On the first day of your Mustang Circuit Trek, you’ll depart from Kathmandu early in the morning for a scenic 7-hour drive to Pokhara by tourist bus. The journey goes through gorgeous valleys, rivers, and terraced hills, and you can see how people live in rural Nepal along the way.

When you get to Pokhara, check into your accommodation and have some time to relax after the drive. You can rest on Phewa Lake in the afternoon and enjoy the peaceful waters, the mountains’ reflections, and the wonderful views of the lake’s shore.

This serene activity is a perfect way to unwind, soak in the natural beauty of Pokhara, and prepare yourself for the trekking adventure ahead. Breakfast is included, and you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Pokhara.

On the second day, you’ll take a short 25‑minute scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, offering breathtaking aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges as well as the winding Kali Gandaki River below. When you get to Jomsom, you’ll start your hike to Kagbeni (2810 m), which is the way into Upper Mustang.

The trail passes through the arid landscapes of the Kali Gandaki valley, dotted with traditional villages, Buddhist stupas, and mani walls, providing an early glimpse into Mustang’s unique culture and desert-like scenery. The hike is easy, but it will help you get acclimated to the weather for the following few days. Once you get to Kagbeni, you’ll settle into your lodge for the night and enjoy the warmth and food of this great community.

On Day 3, you officially enter the Restricted Area of Upper Mustang, a special zone requiring permits and a licensed guide. Walking from Kagbeni to Chele (3200 m) takes around 5.5 hours. The path goes through the parched, desert-like terrain of Mustang.

Along the way, you’ll pass traditional stone villages, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and ancient monasteries perched on hillsides, offering a first real glimpse of Mustang’s Tibetan-influenced culture.

The trail gradually ascends, providing panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and ridges. Chele, where you will spend the night, is a lovely village with tea houses and lodges where you can rest, eat local food, and get ready for the next few days of hiking.

On Day 4, the trek continues from Chele to Ghyami, typically taking around 5–6 hours. The trail goes up and down gently along the empty, high-altitude valleys. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful views of the dry Mustang landscapes and the distant Himalayan peaks.

Along the way, you’ll pass traditional stone villages, prayer flags, and chortens, providing insight into the local Tibetan-Buddhist culture. The view is magnificent since it goes from big, wide valleys to amazing cliff formations.

Upon arrival in Ghyami, check into a local tea house or lodge, rest, and enjoy a warm dinner while preparing for the trek toward the next village.

On Day 5, you’ll trek from Chele to Gilling (3500 m), a journey of approximately 5.5 hours through the rugged and arid landscapes of Upper Mustang. The trail gradually ascends, offering panoramic views of the high desert valleys, cliffs, and distant Himalayan peaks.

Along the journey, you will observe small, traditional villages, old mani walls, and prayer flags. These things can help you learn more about the area’s unique Tibetan-Buddhist culture. Gilling, where you will spend the night, is a peaceful village with tea shops and homes where you can rest and eat hot meals.

This day of trekking helps your body continue acclimatizing to higher altitudes as you move deeper into the restricted Mustang region, preparing for the cultural and scenic highlights ahead.

On Day 6, the trek continues from Gilling to Ghami (3500 m), covering approximately 5.5 hours. The trail meanders through high desert valleys and rocky landscapes, offering striking views of Mustang’s unique terrain. You’ll witness traditional stone buildings, Buddhist chortens, and colorful prayer flags along the road. These things help you understand the Tibetan-influenced culture that has been around for hundreds of years.

Ghami itself is a charming village known for its ancient monasteries and rustic lodges, providing a comfortable spot to rest and enjoy local meals. This day of trekking will help you get used to the high altitude while also letting you enjoy the peaceful beauty and rich cultural legacy of Upper Mustang.

On Day 7, you’ll trek from Ghami to Tsarang (3550 m), taking about 5.5 hours through the breathtaking arid landscapes of Upper Mustang. The trail goes through valleys with old stone cottages, monasteries, and fluttering prayer flags. This lets you really get to know the Tibetan-Buddhist culture that makes this area so special.

