The Upper Mustang Trek via Dolpo is one of the most panoramic treks in western Nepal. This quaint destination lies in the trans-Himalayan zone, separated from the Tibetan plateau by the mighty Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. Varied landscapes combining flatlands, deep gullies, and narrow valleys-the geography that might feel strikingly unusual and captivating to most travelers.
This will take you on a journey to Upper Dolpo and finally to Mustang, an isolated, semi-autonomous Tibetan kingdom that is well regarded for keeping ancient Tibetan culture and traditions. The trek begins at Dolpa’s Juphal Airport and ends at Jomsom in Mustang. Further, the trail offers an opportunity to circle the beautiful Shey-Phoksundo Lake that has turquoise-colored water, which adds to its mystique. It is an alpine freshwater lake and a very special one with no aquatic life.
Highlights of the Upper Mustang trek via Dolpo
Best Time for the Upper Mustang Trek via Dolpo
Choosing the Best Season for the Upper Mustang Trek via Dolpo is important in determining how this journey will turn out. Even though this journey can be undertaken at any season with the necessary equipment, spring and autumn seasons are preferred. It is during these seasons that trekkers get favorable weather with bright sunshine, thus making the Upper Dolpo Mustang trek more feasible despite the challenging terrain.
Permits for the Upper Mustang Trek via Dolpo
Access to the Upper Dolpo region is highly restricted, with no more than 250 foreign trekkers annually. Due to this strict limitation, permits for Upper Dolpo are expensive and tightly regulated. Along with the Upper Dolpo permit, trekkers need to get a Lower Dolpo permit too because the trail naturally goes through Lower Dolpo before reaching the upper region.
The flight to Nepalgunj provides a breathtaking view of the Himalaya ranges spanning the entire northern horizon. You will then be taken to your hotel in Nepalgunj, where you will check in and rest. In the evening, you will have a chance to enjoy exploratory activities in this vibrant town, which is only about 3 km from the boundary of Nepal and India.
Includes: Dinner, Airfare, Private Transport, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Nepalgunj.
You will take a scenic 35-minute flight to Juphal Airport in Dolpa early in the morning. From Juphal itself, the trek starts through terraced fields, going down towards the Bheri River. The narrow canyon will follow before slowly opening up when approaching Dunai, a relatively larger and welcoming village where you will end your first day of trekking.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Airfare, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dunai.
The journey starts with the passage of the suspension bridge and then walking west towards the convergence of the Thuli Bheri River and the Sulighad River. Later, the journey follows the upstream path along the Sulighad River with the background noise of the rushing water throughout the journey. The route passes through an area that is densely overgrown with wild marijuana with crops such as millet, pumpkin, potatoes, sweet corn, and chilies.
Many villages in this region are involved in the production of ‘chuk’, which is a plant akin to lotus that is prized in the production of vinegar and traditional medicines. Proceeding further on the same trail, you will arrive at Ankhe, which is the entry point to Phoksundo National Park. On the way to reaching here, you will come across three distinctively named villages: Parela (eyelash), Rahagaon (eyebrow), and Ankhe (Eye).
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Ankhe.
The trail becomes more challenging after crossing the river over well-constructed bridges. You will put your footsteps to the test as you climb up a narrow pathway. Upon reaching the top of the climb, the trail will descend back towards the river before ascending again through another strenuous climb. Despite the strenuous exercise of the ascents, your efforts are rewarded with breathtaking views of the beautiful terrains.
Late in the afternoon, you will set up your camp along the serene banks of the Suligad River, where you are treated to the sound of flowing water all through the night.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Renje.
The day starts with an easy walk on a gentle path till Samdo is reached. Beyond, the climb starts to get steeper and steeper. You leave the river behind and climb up to a ridge at 3,875 meters, where a truly spectacular vista unfolds. You can see Nepal’s highest waterfall of 300 meters and enjoy your first spectacular view of Phoksundo Lake.
From this ridge, the trail drops down into tranquil birch forests and opens up into the upper reaches of the Phoksundo Khola. Just a little further on is the hamlet of Ringmo, with its chortens and Mani walls, classic representations of traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture. The village also has solar panels, making life easier for the locals. From Ringmo, it is a short walk to the tranquil shores of Phoksundo Lake, where tonight you will be sleeping surrounded by its mesmerizing turquoise waters.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Phoksundo Lake.
In the morning, you can take some time to visit Phoksundo Lake, which is a calm and peaceful lake whose beauty and solitude epitomize this isolated region. Further ahead, after feeling content with the peaceful surroundings of the lake, your trek continues with an ascent to steep heights at 4,040 meters that offers impressive views of the rugged landscape. You then drop down to the valley and onto the floodplain of the Phoksundo Khola.
