Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most popular off-the-beaten treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Nestled in the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range, Upper Mustang was […]

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Highlights

Overview

Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most popular off-the-beaten treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Nestled in the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range, Upper Mustang was a forbidden kingdom and closed to outsiders until 1992 AD. Also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal, Upper Mustang is a place of mystery and history. Because of the isolation from the outer world for ages, the people of Upper Mustang have been able to preserve their traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices, language, and architecture.

However, as of now, the Upper Mustang is open for trekking and offers trekkers a chance to see the preserved Tibetan culture and the breathtaking landscapes. Trekking to Upper Mustang is an experience of a lifetime for those who want solitude, history, and scenery. Trekkers will walk through medieval villages, visit centuries-old monasteries, and experience the warm hospitality of the local people while trekking to Upper Mustang.

Upper Mustang Trek is a journey full of natural wonders. The arid and rugged terrain with colorful cliffs and rock formations makes this trek an enthralling journey. En route, we walk through Kali Gandaki Valley sighting deep canyons, wind-eroded hills, and panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges.

Upper Mustang Trek starts from Jomsom, the gateway to Mustang which is a short flight from Pokhara. For those willing to escape the flight, Jomsom is also accessible via road. The town is famous for the views of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountains and the ancient trading route that exists till date. From Jomsom, the trail to Upper Mustang follows the Kali Gandaki River and passes through traditional villages like Kagbeni, Chele, and Ghami. Kagbeni is at the junction poing of Kali Gandaki and Jhong Khola rivers and is a beautiful village with narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and ancient monasteries. The village is the boundary between Lower and Upper Mustang. It is also famous worldwide for its apple orchard and is also known as the Apple Kingdom.

As we trek further the landscape becomes more arid and barren which is why the Upper Mustang is also popular as “the cold desert”. The trail goes up to Chele where we get our first glimpse of Mustang architecture with flat-roofed houses and intricately carved wooden windows. From Chele, the trail climbs steeply further and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The settlement of Ghami is the next significant destination on our Upper Mustang Trek. Renowned for its barley fields, red cliffs, and Nepal’s longest Mani wall, Ghami is the largest village in the Upper Mustang. Tsarang is an additional significant village in our journey that features a red gompa (monastery) and Bonpo culture. Finally, we step foot at the ultimate destination of our Upper Mustang Trekking i.e. Lo Manthang the walled city of Upper Mustang. Lo Manthang is a city of cultural and historical sites. As we reach there, the landscapes and history unlike any other place on Earth will make the journey worthwhile.

The capital of Mustang, Lo-Manthang is a walled city that dates back to the 14th century and has many ancient monasteries and palaces. Located in the north-central part of Nepal, it borders Tibet because of which we can experience the Tibetan influence in its culture, language, and lifestyle. Legends have it that the region was a part of the Tibetan Empire in history before being formed as the walled city of Lo-Manthang by Kind Ame Pal.

Lo Manthang is the usual place where trekkers spend a couple of days before they explore the sites. Jampa Lhakhang (God House), Thubchen Gompa, and Chodey Gompa are some of the well-known monasteries where we will find beautiful paintings, sculptures, and Thangka (Buddhist art). A short walk from Lo Manthang would lead to Chhoser Cave and Nyphu Gompa making it possible for us to get more insights on Mustang’s ancient history and culture. We can also go for a side trip near the Tibet Border for more exploration.

Besides, we can also experience various local festivals like Tiji Festival and Yartung if we can coincide our trekking date accordingly. Tiji is an annually celebrated festival during May which is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. It is celebrated with colorful mask dance, traditional music, and the cultural rituals by the monks. Whereas, the Yartung festival is a similar festival but celebrated with horses.

In a nutshell, the Upper Mustang Trek is an adventure like no other. There is natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance to be experienced all along the trail. Entire places on our Upper Mustang itinerary, we are greeted by ancient towns, secret caves, and the mighty Himalayan peaks. Everything about this trip is memorable. Hence, it is a must-visit destination that promises adventure, discovery, and closeness to something so untouched.

Being a restricted area, a trek to Upper Mustang requires a special permit for entry. Trekkers are required to have a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) sorted through a registered trekking agency and there must be a minimum of 2 people to obtain the permit. The cost of the Upper Mustang Restricted area permit is USD 500 per person for the first 10 days and USD 50 per person per day after that. Also, since the trails within our Upper Mustang itinerary abode with the Annapurna Conservation Area, we will also need Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Nepal Mountain Guide is your trusted partner for organizing all these official documents. Likewise, our highly experienced guides will not just accompany you during the trek, they will provide a detailed insight into the local culture as well as a description of whatever we encounter along the trails.

