Arrive in Kathmandu and we transfer you to Kathmandu Guest House (KGH). The day is kept light so you can rest, hydrate, and recover from travel. If you arrive early, you can do a short walk nearby and pick up any last essentials for Mustang such as sun protection and a buff for dust. In the evening, we keep things calm so you start the trip feeling fresh and well-rested.

Today is your preparation day in Kathmandu, based at KGH, and it can also be used for Optional World Heritage Sightseeing. You will have time for a trek briefing, final packing, and checking layers for Mustang’s wind and dry air. If you want sightseeing, this day fits perfectly because the travel stage begins tomorrow. A relaxed evening helps you rest well before the transfer to Pokhara.

Travel to Pokhara by flight or by road depending on your preference and schedule. Flying is quicker, while driving gives you a broader sense of Nepal’s countryside and river valleys. After arriving, the lakeside atmosphere is ideal for slowing down and resting before the Jomsom flight. If time allows, an easy walk by Phewa Lake is a great way to end the day.

You take a morning flight to Jomsom (weather dependent) and then drive onward to Tetang to position for trekking into Upper Mustang. The landscape changes quickly into dry, wind-sculpted terrain with cliffs and open valleys, very different from the greener hills around Pokhara. We keep the day gentle for acclimatization, focusing on hydration and a relaxed evening. Tetang is a traditional Mustang village and a comfortable place to start trekking tomorrow.

Today you begin trekking north on classic Upper Mustang trails, with wide valleys, chortens, and long views across the high desert. The air is dry and the wind can pick up later in the day, so starting earlier usually feels more comfortable. Shyangboche is often written as Shyangmochen on trekking references, and it is a quiet village stop that feels noticeably more remote than the lower Kali Gandaki corridor. The evening is calm and simple, perfect for rest before continuing deeper.

The trail continues through Mustang’s dramatic landscapes, with eroded cliffs and open plateaus shaping the day. This section feels strongly cultural as well, with long mani walls and traditional village markers appearing frequently along the route. Dakmar (Dhakmar) is known for its striking red cliffs and a very “old Mustang” atmosphere. After arrival, it is a great place to slow down and enjoy the quiet before reaching Lo Manthang.

You trek into Lo Manthang, the historic walled capital of Upper Mustang, arriving in time for the Tiji Festival period. The approach feels like stepping into another era, with the town’s walls and traditional architecture creating a strong sense of arrival. Once checked in, you can begin experiencing the festival atmosphere in the town - a unique cultural energy you only see during this time. The evening is kept relaxed so you can enjoy the celebrations without feeling rushed.

Today blends cultural exploration with another festival day. You visit key monasteries in and around Lo Manthang at a calm pace, then spend time at the festival events in the town. Keeping the day balanced is important so you can enjoy both the spiritual sites and the celebration energy. Because you sleep at the same altitude again, the day also supports acclimatization and recovery.

Today you visit Namgyal (Namgel), a culturally important area near Lo Manthang known for its monastery setting and traditional village atmosphere, then continue enjoying the Tiji Festival program. This day gives a wider sense of Mustang life outside the walls while still keeping Lo Manthang as your base. Because the festival schedule can vary slightly year to year, we keep the day flexible so you catch the most meaningful parts. Returning to Lo Manthang for the night keeps everything comfortable and unhurried.

After the festival days, you take a deeper exploration day into the Chosar (Chhoser) Valley. This area is known for sky caves and cave monasteries, giving a powerful sense of Mustang’s long history of settlement and spiritual practice. The day is planned to be exploratory and flexible, with time for photography and unhurried visits rather than rushing between sites. You return to Lo Manthang for another night, rounding out the Lo experience properly.

You leave Lo Manthang and head toward the quieter eastern side of Upper Mustang. The trail often feels less travelled than the main route, and the scenery becomes more rugged and canyon-like in places. Yara is known for its dramatic surroundings and traditional village atmosphere, and arriving here sets you up perfectly for the sacred cave sites tomorrow. The evening is usually calm and peaceful, ideal for rest.

This is a major highlight day focused on Mustang’s cave heritage and spiritual sites. You visit Luri Gompa, a remarkable cave monastery set into the cliffs near Yara, approached by a scenic walk through rugged terrain. You also visit Tashi Kabum (often written Tashi Khabung), a revered cave shrine that adds depth to the region’s spiritual story. The day is planned with enough time to move steadily and safely on narrow paths, then return to Yara for a restful night.

Today you trek to Charang (Tsarang), one of Upper Mustang’s most important historic settlements. The surroundings remain dry and open, and the Tibetan cultural influence remains strong in the architecture and trail markers. Charang is known for its monastery complex and palace setting, and it often feels calmer and more spacious than the smaller trail villages. After arrival, you have time for a relaxed walk and a quiet evening at the lodge.

You transition from trekking back to vehicle travel and drive south toward Jomsom through the Kali Gandaki corridor. The return drive gives a different perspective on the high desert landscapes and canyon walls you walked through earlier. This is a comfortable logistics day that helps keep the end of the trip smooth. In Jomsom, you can rest well and prepare for the flights out the next morning.

You fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (weather dependent) and then connect onward to Kathmandu. After days in the dry, windy Mustang landscape, Kathmandu comfort feels like a real reward. We transfer you to Kathmandu Guest House (KGH), where you can enjoy a long shower and a relaxed evening. This is also a great night for a celebratory dinner and easy packing.

A free day in Kathmandu that can be used for Optional World Heritage Sightseeing, souvenir shopping, or simply resting. It also works as a buffer in case mountain flights shift due to weather. Many guests use this time for a calm café day, final shopping, and a farewell meal. Keeping the day unhurried makes departure day feel easy.

We transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your flight home.