Mustang
Mustang: The last Himalayan kingdom in a group
Réf : NMUSX
In summary
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Sports
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Duration20 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationNepal / Mustang
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions2545.69 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
An exceptional trek to discover Upper Mustang, a true legend of Nepal! Between ochre cliffs, fairy chimneys, and Buddhist monasteries, discover this ancient Tibetan kingdom, still authentic and wild... Unique landscapes, numerous historical sites, and a preserved Tibetan culture make Mustang an exceptional region . Between deep valleys, mountain passes, and high plateaus, the hiking trails offer access to the region's extraordinary natural sites, facing a breathtaking panorama: that of the immense Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Along the way, we discover an unparalleled cultural heritage: centuries-old Buddhist monasteries, improbable cave dwellings, and frescoes from another era... Finally, a trek in Mustang is also about encounters and discovering an ancestral Tibetan culture that has remained intact, untouched by time! An exceptional journey in a region unique in the world, to be discovered as soon as possible!
The highlights
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The unique landscapes of Upper Mustang
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The breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges
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Nepal in the summer, and the unique landscapes of Upper Mustang!
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to undertake multi-day hikes involving over 6 hours of walking and an elevation gain of 700 to 1,200 meters, off-trail or over rugged terrain. High-altitude sections are possible. You engage in endurance sports several times a week, hike regularly, and are in excellent physical condition.
In figures
Autre
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 639 m
- Average daily descent: 658 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages spoken:
French
English
French
English
Supervisor
Supervisor
During your trip, you'll be accompanied by our trekking guides, fully committed to helping you discover unique places in the heart of nature. This trip is led by a French-speaking Nepalese trekking guide.
Program
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Flight to Kathmandu
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
International flight to Kathmandu.
Day 1 -
Arrival in Kathmandu
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival in Kathmandu during the day. Airport pick-up and transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu city center. The rest of the day is free. The first trip briefing will be held in the late afternoon, followed by dinner with the rest of the group.Day 2 -
Kathmandu - Pokhara
- Transportation Minibus - 08h - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, we set off for Pokhara, giving us a first glimpse of Nepalese life. At the Thankot Pass (1400 m), we have the opportunity to admire the Himalayan massifs of Langtang (7200 m), Ganesh Himal (7400 m), and Manaslu (8163 m). We then descend into the valleys of the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers before finally arriving in Pokhara in the afternoon. Located on the shores of Phewa Lake, the city is dominated by the famous Annapurna massif. The evening is free for everyone to enjoy Pokhara in their own way. It's a chance to do some shopping in the lively streets of the city center or stroll along the lake.Day 3 -
Pokhara - Jomson - Kagbeni - Chusang (2980 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 180km
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early start to get to Pokhara airport. We take a domestic flight to Jomsom (2700 m). This short mountain flight crosses the Himalayas, flying over the Kali Gandaki Valley, which separates the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, between two mountains over 8000 m high! Arriving in Jomsom, we're now in Mustang! We take a 4x4 vehicle to travel up the Kali Gandaki and reach Kagbeni, at the entrance to the restricted region of Upper Mustang. After visiting this charming village and having lunch, we continue on to the small village of Chusang, the starting point of our trek, in an already breathtaking setting!Day 4 -
Chusang - Chele (3100 m) - Samar (3600 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We begin the trek by briefly ascending the Kali Gandaki River. We quickly reach the foot of a cliff on which sits the village of Chele. A winding path climbs to the village, from where we can admire a superb view of the immense north face of North Nilgiri (7061 m). We continue along the path towards Ghyakar, then tackle the first pass of the trek, on a moderate slope. A second small pass follows, before a final descent to Samar, the end of today's stage. We visit the monastery overlooking the town and have free time to explore the village's narrow streets.Day 5 -
Samar - Chungsi Cave - Syanboche (3800 m) - Geling (3570 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 1150 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off on a beautiful trek to Syanboche. From Samar, we hike along a mountainside trail until we reach the Chorate Pass. From the summit, the view opens up onto the impressive Syanboche Khola gorge, into which the trail now plunges. Reaching the bottom of the canyon, a short, unexpected detour leads to a major site: the Chungsi Cave. According to legend, it was here that Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava, stopped to meditate during his visit to Mustang. Founder of Tibetan Buddhism, he is certainly the most revered figure in this religion. Inside the cave are the three characteristic Mustang chortens ("Rigsum Gonpo": symbols of the three most popular deities), and about a hundred small statues of Padmasambhava. After the visit, it's time to begin the ascent of the gorge to finish the morning in Syanboche, a small hamlet now reached by a drivable track. Lunch, and a short final leg to reach Ghiling, via the Syanboche La pass. Visit to the Ghiling monastery and its imposing, colorful chorten.Day 6 -
