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Experiences/Forbidden Kingdom: Upper Mustang Trek
Forbidden Kingdom: Upper Mustang Trek
Culturalmoderate

Forbidden Kingdom: Upper Mustang Trek

Journey into the ancient Tibetan kingdom of Lo Manthang — a restricted area of cave monasteries, wind-carved cliffs, and living medieval culture.

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Duration
14 days
Region
Upper Mustang, Mustang
Group Size
2-8
Max Altitude
3810m

About this Experience

Upper Mustang was closed to foreigners until 1992, and it remains one of the most culturally preserved regions in the Himalayas. This 14-day trek takes you through the dramatic Kali Gandaki gorge into a surreal landscape of red, ochre, and grey cliffs carved by wind and water. The walled city of Lo Manthang, the former capital of the Kingdom of Lo, is the crown jewel. You'll explore 600-year-old monasteries with priceless Tibetan murals, attend masked dances, and stay with local families who maintain traditions unchanged for centuries. Guide Karma, born in Upper Mustang, provides unparalleled cultural insights and access to ceremonies and sites rarely seen by outsiders.

What's Included

  • Tea house/homestay accommodation
  • All meals
  • Upper Mustang restricted area permit ($500)
  • ACAP permit
  • Experienced local guide
  • Domestic flight KTM-Jomsom-KTM

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal gear
  • Tips
  • Hot showers

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Fly to Jomsom

Scenic 20-minute flight from Pokhara through the deepest gorge in the world.

Alt: 2720mDist: 0.0kmWalk: 0.0hMeals: lunch, dinner
2

Trek to Kagbeni

Enter the restricted area through the medieval village of Kagbeni.

Alt: 2810mDist: 8.0kmWalk: 3.5hMeals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
3

Trek to Chele

Cross the Kali Gandaki and climb into the arid Mustang landscape.

Alt: 3050mDist: 14.0kmWalk: 5.5hMeals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
4

Trek to Syangboche

Traverse high passes with views of Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Annapurna I.

Alt: 3475mDist: 16.0kmWalk: 7.0hMeals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
5

Trek to Lo Manthang

Arrive at the walled city. Explore the palace and monasteries.

Reviews (146)

Takashi Yamamoto
5

Transformed my practice

The meditation sessions in Lumbini's Sacred Garden at dawn were transcendent. Sunita is a gifted teacher who meets you exactly where you are. The monasteries were fascinating, each one reflecting a different Buddhist tradition. I came for 5 days and wished I'd booked 10. The vegetarian food was incredible too.

$2100.00/ person
4.9(146 reviews)
Duration14 days
RouteJomsom → Jomsom
Group size2-8

Your Guide

Karma Bhote
Karma Bhote
14 yrs experience
#upper mustang#forbidden kingdom#tibetan culture#lo manthang#restricted area#cave monasteries
Alt: 3810m
Dist: 15.0km
Walk: 6.0h
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
6

Explore Lo Manthang

Full day in the capital. Visit Thupchen Gompa, Jampa Gompa, and the Royal Palace.

Alt: 3810mDist: 5.0kmWalk: 6.0hMeals: breakfast, lunch, dinner