The Mustang off the beaten path
High Peaks, High Passes 16 days budget

The Mustang off the beaten path

On the trails of the last Tibetan kingdoms in the heart of the lunar landscapes of Mustang

From€2,190per person
12 years of local expertise4.75/5 (12 reviews including 5 Google)

Duration

16 days

From

€2,190/pers.

Ideal seasons

Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov

Style

Expeditions

Comfort

budget

Travelers

Solo, With friends, Couple

The spirit of travel

This long-inaccessible region remains largely untouched by tourism today. The lunar landscapes surrounded by snow-capped peaks will give you the impression of having left Népal. You will learn more about Tibetan culture, which has remained largely insulated from Western influence. The populations living on these arid lands maintain a deep connection with their environment, shaped by traditions and Buddhism. You will discover notably hundreds of caves carved into the cliffs, witnesses to a thousand-year history. A former independent kingdom, Mustang unveils exceptional heritage with its century-old monasteries, its villages with earth houses and its ancient caravan routes. The trek crosses desert valleys, impressive canyons and passes offering spectacular views of the Himalayan giants. A unique immersion in the heart of a wild territory, where ancestral traditions and preserved landscapes tell another facet of Népal.

The stages of your journey

D1
KatmandouNomad Hotel
D2
PokharaTemple Tree Resort & Spa
D3
ChhuksangNuit en lodge
D4
SamarNuit en lodge
D5
GelingNuit en lodge
D6
DhakmarLodge
D7–8
Lo ManthangNuit en lodge
D9
YaraNuit en lodge
D10
TangeNuit en lodge
D11
ChhuksangNuit en lodge
D12
MuktinathNuit en lodge
D13
JomsomNuit en lodge
D14–16
KatmandouNomad Hotel

Highlights

Preserved Tibetan Kingdom
Sacred Millenary Caves
Lo Manthang Royal Capital
Passes at 4000 meters
Authentic Bon Culture
Unique lunar landscapes

Day-by-day itinerary

Jour 1
D1

Welcome to Népal!

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you are welcomed and assisted by our local representative. A short car journey then takes you to your hotel, where you can settle in and enjoy some moments of rest.

Nomad Hotel
Jour 2
D2

Flight to Pokhara and afternoon by the lake

Katmandou → Pokhara

6h200 km

After breakfast, you are transferred to the domestic airport for a flight of approximately 30 minutes to Pokhara. During the journey, you enjoy views of the Langtang, Manaslu and Annapurnas mountain ranges. Upon arrival, you have a free afternoon in Pokhara. You can take a walk or cycle by the lake. You also have the option to rent a small rowing boat to peacefully enjoy the waters of the lake.

Temple Tree Resort & Spa
Jour 3
D3

From Jomsom to Chuksang Along the Kali Gandaki

Pokhara → Jomsom

20min43 km

After a good night's sleep, you take a flight for a short flight to Jomsom. During the journey, you fly over the Annapurna before reaching this new stage of your trip.

Jomsom → Chhuksang

4h25 km

Upon your arrival at Jomsom, a jeep awaits you to take you to Chuksang. Along the way, you observe the landscape changes and glimpse the Nilgiri peak in the distance. You then reach Chuksang, a village located at the confluence of the rivers Narshing Khola and Kali Gandaki.

Nuit en lodgeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 4
D4

From Chele to Samar via Taklam La and Dajong La passes

Chhuksang → Samar

5h8 km

Today, you head towards Samar. Along the way, you pass near small dwellings belonging to the village of Chele. As you progress, you observe the changes in topography, culture and lifestyle of the region's inhabitants. From Chele, you begin a climb to the Taklam La pass, at 3,624 metres, then reach the Dajong La, at 3,660 metres altitude. After crossing these two passes decorated with colourful prayer flags, you descend slightly to reach Samar.

Nuit en lodgeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 5
D5

Discovery of Ranchug Sacred Cave

Samar → Geling

5h11 km

From Samar, you gradually climb up to a ridge before descending towards the wide Chorten Gorge. You then catch sight of the Ranchug Cave, one of the sacred sites of Mustang. After crossing a stream, you cross a pass and descend along a ridge to Shyangmochen. The trail then gently climbs towards Geling.

Throughout this stage, you move through a lunar and desert landscape.

