Lo Manthang Circuit Trek

After leaving the arrival hall of Tribhuvan International Airport, we will see Jagadamba Holidays representatives with Jagadamba Holidays signboard. Then they will take you to the hotel in a private car. If you arrive late at night, they will provide a car to take you to the hotel. After checking in at the hotel, they will arrange an appointment to take you to the Jagdamba Holidays office in Thamel. At the office, you will meet Mr. Narendra Bohra, and he will introduce you to your tour and mountain trek guide. At the meeting, you must bring your passport, 3 passport-sized photographs, and a legible copy of your travel insurance. At this meeting, you can ask the guide and Mr. Bohra any question about the related trip. If you have any outstanding payments, you must pay at the meeting. Once payment is settled, you must sign a legally binding travel form and a non-liability disclaimer. You have to fill out the tour registration form. Stay at a hotel in Kathmandu (room plan: breakfast included).

Pokhara is a beautiful lake city in Nepal. It is located about 200 km north-west of Kathmandu. Pokhara is located at an altitude of 822 meters above sea level. Deluxe air-conditioned tourist buses depart from Kathmandu at 7 am daily for Pokhara. You will travel in a deluxe air-conditioned bus and it takes around 6-7 hours to reach Pokhara. There are daily flights to Pokhara which cost around $130 including airport transfers, which is an additional cost for you. On your road trip to Pokhara, you will pass through the Trishuli River and small villages on the Prithivi Highway through green hills and valleys. This river is famous for rafting. We see villagers walking along the highway and sitting in tea stalls. On your arrival in Pokhara, proceed to Lakeside. Upon arrival in Pokhara, transfer to your hotel at Lakeside. After checking into your hotel, you have free time to explore Phewa Lake or the city and surroundings. Stay at Hotel (Meal Plan: Breakfast included.)

Jomsom is a popular tourist destination town in the Himalayas, also known as the windy city in Nepal. It is located about 148.4 km north-west of Pokhara. Jomsom is the headquarters of Mustang district, which has a domestic airport called Jomsom Airport and is located at an altitude of 2,736 meters (8,976 ft) above sea level. You fly to Jomsom by domestic airline and it takes around 20-25 minutes to reach Jomsom. There are daily flights from Pokhara Airport to Jomsom which will cost around $145 and this price is included in your tour price. The domestic flight from Jomsom will take you through Dhaulagiri and Annapurna 8000 twin peaks. After reaching the Jomsom airport, you should start preparing to start the trek. After the preparation, the first day’s Kagbeni trek begins.

Located in the valley of the Kali Gandaki River, Kagbeni is a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists in the Mukti Kshetra of the Mustang district of the Himalayas. However, it is the gateway to the Upper Mustang Trek and the Korala Border in Tibet, China.

Your Today’s Activities: After breakfast, you will proceed to the airport for your flight to Jomsom. With mountains like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, this flight is scenic. Jomsom is a large town and windy place in Mustang district. After walking for 2 hours on the Kali Gandaki River, we reached Ekle Bhatti village and from here we continued our trek to Kagbeni on the banks of two rivers and after an hour’s walk we would reach Kagbeni. Walking distance from Jomsom airport to Kagbeni village is about 10 km. The road is flat and you often have to walk along the banks of the river. Today’s average walking time is around 3-4 hours. During our trek we will have to climb 200 meters and descend 100 meters. Lunch will be provided according to your appetite on the way to Kagbeni, our destination today. Stay at the Lodge in Kagbeni (Meals: Dinner and Breakfast included).

After checking approval for Upper Mustang entry, we proceed to Kali Gandaki river bank. While walking we reach a beautiful place. The trail here winds and up and down and takes us through Tangbe village, wheat, barley and wheat fields, apple orchards and Chusang. We will cross small rocks to reach Chele. Our destination tonight is Chele.
The walking distance from Kagbeni to Chele village is about 14 kilometers. The path is flat and you often have to walk slowly up and down. Today’s average walking time is around 6-7 hours. In today’s walk we have to climb 650 meters and descend 400 meters. Lunch will be provided according to your appetite on the way to Chele, our destination today. Stay at the Lodge in Chele (Meals: Dinner and Breakfast included).

