USD 1850 Per Person
- TRIP DURATION
- 14 Days
- MAX. ALTITUDE
- 3900
- TRIP GRADE
- Moderate
- LODGING
- Tea house
- BEST SEASON
- 12 months a year
- MEALS
- Breakfast lunch dinner
- COMMUNICATION
- Local sim card
- PER DAY WALK
- 5 to 6 hours
Upper Mustang Trek
The colourful land of Mustang is literally a paradise for mankind. Gracefully placed in the western-north section of the country, the Upper Mustang trek is among the best treks of Nepal. This ancient forbidden kingdom’s culture and history are hidden from the entire world. The wonders are yet to be discovered by the brave, adventurous soul. So, get ready to learn more about this natural and cultural wonderland.
Mustang lies beyond the Himalayas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Mustang is situated between 206 km from Kathmandu, 422.5 km of road distance. This district has two regions- Lower and Upper Mustang. While the lower Mustang is very busy and vibrant, the Uppermost region of the Mustang is still a restricted region; you need a special permit to visit the Upper Mustang. Jomsom is the headquarters of Mustang.
With its immense beauty, the small town of Jomsom attracts thousands of tourists every year. There are beautiful villages and valleys you visit during the trek to the Upper Mustang, each one of them equally mesmerizing and unique. Upper Mustang was the last king-ruled state of Nepal. People’s lives revolved around Tibetan Buddhism, which is known as a Bon religion.
Upper Mustang Trek Routes
Tibet has influenced even their language. These followers of Buddhist sage Guru Rinpoche have built many beautiful monasteries and colourful rotating wheels in the entire region.
The annual Tiji festival, Horse race, Loshar, and many other celebrations can also be observed nearby. The upper Mustang trek has so many wonders to uncover. The upper Mustang tour commences when you get to Pokhara. You can drive or fly to Jomsom from Pokhara and then start the trek to Kagbeni.
From Chele, we continue to the villages such as Syangboche, Ghami, and Charang before getting to the Lo Manthang. Here, we will spend an additional day exploring the exceptional beauty of the Upper Mustang. Then, we walk down the Dhamkar and Syangbochen. The final trek day to Jomsom from Chhusang brings us back to Pokhara.
Obviously, we can take an additional day to witness the many natural wonders of Pokhara Valley before getting back to Kathmandu.
Highlights Of Upper Mustang Trek
- Stroll in the semi-arid land beyond the mountains
- Horse-riding to the walled city of Lo-Manthang
- Witness the unbelievable beauty of colourful alpine vegetation- hues of orange, red, brown, and green.
- Enjoy the views of the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranging from opposite directions, a rear view of the world.
- Exciting meetings with the Yak Caravan, pristine waterfalls, beautiful lakes, and many other natural wonders
- Explore the route that the traditional trans-Himalayan traders once used
- A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live the unique practices of the Tibetan Buddhist culture for the true knowledge of peace and salvation.
What Is Upper Mustang Famous For?
Upper Mustang is a paradise for adventure seekers/explorers, and there are a few genuine reasons for it. Firstly, Lo Manthang, the centre of the Upper Mustang, and its exciting history captivate many tourists. This mountain valley is surrounded by walls on all sides and still has a king (although not legally).
The lifestyle, culture, and practices between these walls are hidden from the world, and only a few get to witness it from a close distance. Slightly far from Lo Manthang, you can witness Gyakar and Ghar Gompa, more than 1200 years old. Trek to Upper Mustang is also famous for Tiji and horse racing festival. Prayer Chants and dances in colourful dresses are the charms of Tiji.
This festival is celebrated around May as per the Tibetan calendar. Another highlight is obviously Muktinath temple, a pilgrim site for Nepalese Hindus and Buddhists. People of two different religions keep Muktinath at the superiority of their faith. Earlier, believers used to walk for over a month to reach this temple of Muktinath and ask the god for salvation and peace.
