Upper Mustang Trek - 18 Days

Itinerary departure date and best package price for 2023 | 2024

Trip Facts

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Group Size: Minimum 2
  • Trip Type: Trek and Tour
  • Food: As Per Itinerary
  • Best Season: Mays to November
  • Trek Permit Cost: $500 Per Trekkers
  • Transport: Flight & Private Car
  • Accommodation: Hotel in City Lodge on Trek
  • Max Elevation: 3,810m | 12,500 feet

Highlights

  • Once in your lifetime must visit Upper Mustang Trekking
  • Explore the real walking adventure through the rain-shadow Himalayan district
  • Trek into the ancient caravan trade route of Nepal-Tibet
  • Visit the ancient Buddhist Kingdom of Lo' Manthan
  • Explore Monasteries; and caves in the land of old Tibetan culture and traditions
  • Lying in the rain shadow area behind the Annapurna ranges
  • Trekking and walking is a great trek to escape the summer monsoon season
  • Trekking with a local trek guide benefits local communities
  • Crossing scenic passes historical walled Lo-Manthang
  • The windswept country is an extension of the Tibetan plateau

About Upper Mustang Trek - 18 Days

The Upper Mustang Trek is the ultimate entry to the mysterious world of the Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also described as Lo. Once forbidden and isolated from the rest of the world for decades, the district was able to develop its own distinctive culture and rich traditions closely tied to Tibet. This moderate, trivial-known trek passes through one of the driest regions of the Himalayas and provides spectacular mountain scenery along your upper Mustang journey.

This tour is truly a fascinating trip to Upper Mustang Trekking leading you to a vast windswept country, on an extension of the world and the highest Tibetan plateau with amazing scenery of landscapes and the high snowcapped peaks of the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Bhirkuti, Damodar, Mustang Himal including views of Annapurna ranges.

Planning Your Trek to Upper Mustang

Trek to Upper Mustang, minimum requires above the 18 days holidays starting in Kathmandu, and ending from Kathmandu including your arrival and departure day of Nepal, and the maximum high elevation that you can reach at 3820m is Lo Manthang, this trip is not easy, not challenging it gives moderate fitness and stats Jomsom/Jomsom belongs teahouses accommodation.

Mustang- commonly referred to as ‘the Upper Mustang’ is a dry river valley that runs north-south off the upper corner of the Annapurna Circuit. You achieve both culturally and geographically, it’s more similar to Tibet than Nepal and used to form its own kingdom, with its capital in Lo Manthan.

One of the best trek destinations for a summer-monsoon trek in Nepal, the area lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, and officially one of Nepal’s restricted regions, and the popular trek is known for its desert beauty and harsh, cliff-faced landscapes where you can enjoy your trek to Upper Mustang.

Getaway this Trek

Jomsom is the starting point for almost all routes heading into the Upper Mustang region. Most trekkers choose to fly between Pokhara to Jomsom (a 20-minute flight) to save time but nowadays we can take a direct bus service from Kathmandu to Jomsom the official checkpoint for the restricted region is Kagbeni, just north of Jomsom.

After a clear scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, your Upper Mustang Trek begins walking on Kaligandaki River valley, into a gorge between amazing high red cliffs dotted with small caves, and passing through villages on the windswept terrain. Finally, this amazing trek crossing over Lho La and other passes reaches the great walled Lo Manthang village where the former King Mustang resides in its fort-like palace.

We will have a great time exploring interesting monasteries and villages enriched with old Bon and Tibetan Buddhism culture, and the return journey back to Jomsom where this magnificent adventure to Upper Mustang concludes by taking by flight to Pokhara or direct bus service to Kathmandu.

