Upper Mustang Trek - 12 Days

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  • Duration 12 Days
  • Trip Grade
    Moderate
  • Country Nepal

The Upper Mustang trek is a 12-day adventure in one of the trans-Himalayan regions in Nepal. It is a magical journey that takes you back in time when humans used to live in caves. You will literally see 2000-3000-year-old cave homes and explore ancient salt trade routes!

If you believe you know the Himalayas but have not explored the Upper Mustang yet, then trust us, you do not know the Himalayas completely. Upper Mustang is unlike any other Himalayan region in Nepal.

Situated near the northern border with Tibet, Upper Mustang has long been a prohibited area for foreigners and only opened in 1992 for organized tours.

Wrapped with semi-arid landscapes, rich Tibetan heritage, ancient monasteries, vast meadows, deep canyons, and mazes of white-washed houses, Upper Mustang is a gem in Nepal.

A trek to the Upper Mustang is more than just an adventure. You will embark on a cultural exploration of the Last Forbidden Kingdom. The journey will be life-changing and rejuvenating.

During the Upper Mustang trek 12 days, you will meet the Lopa (or Loba) and Thakali communities and experience their warm hospitality. Though Upper Mustang still remains relatively untouched by modernization, we can see slow changes.

For example, the historical salt trade route has developed into a custom truck route between Nepal and China. Lo Manthang is now accessible via bike and jeep. So, trekking doesn't remain the only option to explore the Upper Mustang anymore.

You can now travel to Upper Mustang in a jeep or a motorbike. Does this affect trekking? The road construction has affected trekking to some extent, but the journey is still truly rewarding.

There are two routes to Lo Manthang- the western route (the classic, famous route) and the eastern route (road-less but challenging). You will enjoy trekking to Lo Manthang via both routes.

Check out our Upper Mustang bike tour package if you are interested in offroad biking.

Highlights

  • Embark on an adventurous trek that will take you back in time
  • Trek in one of the trans-Himalayan regions in Nepal
  • Walk through deep canyons and semi-deserts and cross several mountain passes
  • Explore many ancient monasteries throughout the trek
  • Spend two nights in Lo Manthang, the Walled City
  • Are you into cave civilization? You will love the Jhong Caves in Chhoser
  • Witness mesmerizing arid landscapes and breathtaking mountain views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and many more
  • Trek close to the Tibetan border and visit the last village, Tingkhar, in the northwest of Nepal
  • Take thrilling flights in and out of Jomsom airport

The kingdom of Lo

If we dive deep into the history of Lo, it was under full control of the Ngari district of Tibet. In 1380, Ame Pal, a Tibetan warrior, established the walled city of Lo Manthang.

He then built the palace at Tsarang in 1440 and many other fortresses and settlements throughout the Upper Mustang. The strategic location of Lo Manthang enabled it to extensively flourish during the 15th to 17th centuries.

Lo controlled the salt trade route between Tibet in the north and India in the south via the Kali Gandaki Gorge. In the 18th century, during the greater Nepal campaign of Shah Rullers, Lo Manthang was integrated into Nepal.

Still, Lo Manthang practiced its own rules and remained a separate kingdom. So, even the unified Nepal technically had two kings.

In the 1950s, the Chinese invasion of Tibet put an end to cross-border trade between Tibet, Nepal, and India. After Ame Pal, his descendants ruled Lo for 25 generations. In 2016, the last king of Lo, Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista, died.

The beginning of tourism in Upper Mustang

We have mentioned that the Upper Mustang was completely off-limits to foreigners until 1992. It gave it the name The Last Forbidden Kingdom of Lo.

Even when tourism was opened in the same year (1992), the trips were strictly regulated, and by 2008, only a little over 2000 foreigners explored this region.

When the Upper Mustang was opened to the world, filmmakers and photojournalists took a special interest in the region.

At that time, there were no tea houses built, so camping was necessary, and it made the overall trip very expensive.

