Upper Mustang Trek

It’s a rare chance to visit the once-forbidden kingdom of Lo-Mantahng. Only in 1992 was it opened for outsiders, which has preserved its medieval vibe and, thus, attracts travelers from around the world.

Along with visits to popular landmarks like Muktinath Temple, Jomsom, Kagbeni, and the Lo-Manthang, you can also experience the enchanting highlands of Upper Mustang with its rugged terrains on the 17-day Upper Mustang Trek.

As for cultural exposure, Upper Mustang has a rich Buddhist background, evident from the numerous ancient caves with Buddhist murals on their walls and centuries-old Buddhist monasteries. You will also encounter many villages on the trails inhabited by people of Tibetan origin. If you trek in May, you may also witness the Tiji festival, one of the grandest religious festivals of Lo-Manthang. Another major festival of Mustang is in August when the people of Mustang celebrate the end of the harvest season. It is called Yartung.

Unlike other trekking destinations, you will have the opportunity to observe and interact with people of different ethnicities on this trek. You will find Gurungs, Tibetans, and Thakalis on the trails to Lo-Manthang.

Another interesting cultural feature of Upper Mustang Trek is the existing Bon Po traditions. Bon was believed to be the precursor of Buddhism in Tibet, as it was widely practiced there before the introduction of Buddhism in the seventh century. Today, Bon traditions can still be found in the Lupra village of Mustang.

When you hear about the rugged terrains and high altitude of Upper Mustang, you may wonder if it is doable. The good news is that it is feasible, as our Upper Mustang Trek package falls under the easy-to-moderate category.

Yet, you will have to prepare well for the trek by eating right and doing some serious exercise for at least a month before embarking on the trek.

Daily hikes of 5 to 6 hours require solid stamina and determination.

The only hardship you may encounter on this trek is the possibility of developing Acute Mountain Sickness (altitude sickness), as you will be hiking at an altitude as high as 4,280 meters above sea level (Chogo La). But you can rest assured that our guide will ensure your safety by following necessary precautions, such as supervising your hiking pace, ensuring you stay hydrated, and providing medical help if required.

The trails of the Upper Mustang trek are generally above 3,500 meters from sea level, with the highest elevation at Chogo La Pass (4,280 m). So, there is a chance of getting altitude sickness, but with our well-paced itinerary and our guide’s help, you can easily overcome this obstacle.

It is essential to hike gradually and ascend at a level that is comfortable for you. We have designed our Upper Mustang Trek itinerary to give you enough rest and acclimatization while you enjoy your trek. Besides that, you will also need to stay hydrated and eat right. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided as much as possible.

If symptoms do appear, such as dizziness, nausea, or headache, our guide will carry out medical first aid and take you to lower elevations if needed. We recommend you follow your guide’s advice to ensure your safety.

To reach the trailhead of Upper Mustang Trek, you will first travel to Pokhara, a famous tourist city in the Kaski district of Gandaki province in western Nepal. There are two options to get to Pokhara from Kathmandu: a bus ride, which takes around 7 hours, and a domestic flight, which takes just 25 minutes.

From Pokhara, you will board an early flight to Jomsom, which takes around 20 minutes. Jomsom Airport (JMO) is the only domestic airport in the region; it connects Mustang with the rest of Nepal. You will get to Kagbeni, the trailhead of the Upper Mustang treks, and Muktinath, the sacred Vishnu Temple.

Thus, you must first travel to Pokhara from Kathmandu and then from Pokhara to Jomsom to reach the trailhead of Upper Mustang Treks, Kagbeni.

Jomsom, Mustang’s commercial and administrative center, offers a more decent infrastructure than other villages on the trails of Upper Mustang Trek. Jomsom has many essential facilities, from telecom offices to hospitals and banks.

The highest elevation of Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal is 4,280 meters at Chogo La according to our standard itinerary. To prepare you for this high-elevation trek, we have set aside two days’ overnight stay at Lo-Manthang (3,840 m). With proper acclimatization and a gradual ascent, you can easily summit the Pass and descend to Charang Khola and Ghar Gumba (3,950 m).

