• Duration 18 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate

    The moderate grade includes a one-week to fifteen-day itinerary. It can reach up to 5000 meter altitude range, but the trails will be moderate (neither easy nor tough). High altitude may affect walking speed and distance. You need to have acclimatization over 3000 meters.

  • Country Nepal

The Upper Mustang trek is a magical journey to the walled city and last forbidden kingdom of Nepal, Lo Manthang. On this trek, you will traverse a trans-Himalayan region, which is unlike any other trekking region in Nepal.

The trail is offbeat and crosses many mountain passes under 4,000 meters. The landscape along the Upper Mustang trek route is arid, with towering cliffs, huge rocks, meadows, barren hills, rice and barley fields, and snow-capped mountains.

The Upper Mustang trail is dotted with tea houses, so you will get a comfortable and clean space to spend the night. Services are limited but good enough for the trekkers. Likewise, there are many stupas, chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags scattered throughout the trail.

Centuries-old monasteries are one of the highlights of Upper Mustang. Even though the Upper Mustang trek is an adventurous trip, the voyage will present you with the rich cultural heritage of the residents that has profoundly influenced Tibetan Buddhism.

Highlights

  • Trekking to Upper Mustang is a magical, lifetime expedition that will change your life
  • It is an offbeat, adventurous trek ideal for fit individuals
  • Previous trekking expertise is not mandatory, but having one will surely make the journey much more manageable
  • It is a challenging trek that navigates steep, rocky uphill and downhill trails, gorges, and mountain passes
  • On the way, you will witness arid landscapes, towering cliffs, unique huge rocks, canyons, and snow-capped mountains
  • Spend nights in remote villages where you will meet with the locals of Upper Mustang and get to see their lifestyle
  • The trail has many stupas, chortens, mani walls, prayer flags, and monasteries that are thousands of years old
  • Explore the last forbidden kingdom, Lo Manthang
  • Explore the sky caves and Chumsi Cave monastery
  • Get to see rich Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage
  • Take a scenic flight between Pokhara and Jomsom

What is it like doing the Upper Mustang trek?

Upper Mustang trekking has always been considered an exclusive experience in the Himalayas. It is a restricted area in Nepal that demands expensive permits and prohibits solo trekking. The Upper Mustang was forbidden to enter for a very long time, and because of that, the region has independently evolved in its own way.

In 1992, the Nepal government lifted the travel ban and opened the region to travelers from around the world with strict rules and regulations. Unlike the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit- the very famous trekking routes in Nepal, the Upper Mustang sees way fewer trekkers. So, the trail is not crowded and unspoiled. If you are in search of an isolated and peaceful trek in Nepal, the Upper Mustang trek 18 days is an excellent option.

The Upper Mustang is an old Buddhist kingdom shrouded in mysteries and deeply rooted in ancient beliefs and practices. Lo Manthang (3,840 m/12,598 ft) is the capital of Upper Mustang and is known as the walled city. It is the highest settlement on this trek, and to reach here, you will traverse canyons and sand deserts.

You will witness beautiful arid landscapes and mountain views of Annapurna (8,091 m/26,545 ft), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m/26,795 ft), Nilgiri (7,061 m/23,166 ft), Tukuche Peak (6,920 m/22,703 ft), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m/23,406 ft), etc. Overall, the Upper Mustang trek covers around 145 km (90 miles) from the start to the end of the journey.

*Fun fact: The Upper Mustang is the driest region in Nepal. It is a semi-desert with meadows, canyons, and sand deserts instead of forests, rivers, and lush valleys.

Why will you love the Upper Mustang trek in Nepal?

The Upper Mustang trekking offers a fantastic break from your modern life and basically takes you back in time, where everything seems to stop in time. Your adventurous heart will love the experience this trek presents. Not only that, but you will also dive deep into the daily life of mountain people and experience their traditions.

The mesmerizing trans-Himalayan landscapes, sky caves, and ancient monasteries will leave you in awe. You will be traveling close to the Tibetan border while exploring ancient trade routes. Likewise, the traditional mud houses, lovely apple orchards, and narrow alleys will tell stories of their own.