Fast forward to 2025, the Upper Mustang trek route is dotted with teahouses, so camping is not required anymore. The trekking permit is still quite expensive, but the trek is not as costly as before.

What are the main attractions of Upper Mustang trek?

  • Adventurous trail: The Upper Mustang trek route is very adventurous. Though it combines walking on newly built roads and offroad trails, many sections of the trail are thrilling. For example, you will cross numerous mountain passes such as Taklam Lam Pass (3,624 m), Yamdo La Pass (3,850 m), Nyi La Pass (4,020 m), Ghami La Pass (3,765 m), Lo La Pass (3,960 m), etc. Likewise, the trail also traverses deep canyons, semi-deserts, narrow alleys, and vast meadows. You can definitely look forward to adventure on this trek.
  • Mountain views: Western Himalayan mountains such as Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche Peak, and many others dominate the Upper Mustang route. The mountain views are best from the top of the passes that you will cross during the trek.
  • The warm hospitality of the locals: The locals of Upper Mustang are simple and kind. They never back up to give you the best service with whatever means they have. It feels like you are at home away from home.
  • Ancient monasteries: Upper Mustang is famous for ancient monasteries that are centuries old. Some notable monasteries that you will explore during the trek are Ghar Gompa, Champa Lhakhang, Namgyal Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, etc.
  • Sky Caves: If you are into cave civilization, then Jhong Caves in Chhoser will leave you in awe. These are called the sky caves as they are situated in cliffs. The caves are multi-storied and go as high as five stories.
  • The Kali Gandaki Gorge: The Kali Gandaki Gorge is the deepest gorge in the world. It separates Mt. Dhaulagiri in the west and Mt. Annapurna in the east. It also used to be a trade route between India and Tibet centuries ago.
  • Arid-landscapes: The Upper Mustang is a trans-Himalayan region in Nepal. The landscape here is not lush but barren and dry, like the Tibetan plateau. Mornings are dazzling in the intense sun rays,d and evenings are calm and soothing.

Upper Mustang trek itinerary and route

Our suggested Upper Mustang 12 days itinerary is what we think is the most scenic, culturally immersive, and achievable for all age groups.

You will start and end the Upper Mustang trek in Jomsom. From Jomsom, you will trek to Kagbeni and enter the restricted area on the way to Chele.

You will then spend nights in villages like Syanbochen, Ghami, and Tsarang before reaching Lo Manthang. The trail traverses many small settlements, deep canyons, semi-deserts, narrow alleys, and mountain passes.

You will spend two nights in Lo Manthang and descend via Ghar Gompa and Dhakmar. While returning to Jomsom, you will spend nights in Ghiling and Chhuksang villages.

If you are interested in exploring a Bon monastery, we recommend trekking from Chhuksang to Mukinath via Gyu La instead of following the road to Kagbeni. On the way, you can visit a Bon monastery in Lubra settlement.

Upper Mustang trek distance

The Upper Mustang trek distance may vary depending on your itinerary. Following our 12 days Upper Mustang trek itinerary, you will walk around 145 kilometers.

*Check out our Upper Mustang trek map attached below to see the pictorial view of the route.

The Teri La and Saribung La route

The Upper Mustang trek via Teri La (5,595 m) and Saribung La (5,600 m) is the most advanced route. It connects Upper Mustang with Nar Phu Valley.

Following this route, it takes 18 to 22 days to complete the trek, and you will cross two 5,500 meters above mountain passes. This route is strenuous and only recommended to experienced trekkers.

Upper Mustang trek via Teri La and Saribung La includes homestays and camping. Trekkers also have to use ropes, ice axes, and crampons, depending on the condition of the pass.

Please understand that the Teri La and Saribung La route is not explored by many Nepali trekking companies even though they sell the package.

Kindly ask them about their expertise in this isolated, challenging route before booking the trek. You will start the Upper Mustang trek via Teri La and Saribung La from Kagbeni and end it in Koto.