Geling - Nyi la pass (4000 m) - Ghami la pass (3765 m) - Ghami - Dhakmar (3820 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning we crossed the pass overlooking the northern slope of the Ghami Valley. Then we continued up the opposite slope towards Ghami La (3765 m). From the summit, we had a beautiful view of the verdant fields of Ghami. Further on, we could make out the cliffs of Dhakmar... After a good break, we descended to the village of Ghami where we had lunch and visited a lovely monastery. We resumed our hike towards Dhakmar. After a short climb, the valley gradually opened up, revealing the magnificent red cliffs of Dhakmar. Legend has it that the cliffs were stained with the blood of a demon when he was slain by the magician Padmasambhava!Day 7 -
Dhakmar - Mui la pass (4,100 m) - Marang la pass (4230 m) - Chogo la pass (4320 m) - Lo Manth
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we set off for a beautiful, but long, day of hiking! We first skirt the Dhakmar cliffs and quickly begin the short climb to the Mui La pass (4100 m). The trail traverses a plateau before descending straight into the wide Tsarang valley. At the valley floor, we come across a first-rate cultural site: none other than the oldest monastery in Mustang, Lo Gekar! Belonging to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, it is one of the oldest monasteries in the world, dating back to the 8th century! After visiting the site, we continue our steady climb towards the Chogo La pass (4280 m), the highest point of this trek. A long descent then awaits us, across the high plateaus that herald the proximity of Tibet, until we reach the capital: the fortified city of Lo Manthang.Day 8 -
Visit to Lo Manthang
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day exploring Lo Manthang. This small capital at the end of the world experienced its golden age in the 15th century, when Mustang was an independent kingdom. We stroll through the winding streets of the city center and take the time to soak up the atmosphere. We also discover the historic monasteries of the fortified city. These feature monumental frescoes and remnants of the ancient Tibetan religion, Bön. The rest of the day is free for everyone to enjoy the city at their own pace.Day 9 -
Lo Manthang - Konchok Ling - Choser - Niphu - Lo Manthang
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 20km
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day exploring the area around Lo Manthang: we set off in a 4x4 vehicle heading north into the valley leading to Choser. Along the way, we turn into the arid Ghoiche Khola valley. The rock faces gradually take on an incredible palette of colors as the track climbs to the top of a pass. We leave the vehicle here and embark on a short walk through a landscape worthy of another planet. This is one of the most fabulous sites in the region. After a good climb, the path continues along a ridge before reaching a sharp drop; a rope allows us to cross the obstacle and reach a ledge. The last few meters lead us to one of the most remarkable sites in Mustang: the Konchok Ling cave and its remarkable 13th-century frescoes. Back at the vehicle, we set off towards the Choser cave dwellings: here, a veritable multi-level cave gallery was inhabited around the 8th century! Not far from there is the charming Niphu Monastery, nestled into the cliff face. We return to Lo Manthang at the end of the day.
Note: Although there are no real technical difficulties, the last few meters leading to the Konchok Ling cave are a bit exposed and require sure footing. Therefore, it is perfectly acceptable to stop before reaching this difficult section and enjoy the scenery while waiting for the rest of the group to return.
Day 10 -
Lo Manthang - Dhi-Yara (3640 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning we leave Lo Manthang and begin the ascent of the small Lo Day La pass. We then hike along the mountainside on a trail that alternates between ascents and descents until we reach the Dhi La pass (4050 m). The plateau ends here, offering a superb panorama, and gives way to a steep descent into the deep canyons of the fairy chimneys. We arrive at the charming village of Dhi for lunch. It is here that we briefly rejoin the Kali Gandaki River. We are not far from its source, which lies in the Damodar Himal massif, the mountains bordering Mustang to the east. The afternoon is spent ascending the Yara Khola valley, which leads to the village of the same name. Yara is famous for its large vertical cliff, sculpted over millennia, containing dozens of cave dwellings. A truly extraordinary natural site!Day 11 -
Yara - Luri Gompa - Yara
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day trip exploring the valleys upstream from Yara, beginning this morning with the discovery of two worthwhile cultural sites. Ascending the first valley, we arrive at the foot of a cliff dotted with caves. This is the Tashi Kabum site. One of these caves is covered in Buddhist frescoes and contains a magnificent 15th-century stupa. We then continue up the valley to reach Luri Gompa, a beautifully presented ancient monastery perched atop a cliff. The morning ends in Ghara, a small, timeless hamlet, as the Dhaulagiri massif now appears on the horizon... Lunch in Ghara, and then return to Yara through a colorful valley.
