A Note on the Horses & Responsible Travel

After breakfast, depart Kathmandu by shared tourist bus for the scenic journey to Pokhara.

The approximately 200-kilometre route follows the Prithvi Highway through Nepal's middle hills, passing terraced farmland, riverside settlements, forests, and mountain landscapes. Much of the journey follows the Trishuli and Marsyangdi river corridors.

As you approach Pokhara, the landscape opens into the broad Pokhara Valley, with the Annapurna range visible on clear days.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the evening at leisure around Phewa Lake.

Driving Duration: Approximately 6–7 hours

Overnight in Pokhara.

Today, leave Pokhara behind and travel north towards Mustang by private 4WD jeep.

The route follows the Kali Gandaki River through Beni, Tatopani, Ghasa, Marpha, and eventually Jomsom. The landscape changes dramatically along the way, transitioning from green forests and waterfalls to the dry, windswept terrain of the Trans-Himalaya.

Passing through the world's deepest Kali Gandaki gorge, you gradually enter the landscapes that define Mustang.

Upon arrival in Jomsom, settle into your accommodation and prepare for the horseback journey ahead.

Driving Duration: Approximately 8–10 hours

Overnight in Jomsom.

Today marks the beginning of your horseback expedition.

After meeting your horse and local horse guide, begin riding north from Jomsom along the Kali Gandaki Valley towards Kagbeni.

The landscape gradually becomes drier and more dramatic as the valley narrows between towering cliffs. Kagbeni, with its narrow lanes, traditional stone and mud-brick houses, prayer wheels, and ancient Buddhist architecture, has long served as an important gateway between Lower and Upper Mustang.

Historically, the settlement was positioned along the ancient trade routes connecting the Himalayas with Tibet.

Spend the evening exploring the village and preparing for the following day's entry into the restricted Upper Mustang region.

Horse Riding Duration: Approximately 4 hours

Overnight in Kagbeni.

Leave Kagbeni behind and officially enter the landscapes of Upper Mustang.

The trail follows the Kali Gandaki northwards through increasingly dramatic terrain, passing rocky cliffs, narrow valleys, traditional villages, and ancient settlements.

As you ride towards Chuksang, the landscape takes on the characteristic appearance of Upper Mustang: barren hillsides, red and ochre rock formations, deep ravines, and isolated patches of cultivated land.

Chuksang is a traditional settlement surrounded by striking cliffs and caves, with houses and agricultural fields clustered along the river.

Horse Riding Duration: Approximately 4 hours

Overnight in Chuksang.

Today's ride takes you deeper into Upper Mustang.

Leaving Chuksang, follow the trail through narrow gorges and across the rugged landscape towards Samar. The route climbs gradually, providing increasingly expansive views across the surrounding mountains and barren valleys.

Along the way, traditional Buddhist monuments, prayer flags, mani walls, and small settlements provide reminders of the region's deep Tibetan cultural heritage.

Samar is a picturesque village surrounded by dramatic cliffs and cultivated fields, providing a striking contrast between human settlement and the surrounding desert-like landscape.

Horse Riding Duration: Approximately 5 hours

Overnight in Samar.

Today is dedicated to acclimatization and exploration.

Rather than immediately continuing higher, take time to allow your body to adjust to the altitude while exploring the surrounding area at a relaxed pace.

Samar's traditional homes, fields, monasteries, and surrounding cliffs offer an opportunity to experience everyday life in Upper Mustang without the demands of a long riding day.

Your guide will monitor the group's acclimatization and brief you on the days ahead.

The day also provides an opportunity to rest both riders and horses before continuing deeper into the former Kingdom of Lo.

Overnight in Samar.

After breakfast, continue north towards Giling.

The trail crosses barren mountain terrain and high plateaus, with spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan landscape. The stark landscape is punctuated by traditional villages, cultivated fields, chortens, prayer flags, and ancient Buddhist structures.

Giling is one of Upper Mustang's traditional settlements, characterised by its whitewashed houses, fields, mani walls, and monastery.

The village provides an excellent opportunity to observe how communities have adapted agriculture and settlement patterns to the region's harsh environment.