The craze of the Tiji festival

Tiji festival is the spring festival in Upper Mustang. It is a three-day grand festivity in Lo Manthang. Travelers who have experienced this festival do not stop raving about it.

It is celebrated usually in May as per the Tibetan lunar calendar. The festival showcases huge mandalas, centuries-old scriptures, ancient thangka paintings, mask dances, several rituals, and offerings.

In 2026, the Tiji festival will be celebrated on the 14th, 15th, and 16th of May. If you are interested to experience it, schedule your Upper Mustang trek during this date.

Is Upper Mustang trek suitable for you?

The Upper Mustang trek is not an easy excursion in the Himalayas. Altitude-wise, it is not as high as Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit treks. But the terrain is offbeat and requires good fitness.

Generally, the Upper Mustang trek is recommended to beginner trekkers, but they have to be physically fit. It is best if you do Upper Mustang trekking as your 2nd or 3rd voyage in the Himalayas.

Upper Mustang trek 2025/2026 bookings are open!

How to prepare for the Upper Mustang trek?

  • You have to walk a minimum of 6 hours a day during the Upper Mustang trek. For that, you will need good stamina and strength. If you are not physically fit, exercise. Strength training and cardio is recommended.
  • Learn about the Upper Mustang trek route and what it is like trekking there. Have the right expectations. It will lower the annoyance of limited modern conveniences.
  • One of the things that will help you a lot during trekking in the Himalayas is your mindset. It is again about accepting the challenges and limitations of the region and adjusting.
  • Practice regular walking and stretching.
  • Make a habit of drinking 2 to 3 liters of water daily. You have to drink at least this much water every day during the trek.

Upper Mustang trek cost 2025 and 2026

Our Upper Mustang trek cost is the most affordable in the market. You can do this trek at just USD 1,700 per person.

It covers the Upper Mustang trek permit, guide and porter, two Jomsom flights, transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara, three meals a day during the trek, and many other perks.

Upper Mustang Trek - 12 Days Itinerary

You will leave Kathmandu and take a short flight to Pokhara on this day. The flight will be around 25 minutes. You can enjoy stunning mountain views during the flight.

Upon landing in Pokhara, you will take another short 20-minute flight to Jomsom. It will be a scenic flight as well. The views of the western Himalayan ranges are mesmerizing from the flight.

Land in Jomsom and start trekking to Kagbeni. Porter will join you in Jomsom. The trail from Jomsom to Kagbeni goes through sparse settlements.

You can see unique rocks, windswept valleys, and huge cliffs on the way. Kagbeni is a beautiful village with many budget-friendly and luxury lodges and hotels.

  • Max Altitude:2,800 m/9,500 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Duration:45 minutes flights & 4 hours trek
  • Distance:10.7 km/6.6 miles

Leaving Kagebni, you will hike to Chele. The trail enters the upper part of Mustang, which is a restricted area. The permits are registered at the police checkpost.

After that, you will continue ascending north along the Kali Gandaki River. The scenery along the way is excellent. You will see green meadows, canyons, eroded cliffs, and caves.

The trail goes through Tangbe village, where you can see barley fields, white-washed houses, prayer flags, and apple orchards. It is a beautiful village.

From here, you will ascend to Chhuksang and cross a suspension bridge. The trail then gradually climbs to Chele, situated above the river gorge.

  • Max Altitude:3,050 m/10,006 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Duration:6 hours
  • Distance:15.3 km/9.5 miles

The trail from Chele to Syangbochen is tough but also scenic. You will traverse rugged terrain. Start the day with a steep ascent along rugged cliffs and narrow gorges.

You will reach Taklam Lam Pass (3,624 m). The view of Damodar Himal and Tilicho Peak are stunning from here. Further, you will walk through windy ridges and pass by intriguing cave homes carved into the cliffs.

The trail goes via Samar, a lovely village. From here, you will descend into a deep gorge and ascend to Yamdo La Pass (3,850 m).

