Across the Mustang Trek

Nepal Hiking Team (NHT) is praised for its organizational finesse, reliability, and deep local knowledge, especially for the Upper Mustang region where a guide is mandatory. Past travelers highlight the company’s commitment to safety, personalized service, and the expertise of guides like Ram Sapkota, Arjun, and Prakash, who ensure stress-free trekking and enrich your experience with cultural and historical insights. NHT also designs unique itineraries like this one, blending driving and trekking to minimize time on dusty roads and maximize scenic exposure.

NHT handles all necessary arrangements, including private vehicle ground transportation, airport transfers, and three-star hotel accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara. They take care of all required paperwork and permits, such as the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit and the special Upper Mustang restricted area permit. You’ll only need to bring two passport-size photos for the permits. Their experience ensures you don’t have to worry about complex bureaucratic processes.

Before your trek, NHT offers excellent pre-trip communication, helping you craft the perfect itinerary tailored to your interests. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a warm welcome at the airport with a garland, followed by a detailed trip briefing. They also provide a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, allowing you to acclimate and enjoy the cultural richness of Nepal before the trek begins.

You can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. The process is straightforward with automated kiosks and visa counters. You will need a valid passport, a passport-sized photo, and the visa fee in USD or other major currencies. Visa options typically include a 15-day, 30-day, or 90-day multiple-entry visa. A representative from Nepal Hiking Team will be there to greet you after you clear customs and assist with your transfer to the hotel.

In addition to your standard Nepal entry visa, trekking to Upper Mustang requires a special Restricted Area Permit. This is because the region was a forbidden kingdom closed to outsiders until 1992. The cost of this permit is included in your package, and Nepal Hiking Team will arrange it for you. You must provide two passport-size photos for this special permit, which is separate from the ACAP permit.

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay. Carry a few extra passport-sized photos for permits. It's helpful to have the address of your hotel (provided by NHT) and the contact number for your guide or the company office handy for your arrival card. After you pass through visa and customs, look for the Nepal Hiking Team representative holding a sign with your name.

You can book directly through the Nepal Hiking Team website. The process is designed to be simple, and they offer a step-by-step video guide to assist you. A deposit is required to secure your booking, especially for the group joining option. If the listed departure dates do not fit your schedule, you can contact their team directly to inquire about alternative start dates for a private or customized trip.

The minimum group size for the scheduled departures of the Across the Mustang Trek is 2 persons. This ensures a viable and sociable trekking experience. If you are a solo traveler, you can still join by paying a single supplement or inquire about private trek options. Nepal Hiking Team is happy to discuss customization, whether you prefer a private trip or to join a group.

The cost includes all ground transportation, three-star hotel stays in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast, a guided Kathmandu sightseeing tour with entry fees, full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek, lodge accommodations, an experienced guide and porter, necessary permits (ACAP and Mustang special permit), and use of a down jacket and sleeping bag. It excludes international airfare, Nepal visa, travel insurance, lunches and dinners in cities, personal expenses (like hot showers, cold drinks), and tips. For specific payment methods and deposit amounts, it's best to check the booking page or contact NHT directly.

The key unique feature of this itinerary is the smart blend of driving and trekking. Nepal Hiking Team designed this route to maximize your time in scenic, natural areas while minimizing exposure to busy, dusty roads. Instead of trekking on long, monotonous stretches of road, you will use private vehicles to reach key points like Ghami and Lo-Manthang, then switch to trekking on isolated trails where roads end, such as the route from Lo-Manthang to Yara, Luri Gompa, and Muktinath. This strategy makes the journey less strenuous and more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on the dramatic landscapes and ancient culture.

By utilizing drives on days 4, 5, and 6 to reach Ghami and Lo-Manthang, the itinerary saves you days of walking along roads that can be dusty and less scenic. This conserved energy is then used for the most rewarding trekking sections: the 5-day trek from Lo-Manthang to Yara, Luri Gompa, Tangya, Tetang, and finally to the sacred site of Muktinath. This approach allows you to explore deeper into remote areas like the Luri Gompa cliff and the rugged Paha pass without being exhausted by previous long road walks, offering a unique and seldom-used route.