Upper Mustang Trek can be embarked upon by anyone regardless of age and experience as the level of fitness required for this trek is moderate. The trek is not very steep but the altitude can challenging to some trekkers. However, ensuring proper acclimatization and taking it slow to avoid altitude sickness, anyone can easily make it to this hidden gem of Nepal. Besides, it is also a popular Jeep Tour, Horse Riding and Motorbike Tour destination in Nepal. Hence, trekking is not the only activity that can take you to Upper Mustang.

Situated in the rain-shadow area, trekking to Upper Mustang is feasible anytime around the year. It receives much less rainfall even during monsoon and though winter is chilling cold, the off-season trekking is also worthwhile in Upper Mustang. However, like most trekking trails in Nepal, the best time to visit Upper Mustang is also the time-frame from Mar-May and Sept-Nov. These months significantly offer moderate temperatures and vivid sceneries.

Itinerary

If you want tailor-made trip or want to personalize this itinerary, just feel free to contact us. We are always there to help you to make your holiday plan. Contact us

Day 01

Drive to Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft) west of the Kathmandu Valley

After an early breakfast, we embark on a scenic 6 to 7-hour journey to Pokhara aboard a tourist bus. Along the way, we'll pass by the stunning Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. Nestled in a beautiful river valley, Pokhara offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna and Machapuchare peaks to the north, Dhaulagiri to the west, and Manaslu and Lamjung Himal to the east. Known as a tourist paradise, Pokhara blends natural beauty with modern amenities for a perfect getaway.
Day 02

Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m / 8,915ft) and trek to Kagbeni (2,800m / 9,500ft)

We take an early morning flight to Jomsom, when the skies are at their clearest, offering stunning views of the mountains, including the majestic eight-thousanders Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The landscape below is nothing short of breathtaking. Upon landing in Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang, our trek begins. The path winds through the serene Kali Gandaki River valley, leading to the historic fort of Kagbeni, an ancient trade hub with a Buddhist monastery. Kagbeni lies just south of the restricted area of Upper Mustang.
Day 03

Trek from Kagbeni (2,800m / 9,500ft) to Chele (3,055m / 10,025ft)

The area above Kagbeni is known as Upper Mustang, and entry here requires a special permit. At the gateway, there's a check post where we register our documents before continuing our trek. We'll begin our journey early in the morning, following the eastern bank of the Kali Gandaki River toward Chuksang, to avoid the strong afternoon winds of Mustang. Along the way, the first light of the sun casts a golden glow on Mt. Nilgiri, offering a breathtaking view. The riverside area can be windy and dusty, so it's advisable to wear sunglasses and possibly a face mask to protect your nose and mouth. As we continue, we’ll pass Mustang’s unique red sandstone pillars and rock formations, shaped by millennia of erosion, before arriving at Tangbe Village. Tangbe is a charming settlement with its red-and-whitewashed houses, apple orchards, and barley fields. From there, we’ll follow a narrow canyon toward Chele, a small town perched along a ridge. The panoramic views from Chele are truly otherworldly, unlike any you will find elsewhere in the world.
Day 04

Trek from Chele (3,055m / 10,025ft) to Syangboche (3,930m / 11,400ft)

Today's trek will be quite challenging, with an elevation gain of about 800 meters. Starting from Chele, we will ascend a steep spur and continue through a narrow canyon towards Eklo Bhatti. From there, we will climb to Taklam La (3,625 m / 11,940 ft), a high pass. After crossing the pass, we will descend to Samar. From Samar, we can enjoy stunning views of Mount Nilgiri. This area is a common resting point for horse and mule caravans. From here, we will descend into a large gorge, passing the Rangchyung Chorten, which is painted in red, black, yellow, and white, before continuing on to Syangboche.
Day 05

Trek from Syangboche (3,930m / 11,400ft) to Ghami (3,520m / 11,535ft)

The day begins with an ascent to the Yamda La Pass (3,845m/12,655ft), crossing through a breathtaking desert landscape and a few remote villages. The trail rises to a large valley before descending into a wide barley field at Gelling. The mud and stone houses in Gelling are painted in white and ochre, reminiscent of the style seen in Mustang. From Gelling, we continue on to the settlement of Tama Gaun, where we ascend the Nyi La Pass (4,015m/13,205ft). After reaching the pass, we descend and proceed towards Ghami.
Day 06

Trek from Ghami (3,520m / 11,535ft) to Tsarang (3505m / 11,500ft)

