Upper Mustang

USD 2800

Accomodation
Hotel
Max. Altitude
3800
Group Size
2-20
Activity Per Day
Trek
Transporation
Private vehicle
Grade
Moderate

Overview

The Upper Mustang Trek is a remarkable journey to the remote Trans-Himalayan region of northern Nepal, near the Tibetan border. Known as the “Forbidden Kingdom”, it was restricted to outsiders until 1992, preserving its ancient Tibetan-Buddhist culture, monasteries, and traditional lifestyle. The trek offers stunning desert-like landscapes, deep canyons, and cliffs, along with cultural highlights such as the walled capital Lo Manthang, ancient gompas, and traditional villages. Covering an altitude of around 3,900 meters, the trek is of moderate difficulty, and the best time to visit is in spring or autumn. With its unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and remoteness, Upper Mustang provides trekkers with a truly once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan experience.

Itinerary

    • Accommodation:

      Hotel

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch

      • Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital. Complete visa and trekking permits. Attend a pre-trek briefing, check gear, and explore the historic city if time allows. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

    • Accommodation:

      Hotel
       

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch

      • Travel to Pokhara by a short flight or scenic road journey. Pokhara is known for Phewa Lake and Annapurna views. Use this day to relax, organize trekking gear, and enjoy the peaceful lakeside city. Overnight in Pokhara.

    • Accommodation:

      Hotel
       

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch

      • Early morning flight to Jomsom, the gateway to Mustang. Begin trekking along the Kali Gandaki River valley, entering the arid Mustang region. Arrive at Kagbeni, a traditional village and entry point to the Upper Mustang restricted area. Explore local streets and ancient gompas. Overnight in Kagbeni.

    • Accommodation:

      Hotel
       

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch

      • Trek through barren landscapes with red cliffs and desert-like terrain. Cross small villages and enjoy panoramic views of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges. Reach Chele, a quaint village with traditional Mustang architecture. Overnight in Chele.

    • Accommodation:

      Hotel
       

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch

      • Ascend gradually through high hills and passes. The trail is dry and windy, offering spectacular Trans-Himalayan desert views. Stay overnight in Syangbochen, a small village with simple tea houses.

    • Accommodation:

      Hotel
       

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch

      • Continue trekking through arid hills, canyons, and cliffs, passing monasteries and traditional homes. Arrive in Charang, another charming Mustang village. Enjoy sunset views over the valleys. Overnight stay.

    • Accommodation:

      Hotel
       

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch

      • Trek up to the Lo La Pass, the highest point on the route before descending into Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang. Lo Manthang is a historic, cultural, and spiritual center, with ancient palaces, monasteries, and traditional Tibetan-style houses. Overnight in Lo Manthang.

    • Accommodation:

      Hotel
       

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch

      • Spend a full day exploring Lo Manthang. Visit the King’s Palace, monasteries, and local villages. Learn about Mustang’s Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient art, and local traditions. Optional short excursion to nearby Dhakmar village or caves. Overnight in Lo Manthang.

    • Accommodation:

      Hotel
       

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch

      • Begin the return trek, passing ancient mani walls, small villages, and monasteries. Trek through gently sloping hills to reach Ghami, one of the largest villages in Upper Mustang. Overnight in Ghami.

    • Accommodation:

      Hotel
       

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch

      • Continue along dry ridges and narrow valleys. Observe local farms, prayer flags, and Tibetan-style houses. Arrive in Samar, a small traditional village surrounded by rocky hills. Overnight stay.

    • Accommodation:

      Hotel
       

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch

      • Descend towards the Kali Gandaki River gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. Trek along a combination of stone trails and sandy paths, reaching Chhusang, famous for its unique rock formations and caves. Overnight in Chhusang.

    • Accommodation:

      Hotel
       

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch

      • Trek through dramatic cliffs and wind-swept terrain toward Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. Visit the temple complex and holy water spouts. Overnight in Muktinath.

    • Accommodation:

      Hotel
       

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch

      • Descend along the Kali Gandaki Valley back to Jomsom, completing the main trekking portion. Celebrate the end of the trek and rest in the town with views of the surrounding peaks. Overnight in Jomsom.

    • Accommodation:

      Hotel
       

    • Meals:

      Breakfast, Lunch

      • Take a short morning flight to Pokhara. Spend the day relaxing by Phewa Lake, exploring local markets, or enjoying Nepali cuisine. Overnight stay in Pokhara.

    • Return to Kathmandu by flight or road. Transfer to the airport for departure, or continue exploring Nepal if time allows.

Inclusion

What's Included

    • Trekking permit – ACAP/Nepal government restricted area permit

    • Lodging / Tea houses – basic guesthouses or lodges along the route

    • Meals during trek – breakfast, lunch, and dinner (in most packages)

    • Guide services – licensed trekking guide with local knowledge

    • Porter service (optional) – to carry luggage

    • Transportation from/to starting point – usually Jomsom or Pokhara

    • Camping equipment (if camping trek) – tents, sleeping bags, mats

What's Not Included

    • International or domestic airfare – flights to/from Nepal

    • Travel insurance / medical insurance – very important to arrange separately

    • Personal expenses – phone calls, laundry, snacks, drinks

    • Tips / gratuities – for guides and porters

    • Optional activities or side trips – sightseeing outside the trek route

    • Emergency evacuation costs – if required

FAQ's

  • Where is Upper Mustang located?

    Upper Mustang is in northern Nepal, bordering Tibet, in the Mustang district of the Annapurna region.

  • Why is it called the “Forbidden Kingdom”?

    It was restricted to foreigners until 1992, keeping its culture and traditions preserved longer than most other regions in Nepal.

  • Do I need special permits for Upper Mustang?

    Yes, a Restricted Area Permit is mandatory for all foreign trekkers. It’s issued by the government through designated trekking agencies.

Reviews

The Upper Mustang Trek was the highlight of my Nepal trip. The trail through the dry, red‑rock landscape felt almost surreal like walking on Mars! Lo Manthang was even more magical than I imagined. The people were incredibly friendly, and I learned so much about Tibetan Buddhist culture. The trek wasn’t extremely difficult, but the altitude and strong winds were definitely challenging. I’d recommend this trek to anyone who loves culture and unique scenery.

Lois
USA
Price Per person USD 2800 Book Now

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