Beautifully seated along the colourful high cliffs, the Muktinath visit is a rejuvenating experience. Other attractions are the fascinating forts and monasteries of Kagbeni, hidden caves in the upper Mustang, unique myths inside the four walls of Manthang, and many more.
Also Read:- Everest Base Camp Luxury Trek
ITINERAY
Day 01: Drive / Fly to Pokhara
You can either drive to Pokhara along the Prithivi highway or fly to the domestic airport of Nepal. The 8 hours of drive in a tourist bus/ private car along the Trishuli river bank and lush hills is also going to be fantastic. Or, you can fly above the lush green hills and witness the mountain vistas parallel to your eyes from the window seat of your plane.
If you fly to Pokhara, we will have some extra time for boating in Phewa and visiting nearby places. In the evening, you get to enjoy the nightlife of Lakeside.
Note: You can also book our Upper Mustang trek from Pokhara itself. We can pick you up from any other nearby cities of Nepal.
Overnight in Pokhara
Meal : Lunch
Accomodation : Hotel
Walking / Driving : 25mins flight/ 7 hours drive
Day 02: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni
From the Pokhara airport, we fly to Jomsom in the morning. This half an hour of mountain flight close to the Annapurna range is a beautiful experience. You can also drive to Jomsom from Pokhara off-road, but that’s a very long journey. Once we get to Jomsom, we get our bags ready and then trek to Kagbeni.
Walking along the Kali-Gandaki river in a neatly built road of Mustang is thrilling. Kagbeni has a fortress that was established in the later 16th century. Close by; there is a place called Drakmar where Guru Rimpoche is said to slew an ogress named Balmo. We visit a suspension bridge, monasteries, and many other places of Kagbeni before getting back.
Overnight in Kagbeni
Meal : breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Guest house
Walking / Driving : 20 mins flight/ 3 hours trek
Day 03: Trek to Chele
In the early morning light, we wake up with Nilgiri before us. Heading north along the Kali Gandaki River, we first enter the Chhusang Valley. After some walk, we will be standing before the red and whitewashed houses of Tangbe. After lunch, we then reach the village of Chele. Perched high in the majestic cliffs, we can find some decent accommodation here.
Overnight in Chele.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Walking / Driving : 5 hours
Day 04: Trek to Syangboche
Once we leave Chele, our plan during the Upper mustang trek is to climb into the Samar village. From Samar, we walk downwards for almost 30minutes before we start the climb to the Syangboche. The overall journey is not that long, but since we will be walking above 3800m, you need to walk slow and let your body rest.
Overnight in Syangboche
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Walking / Driving : 6 hours
Day 05: Trek to Ghami
In the morning, we plan to climb towards the steep Yamada La. From the top, the views of the range, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri, are absolutely stunning. Then, we do even a stricter climb to Nyu La Pass. Only then, we walk to Ghami for a few hours. The deserted land of Ghami has newly built houses and lodges.
Overnight in Ghami
Wanna check easy treks in Nepal? Check our Kapuche lake Trek
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Walking / Driving : 5-6 hours
Day 06: Trek to Charang
The 8th day of our Upper Mustang trek starts with a downward walk to the colorful valley. The different colors of prayer flags look like the beauty of the rainbow before the Tangmarchu River. Then, we plan to climb above the plateau and cross the Mani Wall. After a few hours, we will be staying in the Charang village.
Overnight in Charang village
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Walking / Driving : 6-7 hours
Day 07: Trek to Lo-Manthang
Today’s path on our trek to Upper Mustang is mostly uphill. We first climb to Lo-Gekar, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries globally (even older than Tibet’s Samye Gompa). We take our time to visit this classic monastery before we take a horse ride to Lo-Manthang. Getting in the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang, its immense beauty will lose you. We will only wander around the guest house in the evening and leave the rest of the journey tomorrow.
