Annapurna Circuit to Upper Mustang Trek

After a hearty breakfast, we embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Beshisahar along the Prithivi Highway, surrounded by terraced hills, rivers, and charming rural villages. From Beshisahar, we continue by local jeep to Syange. Along this route, travelers can observe traditional Nepali lifestyles, vibrant cultures, and the hustle and bustle of village life. From Syange, the trek begins with a gentle walk to Jagat, a village at the confluence of rivers, offering picturesque landscapes. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Jagat, preparing for the adventure into the Manang region.

The trail today winds through lush jungles and along the banks of the Marshyangdi River, offering spectacular views of cascading streams and terraced fields. After leaving Chyamje, we climb gradually before reaching Tal, entering the Manang district. The trail passes through villages like Kodo, surrounded by barley, rice, and potato fields interspersed with pine forests. Dharapani, a prominent village in the region, welcomes trekkers with traditional Nepali hospitality. The day combines moderate trekking with cultural immersion, giving insight into rural mountain life. Overnight stay at a guesthouse in Dharapani.

We set off early, trekking along mule tracks through dense pine and fir forests. The path ascends gently, offering occasional views of Annapurna peaks as we move through higher oak and maple trees. The natural beauty of the region is complemented by glimpses of terraced farmlands and small, traditional settlements. Chame, a welcoming village and district headquarters of Manang, offers warm guesthouses and stunning mountain vistas. Along the way, trekkers can admire the pristine environment and experience the peacefulness of the Himalayas before settling in for an overnight stay.

We will first pass the older part of Chame and climb up to Telekhu at 2840 meter and continue with a long pleasant and mostly level walk through the forest to Brathang, which lies at 2950 meter. After the trail rounds a bend here we will see the first view of the dramatic Paungda Danda rock face, a tremendous curved slab of rock rising more then 1500 meter from the river. We will cross back to the south bank of the Marsyangdi on a suspension bridge at 3080 meter and then make a long gentle climb over a ridge through blue pine forests. After this the trek will be reasonably level as it heads to the upper part of Manang valley to Pisang. This town marks the beginning of the region known as Nyesyang, the upper portion of the Manang district (5 hrs).O/N at lodge.

The journey continues along the valley floor to Bryaga, a Tibetan-style village perched at 3,500 meters. The village houses, stacked atop one another with open verandas, reflect traditional architecture, and the towering gompa offers a remarkable collection of statues and murals. The trail provides awe-inspiring views of Annapurna III, Tilicho, Pisang, and Chulu peaks. Manang village itself is a cultural hub in the region, combining natural beauty, local traditions, and hospitality. An overnight stay at a lodge in Manang ensures proper acclimatization before further high-altitude trekking.

Today is an acclimatization day, giving your body time to adjust to higher altitudes. Early morning, we hike to Gangapurna Lake and Base Camp, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Afternoon activities include exploring Manang village, visiting monasteries, and learning about local culture. The Himalayan Rescue Association may also provide a briefing on acute mountain sickness, including symptoms and preventive measures. This day combines moderate activity with rest, ensuring optimal preparation for higher altitude trekking. Overnight stay at a lodge in Manang.

After a day in and around Manang, acclimatizing to the high elevation, and allowing our bodies time to rest and get used to the environment, From Manang we cross a stream and climb up to Tenki village then head out of Marshyangdi valley northwest up Jar Sang khola valley .the trail ascends slowly as we head northward. we will pass a few pastures and juniper trees . Following the trail we will pass though a small village called Gunsan with houses made of flat mud roof and then pass pastures with yaks and horses. After crossing a small river on a wooden bridge,we make our way up the spectacular valley to an open, peaceful meadow known as Yak Kharka

The trail climbs gradually from Yak Kharka, offering panoramic mountain views before descending slightly to the Marsyangdi headwaters. A narrow path leads across steep slopes and minor obstacles, eventually arriving at Thorong Phedi. Trekkers can enjoy the pristine surroundings and breathtaking vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This strategically located village serves as the final stop before the challenging Thorong La Pass. Overnight stay at a lodge in Thorong Phedi allows proper rest and preparation for the high-altitude trek tomorrow.

