Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu.
You will be greeted at the airport by a representative from Outdoor Expeditions and transported to your hotel. Unwind from your flight and meet us in the evening for a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing and trip preparations.
Relax for the afternoon and enjoy a guided tour of Kathmandu’s unique attractions. We’ll spend the day exploring several of the city’s most famous cultural landmarks like the sacred Hindu pilgrimage site Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bhagamati, Swayambunath (Monkey Temple), and Bouddhanath, Nepal’s largest and most revered Buddhist stupa. In the evening we’ll meet with your trekking guide and team members for a trip briefing and preparations for the journey.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 823m/2700ft: 6 hours drive
We’ll depart Kathmandu this morning by private van or bus for Pokhara. The scenic drive will take us through scenic countryside to the famous lakeside city where we can relax for the evening and savor the spectacular mountain views over Fewa Lake.
Day 4: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni 2858m/9375ft: 20 minute flight and 3 – 4 hours walk
Our day starts with an early flight to Jomsom, district headquarters of Mustang. From Jomsom we follow the banks of the Kali Gandaki to Kagbeni, a medieval village situated on the ancient salt trade route to Tibet.
Day 5: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele 3050m/10004ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
We follow a sandy trail along the banks of the Kali Gandaki, passing the picturesque villages of Tangbe and Chhusang. Our scenic trail winds passed fields of wheat, barley, and buckwheat. Cresting a ridge, we reach the small village of Chele.
Day 6: Trek from Chele to Syanbochen 3475m/11398ft: 6 – 7 hours walk
After passing the village of Eklo Bhatti, we cross the Taklam La pass 3624m/11923ft accompanied by excellent views of Tilicho, Yakawa Kang, and Damodar Danda. We will pass an interesting cave called Ramchung on the way to Syanbochen.
Day 7: Trek from Syanbochen to Ghaymi 3520m/11546ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
After an uphill climb to Yamda La we pass several chortens and charming villages with a distinctly Tibetan feel. A scenic expanse of poplar trees and barley fields leads to Nyi pass 4010m/13193ft, and finally to our overnight stop at Ghaymi.
Day 8: Trek from Ghaymi to Charang 3500m/11480ft: 4 – 5 hours walk
Climbing to a high plateau beyond a crossing of the Ghaymi Khola, we follow an impressive mani wall to Charang. Surrounded by a breathtaking expanse of fields, farm houses, stone walls, and a hilltop gompa, we settle for the night in Charang.
Day 9: Trek from Charang to Lo-Manthang 3700m/12136ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
Descending into the stark beauty of the Charang Chu Canyon amid the majestic peaks of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Bhrikuti, and Annapurna I, we cross a river and enter Lo-Manthang Valley. On our approach, the views of the fabled walled city of Lo-Manthang perched on the Tibetan border are utterly magical.
Day 10: Rest day at Lo-Manthang
Spend the day exploring Lo-Manthang and enjoy a visit to any number of its cultural sites – the hilltop Namgyal Gompa, the King’s palace, or the nearby village of Tingkhar.
Day 11: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar 3810m/12500ft: 6 – 7 hours walk
Our return journey begins with a stop in Gyakar to visit the 1200 year old Ghar gompa and the fascinating rock paintings nearby. End the day in Dhakmar village.
Day 12: Trek from Dhakmar to Ghiling 3806m/12484ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
We traverse the stark and windswept plains to Ghiling. Crossing this remote and rugged area will require us to rest depending on wind conditions, as the dusty wind can be abrasive.
Day 13: Trek from Ghiling to Chhuksang 3050m/10004ft: 5 – 6 hours walk
Our last day of trekking through the Upper Mustang trails is today. The haunting landscape will be something to remember. Savor the last hours in this remote and unique area on before the sun sets over Chhuksang.
Day 14: Trek from Chhuksang to Jomsom 2700m/8856ft: 6 – 7 hours walk
An early morning start is best to enjoy the walk to Kagbeni. From here, we join the Annapurna Circuit trail en route to Jomsom.
Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara: 30 minutes flight
We depart in the morning for an amazingly scenic flight to Pokhara between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Arrive in Pokhara in the afternoon and enjoy the evening relaxing by Fewa Lake.
Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu: 6 hours
Depart by private van or bus this morning for Kathmandu. Spend the evening in Thamel reminiscing after an amazing journey.
Day 17: Depart Kathmandu
Take care of any last minute shopping or sightseeing as time permits. You’ll be picked up at your hotel three hours prior to your departure flight. Thanks for traveling with Outdoor Expeditions. Farewell and Namaste.
