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Upper Mustang Trekking

Upper Mustang Trekking
  • Small group adventure
  • Guaranteed Departures
  • Best price guaranteed

Overview And Highlights

TRIP FACTS

curve line
Accommodation Tea House
Max Altitude 3,950m / 13,035 ft
Best Season April to October
Trip Duration 14 Days
Trip Grade Adventurous.

Upper Mustang Trekking is an adventure through one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich regions. Nestled in the northwestern Himalayas, Upper Mustang is a once-restricted kingdom that has only been open to trekkers for the past few decades. This arid yet stunning landscape, with its ancient Buddhist monasteries, vibrant Tibetan-influenced culture, and breathtaking Himalayan scenery, offers an unforgettable trekking experience.

Why Trek to Upper Mustang?

Upper Mustang remains one of Nepal’s most exclusive trekking destinations due to its fragile and pristine ecosystem. The Nepalese government regulates access by issuing a limited number of special trekking permits each year, preserving the region's untouched beauty and unique cultural heritage. This trek takes you across a dramatic desert-like landscape, part of the Tibetan plateau, featuring eroded cliffs, deep canyons, and timeless Buddhist traditions.

A Cultural and Scenic Experience

This trek offers a deep dive into Tibetan Buddhist and Bon culture, dating back centuries. As Upper Mustang borders Tibet, its culture is heavily influenced by Tibetan traditions. Trekking along the ancient Trans-Himalayan Salt/Caravan Route, you’ll encounter colorful prayer flags, mani walls, and age-old monasteries, all set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks.

Trekking Itinerary Overview

Your adventure begins with a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, the gateway to Mustang. From here, the journey unfolds as you trek through Lower Mustang’s barren yet picturesque terrain before entering Upper Mustang. The route leads to Lo-Manthang, the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, where you’ll explore its ancient monasteries, the royal palace, and the renowned sky caves of Chhoser.

After exploring Lo-Manthang, the return journey follows a similar route, allowing you to revisit spectacular landscapes, monasteries, and traditional villages before flying back from Jomsom to Pokhara. The trek concludes with a return journey to Kathmandu, marking the end of your incredible 18-day Upper Mustang adventure.

Highlights of Upper Mustang Trekking

✔ Trek across the high-altitude desert landscape of Upper Mustang, part of the vast Tibetan plateau.
✔ Marvel at panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Fishtail peaks.
✔ Explore the unique culture and traditions of the Mustang region, with visits to its ancient monasteries.
✔ Discover the hidden sky caves of Chhoser, an archaeological mystery.
✔ Experience the walled city of Lo-Manthang, the heart of the former Kingdom of Lo.
✔ Walk through the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the world's deepest canyon.
✔ Witness traditional Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies and local hospitality.

Best Season for Upper Mustang Trekking

Unlike most trekking routes in Nepal, Upper Mustang is a year-round trekking destination. Located in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif, it remains dry even during the monsoon season, making it one of the few treks that can be enjoyed during summer.

  • Spring (March – May): Pleasant weather with clear skies and blooming wildflowers.

  • Monsoon (June – August): A unique opportunity to trek without rainfall due to the Himalayan rain shadow.

  • Autumn (September – November): Ideal temperatures and stunning visibility make this the most popular season.

  • Winter (December – February): A quieter trekking experience with snow-covered landscapes, though temperatures can be very cold.

Essential Trekking Gear for Upper Mustang

Packing wisely ensures a comfortable and safe trekking experience. Here’s what you need:

Clothing & Footwear

  • Woolen socks & gloves

  • Warm jacket/pullover

  • Waterproof & windproof outerwear

  • Long-sleeved t-shirts and trekking pants

  • Comfortable trekking boots & sandals

Gear & Accessories

  • Backpack with rain cover

  • Sleeping bag

  • Trekking poles

  • Headlamp/torch

  • Sunglasses, sunscreen & sun hat

  • First aid kit & personal medicines

  • Reusable water bottle

Electronics & Personal Items

  • Camera & spare batteries

  • Power adapter & chargers

  • Travel towel & toiletries

Itinerary Expand All Close All

Morning traveling by coach or in private vehicles (depending upon group size), where drive leads on interesting and exciting highway, one of the busiest roads linking capital with other districts of Nepal.

