Preparing Myself for the Upper Mustang Trail Ahead
Getting ready for the Upper Mustang Trails wasn’t just about logistics. It was about preparing myself physically for the adventure ahead. While I had a decent fitness level, I knew this trek would demand more than casual workouts. In the weeks leading up to my departure, I shifted my focus to endurance training. Long walks, weekend hill hikes, and regular cardio sessions became part of my routine. I also practiced walking with a loaded daypack to simulate the real trek. This consistent effort helped me adapt to long days on uneven terrain and made the entire experience far more enjoyable. If you’re also planning this trek, don’t underestimate the value of gradual, steady training; it truly sets the foundation for a successful and memorable journey.
Choosing the right Trek Operator
Even before I landed in the colorful buzz of Kathmandu, my Upper Mustang journey was already in good hands, all thanks to A1 Excursion Adventure. Among the many Upper Mustang Nepal packages they offered, I chose the 15-Day Short Upper Mustang Trek package, which perfectly matched my schedule and interests.
From my very first message, their team was warm, professional, and incredibly helpful. They took care of everything: securing the special permits required for this restricted region, arranging a friendly and experienced local guide, organizing cozy accommodations, transportation, and even the little details I hadn’t considered.
Their clear and timely communication made the process smooth and stress-free, allowing me to focus entirely on the upcoming adventure rather than worrying about logistics. By the time I arrived in Nepal, all that was left to do was lace up my boots and begin walking toward one of the most culturally rich and awe-inspiring regions I’ve ever explored.
The Journey to the Upper Mustang Region Begins
I left Kathmandu early in the morning, filled with both excitement and a strange sense of nervousness. As the first light broke through the city’s haze, we boarded a tourist bus heading west. The 6–7 hour ride took us through winding hills, lush paddy fields, and bustling roadside bazaars. Somewhere between Mugling and Damauli, the air felt different, like it was fresher and cleaner. By the time we rolled into Pokhara, the iconic silhouette of Machhapuchhre greeted us like an old friend. That evening, I took a quiet walk along the shores of Phewa Lake, letting my thoughts drift toward the adventure that lay ahead.
Finally, I Started My Trekking in Upper Mustang Nepal
A crisp morning flight from Pokhara carried us over shimmering, snow-capped peaks before landing at Jomsom Airport (2,743 meters/8,999 feet), the rugged gateway to Mustang Nepal. The moment we stepped off the plane, a sharp, dry wind greeted us—one of the first hints of the Upper Mustang weather, which is typically arid and windy, with low humidity and very little rainfall due to its location in the rain shadow of the Himalayas.
From Jomsom, our Upper Mustang hiking began leading us to Kagbeni (2,804 meters/9,199 feet), an ancient village in the lower Mustang region which is full of weathered stone houses and winding alleys steeped in timeless mystique. Towering above, the majestic Nilgiri mountains stood like silent sentinels, their presence both humbling and awe-inspiring. The altitude here was manageable, but as we climbed higher in the days ahead, I became increasingly aware of the effects of thin air and the importance of a steady pace.
Kagbeni to Chele
After getting our permits checked at Kagbeni, we officially entered Upper Mustang, a region that ranges between 2,800 to over 4,000 meters (9,186 to 13,123 feet) in elevation. The trail followed the Kali Gandaki River, winding through dry valleys and colorful cliffs, all shaped by centuries of wind erosion and high-altitude weather patterns.
As we climbed to Chele (3,050 meters/10,007 feet), the air grew thinner, and the sun harsher—typical of Upper Mustang's high-altitude desert climate. The houses here clung to the hillsides, and the sky was a brilliant blue, unobstructed by moisture or clouds. The sharp contrasts of color, terrain, and air pressure made me feel like I had stepped onto another planet.
Chele to Geling
The next leg of the journey took us to Geling (3,570 meters/11,712 feet). As we ascended, the effects of trekking at high altitude became more noticeable. Breathing required more effort, and hydration became critical. But the rewards were immense: ochre-colored fields, crumbling monasteries, and endless horizons under an expansive sky. The dry, cool Upper Mustang weather helped preserve ancient structures, lending the region a surreal, timeless quality.
Geling to Tsarang
We walked along dusty ridges and passed ancient mani walls, feeling the land shaped by both nature and history. Then Tsarang appeared like a mirage with its large white dzong (fortress) and red gompa standing proudly. I wandered through the monastery corridors, where butter lamps flickered softly, holding centuries-old prayers in their glow.