If you do not prefer trekking or can’t walk long hours because of health issues, you can do the Upper Mustang jeep tour, which is impossible in other trekking regions in Nepal.

How to prepare for the Upper Mustang trek 18 days?

The Upper Mustang trek is difficult. It involves 6 hours of walking on average. You will be trekking on steep and rugged trails, which requires good fitness and stamina. So, overall, the trekkers have to be fit to do the Upper Mustang trekking in Nepal.

If you have never trekked before or are not a physically active individual, you must train your body and mind before the trek starts. You can prepare for the journey by walking 4 to 5 hours a day and participating in cardiovascular activities such as running, cycling, swimming, and hiking.

Travel insurance for the Upper Mustang trek

To do the Upper Mustang trekking, you must buy travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation in the Himalayas. Buy the travel insurance in your country and bring the documents with you. You can also extend your coverage to medical bills, flight cancellation, personal belongings loss/damage, etc.

As per the restricted area rule in Nepal, travel insurance is mandatory. The Upper Mustang is a remote area. There are no proper health facilities in the region, and some that are available are located quite far from one village to another. So, in the event of any medical distress, natural calamity, etc, we have to use helicopter evacuation.

The best time to trek in the Upper Mustang region

The best time to do the Upper Mustang trek is the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These two seasons boast the best weather and moderate climate for trekking. The temperature ranges between 5°C to 20°C with clear, bright days and cold mornings and nights.

Spring and autumn are also the busiest times for Upper Mustang trekking. You will see many other trekkers in the region. Likewise, the mountain views are stunning. The Upper Mustang trek is also possible during the summer/monsoon season (June to August).

Between June and August, you may face bad weather and rainfall in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the lower Mustang region. However, once you enter the Upper Mustang, there will be no trace of rain or bad trails. Upper Mustang is a rainshadow area, so rain does not fall here. Winter trekking is also possible if you can handle the cold.

Upper Mustang trek packing

Below, we have made a comprehensive packing guideline for the Upper Mustang trek. Follow the list and pack accordingly. If you are not a seasoned trekker or not planning to do frequent treks, you can rent expensive trekking clothes and gear in Kathmandu at a fraction of cost.

Clothing: Underwear, base layer, thermal layer, windproof/waterproof outer layer, fleece jacket, down jacket, dry towel, socks, gloves, beanie, trekking boots, casual shoes/slippers, etc

Gear: Trekking poles, daypack, duffel bag, map, traveler knife, sleeping bag, torch, adapter, spare batteries, camera, cell phone, etc

Toiletries and first aid: Wet tissues, deodorant, SPF, lip balm, moisturizer, toilet paper, soap, toothpaste/brush, band-aid, insect repellent, ointment, crack bandage, general medicines, etc

Miscellaneous: Cash, travel insurance, passport, travel visa, passport-sized photos, permits, snacks, journal & pen, etc

Why do the Upper Mustang trek with the Adventure Treks Nepal?

We, Adventure Treks Nepal, offer the best Upper Mustang trek package at an affordable cost. Our professional and expert guide will lead you through the mountains, ensuring your safety and satisfaction. You will get top-notch service with us, and there will be no hidden costs.

Similarly, customize the Upper Mustang trek itinerary as per your requirements. You can curate the package as per your budget as well. Our team will help you with all of your needs. Contact us today to book your spot on the Upper Mustang trek 2024/2025 departure.

We provide the Upper Mustang trek cost and service and pair you with a native guide and porter. Because we will take care of all the logistics, you can enjoy your time in the mountains freely

Itinerary
Trip Plan
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The team of Adventure Treks Nepal will welcome you to the airport. After a quick meet and greet, they will escort you to the hotel. The rest of this day is leisure. You can rest and explore your surroundings on your own.

