
  • Trek through the Isolated Villages, Farm Lands and Deserted Hills
  • Visit Sacred Muktinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu
  • No Retracing of the trail, makes the circuit
  • Visit Sacred Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu
  • Pay Homage to living goddess, Kumari in Kathmandu Durbar Square
  • Enjoy Nepali Food, Hospitality and Culture

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival (1,350 m/4,430 ft)

Day 02: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

Day 03: Drive or Fly to Pokhara (210 km)- 6 Hours or 25 Minutes

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom (2,713m/8,900 ft)-15 Minutes & Trek to Kagbeni- (2,804 m / 9,200 ft)-3 Hours

Day 05: Trek to Chele (3,130 m/10,270 ft)-6 Hours

Day 06: Trek to Geling (3,600 m/11,810 ft)-6 Hours

Day 07: Trek to Charang (3,560 m/11,680 ft)-7 Hours

Day 08: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840 m/12,600 ft)-4 Hours

Day 09: Acclimatization Day in Lho Manthang

Day 10: Trek to Yara (3,600 m/11,811 ft)-6/7 Hours

Day 11: Excursion to Luri Gompa (3,950 m/12,959 ft)- 6/7 Hours

Day 12: Trek to Tangge (3,360 m/)- 7 Hours

Day 13: Trek to Paha and to Chusang (2,980 m/) - 8 Hours

Day 14: Trek to Muktinath (3,802 m/12,475 ft) -7 Hours

Day 15: Visit Muktinath Temple and trek down to Jomsom- 6 Hours

Day 16: Fly back to Pokahra-20 Minutes

Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu- 30 Minutes

Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu

Overview

Upper Mustang Trek is the real privilege of trekking to the mystical land of forbidden Kingdom of Lho Manthang also called Lho which has been isolated from the rest of the world for many decades. Until 1950s, Mustang was a separate kingdom and Lho Manthang as a capital, is practicing Tibetan Buddhism and distinct culture.  Opened just about 20 years ago to the foreigners is a highly restricted area and need restricted area permit. This trek passes through the one of the deserted mountain region and provides the spectacular views of mountain vistas. 

Beyond the wall city of Lho, we visit Luri Cave Monastery from 14th century which is one of the most famous monastery in entire Mustang Region. The monastery lies on a ledge around 100 m high from the ground in one of the many natural pillar like sandstone structures. The Gompa contains two interconnecting chambers. The outer chamber contains Shrines and the inner chamber contains the main treasure of Luri Gompa- mural paintings of Mahasiddhas, saints who achieved Siddi, called enlightenment.  

Our Journey to Upper Mustang and Luri Gompa begins with scenic flight to Jomsom from Pokhara and we start our trek to Kagbeni. We enter Upper Mustang Region from Kagbeni and follow the trail to Upper Mustang Trek passing by many culturally enriched villages of Chele, Geling, Charang.  In Lho Manthang, we visit sacred monasteries and ex King’s Palace called as Tashi Gephel Palace built in 15th century by the first King of Mustang, Ame Pal. We stay extra night in Lho and do excursion to Chosar Valley which is famous for hosting many sacred sky cave monasteries. And from Lho, we trek to Yara, Luri Gompa and follow different trail to Muktinath via Tangte and Chusang. In Muktinath, we visit sacred Muktinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and end our trek in Jomsom.

We can trek to Upper Mustang around the year even in the monsoon as it is the rain shadow area but in the extreme winter, the people from upper region leave their village to avoid cold and snow. So makes the best season remains from March to November. We stay in tea houses during our entire trek with few nights in basis lodge beyond Lho until Muktinath. 

Detail Itinerary


After arriving at Kathmandu International Airport, our office representative welcomes you with Garland and takes you to hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, we will have briefing on trek by our Trek Manager and Trek Guide. Then, we will take you for dinner to make you introduced with Nepalese food habits and Culture.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: D

Activity Duration:

After breakfast, we will take you for guided tour of Kathmandu city. We will begin with Pashupatinath Temple which is famous Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva at the bank of holy Bagmati River. After this, we continue to Boudhanath Stupa, which is giant Stupa in Asia and a focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. Then, we drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square where Nepalese Kings used to get Throne. Interesting places to see here are Taleju Temple, Statue of Kal Bhairabh and Hanuman, Temple of Jagannath (Erotic Temple) and Kastamandap Temple from which Kathmandu got its name. We visit Kumari Temple and pay homage to the living goddess, Kumari and also walk around the Freak streets which was famous during Hippie Era in 60's and 70's.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