Permit Cost for Upper Mustang Trekking

The Upper Mustang Trek permit is the most important requirement that are looking for to do the trek near the Tibet border from the Nepal side. Travel trekkers heading into Upper Mustang (north of Kagbeni) are required to purchase a $500 USD dollars per person permit, which is valid for 10 days. You can even stay longer, but every day after that will cost $50 per day. Before entering Upper Mustang, you’ll be required to show your permit both on the way and the way out. In addition to the restricted permit, you’ll also need to purchase an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) which is $25 USD per person.

Meals & Accommodation

The trek route was possible by camping trek, requiring everything from Kathmandu-Pokhara, with time changing, we can do this trek also belong to teahouses-lodge/better keep in mind homestay trip. Teahouses are available along the entire trek in Upper Mustang, Teahouses are simple houses, often the home of the family that runs them, and offer basic their traditional meals such as noodles, rice and curry, Thukpa, and someplace you can get food from menus choice but most of the houses offer basic meals in a communal eating hall along with bedroom, typically with two single beds are accessible along the trip.

Customize Trip Itinerary

We always listen to your feedback and build your Mustang trek itinerary together please make the trek itinerary as per your requirement for the Nepal holiday, a customized Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary is always available just contact us.

Best Time to Visit

Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, the best season to visit during the monsoon period it’s called also the monsoon trek in Nepal. However you can do this trip year-round for trekking, the main consideration is the winter when most residents leave the capital to avoid the cold and snowfall. Generally, the best time to visit Upper Mustang is from March to early November would be one of the suitable months to make your lifetime ultimate trek experience.

Plan your trip to Nepal

Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trek to Upper Mustang for 2023 | 2024 Get Started

Itinerary

Expand All Hide All

On arrival at Kathmandu International Airport received by the Nepal Spirit Airport arrival crew then transfer to respective hotels downtown in the hub of Kathmandu City, after checking in and refreshments the rest of the time stool around the Thamel tourist market which is all independent of your arrival time overnight in a hotel.
Service Includes Airport pickup & hotel in Kathmandu

  • Altitude: 1,315m | 4,314 feet

Breakfast inclusive at the hotel! We tour Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple, Swayambhunath stupa, and Bouddhanath stupa which are all world heritage sites. The Durbar Square reveals the life of the royals in ancient times. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for all Hindus.

Swayambhunath is also known as the Monkey Temple and Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, we are introduced to our fellow participants and discuss our trip, Nepal Spirit Adventure will brief you in detail about the trip, make sure you have, or will find, all the necessary trekking equipment you need, friendly discussion with the trek guide who will accompany you for the whole trip overnight in hotel.
Standard service included: Hotel + car + guide + monuments fee

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Altitude: 1,315m | 4,314 feet

After breakfast transfer to the domestic airport as per your Pokhara flight schedule short scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. When you arrive at Pokhara, you will be greeted with beautiful views of many prominent mountain peaks like Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre (fish-tail), and the many mountain peaks of the Annapurna massif. Pokhara is a famous tourist hub of Nepal. It is well-deserving of its popularity because it is a beautiful city located right beside the sapphire Phewa Lake. The lake is also popular for reflecting the sight of the Machhapuchhre Mountain on its surface overnight in a hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Altitude: 8, 20m | 2,690 feet

Today as per Jomsom flight hours, our airport crew transferred to Pokhara's domestic airport for a short scenic flight to Jomsom, on flight views of beautiful mountains, and then landed at Jomsom airport located on the shelf of Kali-Gandaki River. Jomsom, the headquarters town of Mustang district after Jomsom's first-day trek begins on Kali-Gandaki river valley around the windswept country. The afternoon will be very windy, after a few hours of a good walk with great views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri’s reach at Kagbeni village. A nice Tibetan village and this village gateway to Upper Mustang the forbidden city of Lo Manthang located on the ancient Himalayan Caravan trade route to Tibet overnight in lodge.