As with other restricted areas, the sole purpose of designating the Upper Mustang as a restricted area has significant reasons behind it. As Upper Mustang is home to the last kingdom of the Nepal Himalayas with many centuries-old sites and structures that hold immense historical and cultural values, restricting it not only preserves its serene ecosystem but also contributes to managing the number of travelers visiting the Nepal-China border at Kora La (4,650 m).

Among the stunning landscapes of Upper Mustang, you will find a unique culture, ancient Buddhist monasteries, sky caves, and clusters of Tibetan-influenced settlements.

Solo trekking in the Upper Mustang is not allowed. As per Nepal government’s regulations, to trek in this restricted region of Mustang, you will have to be part of a group (there should be a minimum of two people in each group), and your group must be accompanied by a licensed trekking guide affiliated with a registered trekking agency.

Being a hilly region, Upper Mustang tends to get extremely cold during winter, with night temperatures decreasing as low as -20 degrees Celsius. Even during the day, the maximum temperature reaches only around eight degrees Celsius. Coupled with recurrent snowfalls, it becomes unfavorable to undertake Upper Mustang treks during winter.

Hence, the ideal seasons for Upper Mustang Trek are spring, summer, and autumn. The warmer days provide pleasant weather conditions for trekking adventures. Even during summer (June-July), due to Upper Mustang’s geological settings, it receives only occasional rainfall. So, the Upper Mustang treks are also doable during summer.

Suppose you prefer an in-depth cultural experience from your Upper Mustang trek. In that case, we recommend you visit in May, as the grandest cultural festival of Lo-Manthang - Tiji Festival takes place this month.

Note: If you are up for a challenging trek and want to do the Upper Mustang trek in winter, we can still arrange a trip for you. However, it will be difficult due to recurrent snowfalls and chilly weather conditions. It would help if you were fully aware of possible hardships before deciding.

Of course! Summer days are perfect for the Upper Mustang trek as the days are both warmer and longer, making the trip even more convenient. Being on the rain shadow side of the Annapurna range, Upper Mustang receives very little rainfall. Also, better visibility ensures perfect views of the splendid mountains like Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and others. Unlike other trekking destinations with slippery trails during the rainy season, you can tread on dry trails in good condition.

The lower Mustang regions, especially those near the river beds, will have their flora in full bloom during summer, providing stunning scenery. Trails here may be damp but aren’t as you move on to higher altitudes.

Nepal Hiking Team has worked actively in the trekking industry for sixteen years. We have had steady growth since our beginning, which is apparent from the positive reviews of our clients on significant travel apps.

Through our experience of conducting Upper Mustang treks over the years, we have successfully created the best travel itineraries to explore this enchanting region. Our well-informed guides know every aspect of this unique kingdom, which they will share with you on the trek, making the trip even more lively.

On your 17-day Upper Mustang Trek, you will see the highlights of Upper Mustang, including the once-forbidden Lo-Manthang Kingdom, the striking arid landscapes, ancient monasteries and caves, and the prevailing Buddhist culture and traditions.

Nepal Hiking Team prioritizes your safety and believes in delivering a smooth and hassle-free trip experience for its clients. In this regard, we have allocated enough acclimatization days in our itineraries. We equip our guides with all the essential medical first aid and take care of all the arrangements, such as accommodations, meals, and others, beforehand so you can have the best holiday experience with us.

Through our excellent services, we have served our clients for many years with sheer dedication and, hence, have become a reputed company in the travel industry. With our numerous trip options to cater to your travel needs, you can have a memorable Upper Mustang trek adventure with us.

With the Nepal Hiking Team, you can rest assured you will have the best Upper Mustang experience.

Securing your spot for the Upper Mustang trek with us is very easy. All you have to do is choose the date of your trip, fill out the booking form, and pay 20% of your trip cost as a deposit.

• Choose Your Date: Check out our departure section and choose the season and specific date that works for you. After selecting your time frame, click the “Book this Date” button on the package.
• Fill Out the Form: Next comes filling out the booking form. It will have details like your name, nationality, email, flight details, etc.
• Secure Your Spot: After filling out your details, you must pay a deposit of 20% of your trip cost. Making an online payment can secure your spot instantly.

As soon as we receive your deposit money, we will send you the confirmation email, trip itinerary, and other information regarding the trip.