Nuit en lodgeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 6
D6

In the Heart of High Passes

From Geling, you head west and gradually climb through fields to Tama Gaun. You then continue north to reach Nyi La (4 020 m), the highest pass of your trek.

After crossing the pass, you begin the descent. Approximately 30 minutes of walking will bring you to a junction leading directly to the village of Dakmar. Along the way, stupas and religious prayer flags mark your progress.

LodgeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 7
D7

Between Monasteries and Cliffs

Dhakmar → Lo Manthang

7h16 km

After an early breakfast, you set off for a long day of hiking towards Lo Manthang. Along the way, you discover the monasteries of Lo Gekar and Ghar Gumba, which punctuate your itinerary. You continue your journey through a landscape marked by high cliffs, which surround you and accompany your walk until your next stop.

Nuit en lodgeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 8
D8

Excursion around Lo Manthang

Today, you are free to choose your visit program. You can explore the cultural and religious monuments of Lo Manthang or head to the Chosyar valley, located 10 km away. In the valley, you will discover one of the most famous caves in the region, as well as several monasteries.

Nuit en lodgeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 9
D9

Day of Cultural Discovery

Lo Manthang → Yara

7h15 km

You begin your return journey towards Lo Manthang until Yara passing by SungdenChorten. The trail then gently climbs along a ridge and allows you to admire the landscape. After an hour of steep descent, you arrive in a vast mountainous plateau. You follow the trail in a rocky ravine until the village of Dhi. A suspension bridge allows you to cross the Kaligandaki river and then arrive at the village of PuyungKholato Yara.

Nuit en lodgeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 10
D10

Between plateau and sacred lake

Yara → Tange

7h15 km

You leave early for a long day of hiking to the village of Tangye. The trail begins with a short but steep climb, before flattening out and then descending towards Dechhyang Khola. You then reach a vast plateau where there is a sacred lake. The hike continues to the Ghechang River, in which dozens of fossils dating from the Jurassic period have been found.

Nuit en lodgeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 11
D11

Walk along the mountains

Tange → Chhuksang

8h23 km

You leave early for a day hike of approximately 8 hours. At the exit of the village, you cross a suspended bridge, then take a trail along the river for several hours. You then begin a sustained climb to the top of the hill, from where you enjoy a beautiful view of the mountains. Finally, you descend towards the village of Chhusang.

Nuit en lodgeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 12
D12

Discover the Sacred Panoramas

Chhuksang → Muktinath

6h15 km

You descend towards the village of Tetang, before beginning a steep climb to a viewpoint offering a panorama of the peaks of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Tukuche. You then descend and cross a small stream by a suspension bridge to reach the village of Chhyongar. You continue your walk on the trail to Muktinath.

You can visit the Muktinath temple, which is among the eight sacred sanctuaries of the Hindu religion. Also a place of worship for Buddhists, it is among the oldest temples dedicated to the god Vishnu. The visit is guided by a monk.

Nuit en lodgeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 13
D13

Along the Kali Ganda

Muktinath → Lupra

3h9 km

Today, you pass through the village of Lupra in order to avoid the trail. A short climb takes you to a pass located at 4,000 m altitude, from where you enjoy a view of the Dhaulagiri. You then descend back towards Lupra, the only village of bön tradition on your itinerary. Bön is a Tibetan religion that predates Buddhism.

Lupra → Jomsom

3h9 km

You descend towards Jomsom following the course of the Kali Gandaki river, which accompanies you throughout this stage.

Nuit en lodgeBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 14
D14

Overflight above the Annapurnas

Jomsom → Pokhara

20min43 km

After a good night's sleep and a hot shower, you take a flight for a short flight over the Annapurnas. You enjoy this aerial crossing before reaching the city of Pokhara.

Pokhara → Katmandou

30min147 km

You take the plane again for your return flight. This short journey offers you one last opportunity to admire the landscapes of the Himalaya from the air.

Nomad HotelBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 15
D15

Free day in Kathmandu

Today, enjoy your day as you wish. You can stroll freely through Kathmandu or opt for a guided tour of the city's main sites.

You also have the opportunity to participate in an immersive activity with a traditional craftsperson. According to your preferences, choose from different experiences: cooking classes, sculpture, painting, music or other craft activities. A moment of discovery and sharing, suitable for the whole family.