Today is a long trek starting before sunrise at maybe 04:00 hrs to reach the pass by 09:00/10:00 hrs at the latest, as otherwise weather conditions will greatly affect the journey. We cross over at an altitude of 5416m so can be exposed to strong winds if crossing too late. Local people have used this trail for hundreds of years to bring herds of sheep and yaks in and out of Manang. Thus the trail, while often steep, is well defined and easy to follow. Snow can block the pass at any time of the year if there has been an unseasonable storm. It takes from four to six hours from Thorung Phedi to the pass, but the many false summits mean the climb seems to go on for ever.At the Thorung La pass, with its traditional prayer flags and stone cairn we will have outstanding views. You can see the Annapunas, Gangapurna and Khatung Kang, a heavily glaciated peak. Amazingly there is a teashop here on top of the pass at 5416 meter. From here we start a long descend of about 1600 meter with outstanding views of Dhaulagiri mountain standing alone in the distance across the valley. After the trail becomes less steep we will enter grassy fields and cross meadows to our final destination of Muktinath, which means place of Nirvana and is home to the Muktinath temple as well as several monasteries. It is said that all sorrows you feel are relieved when visiting the Temple, which is a scared pilgrimage site to both Hindus and Buddhists. The main pilgrimage normally takes place in September. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and has 108 waterspouts around it from which Holy water pours. Another attraction nearby is the Jwala Mai Temple and this contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural underground gas (9 hrs)

Descending from Muktinath, the trail follows the Kaligandaki River valley to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. Along the way, trekkers encounter ancient wind-swept villages reflecting centuries-old Tibetan-influenced culture. Kagbeni serves as a strategic village on the historic salt trade route connecting Tibet and Nepal. Its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and hospitable lodges provide insight into the Mustang region’s lifestyle. An overnight stay at a lodge in Kagbeni offers a restful evening before venturing further into Upper Mustang.

Kagbeni to Chele Actually, Kagbeni is the entry point to upper Mustang. From Kagbeni, trail leads up the east bank of Kali Gandaki and climbs over many ridges as it head north. After, that, through the interesting cave, Gompa crossing place of Tangbeegetation is almost non- – existent except for small shrubs and thorn bushes. The Kaligandaki canyon is awe-inspiring. However, the trail is kept lively with several passing mule trains and horsemen bearing wares from after. This day is uphill, quite steep at times up to the little village of Tangbe 2900m where we stop for lunch. Then after the path flattens out up to Chusang a fairly large settlement inhabited mostly by a mixed ethnic group of Gurungs, Thakalis and some families from the land of Lo. There is a small Buddhist Gompa constructed out of stone and mud across the river, which can only be reached during the colder months when water is low. By itself Chusang is a very interesting village with narrow covered alleys running through the cente, Chhuksang 5/6 hours. Overnight at Lodge.

The trail widens significantly an en Chusang-Samar (3050 m) approx.,4 hrs

Having entered this long and secluded valley one feels also a distinct change, not only to topography but there is a world of difference in culture, lifestyle and landscape. Settlements are more scattered, smaller and basic. The people of Lo or Mustang practice agriculture but because of the lack of the rain and fertile soil, cultivation is in sheltered plots of land making the landscape of a pattern of brown with scattered patches of shaded greens. A little ahead of Chusang we cross a small bridge across the Mustang Khola River, across which is colorful little village called Chaili. The trail then veers northwest along steep lines right up to the village of Samar, out campsite, making it a tough four hours walk. Samar is a very old and small village situated amongst a grove of trees with a stream running through the middle.

As in all desert lands, settlements in Mustang are in oasis village most houses are constructed out of mud and stones with roof cast out of twins, straw and a mixture of mud and pebbles. The trail descends crossing couple of mountain streams followed by a fairly flat stretch of two hours before we arrive into a wide valley. The Gelling village is located an hour walk away to the right of the main trail and in a valley between two hills. North of the village lies a Buddhist Gompa, which, though new contains exquisite wall paintings.

The trail from Gelling climbs gently through cultivated fields along the valley center, passing above Tama Gaon, famous for its towering chorten. After crossing the Tangmar Chu River, the trail ascends briefly before reaching Charang, a historic village marked by its traditional stone houses and unique Tibetan-influenced architecture. Charang’s large monastery offers an insight into the spiritual life of Upper Mustang, with colorful murals and centuries-old religious artifacts. This moderate day allows trekkers to appreciate both the breathtaking landscapes and the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Overnight at a lodge in Charang ensures comfort at this high-altitude stop.

Lomanthang is the capital city of upper Mustang. We will spend part of the morning exploring the interesting village of Charang and its large monastery, before setting out for Lo Manthang. We climb gently above the valley to a large isolated Chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo Manthang. The trail then broadens and eventually we get our first view of the walled city of Lo Manthang. The city has only one entrance so we circumambulate the wall to the gate on the north-east corner’s/N at LodgeBack to Kathmandu.

We head to Kathmandu. its takes via Tourist bus 7 hours and via flight 25 min. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Farewell friend.

Nepal adventure pilgrimage Trek We will transfer you airport as per your flight time.