From here, you trek further to your overnight stop situated beside the river and tucked deep inside the forest. This campsite is somewhat protected from strong winds that may hurtle down the valley floor, ensuring a better night’s rest.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Phoksundo Khola.
Today’s trekking trail is one that requires passage over several streams, thereby making it suitable to trek in sandals instead of hiking shoes. Additionally, the trail will take you through a glacial valley that steadily turns to the northern direction until it narrows down to become very rugged, accompanied by high vertical cliffs and odd rock formations. At the intersection point of Phoksundo Khola and another mountain stream, you will find an old wooden bridge that is an important crossing point.
While the route moving forward is not as clear, you will need to climb through some rocks and cross a very steep, flowing stream. After a tremendous ascent, you will enter a meadow with some wonderful scenery. Then, there will be a stiff ascent through a gorge to Phoksundo Bhanjyang. From this spot, the route takes you to a valley with a breathtaking view of Kang La Pass and the path to Shey Gompa.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Phoksundo Bhanjyang.
Leaving Bhanjyang, you will start to trek towards Kang La Pass, which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to reach the summit. The scenic views from atop are simply brilliant, and the steep ascent is totally worth it. From there, after taking in the scenes, you will be making a steep descent into the valley for about 45 minutes.
The trail now winds its way on a long, twisting route along the river, crossing it a few times. A very conspicuous red Chorten signals your arrival at Shey Gompa, beyond which lies a picturesque wooden-log bridge that leads to the pleasant Shey domain.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Shey Gompa.
Today is a rest day at Shey Gompa, commonly referred to as Crystal Mountain. Shey Gompa is closely associated with Tsakang Gompa, which is known as the red hermitage, where Shey Lama, their spiritual leader, stays. It is an important meditational place for illustrious lamas of Tibet.
Established in the 11th century by Lama Ten-szin-Ra-Pa, the Shey Gompa belongs to the Chaiba sect and practices the school of Padmasambhava. The Buddhist monastery is famous for the ancient Buddhist culture that seamlessly merges with the culture of animism. The furtherance of Buddhism in the Dolpo region was carried out by Drutup Yeshe. The site is situated between cliffs of quartz and fossils of sea creatures.
The Shey Gompa is situated overlooking the confluence of the rivers Kangjunala and Yeju Nala, while the nearby prayer wheels are cleverly triggered by the water current, further enhancing the sanctity surrounding this far-off Himalayan monastery.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Shey Gompa.
Today’s trek from Shey Gompa to Namgong starts with a visit to the 800-year-old Shey Gompa, also called Shelri Sumdho Gompa, which is famous for its murals and an ancient scroll containing the myth of Crystal Mountain. The trek then moves along the Sephu Khola, which provides an insight into typical Dolpo landscapes, and then climbs to Shey La Pass, from where you will be treated to a majestic view of Mustang, Tibet, and Crystal Mountain. Post which, you will begin a descent of about 2 hours into Namgong village, where you will find Namgong Gompa, a revered monastery where you will stay over.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Namgong Gompa.
We begin our trek towards Marang and enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayas. It passes through the charismatic villages of Karang and Sibuk, where one can experience the local way of living and local delicacies, which add to the whole cultural adventure amidst the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Marang.
From Marang, the trek goes upwards to Dora Sumna, today’s stopover. En route, you will be crossing the famous monastery called Sungjer Gompa and a small village named Luri Gaon that reflects glimpses of the culture and nature of the Himalayas.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Dora Sumna.
After the enjoyable breakfast you have in Dora Sunma, you will start trekking to Misha Gaon, which is known as Mugaon. Your trek begins by visiting the renowned monastery of Yangjer Gompa, which is also one of the richest in the area. After exploring the monastery, you will continue your trek to Misha Gaon, which leads you to your overnight stay.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Misha Gaon.
During the trek from Misha Gaon to Chanpole Goth, you will cross the Musi La Pass at 5,030 meters, the highlight of the day, offering spectacular high-altitude views. You summit the pass and then go down as you continue toward Chanpole Goth, where you will rest for the night.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chanpola Goth.
You can have a local breakfast in Shimen village and then start walking to the beautiful village of Tinje. It is a village in the valley. Upon reaching the Tinje Gaon, you can witness the scenic beauty of nature and the local traditions of the place.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Tinje Gaon.