Today's trek leads you through the driest region of Mustang. Despite the challenging climb, the breathtaking views of the serene countryside make it all worthwhile. We eventually reach Tsarang, a sprawling town home to approximately 1,000 residents.
Day 07

Trek from Tsarang (3505m / 11,500ft) to Lo Manthang (3810m / 12,135ft)

Beginning on flat terrain, we climb over another pass—Lo La Pass—where you can take in the stunning views of the valley below, including the charming Lo Mathang. After crossing Lo La Pass, we descend and approach Lo Mathang from the north.
Day 08

Rest and exploration day in Lo Manthang

Today is your chance to discover the historic walled city of Lo Manthang, home to around 150 houses. This ancient city dates back to the 1390s. Lo Manthang served as the walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo since its establishment in 1380 by Ame Pal. The village is renowned for its towering whitewashed mud-brick walls, gompas, and the royal palace. The royal palace, a nine-cornered, five-story structure built around 1400, is the oldest existing example of such architecture. The town is also home to four major temples: Jampa Gompa (Jampa Lhakhang), Thubchen Gompa, Chodey Gompa, and Choprang Gompa. Jampa Gompa, the oldest, is often referred to as "God's house," while Choprang Gompa is known as the New Gompa. Upper Mustang, including Lo Manthang, was opened to foreigners by the Nepal government in 1992, though tourism to the region remains limited to this day.
Day 09

Trek from Lo Manthang (3,810m / 12,135ft) to Ghami (3,520m / 5,577ft)

From Lo Manthang, we begin our journey south towards Kagbeni, but this time, we’ll take a different route than the one we used to reach Lo Manthang. Along the way, we’ll pass through Drakmar and make a stop at the renowned Ghar Monastery, known for its stunning wall paintings. Our trek will then continue until we arrive in Ghami.
Day 10

Trek from Ghami (3,520m / 5,577ft) to Samar (3,700m / 12,139ft)

We carefully navigate the rugged, arid terrain, taking in the enchanting scenery along the way. The journey involves a climb to the Chemi La and Yiy La passes, followed by a steep descent toward Geling. After Geling, the descent becomes gentler as we approach Syangboche, but our final stop is further ahead at Samar. Samar is a traditional Tibetan village, featuring mani walls, a monastery, and terraced fields.
Day 11

Trek from Samar (3,700m / 12,139ft) to Chhusang (2,980m / 9,776ft )

We take the standard trekking route to Chhusang from Samar. The Kali Gandaki riverbed is reached by the routes. To get to Chhusang, we hike via a rock tunnel across this river.
Day 12

Trek from Chhusang (2,980m / 9,776ft) to Muktinath (3,760m / 12,335ft)

Although the trek follows the famed Annapurna circuit, you will be crossing Gyu La Pass (4077m) today from a different way. The Annapurna range may be seen behind you from this pass, and in front of you are a number of magnificent Himalayan peaks that stretch northward into Tibet. Before arriving in Muktinath, a popular Hindu and Buddhist holy place, the trail travels through a number of historic villages. Muktinath is known to Buddhists as "Chumig Gyatsa," which translates to "A Hundred Waters" in Tibetan. A Buddhist monastery, multiple Hindu temples, 108 bathing spouts, and an eternal flame are all located within the walled Muktinath temple complex.
Day 13

Trek from Muktinath (3,760m /12,335ft) to Jomsom (2,720m/8,915ft)

Your time on the trekking trails is coming to an end. We descend to Jharkot and Khingar, where you can visit stunning monasteries. As we approach Jomsom, which is located at the base of the Kali Gandaki River Valley, we progressively reduce altitude. The quiet paths and isolated villages we saw are very different from the Jomsom market center.
Day 14

Early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft) (and optional flight back to Kathmandu).

We say farewell to Mustang and take an early morning flight over the southern Kali Gandaki Valley to Pokhara. From there, you can either return to Kathmandu by flight or spend a day discovering Pokhara, a popular tourist destination in Nepal.
Day 15

Drive from Pokhara (820m / 2,690ft) to Kathmandu (1,350m / 4,450ft) 6-7hrs

We begin our journey back to Kathmandu on a tourist bus, following a 200 km route that first traces the Marsyangdi River, then the Trishuli River. If you prefer, you can opt for a 25-minute flight back (not included in the package). The trek package concludes upon our arrival in Kathmandu.
Day

Inclusions

What's included

  • Airport pickup and drop
  • Guide and Porter
  • Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast

Add-ons

  • Kathmandu to Pokhara Flight: We provide One way Kathmandu to Pokhara domestic flight with the charge of 120 USD

What's not included

  • Nepal visa fee
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunch and Dinner and Kathmandu and Pokhara