Find Your Tour

Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek

Facts About Trip

Days 12
Grade Easy to Moderate
Best month October/November/December, April/May/June/July/August
Maxi Elevation Lo-Manthang 4,200m
Group size Minimum two people
Accommodation Lodge accommodation on trek
Meal Pay your own meal
Starts From Kathmandu - Pokhara
End at Jomsom to Pokhara

Overview And Highlights

Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most popular and most visited locations in Nepal as over 1,000 people visit each year. This location is also famous for foreigners specifically to the neighboring country, India who travel with their motorbikes.

The region is also popularly known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom” because it was a remote semi-independent Tibetan Kingdom ruled by Tibetan who was one of the last bastions.

Similarly, the Upper Mustang Trek was officially opened to westerners in 1992. Since then, the number of trekkers and visitors in the region has grown massively.

The Upper Mustang Trekking Region is a popular destination for trekkers because of its unique landscape and beautiful mountainous scenery and interesting culture. The Himalayas provide a stunning backdrop to the region, the villages, and the monasteries.

Major Highlights of Upper Mustang Trek

1. Explore and experience the history of Lo-Manthang “The Last Forbidden Kingdom”
2. Experience the Tibetan culture and lifestyle.
3. Majestic views of mount Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and others.
4. Walk along with the Gompas, Chortens, flapping prayer flags, and caves.

Upper Mustang Trek Route

Jomsom is the starting point to begin the famous Upper Mustang Trek. You can simply reach Jomsom by flight from Pokhara which takes around 20 minutes. However, there is an alternative to reach Jomsom by roadways taking a bus or jeep.

Permits for the Upper Mustang Trek

Not every citizen of the world is allowed to have a trek to Upper Mustang as it is considered a Restricted Area and the region lies near the border with Tibet.

Well, the cost of the permit to enter this region for foreigners is $500 per person for the first 10 days and $50 per day from the 11th day.

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodations in these regions are surely different than in the city areas. Due to the harsh landscape and difficulty in transportation, the facility and level of comfort in the accommodation are limited.

However, the best part of this accommodation is that you get to experience beyond your comfort zone and have the local experience of Upper Mustang.

You get to sleep in their houses in a cozy atmosphere with two beds, mattresses, pillows, and a blanket. It is always better to have a sleeping bag to yourself to keep yourself warm at night.

Similarly, talking about the meals that you get at Upper Mustang is their local Tibetan food. Well, the most commonly available local meal is dal bhat which contains, rice, lentils soup, vegetables, and pickles.

Therefore, if you want something extra than the local foods, you can carry yourself filled up in your bags.

Best Season of Trekking

Upper Mustang is unlike other trekking regions of Nepal as the region has no forest or green trees. The region has a rocky and desert landscape with a very cold temperature at night.

The best season for Upper Mustang Trek is during the Spring and Autumn. However, you can also visit this region during the summer seasons when the weather is dry and you can experience a crystal clear sky.

During the month of May, the people of the Upper Mustang celebrate Tiji Festival and several trekkers plan their trek to experience and enjoy the festival with the locals.

Things to Pack for Upper Mustang Trek

Traveling to new places that are rarely touched by modernization is really tough than visiting the developed area. So, trekking to Upper Mustang is a bucket list that needs a big plan and management.

Therefore, prepare yourself in every aspect including filled backpacks.

1. Water Bottle
2. Personal Hygiene including a first aid kit
3. Sun protection (Sunglasses and Sunhat)
4. Miscellaneous (Head Torch, Camera, power bank, etc.)
5. Comfortable boots to walk on stony roads.
6. Rain Protection (Waterproof jackets, an umbrella)
7. Sleeping Bag

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is the Permit for Upper Mustang Trek is expensive?

Upper Mustang was a forbidden place to enter for foreigners until 1992. Since then, the self-governed Mustang Kingdom decided to welcome all international foreigners with an expensive
entry fee.

Foreigners are then charged $50 per day to experience and explore the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal.

2. How difficult is Upper Mustang Trek?

The Upper Mustang trek lies at the difficulty level of moderate while the highest altitude of the Upper Mustang is 3840m / 12598 ft above sea level. The area is pretty straightforward with broad roads than steep hills with dense forests.

If you visit Upper Mustang during the best season (Spring/Autumn), then you might feel more comfortable and quite easy than other trekking routes.

3. What are the major attractions of Upper Mustang Trek?

One of the major attractions of Upper Mustang Trek is its unique landscape and Tibetan Buddhism tradition, culture, and lifestyle. Similarly, the high alpine Himalayan deserts and historical forts, caves, and monasteries were built thousands of years ago.

Day to Day Itinerary

Expand All Close All
Day 1 : Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara about 7 hours, Overnight stay in Pokhara hotel ACCOMMODATION.

