Women Only Trek to Upper Mustang

Welcome to Nepal and the start of your Women Only Upper Mustang Summer Trek!

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Himalayan Dream Team will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After some time to relax and refresh, we will gather in the evening for a welcome dinner and trip briefing.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and female trekking guide, share travel stories, and learn more about the exciting adventure ahead in the legendary Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang.

Enjoy your first night in Kathmandu as you prepare for an unforgettable Himalayan journey.

after breakfast at your hotel, your female guide will take you on a full-day tour to explore the cultural and spiritual treasures of Kathmandu Valley, visiting several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple):

Start your day at this ancient Buddhist stupa perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of Kathmandu. It is one of Nepal’s oldest and most important religious sites, worshiped by both Buddhists and Hindus.

Pashupatinath Temple:

Next, visit Nepal’s holiest Hindu temple, located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. Here you can observe Hindu rituals and traditional cremation ceremonies, as well as meet sadhus (Hindu holy men) devoted to their spiritual practices.

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

After lunch, stroll through this historic palace square in the heart of old Kathmandu. The area is filled with ancient temples, courtyards, and beautifully carved wooden buildings showcasing Newari art and architecture.

Local Markets Visit:

To end the day, wander through Kathmandu’s colorful spice and vegetable markets. This visit offers a glimpse of local life and is perfect for street photography and friendly interactions with the locals.

In the evening, return to your hotel and enjoy some free time before the journey to Pokhara and Upper Mustang begins.

After breakfast at your hotel, we begin a scenic drive to Pokhara aboard a comfortable tourist bus. The journey covers approximately 200 kilometres and takes around 6 to 7 hours. Along the way, you'll enjoy views of terraced hillsides, traditional villages, winding rivers, lush countryside, and distant Himalayan peaks, offering a wonderful introduction to Nepal's diverse landscapes.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, Nepal's most beautiful lakeside city, you may be rewarded with stunning views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu on clear days.

In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore the shores of Phewa Lake, the heart of Pokhara. You can take a peaceful lakeside stroll, relax with a cup of tea at one of the many cafés, or enjoy an optional boat ride while admiring the reflection of the Annapurna range on the water.

The evening is yours to enjoy. Explore the vibrant Lakeside area, browse local shops, dine in one of Pokhara's excellent restaurants, or simply relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure into the hidden kingdom of Upper Mustang.

After a good night’s rest, we will partake in a short flight taking us from Pokhara to Jomsom. This flight is particularly beautiful as it takes you over the famed Kali Gandaki Gorge and Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and the Annapurna range.

Once we land in Jomsom, the city which acts like a gate for Mustang, we do have a meeting with the trekking crew first before heading over to the first hike towards Kagbeni. Kagbeni is a Tibetan influenced village which is famous for having windowless alleyways and mud-brick houses that are quite a sight to behold. For now, we may take the gentler trails that allow for the most enjoyment of the Mustang landscape.

In the late afternoon, we may head out to Kagbeni Village which is even more famous than the town. In this village, you will find walled alleys, red gompa and some of the most amazing  clay statues that serve as guards to the homes. This village acts as a wonderful prequel to your journey towards the former Kingdom of Lo.

After breakfast, we begin our journey into the restricted region of Upper Mustang. Following a permit check at the northern end of Kagbeni, we officially enter the legendary Forbidden Kingdom.

The trail follows the eastern bank of the Kali Gandaki River, gradually climbing through a dramatic landscape of eroded cliffs, colorful rock formations, and wide open valleys. Along the way, we pass through the traditional village of Tangbe, known for its whitewashed houses, narrow alleys, barley fields, and apple orchards.

Continuing towards Chhusang, we enjoy impressive views of ancient cave dwellings carved high into the cliffs and remarkable red sandstone formations shaped by centuries of wind and water. After crossing the river, a steady climb leads us through a narrow canyon before reaching the village of Chele.

Perched above the gorge, Chele offers beautiful views of the surrounding desert landscape and provides our first real taste of the unique culture and scenery that make Upper Mustang so special.

After breakfast, we leave Chele and follow a scenic trail through narrow canyons, dry hills, and high desert landscapes. The route climbs gradually to the beautiful village of Samar, a surprising green oasis surrounded by poplar trees and cultivated fields.

From Samar, we continue along one of the most scenic sections of the Upper Mustang Trek, passing ancient chhortens, prayer flags, and spectacular rock formations. Along the way, we visit the sacred Ranchung Cave, where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is believed to have meditated during his journey through the Himalayas. The cave remains an important pilgrimage site for local Buddhists.

The trail then crosses several ridges and valleys before descending into the traditional village of Ghiling. Known for its whitewashed houses, ancient monastery, and impressive chhortens, Ghiling offers a fascinating glimpse into the preserved culture and lifestyle of Upper Mustang.

Today's trek takes us deeper into the heart of the former Kingdom of Lo. Leaving Ghiling behind, we walk through open valleys, cultivated fields, and dramatic desert landscapes before climbing to Nyi La Pass, one of the highest points along the route.

From the pass, enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, colourful cliffs, and distant Himalayan peaks. The trail then descends towards the traditional village of Ghami, home to one of the longest and most impressive Mani walls in Nepal.

