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Our Mustang Luri Gompa Trek Via Ghar Gompa & Lo Manthang is one of the finest itineraries Nepal has to offer where you can cover the all famous place on the short time. A spectacular walk through arid trans-Himalayan landscape: eroded sandstone pillars, wind-swept moraine terraces, and huge brown and red hills brought alive by the occasional splash of irrigated oases of pink buckwheat fields and tiny whitewashed villages.
Shielded from the monsoon by the Himalayas, the area gets much less rain than the rest of Nepal. Relatively easy trekking takes you along the ancient salt-trade route between Tibet and Nepal, following the Kali Gandaki River, all the way to the walled city of Lo-Manthang.
Isolated from the rest of the world and forbidden to foreigners until 1992, Lo-Manthang was ruled by the King of Mustang until 2008, when Nepal abolished its own monarchy. It is home to rich cultural traditions, including the famous annual Tiji Festival. Life here goes on as it did centuries ago, largely unchanged by modern civilisation, making it possibly the last enclave of pristine Tibetan heritage.
And of course, as always in the Himalayas, there are spectacular mountain views. With no less than 35 peaks over 6000 metres surrounding you, including Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Annapurna I (8091m), this is a true journey into one of the most remote corners of Nepal.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu
Day 03: Kathmandu-Pokhara (884m)
Day 04: Pokhara (884m)-Jomsom (2720m)-Kagbeni (2800m)
Day 05: Kagbeni (2800m)-Chele (3100m)
Day 06: Chele (3100m)-Ghiling (3475m)
Day 07: Ghiling (3475m)-Dhakmar (3820m)
Day 08: Dhakmar (3820m)-Lo-Manthang (3840m)
Day 09: Lo-Manthang (3840m)
Day 10: Lo-Manthang (3840m)-Chhosar-Lo-Manthang (3840m)
Day 11: Lo Manthang (3840m)-Dhi Gaon (3400m)
Day 12: Dhi Gaon (3400m)-Yara (3650m)-Luri Gumba (4005m)-Dhi Gaon (3400m)
Day 13: Dhi Gaon (3400m)-Ghami (3510m)
Day 14: Lo Ghami (3510m)-Kagbeni (2800m)
Day 15: Kagbeni (2800m)-Jomsom (2720m)
Day 16: Jomsom (2720m)-Pokhara (884m)
Day 17: Pokhara (884m)-Kathmandu
Day 18: Transfer to Kathmandu airport for final departure
Want to customise this trek?
It’s possible! Simply tell us what you would like to see and your preferred travel dates travelling and we’ll take care of the rest. We’ll work with you to tailor the itinerary to your requirements, including your choice of travel and accommodation options, and build the perfect trek for you.
Important note
Weather conditions in the Himalayas can change rapidly. Poor weather conditions in Jomsom may result in our flight from and to Pokhara being delayed or cancelled. We strongly advise that you plan extra days at the end of your trek to allow for such delays, and that you take out adequate insurance prior to your departure to cover the cost of chartering a helicopter flight back to Pokhara should you need to ensure you are on schedule for your international flight.
Namaste! A representative from Himalaya Trekking Team will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival and transfer you to your hotel.
Transport: private vehicle
Overnight: 4-star hotel
After a short briefing with your guides, we complete the necessary procedures to obtain your restricted area trekking permit. Kathmandu is then all yours to explore.
Transport: private vehicle
Overnight: 4-star hotel
Early in the morning, we take a tourist bus to Pokhara (884m), a 200-kilometre journey along a very scenic route. Your guide will transfer you to your Lakeside hotel. You will then have the rest of the day to relax and explore Nepal’s second largest town, wandering along the shores of Phewa Lake and absorbing magnificent views of the entire Annapurna range, Manaslu (8156m), Machhapuchhare (6993m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m).
NB: If you prefer to shorten that leg, you can fly to Pokhara instead.
