Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang Trek is a popular trek in Nepal that takes you through the remote and ancient kingdom of Mustang. It features the barren and arid landscape of the Tibetan plateau, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

Specifically, Mountain Dhaulagiri (8,167m/26,796 feet) and Annapurna I (8,091m/26,546 feet) are the highest peaks along this route. Additionally, tourists can enjoy views of multiple high mountains over 6000 meters during their hikes.

The trip starts from the city of Kathmandu, moves to Pokhara, and ultimately brings you to the walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. Lo Manthang is bounded by a wall and ruled by King Jigme Palvar Bista.

On this journey, tourists will visit traditional villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and cliff-side caves. Moreover, you’ll have an opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their unique way of life.

A trek to Mustang requires a special permit, as Upper Mustang is a restricted area. The best time to trek to Upper Mustang is from May to the end of October, when the weather is relatively stable and the skies are clear.

Kagbeni in Mustang serves as a doorway to exploring Lo Manthang town and the Corolla border to Tibet. It is an ideal destination for photographers to capture magnificent arid landscapes. Despite the challenges, it is a rewarding trek that offers incredible insight into the remote wilderness region of Nepal.

Price Per Person for 12 days Upper Mustang Trek.

If you’re wondering to know about what is included and what is excluded on this trip price, kindly check on cost given on a tab button.

Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary details.

Hike to upper Mustang is a classical trek itinerary compared to most walks in the Tran Himalayan Territory in Nepal. The particular route is designed for world travelers who wish to hike to the upper mustang hike but are restricted time-wise. Travelers who wish to reach Lo Manthang and back in a more relaxed manner can try this best plan. However, email us if you need a customized itinerary.

Drive to Pokhara by tourist bus. On the way, we will see the natural beauty like the Trisuli river which is most popular in Nepal for rafting and we will follow the way almost the bank of the Trishuli and Marsyandi River when we arrive in Pokhara transfer to the hotel.

Reaching Pokhara, you can hike with a guide to explore the Phewa lakeside to visit Tal Barahi temple by boat. Tal Barahi temple is considered to be a symbol of unity and peace. People from different ethnic and religious backgrounds visit the temple and offer prayers, making it a place where people of all backgrounds come together in harmony.

Visitors to the temple are expected to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering. This temple is open to visitors throughout the year and is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Pokhara.

Often flight from Pokhara to Jomsom airport is not 100% safe therefore we take a sharing basis jeep from Pokhara to get Kagbeni fort. Airport at Jomsom is situated at an altitude of 2,720 meters, the District headquarters of entire Mustang. Your mustang hike begins right after reaching at the Kagbeni Lodges on a first day.

Kagbeni fort is the gateway of the Upper Mustang, where you can make your eyes busy with the breathtaking views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche peak, and Dhampus. Kagbeni is the most interesting typical Tibetan village and the entry point of the upper Mustang for an overnight stop.

The trail ascends towards the east bank of the Kaligandaki River, climbing over numerous ridges as it heads north to Tangbe Village. Here, you will find narrow alleys lined with white-washed houses and fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat, and apple orchards.

Meanwhile, the Nilgiri peaks dominate the southern skyline of Kagbeni. The trek then leaves the Kaligandaki Valley, climbing steeply up a rocky gully to the guest houses in Chele.

We climb continues along steep, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the impressive steep canyon to pass and cairn of rock at 3,540 meters. It makes a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge, and the trail descends further into a Samar village.

The Annapurna, still dominated by Nilgiri, is visible far to the south. Will continue to climb sharply up and down over a series of high passes.

From Geling, the trail climbs gently to the NYLA pass and descends below the blue, gray, and red cliffs. After crossing a steel bridge over the Tangmar Chu river, we will arrive at a prayer Mani Wall, possibly the longest and most splendid in Nepal. Ascending another pass at 3,600 meters, the route then makes a long, gentle descent to Tsarang.