Overnight in Lo-Manthang
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Walking / Driving : 4 hours
Day 08: Exploration of Lo-Manthang
Lo-Manthang is a core of Buddhist culture and tradition in Nepal. Here are four unique temples- Chopramg Gompa, known as “New Gompa”; Jampa Lhakhang, known as “God House” (made in the early 15th century); Chodey Gompa; and Thubchen Gompa (made in the late 15th century).
Among many wonders of Lo-Manthang, we visit the Namgyal Gompa which is situated at peak top. Then, we visit the Tingkhar northwest. This is a tiny village with about 40 small houses. We also explore the king’s palace and call the day off with a delicious local dinner.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Day 09: Trek to Dhamkar
We initially ascend to 4070m and then climb to the Chogo La Pass, the most demanding section of our trip. Chogo top at 4320m is also the highest viewpoint of our trek. Then, the journey is all about the downhill walk to the Charang River. Walking to the Lo-Gekar, we hike via the monastery of Ghar Gompa. The absolute path then moves down to the Drakmar.
Overnight in Drakmar
Trek to Upper Mustang Trek
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Walking / Driving : 4 hours
Day 10: Trek down to Syangbochen
We plan to walk further downwards from the stone walls and potato fields of Drakmar. In a few hours, we will reach Ghami and then to Jaite. For the daytime, we walk down to Chhung-Kah and continue walking to Tama Gaon. Lastly, our plan for the day is to walk downwards to Syangbochen.
Overnight in Syangbochen
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Walking / Driving : 5-6 hours
Day 11: Trek to Chhusang
Leaving Syangbochen, we walk via the river to Chhusang. Or, we can also walk via the Samar village to visit the Ranchung Caves (if we haven’t visited this cave before). Although this route via Samar makes our trip a bit longer, it’s worth it.
Overnight in Chhusang
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Tea House
Walking / Driving : 5-6 hours
Day 12: Trek to Muktinath and drive to Jomsom
Leaving Chhusang Village in the early morning, we plan to walk above the valley of Muktinath. For that, we need to cross the river that is known for the fossil stones called Shaligrams (black holy stones). We get to Muktinath in the evening with the awesome Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Tukuche before us. Our Upper Mustang trek ends here. Visiting this famous temple on the hilltop, we drive down to Jomsom.
Overnight in Jomsom
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Accomodation : Guest House
Walking / Driving : 3-4 hours/ 45 mins drive
Day 13: Fly to Pokhara and rest
The flight from Jomsom to Pokhara is usually arranged in the morning. We will be in Pokhara before lunch if the weather supports our plan. Then, we shall have enough time to explore the nearby places, including Phewa lake, Tal Barahi, Devi’s falls, and caves. Or you can just rest in your room, enjoying hot showers and a spa. In the evening, join the nightlight of Pokhara.
Overnight in Pokhara
Meal : Breakfast
Accomodation : Guest House
Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu
Now, the trip comes to an end while we drive to Katmandu in a tourist bus. Or, we have the option to fly to Kathmandu and visit some more temples and monasteries around Kathmandu valley- the choice is yours. Either way, we all gather for a farewell dinner in the evening and share our memories from the trip.
Meal : Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner
Walking / Driving : 7 hours
include / exclude
Trip Cost Includes
The Cost includes
- International and domestic airport pickup and drop-off by comfortable private car
- Kathmandu to Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
- Pokhara to Jomsom to pokhara bu bus
- Guide for 14 days
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner with tea and coffee during the 12 days of trekking
- 11 nights of tea house accommodation in the Kathamndu
- Upper Mustang restricted area permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area permits
- Guide insurance, transportation food and accommodation
- All government taxes and company service charges
Complementary services from Himalayan Masters
- Use a 25-degree sleeping bag during the trip if needed.
- 20 sleeping bags during the trek if needed
- Trekking poles during the trekking if needed
- Use a pulse oximeter to check your spo2 and bpm at high elevations.
- Water bottles and purification tablets by Himalayan Masters
- first-aid kit box.
- Seasonal fruits for dessert.