Transport: bus / domestic flight
Driving: 7-8 hours / Flight time: 20 minutes
Overnight: 4-star hotel
Early in the morning, we take a 25-minute scenic flight to Jomsom (2720m), Mustang's administrative headquarters. In Jomsom, we have breakfast and begin our trek, walking on slowly rising, sometimes windy paths along the Kali Gandaki River, past the small settlement of Ekle Bhatti (2740m) and all the way to Kagbeni (2800m). Lying at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Khola, Kagbeni was originally surrounded by a defensive wall. Two female and male clay khenis or ghost eaters, remains of ancient Bön traditions, still guard its gates at each end of the village. Kagbeni is also home to an impressive Buddhist monastery and the ruined Kag Khar fort, which once housed 108 rooms.
Transport: domestic flight
Flight time: 25 minutes
Trekking: 3 hours
Overnight: lodge
At the northern end of the village, a police checkpost marks the beginning of the restricted area. We have our special permits stamped and take our very first steps into the Kingdom of Mustang, climbing along the east bank of the Kali Gandaki until we reach the village of Chhuksang (3050m), with spectacular views of red organ-pipe eroded cliffs and inaccessible caves. After crossing the river, we head towards a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliffs above, forming a tunnel through which the Kali Gandaki flows. We keep on going, leaving the Kali Gandaki Valley, and climb steeply up a rocky gully to Chele (3100m).
Trekking: 5-6 hours
Overnight: lodge
Today is a long day. We continue our trek and climb through plateaus and narrow stretches to the Taklam La (3624m), with breathtaking views of Tilicho Peak (7132m) and Yakawa Kang (6482m). After crossing the Dajori La (3630m), we descend slowly to the village of Samar (3620m). We then climb above Samar to another ridge before descending steeply to a stream and climbing back up to the Bhena La (3830m) and dropping gently to Bhena (3860) for our lunch break. A further 3-hour walk through similar up-and-down terrain takes us across another pass, the Beg La (3840m), and down to Syangboche (3850m). From there, it’s another gentle uphill to the Syangboche La (3850m) and an easy hour down to the picturesque village of Ghiling (3475m).
Trekking: 7-8 hours
Overnight: lodge
Before leaving Ghiling, we take a look at its gompa. Climbing to the Nyi La (4020m), higher than we have been thus far, we then descend steeply to the whitewashed village of Ghami (3510m) and its imposing gompa, which we also visit after lunch. The trail then drops to the Ghami Khola. We cross it and continue uphill for about two hours, until the dramatic cliffs of Dhakmar (3820m), dotted with many ancient cave dwellings, come into view. According to a well-known Tibetan myth, these were stained red by the blood of the Balmo, a huge demoness that Guru Rinpoche defeated in a duel.
Trekking: 5-6 hours
Overnight: lodge
After breakfast, we make our way to Ghar Gompa (3920m), with its amazing painted carved stones. Built in the 8th century, this is one of the oldest active gompas in Nepal. Legend has it that anyone who makes a wish there will see it fulfilled. Give it a try! The trail then climbs steadily to the Chogo La (4230m), the highest point on our trek, on which we stand about two hours later. A descent through the plateau of Lo-Manthang takes us to the city's only entrance.
Trekking: 7-8 hours
Overnight: lodge
Today, we spend all day exploring Lo Manthang. The town, founded in 1440 by the first King of Lo, Amedpal (1388-1447), is surrounded by a 6-metre-high and 725-metre-long wall with massive square towers. Within these walls are some of Nepal’s finest and largest Tibetan Buddhist gompas. We visit Thubchen Lakhang, Jampa Lhakhang, Chhoede Gompa and Choprang Gompa, as well as the royal palace.
After breakfast, we have many options. There is so much to see in the nearby Chhosar Valley. Travelling on horses or motorbikes, or by private jeep, we can make an excursion to the Jhong cave complex, an amazing multistorey structure of interconnected dwellings reached by ladders and thought to be 2500 years old, and to Nyphu Gompa (3760m), carved into the side of a soaring cliff near the village of Garphu (3897m). Alternatively, we can visit the King’s summer palace in Thinggar (4030m) or Mustang’s largest monastery, perched on a hillside above the village of Namgyal (3870m), known as the Monastery of Victory. Or we can climb to a viewpoint on a hill just north of Lo-Manthang for stunning panoramas of the entire valley.