Horse Riding Duration: Approximately 5 hours

Overnight in Giling.

Today's journey continues through the dramatic landscapes of Upper Mustang towards Ghami.

The trail passes across barren ridges and valleys, with striking views of eroded cliffs and distant snow-covered mountains.

Ghami is one of the region's most important traditional villages and is known for its ancient monastery, traditional architecture, and long mani wall decorated with prayer stones.

Take time to explore the village and observe the distinctive Tibetan Buddhist traditions that remain an important part of community life.

Horse Riding Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours

Overnight in Ghami.

Continue towards Tsarang, one of the historic settlements of Upper Mustang.

The trail crosses open landscapes and mountain passes before descending towards the village. Along the way, the changing colours and formations of the surrounding cliffs reveal the geological character of the region.

Tsarang, also known as Charang, is home to traditional whitewashed buildings, ancient monasteries, chortens, and the remains of a historic fortress.

The village was once an important centre of the Kingdom of Lo and remains one of the most culturally significant settlements along the route to Lo Manthang.

Horse Riding Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours

Overnight in Tsarang.

Today, ride towards the cultural heart of Upper Mustang: Lo Manthang.

The trail crosses broad high-altitude valleys and barren plateaus before approaching the historic walled city.

Lo Manthang was the capital of the former Kingdom of Lo and remains the cultural centre of Upper Mustang. Its traditional whitewashed buildings, narrow lanes, monasteries, palace, and surrounding settlements provide a remarkable glimpse into the region's Tibetan-influenced heritage.

After arrival, settle into your accommodation and enjoy your first evening within the historic walled city.

Horse Riding Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours

Overnight in Lo Manthang.

Today is dedicated entirely to exploring Lo Manthang.

Walk through the narrow streets of the historic walled city and discover its monasteries, traditional homes, courtyards, and cultural landmarks.

The city's religious heritage is particularly significant, with ancient monasteries containing murals, statues, manuscripts, and religious artefacts representing centuries of Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Depending on local conditions and access, the surrounding villages and cultural sites can also be explored.

The day provides time to experience Lo Manthang beyond its landscape — through its architecture, religious traditions, local communities, and everyday life.

Overnight in Lo Manthang.

Begin the return journey from Lo Manthang, following trails through the rugged landscapes of Upper Mustang towards Dhakmar.

The route passes through barren valleys, rocky ridges, and dramatic red cliffs that are among the region's most recognisable geological features.

Dhakmar is a small traditional settlement surrounded by striking red rock formations and high mountain terrain.

After arriving, settle into your accommodation and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of this remote Himalayan village.

Horse Riding Duration: Approximately 5 hours

Overnight in Dhakmar.

Continue south through the remote landscapes of Upper Mustang.

The trail follows a series of mountain paths and high valleys, passing traditional settlements and landscapes shaped by wind and erosion.

As you travel, the changing colours of the cliffs and expansive views across the Trans-Himalayan terrain provide a different perspective on the route travelled earlier in the expedition.

Arrive in Sangboche and settle into the local accommodation.

Horse Riding Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours

Overnight in Sangboche.

After breakfast, continue south towards Samar.

The journey gradually retraces the route towards the southern part of Upper Mustang, passing through familiar landscapes and villages.

After several days in the higher reaches of the former Kingdom of Lo, the return towards Samar offers another opportunity to appreciate the contrast between the stark high valleys and the more cultivated settlements along the route.

Horse Riding Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours

Overnight in Samar.

Today, descend from Samar towards Kagbeni.

The trail follows the dramatic valley southwards, passing through rugged landscapes and traditional settlements before reconnecting with the Kali Gandaki corridor.

As you descend, the landscape gradually changes and the air becomes warmer.

Arrive in Kagbeni, marking the return from the restricted Upper Mustang region.

Horse Riding Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours

Overnight in Kagbeni.

Your final day on horseback follows the Kali Gandaki Valley from Kagbeni back towards Jomsom.

The route passes through the familiar landscapes of Lower Mustang, with views of surrounding Himalayan peaks and traditional villages along the river corridor.

