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10504

15 days

Availability : All year round

Kathmandu, Nepal

Jomsom Airport

Min Age : 10+

Max People : 15

Home » Holiday Packages » Annapurna Region » Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal

Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

“Mustang is one of the few places in the Himalayan region that has retained its traditional Tibetan culture unmolested…

Authentic Tibetan culture now survives only in exile and a few places like Mustang, which have had long historical and cultural ties with Tibet.” -The Dalai Lama.

The Upper Mustang trek in Nepal, situated in the north-central part of the country, is famous for its remote and secluded characteristics. Formerly an autonomous realm under the Lo dynasty, known as the Kingdom of Lo, it enjoyed independence. Opened for tourism in 1992, it has become popular among trekkers and adventurers. Upper Mustang stands out, characterized by rugged landscapes, barren mountains, and deep gorges. Rich in Buddhist culture and history, it boasts ancient monasteries, chortens, and mani walls. The walled city of Lo Manthang, formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Lo and now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also very appealing to tourists.

The Colourful Landscape on the Trek

Nesting on the Tibetan border, the Mustang region is dominated by giants Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif. Situated at the head of the Kali Gandaki in north-central Nepal, the little-known district of Mustang is naturally and culturally attractive, particularly the origin of Tibet.

Tourists in Upper Mustang can opt for the strangely eroded landscape of this remote territory that presents a vibrant mosaic of earth colours- red, yellows, browns and blues. In addition, this location is bestowed with ecological diversities, delightful views of snowy peaks, colourful villages, monasteries, and ancient palaces.

Optimal Time for Upper Mustang Trek

When organizing your Upper Mustang trek in Nepal, consider the timing closely. Each season offers a different experience. In spring, you’ll encounter mild weather and blossoming flowers, perfect for trekking and exploring cultural sites. During summer, temperatures increase, and there might be occasional rain, whereas autumn offers clear skies and stunning mountain vistas, making it the prime time for trekking. Conversely, winter brings cold temperatures and occasional snow, providing a unique but challenging adventure. Ultimately, the best time to travel depends on your preferences and what kind of experience you seek.

Why is the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal Restricted?

Tibet, the border to the north.
Many special management zones are due to globally threatened flora and fauna.
Fragile Environment.
Unique culture and heritage.
Until 1991, the Forbidden Kingdom remained inaccessible.
Unique mode of settlement with several old monasteries, ancient walled cities and mysterious caves.
Until recent years, this Tran-Himalayan region was closed to foreigners.

Essential Upper Mustang Trek Tips

Here are some crucial tips to enhance your Upper Mustang trek experience in Nepal and make it more enjoyable and stress-free:

Stay Hydrated: Since the Upper Mustang is semi-arid, drinking plenty of water is crucial. Instead of buying bottled water, bring a bottle with a built-in filter or water purification pills to refill from communal taps.
Rent Trekking Equipment: Consider renting or buying gear from Thamel in Kathmandu or Pokhara. This is more convenient than carrying bulky luggage from home.
Sanitation Essentials: To maintain hygiene during your trek, always carry toilet paper, hand sanitiser, and paper soap.
Currency Considerations: Carry Nepalese Rupees (NPR) from Kathmandu or Pokhara as facilities like ATMs, banks, and currency exchange are rare in remote Upper Mustang.
Altitude Precautions: Walk slowly to acclimate to the altitude, and after consulting your doctor, consider taking altitude sickness medication.
Try Local Cuisine: Sample local dishes like Dal Bhat, Tibetan bread, and noodles, which are delicious, affordable, and more satisfying than other menu options at tea houses.
Pack Snacks: Snacks are expensive at higher elevations, so bring dry fruits, energy bars, and cookies from Pokhara for the trek.
Drone Permissions: Obtain permission from authorities before flying drones in the Upper Mustang.
Meal Considerations: Avoid consuming heavy meals during trekking days as they may be hard to digest at higher altitudes and can be costly.

Upper Mustang Trek Special Permit

Due to the region’s restricted access, obtaining a special permit is essential for those embarking on the Upper Mustang trek in Nepal. This permit, priced at USD 500 per person for 10 days, is accessible through authorized trekking agencies.