This morning begins with a steep climb to the Lo La (3950m). Here we leave our inbound route behind and head south-east along a stunning ridge overlooking a dramatic canyon, a geologist’s dream. The trail gets steeper and looser as we descent, requiring care. But the green oasis of Dhi Gaon (3400m) soon comes into view. A major stopping place on the old salt-trade route from Tibet, Dhi is where we stop for lunch and relax for the rest of the day.
Trekking: 4-5 hours
Overnight: lodge
After breakfast, we climb out of the village and descend all the way to the Kali Gandaki, which we cross. Trekking along the Puyung Khola (keep an eye out for saligrams in the riverbed) with spectacular views of fluted cliffs, sculpted canyons and inaccessible caves, we reach Yara (3650m) an hour later and head out to Luri Gumba (4005m). Luri’s complex of caves, some still accessible, others no longer due to erosion, dates back to the mid-14th century. According to locals, one of the older Kings of Lo married a Bhutanese princess here. The key keeper will lead us to the upper prayer room and to another cave housing a beautifully preserved khabung stupa, carved out of the rock, with intricately detailed Tibetan Buddhist frescoes of the Kagyupa saints Tilopa, Naropa and Marpa. The newer gompa lies further down by the riverbank. From there, it is a short hike to Tashi Kabum. This recently discovered cave temple, reached via a steep scramble, contains an amazing painted chorten as well as exquisite wall paintings. Access may be difficult due to erosion and damage caused by the 2015 earthquake. Having explored it all, we return to Dhi Gaon (3400m).
NB: If you prefer to take it easy today, we can hire very docile horses in Dhi Gaon and do the whole excursion on horseback.
Trekking: 5 hours
Overnight: lodge
We make our way to Charang (3500m) its spectacular gompa, chorten and 5-storey dzong, and trek back to the village of Ghami (3510m) that we passed on Day 7 and its 305-metre-long mani wall. One of Nepal’s longest, it marks the spot where Guru Rinpoche is said to have slung the intestines of the Balmo, having ripped her stomach open. We stop here for the night.
Trekking: 6-7 hours
Overnight: lodge
After a good rest in Ghami (3510m), we hop on a jeep and follow the Kali Gandaki, driving all the way back to Kagbeni (2800m) where the Upper Mustang trail ends and our special permits expire.
Transport: jeep
Driving: 4 hours
Overnight: lodge
For our last trekking day, we rejoin the normal Annapurna circuit route and head down to Jomsom (2720m), an easy trail, albeit often buffeted by strong and dusty winds. We leave early to try and avoid these. In Jomsom, we have lunch, after which the town is all yours to explore.
Trekking: 3-4 hours
Overnight: lodge
NB: If you are short of time, it is possible to cover Days 14-15 in a single day by driving all the way from Ghami to Kagbeni. If, on the other hand, you have an extra day to spare, your guide can take you to the ancient pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3800m), a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists.
After an early morning breakfast, we walk to the airport and check in for our return journey to Pokhara, a dramatic flight between two huge mountains: Annapurna (8091m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m). After landing, your guide will transfer you to your Lakeside hotel. The rest of the day will be yours to further explore Pokhara.
Transport: domestic flight
Flight time: 20 minutes
Overnight: 4-star hotel
After breakfast, we start our 200-kilometre drive back to Kathmandu by Deluxe tourist bus. Sit on the left-hand side of the vehicle if you can. It offers better views of the scenery. If you prefer to shorten the Dayney, we can also fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara, a spectacular mountain flight past the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang ranges. In the evening, we get together around a farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of our journey together, with traditional dance and music.
NB: If you prefer to shorten the journey, we can also fly back to Kathmandu from Pokhara, a spectacular mountain flight past the Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh and Langtang ranges.
Transport: bus / domestic flight
Driving: 7-8 hours/Flight time: 20 minutes
Overnight: 4-star hotel
Your Nepali adventure comes to an end today. Approximately two hours before your scheduled international flight, a representative from Himalaya Trekking Team will escort you to the airport and bid you farewell, until your next visit!
