Approaching Teri La | Garry Weare

Yuri gompa Mustang Guru Ringboche | Garry Weare

Mustang trekkers above Tangge | Garry Weare

Dramatic views from Chosar indicative of the final stages of the Teri La trek | Garry Weare

Tangge village | Garry Weare

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Annapurna to Mustang Traverse via Teri La

Cross the remote Teri La Pass on a true Annapurna to Mustang high altitude traverse.

Nepal

21 Days from

$5215 USD

$5490 USD

Trip Code: TER

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Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement on Trek -Tent/Lodge - Annapurna to Mustang Traverse via Teri La

$300 USD

Duration

21 Days

Activities

13 day Trek

Style

Classic Adventures

Accommodation

10 nights hotels and lodges
10 nights wilderness camping

Meals

Valued at USD$$900

17 Dinners
17 Lunches
20 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Carbon Footprint

17kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(348kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Cross the remote Teri La Pass (5,540m), a challenging and rarely trekked high Himalayan crossing
Journey from the verdant Nar Phu valleys into the stark, windswept landscapes of Upper Mustang
Experience the deeply rooted Tibetan Buddhist culture of Mustang
Explore the walled capital of Lo Manthang, the historic heart of the former Kingdom of Mustang
Take in magnificent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs and the snow-capped peaks of the Saribung Range
An innovative route revealing a lesser-known side of Mustang, even for returning visitors

Overview

Few treks can rival the exhilaration of this journey through the ancient kingdom of Mustang. Crossing the remote Teri La (5,540m), we link the lush, hidden valleys of the Nar Phu region with the stark, wind-sculpted landscapes of Mustang, stretching to the borderlands of Tibet. Along the way, we immerse ourselves in a deeply rooted Buddhist culture, passing through isolated settlements and intimate monasteries as we make our final approach to the walled city of Lo Manthang. For trekkers who have explored the Trans-Himalayan regions of Ladakh or Dolpo, this route is a natural and rewarding progression. And even for those who have visited Mustang before, this innovative trek reveals a lesser-known side of the region, proving there is still so much more to discover.

Itinerary

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Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson Hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace. A pre trek briefing will take place at approximately 4:30 pm, during which arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down or fibrefill jacket. In the evening, we head out for a welcome dinner, a wonderful opportunity to get to know your fellow group members before the adventure begins. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel

Meals: Nil

We set off early this morning, travelling by private vehicle for approximately 6 to 7 hours along the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway before turning north at Dumre to follow the dramatic Marsyangdi Valley. We stop for lunch in the riverside town of Besi Sahar (820 m / 2,690 ft), where we transfer into 4WD jeeps for the final stretch of the journey. From here, the drive becomes more adventurous, taking approximately 4 to 5 hours along rugged off-road trails that follow sections of the old Annapurna Circuit route. The road winds through narrow gorges, past cascading waterfalls and traditional hillside villages, including Taal, the first village of the Manang District. While the terrain can be rough in places, the mountain scenery is spectacular throughout. Upon arrival in Koto (2,600 m / 8,530 ft), we meet our local trekking crew and complete final preparations before beginning our trek. Accommodation: Lodge, Koto

Meals: B,L,D

This morning our local leader ensures that all restricted area permits are formally endorsed before we depart. Leaving the main Annapurna Circuit trail behind, we enter the remote and culturally distinct Nar Phu Valley, following a quieter path along the Nar Khola. The trail winds through forests of pine and fir, crossing suspension bridges and passing small clearings as we gradually gain elevation. We stop for lunch at Odar, a small riverside settlement, before continuing deeper into the valley. By mid to late afternoon, we reach Forest Camp Upper Koto Camp (2,950 m / 9,678 ft), a peaceful campsite set among tall trees with views toward Annapurna II (7,932 m / 26,024 ft) rising high above the valley. This marks our first night in the secluded Nar Phu region. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

