Upper Mustang was closed to outsiders until 1992. It remains the most intact Tibetan-influenced kingdom on earth — ancient cave monasteries carved into red cliffs, walled medieval towns, sky burials and a way of life unchanged for centuries. A restricted-area permit is required and worth every penny.
Fly to Pokhara. Briefing and permit paperwork.
Scenic mountain flight to Jomsom (2,720m). Drive to Kagbeni — gateway to Upper Mustang.
Pass the checkpoint and enter the restricted area. Trek to Chele (3,050m) across a dramatically arid moonscape.
Trek through the red-cliff landscape to Syangboche (3,800m). Cave dwellings carved into the cliff face.
Arrive Lo Manthang (3,840m) — the medieval walled capital of Mustang. Audience with the local king (arranged in advance).
Full day exploring Lo Manthang: Jampa Lhakhang (15th century), Thubchen monastery, Namgyal monastery and the sky cave complex above the town.
Trek south through Ghami — ancient mani walls and chortens.
Tsarang — the second largest walled town in Mustang, with a ruined dzong (fort) above the valley.
Trek back to Jomsom via Kagbeni.
Morning flight to Pokhara, connect to Kathmandu.
