The Upper Mustang Trek takes you to a hidden Buddhist kingdom called Mustang, also known as Lo. This remote region in the Himalayas shares a close cultural and geographical connection with Tibet. The area is known for its dry, rocky landscapes, deep canyons, and rich Tibetan heritage.
The trek starts from Kagbeni, the official entry point to Upper Mustang, and follows an ancient trade route beneath the massive Dhaulagiri mountains. The journey leads to Lo-Manthang, the historic walled capital of Mustang, where you can experience traditional Tibetan culture, old monasteries, and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
Throughout the trek, you will explore ancient caves, visit centuries-old monasteries, and witness the unique lifestyle of the Mustang people. Along the way, you’ll see panoramic views of snow-capped peaks like Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. The landscape is completely different from other trekking routes in Nepal, with its desert-like terrain, deep gorges, and red cliffs.
Upon reaching Lo-Manthang, you can visit Namgyal Gompa, Tingkhar village, and the historic King’s Palace. The region is also home to the Amchi Museum and School, where you can learn about ancient Tibetan medicine and its modern practices. A short hike from Lo-Manthang takes you to Gyakar, home to Ghar Gompa, a 1,200-year-old monastery dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. Locals believe that making a wish here will bring good fortune.
The trek takes place at high altitudes between 3,000m and 3,800m, and the dry air can make it more challenging. While locals are used to the altitude, trekkers need to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness. You’ll walk 5 to 7 hours daily, crossing rugged and windy trails. Despite the challenges, the journey offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the preserved Mustang region, following the footsteps of ancient salt traders.
Upper Mustang Trek Highlights
Visit the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang.
Explore centuries-old monasteries and sacred sites.
Experience Tibetan-influenced culture and traditions.
Walk through stunning Mustang landscapes, including red cliffs and deep canyons.
Meet friendly locals and see their traditional way of life.
Witness breathtaking views of Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Discover hidden caves in Chhoser with ancient Buddhist art.
Cross high-altitude passes and admire the rugged beauty of the Himalayas.
Enjoy the peaceful and untouched atmosphere of Mustang.
Capture stunning photographs of picturesque villages and unique landscapes.
Interesting Facts About the Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang was a restricted kingdom until 1992, and even today, visitors need special permits to enter.
Often called the "Forbidden Kingdom," this area has preserved its traditional Tibetan lifestyle, customs, and architecture.
The landscape is dry and desert-like, unlike the lush green hills in most of Nepal.
Upper Mustang is home to centuries-old monasteries like Ghar Gompa and Luri Gompa.
The famous Tiji Festival, a three-day Buddhist celebration, features ancient rituals and masked dances symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
The region has mysterious cave dwellings, some over 2,000 years old, with ancient paintings and artifacts.
The villages have unique Tibetan-style houses with white walls, flat roofs, and colorful window frames.
Despite high-altitude passes and rough terrain, the trek rewards trekkers with unmatched views of the Himalayas.
Tea houses and lodges offer basic accommodation, so booking in advance is recommended.
Trekking in Upper Mustang helps support local communities and preserve their culture and traditions.
How Difficult is the Upper Mustang Trek?
The Upper Mustang Trek is moderately challenging due to its high altitude and dry air. Since the oxygen level is lower, trekkers may find it difficult to breathe. Locals are naturally adapted to the conditions, but visitors need to acclimatize properly and walk at a slow pace.
The trek includes some steep climbs, high mountain passes, and dusty trails. However, the stunning mountain views, unique cultural experience, and well-preserved history make the effort worthwhile.
Since Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, the trek is possible almost all year round. Unlike most trekking routes in Nepal, the monsoon season (June to September) is one of the best times to visit, as there is little to no rainfall. However, winter can be harsh with heavy snow, and many locals migrate to Pokhara and Kathmandu during this time.
To prepare for the trek, it’s recommended to do cardiovascular training, strengthen your leg muscles, and practice hiking before your trip. Also, ensure that your travel insurance covers high-altitude trekking.
Required Permits for Upper Mustang Trek
Since Upper Mustang is a restricted area near Tibet, you must obtain special permits:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – Costs $500 per person for 10 days. If your trek lasts longer, you’ll need to pay an additional $50 per day. This permit is valid from the time you leave Kagbeni until you return.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – Costs $30 per person and covers the entire trek.
Solo trekking is not allowed in Upper Mustang. You must be part of a group with at least two trekkers and travel with an authorized trekking company.
