Upper Mustang Trek - 18 Days

Trekking to the Forbidden regions of Nepal - The Upper Mustang !
Upper Mustang Trek
What to see & doSpecific information about Upper Mustang Trek - 18 Days
  • Duration18 Days
  • Trip Grade Moderate
  • Max Altitude 3840m
  • Starts at Kathmandu
  • Ends at Kathmandu
  • Trip Style Lodge to Lodge Trek
  • Group Size 10
  • Transportation Tourist Bus and Flights
  • Best Season March, April, May, June, July, August, Sept, Oct, Nov

Upper Mustang Trek is an adventurous journey to the mystical and restricted land of Nepal, Lo Manthang- the lost kingdom of Nepal. Upper Mustang Trek is a magical journey that will take you back in time amidst rich history and barren landscape. Surrounded by glistening snow-capped Himalayan Mountains and barren hills, Upper Mustang is one of the restricted places of Nepal.

Upper Mustang Trek is an adventurous journey to the mystical and restricted land of Nepal, Lo Manthang- the lost kingdom of Nepal.

Upper Mustang Trek is a magical journey that will take you back in time amidst rich history and barren landscape. Surrounded by glistening snow-capped Himalayan Mountains and barren hills, Upper Mustang is one of the restricted places of Nepal.

Artistic monasteries, white-washed houses, green meadows, fields of barley & wheat, and the unique attire of the locals with their big bright smiles all together make a heart-warming view. As the entire region was closed to foreigners for a long period of time, everything is the same as it used to be decades ago. The paintings and sculptures in the monastery along with relics are the keys to the history of this remote land.

Upper Mustang Trek route follows the trade route between Nepal-Tibet and offers dry naturally carved sandstone pillars & discontinuous moraine terraces. The trail is almost treeless and infertile. Strong winds are one of the things that you have to overcome during the trek. As you reach Lo Manthang- the capital of Mustang, you see high walls built by the former king to protect his kingdom.

The Upper Mustang trekking starts with a day drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu. The next morning, you fly to Jomsom early in the morning and begin trekking towards Kagbeni. Further, passing through several villages like Chuksung, Samar, Geling, Ghami & Tsarang, the trail takes you to Lo Manthang. Spending a couple of nights here, you trek back to Jomsom and fly to Kathmandu.

Being the restricted area and expensive permit, Upper Mustang receives countable numbers of trekkers making the trail less crowded. Trekking to Upper Mustang is a privilege that only a few get. Book this adventurous journey with us, Outfitter Nepal Treks and Expedition for extensive service.

You can check of departure dates for Upper Mustang Trek to choose one for yourself, or contact us if our dates do not suit your time. We would love to organize Upper Mustang Trek for you as per your needs.

Best Features of the Upper Mustang Trek

  • Sightseeing tours of historical UNESCO World heritage sites in Kathmandu.
  • Scenic drive/flight to Jomsom and back to Kathmandu.
  • Visit Historical place including Kagbeni and Lo-Manthang.
  • Beautiful backdrop of Dhaulagiri & Nilgiri.
  • Best views of Himalayas range.

Scenic flights in/out of Jomsom

Jomsom is the starting point of the Upper Mustang Trek. A short and scenic flight from Kathmandu leads to Jomsom. During the flight, you can see an aerial view of the lush green hills, rivers, small settlements, and Himalayan mountains.

Gorgeous landscape and stunning Himalayan Mountains views

Upper Mustang Trek presents a dry, barren, and arid landscape. The big meadows, unique rocks, and barren hills all together create scenery, unlike any other place. Likewise, the white-washed houses add a splash of color to its surroundings. Similarly, the Himalayan mountains like Annapurna range (8,091 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), Mt. Tukuche (6,920 m), and many other mountains increases the beauty of the region.

Follow the ancient salt caravan route

Upper Mustang used to be the trade route between Nepal and Tibet back in time. Locals from both nations used to use this route to move in and out of each place. During the trek, you will follow the same ancient salt caravan route that once used to trade salt for grain.

Last forbidden kingdom, Lo Manthang

Lo Manthang, the walled city is the capital of the Mustang region. Stepping into Lo Manthang is like stepping into a completely different world that we live in. It is like traveling back in time, where you will see narrow alleyways, hidden chortens, long mani walls, ancient prayer wheel, and herds of animals in the huge open fields.