- The Himalayan Masters brand duffle bag for the trip
- Himalayan Masters Brand Trekking T-Shirt and Cap.
- Emergency: One bottle of oxygen carried by the guide
Trip Cost Excludes
- International flight ticket
- lunch and dinner in the city
- Proter for the trek
- Tips for Guides
- travel insurance
- accommodation in Kathmandu
- International flight ticket
- lunch and dinner in the city
- Proter for the trek
- Tips for Guides
- travel insurance
- accommodation in Kathmandu
useful info
Upper Mustang Trek Altitude Chart
Best Season For Upper Mustang Trek
Four different seasons are experienced in Nepal- Autumn (Sept – Nov), Winter (Dec- Feb), Spring (April- May), and Summer/ monsoon (June- August). Among these months, autumn in Upper Mustang is the most crowded month. The views are very clear, and the weather is warm and beautiful. Similarly, spring is also a popular season for trekking in Nepal.
The colourful blooms of wildflowers and some fun festivals make it the best time for the Upper Mustang trek. Interestingly, the Upper Mustang trek is one of those hiking trails in Nepal where you can trek in summer. While the rest of the country suffers from Monsoon rain, this semi-arid land with high cliffs rarely gets rain.
Thus, if you plan your visit in summer, this is the destination you should pick. However, we don’t suggest a winter trek; the Upper Mustang trek difficulty increases in winter. The temperature of Mustang winter drops below 0 degrees even in the daytime, and it’s freezing. Also, the snowfall covers most of the trekking area, and walking during the Upper Mustang trek is hard.
Recommended Reading:- Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Is the upper Mustang a desert?
The Upper Mustang of Nepal lies beyond the Himalayas, and the big mountains and hills block most of the rainfall. Technically, Upper Mustang is called Nepal’s semi-deserted land, which combines the Alpine meadow and the deserted landscape.
How cold is Upper Mustang?
The average temperature of the upper Mustang is 10 degrees Celsius, and this land beyond the Himalayas is quite cold. However, this region is warmer than other Mountain treks in Nepal, such as Annapurna and Everest. While winter temperature in Upper Mustang can go to negative with some snowfall, the remaining land is quite warm and tolerable.
How many days do you need in the Upper Mustang?
Starting from Jomsom, the trek to Upper Mustang lasts for 11 days, with one rest day at Lo-Manthang. If you want to start the trek from Muktinath, it will be nine days of trek with one rest day. However, you can make the trip shorter by taking a jeep or car all the way to Upper Mustang. This Upper Mustang trick itinerary is very flexible; you can plan the trip according to your timetable.
Who is the king of the Upper Mustang?
Upper Mustang is now under the governance of the Nepal government with not legally recognized king of the land. The last king Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista ruled the land until 2008. Interestingly, he is still recognised as the king by the locals. After him, the adopted nephew Jigme Singhe Palbar Bista will be king to the heir. King Jigme Dorje is the descendant of Ame Pal, the founder of the Buddhist kingdom in this region of Nepal.
What is the story of Upper Mustang?
Upper Mustang, the most preserved land in the world, has been walled and protected for centuries. It was built in 1380 AD by Ame Pal, and his descendants are still regarded as the kind of land. He built the 2472 feet long and 26 feet high surrounding Lo-Manthang, the capital of Mustang, and guided the city for centuries. The wooden gate at the east is the only access to the village that was so heavily guarded in the past.
What animals are in the Upper Mustang?
The high semi-deserted land of Upper Mustang homes endangered Trans-Himalayan mammals that are rarely found in any other part of the world. The animals include snow leopard, lynx, brown bear, Tibetan wild ass, Tibetan argali and more.
Why do people go to Mustang?
Mustang’s landscape is unique compared to other hills and mountains of Nepal. The combination of deserted and the alpine meadow and the Himalayas backdrop makes everything very beautiful. Also, the fact that Mustang was closed to the world until 1992 makes it very unexplored and real. The culture and heritage of the upper Mustang cannot be seen anywhere else in the world, thus attracting thousands of tourists each year.