After lunch, we continue through a landscape unlike anywhere else in the Himalayas. Towering red and orange cliffs, sculpted by centuries of wind and erosion, create an extraordinary natural backdrop as we make our way to Drakmar.

Nestled beneath striking crimson cliffs, Drakmar is one of the most photogenic villages in Upper Mustang and a memorable place to spend the night.

We leave Ghami after breakfast and follow a steep, rocky trail that offers scenic views of alpine meadows and wide plateaus. The trail further descends past a ridge and goes down to Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in Mustang, also called Lo Gyaker—“Pure Virtue of Lo.” This Nyingma temple is known for its tranquility, making it an ideal spot for contemplation.

After crossing a wooden bridge, we climb steeply up a grassy valley to Marang-La Pass, which is the highest point of our trek today. We begin to descend gradually from the pass.

We get a glimpse of Lo-Manthang from an overlook which offers a spectacular view of the ancient walled city. Following the trails made by the herders, we reach the the historical capital of Upper Mustang rich in culture and tradition.

Today is dedicated to exploring the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang, the cultural heart of Upper Mustang and the former capital of the Kingdom of Lo.
We visit some of the city's most important landmarks, including the King's Palace, Jampa Monastery, and Thubchen Monastery, while learning about the unique traditions and lifestyle of the local Loba people. Walking through the narrow alleys and traditional mud-brick houses offers a fascinating glimpse into one of the best-preserved Tibetan cultures outside Tibet.

Depending on time and local conditions, we may also visit nearby Chhoser Village and the famous Jhong Cave, an extraordinary multi-story cave complex carved high into the cliffs more than 2,000 years ago.

After a rewarding day of cultural exploration, we return to our lodge and enjoy another peaceful evening in the legendary kingdom of Mustang.

After breakfast, we bid farewell to the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang and begin our scenic jeep journey through the spectacular landscapes of Upper Mustang. Today's drive takes us through remote villages, wide valleys, colourful cliffs, and dramatic canyons that reveal a different perspective of the region we have spent the past days exploring on foot.

Along the way, we pass traditional settlements such as Tsarang, Ghami, and Chhusang, with opportunities to stop for photographs and enjoy the ever-changing scenery. The route follows ancient trade paths once used by merchants travelling between Tibet and Nepal.

By afternoon, we arrive in the beautiful village of Marpha, famous for its whitewashed houses, apple orchards, and charming stone-paved alleys. After checking into our lodge, there is time to stroll through the village and sample some of Mustang's famous apple products.

After breakfast, we continue our journey south through the Kali Gandaki Valley. The road follows one of the world's deepest gorges, surrounded by the towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

As we descend from the dry landscapes of Mustang, the scenery gradually transforms into green hills, forests, waterfalls, and fertile farmland. Along the way, we pass through traditional villages and enjoy beautiful views of rural Nepal.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, check into your comfortable hotel near Phewa Lake. The remainder of the day is free to relax, enjoy a lakeside walk, or celebrate the successful completion of your Upper Mustang adventure with your fellow travellers.

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace in the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara.

You may choose to relax by Phewa Lake, enjoy a massage or spa treatment, visit local cafés, browse shops, or simply take in the stunning mountain views. For those wishing to explore further, optional activities include a boat ride on Phewa Lake, a visit to the Peace Pagoda, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, or the International Mountain Museum.

This is a wonderful opportunity to unwind, reflect on your journey through Upper Mustang, and spend quality time with your new friends.

After breakfast, we take a short scenic flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, enjoying one final view of the Himalayas from above.

The afternoon is free for relaxation, shopping, or exploring the vibrant streets of Thamel. Later in the day, we gather for a fun and interactive Nepali cooking class, where you'll learn how to prepare some of Nepal's most popular dishes using traditional ingredients and techniques.

After the class, sit down together and enjoy the delicious dinner you have prepared yourselves while sharing stories, laughter, and memories from your unforgettable journey through Upper Mustang. It is a wonderful way to celebrate the friendships formed and experiences shared during this special women-only adventure.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel and spend the day at your own pace. You may choose to unwind at the hotel, enjoy a spa treatment, explore the shops and cafés of Thamel, or join our optional guided tour to two of the Kathmandu Valley's most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Begin with a visit to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and an important spiritual center for Tibetan Buddhism. Walk alongside pilgrims circling the stupa, spin prayer wheels, and experience the peaceful atmosphere that makes this sacred site so special.

Later, continue to the ancient city of Bhaktapur, often referred to as Nepal's best-preserved medieval city. Wander through its charming cobbled streets, admire centuries-old temples and courtyards, and discover architectural treasures such as Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the 55-Window Palace, the Golden Gate, and the traditional Pottery Square.

After a memorable day of culture and history, return to Kathmandu. In the evening, enjoy your final night in Nepal, perhaps sharing a farewell drink or dinner with the wonderful women who have accompanied you on this unforgettable journey through Upper Mustang.

Your unforgettable Women Only Upper Mustang Summer Trek comes to an end today.

Depending on your flight schedule, a representative from Himalayan Dream Team will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. As you leave Nepal, take with you not only photographs of breathtaking landscapes but also the friendships, experiences, and memories created along the trails of Upper Mustang.

We sincerely thank you for traveling with Himalayan Dream Team and hope to welcome you back to Nepal for another adventure in the future.
Namaste and safe travels!