Upper Mustang Trek - 17 Days

About Upper Mustang Trek

About Mustang, Nepal

 

Mustang is a mystical region in northern Nepal, often called the “Last Forbidden Kingdom.” Nestled in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, it is a land of dramatic landscapes—wind-sculpted cliffs, barren hills, and deep gorges—surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Once a separate kingdom with its capital in Lo Manthang, Mustang retains a strong Tibetan cultural identity, with centuries-old monasteries, cave dwellings, and traditional villages that seem frozen in time. The region is divided into Lower Mustang, which is more accessible and influenced by modern amenities, and Upper Mustang, a remote and restricted area offering a rare glimpse into a preserved Tibetan Buddhist way of life. Rich in history, culture, and raw Himalayan beauty, Mustang is truly one of Nepal’s most unique and soul-stirring trekking destinations.

Overview

  • Duration: 17 days
  • Region: Mustang, northern Nepal (bordering Tibet)
  • Difficulty: Moderate — no prior trekking experience required, but good physical fitness is necessary
  • Altitude Highlights: Panoramic views of Annapurna (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m), Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), and more
  • Cultural Experience: Tibetan Buddhism, ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and unique Himalayan desert landscapes

Key Features

  • Cultural Richness: Experience the ancient Buddhist Kingdom of Lomanthang, Tibetan-style villages, and centuries-old monasteries like Lo-Gekar and Thubchen Gompa.
  • Geography: Semi-arid desert with deep gorges (like the Kali Gandaki Gorge — the world's deepest).
  • Chhoser Cave: 4 -story man-made cave with over 50 rooms carved into a cliff.
  • Isolation: The region remains largely untouched by modern infrastructure, preserving its authenticity.
  • Customization: Variants like Lower Mustang or Upper Dolpo treks are available, and custom itineraries can be arranged.

 

 

Highlights

Trek Highlights

  • Rich blend of Tibetan and Nepali culture
  • Spectacular Himalayan landscapes
  • Historic monasteries and Amchi (Tibetan medicine) museums
  • Remote, traditional villages far from tourist crowds
  • Very similar culture and living activities with Tibet and ladak

Itinerary

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You arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport, where one of our team members will welcome you and take you to the hotel. He will leave to rest and unpack, after a short briefing about the day program. In the evening, you will be joining a welcome dinner organized by the company.

  • Hotel
  • Welcome dinner

You will go on a sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Monkey Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square after having a delicious breakfast. Later, in the day, you will prepare for the trek and meet with your trek guide.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast only

You will fly to Pokhara. The flight will be short and offers a gorgeous aerial landscape. Upon landing at the airport, you move to the hotel. The rest of the day is free. Visit Lakeside Market and do boating on the tranquil Fewa Lake, enjoying breath-taking sunset.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast only

An early morning flight will take you to Jomsom. From here, you trek through lovely apple orchards and pass by EKalebatti village to reach Kagbeni for night stay. On the way, you get to see stunning scenery.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

After your permits get checked, you begin walking alongside the Kali Gandaki river. Facing the strong wind, the trail ascends to Tangbe village and passes by another village. Before reaching Chele, you will cross a river and climb to a ridge.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

From Chele, the trail heads towards Syangboche, passing through two passes- Taklam La (3,624 m) and Dajori La (3,735 m). From the top of both passes, you get to witness striking scenery and views of Tilicho Peak, Damodar Danda, Yakawa Kang, etc. The trail further passes by Ramchung Cave and descends to Sama village. From here, you ascend and descend on a steep trail that will take you to Syangboche.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The trail ascends to Yamda La Pass (3,850 m). Further, trekking through small villages, poplar forests, and barley fields, you climb Nyi La Pass (4,010 m). From here, the trail descends to Ghami for a night stay.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The day begins with a gradual descend through the rugged and slippery path. You will cross Ghami Khola on a suspension bridge and ascend. The trail passes by mani walls and leads you to the top of Tsarang La Pass (3,870 m). Further, you trek towards Tsarang village, located at the top of Charang Chu canyon.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

From Tsarang, the trail drops down to the canyon. You will cross a river and ascend Lo La Pass (3,950 m). From the top of the pass, beautiful views of Lo Manthang can be seen. Further, enjoying stunning views of Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Annapurna I, Tilicho Peak, etc, you trek and reach Lo village.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today is a rest day in Lo Manthang. You will visit nearby towns like Jhampa, Thupchen, and Chhoeda. You also trek to Tingkhar and visit century-old monasteries. Later, in the day, you spend time with the locals.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

After having a warm breakfast, you trek Drakmar via Lo gekar monasteries. These are some of the oldest monasteries in Nepal. You can see ancient murals, manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, etc in the monasteries.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today, you trek to Gelling very beautiful farm and local manes.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

All the way straight and down with beautiful mountains views,

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

After having a warm breakfast, you begin trekking towards kagbeni and jomsome.

  • Teahouse
  • Breakfast, lunch & dinner

After having breakfast, you take an early morning flight back to Pokhara. During the flight, you get to see aerial views of the Annapurna Himalaya. After landing at the airport, you move to the hotel. Spend the evening exploring Lakeside Market and doing boating on the tranquil Fewa Lake.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast only

Today, you take a flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day in Kathmandu is free to you to relax and explore on your own.