Yes, absolutely. This itinerary is ideal for those who want to engage deeply with the environment of Upper Mustang but are looking to reduce the physical strain of long-distance walking on rough, and sometimes road-like, terrain. The driving segments efficiently cover distances, allowing you to focus your walking efforts on the most pristine and culturally significant parts of the trek, like the remote villages of Yara and Tangya and the climb to the 4,210-meter Paha pass. It offers a more accessible way to experience the hidden kingdom of Lo-Manthang and its surroundings.

All ground transportation is provided by private vehicle as per the itinerary. This includes airport transfers, the scenic 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and all subsequent drives to Marpha, Ghami, and Lo-Manthang. The final drive from Muktinath back to Pokhara is also in a private vehicle. These drives offer breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges but can be adventurous as the roads are often unpaved, especially in the Mustang region.

Yes, the package includes a one-way flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu as per the itinerary. This saves you a long return drive after your trek. The drive to Pokhara and the flight back provide a balanced mix of overland and air travel, giving you a different perspective of Nepal's varied topography. This flight is included in your cost, with all necessary arrangements made by Nepal Hiking Team.

The drives vary in length. The initial drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara takes about 7-8 hours, winding through scenic green hills and along the Trishuli River. Drives within Mustang are shorter but on rugged terrain: Marpha to Ghami is 5-6 hours, and Ghami to Lo-Manthang is another 5-6 hours. The final drive from Muktinath to Pokhara is a long 7-8 hour journey on adventurous off-road roads, described as "pretty safe." These drives are an integral part of the experience, offering stunning Himalayan vistas.

The trip is graded as "Moderate to Strenuous." While the initial part involves driving, the trekking section from Day 8 to Day 12 includes long hiking days. The terrain is rugged, with steep ascents and descents through a barren, desert-like landscape. You will be hiking for 5 to 8 hours per day. The most challenging day is Day 11, a 28-kilometer trek to Tetang, which includes an ascent to the highest point of the trek at Paha (4,210 meters / 13,812 ft) with no water sources except at Paha. Prior trekking experience and good physical fitness are highly recommended.

This trek is suitable for adventurous trekkers with a good level of physical stamina. It's ideal for those interested in Tibetan Buddhist culture, remote landscapes, and ancient history. While the itinerary includes driving to reduce some walking, the trekking days are long and demanding. It is not recommended for beginners or those with mobility issues. The guide will ensure the pace is comfortable, but participants should be prepared for challenging days, particularly the trek to Luri Gompa and the long day to Tetang.

The highest altitude reached is 4,210 meters at Paha, with a maximum trekking elevation of 3,950 meters at Luri Gompa. While this altitude does not typically cause severe AMS for most people, it is still possible. The itinerary is designed with gradual ascents and includes nights at lower altitudes after peaks (e.g., Tetang at 3,040m after Paha). A full rest day with an excursion in Lo-Manthang (Day 7) also aids in acclimatization. Your guide will monitor your health and carry a comprehensive medical kit. They recommend proper hydration and listening to your body.

Your safety is a priority. Nepal Hiking Team provides an experienced, English-speaking guide who is trained in first aid and altitude sickness awareness. They carry a comprehensive medical kit. The itinerary includes a rest and exploration day in Lo-Manthang to aid acclimatization. The company also ensures that porters are well-treated with insurance, equipment, and fair wages, which contributes to a safer, more reliable support system. Communication is maintained throughout, and the team is prepared to handle emergencies.

You will be accompanied by an experienced, English-speaking trekking guide throughout the journey. They handle navigation, logistics, and provide deep cultural and historical insights into the Mustang region. A porter is provided for every two trekkers to carry your main luggage (up to a reasonable weight limit). This allows you to trek with just a daypack, making the long days more manageable. The guide's expertise is particularly valuable in remote areas and on challenging days like the trek to Paha Pass.

Yes, travel insurance is mandatory and is listed in the cost excludes. Your insurance must cover emergency evacuation, medical expenses, trip cancellation, and lost baggage. Given the remote nature of Upper Mustang and the trek's altitude, high-altitude rescue and helicopter evacuation coverage is essential. Please ensure your policy specifically covers trekking at altitudes up to at least 5,000 meters, as the itinerary includes a point at 4,210m and travel through a restricted area.