  • Accommodation: Hotel

In the morning, join our tour guide and visit some famous historical sites in Kathmandu, such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Rest for a bit after the tour. We’ll later meet for a trek briefing. Obtain the permits and pack your duffle bag.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

On this day, you will drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It will be a morning drive along a beautiful highway. The ride will be comfortable. We use a tourist-standard bus. The highway offers views of lush hills, rivers, waterfalls, terraces, and snow-capped mountains. Spend the evening enjoying the beauty of Phewa Lake.

  • Max Altitude: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast & lunch
  • Duration: 6 hours drive

In the early morning, take a short flight across the Western Himalayan mountains. Enjoy jaw-dropping mountain panoramas during the flight. From Jomsom, the trail ascends to Kagbeni village. The trail is rugged and offers stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and Nilgiri on the way.  

  • Max Altitude: 2,800 m/9,500 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea house
  • Duration: 25 minutes flight & 4 hours trek

You will register the permits at the police checkpoint and continue ascending inside Upper Mustang. Trekking via the narrow alleys of Kagbeni, you will follow the higher trail. Reach Tangbe and trek from here to Chele. The trail offers a view of barley and buckwheat fields.

  • Max Altitude: 3,050 m/10,006 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea house
  • Duration: 5-6 hours

While trekking from Chele to Gelling, you will mostly see dry and barren landscapes. Ascend to Gyakar village and trek to Samar. From here, the trail continues to Bhena and goes uphill to Yamda La Pass. The view of the mountains is jaw-dropping from the top. Further, descend from the pass and trek to Gelling iva Syanboche.

  • Max Altitude: 3,540 m/11,614 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea house
  • Duration: 6-7 hours

Today, you will trek to the beautiful Tsarang village. The trail has fair shares of uphill and downhill walks. On the way, you will stop at the ancient Ghar Gompa and cross the Mui La pass (4,170 m). You may see blue sheep in this part of the trail.

  • Max Altitude: 3,570 m/11,712 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea house
  • Duration: 7-8 hours

Start trekking from Tsarang and descend to Tsarang Chu Canyon. From here, you will cross a river and follow a steep uphill trail. The views of Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Annapurna I, Tilicho Peak, and Bhrikuti Peak are fantastic along the way. Soon, you will ascend to Lo La Pass (3,950 m/12,959 ft) and descend to Lo Manthang.

  • Max Altitude: 3,840 m/12,598 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea house
  • Duration: 5 hours

You will spend a rest day in Lo Mantha. This will help you acclimatize and allow you to explore the surrounding areas. Start the day by visiting the Namgyal Gompa, situated on a hilltop. This place is a spiritual center for locals and serves as a court of justice.

Then, hike northwest to Tingkhar, the last settlement in this area. You will also visit the Chhoser Caves, also known as the Sky Caves. Some other places you will explore are Tall Champa Lhakhang, Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and the Entrance Hall later in Lo Manthang.

  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea house

From Lo Manthang, you will trek Yara. Usually, trekkers do not touch this remote settlement. The trail is on the isolated sides. You will see sandy castle-like structures and barren landscapes on the way. Yara is situated on the top of a hill.

  • Max Altitude: 3,838 m/12,592 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea house
  • Duration: 7 hours

In the early morning, hike to Luri Gompa. Enjoy the isolation and serenity of the area. Luri Gompa is a centuries-old monastery. Here, you will get to see the deep-rooted religious beliefs of the locals. You will see sandstone cliffs and paintings on walls and ceilings. Enjoy breathtaking arid landscapes.

  • Max Altitude: 4,150 m/13,615 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea house
  • Duration: 6-7 hours

From Yara, you will trek back to Tangbe. The trail goes to Dhechaeng Khola. On the way, you will cross a stream of melting ice. The trail gradually ascends to Dhi village. Further, enjoy the desert-like views, trek via the Tangya settlement, and descend to Tangbe.

  • Max Altitude: 3,240 m/10,630 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea house
  • Duration: 6-7 hours

The trail from Tangbe to Tetang is challenging because you will cross the Paha pass (4,210 m) on the way. It is the highest point you will touch on this trek. You will see a stunning view of Damodar Himal and Saribung Himal from the top of the pass. Further, descend to Tetang village to spend the night.

