Pokhara → Korala, Nepal–China Border
A pilgrim’s guide through the Buddhist sacred road of Mustang
History, stories, transportation, budgets, and hotels for every stop from the lakeside pagodas of Pokhara to the walled royal city of Lo Manthang and the high border pass at Korala.
15
Sacred sites
~250 km
Route length
4,660 m
Max altitude
10–14 days
Typical trip
The route, region by region
Follow the Kali Gandaki north from Pokhara through Lower Mustang and the sacred Muktinath Valley, then into the restricted kingdom of Upper Mustang. Tap any stop for its full guide.
Pokhara Valley
1 siteKali Gandaki Lowlands
4 sitesTatopani
1,190 m · Day 1Natural hot springs and the first overnight north of Pokhara
Ghasa / Larjung
2,010 m · Day 2The gateway to Thak Khola and the Buddhist highlands
Marpha
2,670 m · Day 3Whitewashed Thakali village famous for its Nyingma monastery and apple brandy
Jomsom
2,720 m · Day 3–4Administrative heart of Mustang, and the last major supply point
Muktinath Valley
2 sitesUpper Mustang · Restricted Area
8 sitesChele
3,050 m · Day 6First overnight stop inside the restricted zone of Upper Mustang
Syangboche / Samar
3,800 m · Day 7High desert crossing with a hidden cave shrine
Ghami
3,520 m · Day 7–8Home to one of Nepal's longest sacred mani walls
Charang
3,620 m · Day 8Red cliffside dzong ruins and one of Mustang's largest gompas
Lo Manthang
3,840 m · Day 8–9The walled royal capital of the former Kingdom of Lo
Chosser (Chhoser)
3,900 m · Day 9–10Ancient sky caves and a monastery built into a cliff
Garphu & Tangge
3,950 m · Day 10 (optional extension)Remote, barely-visited sky caves beyond Lo Manthang
Korala
4,660 m · Day 11–12The northern terminus — Nepal's border gate to the Tibet Autonomous Region
Heading past Kagbeni? You’ll need a Restricted Area Permit.
Upper Mustang requires a special permit (RAP), a licensed guide, and travel in a group of at least two. See the full permit breakdown, cost tables, and suggested itineraries on the planning page.
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