If you cannot do your Upper Mustang Trek on your chosen date, please ensure you know our trip cancellation policies.

• Deposit Policy: The 20% of the trip cost that you paid as a deposit to secure your spot with us is non-refundable.
• Before Booking: Please take the time to carefully read through our trip itineraries and booking and cancellation policies before choosing a trip with us. Make sure you choose a schedule that works for you.
• Support: If you have queries regarding your trip or need any other assistance, you can always reach us via:
• Email: [email protected]
• WhatsApp: 0977 9851058678

Note: We recommend you contact us immediately if, for some unforeseen reasons, you cannot make it to the scheduled date of your trip. If available, our team will guide you with alternative solutions or may also suggest rebooking options.

Our guides can communicate well in English so you can expect an enriching Upper Mustang Trek. Their vast knowledge about the region will make the trek more interesting as they can share fascinating stories about the Upper Mustang’s significant places, structures, and cultures. They are friendly and very helpful; they will make your trip enjoyable.

Yes, if you’re from one of the countries that can obtain a visa-on-arrival in Nepal, you can quickly get a Nepal visa once you arrive in Kathmandu. You must fill out a visa application form at the visa counter and submit a passport-size photo with the visa fee. The process can be quicker if you pay in cash (EUR, USD, or other widely accepted currencies), as card payments may not work sometimes.

No, the Nepal Hiking Team does not handle international flight bookings. However, we will handle everything related to the trip, from accommodations, transportation, permits, government taxes, etc.

The Nepal Hiking Team’s staff will receive you at Tribhuvan International Airport once you land in Kathmandu. You will find them outside the airport with a placard bearing our company name. From the airport, they will drive you to Thamel and help you check in at the hotel (WoodApple Hotel and Spa or a similar hotel).

At the end of your trek, our staff will drop you off at the airport with ample time before your scheduled departure.

You will need travel insurance if you want to do an Upper Mustang trek. Your insurance must cover essentials like emergency evacuation from places as high as 4,000 meters and above, medical expenses, trip cancellations, missed departures, etc. Getting travel insurance not only covers you in case of mishaps, it ensures a hassle-free trip experience.

No, immunization is not mandatory for the Mustang trek. However, consult your doctor before the trip and update your routine vaccinations. We recommend you get Hepatitis A, rabies, and typhoid vaccines as a precaution if you are traveling to remote areas.

Obtaining local SIM cards in Nepal is very convenient. You can buy it from Tribhuvan International Airport or Thamel, where you will stay in Kathmandu.

Nepal’s major SIM card providers are Ncell and Nepal Telecom (NTC). While Ncell provides a broad range of 4G services and is more user-friendly, NTC is more reliable in rural areas, especially mountainous regions, due to its wide coverage.

To obtain a Nepal SIM card, you must provide a passport-sized photograph, a copy of your passport, and a filled-in registration form.

Yes, first-time trekkers can do the Upper Mustang hike. Though it is categorized as a moderate-level hike due to the high terrain and extensive walking hours (5 to 7 hours daily for about 12 days), it is doable if you prepare well and listen to your guide’s advice while on the trek. The well-defined trails make it even more convenient for trekkers. Hence, the Upper Mustang trek is suitable for first-time trekkers.

Like all trekking trails, some parts of the Upper Mustang trek can sometimes be challenging, especially for beginners. For instance, the highest point of the trek - Chogo La (4,210 m) and the steep climb at Dhakmar can become strenuous if you have never trekked before. But, with our well-paced itinerary, which induces proper acclimatization and a gradual ascent, you can easily overcome these challenges.

No, there are no age restrictions for the Upper Mustang trek. However, since the elevations are as high as around 4,000 meters above sea level (the highest at Chogo La with 4,280 meters), you could do some endurance exercises for a couple of months before the trek to boost your stamina.

Upper Mustang Trek is for all age groups. You can do your Upper Mustang trek with minimal hurdles with a good fitness level and mindset. The most important thing for the trip is to prepare well so you and your loved ones can have a memorable trek in Nepal’s Upper Mustang.

Contact us if you need a customized itinerary for the Upper Mustang trek. We can arrange personalized tours for trekking novices as well as those traveling with children and elders. Remember us for a safe and comfortable journey to Mustang.