Today we drive to Pokhara, a seven-hour ride or take a flight (optional at additional charge). As we reach Pokhara late in the afternoon by driving, we get to stroll around the lake city.

Day 2 : Morning Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m). and trek to Kagbeni , Overnight stay in Kagbeni (TEA HOUSE STAY ACCOMMODATION) WALKING: 3-4hrs about.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2810

An early morning flight from Pokhara takes us to the airstrip in Jomsom. From Jomsom, we head north to the village of Kagbeni where we camp overnight stay.

Day 3 : Trek Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m). Overnight stay in Chele (TEA HOUSE STAY ACCOMMODATION) WALKING: 6hrs about.

we walk about 6hrs from Kagbeni, takes us to Chaile through a trail with many ups and downs and steep climbs.

Day 4 : Trek Chele to Shyangbochen. Overnight stay in Shyangbochen (TEA HOUSE STAY ACCOMMODATION) WALKING: 7hrs.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3850

Today, we trek to the ancient settlement of Gelling passing through painted Chhortens, Mani walls and alpine meadows.

Day 5 : Trek Shyangbochen to Ghemi. Overnight stay in Ghemi, (TEA HOUSE STAY ACCOMMODATION) WALKING: 6hrs about.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3520

Today, an early morning start after breakfast takes us to the villages of Ghemi.

Day 6 : Trek Ghemi (3,520m) to Tsarang . Overnight stay in Tsarang (TEA HOUSE STAY ACCOMMODATION) WALKING: 6hrs about.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3560

Today, we walked to Tsarang, past the old Royal palace and Tsarang Gompa before we stop in Tsarang.

Day 7 : Trek Tsarang to Lomanthang (3,809m ) & Marang La pass (4,230m). Overnight stay in Lomanthang (TEA HOUSE STAY ACCOMMODATION), WALKING about 5hrs.

Today, we walk towards Lo-Manthang village after a small high Marang La pass (4,230m). The medieval walled village of Lo Manthang is inhabited by around 1000 people. The village is popular for its high mud walls, Gompas, and the Royal Palace. Lo Manthang also serves as the capital of the Kingdom of Mustang.

Day 8 : Trek Lo-Manthang to Ghar Gompa (TEA HOUSE STAY ACCOMMODATION), WALKING about 5to 6hrs.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3950

From Lo-Manthang we walk across the village of Tsarang to reach Ghar Gompa, a 12th-century monastery. We make an overnight camp nearby the monastery.

Day 9 : Trek Ghar Gompa to Ghemi. Overngiht stay in Ghemi (TEA HOUSE STAY ACCOMMODATION), WALKING about 6 hrs.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3500

Today we are to the medieval village of Ghemi which sits high at 3500m and looks quite barren and deserted.

Day 10 : Trek Ghemi to Samar. Overnight stay in Samar (3,660m) TEA HOUSE STAY ACCOMMODATION, WALKING about 6 to 7hrs.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
3660

From Ghemi we follow the same route up to Nyi La (4,025m) ridge and then descend to the village of Samar.

Day 11 : Trek Samar to Kagbeni (2,810m). Overnight stay in Kagbeni (TEA HOUSE STAY ACCOMMODATION), WALKING about 6 hrs.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2810

The trail first descends until we reach the village of Chele. Then it climbs gently to Tangbe trek and then to Kagbeni (2,810m).

Day 12 : Early morning Drive Kagbeni to Jomsom and catch the flight to Pokhara, Overnight stay in Pokhara.
Food
BLD
Accomodation
Lodge
Elevation
2720

Jomsom is a three-hour hike from Kagbeni and drives about 1 hour. The town of Jomsom boasts of an airport, the ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project). we catch the direct flight Jomsom to Pokhara, overnight stay in Pokhara own arrangement hotel stay.

Note: The above holiday itinerary can be customized as our guest specific requirements and can make shorter and longer. We design your holidays accordingly.

What Is Included ?

  • Transportation: return transfers from the International airport to your hotel
  • Hotel stay: two-night hotel accommodation stay in Kathmandu
  • Entry fees: Upper Mustang special permit fees 10 days
  • Entry fees: all government taxes and Annapurna conservation entry fees
  • TIMS CARD: (Trekking Information Management System) & local tax
  • Guide & porter: One experienced English-speaking guide & necessary supporter to carry your luggage (two guests = 1 porter (we pay their daily wages, insurance, trekking equipment, food, and accommodation)
  • Wages: 13 days guide wages including his insurance/meals and accommodation/insurance/equipment
  • Wages: 13 days porter (to carry your luggage) wages including his insurance/meals/accommodation/equipment
  • 11 nights mountain lodge accommodation (best available) with twin sharing basis on tea house services trek
  • Guest flight: ticket from Pokhara to Jomsom and flight back from Jomsom to Pokhara
  • Guide flight: ticket Pokhara to Jomsom and fly back from Jomsom to Pokhara
  • Trekking equipment: trekking poles, sleeping bag/duffle bag/down jacket (we provide these if necessary), to return after the trek completed
  • Water purification tablets: unlimited Chlorine treated Safe Drinking water
  • Supplementary snacks: energy bars and cookies at base camp
  • Fruits: Seasonal fresh fruits where is possible
  • Local SIM CARD (NCELL), to return after the trek completed
  • Rescue arrangements: in the emergency situation & worst weather condition
  • Diamox: Additional medication for altitude sickness (Acetazolamide etc)
  • Digital pulse Oximeters for high altitude check
  • Crampons: Snow walking crampons in mountains if necessary
  • Map: Mustang region trekking map
  • Rubbish disposal
  • government taxes & PNT official service charge

