Upper Mustang Trek with Yara

Among Nepal’s most restricted areas, Upper Mustang Trek with Yara is one of the popular destinations. The Mustang Yara trek leads you to the long-forgotten kingdom in a remote, barren land bordering Tibet. It is home to some of the most spectacular monasteries, canyons, gorges, and intricate cave systems.

As you trek through the Mustang region, you’ll pass through cheerful villages and beautiful desert-like landscapes that will leave you breathless. You’ll witness the lifestyle of the local ethnic people, who have survived in this remote valley for centuries. This trek is a chance to engage yourself in a world that was removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Our trek also has the added adventure of making a visit to a notable hill, Yara. It is famous for its natural sandy castle and beautiful scenery.

Nepal's Upper Mustang is drenched in Tibetan Buddhist Traditions, and villages are decorated with prayer flags and Mani stones (stones inscribed with mantras) along the trails. You’ll come across a monastery at the cliff-side, each with its own historical and spiritual significance. Once a forgotten kingdom, it is a dream destination for courageous trekkers seeking a blend of unique culture and traditions.

This is an adventurous trek in itself. Though not technical, the high altitude (up to 4000 meters) will demand a good fitness level. From exploring the hidden caves adorned with paintings to encountering the warm hospitality of the local people, the highlight of this trek is reaching Lo-Manthang, a fortified city that stands watch among the beauty of the Barren landscape.

The Upper Mustang Yara trek is a cultural and historical quest. It’s a chance to travel back in time to witness a distinct lifestyle and be overwhelmed by the spectacular landscape. So, strap your trekking boots on to prepare yourself for an adventure and commence a journey to the kingdom of Upper Mustang.

Main Highlights Upper Mustang Trek

Let’s start with the highlights first:

• A sightseeing tour in Kathmandu, where you take in the rich Nepalese heritage and culture.
• Take a scenic drive to Pokhara, admiring the green hills and fresh riverside air.
• Take a relaxing stroll by the Fewa Lake and immerse in the serene ambiance before your adventure.
• Get on a magnificent flight to Jomsom and glimpse the stunning Himalayas from a bird-eye view.
• Get mesmerized by the natural sand castles of Yara and enjoy the mountains from the top.
• Get ready to explore the forbidden kingdom of Lo-Manthang.
• Make a quick stop at Namgyal Gompa, situated on a hilltop, and enjoy the beautiful mountain from the hill.
• Gain an understanding of the preserved culture and tradition of the region.
• Uncover intricate caves and monasteries and engage with local monks for a deeper spiritual understanding.
• Explore Muktinath Temple, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists, and witness the profound spiritual energy that comes from this place.

Route Overview 

Don’t you want to know the routes to Upper Mustang Yara you’ll take during the journey? Well, let us give you a quick rundown of the journey.

Your  Mustang Yara Trek in Nepal starts once you land at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). One of our members will greet you on your arrival and transfer you to your hotel. You will be briefed and explained about your itinerary and plans for your trip.

A sightseeing tour will be organized for Kathmandu before your adventure. You’ll explore all the heritage sites around Kathmandu, such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath Stupa, Etc. You’ll also get to explore the streets of Kathmandu and witness the local and cultural lifestyle of ethnic Newari people.

Next, you take a beautiful drive to the city of Lakes, Pokhara. You stroll around the vibrant city and explore the lakeside streets. Early morning, you take a flight to Jomsom and start your journey. After landing at Jomsom Airport, you start moving towards Kagbeni, the gateway for Upper Mustang. After an overnight stay at Kagbeni, you’ll pass through villages like Chele, Geling, and Charang. After crossing these picturesque villages, you’ll reach the Capital of the Kingdom of Lo-Manthang.

The next day, you’ll roam around the town and witness the lifestyle of the locals. After you’ve explored Lo-Manthang, you'll make your way back to Yara. Subsequently, you'll reach Yara and visit the monastery, Luri Gompa. Continuing the journey, you'll hike to Tangbe and Tetang and head towards Muktinath Temple. Once you reach the temple, you’ll feel the spiritual and peaceful atmosphere. This site is worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists and is believed to be very sacred. After exploring the temple, you head towards Jomsom for your flight back to Pokhara.

After your early morning flight back to Pokhara, you will have time to roam around the city. The next day, you drive back to Kathmandu on the same highway. Your trip concludes as you will be dropped off at the airport the following day for your departure flight.

When to Book Mustang Yara Trek in Nepal?

Now that you know a little about this journey, it's time to find its best time.

The best time for an Upper Mustang trek with Yara is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is dry and clear during these seasons, with little to no rain. The temperature is mild and comfortable for trekking. You'll enjoy your hike with clear skies and great visibility of the mountain views.

However, it is important to note that Upper Mustang is a rain shadow area, which means that it receives very little rainfall throughout the year. Hence, trekking during the monsoon (June to August) is also possible. It is not recommended to trek during the winter (December to February). The temperatures can be freezing this time of the year. The trails can also be covered in heavy snowfall. Thus, it makes the journey more challenging.

What Is the Difficulty Level of The Trek?

Exploring the hidden kingdom of Mustang may sound appealing to most of you. But how adventurous is the journey to reach this ancient kingdom? Let’s discuss it in this section.

The Upper Mustang with Yara Trek is graded as an easy to moderate journey, depending on your physical stamina. To give you a little glimpse of the journey, you will walk through the rugged terrain, steep ascent and descent, and remote villages along the way. It requires you to hike for about 5-6 hours on a daily basis. Hence, we recommend you do some cardio exercise and add nutritious food to your diet a month before the trek.

The one thing that can get in your way is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The highest elevation you’ll reach during the trek is 4200 m. At this height, you are likely to experience altitude sickness. But don’t worry! We have prepared the itinerary with enough acclimatization days. Hence, you’ll have no problem adjusting your body to the high altitude.     

What Are the Alternative Treks?

Are you looking for more options? We have plenty of other packages you can consider if this one doesn’t fit you.

If you want to skip the excursion to Yara, you can opt for the Upper Mustang Trek. The 17-day journey will give you a taste of the upper Mustang region and will make you explore the ancient kingdom of Upper Mustang, i.e., Lo Manthang. On this journey, you’ll also hear the untold stories of locals along the way and will be amazed by their way of life. 

If you’re pressed for time, consider opting for the 14-day Upper Mustang Trek-Drive Back. This route offers a glimpse of the Upper Mustang region within just two weeks. Our trek will take us to Lo-Mantang, after which we will return to Jomsom via a driving by jeep instead of retracing our steps.

No matter which trip you choose, we guarantee you an unforgettable experience. Furthermore, if you wish to personalize your journey, we will make every effort to meet your desires and requirements.