There is a lot to explore in Lo Manthang. The royal palace, where still the royal family resides, Thugchen Gompa-built in the 15th century, Amchi museum, and Amchi school are the places you must visit in Lo Manthang. Amchi is a traditional Tibetan doctor who is also the official doctor of the king.

Ancient Culture & Tradition

Upper Mustang Trek offers rich culture and tradition of the locals that are handed to one generation to another over decades. People residing in this region are Lobas and follow Buddhism. Locals here call themselves descendants of Tibetans, therefore you get to see the influence of Tibetan Buddhism and lifestyle.

Visit Namgyal Gompa & Tingkhar

Namgyal Gompa & Tingkhar are attraction of Upper Mustang Trek which are located on a hilltop, Namgyal Gompa is a very important monastery and server as a local court. After visiting this gompa, you head to the last village of the region located on the northwest of Lo Manthang, Tingkhar for a short excursion.

Small Monastery & Centuries-old Caves

Outside of Lo Manthang, you can visit Chhoser, where you visit a small old monastery. You will also get to see century-old caves situated in high rocks. Moreover, you can see caves in other places as well during the Uper mustang trek.

ItineraryTrip day to day detail itinerary

Arrive at Kathmandu airport, where one of our airport representatives will take you to the hotel. The evening is free to explore around.

  • Max. Altitude:1350m/4429ft
  • Accommodation:Hotel

After having breakfast, you go on a guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley. During the tour, you will visit Pashupatinath temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. While you are on tour, we will arrange the permits and prepare for the trek. In the evening, you can do the shopping for gears if you want.

  • Max. Altitude:1350m/4429ft
  • Meals:Breakfst
  • Accommodation:Hotel

Driving along the Trishuli and Marshyangdi River, you will reach Pokhara. The drive will be long and scenic. Pokhara is a tourist's paradise full of natural as well as cultural heritage sites such as lakes, caves, temples of Buddhist and Hindus along with mountains.

Option: If you are interested for rafting then you have options to take 3 hour rafting in Trisuli river on the way to Pokhara – you do not need extra day to do this Raft as we can stop and do the Raring and continue on our journey.

  • Max. Altitude:827m/2713ft
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Elevation Loss:523m/1716ft
  • Accommodation:Mountain Lodge

After a quick breakfast, you take an early morning flight to Jomsom. The flight will be scenic and short. From Jomsom, you will cross a suspension bridge and trek along the Kali Gandaki riverbank. The trail is quite barren with craggy rocks and sand and is mostly flat, which makes it very easy going. Likewise, the trail is picturesque and you get to see superb views of Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Tukuche.

  • Max. Altitude:Jomsom (2720m/8924ft) and trek to Kagbeni (2810m/9219ft)
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Elevation Gain:1,083m/3,556
  • Accommodation:Mountain Lodge

Today, you trek right up to the river valley. Trekking on a mixed path of high trail and riverbank path, you reach Tangbe. Take a small break for lunch here and continue trekking towards Chuksang. Looking over Nilgiri Peaks dominating the southern skyline, you pass by beautiful apple orchards and reach Chuksnag located at the confluence of Narshing Khola and the Kali Gandaki river.

  • Max. Altitude:2920m/9580ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Elevation Gain:110m/361ft
  • Accommodation:Mountain Lodge

The trail continues north towards Samar. You reach near a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliffs above forming a tunnel through which the river flows. The trek now leaves the valley and climbs steeply up a rocky alley to the village of Chele. From here, the trail ascends through steep spur and continues to Samar.

  • Max. Altitude:3290m/10791ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Elevation Gain:370m/1213ft
  • Accommodation:Mountain Lodge

Leaving Samar behind, you ascend to a ridge and descend to a large gorge past a Chorten before entering another valley filled with juniper trees. Further, crossing a stream, the trail moves up to a pass and drop down to Shyangmochen. Nearby is Rangbyung, a cave containing stalagmites that have formed in the shape of chortens. From here, you will enter another fine valley and descend to Geling.

  • Max. Altitude:3570m/11712ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Elevation Gain:280m/918ft
  • Accommodation:Mountain Lodge

The trail ascends through terraced fields to the center of the valley and passes above the settlement of Tama Gaun. From here, you continue ascending to Nyi La Pass (3,840 m) and descend to a junction. The right trail is the direct route to Charang, the left trail leads to Ghami. Ghami is a large white-washed village sheltered by overhanging cliffs.

