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The Upper Mustang Trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill and Ghandruk is an amazing mix of mountain adventure, local culture, and beautiful views. This special route takes you from the "hidden kingdom" of Upper Mustang—a remote area with deep Tibetan roots—to the green forests and famous viewpoints of Poon Hill and the traditional village of Ghandruk.
Starting in the dry, windy valleys of Upper Mustang, the trek leads you through ancient walled towns like Lo Manthang. You will walk past high cliffs, old cave homes, and peaceful monasteries. Surrounded by giant peaks like Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri, this part of the trip gives you a rare look at a preserved way of life in a desert-like mountain setting.
To make the trip easier, we avoid the small flights from Jomsom, which are often delayed by wind or bad weather. Instead of waiting at the airport, you will travel comfortably by 4WD Jeep. This saves time and makes your journey back from the Mustang region much more reliable and relaxed.
As you leave Mustang, the trail changes from dry rocks to the lush, green hills of the Annapurna area. From the natural hot springs at Tatopani, you will walk up through forest paths to Ghorepani. Here, an early morning hike to Poon Hill rewards you with one of the best sunrise views in Nepal, looking out over the massive Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains.
The journey ends in Ghandruk, a lovely village where you can explore stone streets and meet the local Gurung people. This trek shows you the great variety of Nepal, from the Tibetan-style culture in the north to the warm hospitality of the villages near Pokhara.
This route is perfect if you want to see both the remote wilderness of Upper Mustang and the classic beauty of the Annapurna foothills. With reliable Jeep transport, it is the best choice for a smooth trip without the worry of flight delays.
The Upper Mustang Trek stands out as a journey into a "forbidden kingdom," offering an authentic experience where you travel through a remote, high-altitude desert and ancient Tibetan-style villages. Entering this secluded region rewards you with a breathtaking wilderness panorama, placing you face-to-face with the towering Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and the rugged peaks bordering Tibet. This trek is truly remarkable for those seeking history and solitude; you can explore the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang, discover mysterious sky caves, or visit ancient monasteries that have remained unchanged for centuries.
Yes! The Upper Mustang Trek offers great flexibility, and we actually encourage you to customize the trip to make it unique and truly yours. You don't need to figure out the logistics alone—we are here to help you design the perfect plan for this restricted area. Whether you want to add a side trip to the sacred Muktinath Temple, extend your stay in Lo Manthang for a deeper look at local culture, or skip the Poon Hill-Ghandruk trail, the choice is yours. Simply contact us with your preferences, and we will tailor the itinerary to match your ideal pace, plan, and interests.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Transfer to your hotel and relax after your journey. If time allows, you can explore the bustling streets and vibrant culture of Thamel.
Activities: Cultural tour and pre-trek briefing
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Visit Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath. Later, attend a trek briefing and ensure your gear is ready for the journey ahead.
Flight Time: 25 minutes
Drive Time: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Tatopani
Enjoy a short scenic flight to Pokhara, followed by a beautiful drive along the Kali Gandaki River to Tatopani. Relax in the natural hot springs surrounded by mountain views.
Drive Time: 4-5 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Kagbeni
Start your adventure into the Mustang region with a scenic drive along the Kali Gandaki Valley. Arrive in Kagbeni, a culturally rich Tibetan-influenced village that marks the entrance to Upper Mustang. Stroll through its narrow alleyways, ancient monasteries, and enjoy views of Nilgiri and surrounding peaks.
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Chele
Enter the restricted Upper Mustang region. Cross suspension bridges and desert-like terrain with stunning views of Nilgiri and other Himalayan peaks as you reach Chele village.
Trek Time: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Syanbochen
Hike through rugged terrain, passing caves, ridges, and small villages. Cross the Taklam La pass and descend to Syanbochen with views of barren hills and wind-eroded cliffs.
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghami
Today’s route includes crossing the Yamda La and Nyi La passes. Walk through traditional villages and observe Tibetan culture along the trail. Arrive in Ghami, one of the largest villages in Upper Mustang.