Water: Mineral waters are available at all stops during tea house treks (paying your own). You can also use tap water if you choose to use water purification tablets.

Medical support: An emergency first aid kit is carried by the support staff at all times.

What Is Excluded?

  • Meals: All meals (lunch/dinner/breakfast) in Kathmandu & on the trek
  • Snacks: chocolate/aerated drinks/mineral water/alcoholic drinks/nutria bars
  • Hotel stays: extra night hotel stay in Kathmandu
  • Tipping: end of the trek tips to guides and support staff
  • Rescue services: additional costs in case of emergency (You must have adequate medical & travel insurance to cover any kind of emergencies), including helicopter evacuation & hospitalization (medical test, medicine) if required
  • extra expenses: personal expenses and any other unforeseen expenses, such as bottle water/coca-cola/WIFI on trek/hot shower/electric device recharge
  • city visit: sightseeing in Pokhara and Kathmandu entrance fees/transportation/hire guide
  • Flight ticket: Your International flight ticket airfare & Nepal entry visa fees which travel visa can get up on your arrival in Kathmandu airport, On Arrival Visa, Fees 15 Days – 30 USD, 30 Days – 50 USD, 90 Days – 125 USD
  • Services not mentioned herein Personal trekking equipment

Food on tea house trek: During tea house treks our guests pay for their own food (breakfast/lunch/dinner) at the lodge. It can be about USD $25 each day per person. You can choose your own meal as a menu for every tea house.

Travel Insurance: –

Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients who choose to trek or climb with us. The insurance should cover you in case of emergencies like accidents, altitude sickness, and ambulance and helicopter rescue charges if required. Please carry a copy of your insurance papers while traveling in Nepal and do send us a copy as well. This will help us in making all the necessary arrangements in case of any sort of emergency.

Altitude Graph

Additional Information

Nepal has four climatic seasons Spring:

Spring: March-May

March/April/May months are called the spring season which is the best for holidays in most of the Himalayas of Nepal. The sky and the weather are very clear and sunny in these months and warmer. The weather forecast will be 20 to 25 degrees till 3,500m during the daytime. And at night time and in the morning will be colder. But above the 4,500m will be -10 to -15 degrees cold in the morning and at night. Some time will be rainfall in these months. This is the best season for blooming the rhododendron flower in the mountain which is our national flower. There will be many different kinds of natural flora and fauna in the mountain which makes this season beautiful and attractive for tourists in mountains. The tourist comes for trekking/peak climbing and expedition during this season. This is one of the perfect seasons to visit the Nepal Mountains to see and take the experience of walking and climbing mountains.

Summer: June – August

We called the monsoon months June/July August because of the heavy rainfall in Nepal. Mostly July/August and till mid-September. It’s still possible to do the trek in Mid June which isn’t heavy rain yet. During the monsoon time is difficult to do the trek in the mountains and the sky and the weather aren’t visible and difficult to walk during the heavy rain and scare with flooding. Mostly, It’s difficult to do the trek in the Everest region because the flight is not on time. Sometimes, It will take a few days long wait to fly Lukla or long waiting to fly to Kathmandu were lots of chances of missing an international flight. So, During these months, It’s idle to choose dry places for trekking in Nepal, Upper Mustang Trek, and Upper Dolpo Trek. These are the recommended trekking for holidays by Peace Nepal Treks (p Ltd and also we provide the best services for our customers.

Autumn: September – November

Mid-September to Mid December is the best season for mountain holidays in Nepal where ever can choose the mountain as your timing frame and budget. We have many different kinds of trekking/peak climbing and Expedition services packages for you. This is one of the most outstanding seasons with a beautiful clear sky and the temperatures will be moderate. These months are the feast and festival times the biggest Dashain festival/Tihar festival and Chhad festival fall. And also have a long holiday from the government and people have time to visit shortly in holidays and to meet friends and relatives around. There is no heavy long rainfall but there is a clear sunny day and warmer on these days. So for it, Nepalese people also visit for short holidays around and the International people come for trekking and peak climbing expeditions for long or short holidays. Most of the popular trekking regions will be full of trekkers and quite busy times. Like, mostly busier trekking regions will be the Annapurna region/Everest region and the Langtang region. But there are several less crowded trekking holiday places in Nepal, such as the Manaslu circuit trek, Tsum Valley Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek, Mustang Trek, Naar Phu Trek, etc.