Enjoy the stunning mountain vista from the pass and walk to Syanbochen to spend the night. Syanbochen is a peaceful village overlooking a vast high plateau.

  • Max Altitude:3,475 m/11,401 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Duration:5 hours
  • Distance:11.5 km/7.1 miles

As you trek from Syanbochen to Ghami, you will pass by one of the most scenic and culturally rich parts of the Upper Mustang. You will also cross three passes on this day.

Leaving Syanbochen, you will ascend to Syanboche La (3,850 m) and pass by villages like Tamagaon and Ghiling.

Then, the trail ascends to Nyi La Pass (4,020 m), from where you can see breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and other mountains.

From the pass, you will follow a steep trail and descend. The final ascent will take you to the top of Ghami La Pass (3,765 m) and descend to Ghami village.

  • Max Altitude:3,500 m/11,483 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Duration:5 hours
  • Distance:9.3 km/5.7 miles

After breakfast, you will begin hiking to Tsarang. It will be around 10.7 km of walking. Leaving Ghami, you will cross a steel bridge over Ghami Khola and follow a steep uphill route to Choya La (3,870 m).

This is the toughest part of the trail today. The top of the pass offers striking views of mountains, such as Annapurna, Nilgiri, Tukuche Peak, Thorong Peak, etc.

Further, on the way, you will pass by isolated areas and reach Tsarang village. In this village, you will explore a fortress and Tsarang monastery, which is related to the Gelug sect of Buddhism.

The Tsarang Chu Canyons is another major attraction in this village. The Tsarang village is situated on the top of the canyon.

  • Max Altitude:3,560 m/11,680 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Duration:4-5 hours
  • Distance:10.7 km/6.6 miles

Today, you will reach Lo Manthang, the Walled City and the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal. Most of the trail from Tsarang to Lo Manthang is flat and wide.

The remoteness of the area and the arid landscapes make the walk perfect. The trail crosses the Lo La Pass (3,960 m).

The view of Lo Manthang and surrounding mountains, such as Nilgiri, Bhrikuti Peak, Annapurna I, Tilicho Peak, etc, are excellent from Lo La Pass.

From the pass, the trail descends and goes along a long mani wall, leading you into Lo Manthang.

  • Max Altitude:3,840 m/12,598 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Duration:5-6 hours
  • Distance:11 km/6.8 miles

You will spend one more day in Lo Manthang because there is a lot to explore here. Start the day early with a big breakfast, then get ready for a few hours of day excursion.

You will hike to Chhoser Caves, also known as Sky Caves. Likewise, visit Tingkhar, which is the last village in the northwest.

Explore ancient monasteries like Namgyal Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, Thugchen Gompa, and Champa Lhakhang. Likewise, you will also see the great Entrance Hall and observe the daily lives of the locals.

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

The trail from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar goes through the Ghar Gumba. It is around a 1200-year-old monastery built by Guru Padmasambhava.

You will also cross Marang La (4,230 m) and Muila (4,170 m) passes on the way. Note that Marang La Pass is also known as Chogo La Pass.

It is the highest point on the Upper Mustang trek. The terrain is rugged and steep in many sections.

The views of highland pastures, red cliffs, and ancient sky caves along the trail make the hike fascinating.

  • Max Altitude:3,810 m/12,500 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Duration:6-7 hours
  • Distance:17.2 km/10.6 miles

Leaving Dhakmar, you will walk south, enjoying breathtaking arid landscapes. The trail gradually ascends and descends via Chhunggar and Tamagaon villages.

Pass by white-washed houses and prayer flags on the way and watch the locals living their simple mountain lifestyle. Ghiling will welcome you with a peaceful environment and welcoming villagers.

  • Max Altitude:3,570 m/11,712 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Duration:6 hours
  • Distance:14.3 km/8.8 miles

Ghiling to Chhuksang is a long trek. You will pass by Chungsi Cave and Samar village on the way. On the way, explore ancient monasteries and enjoy stunning scenery.