Yes, hiring a guide for the Upper Mustang Trek is mandatory as the region falls under restricted areas of Nepal. According to government regulations, a licensed guide must accompany you when trekking in restricted areas. The guide must be licensed and affiliated with a registered trekking company.

To begin with, our trek itineraries are well-paced to ensure a comfortable and smooth trek experience. Besides, our guides are well-trained professionals who will take all precautionary measures to make your trip safe and enjoyable.

We equip our guides with essential medical supplies for minor mishaps on the trek. They will monitor your health condition, remind you to take enough liquids for hydration, and take breaks during the trek to avoid over-exertion.

In emergencies like acute mountain sickness (AMS) or other accidents, our guides will provide medical first aid and contact our head office in Kathmandu for further assistance.

With the Nepal Hiking Team, you will have one of the Himalayas’ safest and most enjoyable trekking experiences.

Once we finalize your booking and provide the itinerary, your trek will begin on the scheduled date. We will have at least two trekkers for the Upper Mustang trek to comply with government policy for trekking in restricted areas.

You can count on us for a hassle-free departure on the scheduled date.

Note: In case of natural disasters or political strikes, which may hinder a timely departure, we will inform you immediately and reschedule the trip if needed.

The Nepal Hiking Team maintains a manageable group size of 2 to 10 people for the Mustang Valley trek. Keeping our groups small makes it easier for our guides to provide personalized care and attention to each trekker. Such a group size enhances the trip experience due to the lively atmosphere and friendly rapport between group members.

The accommodations available on the Upper Mustang trek are basic and consist of family-owned teahouses and lodges. Run mainly by Gurung and Thakali families, these teahouses provide a warm and comfortable stay.

The rooms generally have a bed, blankets, and a pillow. In a few places, you may find Western-style toilets, but in others, you will have to use Indian-style squat toilets.

Laundry service is not available on the Upper Mustang trek. We recommend you carry enough clothes to last for the entire trip. That means packing extra garments if you need to change them frequently; however, ensure you do not over-pack. You can opt for quick-drying clothes for convenience.

You can wash the smaller clothing items on rest days, but it may take time to dry them out entirely because of cooler weather conditions. The best thing to do is to do your laundry in Pokhara or Kathmandu before or after the trek, as good laundry services are available in these cities.

Yes, you can have hot showers on the Upper Mustang trek. Generally, most teahouses in the lower regions have running hot water. In some parts of the higher areas, hot showers may not be available, and even if they do, you will have to pay an extra charge. These teahouses mainly use solar or gas-generated hot water to provide hot showers for their guests, which is much needed after a day’s trek.

Meal options for Upper Mustang Trek range from all-time-favorites like dal-bhat (a food set consisting of rice, lentil soup, assorted veggies, and pickles), momo and thukpa to local delicacies such as dhido (pudding made from buckwheat or millet powder), Marsi rice, and Rildhok (potato dish).

Exclusive treats of the region include churpi (hardened yak cheese), fermented veggies - gundruk and sink, butter tea (made from yak butter), Marpha apple brandy, and raksi (local alcohol).

These are some popular food items and beverages that trekkers generally have on the trek. You can also get soups, pasta, noodle dishes, and other meals at these teahouses.

Upper Mustang’s teahouses and lodges have different drinking water options, such as boiled or filtered water. They also have bottled water, which is quite expensive because of the surcharges incurred on transporting them to these hilly regions.

We recommend you carry reusable water bottles with water purifying tablets. You can ask your guide for these tablets; they carry them along with other essential medicines for the trip. With reusable water bottles, you can refill from local taps or streams on the way; however, make sure you purify it properly before consuming.

Yes, you can! Flying from Kathmandu to Pokhara is a convenient and time-saving option. A one-way flight costs approximately USD 90, while a round trip costs around USD 180. The flight takes about 25 minutes, making it an excellent alternative to the 6-7 hour drive.

Yes, we offer a helicopter return option for the Upper Mustang Trek. Enjoy a scenic helicopter ride from Lo Manthang to Pokhara (City of Lake), offering stunning aerial views of the Mustang landscapes, towering Himalayas, and Pokhara's serene lakes. This option adds convenience and a unique perspective to your trek. Check our Upper Mustang Trek with Helicopter Return package for details!