The ascent to Meta leads through a dramatic gorge, where mixed forest, narrow rock walls and tumbling waterfalls create a striking sense of scale. After several hours, the trail steepens as we climb through conifer forest, gaining height steadily above the valley floor. Emerging from the trees, we arrive at Meta, a small settlement where Tibetan-influenced culture is evident in local architecture, dress and daily life. From the village, there are outstanding views of a vast wall of snow-capped peaks rising toward Annapurna II (7,932m / 26,024ft). Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

After about an hour on the trail, we cross the Nar Phu Khola before traversing high above Tashi Chöling Monastery, which serves the remote communities of Nar and Phu. The path then climbs steeply toward Nar Village, opening up expansive views back to Meta and north across the rugged terrain leading toward Phu. As we approach the village, a series of impressive mani walls signals the strong Buddhist traditions that shape daily life here. The increasingly arid landscape reflects our position above the monsoon’s reach, lending the valley a stark, high-altitude character. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Today is a scheduled contingency day in Nar Village, built into the itinerary to provide flexibility in the event of weather, trail or permit-related delays earlier in the trek. If the journey is progressing on schedule, this day may be used later in the itinerary where conditions or acclimatisation are better suited. Remaining in Nar allows time to rest, explore the village and observe daily life shaped by high-altitude Tibetan-influenced culture. This buffer enhances safety and comfort while preserving the overall flow of the expedition. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

From a prayer-flag-lined ridge just above Nar we gain a clear sense of what lies ahead on today’s trek. Although the open meadows and spring lines of Chaungseng Kharka appear close it takes most of the day to reach them. The trail first descends 450 metres to the Labse Khola a river flowing from the Saribung Range which we will follow for the next two stages. After trekking along the river we begin a steady ascent to the meadow and the first spring lines before a final climb to our campsite. Expansive views open out towards Chulu East to the southwest and north across the rugged Damodar Range creating a striking high mountain panorama. Camera traps installed by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project are visible along the trail monitoring snow leopard activity and tracking whether leopards from lower gorges range to these elevations. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

We continue following the Labse Khola contouring high above the river at times before descending to the riverbed. The trail then tracks the river for several kilometres before climbing across sparse high pastures where herds of yaks from Nar graze during the summer months. After a final river crossing a sustained ascent leads to an established campsite. In late spring villagers from Nar base themselves here to harvest the highly prized caterpillar fungus yarsagumba which is sold in China for its reputed medicinal properties. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

We follow a well-defined trail crossing a series of side streams high above the Labse Khola. After several hours we reach the confluence of the Labse Khola and a river flowing from the north. When conditions allow we cross by bridge before tackling a very steep ascent to an open plateau. From here the route continues across high ground to our camp. The day’s effort is rewarded with dramatic views of multiple 6,000 metre peaks forming the Damodar Range. Golden eagles and lammergeiers are often seen circling overhead while herds of bharal graze on the highest meadows. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

A short stage follows the upper course of the river flowing from Teri La. Our camp is set on an expansive meadow where the route ahead into Mustang is clearly visible. Sweeping mountain views confirm our position deep in the heart of the Trans-Himalaya. An early night prepares us for the crossing of Teri La the following day. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

A long and demanding day. From camp we follow the river as it climbs gradually across the terminal moraine before the trail winds past a series of glacial lakes with expansive views back to an impressive cluster of largely unclimbed 6,000 metre peaks. The final ascent leads to prayer flags and rock cairns marking the summit of Teri La reached after around three hours of climbing. From the pass an awe-inspiring panorama opens to the southwest including Purbung Himal Purkang and Belgian Peak forming the dramatic divide between the Thorong La and the headwaters of the Yak Khola. From Teri La we descend for one and a half hours to reach an upper tributary of the Yak Khola but the day is far from over. A steady climb across scree slopes leads to a minor ridge offering brief views back towards the Damodar Range before a long traverse across loose scree and rocky outcrops to a final viewpoint overlooking our campsite. A sustained descent brings us to the valley floor and our first camp in Mustang. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

A well-defined trail traverses a series of steep side gullies before climbing onto open grazing meadows. We reach a small encampment by late morning for a well-earned lunch break before continuing on a gradual ascent. The route winds past stands of silver birch to a ridge from where our onward line to the shepherd encampment at Kurano Kao is clearly visible. During the summer months this camp is occupied by villagers from Tangge who graze livestock here until early autumn. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

