Upper Mustang Circuit Trek with Yara Ghara
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.
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Why the Fee Is Higher Than Other Regions — At $50/person/day, this is among Nepal's most expensive permits, reflecting the area's protected/restricted status.
What Makes Yara and Ghara Different
Limited Facilities in These Villages — Basic lodges only; travelers should expect simple food and minimal amenities.
Yara Ghara Villages
What Makes Yara and Ghara Different — Rare surviving matriarchal social structure, still largely untouched by mainstream tourism.
Chhoser Sky Caves Optional Excursion
Age of the Cave Structures — Believed to date back over 2,000 years, among the oldest human-made structures in the Himalayas.
Highlights
Detailed Itinerary
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.
Flight to Pokhara
Morning flight to Pokhara (30 min). Free day to explore Phewa Lake or relax. Overnight in Pokhara.
Fly to Jomsom & Trek to Kagbeni
Morning flight to Jomsom (16 min). Trek to Kagbeni (2,804m) – 4 hours walk. Overnight in Kagbeni.
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.
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.
Trek to Ghami
Trek to Ghami (3,520m) via Yamda La (3,850m) and Nyi Pass (4,010m). 5‑6 hours. Overnight in Ghami.
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.
Exploration Day in Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang Walled City Monasteries — Jampa, Thubchen, and Chodey monasteries plus the king's palace. Chhoser Sky Caves Optional Excursion — Multi-storey hand-chiseled ancient cave dwellings, reached by optional jeep.
Trek to Yara
Trek to Yara (3,607m) – 5‑6 hours. Cross bridges and pass through Dhi and Surkhang villages. Overnight in Yara.
Trek to Tengbe
Shaligram Fossil Hunting on the Kali Gandaki — Ancient ammonite stones considered sacred forms of Lord Vishnu.
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.
Trek to Muktinath
Crossing Gyu La Pass (4,077m) — The trek's highest point, with panoramic views before descending to the sacred Muktinath Temple.
Trek to Jomsom
Trek down to Jomsom (2,720m) – 5 hours along the Kali Gandaki River. Overnight in Jomsom.
Fly/Drive to Pokhara
Morning flight (16 min) or drive (6‑7 hours) to Pokhara. Overnight in Pokhara.
Fly to Kathmandu
Morning flight to Kathmandu (30 min). Free afternoon for shopping or relaxation. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Final Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included
- Airport transfers as per itinerary
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB plan
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara on BB plan
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu – Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- Teahouse/lodge accommodation (twin sharing) during the trek
- All necessary permits: Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, ACAP, TIMS
- Professional English‑speaking trekking guide (licensed, with cultural knowledge)
- Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) to carry luggage
- Sleeping bag and duffel bag (refundable after trek)
- Comprehensive medical kit
- All government and local taxes
Excluded
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Nepal entry visa fees (US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days)
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except where noted)
- Travel insurance (mandatory, covering high‑altitude trekking and evacuation)
- Beverages, alcoholic drinks, mineral water, boiled water
- Local monastery entrance fees in Mustang
- Extra night accommodation due to early arrival, late departure, or early return
- Personal gear and expenses (phone calls, laundry, Wi‑Fi, battery charging)
- Tips for guide, porters, and support staff
Essential Information
Trip Code
GNT-UMY
Trip Type
Moderate — 5–7 hrs/day average, up to 9 hrs on the toughest day
Accommodation
Hotels in Kathmandu/Pokhara; lodges/teahouses on trek
Meals
Full board on trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Transportation
Jeep , Car Restricted-area trek to the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo, with Yara & Ghara extension
Best Time to Visit
Rain Shadow Advantage — Upper Mustang sits behind the Himalayan rain shadow, making summer trekking possible, unlike most other Nepal treks.
Difficulty Level
Rated Moderate — suitable for experienced trekkers, not beginners. Toughest Day of the Trek — Day 11 (Tengbe to Tetang) is the longest at 9 hours, the hardest single day on the route. The Yara–Ghara section is described as off the beaten path with limited facilities and demands good endurance.
Fitness Requirements
Preparation Tips
Equipment List
Health Considerations
Safety Measures
Permits Required
Cultural Etiquette
Local Customs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the physical requirement for this trek?
You should be in good physical condition and have previous trekking experience. Daily walking is 5‑7 hours with some long days up to 9 hours. Altitude reaches 3,800m with a pass at 4,077m.
Are there porters to carry luggage?
Yes, we provide one porter for every two trekkers to carry your main luggage. You only need a daypack for essentials.
How is the drinking water facility?
Boiled water is available at teahouses for a small fee. We recommend using water purification tablets or a filter to refill your own bottle.
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes, travel insurance covering high‑altitude trekking (up to 4,500m), emergency helicopter evacuation, and medical expenses is mandatory.
What is the best time for this trek?
Spring (March–June) and autumn (October–November) are ideal. The region lies in a rain shadow, so summer treks are also possible.
How tough is the Yara Ghara section?
The trail to Yara and Ghara is off‑the‑beaten‑path with limited facilities and some long walking days. It is moderate but requires good endurance.