As you walk, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs, canyons, and distant Himalayan peaks, providing both cultural and natural highlights. Tsarang, a historic village with traditional lodges and local hospitality, offers a peaceful setting to rest for the night, enjoy warm meals, and prepare for the trek toward Lo Manthang, the crown jewel of Mustang.

On Day 8, the trek takes you from Tsarang to Lo Manthang (3800 m), the walled capital of Upper Mustang, over a journey of approximately 5.5 hours. The walk takes you through dry valleys, high desert scenery, and old towns. It slowly leads you to the historic core of the area. Lo Manthang is a unique town with strong walls, old monasteries, traditional stone houses, and colorful prayer flags. It gives you a rare look at a culture that hasn’t altered much in hundreds of years.

Upon arrival, you can explore the village’s narrow streets, visit its monasteries and royal palace, and experience the warm hospitality of the locals. This day marks the cultural highlight of the trek, combining scenic trekking with a deep immersion in Mustang’s rich heritage.

Day 9 is a rest and acclimatization day in the historic walled town of Lo Manthang (3800 m). After several days of trekking through Upper Mustang’s high desert scenery, this day gives your body time to get used to the altitude and lets you explore the town at a leisurely pace.

You can wander through Lo Manthang’s narrow streets, visit ancient monasteries, explore the royal palace, and interact with the local residents, who preserve centuries-old Tibetan-Buddhist traditions. The cliffs and canyons around here make for great places to take pictures and go on short treks. This day gives you a chance to properly adjust and get your energy back for the next leg of the travel, which makes it safer and more fun.

On Day 10, the trek continues from Lo Manthang to Dhile (3360 m), taking you gradually down through the stark, arid valleys of Upper Mustang. The trail provides stunning views of cliffs, desert-like landscapes, and scattered traditional villages, giving trekkers a chance to experience both the natural beauty and the cultural richness of the region.

Along the route, you’ll see old stone buildings, monasteries, and prayer flags that flutter in the wind. These things give you a glimpse into the Tibetan-Buddhist culture that is so important in the area.

Dhile is a little village with local lodges and tea houses where you may relax, eat a big dinner, and think about the beautiful landscapes and culture you’ve seen thus far. The descent also helps your body get used to the circle back to the southern Mustang villages.

On Day 11, you’ll trek from Dhile to Yara (3760 m), moving deeper into the remote high desert landscapes of Upper Mustang. The trail slowly rises, giving you wide vistas of rocky cliffs, deep valleys, and scattered stone cottages. The harsh landscape looks great against the distant Himalayan peaks. You will witness prayer flags, mani walls, and traditional lodges along the way. These things give you a glimpse into the rich Tibetan-Buddhist culture that has been kept for hundreds of years.

Yara is a small, tranquil village that serves as a perfect overnight stop, where you can rest in local tea houses, enjoy hearty meals, and soak in the serene beauty of this remote part of Mustang while preparing for the next stage of your trek.

On Day 12, you’ll enjoy a half-day excursion from Yara to Luri Gompa and back, a trek of approximately 4 hours. This short but rewarding hike takes you to the remote Luri Monastery, perched on a hillside and surrounded by the stark, arid landscapes of Upper Mustang. The monastery is a quiet place to see Tibetan-Buddhist rituals, beautiful murals, and old relics. This gives trekkers a deeper cultural experience than they would get in the villages. The walk has great views of the cliffs and valleys around it, making it a great place to take pictures and think.

After visiting Luri Gompa, you’ll return to Yara for the night, where tea houses and lodges provide rest, warm meals, and the chance to relax in this serene high-altitude village.

On Day 13, you’ll trek from Yara to Tange (3320 m), gradually descending through the stark, high desert valleys of Upper Mustang. Along the way, you’ll see historic stone towns, mani walls, and prayer flags that flap in the wind. This will give you a taste of the area’s rich Tibetan-Buddhist history.