  • Meals: B, L, D
  • Altitude: 2,810m | 9,217 feet

Breakfast! With a trek to Chele, you will step into the restricted area of the Upper Mustang. Get your permits ready to be checked at the checkpoint. Further, walk to the eastern side of the Kali Gandaki riverbank and ascend many ridges on your way to Tangbe village. Hike past Chhusang village (lunch) and cross the River Kali Gandaki on your way to Chele village. The village is perched on a hill, and you need to climb a steep ascent to reach the village, a moderate-sized settlement.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Altitude: 3,050m | 10,004 feet

Enjoy breakfast! Our trek from today leads us a little hard compared to what we experienced before. Trekking with an excellent view involves crossing two passes, Taklam La Pass (3624m) and Dajori La Pass (3735m) but could enjoy great views of Tilicho, Yaskawa Kang and Damodar Danda pass by Ramchung Cave reach Samar village (Lunch) possible in option trip visit Chugsi Cave- a naturally beautiful historical! after Chugsi Cave, you will be walking on a trail with a steep barren land and a copper-red canyon. 

Moreover, you will gradually be the accending walk to Syanboche overnight in the lodge.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Altitude: 3,800m | 12,467 feet

Breakfast! The trek will be ascending in and out of the big side valleys of the Kali Gandaki. A hike up the hill will lead you to a pass, and after crossing the pass, a descent will take you to the village of Gheling. A way ahead is a bit tough, and you will be traversing Nyi La Pass (4,010m). We descend to Ghami which is one of the biggest villages in the Lo region, it is beautiful with fields surrounding the entire village as well as dotted with whitewashed mud and stone houses canopied by an overhanging cliff overnight in Ghami.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Altitude: 3520m | 11,546 feet

Our trek today begins with a descent through a rough and often slippery trail. We then cross a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola and begin ascending. The pathway is beautiful with mani walls along the trail. Next, we cross the Tsarang La Pass at (3,870m) and reach Tsarang village has a wonderful collection of statues and thangkas as the village lies atop the Charang Chu canyon with a huge fortress and a red gompa towards its east but gorgeous views of the Rocky Mountains are known to mesmerize its onlookers.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Altitude: 3,560m | 11,680 feet

Enjoy breakfast then we begin our trek by descending into a canyon and crossing a river before beginning our uphill trek to Lo La Pass which is at (3,950m).

From the top of the pass, we can admire the beautiful Lo Manthang village. From the pass, we descend to Lo Manthang which is a beautiful walled village, Lo Manthang was once the capital of the kingdom of Lo. 

From here the views of the Himalayas including Nilgiri,Tilicho, Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak, and others. Visit the ancient temples and monasteries of Lo Manthang and get an insight into their rich culture and tradition overnight in Lo Langtang.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Altitude: 3,810m | 12,500 feet

Today you will be exploring the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, which was founded in the 1380s by Ame Pal. Lo Manthang has around 150 houses. Tall whitewashed brick and mud walls, gompas or monasteries, and the King’s Palace are the main attractions of Lo Manthang. The five-story King’s Palace is the oldest structure in the walled city and was built around 1400. The King’s palace is situated in the middle of the city. 

The King and queen reside in the palace; despite mostly being ceremonial Kings, villages respect and consult the king on various matters. Further, you will be visiting ancient Gompas.

Visit the famous Champa Lhakang, which features a large statue of Buddha and walls painted with Mandalas. Also, visit a beautiful hilltop Gompa called Namgyal Gompa. The monastery holds social, religious as well and legal significance. Namgyal Gompa also functions as a local courthouse. Visit the 15th-century Thubchen Gompa with a big red assembly hall.

Also, pay a visit to Choprang Gompa, locally known as New Gompa, and get an insight into local culture and tradition. Moreover, Tsechen Shedrubling Monastic School, a part of the Monastic Museum, trains young monks from the area you can visit Chhoser Cave will be a personal choice, explore all the details better you take private transportation to Chooser Cave back then will have more time to explore around Lo Manthang.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Altitude: 3,810m | 12,500 feet

Breakfast! Today you will be climbing up a glacial valley that offers an amazing view of reddish-brown colored Lo Manthang. Enjoy the stunning view of hills with farmland on the riverside and stop for lunch at the Dhi village. 