The village felt alive with stories whispered by the wind, and every stone seemed to hold a secret. As evening fell, I sat outside watching the sky turn shades of pink and orange, realizing how timeless and peaceful this place truly was. The journey ahead promised even more wonders, and I was ready to discover them one step at a time
Finally, Lo Manthang, The Heart of Upper Mustang, Nepal
The moment we had all been waiting for came as we crossed the last ridge and gazed down at Lo Manthang (3,840 meters/12,598 feet)—the ancient walled city at the heart of Upper Mustang. Here, at this higher elevation, the weather was colder and windier, especially in the evenings. But the light was golden, and the silence echoed with stories of the past.
Surrounded by hills of dusty ochre and snow-capped peaks in the distance, I could feel how the altitude of Lo Manthang not only shaped the environment but also influenced the culture, architecture, and rhythm of life.
The next day, I wandered through the surrounding villages like Chooser and marveled at the towering Jhong Cave. This five-story cliff cave felt like walking through centuries of history carved in stone. Back in town, I shared smiles and stories with local shopkeepers, explored the royal palace, and sipped steaming tea while watching yaks slowly amble by. Every moment was filled with quiet magic. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, one that will stay deeply etched in my heart forever.
Journey back, Lo Manthang to Dhakmar
Having reached the final destination of our trek, it was time to begin our return journey. The descent from Lo Manthang revealed subtle shifts in both weather and landscape as the altitude gradually changed. Passing through Dhakmar (3,520 meters / 11,548 feet), with its striking red cliffs, we were once again reminded of how wind and elevation have shaped and painted this ancient land over countless millennia. The cool, dry air of the Upper Mustang plateau still lingered, though the wind was now gentler, lacking the sharp edge we had felt in Lo Manthang.
Dhakmar to Syangbochen
I continued my return journey from Dhakmar. The day felt long yet deeply calming, as we crossed wide-open landscapes of rolling brown hills and scattered hardy shrubs. Lonely chortens dotted the path, standing like silent sentinels watching over the land. Syangbochen, nestled quietly off the beaten path, offered a serene refuge and a perfect place to pause, reflecting on the incredible distance we had traveled and the journey still ahead.
Syangbochen to Chhuksang
The path gently descended, and with it, the landscape began to soften with more greenery appearing, and small villages dotted the way. When we reached Chhuksang, it felt like a final farewell from Upper Mustang itself, a quiet song sung softly by the mountains, reminding me of the raw and timeless beauty I was leaving behind.
As I continued down the trail, the rhythm of village life grew stronger with the distant chatter of children, the smell of wood fires, and the sight of farmers tending their fields. It was a gentle return to the world below, but my heart was still at the spirit of Mustang. Its ancient mysteries, its breathtaking silence, and the warmth of its people still echo in my mind and heart. This trek had changed me, leaving memories I would cherish forever.
Chhuksang to Jomsom – Full Circle
Finally, I completed the loop back to Jomsom. As I walked the final dusty stretch, my boots worn and my spirit soaring, I realized this journey wasn’t just coming to an end, but also it was becoming a part of me. That night, beneath a sky scattered with stars brighter than I’d ever seen, I felt a deep sense of peace and gratitude. The Upper Mustang had quietly woven itself into my soul, leaving memories that would last a lifetime.
The next morning, as the sun rose over the distant peaks, I knew that while my trek was over, the story of Mustang was just beginning in my heart. It’s a place that calls you back, time and time again, whispering its ancient secrets and timeless beauty. And I promised myself that this wouldn’t be my last visit to Nepal’s Last Forbidden Kingdom.
Jomsom to Pokhara to Kathmandu
The flight from Jomsom to Pokhara was brief, but the memories felt vast and deep. As I looked out over the towering peaks fading into the distance, a quiet gratitude filled my heart for the mountains that had guided me on this unforgettable journey. Back in Pokhara, I savored simple pleasures such as a warm shower, hearty food, and a long, peaceful rest, which suddenly felt like a true gift.
After a good night's rest, the following day I boarded a tourist bus that wound its way to Kathmandu, the landscape felt familiar yet transformed, just like me. The person who returned was different from the one who had left. The Upper Mustang Trek had unveiled the spirit of my country in ways I never imagined, stirring something profound inside me. This trek wasn’t just a physical journey; it was a journey into the heart of Nepal and my soul, and a connection that will forever stay with me.
Final Thoughts
For anyone planning a trekking adventure in Nepal, Upper Mustang Nepal offers a truly unique blend of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes. It’s a trek that challenges you, rewards you, and gifts you memories that last a lifetime. If the opportunity to explore this hidden kingdom arises,
A huge shoutout to A1 Excursion Adventure, the team that made this unforgettable journey in Nepal possible. From securing permits to organizing a knowledgeable guide and handling every logistical detail with care, their support was exceptional from start to finish. If you're looking for a trusted partner to guide your Himalayan dreams, I couldn't recommend A1 Excursion Adventure more highly. Their professionalism, local expertise, and personal touch truly distinguish them. Embrace it fully.