  • Max. Altitude:Ghami (3460m/11352ft) via Ghami La (3765m/12349ft)
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Elevation Gain:305m /1000ft
  • Elevation Loss:305m/1000ft
  • Accommodation:Mountain Lodge

Trekking through the driest part of Mustang while enjoying the countryside view, you move towards Tsarang. The trail contours in the north to the rugged mountains and take you to Charang. At the eastern end of the village are a huge fortress and a red gompa which houses an excellent collection of statues and Thangkas.

  • Max. Altitude:3560m/11680ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Elevation Gain:100m/328ft
  • Accommodation:Mountain Lodge

Before embarking on your journey to Lo Manthang, you will explore the large monastery in Charang. After that, the trail ascends above the valley to a large isolated chorten that marks the boundary between Charang and Lo. From here, the trail broadens and takes you to the Lo Manthang.

  • Max. Altitude:3840m/12598ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Elevation Gain:280m/918ft
  • Accommodation:Mountain Lodge

Today, you explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar in Lo Manthang. Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community, and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Manthang.

  • Max. Altitude:3840m/12598ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Accommodation:Mountain Lodge

The trek begins crossing alpine meadows and descends to a steep eroded alley that leads to Dhakmar. Take a small lunch break here, and trek through lovely valley and ascend to a ridge. From here, the trail descends to Ghami.

  • Max. Altitude:3460m/11352ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Elevation Loss:380m/1247ft
  • Accommodation:Mountain Lodge

Continue trekking following a narrow winding path and reach Geling. Further, the trail moves through small villages and farming terraces and take you back to Samar.

  • Max. Altitude:(3290m/10791ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Elevation Loss:170m/557ft
  • Accommodation:Mountain Lodge

The trail descends and reaches Chuksang. You then cross a thrilling suspension bridge over Kali Gandaki River and walk along the bank of the same river to reach Kagbeni.

  • Max. Altitude:2810m/9219ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Elevation Loss:480m/1575ft
  • Accommodation:Mountain Lodge

Trekking through the bank of the Kali Gandaki, you pass by Eklebhatti. The trail then gets windy and takes you to Jomsom.

  • Max. Altitude:2720m/8924ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Elevation Loss:90m/295ft
  • Accommodation:Mountain Lodge

After having an early breakfast at the lodge, you will take an early morning flight back to Pokhara. Upon reaching Pokhara, check into the hotel. The rest of the, you can visit tourist sites like Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, etc.

  • Max. Altitude:827m/2713ft
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Elevation Loss:1893m/6201ft
  • Accommodation:Hotel

After having an early breakfast, you take a tourist bus at 7 AM to drive to Kathmandu. The drive will be the same as before long yet scenic.

  • Max. Altitude:1350m/4429ft
  • Meals:Breakfast
  • Elevation Loss:523m/1716ft
  • Accommodation:Hotel

You will be transferred to the international airport for your final departure to your loving home.