After enjoying your breakfast, you will get to explore the marvelous valley of Tinje and will be able to absorb all its wonders and peacefulness. Post this, your journey will take you along the trail, which will lead you to Rapka.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Rapka.
At Rapka, you can take a walk around the surrounding areas and find yourself amidst the culture of Bon Gompa, which boasts natural serenity. From this point, the trekking route leads to your destination of Chharka. You will then move through the Chharka La Mola Pass, which stands at a height of 5,030 meters. After passing through this pass, you will reach Chharka.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chharka.
The day begins with a descent to Tulsi Khola, which holds a lot of significance in Hindu traditions. You are soon to enter the land of the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Lo. The trail follows a short ascent and a further descent to Tulsi Khola, where your camp will be erected by the side of the river amidst the pristine natural beauty of the Himalayas.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Tulsi Khola.
After enjoying your breakfast at the camp known as Tulsi Khola, you will then begin to trek to Nakhem Khola. There will be a relatively flat surface to walk on when trekking to reach the river.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Nakhkem Khola.
Today, you will trek to Kharka Camp, which begins by going uphill towards Kharka, which features amazing views of the neighboring ranges as well as the lakes. The trail is very scenic, as it passes by smaller lakes as well as the impressive scenery of the Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges. This will be your last night in the Dolpo region, as you head to the Mustang region tomorrow.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Kharka Camp.
Today, you’ll start your trek early in the morning, as you have to climb a challenging trail that is unmarked, so you have to focus on every step you take. Along the way, you’ll get stunning sights of the surrounding ranges and the distinct landscape found in Upper Mustang when you reach the summit of Ghami Pass. Though the landscape looks familiar since it’s something you saw in Dolpo, the culture that you’ll find here is far from it, indeed unique.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Ghami Phedi.
Today, you will head back to the human settlement area on the trek. This is a bit up and down to Ghami. You will be crossing the Ghami River on several occasions along the route today, making it a bit more exciting. Ghami is a beautiful village that represents Tibetan-influenced culture and a traditional way of life, really interesting to explore.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Ghami.
Today, you will trek to the village of Marang, where you can get to see the village and its gompas. Today, you will visit Ghar Gompa at an altitude of 3,950 meters. This historical gompa is home to the precious scripture of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), giving you a glimpse into the spiritual past of this place.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Marang.
After leaving Marang, you will trek towards Lo Manthang, through desert regions that sustain an area of rich and distinct Tibetan culture. En route, you can catch a glimpse of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Bhrikuti, and Annapurna I from a far distance. The pass is usually quite windy, making it an even more adventurous trek. After which, you will be coming down to reach the capital of Upper Mustang, which is called Lo Manthang. It is a medieval village rich in history and poetry. You will be spending two days in this place, of which today will be a relaxing day where you can walk through this village and capture its essence.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lo-Manthang.
Today, you can wander through the villages and gompas of Lo-Manthang to see how well they display the culture and traditions of the Tibetan culture. You can also learn more about Namgyal Gompa, which is a large monastery with a deep-rooted history in local traditions. Alternatively, you can pay a visit to Tingkhar, which provides a serene retreat from Lo-Manthang. You can go ponyback riding to add some extra adventure to your exploration of the area. Other major sights to see are the God House, major gompas, and the King’s Palace, a 700-year-old palace.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Lo-Manthang.
After having your breakfast, you will say goodbye to the beautiful Lo Manthang and move forward to trek to Yara. This journey takes you through two small passes to a deep canyon before descending to Dhi Village. Finally, from Dhi, you trek through the riverbed to your destination, which is Yara.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Yara.
Today, you can visit Yara Gaon. The main point of attraction in this village is Luri Gompa, from where you will be able to obtain extensive information regarding Tibetan Buddhism and Guru Rinpoche. After visiting the cave in Luri Gompa, you can walk around this village and witness the culture, traditions, and lifestyle of its residents.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Yara.
The distance between Yara and Tangee is moderate, but compared to the distance of other days’ trek, today’s trekking distance is relatively long, and some parts of the trek are also steep to some extent. After the long trek, you will reach the shore of the river named Damodar Kunda, and here you will find some fossils of black rocks. Then, after continuing the trek from the river, you will reach the village named Tange, where some Chorten give you a warm welcome.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Tyange.
The day starts with a journey down to a river crossing; afterwards, climb up to the 4,100-meter-high Pa Pass. The place presents breathtaking views of the villages of Tsarang, Lo, and the Dhaulagiri peaks in the north. The highest point reaches 4,050 meters; here, there is a spectacular sight of the Dhaulagiri Mountains in the south. The area has prayer flags; further water is just half an hour away, named Ba Ha. After the break, proceed with the sensational route down. Here, select the route to move towards Chhusang through Chuksang.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Chhusang.
