The Great Mustang Loop Trek is a journey through a forbidden kingdom and a hidden valley. It connects the arid, windswept landscapes of Upper Mustang with the secluded, culturally rich Nar Phu Valley. This trek is not for the faint of heart.
It involves crossing multiple high passes over 5,000 meters, camping in remote locations, and navigating a route far from the usual trekking crowds. The reward is an unparalleled adventure into some of the most protected and pristine regions of the Nepal Himalaya.
This trek is a true expedition. It requires careful planning, a high level of physical fitness, and a spirit of adventure. You will walk through landscapes that resemble the Tibetan plateau, with eroded canyons, colorful rock formations, and ancient cave dwellings.
You will visit centuries-old monasteries that are active centers of Buddhist faith. The route takes you from the Kali Gandaki, the world’s deepest gorge, across the high desert of Mustang, and finally into the isolated valleys of Nar and Phu trek.
This article provides a complete breakdown of this epic journey, including a day-by-day itinerary and essential information for anyone considering this ultimate Himalayan challenge.
The Two Halves of the Journey: Mustang and Nar Phu
The Great Mustang Loop combines two distinct restricted areas, each with its own unique character. Understanding these differences is key to appreciating the full scope of the trek.
Upper Mustang: The Last Forbidden Kingdom
Upper Mustang was a restricted kingdom until 1992. This long period of isolation preserved a culture and landscape that are purely Tibetan. The region is a high-altitude desert, located in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. The landscape is stark and beautiful, with vast, dry plains, sandstone cliffs in shades of red and orange, and snow-capped peaks on the horizon.
The capital of Upper Mustang is Lo Manthang, a walled city that was once an important center of trade and religion. The city is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, ancient monasteries, and the former king’s palace. Visiting Lo Manthang feels like stepping back in time. The trek through Mustang follows ancient salt trade routes, connecting remote villages where life continues much as it has for centuries. The culture here is deeply Buddhist, with countless chortens, mani walls, and monasteries dotting the landscape. It is one of the most significant sacred trekking routes Nepal has to offer.
Nar Phu Valley: A Hidden Cultural Sanctuary
After exploring the vastness of Mustang, the trek crosses a series of high, unnamed passes to enter the Nar Phu Valley. Like Mustang, Nar Phu was closed to outsiders for many years, only opening in 2003. This isolation helped to preserve its unique language and customs, which have strong ties to Tibet. Nar Phu is considered one of the best hidden treks Nepal has.
The villages of Nar and Phu are nestled among towering peaks. Phu is a traditional village of stacked stone houses, with a dramatic cliff-top monastery overlooking the valley. Nar is a more compact village, surrounded by fields of barley. The people of Nar Phu are primarily engaged in agriculture and yak herding. The valley has a raw, untouched feel. The trek here is rugged, following narrow trails through deep gorges and over high passes. The crossing of the Kang La Pass to exit the valley is a major highlight, offering stunning views of the Annapurna range. This part of the journey provides a deep cultural immersion, qualifying it as one of the most authentic Buddhist treks Nepal can provide.
Route Breakdown and Itinerary
The Great Mustang Loop is a long and strenuous trek, typically taking over three weeks to complete. The following is a detailed day-by-day itinerary. It is important to remember that this is a remote, high-altitude trek, and the schedule may need to be adjusted for weather conditions and acclimatization.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara
The journey begins with a 5 to 7-hour bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful city set on the shores of Phewa Lake, with the Annapurna mountains as a backdrop. You will spend the night in a hotel, making final preparations for the trek.
Day 2: Pokhara to Kagbeni (2,810m)
A spectacular morning flight takes you from Pokhara to Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang. From Jomsom, the trek begins. You will walk for about 3 hours along the windy Kali Gandaki riverbed to reach Kagbeni. Kagbeni is the gateway to Upper Mustang, a fascinating village with a large, red monastery.
Day 3: Kagbeni to Phalyak (3,150m)
This is an acclimatization day. You will spend 5 to 6 hours exploring the nearby villages of Phalyak and Dangarjung. This helps your body adjust to the altitude while giving you a chance to experience local life on the banks of the Kali Gandaki.
Day 4: Phalyak to Samar (3,660m)
The day begins with a descent back to Kagbeni, where you will take a jeep into the restricted area of Upper Mustang. The 4-hour drive takes you through the villages of Tsuksang and Chele and over two high passes. The views of the Nilgiri and Annapurna peaks are incredible. You will end the day in the village of Samar.
Day 5: Samar to Ghiling (3,570m)
Today’s trek takes you to Chungsi Cave, a sacred site where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is said to have meditated. After lunch in the village of Syangboche, you will descend to Ghiling. The total trekking time is about 6 hours.
Day 6: Ghiling to Dhakmar (3,820m)
This is a long and challenging day of trekking, lasting around 8 hours. You will ascend to the Nyila Pass at 3,975 meters before descending to the village of Ghami for lunch. In the afternoon, you will climb over ridges with views of dramatic red cliffs before reaching the village of Dhakmar.