The day begins with a steep ascent crossing several side gullies to reach a small pass with outstanding views of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna Range including a rare perspective on Annapurna I. From the pass the route continues for a final climb to our campsite which commands a remarkable bird’s-eye view across the Kingdom of Mustang. Far below Tsarang and Lo Manthang are clearly visible while to the north the dividing range between Mustang and Tibet comes into view including a Chinese watchtower on the Nepal–Tibet border. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

After the rigours of the previous stages the trek to Tangge is relatively straightforward. We descend steadily on a well-defined trail with wide-ranging views across Upper Mustang before reaching Tangge village the first permanent settlement encountered since leaving Nar over a week earlier. After lunch there is time to explore this sprawling whitewashed village with its distinctive chortens and small monasteries reflecting Tangge’s deeply rooted cultural heritage. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

We begin the day with a steep and sustained ascent out of Tangge rewarded by expansive views back towards Dhaulagiri and the Nilgiri Range. The climb continues to a small pass at 4,000 metres before crossing a short section of dirt road that will eventually link Tangge with Tsarang a development gradually reshaping the cultural landscape of the Kingdom of Mustang. From the pass the trail traverses above a small camp and irrigated fields to the roadhead where our vehicle awaits for the short drive to Tsarang the former capital of Lo Manthang. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

A short drive takes us from Tsarang to Lo Manthang. On arrival there is time to wander the markets and intricate back alleyways absorbing the atmosphere of this ancient walled capital as it navigates the transition into the 21st century following the opening of the nearby border with Tibet. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Today we explore the historic and cultural heart of the Mustang region. Lo Manthang is home to three principal Buddhist monasteries each reflecting a distinctive Tibetan–Nepalese architectural style. These include Thupchen Gompa extensively restored over the past fifteen years the 13th century Chode Gompa and Jampa Monastery founded in the 14th century. Time is also available to wander the lanes within the walled city and observe daily life in this remarkable high altitude settlement. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

One of the most spectacular drives in Nepal. Shortly after leaving Lo Manthang we pass Tsarang the former capital of Upper Mustang and the historic settlement of Ghemi before continuing through villages that until recently were accessible only by foot trails. As we travel south the stark landscapes beneath the Saribung Range underline our position north of the Great Himalaya. The route descends to cross the Kali Gandaki at Chhusang before continuing to the Mustang checkpoint at Kagbeni and onward to Jomsom where we stay in a well-appointed lodge. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we take an early flight from Jomsom to Pokhara a dramatic 35-minute journey through the Kali Gandaki Gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. After a short layover we continue by air to Kathmandu on a 30-minute flight tracing the Himalayan arc past the Annapurna Manaslu Ganesh and Langtang ranges. On arrival we transfer to our hotel. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Kathmandu

Meals: B

A full day to explore Kathmandu’s markets and cultural landmarks. Options include visiting the UNESCO World Heritage–listed sites of Pashupatinath Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and principal cremation site and Boudhanath the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most important Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside Tibet. Alternatively explore the markets and bookshops of Thamel or visit other iconic sites such as Swayambhunath or the historic plazas of Patan Bhaktapur or Kathmandu Durbar Square. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel Kathmandu

Meals: B

After breakfast the trip concludes with a transfer to the airport for onward travel.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

20 breakfasts, 17 lunches and 17 dinners, including all meals on trek (valued at US$900)
Internal domestic flights between Jomsom, Pokhara and Kathmandu (valued at US$250)
Airport transfers if arriving on Day 1 and Day 21
Expert bilingual local trekking guide
Comprehensive group medical kit
Good quality accommodation in Kathmandu
Accommodation on trek in fully serviced wilderness campsites
Use of a World Expeditions trek pack, including a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre-fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
All national park entrance fees, trekking permits and special permits for Nar Phu and Mustang (valued at US$600)
Mules and porters to carry all personal and group equipment, including porter insurance
Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag

Not included

International flights
Visa
Travel insurance
Meals not listed as included
Personal expenses such as laundry, etc.
Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
Tips and gratuities
Any items not listed as included