Cost of the Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek costs $1,980 per person, covering permits, accommodation, meals, a licensed trekking guide, transportation, and other essential services. This price ensures a hassle-free experience and supports the local communities while preserving the unique culture of Mustang.
While this might seem expensive, the cost includes access to one of Nepal’s most restricted and culturally significant regions. Trekking here is an investment in both adventure and heritage conservation.
Best Time to Trek to Upper Mustang
Spring (March to May) – Best for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
Monsoon (June to September) – Surprisingly great for trekking as Upper Mustang is dry even during Nepal’s rainy season.
Autumn (October to November) – Another excellent season with stable weather and stunning mountain views.
Winter (December to February) – Very cold, with heavy snowfall blocking trails. Many locals leave Mustang for the winter.
Welcome to Nepal, a beautiful country in the Himalayas. When you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our friendly team will be there to greet you and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After you've had some time to rest and unwind, in the evening, we'll gather for a special welcome dinner at a real Nepalese restaurant in the center of Kathmandu. During this meal, we'll also give you important information about your upcoming adventure. You'll spend the night at the hotel.
After you've had breakfast, we'll start our day with a guided tour of the cultural World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley. You'll get to visit important Hindu pilgrimage places like the Pashupatinath Temple, the huge Bouddhanath Stupa, the Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, and the historical Kathmandu Durbar Square. This area is filled with temples, unique buildings, and you might even see the Kumari, a young living goddess, right in the center of Kathmandu. Later in the evening, we'll have a meeting to discuss the upcoming trip, and you'll get to meet the other members of our trekking team.
After eating breakfast, we start our trip to Pokhara early. The road takes us out of the Kathmandu Valley, following the Trishuli River. We'll stop for lunch when the land becomes flatter. On the way, we might see people doing rafting on the river (maybe an idea for your next adventure). You'll also catch glimpses of faraway mountains. When we get to Pokhara, you'll see even more stunning mountains. One mountain really stands out, and that's Machhapucchre, also known as Fishtail, which is incredibly tall at 6,993 meters. Once you're settled into your hotel, you'll have some free time. You can explore the lakeside area, maybe go for a boat ride on Fewa Lake, check out one of the many lakeside bars, or just relax before dinner.
We kick off our day early by catching a short flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, a thrilling plane ride through the mountains to this intriguing market town in the Mustang region. After arriving in Jomsom, we will walk through the town, cross a small bridge, and then start on a relatively easy and fascinating hike to Kagbeni. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to explore Kagbeni, a small and exceptionally unique village. Its narrow, walled paths are decorated with peculiar clay sculptures. For those who are up for it, there's an option to take a hike up a nearby hill. From there, you'll enjoy a splendid view, looking out over the Kali Gandaki River, with Upper Mustang visible in the distance. You can even spot the winding trail that leads over the opposite hill to Dolpo.
After breakfast, we start our adventure into Upper Mustang! We walk beside the Kali Gandaki River, where strong winds blow through the valley. When we reach Tangbe Village, you'll see white-painted houses surrounded by fields of crops like buckwheat and barley, along with apple orchards. We continue along a ridge until we reach Chele Village.
Today's hike is a bit tougher as we tackle not one but two mountain passes: the Taklam La pass at 3,624 meters and the Darjori La pass at 3,735 meters. While it might make us work a little harder, the towering mountain views and intriguing caves we come across along the way make it all worthwhile.
As we descend into Samar Village, we'll get a glimpse of local life and culture, which adds to the richness of our journey. From there, we continue along a ridge with fantastic panoramic views and then follow another steep trail leading to Syangmoche. This part of the trip offers both a physical challenge and beautiful scenery, creating lasting memories.
Today, we've got more exciting challenges on our trek. First, we'll tackle the Yamada La pass, which stands tall at 3,850 meters. As we continue, you'll spot chortens (Buddhist shrines) and some interesting villages located among fields of golden barley. These places give you a glimpse into the local way of life.
Our journey takes us through forests, and there's another mountain pass to conquer, the Nyi Pass, towering at 4,010 meters. It's a bit of a climb, but it's worth it for the views.
After reaching the Nyi Pass, we head down to Ghami, where we'll spend the night. Ghami is a larger village in this region, and it's in a gorgeous spot, surrounded by fields and natural beauty. It's the perfect place to take a break and enjoy the scenery. This part of the trek is all about beautiful landscapes and learning about the local culture.