Transport: private vehicle
Accommodation
In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay in 3-star hotels, on a bed and breakfast basis. During the Trek we use trekking lodges. These are locally owned and provide accommodation in basic single, double and triple rooms, depending on your preference. Rooms with attached bathrooms and hot showers are sometimes available.
Single supplement
Accommodation on all proposed treks, tours and climbing packages is based on a twin-sharing basis. A single supplement of US$ 350 will apply if you are a solo traveler or do not wish to share.
Meals
Our package covers all meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Trekking lodges offer hearty Nepali dishes like dal bhat, as well as a variety of more familiar Indian or international dishes to sustain your energy levels during the trek. Vegetarian options are always available.
What you carry
On trek you will only need to carry your daypack for personal items like your water bottle, camera, waterproof jacket, valuables, sunscreen, medication etc. A porter will carry your main luggage. If you are likely to need any additional items like extra warm layers from that main luggage, your guide will let you know the evening before. Your daypack should be comfortable and stay light, a few kilograms at most.
Transportation
In the Kathmandu Valley, we use a variety of vehicles including cars, jeeps, vans, minibuses, buses and coaches, depending upon the size of the group. From Pokhara to Jomsom, and from Jomsom to Pokhara, we fly local airlines. Once we start our trek, we walk, sometimes supported by yaks, horses or donkeys. For trekkers that cannot or prefer not to walk too long, we can hire jeeps all the way to Lo-Manthang and back. If our flight back from Jomsom to Pokhara is cancelled, private jeeps can also be hired to drive all the way back to Pokhara.
Trekking staff
At Himalaya Trekking Team, we are passionate about Nepal, its mountains and its people. All our guides are Nepali, government-licensed professionals. They are there to look after you and they are the persons you should go to with any problems, concerns and questions. They are not only highly experienced, having spent many years in the field. They are also trained in remote first-aid and emergency procedures. Like our friendly and reliable porters, who are an integral part of our team, they are selected for their incredible local knowledge and their desire to share it with you. Together they take every precaution to ensure smooth logistics and to provide the highest quality services while keeping you safe, happy and well throughout your trip.
Porters
A porter will carry your main luggage. Normally we provide one porter for every two trekkers on trekking lodge and camping treks, depending on your luggage and the equipment we need.
Health
There are no specific health requirements to travel Nepal. However, to enjoy trekking in the Himalayas, you should be reasonably fit and physically prepared to walk up to 6-8 hours per day for several consecutive days. Our Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is well within the capabilities of all fit hikers with a positive attitude, self-confidence and strong determination. You should nevertheless consult your doctor to obtain up-to-date advice on altitude sickness prevention and to check whether you require any specific vaccinations or other preventive medication whilst traveling in Nepal. Please note that some medication, including anti-malarial drugs, can have side effects at altitude. Discuss this carefully with your doctor. There are small health posts for emergency treatment along the route. But, in such remote areas, these have limited equipment, limited medical staff and limited medication. We therefore strongly recommend that you carry your own first-aid kit as well as sufficient quantities of any medication you are taking (together with a spare pair of glasses if you need any).
Altitude sickness
AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is a serious issue. It occurs as the result of failure to adapt to a higher altitude and can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness. Most people living at sea level can climb rapidly to a height of 2800m without getting ill. Above 2800m, the likelihood of being affected increases as you ascend. To minimise the effects of altitude, it is best to ascend relatively slowly, less than 300m per day, in order to allow acclimatisation to occur. Your best strategy above 2800m is to take your time, not to walk too fast, and to drink plenty of water. Poor acclimatisation results in symptoms including headache, nausea, sleeplessness, shortness of breath, and swelling of the fingers and glands. If you experience such symptoms, please consult your guide. The only cure for AMS is to descend to a lower altitude,at least 500m, to recover. Your guide's decision in this matter is final.
Below is a list of the equipment we suggest you take on this trek.
Luggage
Head and face gear
Hands
Base layers
Outer layers
Footwear
Drinking
Optional extras/Luxuries
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