Heading towards Nepal Mid West to reach at beautiful Pokhara city located on a green valley surrounded with rolling hills and snow capped mountains.

On reaching Pokhara transfer to respective hotels near calm and serene Phewa Lake with afternoon free for short walks.

(Flying options 30 minutes of scenic flight to Pokhara)

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
950

After a pleasant overnight in Pokhara, morning drive to airport for short scenic flight to Jomsom with close views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range of mountains as the flight touches at Jomsom airport located on the shelf of Kali-Gandaki River.

Jomsom, headquarter town of Mustang district, after Jomsom first day trek begins on Kali-Gandaki River valley around windswept country, few hours of good walk with great views of
Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiris then reaching Kagbeni village.

A nice Tibetan style village, this is a start and ending point of Upper Mustang area towards Forbidden City of Lo Manthang, on an old Himalayan Caravan trade route to Tibet.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2804

Morning walk starts with uphill climb into a canyon of high red eroded cliff edge, following upper upstream of Kailgandaki River, within unique landscapes of cliff walls, a nice walk with views brings you to our overnight stop at Chele, a moderate size village also spelled as Tsele.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3050

From Tsele or Chele, morning begins with a climb to Gyakar village, and from here walk around dry and barren landscapes to reach at Samar village, one of the lovely looking villages of Mustang area.

After Samar village with short stops walk to Bhena and then leading with a steep climb to a ridge top of Yamda La pass at 3,860 meters high, offering grand vista of Mustang area with high mountains of Mt. Dhaulagiri.

From here on down-hill to overnight stop at Geling village via Syangboche village.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3540

Morning with time visit to its old monastery with Buddhist mani prayer wheels propelled with water power, after monastery tour trek to Ghami village and then cross Ghaymi Khola (stream) walk leads following a long and interesting line of Mani walls (holy prayer stone) from here walk to Dhakmar village, after hours of pleasant walk reaching at Tsarang village surrounded by large fields of crops buck wheat’s with overnight stop and visit of Tsarang old monastery.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3560

Today a short walk to Lo -Manthang of few hours trek to reach our main destination of this great adventure to enter the wall city (actually a large village) the fort guarding the city / village surrounded by high wall. At one time stood as a forbidden kingdom after monarchy rule ended in Nepal few past decade, on the walk coming across several chhorten and mani stones, between Tsarang and on Lo Manthang trail with grand views of arid landscapes in the shade of Nilgiri’s, Tilicho and Bhrikuti peaks.

Walk leads to Lo La pass at 3,950 meters with views of Lo Manthang the walled city and then descend reaching a nice trail to Lo Manthang for two night stops.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3700

Lo Manthang highest overnight stop of this journey, with time to explore this fascinating village with old Tibetan like houses enclosed within great high wall, visit historical and cultural centre the main attraction of Lo-Manthang.

The four main monasteries are Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House), Red Thubchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the great Entrance Hall.
Advance permission required to enter king’s palace to visit interior of the old palace and to grant audience with former king or Raja of Mustang if possible.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3700

After an interesting time in Lo-Manthang morning walk starts on the same route back to Marang village, and then walk west using an old path to Dhakmar village for overnight stop.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3810

From Dhakmar village, morning walk heading on the same route with long series of Mani Walls, and then cross a bridge over Ghami Khola to reach at Ghami village for overnight, time permitting visit Geling monastery.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3806

Slowly this fascinating walk comes to an end after a short climb to Syangboche village, and to Yamda La with grand views, then downhill to Bhena and Samar villages.

Walk leads by a stream passing Gyakar and Chele villages and finally ending this nice walk at Chusang village.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Tented Camp
Elevation
2980

From Chusang village rest of the journey is easier losing more altitude with moderate walks all the way with a big drop of 1,200m downhill to Kaligandaki river valley at Kagbeni for overnight stop with time to explore this interesting once again.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2804

After a pleasant and refreshing overnight at Kagbeni village walk leads to Kaligandaki river valley to reach back at Jomsom for last overnight stop of this marvelous adventure.

