Trip Facts

Duration

18 days

Trip Grade

Difficult

Country

Nepal

Maximum Altitude

3,840m

Group Size

2–10

Starts

Kagbeni

Ends

Jomsom

Activities

Trekking, Culture

Best Time

Spring, Autumn

Highlights

  • Explore the remote, restricted kingdom of Lo – culturally Tibetan yet historically Nepali
  • Walk through dramatic desert canyons, red cliffs, and eroded hills of the Trans-Himalayan region
  • Visit the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang
  • Discover centuries-old sky caves, monasteries, and hidden valleys
  • Optional visit to Yara and Ghara – the lesser-trodden heartland of Upper Mustang
  • Experience Tibetan Buddhism, ancient Bon culture, and Mustang’s royal heritage
  • Witness traditional festivals like Tiji if your trek coincides with May
  • Scenic mountain flight to Jomsom via Pokhara
  • Suitable for experienced trekkers looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures
  • Permits allow exclusive access to one of Nepal’s most mysterious regions

Overview

Upper Mustang Trekking offers a rare glimpse into the once-forbidden kingdom that lies beyond the Himalayas. This 18-day journey takes you deep into the ancient Lo Kingdom – an area rich with Tibetan Buddhist culture, centuries-old monasteries, and surreal desert landscapes shaped by wind and time. Protected under a special restricted area permit, Upper Mustang was closed to foreigners until 1992 and remains one of Nepal’s most culturally preserved regions.

Beginning in Kathmandu and flying to Jomsom via Pokhara, the trek follows the Kali Gandaki River valley north toward Tibet. Before you get to the walled city of Lo Manthang, you’ll go through cute villages like Kagbeni, Chele, Ghiling, and Tsarang. Along the way, you can visit mysterious sky caves that are thought to be over 2,000 years old, come across prayer-flagged passes, and enjoy the warm welcome of the Mustangi people who live in the area.

The itinerary includes a detour to Yara and Ghara—home to hidden chortens, eroded cliffs, and the ancient Luri Gompa nestled in a cave. If your trek aligns with the Tiji Festival in May, you’ll witness an extraordinary Buddhist ritual of demon expulsion. This trek is great for adventurous hikers who want to learn about Nepal’s last Tibetan kingdom in a way that doesn’t harm the environment or the people who live there.

Itinerary

Your Upper Mustang adventure begins in Kathmandu, where our team will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city. After some rest, we’ll have a short briefing about the trek, permits, and gear checks. In the evening, explore Thamel—a lively tourist district filled with shops, cafes, and colorful prayer flags.
Accommodation: Hotel | Dinner included

We take a scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway to Pokhara. The journey passes green hills, rivers, and local villages. After arriving, enjoy a relaxed evening along Phewa Lake with views of Machapuchare (Fishtail Peak) reflecting on the water.
Accommodation: Hotel | Dinner included

Early morning flight to Jomsom offers thrilling aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Upon landing in this windy mountain town, we begin trekking northward along the Kali Gandaki riverbed. The trail to Kagbeni—a medieval-looking village—is marked by barren landscapes, prayer wheels, and stunning terrain.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

We officially enter the restricted area of Upper Mustang after the checkpoint formalities at Kagbeni. The trail rises steadily as we cross rivers, climb small ridges, and pass settlements like Tangbe and Chhusang. Chele is a small village perched on a ridge, offering panoramic views and a real taste of Mustang’s arid environment.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

Today involves a tough climb through Taklam La (3,624m) and Dajori La (3,735m), where prayer flags flutter against wide blue skies. The trail winds through barren cliffs and dry gorges, reflecting Mustang’s stark beauty. We pass Ramchung cave and descend to Syangbochen, a peaceful village with stone-built homes.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

A relaxed pace today takes us through open landscapes, where you'll often see yak caravans and locals with mules. Ghiling is a traditional settlement nestled among brown ridges and dry fields. Its ancient monasteries and large prayer walls showcase Mustang’s Buddhist culture.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

Our path continues through high-altitude passes and wide plateaus before reaching Tsarang—a prominent village filled with white-washed houses, chortens, and the beautiful Tsarang Monastery and palace. The vistas here stretch endlessly into the Himalayan desert.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

We make our final approach to Lo Manthang, crossing the Lo La pass (3,950m), where the walled capital appears in the distance like a mirage. This ancient town is home to royalty, century-old monasteries, and traditional homes. Wander through narrow alleys and marvel at its architecture.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

Spend the day exploring cultural gems like Thubchen, Chode, and Jampa monasteries. Take an optional horse ride or jeep excursion to Chhosar to see mysterious cave dwellings carved into cliff walls. Lo Manthang offers rich insight into Tibetan Buddhist life—an open-air museum surrounded by Himalayan grandeur.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