Upon reaching Jomsom, bid farewell to your horses and local horsemen who have accompanied you throughout the expedition.

Celebrate the completion of your journey through the former Kingdom of Lo.

Horse Riding Duration: Approximately 4–5 hours

Overnight in Jomsom.

This morning, transfer to Jomsom Airport for your scenic flight to Pokhara.

The short mountain flight offers spectacular aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges on clear days.

Upon arrival in Pokhara, connect with your domestic flight to Kathmandu.

Mountain flights are highly dependent on weather conditions, particularly in the Mustang region. In the event of delays or cancellations, alternative arrangements may be required depending on the circumstances.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

Today is free for you to relax after your Himalayan expedition or explore more of Kathmandu.

You may choose to visit one of the valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, explore local markets and historic neighbourhoods, enjoy Nepalese cuisine, or simply rest at your hotel.

Optional cultural experiences and sightseeing tours can also be arranged.

Overnight in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, a representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey.

As your Upper Mustang horseback expedition comes to an end, depart Nepal with memories of ancient Himalayan villages, dramatic Trans-Himalayan landscapes, centuries-old monasteries, the historic city of Lo Manthang, and the trails once travelled by traders and horsemen across the former Kingdom of Lo.

End of Expedition.

As of 2026, the RAP is charged at US$50 per person per day spent inside the restricted area. This replaced the previous fixed 10-day structure. The ACAP is an additional permit. Because your itinerary spends several days inside Upper Mustang, the permit cost is an important component of the overall trip price.

Not completely independently. A licensed guide and registered trekking agency are required for foreign travellers entering the restricted area. The rules regarding minimum group size have changed in 2026, so older information online saying that two trekkers are always mandatory may now be outdated.

Upper Mustang is generally considered moderate to challenging, depending on the route and whether you are trekking or riding. The maximum altitude around Lo Manthang is approximately 3,840 metres, which is lower than destinations such as Everest Base Camp. However, the terrain can be exposed, rocky, windy, and uneven, and a horseback expedition involves several consecutive days in the mountains.

Previous riding experience is strongly recommended for this expedition. This is mountain horseback travel rather than riding in a controlled arena or on prepared equestrian trails. Riders should be comfortable spending several hours on horseback and navigating uneven, rocky and sometimes narrow mountain terrain.

The horses traditionally used in Mustang are smaller than many Western riding breeds but are known for being strong, agile, hardy and sure-footed. They are working mountain horses adapted to the terrain and climate of the Himalayas. Travellers should understand that they may look and be cared for differently from horses kept in professional riding schools or recreational equestrian centres. Their role is closely connected to the traditional livelihoods of Mustang's communities.

Horse tourism can provide an important source of income for local horse-owning families and horsemen. Horses have traditionally been used for transportation and carrying goods in Mustang, and tourism gives them an additional economic role as livelihoods in the region evolve. Responsible horseback travel therefore involves not only appropriate care and management of the horses during the journey, but also creating economic opportunities that allow local communities to continue caring for and valuing these animals.

These are working mountain horses, not recreational or competition horses. Their appearance, body condition, tack and general lifestyle may therefore be different from what travellers accustomed to Western equestrian environments expect. For travellers who are particularly sensitive to the appearance or traditional working conditions of animals, this is something worth considering before booking. The experience is closely connected to the realities of rural Himalayan life rather than a polished luxury riding environment.

Some larger settlements have Wi-Fi, electricity and charging facilities, but connectivity can be unreliable and facilities become more limited in remote villages. Travellers should not expect continuous internet access throughout the expedition. Bringing a power bank is advisable.

Upper Mustang is very different from the lush Himalayan landscapes many travellers associate with Nepal. Expect dry river valleys, red and ochre cliffs, eroded canyons, high plateaus, barren mountains, caves, cultivated pockets around villages and distant snow-covered peaks. The landscape changes considerably as you travel from Jomsom towards Lo Manthang.

Compared with major trekking routes such as Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, Upper Mustang remains relatively low-volume. Its restricted status, permit system and more limited infrastructure help keep visitor numbers comparatively controlled. That said, Lo Manthang and other major settlements can become busier during popular seasons and festivals.