Further, you will be crossing a river and walking alongside the river on your way to Yara. If you trek in the dry season, you will get to enjoy the stunning natural sandy castle from the top of the Yara hills. It is a quite long day descending downhill trek through a beautiful river valley worth making overnight sleep at Yara-Ghara. In the afternoon could be possible to visit Luri Gumpa by taking a motorcycle or private transfer while the roadway is linked exclusive cost of the trek package.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Altitude: 3650m | 11,975 feet

You will be walking away from the high winding path of Yara to Tangbe/Tangge. The route leads you to Dhechaeng Khola, which originates from the Damodar Kunda. You will be walking on a path that will take you to a little stream of melting ice. 

After crossing the stream, you will reach the DHI town and hike further, and you will see centuries-old sandy precipices before reaching Tangbe, a small town a very long day walk, you will feel a real trekking trip to Lo Manthang-Upper Mustang trek.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Altitude: 3,740m | 12,270 feet

Early breakfast! Today you will be trekking for a longer time than before. Rise early in the morning and prepare for a long trek. You will be climbing steps, crossing a suspension bridge, and following the right side of the trail on your way to Yak Khola. 

Moreover, you will be crossing the PA pass situated at 4,185 meters which is the highest point of the Upper Mustang Lo Manthang Trek. Savor the stunning views of the Himalayas from the top before heading down.

The trail descends, and you will be walking on rugged terrain, so walk cautiously to avoid injuries. Savor the stunning views of the valley with mud roof houses in the village of Tetang before reaching the village. In option better stay at Chhuksang.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Altitude: 2,980m | 9,776 feet

Your trek for the day begins with an uphill climb, and also you will get to enjoy the view of Muktinath and red Buddhist monasteries from the hilltop. Further, you will be crossing Gyu LaPass(4,077m), which overlooks the stunning views of mountains, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

Navigate your way through the pass, descend the stream, and cross the suspension bridge before reaching Muktinath. En route, you will find a Fossil stone locally known as ‘Saligram.’

Muktinath is an important religious place for Hindus as well as Buddhists. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and you will see 108 water spouts with intricate carvings. Also, visit a nearby ancient temple of Jwalamai famous for its eternal flame of natural gas.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Altitude: 3,760m | 12335 feet

After breakfast! You will begin the day by visiting the revered temple of Muktinath, and from here, you can savor the astounding views of Dhaulagiri. Also, you can visit a Buddhist monastery close by. Continue your trek to Panga Khola Valley and walk through dense pine forests on your way to Lubra village.

Lubra village consists of around 20 houses, and you be walking past the 12th-century Bon Punt Soling monastery. It is one of the few remaining Bon Monasteries of Nepal. Bon religion predatesTibetan Buddhism. You can see the pictures of four Lokapalas and Buddha Shakyamuni in the monastery.

The semi-arid Lubra village lies above Jomsom, and you can see a rural lifestyle untouched by modernization. You will notice colorful strings hung on the doorways called devil traps to catch the devil at night. Continue trekking back to Jomsom overnight in the hotel.

  • Meals: B L D
  • Altitude: 2,720m | 8,923 feet

As per the flight schedule in the morning catch a flight back to Pokhara. Enjoy the stunning views of soaring mountains like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri from your window.

Check into your hotel, and you will get the rest of the day to relax in the beautiful city of Pokhara. Indulge in an activity of your choice. Stroll around the lakeside, do some souvenir shopping, or go on a sightseeing tour with a guide for an additional charge overnight in the hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Altitude: 8, 20m | 2,690 feet

You can have a hot breakfast at the hotel, our airport crews transfer you to the airport for a beautiful short scenic landscape flight to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes Himalayan flight, our Kathmandu airport pick crew will then transfer you to the hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Location: Kathmandu

After a wonderful time at Upper Mustang trekking with the grand service of Nepal Spirit Adventure, as per your international flight time transfer to Kathmandu International Air Terminal for final departure homeward bound or to the next respective countries.

