Mustang Heritage Trail Trek: 18-Day

Today, you will take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Pokhara is a pleasant city beside a large lake known as Phewa Lake. On a clear day, you’ll get a view of high snowy peaks from the plane. It's a beautiful sight. When you arrive in Pokhara, you’ll find it way more peaceful than Kathmandu. It’s a quiet spot up by the lakeside. Then, you'll drive to Beni. It is a drive through the countryside. You’ll witness green hills, fields, and quaint villages. You will see people working in the fields and children playing. You get a glimpse of life in rural areas. You will reach Beni in the evening and be housed in a cozy lodge. You will rest here during the evening because you will be experiencing an exciting day tomorrow.

Today, you’ll drive deep into the mountains. You bid farewell to Beni and head for Tatopani. Tatopani is one of the most famous places in Nepal for its hot springs. The road follows the Kali Gandaki River. You’ll witness deep valleys sliced through the mountains. You’ll see fields terraced on the sides of hills. And besides all of these you will also see big waterfalls on the way. You should try to enjoy this ride as it will be an exciting journey, and you will be experiencing many things. At Tatopani, it is best recommended that you take a bath in the hot springs. The warm water will make you feel better and prepare you for your upcoming trek. The warm steam and sounds of the river will relax you, so take your time to soak in all of the moment and prepare yourself for the days ahead of you. You will stay in a nice guesthouse and prepare yourself for your walk. You will be feeling refreshed and ready to start your trek after the day has come to an end.

Today, your walk starts! After breakfast, you will begin ascending into the forest of the mountain. The path is easy at first. It stays by the river and gains altitude gently. You will walk through forests with rhododendrons. You walk slower until you get used to trekking in the mountains. The air is dry, and you will hear the sounds of nature. Ghasa is a big village that is located between the high mountains. It's a peaceful place. You’ll stay in a tea house, converse with other walkers, and enjoy good food. It’s a nice and scenic walk. Ghasa is a quiet and beautiful village. The day will be pleasant and calm, making it ideal for the beginning of your trek.

Day five is your trek to Lete, a village way up at 2,480 meters. Today, the land you see will change a lot. You'll be going uphill, so the air will be harder to breathe. You might start walking on dry, rocky ground, but later you'll see green plants and trees. This day is mostly about being out in nature. You'll walk more in the wild and see fewer houses. The walk itself is the main thing, not the towns you pass. Lete is situated in the Kali Gandaki River valley. The Kali Gandaki valley offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After your long day of trekking, you will be resting at a peaceful local guesthouse where you will feel at home with warm hospitality and friendly locals.

Today’s walk is an easy one, from the rough mountain trails to the center of Marpha, a village famous for its apple trees. You begin your journey, and the air becomes clearer. The trail shifts from dirt to stone as you get close to Marpha. Marpha’s houses are made of stone that survives well in the mountains. You will see the silent, peaceful  village. Villagers go about their daily routine, working in their orchards or selling apple products in small stores. The vibe of Marpha is tranquility and simplicity. It is not a location with anything else, just the sights and smells and sounds of a calm mountain village.

Today, you might find it easier to trek down a valley towards Jomsom. Essentially flat, the path moves along the course of the river, encouraging you to relax and enjoy the dramatic views. Jomsom serves as the principal administrative center of Mustang and possesses quite an expansive ambiance in itself. Shops, cafes, and teahouses line the main-oriented street, providing a good change after the smaller villages. A bit of time will be spent for acclimatization, walking around town, and browsing the shops.

Today is important since it's a rest day for acclimatization; the body needs to rest well and prepare for the upcoming days. However, it's more than just rest; it's a day to experience some of the things Jomsom has to offer: leisurely wander about the town, visit the local antique monastery, or stroll the Jomsom bazaar to find different local goods. Just enjoy the delightful mountain breeze and give yourself that well-deserved moment. It's your day of consideration for the body for the continuation of the trek.