Driving vs trekking

Don’t you have enough time to hike to Upper Mustang? Or would you love driving rather than hiking? We have designed a jeep driving tour of Mustang as an alternative to hiking. Explore nature, culture and adventure in a mini Tibet “Lo-Manthang.”

Your holiday with NepalHiking

Join us for our 15-day Upper Mustang trek with our friendly guides and support team. Your adventure begins upon arrival in Kathmandu on Day 01 and ends on Day 15. While in Kathmandu, you’ll enjoy accommodation at the newly constructed ‘Kathmandu Suite Home,’ during the Upper Mustang trek in Nepal, you’ll stay in guesthouses owned by locals.

The trek package includes all travel logistics, including a special permit for the Upper Mustang trek, Nepal. For pre-booking trek information, contact sales@nepalhiking.com.

Trek Details

Departure & Return Location

Kathmandu, Nepal

Departure Time

Between 7 – 8 am

Price Includes

Airport pick up/drop off as per the programme
3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu and 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara inclusive of breakfast
An experienced guide and 1 shared porter for 2 members
Surface transfer to and from Kathmandu on a private vehicle
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
Special trek permit to Mustang and conservation fees
Domestic flight (Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara)

Price Excludes

Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast
Travel insurance
Any Private Expenses
International airfare to and from Nepal
Nepal visa
Any beverages
Trekking equipment (sleeping bag, jacket, walking stick etc.)
Staff tipping

Complementaries

Company T-Shirt

What to Expect

During the trek, an experienced guide and a support porter (1 shared porter for 2 members) are provided. All requisite permits, flight, and hotel booking arrangements are included in the trip package.

Tour Highlights

Scenic flight to and from Jomsom
Visit ancient monasteries and experience typical Tibetan culture
Picturesque views of the Himalayas
The warm hospitality of the Thakali and Gurung communities
Fortresses, palaces and cave hermitages
Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, the magnificent scenery of the high Tibetan plateau
The Kali Gandaki valley, the deepest gorge in the world

Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Kathmadu, Nepal

Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu (1350m), you will be warmly welcomed by our Airport Representative and transferred to the hotel (20 – 30 minutes drive). Overnight at hotel. B.B.

Day 2Trek preparation

Before the trek, we’ll ensure all required permits are arranged. Meanwhile, you can unwind at the hotel or explore through a sightseeing adventure. Inform us of your preference, and we’ll organize it with a specialized guide (an additional fee may apply). You’ll spend the night at the hotel, with B.B. accommodation provided.

Day 3Pokhara

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (900m). It’s 200 km to Pokhara, a 5 – 6 hours scenic drive through Prithivi Highway following the river bank of Trishuli and Marshyandi. On the way, we can view the Himalayan ranges of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna (depending on the weather). And the beauty of nature is just awesome. Overnight at a hotel near the bank of Fewa Lake. B.B.

Day 4Flight Pokhara - Jomsom (2720m), and trek to Kagbeni (2810m, 2 hours walking).

Flight Pokhara – Jomsom (2720m), and trek to Kagbeni (2810m, 2 hours walking).
It’s just a 20-minute short flight; but an amazing flight through the Kaligandaki river gorge; the deepest natural river gorge in the world; which lies between two 8000m giants peaks, Annapurna I (8091m) & Dhaulagiri (8167m).

After landing at Jomsom airport, we follow the east bank of Kaligandaki river to Ekle Bhatti (2740m, 1:30 hours). Then walk for another 30 minutes to reach Kagbeni, an oasis-like settlement of flat-roofed houses. There is also a Tibetan Buddhist gompa of the Sakyapa sect in the village, and views of the gompa with Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Tilicho, Mt. Dhaulagiri, and Mt. Annapurna rising above are superb! Overnight at hotel. B.B.

Day 5Trek to Samar (3660m, 6-7 hours walking)

After breakfast, we take a short walk through a narrow flagstone-paved path; then, we enter the restricted area of Mustang. From here, we continue walking to the east bank of the Kaligandaki river. We walk through the impressive village of Tangbe (3060m), Chhusang (2980m) & Chele (3050m), overlooking the fantastic landscapes. A small but impressive cave gompa in Chhusang dedicated to White Tara, the buddha of Success and Achievement. After 45 minutes, continue walking to Chele; we can see a good view of back down the Kaligandaki valley, with the peaks of Tilicho and Nilgiri. After another 11/2 hours of slow pace walking, we arrive at the Dajori La Pass (3735m) with views down the valley. After another 30 minutes of walking, we arrive at Samar, a small picturesque village. Overnight at Guest house. B.L.D.