  • Hotel
  • Breakfast only

Pack your stuff and get ready to say goodbye. As per your flight departure time, our team member will drop you at the airport.

  • Breakfast only
Download Trip PDF (Print)

Cost Details

Included Excluded

 

  • 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu
    Comfortable hotel stay with daily breakfast included.

  • 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Pokhara
    Standard hotel with scenic views and modern amenities.

  • All Domestic Flights Included
    Kathmandu ➝ Pokhara ➝ Jomsom ➝ Pokhara ➝ Kathmandu (including airport transfers).

  • Special Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

  • Professional Trekking Staff
    Experienced porters and guides with full salary, meals, accommodation, and insurance covered.

  • Full Board Meals During Trekking
    Nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided each day on the trek.

  • Horse Riding Experience in Lo Manthang
    Horse ride to the famous Chhoser Cave included.

  • All Monastery Entrance Fees in Lo Manthang

  • Ground Transport for Trekking Staff
    All necessary local transfers for crew members included.

 

  • Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
    (Only breakfast is included during hotel stays.)

  • Personal Expenses
    Such as souvenirs, snacks, laundry, etc.

  • Personal Trekking Gear
    Including clothing, equipment, and sleeping bag (can be rented in Kathmandu).

  • All Beverages
    Includes bottled/mineral water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and tea/coffee during trekking.

  • Hot Showers & Hot Water During Trekking
    (Available at some lodges for an extra fee.)

  • Travel Insurance
    Must include coverage for high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

  • Nepal Entry Visa Fee
    (Payable upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or online.)

  • Helicopter Rescue or Emergency Evacuation
    If required due to altitude sickness or other emergencies.

  • International Airfare
    To/from Kathmandu.

  • Tips for Trekking Crew
    (Guides, porters, and support staff – customary but not mandatory.)

  • Additional Expenses Due to Flight Delays or Cancellations
    (Especially for Jomsom flights – extra hotel nights, meals, or alternative transport.)

 

Useful Information

Upper Mustang Trek route

Upper Mustang Trek 22 Days begins with a short scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From here, take another scenic flight to Jomsom and begin trekking through beautiful villages like Kagbeni, Tsaile, Syangboche, Gami, Tsarang, etc to reach Lo Manthang. After spending a couple of nights in this village, you descend to the holy Muktinath temple and trek to Jomsom.

Upper Mustang Trek map

Upper Mustang Trek map is designed to present you with the pictorial views of the route. The map is designed following our Upper Mustang Trek itinerary. On the map, you can see all the villages and major highlights around it. It is easy to understand the trail with the help of the map. 

Upper Mustang Trek difficulty & Altitude Sickness

Upper Mustang Trekking is regarded as a difficult trek. The trail includes steep ascends and descends on a rugged path. A perfectly planned itinerary and an experienced guide will help you complete the Upper Mustang Trek with no issues. You have to walk 6 to 7 hours a day, which requires good health, physical fitness, and stamina. Previous trekking experience will be plus, still you can do Upper Mustang Trek without prior trekking experience. 

We, Adventure Small World Treks & Expedition have designed our Upper Mustang Trek itinerary including enough acclimatization days in between the journey to make sure you are not having any problems. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic drinks & smoking. 

Best time to go on Upper Mustang Trek

March to November is the best time to go on the Upper Mustang Trek. The views are exceptional, and the famous Teji festival celebrated in the month of May makes the journey even more captivating. The weather remains mostly stable with a moderate climate, which is perfect for trekking. 

Accommodation & Meals

Upper Mustang Trek is generally a tea house trek, which means the rooms are quite basic with a few pieces of furniture, bed, and blanket. The rooms will be on twin sharing basis with a common toilet. The services in the tea house will be limited. A hot shower might be available at some villages, however you may have to pay a few extra bucks to use the service. 

For food, you can expect from local Nepali cuisine & Tibetan cuisine to a few western dishes. However, the taste of western foods might not be the same as the city one. We also recommended trying local food as it will surely enhance your journey.

Communication & Electricity

Upper Mustang Trek leads you to a very underdeveloped and remote part of the Himalayas, where you will not find network service at many places. WiFi is also not available in most of the places. Likewise, solar electricity is generally available in the villages. Even though you will get a place to charge your devices, it might cost you a few extra bucks. Therefore, we highly encourage you to carry extra batteries and not depend on charging.

Travel Insurance

You need to get travel insurance to join Upper Mustang Trek. We highly suggest you get all-inclusive travel insurance to cover any emergency or evacuations, however there will be hardly any possibility of this kind of situation as your team leader will be medically equipped and mentally trained to tackle any extreme situations. 

Guide & Porter

We provide fluent English speaking guides and porters who have mapped these trails numerous times. We will make sure with us you are enjoying every second of your Upper Mustang Trek. All of our guides are well-trained and have got several certificates that ensure your safety. 

Environmental Contribution

We have designed our Upper Mustang Trek itinerary keeping sustainable tourism in mind. We only run eco-friendly tours and treks. To preserve the environment, we have adopted many measures like collecting our wastage on the trail and cleaning the base camps before returning. Likewise, we discourage the use of plastic water bottles. We also have our small organization that supports education for kids who come from underprivileged families. While trekking with us, you will be only leaving your footprint behind.