After a vital acclimatization day, the trekking journey gradually continues towards Kagbeni, the well-known gateway to the Upper Mustang region. On the way to the ancient town, the landscape dynamics will become very dry and windy. On your walk you will see big wild lands. After some walking here you will go to kagbeni, a old town where time stops. In Kagbeni, you will be able to experience many things, such as stone paths, spinning prayers, and a bright red building. You can walk around and try to take pictures of this special place. When evening comes, you'll stay in a simple, cozy teahouse. These are like small, family-run guesthouses. You'll eat dinner and get ready for bed. The night will be very quiet and peaceful. You can relax and enjoy the calm, feeling the stillness of the mountains all around you. It's a chance to really rest and feel the quiet beauty of the place.

Today, you begin your journey to Upper Mustang. Once you get past a checkpoint, the area will be very dry and wild. The rocks are incredible, in a wide variety of colors and shapes. It’s a narrow, fun path, leading through high cliffs, ancient caves, and deep valleys. It's beautiful to see. You’ll arrive at Chele, a little village with age-old buildings. You can watch the locals quietly living their lives. You will sleep here tonight, and feel how peaceful it is.

The trek to Syangbochen is a difficult one, the rewards of which are invaluable. The walking path today is very difficult. It goes up and down many hills. These hills will test your strength. You will need to work harder than usual. There will be moments when you need to push yourself, but your hard work will seem worthwhile once you start admiring those panoramic views of the mountains and the vastness of the beautiful landscape. Syangbochen is a small village in the hills that offers basic amenities for a comfortable stay. Watching the sunset over the mountain peaks with fellow trekkers will be a shared experience where you will be able to tell a few stories.

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the more barren and majestic landscapes of Upper Mustang. The trail is exposed to the wind, so appropriate clothing for protection is a must. As you trek, look ahead to see a long, traditional Mani Wall, a stunning structure with holy inscriptions. Ghami is a small village famous for its impressive wall, as well as the traditional way of life of the local people. You will spend the night here, soaking up the traditional life in this high-altitude village.

The trail continues through the dry landscapes, offering panoramic views of the hills and unique rock formations. The trek to Tsarang is a gradual climb with a few tougher sections to test your endurance. Tsarang is a large village with a tall, strong fort with five levels, as well as a stunning red Gompa. You’ll have the opportunity to explore these ancient sites, witness the impressive architecture, and gain insights into the region's rich history. You'll spend the night in a teahouse, taking in the atmosphere of the village.

Today, you reach Lo Manthang, the ancient walled town. For many trekkers, this point is one of their best parts of the trek. The place is famous for its old buildings and its history. The trail gives you gorgeous views of the walled city, which appears to be rising out from the dry plateau. As you walk through the gate, you will feel like you just stepped into the past. An unforgettable experience marking the high point of your trip. You sink into a guesthouse to absorb the very special atmosphere of this uniquely charged place. The excitement in the air is palpable as you celebrate this milestone.

Today is dedicated to exploring the rich culture of Lo Manthang. You will have the opportunity to stroll the ancient streets, visit the royal palace, and spend some time watching the gompas in the neighborhood. You will also witness the daily lives of the people who call this place home while learning about the unique traditions preserved over centuries. You will spend the day marveling at this ancient walled city, totally submitting yourself to its charm.

You walk out of the main town heading towards Dhakmar. The track today offers stunning views. You will see tall red cliffs, like giant walls of rock. You’ll also see strange rocks that look like nothing you’ve seen before. These shapes of rock only exist in this lofty location. Dhakmar is extremely quiet after the busy town of Lo Manthang. It is a peaceful place. Fantastic views of the mountains and valleys can be seen. A good place to relax after a hectic town.

The trek today is a long climb up to the ancient Luri caves with murals and a traditional monastery. You will ascend to Luri Gompa at 4,000m. Luri Gompa carries some ancient wall paintings of Nepal and holds great historical and exploration value. After the Gompa visit, you trek back to Ghiling, where you will stay in a teahouse for the night.

On the final day, you will slowly walk back to Jomsom with several familiar villages on the way. The trek descends gradually down the mountain slopes, eventually meeting the Jomsom airport. You will take an early morning flight from Jomsom back to Pokhara, then continue to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, you have time to relax at the hotel, do some shopping for souvenirs, or enjoy some last meals in Nepal.