Most of the trail is flat and goes downhill. You will cross Syanbochen La (3,850 m), Dajong La (3,660 m), and Taklam La (3,624) passes today.

Chhuksang is another quite pretty village with apple orchards, unique cliffs, and peaceful alleys. If you are into Shaligram (fossilized ammonites), Chhuksang is a great place to look for one.

  • Max Altitude:3,050 m/10,006 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Duration:6-7 hours
  • Distance:17.2 km/10.6 miles

Today is the last day of the trek and one of the longest walks. You will walk through Tangbe and Kagbeni villages. First, the trail descends along the Kali Gandaki River to Tangbe village.

From here, you will walk to Kagbeni and follow rugged terrain to Jomsom. Walk through narrow alleys and pass by a maze of white-washed houses on the way. Likewise, enjoy breathtaking scenery and mountain vistas.

  • Max Altitude:2,715 m/8,907 ft
  • Meals:Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Accommodation:Tea house
  • Duration:7-8 hours
  • Distance:22 km/13.6 miles

After breakfast, you will take a morning flight to Pokhara. The flight offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayan mountains. Upon landing in Pokhara, the guide will drop you off at the hotel.

The remaining day is free in the city. We will give you the trek completion certificate and bid our last goodbye.

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

Includes

  • 1 domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara
  • 2 domestic flights between Jomsom and Pokhara
  • Transportation to drive to/from airport as per the itinerary
  • 1-night stays in Pokhara in a 3-star hotel
  • Tea house accommodation during the trek
  • 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek, accompanied by tea or coffee
  • Licensed, professional trekking guide who can speak your language (all of our guides can speak Nepali and English)
  • Assistant guide if the group has more than eight trekkers
  • One porter for two trekkers
  • Daily allowance, salary, permits, and insurance for our guides and porter
  • Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang (Upper Mustang RAP)
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (MCAP) permit
  • Company's service charge
  • All taxes incurred during the trek

Excludes

  • Lunch and dinners in Kathmandu
  • International flights to and from Kathmandu
  • Nepal travel visa fee
  • Travel insurance (must cover helicopter evacuation and medical bills)
  • Guide and porter tips (mandatory)
  • Shopping
  • Bar bills and extra food
  • Extra personal expenses during the trek, like hot showers, charging, WiFi, etc
  • Any expense not mentioned in our Cost Includes section

Dates and Availability

  • You can customize the Upper Mustang trek itinerary if our proposed itinerary does not meet your requirements.
  • 100% fixed departure unless unseen events like natural disasters, bad weather, or political issues disrupt the trip.
  • We organize both private and group treks for the Upper Mustang. Our groups are small.
  • Solo trekkers, families with kids, students, and senior citizens are welcome to join us for the Upper Mustang trek.
  • By booking the Upper Mustang trek with us, you are agreeing to be bound by our Terms & Conditions.

Essential Information

Upper Mustang trek permits

For the Upper Mustang trek, two permits are required. One is the restricted area permit, and the other is the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit.

Both permits are mandatory for this trek, and entering the region without them is illegal. Our Upper Mustang trek package includes both permit fees.

  • Restricted Permit Cost: USD 500 per person for the first 10 days and an additional USD 50 per day per person after that
  • ACAP Permit: USD20 per person

The restricted area rules and regulations

  • Foreigners must have to trek with an authorized Nepali trekking company.
  • Only an authorized Nepali trekking company can help you obtain the restricted area permit. Independent guides cannot help you obtain the restricted area permit for the Upper Mustang.
  • Trekking in a group of two trekkers is necessary. Guide and porters are not counted in the group.
  • Solo trekkers can join our fixed departure Upper Mustang trek or buy a ghost RAP permit (issued in someone else name). In short, you have to pay an additional USD 500 to get the ghost-restricted area permit.