  • Max Altitude: 3,067 m/10,062 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea house
  • Duration: 7-8 hours

On this day, you will walk to Muktinath temple. It is a pilgrimage site in Nepal and an important religious center for Hindus and Buddhists. While trekking, you will come across Shaligram (a fossil). Enjoy a peaceful trail via small settlements.

  • Max Altitude: 3,710 m/12,172 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea house
  • Duration: 5-6 hours

The trail from Muktinath to Jomsom passes through the Kali Gandaki Gorge. It is the deepest gorge in the world. You will trek through Kagbeni village and gradually descend to Jomsom, retracing the trail.

  • Max Altitude: 2,743 m/8,999 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
  • Accommodation: Tea house
  • Duration: 5-6 hours

Take a morning flight back to Pokhara. The mountain views are phenomenal, as they were last time. You have a full day free in Pokhara to rest and explore.

  • Max Altitude: 820 m/2,690 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 20 minutes

After breakfast, fly back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival Kathmandu, the guide will drop you off at the hotel. The remaining day is yours to spend as you like. Rest and window shop in Thamel because this is your last day in Kathmandu.

  • Max Altitude: 1,400 m/4,600 ft
  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Duration: 25 minutes

We will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport today. Our team will bid you our last goodbyes.

  • Meals: Breakfast only
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Cost Details
Included
  • Arrival and Departure Transport.
  • Standard Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara as mentioned with breakfast.
  • Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with an entrance fee.
  • Duffle Bag using for Trekking.
  • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during the Trekking.
  • Accommodation in Tea house while trekking.
  • Kathmandu - Pokhara drive.
  • Pokhara Jomsom Pokhara Kathmandu flight with airport Tax.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entry permit fee.
  • Trekking Porter with Insurance. (We Provide 01 Porter for 02 Pax).
  • Trekking Guide with insurance.
  • Trekker’s Information Management system (TIMS).
  • Mustang Trekking Region map.
  • Water purification tablets.
  • Farewell dinner with cultural program.
  • Special Permit for Mustang.
  • Government taxes.
  • Office services charge.
Excluded
  • International Airfare.
  • Your travel insurance.
  • Nepal entry Visa fee (US$ 50 for 30 days) you should get visa Upon your arrival)
  • Drinks, Dessert, Juice, Mineral Water, Heater charge, Hot Shower during the Trekking and main meals in cities.
  • Tips for Guide, Porter and driver.
Route Map
Upper Mustang Trek - 18 Days
Altitude Chart
Upper Mustang Trek - 18 Days
Essential Information

Upper Mustang trek permit

Upper Mustang trek requires a restricted area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit. Both permits are necessary if you want to do this trek. The restricted area permit for the Upper Mustang costs USD 500 per person for the first ten days and USD 50 per person per day afterward. Likewise, the ACAP permit costs USD 30 per person.

Upper Mustang trek difficulty

The Upper Mustang trek is challenging. The terrain and climate in Upper Mustang are very different from any other trekking region in Nepal. On this trek, you will travel in a trans-Himalayan region. The trail is offbeat, with many steep sections. You will walk on rugged cliffs and pass by rocky gorges and canyons.

The trail is not flat. You will continuously ascend or descend. On the way, multiple small passes are also crossed. Even though the overall elevation gain on the Upper Mustang trekking is lower than other famous treks in Nepal, you will still go above 2,500 meters. Because of the changing elevation, you will encounter a slightly different climate and air pressure daily.

The Upper Mustang trek is not very challenging. Any fit individual can complete this trek. The most important requirement is long walking hours. If you can walk 5 to 6 hours a day, you can do the Upper Mustang trek. If you are a beginner trekker, then make sure to have ample rest days and short trekking distances every day.

Altitude sickness during the trek

The highest point reached during our Upper Mustang trek is Paha pass, which is located 4,210 meters (13,812 ft) above sea level. Likewise, the highest settlement you will spend a night at is Lo Manthang (3,840 m/12,598 ft).