As you descend, the terrain opens up to panoramic views of cliffs, canyons, and surrounding arid landscapes, making the trek both scenic and culturally enriching. Tange is a calm community with tea houses and lodges where you may relax, eat hot meals, and think about the Mustang Circuit’s distinctive scenery and cultural experiences while you get ready for the last few days of trekking.

On Day 14, you’ll trek from Tange to Paha (4000 m), a journey of approximately 5–6 hours through the dramatic high desert landscapes of Upper Mustang. The trail goes up slowly, giving you wide views of empty valleys, cliffs, and distant Himalayan peaks. On the way, you’ll pass by small traditional villages, mani walls, and prayer flags. This will help you learn even more about the Tibetan-Buddhist culture that makes this location so unique.

Paha, your destination for the night, is a high-altitude settlement with tea houses and basic lodges, where you can rest, enjoy warm meals, and prepare for the final stages of the Mustang Circuit Trek. This day also helps your body acclimatize to the higher elevations as you continue your journey through the rugged Mustang terrain.

On Day 15, you’ll trek from Paha to Tetang (3200 m), covering approximately 5–6 hours through the stark and rugged landscapes of Upper Mustang. The trail slowly goes down through valleys that look like deserts, rugged ridges, and little traditional villages with prayer flags and old mani walls.

As you walk, you’ll have panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and high desert terrain, offering both scenic and cultural highlights. Tetang is a quiet community with tea houses and lodges where you may relax, eat warm meals, and think about the amazing trip through the isolated Mustang region. As you get closer to the end of the Mustang Circuit Trek, the decline also helps your body recuperate from being at higher altitudes.

On Day 16, you’ll trek from Tetang to Muktinath (3802 m), a journey of approximately 6 hours through the dramatic Mustang landscapes. The trail goes up slowly and through high desert valleys, cliffs, and traditional villages. Along the way, you can see the beautiful Himalayan peaks. Hindus and Buddhists both consider Muktinath to be a holy place to visit. It is known for its old temple, holy springs, and peaceful environment.

Upon arrival, you can explore the temple complex, witness local rituals, and experience the spiritual atmosphere that draws pilgrims from across the region. After a day of trekking and cultural immersion, you’ll rest in local lodges or tea houses, reflecting on the incredible journey through Upper Mustang as your trek nears its conclusion.

On Day 17, you’ll trek from Muktinath to Jomsom, officially exiting the Restricted Area of Upper Mustang. The trail gradually goes down through the empty, high desert valleys, giving you one last chance to see the Mustang landscape and the Kali Gandaki River below. When you get to Jomsom, you’ll go to your hotel for a nice stay. After spending days in isolated communities, you’ll enjoy modern comforts.

This day marks the conclusion of your trekking adventure through the culturally rich and scenically stunning Mustang Circuit, providing a perfect opportunity to rest, reflect, and celebrate the completion of an unforgettable journey. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included, and overnight accommodation is at a hotel in Jomsom.

On Day 18, your Mustang Circuit Trek comes to a close as you take a short 25-minute scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. The flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and the winding Kali Gandaki River below, providing a final glimpse of the dramatic Mustang landscapes from above.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can rest, refresh, and enjoy the comforts of city accommodation after weeks of trekking through remote villages and high-altitude valleys. This day is a nice way to end your trip and gives you time to think about all the amazing cultural and natural things you saw on the Mustang Circuit Trek. There is breakfast included, and you will stay overnight in a hotel in Pokhara.

On the final day of your journey, you’ll travel from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus, a scenic drive that takes approximately 7 hours. The road winds along rivers, terraced hills, and traditional villages, giving you one last chance to see Nepal’s many different landscapes.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel or continue with your onward travel plans. This marks the end of your Mustang Circuit Trek, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the remote landscapes, rich culture, and spiritual heritage of Upper Mustang.

We hope you treasured your somewhat fun, rough, yet unforgettable journey of Mustang Circuit Trek, experiencing the awe-inspiring landscapes, rich local culture, and many traditions along the way. We look forward to guiding you on your next adventure in Nepal with us Skyline Treks.