Today, after breakfast and before lunch, we will climb Taklam La Pass (3624m) and we will have a panoramic view of Tilicho peak, Damodar mountain and many surrounding peaks. Then, we will descend to Samar Village and walk on the rocks. After spending some time in Samar village, the trek should continue to reach Syangboche village.
The walking distance from Chele to Syangboche village is about 13 kilometers. The path is flat and you often have to walk slowly up and down. Today’s average walking time is around 7-8 hours. In today’s walk we have to climb 1250 meters and descend 550 meters. Lunch will be provided according to your appetite on the way to Syangboche, our destination today. Stay at the Lodge in Syangboche (Meals: Dinner and Breakfast included).

From Samar Village, we have two alternative options to reach Syangboche via Vena La or Chungsi Cave. Of these two options, we recommend trekking through the Ranchung Chungsi cave because we will not return the same way to visit again. Ghayakar Village and Chungsi Caves are the highlights of today’s trek. We will reach Muktinath along the eastern route of the Kali Gandaki river. The beautiful landscape and clean villages make Chele and Syangboche the preferred destination of tourists from different parts of the world. This is not an ordinary trek, so the trek will be led by a professional and cheerful guide for safe and proper conduct.

After breakfast at the lodge, our trek today will begin. After a short climb to Syangboche La (3850 m), we take a beautiful scenic trail (optionally via Ghiling village) to Nyi La (4020 m). Taking a leisurely walk we will reach our day destination Ghmi (3510 m) which is the third largest village in Mustang situated high above the river. There is an old monastery in Ghami village.
The walking distance from Syangboche to Ghami village is about 11 kilometers. The path is flat and you often have to walk slowly up and down. Today’s average walking time is around 4-5 hours. In today’s walk we have to climb 400 meters and descend 650 meters. Lunch will be provided according to your appetite on the way to Ghami, our destination today. Stay at the Lodge in Ghami (Meals: Dinner and Breakfast included).

After breakfast at the lodge, our trek today will begin. There are two routes from Ghami to Lo Manthang. On the way, we chose the easy version and we would go to Tsarang via Dhakmar (3,820m). Next day we will trek from Tsarang to Lo Manthang via Ghar Gumba and Chogo La (4,280 m). We will trek for incredible views of Annapurna (I), as well as the impressive features of Chortens. Some of the mountains we see will be yellowish. We will also see snow-capped peaks and green hills on both sides as we trek. Under a rocky ridge at the summit lies one of the oldest and well-preserved chortens, with a 14th century monastery. Tsarang has a wonderful chorten at its entrance.
The walking distance from Ghami to Tsarang village is about 11 kilometers. The path is flat and you often have to walk slowly up and down. Today’s average walking time is around 6-7 hours. In today’s walk we have to climb 500 meters and descend 500 meters. Lunch will be provided according to your appetite on the way to Tsarang, our destination today. Stay at the Lodge in Tsarang (Meals: Dinner and Breakfast included).

Today’s trek, a unique lunar landscape, snow-capped Himalayan peaks and the heart of the capital Mustang (former Mustang Kingdom), Lo Manthang, awaits us. The day begins with a continuous climb with increasingly beautiful natural views. If the weather clears up during our trek, we will have a chance to see a panoramic view of the Nilgiris, Tilicho, Annapurna (1) and Bhrikuti Peak. From the windy pass of Lo Manthang (Chogo La) you see the Lo Manthang Valley. Descending Lo Manthang, we see a village surrounded by a large wall. From Lo Manthang, to the east, we see high sandstone cliffs with numerous caves and peaks extending into Tibet.
The walking distance from Tsarang to Lo Manthang via Ghar Gumba and Chogo La is about 18 kilometers. The path is up and down and somewhere flat land. Today’s average walking time is around 7-8 hours. In today’s walk we have to climb 800 meters and descend 500 meters. Lunch will be provided according to your appetite on the way to Lo Manthang, our destination today. Stay at the Lodge in Lo Manthang (Meals: Dinner and Breakfast included).

There are many things to see and do in Lo Manthang, the capital of the former Mustang Kingdom, and attractions spot vary according to the desires and interests of the trekkers.<br>

The most famous places are Chhoser and Samar Palace. Besides that there are many others things in Lo Manthang, they are Jampa Lhakhang or Jampa Gompa, also known as “House of God”, which was built in the early 15th century and is the oldest. Another is Thubchen Gompa which was built in the late 15th century and is located southwest from Jampa Gompa. Chodey Gompa is now the main gompa, and Choprang Gompa is known as the “New Gompa”.