Jomsom headquarter town of Mustang area with small airstrip above Kaligandaki River and main place of local Thakali tribes the native of Kaligandaki areas interwoven with Buddhism religion.

Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2715

Early morning transfer to Jomsom airport where the flight times in the morning times before noon (due to heavy winds).

On boarding a small aircraft taking off for Pokhara with sweeping panorama of Dhaulagiri-Nilgiris and Annapurna range of mountains, on reaching Pokhara transfer to respective hotels for overnight stop by the Lake Phewa.

Pokhara, a popular touristic city, where the peaks of Annapurna Mountain range reflects on its beautiful serene lakes of Phewa and Begnas.

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
860

Morning a drive to Kathmandu after a wonderful experience on Upper Mustang trekking, on reaching Kathmandu transfer to your hotels with afternoon free at leisure for individual activities and shopping.

(Flying options 30 minutes of scenic flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara)

Food
Breakfast
Accomodation
Hotel
Elevation
1350

What Is Included ?

  • Accommodation at hotel in Pokhara
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara and Return by tourist vehicle
  • Pokhara to Jomsom by domestic transporatation (flight or bus/local jeep)
  • Upper mustang special permit 
  • All the ground transportation as per itinerary
  • Trekking equipment like down filled sleeping bag, walking poles and duffel bag
  • An experienced government license holder guide
  • Salary, Insurance, Equipment, Travel Fare, Food and Accommodation for guide and porter
  • Full meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek
  • Hot Drinks (Tea and Coffee)
  • All government and local taxes

What Is Excluded?

  • Lunch/Dinner in Pokhara
  • Boiled water
  • Tips for guide, porter and driver
  • Travel insurance and evacuation insurance
  • Personal nature expense – alcoholic beverages, laundry, hot shower, shopping etc.

Upper Mustang Trekking Altitude Profile

FAQs

As Mustang is located in the rain shadow of the Himalayas thanks to Dhaulagiri massif, Upper Mustang Trekking can be done all year long. It is one of the few treks in Nepal that can be performed with no issues during monsoon. Winter trekking might be the choice for you if you feel like enjoying the extra snow and mountain views, although the colder temperatures can be an issue for some. As usual, the spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) seasons are very good periods as well thanks to their stable weather, moderate temperatures and clear views. What season you choose simply depends on your preferences.

The Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate to challenging trek that requires a good level of fitness and endurance. The trek involves long and steep ascents and descents, high altitudes, and unpredictable weather conditions.

The Upper Mustang Trek takes around 12-14 days, depending on the itinerary and the pace of the trekker.

The Upper Mustang Trek requires two permits: The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued by the Nepali government.

The maximum altitude reached during the Upper Mustang Trek is 3,800 meters (12,467 feet) at the Lo La Pass.

During the Upper Mustang Trek, basic teahouses and lodges are available for accommodation, offering basic facilities such as twin sharing rooms, shared toilets, and hot showers.

During the Upper Mustang Trek, you can expect to find a variety of dishes, including Nepali, Tibetan, and Western cuisines. Dal Bhat, a traditional Nepali dish, is a popular choice among trekkers, as it is a great source of energy.

Some safety precautions to be taken during the Upper Mustang Trek include acclimatizing properly to the high altitude, carrying enough warm clothing, carrying enough water and staying hydrated, and following the trekking guide's instructions.

Some essential equipment required for the Upper Mustang Trek include sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing, a backpack, a sleeping bag, a first aid kit, and a water bottle.

  1. The cultural and natural attractions of the Upper Mustang Trek include ancient Buddhist monasteries, barren desert landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and unique rock formations.

Yes, solo travelers can join a group for the Upper Mustang Trek through trekking agencies.

The cancellation policy for the Upper Mustang Trek varies depending on the trekking agency and the terms and conditions. It is advisable to read the cancellation policy before booking the trek.

  • Small group adventure
  • Guaranteed Departures
  • Best price guaranteed

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