The best time to do the Upper Mustang trek

Unlike the rest of Nepal, you can enjoy trekking in the Upper Mustang from March to November. There is no issue of rainfall and muddy trails in this region because it is a rain shadow area.

The region above Kagbeni is not affected by the monsoon season. In short, you can enjoy the Upper Mustang trek in spring, summer/monsoon, and autumn seasons.

Winter (December to February) is the coldest time of the year. The harsh cold and heavy snowfall make trekking more difficult. Crossing the passes becomes very risky.

And many teahouses close down because the locals migrate south or descend to lower elevations to spend winter.

At the same time, if you are well prepared, packed, and supported by a knowledgeable guide, you will enjoy the Upper Mustang trek in winter as well.

Upper Mustang trek difficulty

The Upper Mustang trek difficulty is moderate/challenging. It is an offbeat trek. The route follows steep, rugged tracks and crosses many mountain passes.

The exposure to dust, wind, and sun is high on this trek. It can be challenging for some trekkers. Likewise, a minimum of six hours of walking each day is also quite demanding.

Some sections of the route are steep and covered with loose stones. Likewise, navigating deep canyons and high cliffs is also not easy. On top of that, you will keep ascending and descending throughout the way.

Note that you walk on all these terrains while carrying a 5 kg daypack. It is important that trekkers planning to do the Upper Mustang trek are physically strong and ready to push themselves.

Altitude sickness during this trek

The best thing about the Upper Mustang trek is that it stays under 4,200 meters. Does it mean the risk of altitude sickness is low? Not entirely, but to some extent, trekkers are less likely to suffer from altitude sickness during the Upper Mustang trek.

If you have not experienced high altitude before, then trekking above 2,500 meters will be challenging for you. You have to be accustomed to low oxygen levels and thin air.

Acclimatization is super important for first-time trekkers. Ascend slowly and maintain your pace. Keep yourself hydrated and listen to your body. If you feel sick or see symptoms such as headache, vomiting, nausea, dizziness, etc, inform your guide and get medicine.

Accommodation during the Upper Mustang trek

The accommodation during the Upper Mustang trek is a tea house. You will spend nights in traditional Mustang homes, which will enhance your trek experience.

Though these houses don't look much from the outside, the inside is cozy and heartwarming. Rooms are mostly twin-shared and small. Trekkers share the dining area and washrooms.

In Kagbeni and Jomsom, luxury lodges are available. You can upgrade to them by paying extra money.

A sleeping bag is highly recommended for the Upper Mustang trek. Likewise, pack all the toiletries that you may need, including toilet paper and soap. You will need a lot of SPF and a moisturizer, too.

Some places have Western-style toilets and some squat toilets. Hot showers are available in all villages. It can cost you around 200 rupees.

Charging, WiFi, and mobile network during the trek

WiFi is not available everywhere. You may get it in Jomsom and Kagbeni but do not expect it at higher elevations. Some places offer WiFi connection via satellite, but it will cost you 100 rupees for a day.

You can buy local SIM cards at the airport or in Thamel. For Upper Mustang, we recommend getting a Nepal Telecom (NTC) sim. It has the best network coverage in this area. Note that the network will be patchy and slow in most places.

Teahouses rely on solar power generators. You will get to charge your mobile and camera throughout the trek. Be prepared to pay a few extra bucks for this service as well. A power bank and spare batteries will come in very handy.

What will you eat during the Upper Mustang trekking?

The food options during the Upper Mustang trek are like other treks in Nepal. Tibetan and Nepali dishes are mostly available everywhere.

You will have dinner and breakfast in the teahouse, where you will spend the night and lunch on the way. It is best to order vegetable dishes as they are freshest.

You will have lots of dal bhat, thukpa, Tibetan bread, butter tea, momo, boiled eggs, and parathas during the Upper Mustang trek. Different types of tea, coffee, and soft drinks are also available.

Similarly, boiled water is available in all tea houses. It is safe to drink. If you have to drink tap water, treat it with a water purification table for extra safety.