Nomad HotelBreakfastLunchDinner
Jour 16
D16

Welcome back!

Transfer to the international airport three hours before your scheduled departure time. The entire Bluesheep team warmly thanks you for your trust and hopes to have the pleasure of welcoming you again for your next adventure.

Breakfast

Price per person

1 pers.€2,470/pers.
2 pers.€2,280/pers.
3 pers.€2,240/pers.
4 pers.€2,270/pers.
5 pers.€2,270/pers.
6 pers.€2,240/pers.
7 pers.€2,190/pers.
8 pers.€2,200/pers.
9 pers.€2,200/pers.

Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.

This trip can be tailored to your preferences

This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.

Practical Information

Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.

The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.

See our specific terms of sale for full details.

In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:

  • Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
  • Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
  • Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total

We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.

The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Nepal for a tourist stay. Since entry rules may change, we recommend that you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.

Passport

To enter Nepal, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).

Tourist visa

Unlike some destinations, Nepal does not grant visa exemptions to nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada. A tourist visa is mandatory to enter the territory.

This visa can be obtained in two ways:

  • On arrival (visa on arrival): available at the main entry points, notably Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and certain land border crossings. It is strongly recommended to complete the application form online before departure to facilitate procedures on site.

  • Online before departure: via the official online visa system of the Nepalese government (online visa application), allowing you to obtain prior authorization to present upon arrival.

Official rates are as follows:

  • 15 days: 30 USD

  • 30 days: 50 USD

  • 90 days: 125 USD

Payment is generally made in cash (USD, EUR, or other accepted currencies) or by credit card depending on the entry points. It is advisable to have US dollars in cash for payment on site.

The authorities may also request:

  • an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward journey),

  • proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.

Online arrival form

Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival form available on the official portal of the Nepalese government. This form allows you to provide immigration authorities with:

  • passport information

  • flight details

  • the address of your first accommodation in Nepal

A digital confirmation or a reference code may be requested when passing through immigration or at the visa issuance counter upon arrival.

Special permits for trekking areas

Certain regions of Nepal require additional permits in addition to the tourist visa:

  • the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System): mandatory for most trekking itineraries,

  • national park or conservation area permits (e.g., Sagarmatha for Everest, Annapurna Conservation Area),

  • restricted zone permits for certain specific destinations such as Mustang, Dolpo, or Manaslu.

These permits are generally obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara from the relevant offices.

Health and vaccinations

No vaccine is mandatory to enter Nepal, except in case of arrival from a country at risk of yellow fever. However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended by health authorities:

  • hepatitis A and B,

  • typhoid,

  • diphtheria-tetanus-poliomyelitis (DTP),

  • rabies (especially for extended stays or in remote areas),

  • Japanese encephalitis (depending on areas and season).

Preventive antimalarial treatment may be recommended for certain low-altitude regions (Terai). It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination center at least four to six weeks before departure.

Traveling with children

Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own tourist visa.

In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization from the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.

Other nationalities

Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Travelers concerned should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Nepal in their country of residence.

To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be covered for emergency assistance, repatriation and foreign medical expenses.

Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.

CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!

Choose the plan that suits you best:

  • Explorer'Multirisque

  • Explorer'Annulation

  • Explorer'Assistance

  • Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire

Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these plans.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these formulas, the full policy detailing all coverage and claims reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.

Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claims reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.

Chapka — Cap Explorer

Our insurance partner

Travel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.

Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insurance

Frequently asked questions

Yes, a tourist visa is required, issued upon arrival at Kathmandu airport or at land borders (USD 30 for 15 days, USD 50 for 30 days, USD 125 for 90 days). A valid passport for at least 6 months beyond entry and an identity photo are required.

Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.

You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.

For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between 110 and 190 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transportation and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Himalayan treks require a dedicated budget (permits, porters, lodges).

Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.

Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.

It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.

In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.

Payment is generally made in two installments.

Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.

Nirmala, Himalayan pathfinder
12years of expertise

Let's talk about your adventure — Pokhara Region

Himalayan pathfinder, based in Katmandou

“
Nepal is a country that naturally teaches patience and humility. Even a simple trip can become a very profound experience there.

— Nirmala

APST Guarantee Secure Payment 24/7 Assistance★ 4.75/5