Across the Mustang Trek

This trek will take you on an ultimate journey up to the forbidden kingdom of Lo-Manthang. This kingdom was once closed to all outsiders and forbidden to all foreigners, until in 1992 it opened its doors to the world. However, you’ll still see the people of this region follow their traditions and culture from the past. Your trek just doesn’t end there, as you’ll also visit the notable hill of Yara, famous for its natural sand castles.

It is pretty barren and dry, so it’ll make you feel like you’re in Tibet. You’ll witness the Tibetan Buddhist culture all over the region. You’ll also interact with the locals and witness their lifestyle. You’ll also visit caves and monasteries that are the heart of the region. Also get to visit the village of Marpha, a quaint village famous for its apple and its by-products. The region's remoteness as well as the lifestyle will take you back in time.

This trek will take you on a unique adventure into the land of Upper Mustang. You’ll witness the difference in landscape and be acquainted with the people who have their roots embedded in Tibetan Culture.

Trip Highlights of Across the Mustang Trek

• Roam around the UNESCO World Heritage Sites around Kathmandu like Pashupatinath Temple, Swyambhunath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, etc.
• A scenic drive to Pokhara, passing along green hills and gushing rivers.
• Stroll around the streets of Pokhara and along the shores of Fewa Lake.
• Go on a drive to Marpha and catch a glimpse of the Himalayas.
• Explore the village of Marpha and witness a mixture of traditions and modernity.
• Enjoy the famed Local Apples of Marpha and also enjoy the by-products like Apple wine, Apple snacks, etc.
• Take a picturesque drive to Ghami and Lo-Manthang and gaze at the fascinating barren landscape of the region.
• Visit ancient monasteries, caves, and historical archaeological monuments of the region.
• Traverse through the Muktinath Temple and immerse yourself in its spiritual and peaceful vibes.
• Discover the hidden kingdom of Lo-Manthang and learn about the long-forgotten tradition of the Upper Mustang.
• Take in the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri ranges.

When Are the Best Times To Book?

The best time for an Across the Mustang trek is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is dry and clear during these seasons, with little to no rain. The temperature is mild and comfortable for trekking. You'll enjoy your hike with clear skies and great visibility of the mountain views.

Can you book a trip during the Monsoon?

It’s important to note that Upper Mustang is a rain shadow area, which means that it receives very little rainfall throughout the year. Hence, trekking during the monsoon (June to August) is also possible.

Can you trek during the winter?

It is not recommended to trek during the winter (December to February). The temperatures can be freezing this time of the year. The trails can also be covered in heavy snowfall. Thus, it makes the journey more challenging.

What Is the Difficulty Level of The Trek?

Exploring the hidden kingdom of Mustang may sound appealing to most of you. But how adventurous is the journey to reach this ancient kingdom?

The Upper Mustang Trek is graded as an easy to moderate journey, depending on your physical stamina. To give you a little glimpse of the journey, you will walk through the rugged terrain, steep ascent and descent, and remote villages along the way. It requires you to hike for a minimum of 5-6 hours daily. Hence, we recommend you do some cardio exercise and add nutritious food to your diet a month before the trek.

The one thing that can get in your way is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). The highest elevation you’ll reach during the trek is 3950 m. At this height, you are not likely to experience altitude sickness but is possible. We have prepared the itinerary with enough acclimatization days. Hence, you’ll have no problem adjusting your body to the high altitude.

Why "Across the Mustang Trek" Instead of a classic Mustang trek

The "Across the Mustang Trek" provided by NHT is tailored to enhance your hiking experience by smartly blending driving and trekking. This design maximizes exposure to scenic trails and minimizes time spent on busy, dusty roads

The trekking package effectively uses existing roads for faster access to key starting points, such as Lomangtang, and then switches to trekking in areas where the roads end, such as the route from Lomangtang to Muktinath. 

This strategy allows trekkers to spend more time in natural settings and less on crowded paths, offering a unique and seldom-used route compared to other, more road-dependent trekking options.

This approach not only deepens the exploration of nature but also makes the journey less strenuous and more enjoyable. It is ideal for those seeking to engage deeply with the environment without the physical strain of long-distance walking on rough terrain.

Route Overview

Your journey begins when you arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu. A representative from the Nepal Hiking Team will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. You will visit several World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swyambhunath Stupa. The next morning, you’ll drive to Pokhara. This drive is scenic, with views of green hills and the Trishuli River. Once in Pokhara, you can check into your hotel and explore the city.

From Pokhara, you will drive to Marpha, a village where you can see a mix of traditional and modern life. You can also visit apple orchards and try products like apple wines and snacks.

Next, you'll travel to Ghami, a large village in the Mustang region, where you can see prayer flags, Mani walls, and chortens. After staying overnight in Ghami, you'll travel to Lo-Manthang. The journey to Lo-Manthang passes through beautiful Himalayan landscapes and by Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest Gompas in the region. In Lo-Manthang, you can see ancient traditions still being practiced.

From Lo-Manthang, you will trek to Muktinath, passing through Yara, Tangya, and Tetang. Muktinath Temple is a holy site for Hindus and Buddhists, known for its peaceful and spiritual atmosphere. After visiting Muktinath, you'll return to Pokhara. You can relax and enjoy the city before flying back to Kathmandu the next day.

In Kathmandu, you'll have time to explore more of the city before your departure. The Nepal Hiking Team is here to ensure your trip is memorable and stress-free. Feel free to contact us with any questions or needs.