We will explore Lo Manthang and the special surroundings, “Prayer Place.” The town is an old walled fort with densely packed houses and narrow streets. Unfortunately, we are only allowed to see the former king’s palace from the outside, but we are allowed to see three monasteries: Chamba Lhakhang, where there is a 14 meter tall statue of Maitreya (the Buddha of the future). Thugchen Lhakhang, a monastery with many large images of Shakyamuni, Avalokiteshvara and Maitreya, and Namgyal Monastery, the largest monastery in Mustang with magnificent sculptures, images and thangkas.

Journey from Lo Manthang to Yara offers you the perfect opportunity to visit 13th century monasteries, mysterious caves and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of natural scenery. Upper Mustang is an open university to learn about Tibetan Buddhism. Upper Mustang cannot be entered without a special trekking permit from the Nepal Immigration Department. A professional guide must be taken through the agency. Jagdamba Holidays is a local travel agent and tour operator in Nepal. We will always be happy to arrange a trip to Upper Mustang Nepal for you.

Today is a special day of trekking and we will explore full day in Upper Mustang and there are different options to see and visit so you can choose according to your interest while you are there, your guide will assist you. Your lunch today will be arranged according to your appetite and selected detour destination. After completion of day tour in Lo Manthang – drive to Yaragaon by private jeep. The walking distance from Lo Manthang to Yaragaon is about 15 km. Stay at the lodge at Yaragaon (Meals: Dinner and Breakfast included).

After breakfast at the lodge, our day trip will begin to explore Luri Monastery. We will trek from Yaragaon to Luri Gompa and back to Yaragaon. The path to Luri Gompa follows the Puyung River and this monastery belongs to the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. Stay at the lodge at Yaragaon (Meals: Dinner and Breakfast included).

After breakfast at the lodge, we leave Yara village and it is the Damodar Kunda trek to Muktinath and the entrance route to Upper Mustang via Teri La Pass through Nar Phu Valley. After vacating the room, today our trek will begin, which will take us the next 4,000 meters of this trek to Tange village. The first part of today’s trek is that we cross a small pass, then we will cross the Dhechang river valley, and we will continue trekking towards Tangge to enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas. A tough climb to the next pass (about 3,900m) awaits us on a long steep climb before reaching our destination for the day, Tange. The black Shaligram ‘ammonite fossil’ is found by lucky walkers along the banks of the Dhechang River. The Upper Mustang region offers complete satisfaction to trekkers and this trek can be one of the best adventures of a lifetime.

The walking distance from Yaragaon to Tangge (3,350 m) is about 15 km. The path is difficult to walk, mostly walking up and down. Today’s average walking time is around 6-7 hours. In today’s walk we have to climb 700 meters and descend 950 meters. Today’s lunch place will be chosen according to your appetite. Stay at the lodge at Tangge (Meals: Dinner and Breakfast included).

After breakfast at the lodge, we will begin today’s trek to Chhusang. We leave the Kali Gandaki valley and climb Tentang (3040m) from the eastern bank. The hardest and longest day of the Upper Mustang trek is the Tangge to Chhusang day of the trek. No, there’s no way to sugarcoat it: this section of the trek is really exhausting. Today, during our trek, we will pass Paha village, which is the highest point of today’s trek, and its height is 4,218 meters above sea level.There are many plateaus to reach Kali Gandaki valley and from Paha village (4060m) we can again enjoy the panoramic view of Annapurna, Nilgiris and Dhaulagiri.We will continue trekking through the Chhusang Mountains to today’s destination, the small town of Tetang, with views of snow-capped peaks. In earlier years, the salt trade was very important to Mustang and much of the villagers’ wealth came from this trade. The Chusang section is also famous for its breathtaking views of Upper Mustang. By doing this trek you can discover the amazing views of the Himalayas and experience the ethnic culture of Mustang.
The walking distance from Tangge to Tetang (3,050 m) is about 25 km. The path is difficult to walk, mostly walking up and down. Today’s average walking time is around 9-10 hours. In today’s walk we have to climb 1300 meters and descend 1600 meters. Today’s lunch place (light pack lunch) will be chosen according to your appetite. Stay at the lodge at Tetang (Meals: Dinner and Breakfast included).