This path now leads up the Narsingchu to the pretty village of Tetang. Tetang has two parts. Its exterior walls stand over ten metres high with only a few windows and resemble a fortress. A second part of the village stands nearby with the remains of a fort that also features high, fortress-style walls.
The path then winds up onto a plateau, then weaves east into a narrow river valley and up to a pass at 4030 meters, which offers spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges. Later, we drop down to Jhong, cross the Jhong River, and begin our ascent to Muktinath. Following several hours uphill, we will arrive at Muktinath.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Muktinath.
In the morning, you would visit one of the famous Hindu temples called Muktinath. This place is a holy site that attracts a number of devotees from across the region. Finally, after visiting this place, you would begin descending towards Kagbeni. You would pass through meadows in this process. You would finally reach Jomsom, where you would stay overnight. This is prior to flying off to Pokhara.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, English-speaking trekking guide, Porter, and an overnight accommodation at an available local lodge in Jomsom.
Embark on a scenic flight to Pokhara, where you can enjoy a free day at leisure in this beautiful city. You can walk around Phewa Lake, take a walk through its pleasant streets, explore local markets, and do a bit of shopping in this vibrant city.
Includes: Breakfast, Airfare, and an overnight accommodation at Batika Classic Hotel or a similar hotel in Pokhara.
You will drive back to Kathmandu after having breakfast in the hotel. Check in at the hotel, and then rest for some time. By this time, your trip of the Upper Mustang Trek via Dolpo comes to an end as one of the lifetime adventures into remote Himalayan wilderness and diverse culture.
Includes: Breakfast, Private Transport, and an overnight accommodation at Yatri Suites & Spa or a similar hotel in Kathmandu.
Getting to Nepal as an international visitor is easy with the availability of an easy-to-use Visa on Arrival service at Tribhuvan International Airport and almost all the land border crossings into Nepal. Upon arrival at the airport, you will complete the visa form, submit the necessary documents, pay the applicable visa fee online, and then you will be given your visa within a very short time.
With several different types of Nepali visas available for various duration periods, visitors have the choice of whether they want to stay for a few days or months; however, some nationalities must obtain their visa in advance of travelling, so you must check the current visa requirements.
Learn more about visa guidelines and requirements: Tourist Visa Information
Nepal offers a wide variety of accommodation to meet the varying requirements of travelers at every budget level and personal comfort preferences.
Luxury Accommodation
Enjoy the luxury and the comfort of a highly rated hotel, and are looking for a high-end experience. You will find many luxury hotels in Nepal with an array of modern conveniences, such as spa treatments, fine dining, beautiful locations, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and individual attention from the staff. These types of hotels are perfect for people who want to relax, unwind, and experience luxurious facilities while traveling throughout Nepal.
Budget Accommodation
Travelers who want to experience Nepal without breaking the bank will be happy to know that there are also many inexpensive accommodation options, including guesthouses, boutique lodges, and homestays, which are all clean, friendly, and very good value. Budget accommodation allows a traveler to stay within their budget while experiencing the generosity of local hospitality.
We ensure that your accommodation matches your preference, whether you seek luxury or convenience.
Explore available accommodation categories: Accommodations in Nepal.
Nepal has a lot to offer with its incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Travelling can also come with risks, which is why anyone visiting Nepal needs to consider purchasing travel insurance, particularly those involved in adventure activities or trekking, as well as those who will be travelling to remote areas of Nepal. A well-rounded insurance policy can provide peace of mind through protection against the following:
Many trekking routes in Nepal are over 3000 meters (9842 ft); therefore, your policy should specifically state that high altitude travel is part of your Insurance plan, as well as the option to be evacuated in the event of an emergency. Choosing the right policy will help you receive the best possible care in your time of need.
Find out more about travel insurance for Nepal: Travel Insurance in Nepal
For hikers traveling to the Nepalese Himalayas, it’s essential to have the correct trekking equipment. Depending on what elevation you’re at, the weather might change drastically, so it’s crucial to use and carry the proper clothing and equipment in order to enjoy a safe and comfortable trip.
If you don’t want to travel with your own equipment, there are plenty of places in Nepal where you can rent or purchase what you need (particularly in Thamel, Kathmandu’s main shopping district). There are also locations within the city where you can find stores that offer a variety of high-quality trekking apparel and equipment at very reasonable prices.
See the complete trekking gear guide: Trekking Gear