    Customize My Trip

    Cost Details

    • International and domestic arrival and departure transfer by private vehicle
    • Twin-sharing accommodation hotel in Kathmandu for 3-night inclusive breakfast (Unless booked for single room supplement)
    • Kathmandu city sightseeing tour inclusive monument fees
    • From Kathmandu to Pokhara by air including airport departure taxes
    • Two-night hotel in Pokhara with breakfast ( twin sharing room unless booked for single room Supplement)
    • Pokhara to Jomsom by air-inclusive departure taxes
    • Applicable special upper Mustang trekking permit USD 500 per person
    • Applicable Annapurna conservation permit fees
    • Lodge accommodations along the trek
    • Trekking meals: 3 times a day - breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a cup of tea or coffee
    • Services of trekking guides and porters price include staff porters- daily wages, medical insurance- transportation allowance-meals and accommodation on trekking (One porter for two trekkers)
    • 4-season sleeping bag, feather-down jacket, and duffel ( return after the trek)
    • Coordination of services for emergency and rescue operations
    • Basic First aid and medical kits
    • Pokhara to Kathmandu by air including departure taxes
    • International airfare
    • Nepal entry visa
    • Personal travel and medical insurance
    • Expenses of personal nature-gratitude (Tips) and meals in Kathmandu and at Pokhara as per the itinerary
    • Personal expenses such as laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled or boiled water, mountain teahouse showers, heater, phone calls, etc
    • Personal trekking equipment
    • Emergency evacuation by any means of transportation or heli and personal medical kit
    • Early return from the trips or breaking up the journey due to personal/medical reasons clients have to bear the extra expenses in Kathmandu / Pokhara and other related expenses as there will be no refund from the company in this situations
    • Additional tours in Kathmandu and Pokhara

    Dates & Prices

    Departure note

    All our published dates are guaranteed departures. If the dates don’t match your travel plans, we are more than happy to create your desired date. Let us know what kind of trip you are looking for and our travel experts will help plan your tailor-made trips to your dream destination.

    Useful Information

    ARRIVAL AIRPORT PICK-UP

    On arrival in Nepal at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, our airport representative will receive you as per your flight landing hours with your name on the display board of Nepal Spirit Adventure then transfer you to your respective hotels in Kathmandu. Afternoon or evening time we will review and discuss much information regarding the Upper Mustang Trek's included/excluded services as per the trip itinerary chosen, at the same time introduce your guide who will help you with the final preparation for your trek as well as you may have a question and answer about the trip. If you have a late-night flight we will have reviews next the following days any way day 2nd you have a complete rest day while we are preparing to obtain the Upper Mustang Trekking Permit.

    ACCOMMODATION

    As per your Upper Mustang Trek booking with us, we will be accommodated in a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara (city) and lodge teahouses (homestay) are inclusive during the trekking period. City hotels and lodges are on a twin –a shared basis. A single supplement will be served on request but will be adding extra cost. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the trekking regions at lower elevations but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

    MEALS

    In cities: Kathmandu and Pokhara, only breakfast is included in the package. On the trek 3 times, a day meals are included in your Upper MustangTrek Package, we provided clean and hygienic food from these local lodge/tea houses as per the choices on the menu. Breakfast and Dinner are provided at the same tea house/lodge while "Lunch" would be on the trail. Every Tea House serves the traditional Nepali meal Dal Bhat (rice and lentils), as well as a variety of different food items, such as rice, seasonable vegetables, noodles, potatoes, and soups. Some lodge serves Western foods such as pizza, pasta, and French fries. Soft Drinks, snacks, and beer are available in most of the Tea Houses' restaurants. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast.

