Upper Mustang Trek with Luri Gumba

Your 14-day Upper Mustang Trek with Luri Gumba begins upon arrival in Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport. At the arrival gates, representatives of Nature Lovers Treks and Tours will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu’s tourist district, Thamel. Upon checking in, you can rest and unwind. A short trek briefing will be held in the evening.

Your day begins with an early breakfast at your hotel. After breakfast, you will leave for the Lake City of Pokhara on a comfortable tourist bus. The scenic journey takes you along the winding Prithivi Highway, alongside the Trishuli and Marshyangdi Rivers. This drive offers you glimpses of the quaint rural lifestyle.

After 7 to 8 hours, you will reach the serene Pokhara Lakeside. In the evening, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll by the Phewa Lake or enjoy the calm waters by the Lakeside cafes.

Prepare for a thrilling early morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. This short 25-minute flight takes you through the deepest gorge in the world between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

Jomsom is known for its strong winds; therefore, flights are operated only in the early hours. Upon landing in Jomsom, you will begin your trek along the Kali Gandaki riverbed. You can enjoy the beautiful landscapes as you make your way to your overnight destination in Kagbeni. Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, is a medieval village known for its picturesque narrow alleyways.

Time to begin the trek to the forbidden kingdom from Kagbeni, where Tibetan culture, architecture, and spirituality are instantly felt. Taking a quieter route away from vehicles, the trail climbs gently through traditional Tibetan-style villages, serene landscapes, and sacred Buddhist monasteries, offering a peaceful and reflective journey.

The short trekking day ends at Muktinath (Ranipauwa), surrounded by stunning Himalayan views. Visit the revered Muktinath Temple and stay overnight to explore the village, connect with local culture, and experience the spiritual essence of this remarkable Himalayan settlement.

After breakfast, the trek begins from Muktinath through narrow alleys toward Jheng (Dzeng), offering beautiful views of Ranipauwa and the Nilgiri Range. The trail descends to a suspension bridge before gradually climbing to Gyu La Pass, reached in a couple of hours, where the landscape dramatically shifts into the dry, canyon-filled terrain that signals entry into Upper Mustang.

From the pass, the route descends steadily toward Tetang, with chances to see sheep and goat herds along the eroded trail. After lunch in Tetang, the trek continues along the road to Chhusang, where permits are checked before settling into a teahouse with time to relax and explore the village.

This is the toughest day of the trek, taking a full day to reach Tangge from Chhusang, so strong mental and physical preparation is essential. There are no villages or reliable water sources along the way, except seasonal streams near Paa Pass, so carrying enough water and a packed lunch is necessary.

The trail begins with a steep climb, followed by a mix of gradual ascents and descents along the Siyarko Tangk Danda ridge toward Paa Pass (4,210 m). From the pass, Tangge village appears deceptively close, but a long, steep descent follows, ending near a suspension bridge. After walking alongside the river and crossing another bridge, you reach Tangge by dusk—time for a well-earned dinner and rest.

After breakfast, the trek starts later than usual as it is easier than the previous day. The trail begins with a short uphill, then opens into a long stretch of flat terrain, making the walk relaxed and comfortable.

After a brief climb, the path descends to Dhechyang Khola, passing a large apple farm where lunch is prepared at a small farmhouse. After lunch, cross the suspension bridge and continue along gentle ascents and flat trails, with views of Ghara and Dhi villages, before descending to Yara village for an overnight stay.

Today is a relaxed exploration and rest day, essential after several challenging trekking days. After breakfast, you will visit the magical Luri Gompa and Tashi Kabung by following an alternative route along the Nuyung Khola, where Tashi Kabung is hidden within a cliff wall.

The trail is mostly flat and easy, leading to Luri Gompa in a couple of hours. After spending time at the monasteries, return to Ghara village for lunch and then continue back to Yara, just a short walk away, leaving the rest of the day free for rest and relaxation.

Today marks the approach to the heart and highlight of the Upper Mustang Trek—Lo Manthang. Though shorter, the day begins after breakfast with trails following the road and river toward Surkhang and across the Kali Gandaki to Dhi village.

After Dhi, a steep ascent rewards you with sweeping views of the barren Mustang landscape and peaks like Nilgiri, Tilicho, Thorong, and distant Dhaulagiri. The trail then descends gently toward Lo Manthang, where you arrive by lunchtime. Spend the afternoon exploring the walled city, visiting ancient monasteries such as Chhyode Gompa, Jampa Lhakhang, Thubchen Gompa, and the Royal Palace, before staying overnight.

This special day is set aside for exploration and relaxation, with an optional comfortable jeep or bus ride from Lo Manthang to Chhoser. The one-hour off-road drive or 2-3 hours trek journey passes small settlements, offering glimpses of local life amid dusty but scenic terrain.

In Chhoser, explore the remarkable Jhong Cave, known for its ancient formations and links to early Tibetan civilization, and visit nearby monasteries. You may also drive to Kora La (4,660 m) at the Nepal–Tibet border before returning to Lo Manthang, where the final evening is perfect for celebrating the journey and cherishing the memories made.

Today is another day dedicated solely to an excursion. From Yara, you will head to your second highlight of the trek, the Luri Gumba. This ancient cave monastery dates back to the 13th century and is perched precariously on a cliff. Here, you can explore the Kabum Stupa, wrapped in ancient paintings. This stupa is historically significant to the Kagyupa sect of Buddhism.

After exploring the spiritual center and enjoying the awe-inspiring landscapes, you will head back to your teahouse in Yara.

The drive from Jomsom to Pokhara is a scenic and adventurous journey that usually takes 7–8 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. The route follows the Kali Gandaki River, passing apple orchards and villages like Marpha and Tukuche, with impressive views of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri along the way.

The road is a mix of rough off-road and paved sections, especially between Jomsom and Tatopani, where dust and occasional river crossings are common. After Beni, the drive becomes smoother, and the landscape turns greener as you approach Pokhara, offering a rewarding transition from the dry Mustang region to the lush hills and lakeside city.

You have come to the end of your 14-day Upper Mustang and Luri Gumba Trek. As you prepare to depart for the bustling capital of Kathmandu, you will bid farewell to the Lakecity over a hearty breakfast overlooking the serene lake. After breakfast, you will board the tourist bus and retrace your path along the winding highway.

Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. You can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in your hotel or heading out to the busy streets, engaging in last-minute souvenir shopping. In the evening, you will join a celebratory dinner hosted by Nature Lovers Treks and Tours to commemorate your successful Himalayan adventure.

Your 14-day Upper Mustang Trek officially concludes today. Prepare to leave the hotel for the airport at least 3 hours before your boarding time. Nature Lovers Treks and Tours representative will assist in transferring to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle.