- Duration
- 14 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Max Altitude
- 3800 m
- Destination
- Nepal
- Activity
- Trekking
- Group Size
- 2
- Transport
- Flight/Drive
- Meals
- B.D.L.
- Season
- Sep-Dec & Mar-May
- Start / End Point
- Pokhara to Pokhara
Trip overview
Nepal is a secular federal state as of 28th May 2008. The name of this country used to be the Nepal Kingdom before as it was ruled by the Shah dynasty king. Interestingly, Upper Mustang still practices the monarchial system at least in its area. Therefore, the place is also famously known as the Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal.
Trekkers who visit the region can experience the contrasting diversity of landscape, nature, and culture. Relish the chance to experience the Himalayan desert, caves, and the last village of Nepal bordering China. Upper Mustang Trek can be a splendid walking trip so far in your life as it endows attractions ranging from cultural to natural aspects with the mountain vistas as some added incentives.
The Upper Mustang region of Nepal is a mythically and naturally significant area. It is under a restricted trekking zone. Earlier, foreigners were not allowed to enter the place. Nowadays, people can visit the place only after getting a special permit. Trekkers have to fulfill certain requirements.
What are the requirements for Upper Mustang Trek?
Unlike regular trekking destinations in Nepal, in order to do the Upper Mustang Trek, trekkers have to fulfill certain requirements. Solo trekking is prohibited. For the trekkers to do the trekking, they must be in a group of at least two trekkers. The trekking has to be operated by the trekking agency.
You can’t go drifting in the area. A special immigration permit will be issued by the immigration department of the Foreign Ministry of Nepal. ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card is also required. Only the Nepal Government licensed trekking guide can take the trekkers to the region.
Lomanthang (Kingdom of Himalaya)
The capital of the Upper Mustang region of Nepal is the city of Lomanthang. In the Tibetan language, Lomanthang refers to the walled city. Yes, the place is surrounded by walls. Travelers can feel the mythical power within the city. The old houses and the monasteries make the city spiritual. There is still the provision of a king in the city and people have been following their traditions to date. The Namgyal Monastery is the iconic monastery present in the area. This spiritual place hosts the famous Tiji Festival of the region as well.
Ancient Hill Caves and Mountain Vista on the South
The village of Upper Mustang is called as the village beyond mountains (Himal Paari ko Gaon in the Nepali Language). Trekkers can see the mountains in the southern direction. Most of the mountains are in the northern direction. However, you can see the mountains on the south side which is so peculiar to the region.
Hill Caves are the cultural and natural attractions of the region. There are numerous habitable caves on the hills. It is believed that during times of famine and war, people took shelter in those mountain caves. Moreover, holy gurus and rinpoches also meditated in these caves.
Tiji Festival
The biggest festival of the Upper Mustang region of Nepal is the Tiji Festival. The festival falls normally in the month of May every year. The exact dates of the festival are changed every year. If you would like to observe this festival, do the Short Upper Mustang Trek at this time.
The festival is celebrated to mark the victory of truth and good deeds over evil. According to the myth, the demon was about to destroy the whole region. His son Dorje Jono summoned the gods and destroyed demons in order to protect the land. Therefore, people celebrate with colorful dances and recite many mantras during this festival. Relish the chance to understand the rituals and traditions of Tibetan origin Nepalese people.
Upper Mustang Trek is an Ideal Monsoon Season Trekking Route
An ideal time to do trekking activities in Nepal is during the months of spring and autumn season. However, you can do the Upper Mustang Trek in the monsoon season as well. The place is the rain shadow area. Therefore, the region experiences very less rainfall and it is possible to do trekking during this season. Besides the individual Upper Mustang Trek, you can visit the place during the Annapurna Circuit Trek as well. Either you can visit the region after crossing the Thorong La pass or after visiting the Upper Mustang, you can do the Annapurna Circuit Trek from the anti-clockwise direction.
Overland Jeep Tour vs Trekking
The road network has stretched up to Lomanthang from Jomsom. Therefore, lots of people do the overland jeep tour as well. The road is graveled and bumpy though. Travelers need to do the road trip in either motorbikes or the four-wheeled jeep. Lots of Indian travelers prefer to do the jeep or bullet bike tour in the region. Nowadays, people prefer to do cycling in the region as well.
Some of the adventurous cyclists do the Annapurna Circuit cycling tour and add the Upper Mustang region as well. The risk of altitude sickness is very high while doing the overland jeep tour. The gain in altitude is rapid during the road trip. Therefore, people prefer to do trekking as well. Either way of traveling can endow the breathtaking experience of the region.
Kaligandaki River, Gorge, and Fossil (Shaligram)
The Kaligandaki River and the gorge are very famous across the globe. In fact, the gorge is the deepest gorge in the world. The holy fossil which is regarded as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu can be found in the shores of the river. These stones are sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. During the Upper Mustang Trek, you can bless your soul with the spiritual awakening experiences both the Buddhists and Hindus way.
The cost of the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal ranges from 1750 USD to 3400 USD. You can customize the itinerary as well. With us, you can get the updated itinerary of Upper Mustang Trek. Moreover, our experience in the field of Nepal Trekking helps to complete the legal and administrative formalities before the trip. Therefore, book the Upper Mustang trekking in Nepal with us and trek to this mythical place hassle-free.
Itinerary
Day 1:Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel:
After landing your flight at TIA, representative of Nepal High Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd. will warmly welcome you to Nepal. Then we will shift you toward your Hotel. In the evening our guide will meet you for the discussion of Upper Mustang trek with a delicious dinner.
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Day 2:Drive to Pokhara by sofa tourist bus (810 m) (78/9 hours).
- 810 m
From today, our journey starts and we should drive almost 202km to reach Pokhara. Even though there is an option to fly to Pokhara and it takes 35 minutes by flight. It takes us about 8 to 9 hours. In our journey toward Pokhara, we will enjoy with the spectacular scenery of roadside houses and forests. After reaching Pokhar,a we will spend our leisure time visiting the beautiful area of Lakeside.
- 03
Day 3:Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2700m) and trek to Kagbeni (2858m) – 4 Hours:
- 2,700 m
We will catch the short morning flight over to Jomsom. From the flight magnificent view of mountain ranges with snow, a cap can be seen. After reaching Jomsom, we will carry our bag and start our trek which leads us to Kagbeni (desert of Nepal).
- 04
Day 4:Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3050m) – 6/7Hours:
- 3,050 m
After check our special permit at Kaagbeni we will continue our journey toward Chele. We will unknowingly picturesque desert valley of Nepal which will be so much interesting. We will walk in sandy and windy trails with up and downhill. Slowly walking we will reach the small ridges at Chele Village where we will spend our night.
- 05
Day 5:Trek from Chele to Syangboche (3475m) – 7/8 Hours:
- 3,475 m
From Chele, we will continue our walk toward Syangboche. We need to walk through Ekle Bhatti. After crossing Taklam La pass (3624m) we almost complete today’s walk. We need to walk on plateaus and narrow stretches. The panoramic scene of Tilicho Peak, Damodar Danda, and Yaskawa Kang will be so much memory.
- 06
Day 6:Trek from Syangboche to Ghaymi (3520m) – 6/7 Hours:
- 3,520 m
After having breakfast we resume our trekking to Ghaymi. Walking uphill to Yamada La (3850m) our journey starts. Many teahouses and local villages with Tibetan culture and traditions can be seen during our walk. Climbing the Nyi Pass (4010m) and descending for a while lastly we will reach Ghaymi village.
- 07
Day 7:Trek from Ghaymi to Charang (3500m) — 6/7 Hours:
- 3,500 m
Early morning we walk toward Charang. First of all, we need to cross Ghaymi Khola to start our journey. Ascending on the plateau and passing beside a very long Mani wall (a sacred stone wall made by the followers of Buddhism) we will Charang village of a maze of fields for our cool night.
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Day 8:Trek from Charang to Lo-Manthang (3700m) – 4/5 Hours:
- 3,700 m
After having breakfast we trek toward Lo-Manthang. We need to walk through the main trail. Magnificent views of Tilicho, Annapurna I, Nilgiri, and Bhrikuti Peak can be seen through our trial. Finally, we will be at Lo from where we can observe the panoramic view of Lo-Mangthang valley.
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Day 9:Acclimatization at Lo-Manthang and Visit to Chhosar cave - 4/5 Hrs
Today we spend our whole day exploring at Lo-Manthang. First of all, we will visit Namgyal Gompa (situated on a hilltop considered as an important monastery in the local community) and Tingkhar (the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Manthang). In this way, we will spend the whole day.
