Crossing the remote Teri La Pass
Nepal Region

Mustang Teri La Pass Trek

Difficulty Expedition
Duration 22 Days
Max. Altitude 5,595m
Best Season Autumn, Spring
Lodging & Meals Camping

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
Mustang Teri La Pass Trek landscape view
Signature Experiences

Expedition Highlights

01

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

02

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

03

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

04

Experience a true wilderness camping expedition in highly remote terrain.

05

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

06

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

Trail Logs & Itinerary

1
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

Fly to Jomsom and walk to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. We embark on a scenic journey today, taking either a spectacular domestic flight or a drive along winding mountain roads, passing lush terraced fields, fast-flowing rivers, and traditional hillside villages. The changing scenery guides us closer to the starting point of our trek in the heart of the Himalayas.

2
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

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. The unique Tibetan-Buddhist heritage of the former Kingdom of Lo is visible in every corner.

3
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

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. The barren landscape is dotted with green oases of willow trees and barley fields.

4
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

Pass through traditional villages and see the longest mani wall in Mustang.

5
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

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. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River bed, offering views of distant snow-peaks contrasting with the desert-like terrain.

6
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

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. The unique Tibetan-Buddhist heritage of the former Kingdom of Lo is visible in every corner.

7
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

Explore the ancient monasteries and the royal palace in the city. The trail climbs over low passes, revealing panoramic views of the Mustang plateau and the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges. The barren landscape is dotted with green oases of willow trees and barley fields.

8
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

Leave the main trail, heading east towards the Damodar Kunda trail. We trek along paths carved into sandstone cliffs, passing mysterious ancient caves. The stark beauty and silence of Upper Mustang create a unique mystical trekking experience.

9
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

Visit the incredible cave monastery of Luri Gompa.

10
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

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. The unique Tibetan-Buddhist heritage of the former Kingdom of Lo is visible in every corner.

11
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

Cross high ridges and descend into the Namta Khola valley.

12
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

A tough climb to the base of the pass, preparing for the crossing.

13
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

The most challenging day, crossing the high pass and descending into the Nar Phu region.

14
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

Descend into the Nar Valley, arriving at the ancient village of Nar.

15
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

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. The barren landscape is dotted with green oases of willow trees and barley fields.

16
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

Head up the valley to the remote and fascinating village of Phu. We trek along paths carved into sandstone cliffs, passing mysterious ancient caves. The stark beauty and silence of Upper Mustang create a unique mystical trekking experience.

17
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

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. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River bed, offering views of distant snow-peaks contrasting with the desert-like terrain.

18
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

Begin the descent back down the valley from Phu, passing through rocky gorges and old settlements to reach Meta.

19
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

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. The barren landscape is dotted with green oases of willow trees and barley fields.

20
Trekking Day Max Elev: 5,595m

Long drive back to the capital, completing the epic journey. We embark on a scenic journey today, taking either a spectacular domestic flight or a drive along winding mountain roads, passing lush terraced fields, fast-flowing rivers, and traditional hillside villages. The changing scenery guides us closer to the starting point of our trek in the heart of the Himalayas.

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

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.
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.
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).
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.
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.