Upper Mustang trek travel insurance

One of the essential documents required for the Upper Mustang trek is travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation and medical bills.

Not all travel insurance covers high-altitude trekking or adventures in the Himalayas in Nepal. So, make sure to clearly communicate with your travel insurance provider.

Make sure to bring the documents with you. We need them before the trek starts.

Arrival and departure from Kathmandu (Nepal)

Our team will take care of your arrival and departure from Kathmandu. They will pick you up from the airport and drop you there as needed.

We provide airport transfers as per our Upper Mustang trek itinerary. Requesting any additional commutes will cost you extra money.

Nepal tourist visa

Foreigners, excluding Indian citizens, must need a Nepal tourist visa to enter the country for trek and tour. Travelers from most countries can easily obtain Nepal tourist visas upon arriving at the Kathmandu Airport.

Make sure you have all the necessary documents and visas ready for a quick process. You can also fill out the form online. Kindly check more details about the Nepal tourist visa on this site.

Upper Mustang trek guide and porter

Our Upper Mustang trek package includes a local, experienced guide and a native porter. So, their salaries and travel insurance are already covered in our package cost.

You only have to take care of the tip. In general, hiring a guide for the Upper Mustang trek costs USD 30 to USD 50 per day. Likewise, the porter costs USD 20 to USD 40 per day.

Last-minute booking

Last-minute booking for the Upper Mustang trek requires full payment. It is also non-refundable. Contact us if you want to book a last-minute Upper Mustang trek. We will do our best to arrange the logistics and permits on time.

Upper Mustang trek packing list

Follow the below packing list to pack for the Upper Mustang trek:

Trekking gear:

  • Duffel bag
  • Daypack
  • Sleeping bag with liner
  • Trekking poles
  • Water bladder
  • Map

Clothes:

  • Breathable undergarments
  • Trekking t-shirt and pants
  • Thermal layers
  • Down jacket
  • Fleece
  • Windproof/waterproof jacket and pant

Accessories:

  • Trekking boots
  • Liner socks
  • Fuzzy socks
  • Gloves (touch screen compatible)
  • Scarves
  • Beanie
  • A casual pair of shoes to wear in lodges

Toiletries:

  • SPF
  • Wet tissues
  • Lip balm
  • Moisturizer
  • Deodorant
  • Handwash
  • Shampoo
  • Small mirror
  • Comb
  • Toothpaste and toothbrush
  • Toilet paper

Miscellaneous:

  • Reusable water bottle
  • Water purification tablets
  • UV sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Mobile
  • Power bank
  • Spare batteries
  • Universal charger
  • Snacks
  • Book
  • Journal and pen
  • Travelers game for time pass

Documents:

  • Trek permits
  • Passport
  • Passport-size photos
  • Emergency contact details
  • Travel insurance papers
  • Nepal travel visa
  • Cash
  • Debit/credit cards

First-aid:

  • Any medicine that you have to take daily
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Altitude sickness medicine
  • Normal medicine for cold and cough
  • Indigestion medicine
  • Electrolytes
  • Bandaid
  • Ointment

Upper Mustang Trek - 12 Days FAQs

The Upper Mustang trek usually takes 14 to 18 days to complete. However, our itinerary does not include arrival and departure from Kathmandu, and you will be ending the journey in Pokhara. So, you will end the trek in just 12 days.

The Upper Mustang trek is one of the challenging treks in the Himalayas. It is not a very high-altitude trek if we compare it to Everest Base Camp or Langtang Valley. But the trail is offbeat and steep, the terrain is quite remote, and the route involves many mountain pass crossings.

The Upper Mustang trek cost is high due to the expensive restricted area permit. This trek usually costs around USD 1,600 to USD 1,900 per person.

The cost of the Upper Mustang trek package may differ depending on the itinerary and services included in the package.