Leaving the main trail, we head southeast toward Yara, an extraordinary village set beside eroded cliffs and striking sandstone formations. The trail is rugged, with occasional stream crossings and narrow gullies. This is true Mustang wilderness.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

We take a side trip to Luri Gompa—one of Mustang’s oldest and most sacred cave monasteries. Built into a cliff, it contains stunning murals and tantric relics dating back to the 13th century. It’s a deeply spiritual day with breathtaking views along the way.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

This is one of the most remote and visually dramatic days. We hike across desolate ridges and dry plateaus, descending into a quiet valley where Tangge lies—surrounded by traditional stone houses and hundreds of prayer wheels.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

Our descent continues along wild terrain and ancient trails once used by traders. We pass hamlets like Paha and cross the Kali Gandaki River again before reaching Chhuksang, where Mustang begins to reconnect with the lower world.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

The final day of trekking brings us back to Jomsom. It's a reflective walk through the Mustang valley, with views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri growing more vivid as we approach civilization again.
Accommodation: Teahouse | Dinner included

We take a morning flight back to Pokhara, then spend the rest of the day at leisure. Relax by the lake or enjoy a massage to soothe your tired legs.
Accommodation: Hotel | Dinner included

We return to Kathmandu via a comfortable tourist bus or private vehicle. Enjoy your final road journey through the rolling hills of Nepal.
Accommodation: Hotel | Dinner included

Use this buffer day to explore the cultural heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley. Visit Bhaktapur, Patan, or do some souvenir shopping.
Accommodation: Hotel | Dinner included

Our team will drop you off at the airport for your onward flight. Farewell, and we hope to welcome you again for another Himalayan adventure!

Cost Details

Included

  • Airport transfers in Kathmandu (arrival & departure)
  • 3 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and 2 nights in Pokhara with breakfast
  • Domestic flights (Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara)
  • All meals during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee)
  • Accommodation in teahouses/lodges on the trek
  • English-speaking licensed trekking guide and porter
  • Mustang restricted area permit & ACAP entry permit
  • Sleeping bag, duffel bag, and trekking map
  • All government taxes and Eco Himalaya service charges

Excluded

  • Nepal visa fee
  • International airfare
  • Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except breakfast and farewell dinner)
  • Personal expenses, hot showers, battery charging, and Wi-Fi on the trek
  • Travel insurance (must cover high-altitude trekking and evacuation)
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Optional sightseeing entry fees in Kathmandu

Useful Information

Permits & Regulations

Upper Mustang is a restricted region requiring a special permit ($500 for 10 days, $50/day after) along with an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Solo trekking is not allowed—you must trek with a licensed guide through a registered company.

The Best Time to Hike

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–November) are the best times to visit. The skies are clear, the weather is mild, and the trails are in better shape during these months. If you plan your trip around the Tiji Festival, which takes place every year in Lo Manthang, spring will be especially colorful.

Weather & Climate

Upper Mustang lies in the Himalayan rain shadow, so it remains relatively dry even during the monsoon. Days are sunny and windy; nights can be cold—especially above 3,000m. Prepare for temperature swings between day and night.

Altitude Considerations

Although the trek is not extremely high (max altitude ~3,950m), it still demands proper acclimatization. Our itinerary includes gradual ascents and rest days to minimize the risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Fitness and Getting Ready

For this trip, you have to walk for 5–8 hours every day on dry, uneven ground. Technical climbing isn’t necessary, but you should be in good shape and have done multi-day hiking before.

Communication & Power

Mobile coverage is limited in Upper Mustang. Some teahouses offer Wi-Fi for an extra charge. Charging facilities are available at most stops but may cost extra—carry a power bank and extra batteries.

Cultural Respect

Mustang has preserved Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Always ask permission before entering monasteries or taking photographs. Dress modestly and avoid loud behavior in sacred places. 

Official Upper Mustang Trekkingn (18 days) Map

FAQs

The trail is intermediate to difficult, with long days of walking on dry ground. You should have done hiking before and be in good shape.

Simple teahouses where two people can share a room and use the same bathroom. The food is fresh and good for you. The facilities are basic but nice.

Not at all. Upper Mustang is a restricted place where you can't go trekking by yourself. You must join an official group with an approved guide.

For this trip, you need both a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). These are set up for you.

Yes. The permit cost is higher, but the cultural richness and landscapes of Upper Mustang are unmatched and well worth it.

Spring (April–June) and autumn (Sept–Nov). The Tiji Festival in May is a great time for cultural immersion.

The trek stays below 4,000m, so altitude issues are rare. Our itinerary includes rest days for safe acclimatization.