Today's trek begins on a challenging path that may be a bit rough and even slippery at times. We'll descend until we reach a suspension bridge that crosses the Ghami Khola. Along the way, you'll come across mani walls, which are walls made of stone with Tibetan mantras carved into them. Our journey includes crossing the Charang La Pass, which is at an altitude of 3,870 meters.
At the top of the Charang Chu canyon, you'll arrive at the village of Charang. This village is not only beautiful but also boasts a fortress and a red gompa situated to the east. Once we've had lunch, you'll have plenty of time to explore and appreciate the rich culture and history of this place. It's a day full of adventure and a chance to discover the local treasures.
As we descend into a canyon, cross a river, and then climb to reach the Lo La pass at 3,950 meters, we get our first glimpse of the enchanting village of Lo Manthang.
Lo Manthang is an ancient walled village and has a special place in history as the traditional home of the King of Lo. It remains a vibrant center for various lively Buddhist festivals. The village is surrounded by beautiful mountains, including Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I, and Bhrikuti Peak, which adds to its unique charm.
Today is a day for exploration in Upper Mustang, and you're in for an unforgettable adventure. We start with a short trek to the Chhoser area, where you'll uncover a fascinating secret: the Jhong Caves, often called the Sky Caves.
These caves are quite a sight, built into the cliffs and rising up to five stories high. Even experts are still puzzled about who built them and why. They might have been used as places for burials, hiding, meditation, and later turned into monasteries, but the true story behind these incredible caves remains a mystery.
During our visit, we'll explore some of these caves, and we'll bring a packed lunch to enjoy the unique ambiance of the caves, the lunar-like landscape, and the surrounding mountains as we take a break and reflect. After our cave exploration, we'll head back to Lo Manthang, where we'll spend the night. It's a day that will leave you in awe and wonder.
Today, we're in for a longer trek, but it's full of interesting things to see. We will reach Gyakar Village, home to the ancient Ghar Gompa, which has incredible rock paintings that have lasted for centuries. It's a tradition to make a wish here, and we'll take some time to explore this lovely gompa before we move on to Dhakmar. This part of the trek is filled with valuable cultural and historical discoveries, making it a truly enriching experience.
This part of the trail is famous for its strong winds, so we begin our day early in the morning. We trek downhill across a dry plateau and pass by fields used for farming until we arrive at Ghiling village. It can be a bit tough and exhausting because of the constant wind, but the magnificent views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains more than make up for it. These awe-inspiring mountain views will make your hard work feel rewarding and leave you with unforgettable memories.
Today, we will walk through charming little villages, giving us a chance to see how the local people here live. As we walk, we'll also get to enjoy the beautiful mountain views all around. It's a day to learn about the local culture, take in the beautiful scenery, and experience how the people here go about their lives.
Today is the day we leave Upper Mustang and head to the lower part, often called Lower Mustang. It's our last day of trekking, and we'll have lunch in Kagbeni. You can explore a small monastery there and look back up at the Kali Gandaki gorge, thinking about the past 10 days in the Kingdom of Lo.
From Kagbeni, we continue to Jomsom, where we rejoin the Annapurna Circuit Trek. It's a mix of emotions as we switch from one trek to another.
Today, we'll wake up early to catch a morning flight to Pokhara. The mountains we've seen from different angles during our trek now have a special meaning to us.
After reaching Pokhara and settling into your hotel, you have the freedom to explore the city, do some shopping around Lakeside, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife. You can have a few drinks and dance at local Nepali or Western-style clubs or simply relax by Fewa Lake, admiring the beautiful city lights. It's a day to unwind and savor the charm of Pokhara.
Wave goodbye to the magnificent Fishtail and Annapurna mountains as we kick off our journey back to Kathmandu. During the drive, take the chance to rest up because you won't want to miss our farewell dinner later!
Before the farewell dinner, you'll have free time to explore the lively Thamel area. Whether you're in the mood for shopping, a relaxing massage, or just sipping coffee at one of the many cozy cafes and restaurants in town, the day is yours to enjoy and unwind in Kathmandu.
The best time to do the Upper Mustang Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is favorable and the skies are clear.
Yes, a special permit called the "Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit" is required for the Upper Mustang Trek. It is issued by the Government of Nepal and can be obtained through a registered trekking agency.