Note: Access to the Tashi Kabum cave is via a somewhat exposed path. It is possible to wait for the rest of the group at the foot of the cave.
Day 12 -
Yara - Tangge (3420 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 1050 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave Yara and ascend to the plateau overlooking the village to the south. Reaching the summit, we traverse the vast plateau, facing the colorful cliffs of the Kali Gandaki, before descending into the Dhye Valley. After crossing the river, we climb the steepest slope of the day, leading to the Sertang Pass, which reaches an altitude of 3,900 meters. The trail then leads across a vast, arid plateau, offering exceptional views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. We descend to the village of Tangge, one of the most beautiful villages in Mustang, with its colorful religious monuments and verdant barley fields that contrast sharply with the aridity of the Yak Khola Valley. We settle into a homestay for the night.Day 13 -
Tangge - Cho Cha La Pass (4210 m) - Chusang (2980 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Negative elevation 1750 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
An early start for the longest day of hiking of the trip! We cross the Yak River and quickly reach the lower slopes of the Paha La, a long pass culminating at 4,210 meters. After a good climb, we reach the summit, from where we can still see Tangge, now far below. Descending the other side, we soon arrive at the tiny hamlet of Pa, then join a ridge which we follow for a long while along a trail that is rarely flat... As the great Kali Gandaki Valley gradually draws closer, the path plunges sharply down to Chusang, a thousand meters below! The descent is long and sometimes a bit technical (scree and slippery terrain). Back in Chusang, we have completed the loop and returned to our starting point, which we left nine days earlier. A well-deserved rest at the lodge.Day 14 -
Chusang - Gyu La Pass (4077 m) - Muktinath (3700 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A gradual climb leads to the charming village of Tetang, then the ascent becomes steeper as we ascend to the plateau above. We follow the edge of the plateau for a while before entering a valley that opens onto the final slopes of the Gyu La pass, at 4077m. From the summit, the view suddenly unfolds, revealing the southern slopes of the Annapurna massif, as well as Dhaulagiri I, which now proudly dominates the horizon. Ahead of us lie the mountains of North Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Khatungkang, and nearby Thorong Peak, which overlooks the pass of the same name, well-known to trekkers. We descend into the Muktinath valley and explore this Hindu pilgrimage site. Numerous pilgrims come here to pray in the temple and bathe under the 108 fountains that encircle it. We then head to the village below and check into our hotel.Day 15 -
Muktinath - Lupra - Jomsom (2720 m)
- Activity Autre
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave the village and quickly gain some altitude by crossing a small pass. Far from the hustle and bustle of the Muktinath Valley, we now descend into a parallel valley. With a bit of luck, we might spot the bharals, the blue sheep of the Himalayas. A fairly steep descent leads you to Lupra, a village steeped in Bön tradition, nestled in the Lupra Khola gorge. Off the beaten track of the Annapurna Circuit, the village has managed to retain all its charm. After a lunch break in the village, we reach the mouth of the valley, in the vast Kali Gandaki Valley. From here, a two-hour walk (often windy...) is required to reach Jomsom, the end of your trek in Mustang!Day 16 -
Jomsom - Flight to Pokhara
- Transportation Plane - 00h30 - 138km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Early in the morning, we board a domestic flight to Pokhara. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we transfer to our hotel, near the Lakeside tourist district. The afternoon is free: everyone can take the opportunity to stroll along the shores of Phewa Lake or do some shopping on the main shopping street.
Note: The Jomsom - Pokhara flight may be cancelled in case of adverse weather conditions. In this case, it will be replaced by a road transfer, without affecting the program for the following days.
Day 17 -
Pokhara - Flight to Kathmandu
- Transportation Plane - 00h45 - 200km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Pokhara airport for your domestic flight to the capital. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a free day. From the hotel, you can explore the Thamel district, the old city, and Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on foot. The historical sites of the Kathmandu Valley are also accessible by taxi.
- "Kathmandu Valley Tour" option (to be paid upon registration): Today we offer a guided tour of the main sites in the Kathmandu Valley: Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath and Bodnath. (see 'Options' section)
Day 18 -
Free time - Return flight
- Transportation Plane - 12h30 - 7300km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Free time to soak up the Nepalese atmosphere a little longer and do some last-minute shopping. In the afternoon, transfer to Kathmandu airport for our international flight. Note: If your return flight is scheduled for the following morning, overnight stay at the hotel and early morning transfer to the airport the next morning. Check-out time is 12:00 PM.Day 19 -
Arrival
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Arrived during the day.Day 20
Note
Depending on weather and operational conditions, the guide reserves the right to modify this itinerary, for your safety and that of the group.
