Route · Mustang & Dolpo
Jomsom to Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang is about 80 km north of Jomsom: 6–7 hours by jeep on a rough road, or a 4–5 day trek from Kagbeni through Chele, Ghami and Tsarang. Everything north of Kagbeni is the Upper Mustang restricted area, with its own permit and a licensed guide.
The classic trek leaves Kagbeni through the restricted-area checkpoint and follows the Kali Gandaki to Chhusang and Chele, then climbs over a series of passes of around 3,800–4,000 m to Samar or Syangboche, Ghami and Tsarang. Each day passes red cliffs, caves, chortens and walled barley fields. Many treks return by a different route on the east bank via Dhi and Tangge, or by jeep.
A jeep road now runs from Jomsom through Kagbeni, Chele, Syangboche, Ghami and Tsarang to Lo Manthang. It is rough and dusty, with river crossings that can be impassable after rain or snowmelt. We stop at Ghami and Tsarang on the way and plan two nights in Lo Manthang. Driving saves days, but you still pay the full 10-day permit and need a guide; check current status before you travel.
Charter helicopters can land at Lo Manthang for those with very limited time, from Jomsom or Pokhara. It is expensive, and arriving at about 3,840 m without acclimatisation carries a real risk of altitude sickness. We suggest it mainly for the return, after you have walked or driven up and spent time at altitude.
Worth a stop on the way
- Kagbeni (restricted-area checkpoint)
- Chhusang
- Chele
- Syangboche
- Ghami
- Dhakmar and Ghar Gompa (trekking route)
- Tsarang
Local tip
Count your permit days carefully: the USD 500 fee covers 10 days north of Kagbeni, and each extra day adds USD 50.
Questions
How long does it take to reach Lo Manthang from Jomsom?
By jeep, about 6–7 hours on a rough road, longer if river crossings are high. On foot, the trek from Kagbeni takes 4–5 days, sleeping in Chele or Samar, Ghami or Syangboche, and Tsarang. Many visitors walk in and drive out. Pokhara to Lo Manthang by road is possible in one very long day, but we do not recommend it because of the altitude gain.
What permits do I need to go to Lo Manthang?
You need the Upper Mustang restricted-area permit, as we understand it USD 500 per person for the first 10 days and USD 50 for each extra day, plus the Annapurna Conservation Area permit. It is issued only through a registered agency, for at least two foreigners with a licensed guide, and checked at Kagbeni and Lo Manthang. Check current status before you travel.
Is it better to trek or drive to Lo Manthang?
Trekking gives better acclimatisation and time in Chele, Ghami, Tsarang and the cave sites, and suits anyone who can walk 5–7 hours a day at 3,000–4,000 m. Driving suits those short of time or less mobile, but the road is dusty and the altitude gain is fast. Walking one way and driving the other is a good balance.
Can I visit Lo Manthang in winter?
It is possible but hard. From December to February Lo Manthang is bitterly cold, many families move south for the winter, and lodges and gompas may be closed. The road can be blocked by snow. Our recommended months are April to June and September to October, with May for the Tiji festival. Check current status before you travel in the shoulder months.