After breakfast at the lodge we will start the trek to Muktinath. The highest point of the day from Tetang to Muktinath is Gyu La Pass and it is located at an altitude of 4077 meters above sea level. The day begins with a partly vertical climb to the Gyu La Pass (4,077 m). Today’s efforts are rewarded with magnificent views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. According to travelers’ experiences, the Lower Mustang and the Upper Mustang are the most picturesque places in Nepal that anyone should visit before they die. The main attractions of the trek from Tetang to Muktinath are Jhong village, the holy Muktinath temple and the monastery. Muktinath, considered an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, is called Mukti Kshetra. This is the last part of the Upper Mustang Trek that follows the eastern part of the Kali Gandaki river.
The walking distance from Tetang to Muktinath (3,760 m) is about 15 km. The path is difficult to walk, mostly walking up and down. Today’s average walking time is around 5-6 hours. In today’s walk we have to climb 1150 meters and descend 450 meters. Today’s lunch place will be chosen according to your appetite. Stay at the lodge at Muktinath (Meals: Dinner and Breakfast included).

After breakfast at the lodge, we will begin the trek to Jomsom, which is the last day of our Upper Mustang trek. There are two ways to go to Jomsom, so we chose 2 routes. A shorter option goes directly to Jomsom, to Jharkot Fort and then Ekle Bhatti. The second option goes to Lupra (3,000 m) in a little used, beautiful side valley, first with a little steep and steep downhill walk, we reach a little below Ekle Bhatti, then through the Kali Gandaki valley to Jomsom. It is really a literal fate to wander around the blissful natural phenomena housed in the pleasant vicinity of Mustang. The walking distance from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,736 m) is about 19 km. Jomsom trekking depends on the choice of how difficult the trail to Jomsom is. Today’s average walking time is around 6-7 hours. In today’s walk we have to climb 400 meters and descend 1450 meters. Lunch will be provided according to your appetite on the way to Jomsom, our destination today. Stay at the Lodge in Jomsom (Meals: Dinner and Breakfast included).

After breakfast at the lodge, we needed to head to the airport one hour before the actual departure of the flight. We will take off from Jomsom, landing at Pokhara Airport after 20 minutes because the Jomsom-Pokhara flight time estimate is 20-25 minutes. Pokhara is a beautiful city where many tourist activities can be done, like boating in Phewa Lake, paragliding, ultralight flying, visiting Sarangkot, World Peace Stupa, International Mountain Museum, David’s Fall, Gupteshwar Mahadev Cave and Tibetan Camp.
After reaching a city like Kathmandu or Pokhara, the duty and service of a trekking guide ends. However, sometimes at the request of the group members, we keep the guide on duty till Kathmandu while trekking in the Annapurna region. Food in cities is on your own, so you can have your lunch/dinner at your convenient time. Cities have restaurants of different tastes and you can choose your delicious restaurant in the city. Stay at a Hotel in Pokhara (Meals: Breakfast included).

After two weeks of trekking, we have an extra day if the weather turns bad for the flight to Pokhara. On this day, you can relax at the hotel in Pokhara and, after resting your legs enough, take a boat trip on Phewa Lake or do a full day’s tour of Pokhara.
On a free day in Pokhara, you can explore the area of Pokhara as per your choice and stay at Pokhara Hotel (Meal: Breakfast included).

After breakfast at the lodge, we needed to head to the airport one hour before the actual departure of the flight. We will take off from Pokhara, landing at Kathmandu Airport after 25 minutes because the Pokhara – Kathmandu flight time estimate is 25-30 minutes. We will also have opportunities to see the best views of the Himalayan peaks during this flight. Food in cities is on your own, so you can have your lunch/dinner at your convenient time. Cities have restaurants of different tastes and you can choose your delicious restaurant in the city. In the afternoon you will have time for your own exploration and/or souvenir shopping. Stay at a Hotel in Kathmandu (Meals: Breakfast included).

After breakfast, you should leave your room and store your luggage at the hotel and relax in the hotel lobby or explore the surrounding local market for last minute shopping for friends and family until you head to the airport for your flight back home.

Due to limited space at Kathmandu Airport, all airlines have requested to report at the check-in counter three hours before the actual flight departure time. Therefore, we will pick you up from the hotel three and a half hours in advance, as the estimated travel time to the airport is around half an hour.

We hope that your visit to Nepal and the activities you do during your visit will remind you to visit Nepal again in the future. As per the service policy of Jagadamba Holidays, your journey will conclude with a farewell at the airport. Have a safe and pleasant journey ahead. Thank you, see you again!