    SAFE DRINKING WATER

    Along the trek, safe drinking water is very important while we are on high altitude journey. We recommend that one should drink at least 3-4 liters of water a day (this helps from de-hydration and altitude problems AMS). As long as possible we recommend you buy sealed packed mineral water and can buy it from every local shop and lodge. Remember! River, spring, and tap water are free, we should not recommend you directly drink it even water looks very clean, and can not drink without adding water purification pills or a filter then will be suitable to drink. You can buy boiled water from every lodge, boiled water, and sealed packed water cost $1-2$ dollars per letter and its cost also depends on where we are from the sea level. So, you need to prepare and packed the extra cost for all the table drinks.

    EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

    The Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-7 hours a day with a light day pack. Walking at a high altitude is more physically demanding than walking at lower altitudes; however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self-confidence, and strong determination, we can accomplish this trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip. It is also advised that you inform Nepal Spirit Adventure of any conditions before booking the trek to minimize the risks of altitude sickness.

    OUR EXPERIENCED TREK CREWS

    Nepal is a mountainous country walk that takes you to a remote region, it is necessary that you are accompanied by an experienced and qualified guide and leaders for a safe journey and to make the trip a success. We at Nepal Spirit Adventure employ native trekking guides and porters who are trained and qualified for this type of trip and have worked with us for a long time.

    Our experienced guide provides much local information and offers you advice on how to use your free time and by coordinating day-to-day events of the tour, although (sometimes) he might need you to understand that if things do not go according to our plan set. Our trek guides are fully trained and licensed by Nepal Government, and certified by TAAN and Nepal Mountaineering Association.

    All our trekking and climbing guides are well qualified and highly experienced with 9- 10 years on this job. We provide training for our staff yearly on medical and climbing, with their efficiency, and cheerful attitude, providing help, information and the needs of the guests of nationalities.

    Assuring that all our trips are well managed by the expert team of tourism professionals all our guides have a good knowledge regarding the culture and customs of the routes on trekking and tours, share experiences and cultural insights of the country that’s missed out in travel guide books. During your time with us, you will have time to learn Nepali phrases and other cultural aspects during the journey. As we organize varied treks in Nepal Himalaya, on group trekking we provide a trek leader with an assistance leader on each trekking depending upon the size of the group.

    This ensures safe travel with us as our guide/assistance guides get any health medical problem, we still have other main guides and leaders to run the trip smoothly as per our standard itinerary. To make the trip enjoyable and pleasant we provide one guide to support and carry your bags among two people with one Sherpa helper in certain conditions.

    ACCLIMATIZATION

    All of Nepal Spirit Adventure’s treks are planned with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), also known as altitude sickness. Going up at a higher altitude too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to kill. We understand that for a safe trek, it is essential to allow sufficient time for acclimatization. Sensible planning is therefore required to minimize the risk of AMS. Nepal Spirit Adventure’s itineraries are designed to prevent AMS as much as possible. But, it is important to remember that some visitors are more vulnerable than others. Your guides and porters will do their every bit in assisting you during the entire trek.

    RE-CHARGING BATTERIES (electronic items)

    We can recharge your batteries, and devices with electricity, or solar power sources. In Nepal, 220 240 volts 50 MHZ (50 Cycles per Second) power is supplied. Just need to have a plug adaptor in case of socket fitting, which you can buy in Kathmandu before the trip since the plugs in Nepal might be different. You might have to pay a small amount of fee/hour for using recharging facilities.

    GROUP SIZE & DEPARTURE

    We organize any route of Nepal trek with a fixed departure basis or private trip, the minimum group size requires 2 the maximum group size is 10 or more on request. We can also organize a private trip for a solo person with a single supplement cost. Else, join our estimated group departure dates available online market or ask us for your personal suitable flexible dates as well as our departure dates are guaranteed which means 100% of the trip organized.

    Testimonials