Accommodation
During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
🏨 3-star hotel - Days 2 to 3, 17 to 18
- In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay in comfortable 3-star hotels (local standards) located near the city center. You will have an air-conditioned twin or double room with a private bathroom and hot water.
- Lodges during the trek: Nepalese houses converted to accommodate hikers. Most often, you'll find twin rooms (two single beds per room) with 5-6 cm thick mattresses and pillows. The rooms are not heated: bring a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures (between -5°C and 10°C depending on the season). Bathrooms are shared, and hot showers cost extra (approximately €2 per person).Note: During the Tiji festival (usually mid-May), the number of tourists far exceeds the accommodation capacity of the lodges in Lo Manthang. Therefore, you may be asked to share a room with others.
- Staying with a local family : similar characteristics to lodges, but here we share the house premises with the locals.
Note: Electricity is available in all accommodations; however, power outages may occur. Additionally, electricity at higher altitudes may be charged, and Wi-Fi access may be available in some accommodations.
- Days 4 to 16
- In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay in comfortable 3-star hotels (local standards) located near the city center. You will have an air-conditioned twin or double room with a private bathroom and hot water.
- Lodges during the trek: Nepalese houses converted to accommodate hikers. Most often, you'll find twin rooms (two single beds per room) with 5-6 cm thick mattresses and pillows. The rooms are not heated: bring a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures (between -5°C and 10°C depending on the season). Bathrooms are shared, and hot showers cost extra (approximately €2 per person).Note: During the Tiji festival (usually mid-May), the number of tourists far exceeds the accommodation capacity of the lodges in Lo Manthang. Therefore, you may be asked to share a room with others.
- Staying with a local family : similar characteristics to lodges, but here we share the house premises with the locals.
Note: Electricity is available in all accommodations; however, power outages may occur. Additionally, electricity at higher altitudes may be charged, and Wi-Fi access may be available in some accommodations.
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Price details
The price includes
- Return flights Paris / Kathmandu
- Domestic flights and road transfers
- Guided by a French-speaking local guide
- The services of a local team during the trek
- Accommodation and full board, except for meals indicated as "free" in the day-by-day itinerary.
- The necessary safety equipment during the trek (first aid kit and satellite phone)
- The 12-day entry permit to Upper Mustang
The price does not include
- Nepalese visa fees
- Personal expenses
- Drinks and mineral water during the stay
- Meals are not included ( allow €2 to €8 per meal ).
- Tips for local teams
Options
- Excursion to the Kathmandu Valley : CHF123.50 / unit
- Additional night in Kathmandu in a single room with breakfast : CHF91.48 / unit
- Additional night in Kathmandu in a double room with breakfast : CHF54.89 / unit
- Single room supplement for hotel-only nights during your stay : CHF164.66 / unit
- Hotel/Airport transfer in Kathmandu: price per transfer for 1 to 2 people, one way : CHF18.30 / unit
- Hotel/Airport transfer in Kathmandu, price per transfer for 3 to 5 people, one way : CHF22.87 / unit
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- First aid kit
Equipment to bring
- Telescopic hiking poles
- Sleeping bag (comfort temperature -5/-10°C)
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Water bottle or hydration pack (ideally 2 liters)
- Water filter or tablets for water treatment
- Toiletries (preferably biodegradable products)
- Quick-drying towel
- Biodegradable cleaning wipes
- Sunglasses with a high protection rating
- High protection sunscreen
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
- Toilet paper
- Books, card games... to keep busy at the end of the day
Rental of certain equipment is available on site (sleeping bag, down jacket, crampons, etc.). Expect to pay approximately €35 per item for a 2-week trip and €50 for 3 weeks (payable on site). If you wish to rent one or more items of equipment before your departure, please let us know so our local team can ensure everything is available upon your arrival. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Note: For those who wish to use their trip to Nepal to help local communities, you can bring clothing, hiking equipment, or school supplies with you. Our local team will take care of delivering all of this to a local NGO.
Clothing to bring
- Comfortable and lightweight clothing
- Cap or hat
- Neck warmer or scarf to protect yourself from the sun
- Cap
- Gloves
- T-shirt or shirt made of synthetic material (quick-drying)
- Thermal underwear for cool evenings (tops and bottoms)
- Warm fleece jacket
- Windproof, waterproof and breathable jacket
- Compact down jacket for breaks or evenings
- Comfortable walking trousers (shorts are not allowed in monasteries)
- Sturdy walking shoes with grippy soles
- Lightweight shoes for evenings and travel days
- Sandals
- Walking socks
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
4.4/5
(1440 reviews)
• 453 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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