- 10
Day 10:Trek from Lo-Manthang to Drakmar (3810m) – 7 Hours
- 3,810 m
From Lo-Manthang our returning journey starts through different parts. Our walk goes through Gyakar with Ghar Gompa (more than 1200 years old) with Guru Rinpoche as the primary figure. We continue our trek by exploring the local area and at the end of the day, we will reach Drakmar.
- 11
Day 11:Trek from Drakmar to Ghiling (3806m) – 6/7 Hours
- 3,806 m
Early morning after having breakfast, we return back to Ghiling. At midday, we will reach Ghiling. We will spend our remaining day exploring the area. But it’s more likely to get the dusty wind in the afternoon. It is better not to walk in the evening time. After exploring we will return back to our place for a night.
- 12
Day 12:Trek from Ghiling to Chhuksang (3050m) – 6/7 Hours:
- 3,050 m
After having breakfast, we will continue our walk toward Chhuksang. We need to walk through the main trail. We will be pleased with the beautiful scenery which will be so much impressive. Walking slowly on Humpty Dumpty way we lastly reach Chhuksang where we will spend our night at a lodge.
- 13
Day 13:Trek from Chhuksang to Jomsom (2700m) – 7 Hours:
- 2,700 m
From Chhuksang we will move toward Jomsom. Panoramic view of all around the surrounding with giant mountains can be seen in our way. A beautiful glimpse of great ranges of giant mountains will be joyful. We will be moving until we will reach to the Jomsom where we will stay our night.
- 14
Day 14:Fly back to Pokhara:
We will catch the early morning flight over to Pokhara. From the flight magnificent view of mountain ranges with snow, a cap can be seen. After reaching Pokhara we will view and visit the local market at Lakeside in our leisure time. Then we will return back to the hotel to stay at our memorable night.
- 15
Day 15:Drive back to Kathmandu by Sofa tourist bus (1350 m) - 8/9 Hrs
- 1,350 m
Waking early morning we will again view the rising sun piercing the white snows. After having breakfast we will return back to Kathmandu. It will take us about 7 to 8 hours. After reaching Kathmandu we will be shifted toward the hotel.
Day 16:Final Departure:
After spending last night at Nepal, we will pack our luggage to march ourselves towards TIA. We have to reach at the airport 3 hours before the flight. Before that, we will attend a small farewell program organized by Nepal High Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
Are you looking to customize the trip itinerary?
If the provided schedule is not suitable for you, we can create a personalized travel arrangement tailored to your preferences and requirements.
Cost breakdown
What's included
Airport pick up & drop off by private vehicle.
2-night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
2-night hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
Full board meals throughout the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Hot beverages (3 Cups per day).
Domestic Airfair (Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara)
An experienced government license holder guide from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
Special Mustang Permit (USD 500)
Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP)
Both-way tourist bus ticket (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu)
Trekking gear down jacket, sleeping bag, and duffle bag.
Seasonal fruits during the trek.
Emergency Medical kit bag.
Complimentary farewell dinner.
What's not included
Nepalese visa fee.
Travel insurance.
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, shower, etc.)
Tips for trekking crews.
Upcoming departures
Planning your trip schedule
No fixed group departures right now — run Upper Mustang Trek: Discover the Hidden Nature & Culture of Mustangprivately with your own group. Pick a preferred start date and we'll confirm availability.
Group-size discounts will be applied in the next step.
Select a start date from the calendar.
All prices per person, twin share. Subject to availability — Upper Mustang Trek: Discover the Hidden Nature & Culture of Mustang dates fill quickly in peak season.
Trip map
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Frequently asked
What travellers say
We had an amazing trek through the Upper Mustang region of Nepal which took 10 days and had lots to offer. Our guide, Suraj, was very friendly and had a catalogue of knowledge and facts at the ready. Paying a bit extra for a special permit into the protected area is worth it as the views there are unbeatable and the landscape is otherworldly! Also, my friend and I having Suraj to ourselves for a private trek really helped us discover the wonders of Upper Mustang. I would recommend this trek to anyone who is a passionate about nature, community and who wants to explore Nepal as the trek is rated easy/intermediate so can be completed by everyone! One of my highlights was the food, especially the ‘buff momo’ a Nepali delicacy. Thank you again Suraj for a wonderful experience and we hope to be back soon! Best, Max
Max a