Day 7: Dhakmar to Lo Manthang (3,840m)
The trail today takes you over the Mui Pass at 4,170 meters. You will descend to Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in the region, for lunch. From there, a beautiful balcony trail leads you to the walled city of Lo Manthang. The trek takes approximately 7 hours.
Day 8: Exploration Day in Lo Manthang
You have a full day to explore the ancient city of Lo Manthang and its surroundings. You can choose between a 7-hour round trip to the Choser Valley to visit Nyphu Gompa and the Jhong Caves, or a shorter 5-hour trip to Kacho Dzong and Namgyel monastery.
Day 9: Lo Manthang to Dhi (3,410m)
Leaving Lo Manthang, you will cross the Dhi Pass at 4,100 meters. The trail then descends steeply to the village of Dhi, located on the banks of a river. This is where you leave the main trekking route and enter a more remote area. You will set up camp in Dhi. Trekking time is about 6 hours.
Day 10: Dhi to Luri Gompa (3,880m)
A short 2-hour walk along a riverbed brings you to Luri Gompa. This is a spectacular monastery complex built into sandstone cliffs. You will climb up to a hermitage to see ancient caves with well-preserved statues and painted ceilings. You will camp at Luri Gompa.
Day 11: Luri to Ghuma Tanti
Today the trek enters true wilderness territory. You will descend into a deep gorge, cross a high pass at 4,940 meters with views of Dhaulagiri, and then descend to your campsite at Ghuma Tanti. The trek takes 6 to 7 hours.
Day 12: Ghuma Tanti to Parshe Khola (4,970m)
This is a shorter day of trekking, about 4 hours, designed for acclimatization. You will cross another high pass at 5,300 meters, with incredible views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and Annapurna I, before reaching your campsite at Parshe Khola.
Day 13: Parshe Khola to Damodar Lakes (4,970m)
The trail today leads up to a pass at 5,490 meters. After the pass, you will cross a river and walk to the sacred Damodar Lakes. These high-altitude lakes are a holy pilgrimage site. The trek takes about 4 hours.
Day 14: Rest Day at Damodar Lakes
A full rest day is essential at this high altitude. This is a day for relaxation, photography, and allowing your body to acclimatize fully before continuing.
Day 15: Damodar Lakes to Japanese Camp (5,240m)
A short 3-hour trek through high-altitude meadows takes you to Japanese Camp. This is a remote campsite used by expeditions.
Day 16: Japanese Camp to Camp at 5,720m
This is one of the most challenging days of the trek. You will climb over a moraine, up a rocky slope, and across a glacier to reach a high camp at 5,720 meters. The trek takes about 5 hours and is a serious high-altitude endeavor.
Days 17 and 18: Descent to Phu
Over the next two days, you will make a long and difficult descent from the high camp into the Nar Phu Valley. The trail crosses moraines and scree slopes before finally reaching the incredible village of Phu.
Day 19: Rest in Phu
After the strenuous crossing from Mustang, a rest day in Phu is well deserved. You can explore the village, visit its monasteries, and interact with the local people, who have a unique culture and dialect.
Day 20: Phu to the Gorges
Leaving Phu, you will trek for about 5 hours through a series of deep gorges. The trail passes through abandoned villages and herders’ camps.
Day 21: Gorges to the Foot of Kang La Pass
Today’s trek takes you up to the village of Nar. After exploring Nar, you will continue to a base camp at the foot of the Kang La Pass, your final major obstacle.
Day 22: Crossing Kang La Pass (5,310m) to Gyaru (3,670m)
An early start is required for the crossing of the Kang La Pass. The ascent takes about 4 hours. From the top of the pass, the views of the Annapurna range are breathtaking. A long descent follows, bringing you to the village of Gyaru.
Day 23: Gyaru to Chame (2,670m)
Today you will join the main Annapurna Circuit trail. You will pass through several villages, including Pisang, before reaching Chame, the administrative center of the Manang district.
Day 24: Chame to Kathmandu
The final day of the journey involves a jeep ride from Chame to Besisahar. From there, you will take a private vehicle back to Kathmandu, where you will be transferred to your hotel.
The Spiritual Dimension of the Trek
The Great Mustang Loop is more than just a physical challenge. It is a deep dive into the world of Himalayan Buddhism. The entire region is considered a spiritual destination. The landscape is sacred, filled with places of power and worship.
In Mustang, you will encounter the ancient Bon religion, which predates Buddhism and has been integrated into local practices. The monasteries, or gompas, are the centers of community life. Ghar Gompa, Luri Gompa, and the monasteries of Lo Manthang are not just historical sites. They are living centers of faith where monks and nuns carry on centuries-old traditions.
The sacredness of the land is also evident at Damodar Kunda (the Damodar Lakes). These lakes are a pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists, believed to be a place of great spiritual energy. The journey to these remote lakes is a pilgrimage in itself.
In Nar Phu, the spiritual atmosphere continues. The monasteries of Phu and Nar are central to the lives of the villagers. The isolation of the valley has kept these traditions pure and vibrant. This trek offers a rare opportunity to witness a form of Tibetan Buddhism that has remained untouched by the outside world for centuries. For those seeking a journey that nourishes the spirit as well as tests the body, the Great Mustang Loop is an unmatched experience.