Upper Mustang Circuit Trek with Yara Ghara Overview

The Upper Mustang Circuit Trek with Yara Ghara is a unique off‑the‑beaten‑path adventure that takes you deep into the forbidden kingdom of Lo, including the mysterious villages of Yara and Ghara – where matriarchal traditions are still alive. This 16‑day trek is perfect for experienced trekkers seeking authentic culture, ancient cave dwellings, and pristine Himalayan landscapes away from crowded trails.

The journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Jomsom. From the medieval village of Kagbeni, you enter the restricted Upper Mustang region. The trail passes through arid valleys, red cliffs, and Tibetan‑style villages like Chele, Samar, Ghami, and Charang before reaching the walled capital of Lo Manthang. You then continue to the remote villages of Yara and Ghara, where you can explore multi‑storey hand‑chiseled caves, interact with locals, and witness a vanishing culture. The trek then crosses Gyu La pass and descends to the sacred Muktinath Temple before returning to Jomsom.

This trek includes visits to ancient monasteries (Jampa, Thubchen, Chodey), sky caves at Chhoser, and the peaceful Gyu La pass with panoramic views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Thorong Peak. Global Nepal Treks provides experienced guides, porters, all necessary permits (Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, ACAP, TIMS), and comfortable lodge accommodation.

Things That You Need to Know

Duration & Difficulty:

This is a 16‑day moderate trek. Daily walking averages 5‑7 hours. Some long days (up to 9 hours). Previous trekking experience is recommended.

Best Season:

The best times are spring (March to June) and autumn (October to November). Summer is also possible as the region lies in a rain shadow.

Permits Required:

Upper Mustang is a restricted area. You need a Special Restricted Area Permit ($50 per person per day), plus ACAP and TIMS. Global Nepal Treks arranges all permits.

Accommodation & Meals:

Accommodation in hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, and basic lodges/teahouses during the trek. Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) are included during the trek.

Yara Ghara Villages:

These remote villages are off‑the‑beaten‑path with very limited facilities. Be prepared for basic accommodation and simple local food.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1Altitude: 1350mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. Evening trip briefing. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Hotel

Day 2Altitude: 822mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Flight to Pokhara

Morning flight to Pokhara (30 min). Free day to explore Phewa Lake or relax. Overnight in Pokhara.

Hotel

Day 3Altitude: 2804mTrekking: 4.0 hrs

Fly to Jomsom & Trek to Kagbeni

Morning flight to Jomsom (16 min). Trek to Kagbeni (2,804m) – 4 hours walk. Overnight in Kagbeni.

Lodge

Day 4Altitude: 3070mTrekking: 5.0 hrs

Trek to Chele

Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,070m) – 5 hours. Pass through Tangbe village with whitewashed houses and apple orchards. Overnight in Chele.

Lodge

Day 5Altitude: 3475mTrekking: 6.0 hrs

Trek to Syangboche

Trek to Syangboche (3,475m) via Taklam La Pass (3,624m). Visit Samar village and Ramchung Cave. 6 hours. Overnight in Syangboche.

Lodge

Day 6Altitude: 3520mTrekking: 5.0 hrs

Trek to Ghami

Trek to Ghami (3,520m) via Yamda La (3,850m) and Nyi Pass (4,010m). 5‑6 hours. Overnight in Ghami.

Lodge

Day 7Altitude: 3800mTrekking: 5.0 hrs

Trek to Lo Manthang via Ghar Gompa

Trek to Lo Manthang (3,800m) via Ghar Gompa (oldest monastery). Pass through Dhakmar and Charang. 5‑6 hours. Overnight in Lo Manthang.

Lodge

Day 8Altitude: 3800mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Exploration Day in Lo Manthang

Explore the walled city: Jampa Monastery, Thubchen Gompa, Chodey Gompa, and the king’s palace. Optional jeep to Chhoser for sky caves. Overnight in Lo Manthang.

Lodge

Day 9Altitude: 3607mTrekking: 5.0 hrs

Trek to Yara

Trek to Yara (3,607m) – 5‑6 hours. Cross bridges and pass through Dhi and Surkhang villages. Overnight in Yara.

Lodge

Day 10Altitude: 3240mTrekking: 6.0 hrs

Trek to Tengbe

Trek to Tengbe (3,240m) – 6‑7 hours. Descend through arid landscape, cross Dhechyang Khola, and search for Shaligram fossils. Overnight in Tengbe.

Lodge

Day 11Altitude: 3067mTrekking: 9.0 hrs

Trek to Tetang

Trek to Tetang (3,067m) – 9 hours. Climb to a high ridge (4,310m) with views of Damodar Himal and Saribung Peak (6,346m). Overnight in Tetang.

Lodge

Day 12Altitude: 3800mTrekking: 8.0 hrs

Trek to Muktinath

Trek to Muktinath (3,800m) – 8 hours. Cross Gyu La pass (4,077m) with panoramic mountain views. Visit Muktinath Temple. Overnight in Muktinath.

Lodge

Day 13Altitude: 2720mTrekking: 5.0 hrs

Trek to Jomsom

Trek down to Jomsom (2,720m) – 5 hours along the Kali Gandaki River. Overnight in Jomsom.

Lodge

Day 14Altitude: 822mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Fly/Drive to Pokhara

Morning flight (16 min) or drive (6‑7 hours) to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.