Day 6Trek to Geling (3570m, 5 - 6 hours walking)

We walk through the centre of the village and descend to a stream where we can see an eroded watercourse; then, we climb up and continue up towards the Bhena La (3838m) and Yamda La (3860m). From here, we can see our first substantial views of Upper Mustang with coffee-coloured hills nearby; then we walk to Syangboche village (3800m) following mani walls and stupas; eventually, we arrive at the village of Gelling. There are 2 gompas in the village that date back to the 15th century, worth visiting. Overnight at Guest house. B.L.D.

Day 7Trek to Tsarang (3560m, 6-7 hours walking)

Today we climb a steep uphill just above the 2 gompas and continue walking to a pass (4025m) from where we can enjoy overlooking back towards the Annapurnas. Then we trek down to Ghemi (3520m), a small settlement of a few tea houses, continue trek down to a stream, cross a suspension bridge, and ascend the upper valley where we can see the longest mani wall in the Mustang region. Following the trail beside the mani wall, we climb up another pass of Tsarang La (3870m); and descend to Tsarang, the old capital of Mustang. Overnight at Guest house. B.L.D.

Day 8Trek to Lo - Manthang (3809m, 4 hours walking).

Today is the final day of our destination, a short and moderate walk to Lo – Manthang, the medieval walled city. We walk following the Tsarang river to the north and gradually climb to the Lo La (3950m). We can see the good views of Lo – Manthang and northern Mustang. From the pass, it is an easy downhill walk to the ancient walled capital of Lo- Manthang. Overnight at Guest house. B.L.D.

Day 9Excursion in Lo - Manthang

After breakfast, we go for a walking tour around the valley. There are four major gompas which are worth visiting: Jampa Lhakhang or Jampa Gompa, the oldest, built in the early 15th century and also known as the “God house”; Thubchen Gompa, a huge, red assembly hall and gompa built in the late 15th century and located just southwest of Jampa Gompa; Chodey Gompa, now the main city gompa; and the Choprang Gompa, which is known as the “New Gompa”. Overnight at Guest house. B.L.D.

Day 10Return Trek

Trekking to Ghemi (93520m) will take approximately 5-6 hours of walking. You’ll spend the night at a guest house, where meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided (B.L.D.).

Day 11Return Trek

On this day, you’ll trek to Samar, positioned at 3660m. The journey typically lasts around 6-7 hours. For accommodation, you’ll stay overnight at a guest house, where meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, will be provided (B.L.D.).

Day 12Return Trek

Finally, you’ll trek back to Jomsom, which typically takes 6-7 hours of walking. You’ll spend the night at a guest house, where meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, will be provided (B.L.D.).

Day 13Return flight to Pokhara

You’ll catch an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Upon arrival, you’ll check into a hotel for the night. Meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, will be provided (B.L.D.).

Day 14Drive back to Kathmandu

You’ll embark on a scenic drive back to Kathmandu, covering a distance of 200 km, which usually takes about 6 hours. You’ll stay overnight at the same hotel as before, with accommodation provided on a bed and breakfast basis (B.B.).

Day 15Departure

You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey, marking the end of the trip.

We hope to see you again soon!

Photos

2 Reviews

Sort By:RatingDate

Theo

Group Traveller

The Upper Mustang Trek with Nepal Hiking, guided by Chabi and Porter Bhim, exceeded all expectations. Chabi’s expertise and passion for the region added depth to the trek, while Bhim’s reliability was significantly impacted. The untouched beauty and rich cultural heritage of Upper Mustang left us in awe, and Nepal Hiking’s flawless organization made the experience stress-free. Highly recommended for an extraordinary journey in the Upper Mustang region.

16 June 2023

Cindy Fong

Solo Traveller

My trek to Lo – Mangthang (Upper Mustang) was spectacular. Everyone I met in the hotels, along the trekking path, etc., was extremely friendly and helpful. The landscape is wonderful. Ram, my guide and Bikul, my porter, were absolutely helpful. Ram profanely taught me a lot of practical Nepali use. We became like a little family because the group size was so small.
Thank you very much.

16 September 2016

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Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal

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