One of the biggest reasons that make Upper Mustang an expensive trekking region in Nepal is its restricted area permit. It costs USD 500 per person for 10 days and USD 50 per day per person after that.

As per the restricted area trekking rules in Nepal for foreigners, there have to be at least two trekkers in the group.

If you are a single traveler, you can join our fixed departure trip for Upper Mustang or contact us to customize the trek. We can arrange a trekking partner or a small group to join as per your trekking date.

If you want to explore the Upper Mustang on a bike, we can help you rent a bike. We have many two-wheeler options for the Upper Mustang. Our bikes are well-maintained.

It usually costs USD 30 to USD 55 per day to rent a bike for the Upper Mustang. Note that this amount does not include accommodation, permits, food, guide, etc.

Upper Mustang is an arid area. The daytime is sunny, but due to the high altitude, you may feel cold in villages like Tsarang, Lo Manthang, and Dhakmar. Usually, the temperature ranges between 18 to 27 degrees Celsius.

Upper Mustang is famous for its Tibetan plateau-like landscapes, arid environment, semi-desert, deep canyons, sky caves, ancient monasteries, beautiful scenery, and welcoming locals.

Upper Mustang is the northern part of the Himalayas in Nepal. From Kathmandu, Upper Mustang is situated approximately 462 kilometers away. You can visit here in a jeep or a bike. Likewise, trekking is a very famous option.

During the trek, you will follow a different route and explore many small villages. Though road constructions have made Upper Mustang accessible, trekking still remains a top choice for adventurers. By far, the road construction has not undermined trekking adventure.

The Upper Mustang trek distance is around 145 kilometers. The total distance may increase or decrease based on your itinerary.

Upper Mustang gets very cold during the winter season and experiences heavy rainfall. The temperature drops below -25°C. Many locals descend to lower elevations to spend winter, so some teahouses get closed.

You can trek to Upper Mustang in winter if you are well-dressed and ready to face the winter weather. Upper Mustang in winter is nothing less than a magical world.

Villages like Marpha, Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath, and Lubra are in the Lower Mustang. Whereas Chele, Syanbochen, Ghami, Tsarang, Lo Manthang, Dhakmar, Ghiling, and Chhuksang are Upper Mustang.

Upper Mustang, basically, is the upper area of the Mustang region and shares a border with Tibet, which is not the case for Lower Mustang.

Frankly speaking, the Upper Mustang trek can be a bit challenging for beginner trekkers. However, if you are physically fit and understand the remote nature of the Himalayas, you may go for the Upper Mustang trek.

Again, trekking with children totally depends on their previous high-altitude experience and exposure to rugged terrain & limited facilities.

If this is your kid's first time in the Himalayas, we recommend doing treks with better trekking infrastructure, such as Ghorepani Poon Hill and Everest Base Camp.

Upper Mustang is located in the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, so rain does not fall here. The weather in Upper Mustang in summer/monsoon is less unpredictable than in other parts of the Himalayas. You will experience mostly calm weather and a mild climate.

No, every non-Nepali trekker, including Indian citizens, has to obtain a restricted area permit to travel to Upper Mustang.

It is recommended to carry a sleeping bag during the Upper Mustang trek.

Yes, you will need a down jacket and other warm clothes for the Upper Mustang trek.

You can charge your electric devices throughout the Upper Mustang trek. However, it may cost you up to Nrs 300 per device. Solar chargers, spare batteries, and power banks are recommended for the journey.

There is no direct flight to Lo Manthang. You can fly to Jomsom and trek or take a jeep ride from here to Lo Manthang.

Yes, you can travel to Upper Mustang in a jeep. We organize the Upper Mustang jeep tour. For more information, kindly contact us.

The road to Upper Mustang remains open throughout the year. However, in winter, snowfall may block the roads. Likewise, during monsoon season, the lower parts of the routes are affected by landslides and muddy tracks.

Travel insurance is a must for the Upper Mustang trek. It provides you with a safety net to rely on in this remote, inaccessible part of Earth.