After breakfast, you may consider either to fly or drive to Pokhara. If you drive, you may consider to enjoy Water Rafting at Trishuli River with Picnic lunch for 3/4 hours. We drive on Prithivi Highway. When we approach Pokhara, we see the magnificent Annapurna Range. In the evening, we walk around Lakeside Bazaar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: B L

Activity Duration:

After early morning breakfast, we drive to airport for flight to Jomsom. From Jomsom, we trek to Kagbeni passing by Eklebhatti. As a part of our trail, we walk on the flatten riverbed of Kaligandaki River with the view of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri and Annapurna Mountains. Kagbeni in the confluence of Kaligandaki River and Jhong Khola is the last village of Lower Mustang and entry point to Upper Mustang. There is famous Red Painted Gompa in Kagbeni which is more than 1000 years old.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Kagbeni.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

After we start from Kagbeni, we get to the Restricted Area of Upper Mustang where our permits are checked by the Authority. The trail takes you up the East Bank of Kali Gandaki River that climbs over many ridges as it heads North. In the dry season, it is possible to trek the entire route up the river along the sand and gravel of the River Belt.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Chele.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

The climb from Chele is up a steep spur to a cairn at 3,130 m. Here, we can enjoy the view of Gyagar Village across a Huge Canyon. A long wall of packed earth encircles Gyagar and its field. The climb continues as long, steep, treeless, water less slog along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to a pass and cairn of rocks at 3,540 m. Here the trail makes a long gradual descent to some Chortens on ridge, then descends further on a pleasant trail to Samar. Then we climb above Samar to a ridge then descend into a large gorge past Chorten painted in red, black, yellow and white. Along the way, the Annapurna Mountain is still visible far to the South. From here, we will descend to Geling with its extensive field of Barley at 3,600 m.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Geling.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

From Geling, our trail climbs gently through fields up the center of the valley, passing below settlement of Tama Gaun and an imposing Chorten. It rejoins the direct trail and then becomes an unrelenting climb across the head of the valley to the Nyi La Pass at 3,950 m, the highest point of the trek. Charang is a field of Maze, Willow trees and Houses separated by Stone Walls at the top of the large Charang Cho Canyon. The huge 5 storied white Dzong and Red Gompa are perched on the edge of the Kali Gandaki Gorge on the East end of the Valley.

Accomodation: AccOvernight at Tea House/Lodge in Charang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

After breakfast, we continue to descend around 100m, and cross the Charang Chu River and climbs steep up a Rocky Trail to a Cairn on a ridge opposite the village at 3,580 m. Then we enter the Thulung Valley. Now our trail turns North and climbs gently as the valley climbs to a large isolated Chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo. We continue climbing the trail and cross a Steam and arrive at grand wide a desert like landscape painted in every hue of Grey and Yellow. Finally from the ridge at 3,840 m, we see the view of the Walled City of Lo.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Lo Manthang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

We spend extra night at Lho to get the proper acclimatization. In this day, either we can stay in Lho and visit the village or can go for excursion to either to Chosar village which has many caves and monasteries or to Namgyal Monastery. In Lhomanthang, we visit the major Temples inside the walls, are Champa Lakhang (God House) which houses the massive 45 ft. Statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha, The Red Thugchen Gompa with several large images of Sakyamuni, Avolokitesvara and Maitreya, and The Chyodi Gompa of the Sakya Sect which has several Monks in residence and is the site of the Annual Mani Rimdu Festival in many which is referred as 'Tigi' in Lo Manthang. They are all supposed to have been built in 1420. Despite the apparent squalor of Lo Manthang, the city is prosperous and maintains a strong sense of community. Though the people call themselves Lobas- people from Lo, they are very much Tibetan and practice a sophisticated culture and economy. The King's Palace is an imposing 4 Storey building in the center of city. It is the home of the Ex King - Jigme Parbal Bista. The Honorary title "Bista– a high caste title in Nepali" was conferred by the King of Nepal. Though his duties were largely ceremonial, he was respected by the people and consulted about many issues by villagers throughout Lo.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Lo Manthang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Today our trail leads to Dhi La Pass (3,950 m) on a gradual ascend from where we can see the entire view of Lho Manthang village and we continue to Dhi village. From the village, we descend to a small river and climb to the Yara village which hosts many caves on stone walls.

