Mustang Teri La Pass Trek | Upper Mustang to Nar Phu Expedition

Mustang Teri La Pass

The Mustang Teri La Pass Trek is one of the most challenging and exclusive trekking expeditions in the Nepal Himalayas. This route serves as a high-altitude bridge between two of Nepal’s most fascinating restricted areas: Upper Mustang and the Nar Phu Valley. The journey begins by heading north from Jomsom into the ancient, walled city of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang, exploring its rich Tibetan-Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, and striking, arid landscapes. From there, the route heads eastward into absolute wilderness, requiring a fully self-sufficient camping expedition. The crux of the trek is the crossing of the Teri La Pass (5,595m), a demanding and technical ascent that rewards climbers with profound isolation and sweeping views of the Damodar Himal and Annapurna ranges. Descending into the Nar Phu Valley, you encounter ancient, untouched villages before finally rejoining the Annapurna Circuit at Koto. This is a trek for the true adventurer seeking the ultimate Himalayan challenge.

Mustang Teri La Pass Trek landscape view

Signature Experiences

Expedition Highlights

Explore Lo Manthang, the ancient capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang.

Cross the formidable and rarely traversed Teri La Pass (5,595m).

Trek through two of Nepal’s most restricted and culturally pristine regions: Upper Mustang and Nar Phu.

Experience a true wilderness camping expedition in highly remote terrain.

Discover ancient cave dwellings, monasteries, and unique Tibetan-influenced cultures.

Enjoy spectacular, untouched views of the Annapurna and Damodar Himal ranges.

Trail Logs & Itinerary

Scenic Flight & Trek

• Trail route: Fly Pokhara to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni.
• Fly to Jomsom and walk to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang.
• Arrive at Kagbeni; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele.
• Enter the restricted area, trekking along the Kali Gandaki to the village of Chele.
• We explore ancient whitewashed villages with flat mud roofs, passing impressive chortens and long Mani walls.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek from Chele to Syangboche.
• Cross several high passes, with the landscape becoming increasingly barren and colorful.
• The trail climbs over low passes, revealing panoramic views of the Mustang plateau and the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek from Syangboche to Ghami.
• Pass through traditional villages and see the longest mani wall in Mustang.
• Arrive at Ghami; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek from Ghami to Charang.
• Trek past ancient chortens to the historically significant village of Charang.
• We walk through the arid, wind-swept landscapes of Mustang, characterized by striking red and ochre clay cliffs.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek from Charang to Lo Manthang.
• Arrive at the walled capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang.
• We explore ancient whitewashed villages with flat mud roofs, passing impressive chortens and long Mani walls.

Trekking Day

• Active acclimatization hike to elevated ridge viewpoints around Exploration in Lo Manthang.
• Breathtaking 360-degree mountain panoramas and exploration of local culture.
• Restful afternoon, hydration, and leisurely walk around the settlement.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek from Lo Manthang to Yara.
• Leave the main trail, heading east towards the Damodar Kunda trail.
• We trek along paths carved into sandstone cliffs, passing mysterious ancient caves.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek from Yara to Luri Gompa.
• Visit the incredible cave monastery of Luri Gompa.
• Arrive at Luri Gompa; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek from Luri Gompa to Ghuma Thanti.
• Ascend into the high altitude wilderness, setting up camp.
• We explore ancient whitewashed villages with flat mud roofs, passing impressive chortens and long Mani walls.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek from Ghuma Thanti to Namta Khola.
• Cross high ridges and descend into the Namta Khola valley.
• Arrive at Namta Khola; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek from Namta Khola to Teri La Base Camp.
• A tough climb to the base of the pass, preparing for the crossing.
• Arrive at Teri La Base Camp; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

High Pass Crossing Elev: 5,595 m

• Early pre-dawn start to cross Cross Teri La Pass before afternoon high winds.
• Challenging high-altitude ascent rewarded with breathtaking summit panoramas.
• Steady descent to valley floor; celebratory dinner and overnight at mountain lodge.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek from Pasphu Khola to Nar Village.
• Descend into the Nar Valley, arriving at the ancient village of Nar.
• Arrive at Nar Village; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek from Nar to Kyang.
• Trek through the valley, enjoying the unique culture and landscapes.
• The trail climbs over low passes, revealing panoramic views of the Mustang plateau and the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek from Kyang to Phu Village.
• Head up the valley to the remote and fascinating village of Phu.
• We trek along paths carved into sandstone cliffs, passing mysterious ancient caves.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Explore Phu Village.
• Spend the day exploring the village and the nearby Tashi Lhakhang monastery.
• We walk through the arid, wind-swept landscapes of Mustang, characterized by striking red and ochre clay cliffs.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek from Phu to Meta.
• Begin the descent back down the valley from Phu, passing through rocky gorges and old settlements to reach Meta.
• Arrive at Meta; evening dinner and restful overnight stay.

Trekking Day

• Trail route: Trek from Meta to Koto.
• A steep descent through narrow gorges to join the Annapurna Circuit at Koto.
• The trail climbs over low passes, revealing panoramic views of the Mustang plateau and the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Scenic Drive

• Scenic drive through winding river valleys, terrace fields, and rural townships.
• Countryside vistas featuring rolling hills and distant snowcapped peaks.
• Arrive at Besisahar and Kathmandu; evening dinner, team briefing, and overnight lodge stay.

Mustang Teri La Pass Trek landscape view

Inclusions

Airport pick-up and drop-off in a private vehicle.
Standard teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek.
All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek.
An experienced, English-speaking, and government-licensed trekking guide.
Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers).
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (TIMS, National Park Fees).
A comprehensive medical kit carried by the guide.
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate the successful trek.

Exclusions

International flight airfare.
Nepal entry visa fee (obtainable on arrival at Kathmandu airport).
Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory).
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters).
Tips for guide and porters (customary but not mandatory).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Upper Mustang unique?

Upper Mustang is a semi-arid desert region characterized by colorful sandstone cliffs, ancient cave dwellings, and a deeply preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture. It was a restricted kingdom until 1992.

What is the restricted area permit fee for Upper Mustang?

Upper Mustang requires a Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which costs $500 USD per person for the first 10 days, plus $50 USD per day thereafter. The fee is included in our Upper Mustang packages.

Can I trek in Upper Mustang during the summer monsoon?

Yes! Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, meaning it receives very little rainfall. It is one of the few regions in Nepal that is ideal for trekking during the summer monsoon months (June to August).

How do we get to Upper Mustang?

We fly or drive from Pokhara to Jomsom. From Jomsom, the trek begins, or we can drive further north into Upper Mustang using 4WD private jeeps along the newly opened mountain road.

What are the accommodations like in Mustang?

Accommodations are traditional teahouses built in the Tibetan mud-brick style. They are comfortable and clean, featuring cozy dining rooms warmed by wood stoves, shared bathrooms, and local/Western menus.