Today, you are free to explore the fascinating Village of Lo Manthang. The city contains about 150 houses, as well as residences for its many lamas. There are four major temples within the village and one of these, Champa Lhakang, contains a huge clay statue of Buddha as well as elaborates mandalas painted on the walls. The king’s palace is an imposing building in the center of the city and is occupied by the current King and Queen. Although his duties are largely ceremonial, the King is respected by the people. Throughout the kingdom, the villagers continue to seek his advice regarding many issues. It is possible to hire horses to visit these valleys, but this short tour will incur extra costs./N at Lodge.

We begin our return journey from Lo Manthang, taking the upper highland route.

Today the trail climbs steadily to a pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lo Manthang. The trail contours across the head of a valley and crosses another ridge, then drop into another large desolate valley. After ascending to the valley floor, the route heads to the right, up the center of the valley to it head. Cross a ridge at 4070 meters & traverses across the heads of two more valleys to an indistinct pass. Cross the pass to some meadows & a stream. The trail then makes a long rocky descent down a ravine to a grassy valley where LO Geker is situated in a grove of large trees alongside a stream. This highland route offers dramatic views of Lo Manthang and the Charang Valley, with snow clad peaks in the background. Just past the settlement of Lo Gekar, we reach the oldest monastery in Mustang, the Ghare Gompa. over night at LO Geker.

Climb to a ridge the across a valley to cairn and a pass 200 meters above Lo Geker. The route crosses some alpine meadows to a crest, and then drops down a steep eroded gully to the upper part of the village of Tahmar “Red Crag”. A large stream meanders through this village, making this a particularly pretty valley. Most of the surrounding hills are pastel shades of Grey & yellow, but a huge red fluted cliff provides a dramatic contrast. The trail descends alongside the stone walls and fields of the extensive village, then climbs to a ridge. It is a short descent to Ghami at 3550 meters. Ghami is a large village of whitewashed houses situated above hectares and hectares of fields. Visit the Gompa in Ghami.

Departing Ghami, the trail climbs to Nyi La and a ridge cairn before contouring upward to meet the trail from Charang. The path descends steeply into the Gelling area, passing an isolated teahouse, then continues gently to Tama Gung’s three houses. A series of switchbacks leads to a stream, followed by a climb to a large painted chorten. The trail rejoins previously traveled paths near Samar, allowing trekkers to revisit familiar landscapes while absorbing the serene desert vistas, rugged cliffs, and timeless villages of Mustang. Overnight stay at a lodge in Samar.

Retracing the trail through Chusang and Tangbe, the route passes other remote settlements along the Kaligandaki River valley. The arid landscapes, steep cliffs, and occasional mule trains offer a vivid contrast to the lush Annapurna Circuit. Kagbeni, our destination, is a historic village that marks the boundary between Upper Mustang’s desert region and the lower fertile valleys. The town’s wind-swept streets, traditional stone houses, and cultural richness make it a fascinating stop. Trekkers can relax at local lodges and enjoy the stark beauty of Mustang before continuing to Jomsom the next day.

The final trekking segment leads to Jomsom, the district headquarters and a major hub for travelers connecting to the Annapurna region. Along the trail, trekkers will witness dramatic river valleys, arid landscapes, and ancient settlements that historically served the salt trade route to Tibet. Jomsom provides modern amenities, local markets, and comfortable lodges after the extensive trekking in Upper Mustang. This stop allows time for rest and preparation for the onward flight to Pokhara, signaling the transition from the high-altitude desert landscapes back to more verdant regions. Overnight stay at a lodge in Jomsom.

Today, we take a short scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, offering unparalleled aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. On arrival in Pokhara, trekkers enjoy a day of leisure to explore the lakeside city, visit Phewa Lake, and experience the tranquil environment of Nepal’s adventure capital. Optional activities include boat rides, shopping at local markets, or simply relaxing while reflecting on the incredible journey across the Annapurna Circuit and Upper Mustang. Overnight stay at a hotel in Pokhara with comfort and scenic mountain views.

After breakfast, we begin the journey back to Kathmandu. The scenic drive along the highways and through the hills offers views of terraced farmland, rivers, and mountain panoramas. For those who prefer, a short flight to Kathmandu is available, saving travel time and providing aerial vistas of the Himalayas. Upon arrival, trekkers are transferred to their hotel to rest, refresh, and enjoy the final evening in the vibrant capital city of Nepal. This day provides time to reflect on the extraordinary adventure and cultural immersion experienced on the trek. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

On the final day of the journey, Nepal Adventure Pilgrimage Treks & Expedition ensures a smooth transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. Trekkers bid farewell to Nepal with memories of the Annapurna Circuit, Upper Mustang’s desert landscapes, ancient monasteries, and the vibrant local culture. This is a moment to cherish friendships formed during the trek and the extraordinary Himalayan vistas witnessed along the journey. Wishing you safe travels, the team extends heartfelt gratitude and farewell from the heart of Nepal.