Upper Mustang Forbidden Kingdom Tour
Overview
Hidden for centuries behind the Himalayas, Upper Mustang was restricted to foreigners until 1992 and remains one of the most culturally intact regions on Earth. This expedition follows the ancient Tibet–Nepal salt trade route through dramatically eroded canyons painted in hues of ochre, past 10,000 sky caves, to the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang — capital of the former Kingdom of Lo. With the backdrop of Nilgiri and the Annapurna range, this is a journey into a truly lost world.
Trip Highlights
- Enter the walled medieval city of Lo Manthang
- Explore 10,000+ ancient man-made sky caves
- Visit Ghar Gompa with its giant frescoes
- Cross four passes above 4,000m (Dhaulagiri views)
- Experience living Tibetan Buddhism in remote gompas
- Canyons and eroded cliffs of spectacular ochre landscapes
Detailed Itinerary
Fly to Pokhara
Short scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, lakeside evening.
Fly to Jomsom
Early morning flight through the Kali Gandaki gorge to Jomsom (2,720m).
Trek to Kagbeni
Follow the Kali Gandaki to the ancient gateway town of Kagbeni (2,800m).
Trek to Chele
Enter restricted Upper Mustang with sunset views of the Nilgiri massif.
Trek to Syangboche
Cross Nyi La pass through spectacular eroded canyons.
Trek to Ghami
Visit the Nyi Phu Gompa, carved into a vertical cliff face.
Trek to Charang
Pass through fields of barley and the medieval settlement of Charang.
Trek to Lo Manthang
The walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo at 3,840m — a step back in time.
Explore Lo Manthang
Visit the royal palace, Jampa Lhakhang, and the Chhoser Monastery.
Trek back to Ghami
Retrace the ancient route through sky caves and canyons.
Trek to Jomsom
Final trekking day descending through Kagbeni to Jomsom.
Fly to Pokhara & Kathmandu
Fly to Pokhara and connect to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner.
What's Included
- All internal flights and transportation
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area permits
- Full-board meals during the trek
- Twin-sharing teahouse/lodge accommodation
- Experienced licensed guide and porters
- 2 nights in Pokhara and Kathmandu each with breakfast
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
- Alcoholic drinks and snacks
- Tips
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