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Tsarang
Cross a suspension bridge and hike past long mani walls and ancient chortens. Reach the historical village of Tsarang, home to a fortress-like monastery and dramatic canyon views.
Trek Time: 3-4 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Lo-Manthang
Enter the ancient walled capital of Lo-Manthang. Explore its narrow alleyways, royal palace, and centuries-old monasteries set against a backdrop of high Himalayan peaks.
Activities: Local sightseeing, monastery visits, optional Chhoser cave tour
Overnight: Teahouse in Lo-Manthang
Spend the day exploring nearby attractions such as Jampa, Thubchen, and Chhoede monasteries. Optionally visit Chhoser’s sky caves and enjoy breathtaking views over the Tibetan Plateau.
Trek Time: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Drakmar
Take an alternate trail back via alpine meadows and red cliffs. Drakmar’s scenery is strikingly different, with rock formations and ancient caves dotting the cliffsides.
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghiling
Descend further into Mustang’s dry valleys, passing sacred sites and isolated settlements. Expect windy conditions as you return to Ghiling, a peaceful stop surrounded by farmland.
Trek Time: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Chhuksang
Continue your descent through Mustang’s arid terrain, returning to the lower reaches of the Kali Gandaki Valley. Enjoy your last night in the Upper Mustang region in Chhuksang.
Trek Time: 4-5 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Muktinath
Trek to the sacred site of Muktinath, a pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Buddhists. Visit the Muktinath Temple and experience the spiritual atmosphere and stunning views.
Drive Time: 4-5 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Tatopani
Take a scenic drive down through the Kali Gandaki gorge to Tatopani. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs, perfect for rejuvenating sore muscles after the trek.
Trek Time: 6-7 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghorepani
Climb through terraced fields and rhododendron forests to reach Ghorepani, a hilltop village popular for its sunrise views and panoramic scenery.
Hike Time (Poon Hill): 1 hour
Trek Time to Tadapani: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Tadapani
Wake early for a sunrise hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) offering sweeping views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Continue trekking through rhododendron forests to Tadapani.
Trek Time: 3-4 hours
Overnight: Teahouse in Ghandruk
Descend to the traditional Gurung village of Ghandruk. Enjoy cultural experiences, stunning mountain views, and a visit to the local Gurung museum.
Trek Time: 3-4 hours
Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara
Conclude your trek with a gentle descent to Nayapul, then drive back to Pokhara. Relax by the lakeside and reflect on your Upper Mustang adventure.
Flight Time: 25 minutes
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Take a scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Enjoy your final evening with shopping, dining, or revisiting cultural landmarks in the city.
Transfer: Private airport drop
We’ll transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Thank you for trekking with us—namaste and safe travels!
April 2, 2025
“We did the Everest Base Camp trek in April with Above & Beyond. The views were breathtaking and our guide made everything so easy and fun. Highly recommend!”
October 10, 2025
“It was a trip of a lifetime! Our guide Sam was incredibly professional, and always ensured we were safe and comfortable. I will never forget this experience”
October 12, 2025
“My trek to Everest Base Camp with Above & Beyond Trekking exceeded all expectations. Everything was well-organized from airport pickup to the final descent.”
April 2, 2023
“The Everest Base Camp trek was an experience of a lifetime! And a knowledgeable guide like Sam was a definite plus. We learned so much about the Nepali culture. He took extra time to answer our questions and explain customs of the wonderful local people. All details were well worked out and logistics went smoothly. Sam was kind and gentle but also made the call when needed to get a horse for me to finish the last leg of the journey”
April, 2023
“Sam is possibly the best trekking guide in Nepal if not the world. Guide, porter, medic, comidian, singer he does it all! Sam is very friendly and so easy to talk too. I found it very easy to bring up any issues I had (not that I had many) which helped to make the trekking experience the best it could possibly be. Sam is very knowledgeable about the mountains and the local culture and thought us so much. Sam also chooses the best local porters. Very friendly and very helpful. Couldn't have asked for any better. I couldn't recommend above and beyond trekking more highly”