    Customize Trip
    Cost DetailsGood to know before trip booking
    What's Included
    • All the airport transfers.
    • 3 nights’ hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast.
    • 2 nights’ hotel in Pokhara breakfast.
    • Kathmandu sightseeing tour.
    • Transport by tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara and return.
    • Flight fare with domestic airport tax from Pokhara to Jomsom and return.
    • All the accommodation in tea house/lodge during the trek.
    • Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
    • All the needed trekking permits, special permits and TIMS permit.
    • Trekking guide and porter.
    • Salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transportation and insurance for the guide and porters.
    • Arrangement of emergency helicopter service which will be paid by your travel insurance company.
    • Sleeping bag, down jackets, duffel bags - if necessary.
    What's not Included
    • Nepal entry visa fee (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport - Kathmandu).
    • Your Travel insurance (compulsory).
    • Food while you are in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
    • Your personal expenses and entrance fees while you do the tour in Kathmandu.
    • All the alcoholic, non alcoholic drinks and Sweet things like chocolate.
    • Hot shower / batteries charge / heater during the trek.
    • International airfare and airport departure tax.
    • Tips for the guide and porter.
    • Any others expenses which are not mentioned on included section.
    Dates & PricesBook your trip with confidence
    Select a departure month
    Starts:MONDAYJUN 12, 2023
    Ends:THURSDAYJUN 29, 2023
    PRICE (Per Person)US$1900
    AvailabilityAvailable
    Starts:WEDNESDAYJUN 14, 2023
    Ends:SATURDAYJUL 01, 2023
    PRICE (Per Person)US$1900
    AvailabilityAvailable
    Starts:FRIDAYJUN 16, 2023
    Ends:MONDAYJUL 03, 2023
    PRICE (Per Person)US$1900
    AvailabilityAvailable
    Starts:MONDAYJUN 19, 2023
    Ends:THURSDAYJUL 06, 2023
    PRICE (Per Person)US$1900
    AvailabilityAvailable
    Starts:WEDNESDAYJUN 21, 2023
    Ends:SATURDAYJUL 08, 2023
    PRICE (Per Person)US$1900
    AvailabilityAvailable
    Starts:FRIDAYJUN 23, 2023
    Ends:MONDAYJUL 10, 2023
    PRICE (Per Person)US$1900
    AvailabilityAvailable
    Starts:MONDAYJUN 26, 2023
    Ends:THURSDAYJUL 13, 2023
    PRICE (Per Person)US$1900
    AvailabilityAvailable
    Starts:WEDNESDAYJUN 28, 2023
    Ends:SATURDAYJUL 15, 2023
    PRICE (Per Person)US$1900
    AvailabilityAvailable
    Starts:FRIDAYJUN 30, 2023
    Ends:MONDAYJUL 17, 2023
    PRICE (Per Person)US$1900
    AvailabilityAvailable
    • We have set date for the upper Mustang trek So, select your date and book the trek & if your preferred date is not listed or if you are more than 12 people then contact us for the group price and for the further process to book the trek.
    • The upper Mustang trek is one of the popular restricted area trekking in Nepal. There should be minimum of 2 people to arrnage the trek and our guarenteed dates have already people booked so,  contact us to sign up on guarenteed date.
    • The available dates are available to book and not have people booked already so, book on these dates if you are 2 or more people or alternatively contact us for the further process for the booking.

    Upgrade & Options:

    Useful InformationGood to know before you travel

    Upper Mustang Trek permit

    Upper Mustang is closed to any foreign visitors up until 1992 to protect and preserve its rich culture and raw nature. Now, you have to take special permission from the government to go on a trek in this region. Announcing the entire region into a restricted area has helped a lot to maintain the lifestyle and practices there.

    The permit is expensive to get, and only a handful of visitors travel to Upper Mustang every year. It cost USD 500 for the first 10 days. After that, each day will cost USD 50. Plus, you will only get this permit if you are traveling with a local trekking agency.

    Upper Mustang Trek difficulty

    Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate trek. The dry and windy climate makes the trek a little difficult. Plus, the high altitude also is one of the things to be careful of because it can lead to altitude sickness aka Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The terrain is not like any other famous treks of Nepal. Therefore, a well-made itinerary and proper guidance are needed to successfully complete Upper Mustang Trek.

    Upper Mustang Trek weather

    Monsoon (June to September) is the best time to go on Upper Mustang Trekking. As the region lies in the rain shadow area, there is little to no rain during these months. Moreover, the famous Tiji festival that happens at this time also attracts tourists. Other than this, you can go on Upper Mustang Trek in Autumn (October to November). Also, know that the locals here are seasonal migrants who move to lower altitudes during the winter. Therefore, you might have to face problems with accommodation in the month of November.

    Upper Mustang Trek map

    You can check our Upper Mustang Trek Map to know the villages you are going to stay during the trek. The map will help you to understand the route more efficiently. You can also get a hardcopy of the Upper Mustang Trek map to take it with yourself on the trek.

    Food & Accommodation during Upper Mustang Trek

    Nowadays, you can find a guesthouse throughout the trail. The guesthouse is like staying overnight with a local family in one of their rooms that is made ready for the trekkers. The rooms are simple and minimal with more chances of the common washroom.

    As Upper Mustang is influenced by Tibetan culture and tradition, the kitchen is like a living room, where everyone sits and chit chat. You can find a good blend of Nepali and Tibetan food on the trail.

    Client ReviewsTravelers talk about Outfitter Nepal
    • R
      René SItaly,November 18, 2019
      rating star

      Upper Mustang Trek

      One of the best adventures in my life, thanks to this company and its people. They are very well prepared, they know very well the trek over the Himalayas, and they are very friendly.

      Highly recommendable for all the travelers.

      TripAdvisor
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