Nepal Hiking Team provides a down jacket, a four-season sleeping bag, and a durable duffel bag for your trek. The down jacket and sleeping bag are high-quality, warm items designed for the cold nights in the Mustang desert. These are to be returned after the trip. They also provide a trekking map. You are responsible for your personal trekking equipment, such as boots, clothing layers, and other essentials.

Given the dry, barren landscape and variable temperatures, pack layers. Essentials include sturdy, broken-in trekking boots, moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers (fleece), a waterproof/windproof outer shell, warm hat, gloves, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The region can be windy and cold, especially at night and at higher elevations like Luri Gompa and Paha. Don't forget a water bottle, high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, and personal toiletries. A headlamp with extra batteries is also very useful.

For days like the 28-kilometer trek to Tetang, which involves a steep climb to Paha and no water sources, you'll need a sturdy daypack to carry your personal items. It's crucial to pack high-energy snacks (nuts, chocolate, energy bars), a reusable water bottle or hydration system (water purification tablets or a filter are advisable as you can refill from taps), and your camera. Trekking poles are highly recommended for the rugged, steep terrain to reduce strain on your knees.

Accommodation is a mix of city hotels and mountain lodges. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you will stay in 3-star category hotels with breakfast included. During the trek, the package includes "best available twin-sharing lodge-to-lodge accommodation." This means you'll stay in local teahouses or lodges, which are basic but comfortable, offering a warm place to rest. These lodges provide the opportunity to experience local hospitality.

Basic amenities are available, but at an extra cost. Hot showers are not included in the trek price and are available for a fee at most lodges. Wi-Fi is often available in villages like Marpha, Ghami, Lo-Manthang, and Muktinath, but connectivity can be unreliable, especially in more remote areas like Yara and Tangya. It's best to be prepared for limited connectivity and treat the trek as a digital detox. Electricity for charging devices is usually available for a small fee.

Staying in the lodges of Upper Mustang is a cultural experience in itself. In villages like Ghami, you'll see white-washed houses with intricate carvings and ancient water-driven prayer wheels. In Lo-Manthang, the walled city feels like stepping back in time. The lodges are basic but provide warm meals and a place to rest. The hospitality of the Lo-Pa people, with their Tibetan-influenced culture, is a memorable highlight of the trek.

The package includes full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with tea or coffee during the trek. You can expect hearty, energy-rich meals suitable for trekking, such as dal bhat (lentil soup with rice, a staple), noodles, pasta, potatoes, and Tibetan bread. In the city, only breakfast is included at the hotels; lunches and dinners in Kathmandu and Pokhara are at your own expense, allowing you to explore the local cuisine.

One of the unique culinary highlights is in Marpha, a village famous for its apples and apple products. You can enjoy local apples, apple wine, apple snacks, and even apple brandy. This is a delightful treat after the drive. Throughout the trek, you'll also find typical Nepali and Tibetan dishes. Your guide can help you order and ensure your food is prepared safely.

Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in the dry climate of Mustang. Bottled water is available but contributes to plastic waste. A more sustainable and cost-effective option is to bring a reusable water bottle and use water purification tablets, a filter, or a UV pen. The package includes tea/coffee with meals, but you'll need to arrange for your drinking water. Your guide can advise on safe water sources at lodges. The package does not cover the cost of cold drinks or bottled water.

Yes, Nepal Hiking Team can design individualized travel plans. The scheduled departures are for group joining, but if those dates don't work or you prefer a private experience, you can contact them to create a custom itinerary tailored to your preferences, timeline, and group size. This is a great option for families, friends, or solo trekkers who want a more personalized pace and attention.

A private trek offers flexibility in pace, departure dates, and the ability to customize the itinerary. You have the undivided attention of your guide and can adjust the schedule based on your interests or energy levels. A group trek is more economical and offers the chance to meet fellow travelers. Both options come with the full support of the Nepal Hiking Team's logistics, experienced guides, and porters. The "group size min. 2 pax" indicates that even the group option offers a small-group, intimate experience.

Tipping is not included in the package cost and is a way to show appreciation for the hard work of your guide and porter. It is customary in Nepal. The amount is at your discretion and often based on the level of service, trip length, and group size. A general guideline is to budget around 10-15% of the total trip cost for tips, to be distributed between the guide and porter according to their roles. Your guide can provide guidance on fair practices.