The Gates of Mustang
At the gates of the forbidden kingdom, between deep gorges and Tibetan desert plateaus.
Duration
12 days
From
€2,115/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Mustang being spared from rain during the monsoon is the destination for trekkers during the summer season. The landscapes there are very different from the rest of the country, much more arid, Mustang stands out for its desert landscapes, gorges among the deepest in the world between Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. This short trek is ideal for those in a hurry or families, with no major difficulties, it offers a different vision of Népal, a Tibetan culture rooted for centuries and breathtaking views of the Annapurna. Throughout the stages, you will discover traditional villages, Buddhist monasteries and landscapes shaped by wind and erosion. The trails cross an authentic region where inhabitants still perpetuate their ancestral ways of life, between agriculture, livestock and spiritual traditions. A fine introduction to Mustang, allowing you to experience the unique atmosphere of this ancient Himalayan land without undertaking a long and demanding trek.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Népal!
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you are welcomed and accompanied by our local representative.
A short car journey then takes you to your hotel, where you can settle in and enjoy a few moments of rest after your journey.
The visit of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
This day is dedicated to discovering the main sites of the Katmandou valley. You begin with a medieval city and former royal palace, inhabited mainly by Newars who are predominantly Hindu. You discover squares and historical monuments presenting significant artistic value. You continue towards Pashupatinath, one of the sacred temples of South Asia, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. On the banks of the river, you can observe the cremation rituals, which recall those practiced in Varanasi, India.
You conclude with a visit to the famous Boudhanath stûpa, one of the main Buddhist sanctuaries in the region, surrounded by numerous Tibetan monasteries and shops.
Route to Pokhara
After breakfast, we head towards the second major tourist city in Népal, Pokhara. It has become an important tourist destination since the advent of trekking in Népal. It is established in the heart of a large subtropical valley. The Pokhara valley also has several lakes, including the largest in the country, the Phewa Lake, southwest of the city.
It constitutes the heart of Pokhara's tourism industry. You can enjoy pleasant walks or bicycle rides along the shores of the lake. It is also possible to rent a small rowing boat to enjoy the tranquility and peacefulness of this beautiful lake.
On the way to Mustang!
After your breakfast, your driver takes you to the other side of the Annapurnas and Pokhara. The road is long and uncomfortable, but it allows you to observe the landscapes that unfold along the way. You then reach Marpha, a village renowned for its authenticity and for apple cultivation, located between Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri.
Discovery of Peaks
After breakfast, you begin your first day of trekking by crossing the village before joining the trail leading to Jomsom. Through the gorges and the Kali Gandaki river, the landscape gradually opens onto desert plateaus. After approximately one hour of trekking, you reach Jomsom and enjoy a break over tea. You then resume the path for approximately 3 hours of trekking until Kagbeni. This village of stone and earth offers a glimpse of Mustang to the north and faces Nilgiri to the south.
Pilgrimage at High Altitude
You leave Kagbeni starting with a gradual climb. You are now at the gates of Mustang. You leave the main road and take the trail that leads up to Muktinath. Splendid plateaus open up before you, take one last look at Kagbeni from above, the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains accompany you throughout the ascent. The climb is gradual, after 3 hours of walking you reach the village of Jhong, untouched by time and the world. Continue for 2 more hours towards Muktinath, the desert landscape dotted with lush greenery in places.
After settling into your hotel, set off to discover the famous temple, an essential pilgrimage site for Hindus but also for Buddhists.
Descent to the Valley
Today, you take a route passing through the village of Lupra to avoid the trail. A short climb takes you to a pass located at 4,000 meters altitude, from where you enjoy a view of the Mont Dhaulagiri.
You then descend towards Lupra, the only village on your itinerary representative of the Bön religion, a Tibetan tradition that predates Buddhism.
Immersion in Nepalese Know-How
Take advantage of your free time to buy some local souvenirs or treat yourself to a relaxing moment at the spa.
You can also participate in an activity with local artisans: making a traditional Khukuri knife, wood carving or cooking with locals around momos or Thakali.
These activities last between 2 and 4 hours, must be booked 2 days in advance and their price varies according to the experience chosen.
A flight over the Himalayan range can also be organized in the morning at 6:30 a.m., for an additional fee.
Welcome back!
According to your flight schedule, you are transferred to the international airport approximately three hours before your departure for your return flight.
Price per person
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.
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees of 30 USD for 15 days
- Travel insurance
- Meals during the trek
- Meals outside breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Tips
Included
- Ground transfers mentioned in the program (possible supplement for domestic flights)
- 3 nights in 3-star hotel in Kathmandu on B&B
- 2 nights in a 2-star hotel in Pokhara on B&B
- 4 nights in basic lodge during the trek
- English-speaking guide services
- A porter for 2 people
- The guided tour of Katmandu
- The trekking permits
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 partnerTravel 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 insuranceFrequently 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.
Let's talk about your adventure — Kathmandu Valley
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
