Upper Dolpo to Mustang Trek takes you to two regions: Dolpo and Mustang in just 23 days. This trek is among the longest and challenging treks in the Himalayas of Nepal. This trek is an exceptional opportunity to traverse the route to Lo Manthang- the ancient kingdom of Lo and visit Shey Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries of the region. Allow yourself to gain insight into the life of Bon Buddhists in Upper Dolpo, and embrace spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri range.

Upper Dolpo to Mustang Trek traverse the isolated region and offers Himalayan wilderness. The trail passes through Shey Phoksundo National Park, forests, remote villages, landscapes over 4000m, and high passes over 5000m. You will discover Phoksundo Lake, an alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake at 3,611.5 m, Shey Monastery, and Bon Po religion.

The route to Upper Dolpo and Mustang passes through one of the highest inhabited places in the world. The people in Doplo have a unique way of life and practices the nomadic lifestyle. They are adherents of Bon, a Tibetan religion. As you enter the Mustang district, you can admire the view of Annapurna massif and Dhaulagiri.

Mustang, an ancient forbidden kingdom, is one of the remotest areas in Nepal. You will be trekking in the high-altitude trans-Himalayan region, and exploring dramatic landscapes, barren high-altitude deserts, and stratified rock formations.

Upper Dolpo to Mustang Trek Route

This marvelous adventure to Upper Dolpo and Mustang starts with an early afternoon flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. The next day, you will fly to Juphal. Once you get off the plane, you will gear up and hit the trail to Dunai. It shouldn’t take you more than 3 hours to arrive in Dunai from Jhupal.

The trail descends and passes through small villages. Trek for 6 hours, through the streets of Dunai, crossing the bridge over the Bheri River. En route, you will encounter fluttering prayer flags, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation and catch the glimpses of Tibetan culture.

Leaving Chhepka, you will follow the trail to Chunuwar and Phoksundo Lake. Phoksundo Lake is one of the major highlights of this trek. The deep-blue and emerald hues and spectacular scenery of this lake attract hundreds of avid trekkers every year. You will spend another day near Phoksunda Lake and explore the grandeur of this lake at 3611.5m. Enjoy a side-trip to Ringma village, monasteries, and Bon-Po religious sites.

Trek for 5-6 hours, and you will arrive in Sallaghari. Your next destination will be at Nangdala High Camp. The trek today is relatively short. From Nangdala High Camp, you will ascend to Shey Gompa at 4280m. En route to Shey Gompa, you will marvel at ‘Crystal Mountain,’ a sacred peak in Dolpo, and cross the Kangla Pass. The trail also bestows a stunning view of Shey Shikkar and Kang Chunne.

Cross Shey La Pass at 5100m to reach Namgung Gompa. After crossing the pass, enjoy the view of Mustang to the East and Tibet to the North. Furthermore, Saldang, Yangjer Gumba, Khoma village, Shimen, and Tinje are the major resting grounds before you reach Yak Kharka. Leaving Yak Kharka, you will head to Chharka, crossing Mola Pass at 5030m. Chharka is home to Bon Monastery. The trail to Norbulung meanders through arid high land. Leave Norbulung/ Nulungsumda and continue the trail to Ghalden Ghuldum crossing Niwala at 5120m.

Descend to Sangta and Phalek village. En route to Phalek village from Sangta, cross nine ridges to a final crest at 4280m, and descend to the village of Phalek. The trail commands splendid views of Kagbeni, Jharkot, Muktinath, Thorung Peak, Niligiri, Dhaulagiri, and the Kali Gandaki. On the 22nd day, you will descend to Jomsom and fly to Pokhara. From Pokhara, you will fly back to Kathmandu.

Upper Dolpo to Mustang Trek Difficulty

Upper Dolpo to Mustang Trek is a moderate to difficult trek, suitable for all age group. Anyone in good health can embark on this adventure to Upper Dolpo and Mustang.

The highest elevation of this trek is 5350m. If you are concerned about trekking hours, you must trek for at least 5 hours daily. On a challenging day, you must trek for 6-7 hours.