Is the Upper Mustang trek worth it?
If you are asking whether the trek to the land beyond the mountains decorated in beautiful brown and orange vegetation and unique culture is worth it, then the question is itself very wrong. Trekkers to Upper Mustang have recommended this as one of the best trekking regions of Nepal, and most of them plan to revisit here. This trek is so worth your time and money. It’s definitely going to be life-changing.
Can you go to Upper Mustang by car?
Yes, the villages of Upper Mustang are connected to the road network, and you can drive all the way to Lo-Manthang in a private car. Public jeeps are available on a sharing basis or right from Kathmandu if you have a larger group. Two-wheelers cannot be taken to Upper Mustang, but you can definitely take a good-powered engine car up there.
Can we go to Upper Mustang by bus?
No, you cannot drive to open Mustang on public buses. The route to Upper Mustang is quite Jumpy for a big bus, and we recommend to driving a shared Jeep. Jeep riding is very comfortable in the off-road of the Himalayas.
What is the best season for Upper Mustang?
Upper Mustang is one of those treks in Nepal that can be done any time of the year. Even in monsoon, when most of the trekking routes in Nepal are closed, Upper Mustang shines at its best. During the peak season, being September, October, and November, trekking in spring is also popular. Upper Mustang is still ready to welcome you if you have three hours during June/ July or December/ January.
How long is the Mustang trip?
The short drive to Upper Mustang from Pokhara and back is only four days long. It can take about eight days to explore the villages in the areas while riding a jeep. Trekking in the Upper Mustang from Kathmandu is ideally 14 days long.
Where does Upper Mustang start?
2/3rd of the Mustang district is under the Upper Mustang zone. The trek to Mustang usually starts from Jomsom, the headquarters of the Mustang district. Trekkers usually start the Upper Mustang trekking journey from Jomsom and cross the Muktinath Temple to start the hike for the Mustang region and walk up to Lo-Manthan, the highest village at the spot.
Which areas are Upper Mustang?
The areas above Kagbeni include Chele, Ghami, Charang, and Lo Manthang, which fall in the Upper Mustang. The entire region is about 2,020 km² wide, but we will only trek about 60 kms on foot.
How high is Upper Mustang from sea level?
On average, Upper Mustang is about 4000 kilometres at sea level. Lo-man thang, the centre of Upper Mustang, is 3,840 meters /12,598 feet.
Do I need a guide for the Upper Mustang?
It is compulsory to hire a licensed trekking guide for the upper Mustang. Being a restricted region, you need to be in a group of two people and have a licensed guide for this trek in the Himalayas. The guide to Upper Mustang costs about $25 per person.
Is it easy for non-Nepalese to enter the Upper Mustang?
Yes, Non-please can easily get a trekking permit to Upper Mustang if they plan their trip correctly. Firstly, they need a valid passport and visa to Nepal. Then, you need to hire a licensed guide and apply for the permit in a group of at least two people. Within a few hours, you can easily get your permit at the immigration department in Nepal. Brace yourself as the permits are quite expensive, i.e. USD500 per person (for the first ten days) and USD 50 per day after that.
What is the highest altitude of Upper Mustang?
The highest altitude of the Upper Mustang trek is 3,840 meters, which is the elevation of Lo-Manthang village.
FAQs
How long in the Upper Mustang trek?
The Upper Mustang trek can be two weeks to three weeks long. As per the Itinerary designed by the experts of Himalayan masters, this trek is 14 days long. The Upper Mustang trek distance is about 125 km, and this distance is covered in 11 days. We will be walking about 10 km each day, 5/6 hours.
How hard is the Upper Mustang trek?
Is there Wi-Fi/ Internet in Mustang trek?
What kind of accommodation is available in the Upper Mustang trek?
What are the major places to visit in Mustang?
What is the food I must try During the Upper Mustang trek?
What about the Upper Mustang trek permit?
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