Accomodation: Overnight at Lodge in Yara.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Today we stay extra night in Yara and do excursion to Luri Gompa also known as Luri Cave. Our trail leads us on a gradual ascending trail walking through the river. Luri Cave (Upper and Lower) which were built in 14th century considered as sacred to Tibetan Buddhism and contains some of the earliest and most beautiful Buddhist Mural paintings in the Mustang Region. The Gompa covered with red wash is perched on 100 m high cliff.

Accomodation: Overnight at Lodge in Yara.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

Today we start early as we need to cross a river which gets high after the sun. We descend to the Dhechyang Khola which often gets black where fossils called Shaligram can be found. Then we climb to Serthang Pass at 3,975 m from where we see mountains including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri. After spending few times, we descend several levels of brown barren lands to Tangge.

Accomodation: Overnight at Lodge in Tangge.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

This is a long day as we are trekking to Chusang village also called Tetang. We start early morning on descending trail and climb a pass at 4,150 after crossing Yak Khola. Then we descend to Paha where we can have our lunch. From Paha to Chusang is long and challenging as we walk on one hill to another hill. After reaching at Cha Cha Pass at 4,040 m, we descend down to valley of Narshing Khola and Chusang village.

Accomodation: Overnight at Lodge in Chusang.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

We begin our trek on ascending trail to Gyula Pass at 4,077 m from where we can see the panoramic view of peaks of Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri range. Then we continue to Muktinath passing through the beautiful villages of Jhong and Thinkar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Muktinath.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

In the morning, we visit Sacred Muktinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu which is a famous pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. In one of the Temple complex, a sacred fire and spring of water glows from the ground. It is believed that who takes a bath in 108 taps within the premises suppose to be pure. After visiting Temple, we start walking down with beautiful landscape crossing Jharkot and Kagbeni to Jomsom.

Accomodation: Overnight at Tea House/Lodge in Jomsom.

Meals: B L D

Activity Duration:

After early breakfast, we walk to airport and fly back to Pokhara. You can rest whole day in Pokhara. In the evening, you can walk around Lakeside Bazaar.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Pokhara.

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

After breakfast, we fly back to Kathmandu. You can consider doing sightseeing of Patan Durbar Square and Swyambhunath Stupa. In the evening, we will host Grand dinner to mark the success of epic adventure to Upper Mustang and Luri Gompa.

Accomodation: Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Meals: B D

Activity Duration:

After breakfast, we will drop you to the airport before 3 hours of your flight time.

Accomodation:

Meals: B

Activity Duration:

Cost Info

Cost Includes:

  • Garland welcome, arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu with Office Representative.
  • 3 Nights in Kathmandu with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charge.
  • 2 Nights in Pokhara with breakfast inclusive of Taxes and Service Charge.
  • 12 Nights/13 Days All Inclusive treks in Upper Mustang Region with breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee each time in meals in local Tea Houses/Lodges.
  • Pokhara/Jomsom/Pokhara Airfare and Kathmandu/Pokhara/Kathmandu Airfare.
  • Meals as indicated in the Itinerary.
  • English Speaking Trek Guide with a reliable team of porters (2:1 Ratio) and additional Sherpa as per the group size.
  • Kathmandu full day sightseeing with English Speaking Tour Guide with all applicable entrance fees.
  • White water rafting in Trishuli River with picnic lunch.
  • Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project, ACAP Fees and Trekkers Information Management System, TIMS Fees.  
  • Bottle Drinking water in vehicle for sightseeing drives and transfers.
  • All drives, sightseeing and transfers by Deluxe Vehicle as per the group size.
  • UPPER MUSTANG SPECIAL PERMITS OF USD 500/- PER PERSON.
  • 24/7 hours Assistance.

 Cost Excludes:

  • International Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
  • Nepal Visa fees on Arrival at Airport (USD 50/- for 30 Days).
  • Meals other than breakfast except mentioned.
  • Bottle drinking water, hot beverages, charges for hot shower, mobile/camera charges during the trek.
  • Personal nature of expenses like tips, bar bills, laundry and personal expenses.
  • Cost may arise of natural calamities, flight cancellation, illness, hospitalization, tour cancellation, blockade etc.
  • Cost for Emergency Helicopter Evacuation Charges in case of emergency.
  • Other than in our include section.

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Associated With

  • TAAN
  • NTB
  • NMA
  • Pata