The duration of the Upper Mustang Trek is typically around 10-14 days, depending on the itinerary and your walking pace.
The highest point of the Upper Mustang Trek is the Lo Manthang village, which sits at an altitude of 3,840 meters (12,598 feet) above sea level.
There are no specific age restrictions for the Upper Mustang Trek, but it is recommended to be in good physical health and have prior trekking experience due to the challenging terrain.
Accommodation along the Upper Mustang Trek is basic and typically consists of teahouses or lodges with shared facilities such as bathrooms and dining areas.
Yes, it is important to respect the local culture and traditions. Dress modestly, ask for permission before taking photographs, and be mindful of local customs and practices.
Yes, it is possible to extend or customize the Upper Mustang Trek itinerary according to your preferences. You can discuss this with your trekking agency or guide.
Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers trekking activities, including emergency medical evacuation, in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
The Upper Mustang Trek is considered to be a moderate-level trek. It involves walking for several hours each day on rugged terrain, so a good level of fitness and prior trekking experience is recommended.
The cost of the Upper Mustang Trek can vary depending on factors such as the duration of the trek, the services included, and the trekking agency you choose. It is best to contact a reputable trekking agency for specific pricing details.
There are no strict age restrictions for the Upper Mustang Trek, but it is important to be in good physical health and have the ability to walk for several hours each day. It is recommended to consult with a doctor before undertaking the trek, especially for older individuals.
The Upper Mustang Trek requires a special permit and is a restricted area, so it is mandatory to have a registered guide with you. A guide will not only ensure your safety but also provide valuable insights into the local culture and help with navigation.
Trekking gear is essential equipment and clothing required for safe and comfortable trekking in various terrains and weather conditions. Having the right trekking gear can significantly enhance your trekking experience and ensure your safety on the trails. Here's a list of basic trekking gear that you should consider carrying for your trekking adventure:
Backpack: A durable and comfortable backpack with proper shoulder straps and waist belt to carry all your gear during the trek.
Trekking Boots: Sturdy and waterproof trekking boots with good ankle support to protect your feet and provide stability on uneven terrains.
Moisture-Wicking Socks: High-quality moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and prevent blisters.
Trekking Pants: Lightweight and quick-drying pants that are comfortable for trekking. Convertible pants that can be converted into shorts are also useful.
Trekking Shirts: Moisture-wicking and breathable shirts that provide protection from the sun.
Insulating Layers: Depending on the trek's altitude and weather, carry insulating layers such as a fleece jacket or down jacket.
Rain Jacket: A waterproof and breathable rain jacket to protect you from rain and wind.
Hat and Gloves: A wide-brimmed hat to shield you from the sun and cold-weather gloves for higher altitudes.
Trekking Poles: Lightweight and adjustable trekking poles to provide stability and reduce strain on your knees during descents.
Headlamp/Flashlight: A reliable headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries for night trekking or power outages in lodges.
Sleeping Bag: A high-quality and warm sleeping bag suitable for the expected temperatures during the trek.
Trekking Towel: A compact and quick-drying towel for personal hygiene during the trek.
Water Bottles/Hydration System: Carry reusable water bottles or a hydration system to stay hydrated during the trek.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm: High SPF sunscreen and lip balm with UV protection to safeguard your skin from the sun's rays.
First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit with essentials like adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and blister treatment.
Personal Toiletries: Carry biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene items.
Camera and Binoculars: Optional but great for capturing memories and observing wildlife during the trek.
Trekking Map/GPS: A detailed trekking map or GPS device to help you navigate the trails.
Reusable Trash Bag: To minimize your environmental impact, carry a reusable trash bag to pack out any waste.
Remember to pack light and choose high-quality gear that suits the specific trekking conditions. The type of gear required may vary based on the trek's difficulty, altitude, and climate. Before embarking on your trek, consult with your trekking agency or guide for a comprehensive packing list tailored to your specific trekking destination.
The best times to trek in Upper Mustang, Nepal, are spring (April to early June) and autumn (late September to early November). Here's a simple breakdown:
You can also trek in late winter (February to March) and late autumn (November to December), but expect colder weather and possible snow in some areas during these times. Avoid trekking during the monsoon season (June to early September) because of heavy rain and muddy trails.
Keep in mind that mountain weather can be unpredictable, so check the latest conditions before your trek.
If this trip is not suitable for you. We can make Tailor Made Trip for you.