Hotel

Day 15Altitude: 1350mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Fly to Kathmandu

Morning flight to Kathmandu (30 min). Free afternoon for shopping or relaxation. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Hotel

Day 16Altitude: 1350mTrekking: 0.0 hrs

Final Departure

After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight.

Not included

Essential Information

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–June) and Autumn (October–November) are the ideal trekking seasons for clear skies, stable weather, and comfortable temperatures. Summer (July–September) is also possible since Upper Mustang lies in a rain shadow of the Himalayas — protected from monsoon rainfall. Winter (December–February) is not mentioned as recommended — extreme cold at altitude makes conditions challenging. Early spring and late autumn offer the most dramatic landscapes with vivid desert terrain and panoramic Himalayan views.

Difficulty Level

Rated Moderate — suitable for experienced trekkers, not beginners. Daily walking averages 5–7 hours; some long days reach up to 9 hours (notably Day 11: Tengbe to Tetang). Maximum altitude is 3,800m (Lo Manthang & Muktinath) with Gyu La Pass at 4,077m. The Yara–Ghara section is described as off-the-beaten-path with limited facilities and demands good endurance.

Fitness Requirements

Trekkers must be in good physical condition with prior trekking experience — this is not a beginner trek. The ability to walk 5–9 hours per day for multiple consecutive days is essential. Good cardiovascular endurance is required for high-altitude passes (Gyu La at 4,077m). No technical climbing skills needed — trail fitness and mental stamina are the key requirements.

Preparation Tips

Begin cardio and endurance training (hiking, cycling, running) at least 6–8 weeks before departure. Gradually increase daily walking distance to simulate 5–7 hour trekking days. Acclimatize in Kathmandu and Pokhara before entering the restricted zone. Consult a doctor about altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — altitude reaches 3,800m+. Drink 3–4 litres of water daily on the trail; use purification tablets or filter bottles (boiled water available at teahouses for a fee). Pack light — porters are provided (1 per 2 trekkers) but carry only a daypack with essentials during trekking hours.

Equipment List

Provided by Global Nepal Treks: Sleeping bag (refundable after trek) Duffel bag (refundable after trek) Comprehensive medical kit Warm layered clothing (fleece, down jacket — temperatures drop near freezing at altitude) Windproof and waterproof outer shell jacket Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Sturdy trekking boots (ankle support, broken-in before trek) Trekking poles (recommended for long descent days) Daypack (20–30L) for daily essentials Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV sunglasses, wide-brim hat Water bottles + purification tablets or filter Headlamp with extra batteries Personal toiletries and quick-dry towel Personal medications and basic first aid supplies Camera and power bank (charging incurs extra cost at lodges)

Health Considerations

Warm layered clothing (fleece, down jacket — temperatures drop near freezing at altitude) Windproof and waterproof outer shell jacket Thermal inner wear (top and bottom) Sturdy trekking boots (ankle support, broken-in before trek) Trekking poles (recommended for long descent days) Daypack (20–30L) for daily essentials Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, UV sunglasses, wide-brim hat Water bottles + purification tablets or filter Headlamp with extra batteries Personal toiletries and quick-dry towel Personal medications and basic first aid supplies Camera and power bank (charging incurs extra cost at lodges)

Safety Measures

All treks are led by a licensed, professional English-speaking guide with cultural and route knowledge. Porters are provided (1 per 2 trekkers) — trekkers carry only a light daypack. A comprehensive medical kit is included in the package. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory for all participants. Global Nepal Treks arranges all restricted area permits — no independent entry is allowed in Upper Mustang. 24/7 expert support available via WhatsApp: (+977) 9744258519

Permits Required

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP)USD $50 per person per day Mandatory — Upper Mustang is a restricted zone. ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit)~USD $30Required for Mustang/Muktinath area. TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)~USD $20Required for all trekkers ✅ All three permits are fully arranged and included in the Global Nepal Treks package price.

Cultural Etiquette

Always walk clockwise around monasteries, stupas, mani walls, and prayer wheels — this is a deeply respected Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Remove shoes and hats before entering all monasteries and gompa (temples) in Lo Manthang, Yara, and Ghara. Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees when visiting religious sites (Jampa, Thubchen, Chodey monasteries). Ask permission before photographing monks, locals, or the interior of monasteries — some sacred areas strictly prohibit photography. Note: Local monastery entrance fees are NOT included in the package and must be paid separately.

Local Customs

Yara and Ghara villages maintain rare matriarchal traditions — women hold social authority. Respect local gender customs and community norms. The region preserves a vanishing Tibetan-influenced culture — witness traditional dress, ancient cave dwellings, and centuries-old monastery rituals. Shaligram fossil-hunting along the Kali Gandaki River (Day 10) is a revered spiritual tradition — these ancient ammonite stones are considered sacred forms of Lord Vishnu. Sky caves at Cho La and Yara are multi-storey hand-chiseled historical structures — treat them as sacred cultural heritage, not tourist attractions. Lo Manthang's walled city and the king's palace are living heritage sites — observe quietly and follow guide instructions inside the compound. Prayer flags, mani walls, and butter lamps are sacred offerings — do not disturb, move, or remove them.

Upper Mustang Circuit Trek with Yara Ghara