Upper Mustang Trek and Upper Mustang Trekking with Yara Package follow the same classic route as the Upper Mustang Trek, with an additional Yara village trip for Upper Mustang Trek with Yara Package.

This means slight differences exist in trip durations, distances covered, and routes taken. Both of these packages follow the same path from Jomsom to Lo-Manthang, but from there, there is an additional excursion to Yara village for the Upper Mustang Trek with the Yara package.

Both the treks conclude similarly, i.e., after visiting Lo-Manthang, both routes take you via Muktinath and culminate in Jomsom.

Hence, the 18-day Upper Mustang trek with Yara Package is an enhanced itinerary of the classic route of the Upper Mustang trek. It provides an in-depth cultural experience of Upper Mustang.

Yes, electricity is readily available in most parts of Upper Mustang. The teahouses of Chale, Samar, Tsarang, Syangboche, Ghimi, and others provide electricity to charge your devices in the evening. However, due to power cuts, which are pretty standard in these regions, it could be inconvenient for you at times. Hence, it is advisable to carry a portable power bank with you. A solar charger is also recommended as it can come in handy at places that rely on solar power or micro-hydro plants for electricity, such as Kagbeni and Lo-Manthang.

Most teahouses provide Wi-Fi connectivity, but it could get patchy as you move on from Jomsom. At some places, such as Kagbeni and Muktinath, you may have to pay a small fee to get Wi-Fi.

We recommend you purchase a Nepal Telecom SIM card and use its data packages to stay connected with your loved ones. Nepal Telecom (NTC) has better coverage in Upper Mustang. It has also started 4G services in Jomsom, Muktinath, and Lo-Manthang.

No, they generally don’t accept foreign currency. Also, ATMs are only available in Jomsom, but we can not guarantee that you can withdraw from these ATM booths as they may not work sometimes. So, the best alternative is to carry enough Nepalese currency to cover your trek expenses.

Trekking to Mustang district is like traveling back in time. Upper Mustang is a hidden gem and known as the "Last Forbidden Kingdom," and it’s still holding on to its ancient Tibetan culture and traditions. Lo-Manthang, the walled city, is the heart of it all, with monasteries, caves, and stories from centuries ago.

The landscapes are unreal—barren cliffs, deep gorges, and the Kali Gandaki slicing through it all. And don’t forget the Tiji Festival, where the whole region comes alive with colors and rituals. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.

Nepali citizens are not required to obtain a permit to visit Upper Mustang. The special permits and associated fees are applicable to foreign nationals.

Upper Mustang is a hidden gem, and gems don’t come cheap. The restricted area permit alone costs $500 for just 10 days, making it one of the priciest treks in Nepal. That’s before you even factor in food, lodging, and transport.

But once you’re there, standing in the heart of Lo-Manthang, surrounded by history, culture, and those dramatic landscapes, you’ll forget the expense—it’s worth it.

Mustang is called the "Forbidden Kingdom" because it stayed hidden from the outside world for centuries. Until 1992, no outsiders were allowed, which helped preserve its Tibetan culture, ancient monasteries, and traditions. Lo-Manthang, the walled city built in the 14th century, still feels untouched by time. Its remote location, rugged landscapes, and rich history make it a place unlike any other.

Mustang doesn’t have a king anymore, at least officially. The monarchy was abolished in 2008 when Nepal became a republic. But the people here still honor Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista as their king. He was the last king of Mustang, and his family traces its roots back to Ame Pal, who founded the kingdom in 1380.

The king lives in the old palace in Lo-Manthang, a four-story structure that feels like stepping back in time. Even today, locals and visitors respect him deeply, and if you’re lucky, you might even get a chance to meet him. The stories of the royal family are woven into the history of Mustang, making the place feel even more special.

The local people of Mustang area are known as Lobas; Lobas are deeply rooted in Tibetan culture. They speak a Tibetan dialect and hold the practices of Tibetan Buddhism.

The main community in Upper Mustang resides in Lo-Manthang, while the southern part (Lower Mustang) is home to the Thakali people (famous for Thakali Khana). The Lobas live simple lives, relying on agriculture, animal husbandry, and seasonal trade.