Tsarang is a village development committee in the Mustang District, Dhawalagiri Zone of northern Nepal. It has huge five-story white Dzong and red Gompa are fascinating sites, showcasing collections of statues and Thangka paintings of the seated Buddha.

The trail descends about 100 meters down from Charang, crosses the Tsarang Chu and climbs steeply up a rocky trail to a cairn on a ridge and continues to climb. Finally, from a ridge at 3,850 meter, there is a perfect view of the walled city of Lo. After a short descent, cross a stream then climb up into the plateau of Lo- Manthang. Journey to Lomanthang todays takes around four to five hours normal walk.

Another day in Lo – Manthang gives you an opportunity to explore its many sights; the Tall Champa Lakhang (God house,) the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa, and the Raja’s Palace. As well as to look at the surrounding panoramic views of the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas. Besides Lo-Manthang there are two other interesting valleys worth visiting.

The western valley Tingkhar, the sight of Raja’s summer palace, Kimling and Phuwa as well as the Namgyal Gompa (The Monastery of Victory) is the newest and most active Gompa in Lo. In the eastern Chosar settlement, also rich in gompas, and the valley is the main trading route to Lhasa.

This is an opportunity to visit two other villages on your hikes on return. The trail climbs steadily to the pass marked by a cairn, offering a last glimpse of Lo-Manthang. Cross the highest pass this entire journey and arrive in Ghar Gompa (3,920 Meters).

Ghar Gompa is very old comparing the Samye monastery in Tibet, supposed to be built around 730 AD. Cross the high pass around 4100 meters, we descend down to Dhakmar village (3,520 meters) to stay for overnight.

From Dhakmar the way goes down to until Ghami at 3,460 meters the huge greenery village in Mustang where we can see the ancient monastery and stupas with. You can see the local houses here like caves. Continue the trail ascends until Nyi La pass and descends to Samar through the same hiking route.

Today, we trek descend to Chhusang village that offers panoramic red stone cliffs. While you are in mustang hiking, you are surrounded by desert-dry landscapes including beautiful 35+ mountains. After Chhusang, we climb to Tangbe village foothills and finally reach Kagbeni fort for a lunch stop.

Later lunch, we continue our trek to Jomsom airport walking at the bank of Kaligandaki River. Hike especially from Kagbeni to Jomsom is windy in the afternoon thus better to walk with sunglass. As you hike, you can hunt the Saligram fossils in the Kali Gandaki river.

Ammonites were shelled cephalopods that died out about 66 million years ago. Fossils of them are found in the Kali Gandaki river, sometimes in very large concentrations. Therefore, discovering ammonite fossils in the Kali Gandaki valley is very popular in this zone.

Walk further to the Annapurna conservation check post, check out all permits, and a few steps further, we reach our hotel in Jomsom. Interested tourists can hike at Jomsom eco-museum for a better view of Kali Gandaki valley and Annapurna peaks after leaving hiking gears at the hotel.

How much does the Upper Mustang trek package price?

It’s a 12 Days Classic Upper Mustang Trek price start at US$ 1480 and might reach up to US$ 2175 per person on double occupancy basis. Taking flights to and from Pokhara saves your time and riding the bus minimize the tour expenses. Gokyo Treks and Expedition agency notify this express Upper Mustang Trek Package price for 2024 and 2025 based on group size you are travelling with.

For the deluxe and luxury mustang trekking tour plan, we add Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu round trip airfare, 3-5 star hotel deluxe air-conditioned room in Kathmandu & Pokhara with breakfast. Likewise, a double bedroom with an attached toilet/bathroom while trekking in the possible places. AND WE ARE OPEN TO CUSTOMIZING YOUR TOUR AND PACKAGES PRICE AS PER YOUR REQUIREMENTS.

We can organize a group to join Upper Mustang trekking starting on any date but we can also run this private trip if that works for you. Please contact us for more information.