Once you are above 2,500 meters, the risk of altitude sickness drastically increases. Therefore, it is important to acclimatize and follow guidelines to avoid altitude sickness. You do not have to worry about altitude sickness much, as it is both avoidable and treatable.

Below are the symptoms and preventive measures of altitude sickness:

Symptoms

  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite

Preventive measures

  • To avoid altitude sickness, ascend gradually and maintain your pace.
  • Keep yourself hydrated. Drink plenty of water and refrain from having alcohol. Likewise, do not smoke and limit your coffee intake.
  • Stay mentally strong. If you believe you are fine, you will be fine 95% of the time. Refrain from letting the remoteness of the region and the challenges impact your mind.
  • Eat enough and get enough rest daily. Do not tire yourself unnecessarily. Trekking in the Himalayas is all about progress and continuity rather than speed.
  • Inform your guide if you feel any distress in your body.

Food and accommodation during the trek

It is a tea house trek. Tea houses are a simple network of accommodations along the Upper Mustang trek route for the trekkers. It offers simple lodging and food service. Twin rooms, shared washrooms, and squat-style toilets are common. Single rooms cost extra money. Likewise, in some villages, you will get private washrooms and Western-style toilets.

Because of the lack of electricity and the dependence of locals on solar power and wood, hot showers usually cost additional money. Likewise, as the elevation increases, you may have to pay extra money to charge. Paid WiFi is available in villages at lower elevations. Carry a Nepali tourist sim for a better network connection.

You will also have breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the tea houses. There is a communal dining area in every tea house. Room service is not available. Likewise, boiled water is available to drink. It is safe and costs less than plastic water bottles. You can use water purification tablets to avoid any risks of indigestion or stomach. The tea houses offer a decent variety of food for the trekkers.

Guide and porter

A guide is compulsory for the Upper Mustang trek. Our Upper Mustang trek package also includes the expense of porters. To do a restricted area trek in Nepal, trekking with a guide in a group of at least two trekkers is mandatory. You will travel with a native mountain guide and porter.

Our guides have special training and survival skills. They know the Upper Mustang trekking route and the region deeply. You will travel safely and get to know a lot. The potters will carry duffel bags for you, which allow you to walk freely.

FAQs

The Upper Mustang trek is a moderate/difficult trek. It is recommended to experience trekkers because of its offbeat terrain. On this trek, you will cross many mountain passes and walk long hours, so good physical and mental fitness is important.

The Upper Mustang trek is on the expensive side because of the restricted area permit. The cost of this trek starts at USD 1,850 per person and can increase as per itinerary, group size, and services.

Yes, the Upper Mustang trek is worth it. You will get to see trans-Himalayan landscapes and stunning mountain vistas on this trek. The Upper Mustang trek offers a very unique landscape and adventure than other trekking regions in Nepal. Travelers in quest of something different in the Himalayas will love this trek.

The Upper Mustang is a restricted area because of its sensitive locations, delicate ecosystem, and cultural and archeological significance. The Upper Mustang trek route is close to the Nepal-Tibet border, making this region highly sensitive and protected.

Yes, foreigners can easily enter the Upper Mustang if they obtain a restricted area permit in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you have all the documents and permit fees and travel with a registered coal company like us, obtaining the restricted area permit will be no issue.

Upper Mustang is famous for its arid desert-like landscapes and rich Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage. In Upper Mustang, you will explore many ancient monasteries, the unique lifestyle of the locals, and sky caves. The trek offers an excellent retreat in nature where you can unwind and rejuvenate.

Yes, a licensed guide is important for the Upper Mustang trek. You also have to trek with a local Nepal company like us, which is allowed to organize treks in this region.

Yes, you can travel to Upper Mustang by car or bike. The road is well-made, and only some sections are rugged.

Upper Mustang is located around 185 kilometers away from Pokhara.

In Upper Mustang, locals speak their own language, which is called Lowa. Because of tourists, many locals can understand and communicate in English.

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