Question: Is pick-up service available on my arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal?

Answer: Yes sure. Provide us with your TIA arrival flight details and request for pickup. Our representative will come to pick up you at Kathmandu international airport.

Question: Can I store my luggage/stuff in Kathmandu?

Answer: Yes, you can leave your luggage at your hotel or at our office. Storing your clothing stuffs at the Gokyo Treks agency office is for safe and free storage.

Question: Do I need trek experience to accomplish express Upper Mustang lodge trek?.

Answer: The Upper Mustang trek is ideal for enthusiastic trekkers and walkers who can comfortably cover around 4 to 5 hours of walking each day while carrying a lightweight daypack. If you possess prior experience with high altitudes, aiming for an elevation of approximately 9,000 feet above sea level would significantly enhance your ability to complete the Mustang trek with greater ease.

Question: What kind of accommodation and food can I expect in the lodges?.

Answer: We provides tourist standard lodge accommodation along the trek routes. Rooms are clean with a cozy bed with a nice mattress and blankets. However we advise you to take your own sleeping bag if you have one at your home otherwise, you may rent them while you are in Kathmandu.

Likewise, every guest houses long the mustang trek routes have thier own restaurants where they cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian foods. Such as Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, bread, and soups, fresh vegetable rice.

Question: How do I manage to drink water?.

Answer: Tourist can buy bottle mineral water to drink but we advise against buying mineral water in plastic bottles, as currently there are no provisions for disposing of these. Instead, purchase a boiled water or bring Aqua tablets to purify the normal water as the normal water is available at the lodges or tea shops.

Question: Can I charge my mobile Phone and digital camera?

Answer: Since you are on a lodge-based trek, you’ll have opportunities to recharge your battery. However, we recommend bringing an extra pair and don’t forget to bring your adapters.

Question: Are there any communication facilities?

Answer: Yes, there are communication facilities available along the Upper Mustang lodge trek. It includes the mobile network coverage and internet access at some lodges.

Question: When should I book my trip and what are the payment terms?.

Answer: Because our trip books up months in advance, we recommend booking early to avoid any kind of misunderstanding. We will, of course, make every effort to accommodate last-minute bookings.

And regarding the deposit, we prefer 15% advance deposit of the total price of the trip in order to confirm your reservation before you arrive in Nepal. And rest of the payment can be made after your arrival in Kathmandu.

Question: Who will carry my luggage on the Upper Mustang lodge basis trekking?

Answer: We do provide porters to transfer your luggage along the journey. As we are a responsible trekking tour operator agency, every porter carries a maximum of 25 kilos of your backpack which means 2 guests (12 kg luggage of each guest): 1 porter basis.

Question: How much distance do I walk each day?

Answer: On the Upper Mustang trek, you will typically walk between 5 to 8 hours each day, covering distances of 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 9 miles) per day.

Question: Do I need walking poles for my Upper Mustang lodge trekking?

Answer: It is better to hike with lightweight walking poles especially at Mustang areas. Learn how to use trekking poles for balance and stability, whether on the sidewalk or on trails. Walking poles can help prevent slips and falls. They are just recommended but not compulsory.

Question: Is there any possibility to hire just a guide and permits?.

Answer: Considering the budget of backpacker travelers, we also offer expert Local Guide/porter hiring services for the Upper mustang trek in Nepal. Normally, to make an Upper Mustang Trek permit, we need a minimum of two people in a group. If you are 2 trekkers and want to go hiring a guide, it is possible to go with the Gokyo Treks Nepal agency.

Question: How much additional money do I need per day?

Answer: You can allocate US$ 10 to 15 per day to buy bottles of water, chocolates, Tea/Coffee. It depends upon your spending habits. If you plan to stay choosing a comfort rooms including a private toilet/bathroom, manage your daily expenses accordingly. Please take a enough in cash Nepali rupees as ATM in Jomsom often out of cash in high seson and Credit card payment option is not available.