Winter: December – February

December to February is the winter season in Nepal. This season isn’t idle to visit long trekking high altitude trek. This is the season of snowfall in the mountain region above the 4,500m and the temperature will be -30 degrees below which is too frozen the people of hotel lodges also not staying these months in the higher mountain and they moved to a nearby city or in Kathmandu or in Pokhara. So these months are good to visit a short trekking route for a week or 10 days only around Kathmandu city, Ghorepani poon hill, Nagarkot visit, Chitwan National park, Bardia National park, Pokhara city or staying at a local village homestay, etc. But the sunrise and sunset will be very visible and attractive these months. So the short best trekking is good to visit in Nepal.

While there are no seasonal constraints on traveling to Nepal, different trekking regions are best visited in different seasons. Once you inquire about any trekking itinerary we’ll email you regarding the best season for that particular trek. Nepal for all seasons. 

Check-list of personal equipment:

This equipment for holidays is a guideline to make easier for your holidays in Nepal. You can choose and take the equipment as your holiday’s timing frame longer holidays or in shorter holidays. It’s depending on the higher elevation of the mountain region, challenging walking of trek harder or moderate. And the peak climbing or in Expedition. However, the guideline will help you to carry and bring the right equipment for your holidays. We always suggest bringing your most important equipment from your country and also can buy in Kathmandu many different brands of product or Nepali product get in cheaper than another popular brand. We say, not too much worried about the trekking gears if you left or did the mistake to bring with you which can buy in Kathmandu easily. This equipment listed is prepared by our long experiences in trekking. During the trekking, our porter carries 20kg in total between two members and one person makes about 10 to 12kg trekking luggage where you will be carrying your small day pack with your important camera drinking water during the daytime.

trekking_equipments list for trekkers

  • Good standard trekking boots
  • Camping shoes/thongs
  • Socks-polypropylene
  • Down Jacket
  • Fleece
  • T-shirts
  • Trekking trousers
  • Shorts (both casual and for treks)
  • Swimwear
  • Sun Hat
  • Woolen Hat
  • Nylon Windbreaker
  • Gloves
  • Gaters
  • Strong Rucksack
  • Sleeping Bag
  • Water Bottle
  • Torch/headlamp (with spare batteries)
  • Toiletries/soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Sunblock
  • Travel Towel
  • Wet-wipes
  • Medication (cough medicine, throat soothers, water purification tablets)
  • Sunglasses
  • Binoculars
  • Camera & lenses
  • Memory cards
  • GPS Tracking Units may be helpful
  • Altimeter
  • Compass
  • Book/music player/pack of cards
  • Padlock
  • A plastic bag for waste
  • Energy/snack bars

CHOOSE A PRIVATE DATE

If you’d prefer to share this Peace Nepal holiday trip with your own group of friends, we’ve got good news, it’s also available as a Private Adventure!, Our Private Adventure specialists are on hand to give you a quote or talk through some different options.

Feel free to give them a call on 977-1-4266467 or Email us at info@peacenepaltreks.com

Inquiry This Trip

Similar Packages

Enjoy the popular trekking and tour packages in Nepal Himalayas. 2024.

Camping Trekking Routes 26 Days

Upper Dolpo Jomsom Trek

Camping Trekking Routes 12 Days

Upper Mustang Trek

Camping Trekking Routes 12 Days

Bhairab Kunda Trek

Camping Trekking Routes 10 Days

Ganesh Himal Trek

Camping Trekking Routes 7 Days

Royal Trek

Camping Trekking Routes 28 Days

Rupina La Pass Trek

Camping Trekking Routes 12 Days

Timal Sailung Trek

Camping Trekking Routes 16 Days

Rolwaling Trek

Camping Trekking Routes 15 Days

Lower Dolpo Trek
( 5 ) 1 Review

Camping Trekking Routes 16 Days

Dhaulagiri Trek

Camping Trekking Routes 14 Days

Naar Phu Kangla Pass Trek

Camping Trekking Routes 17 Days

Makalu Base Camp Trek
Kanchenjunga Olangchung Gola Trek

$2975 / Person
View Details

Camping Trekking Routes 23 Days

Kanchenjunga Olangchung Gola Trek

Camping Trekking Routes 29 Days

Makalu Ice Col Trekking
Upper Dolpo Trek

$3900 / Person
View Details

Camping Trekking Routes 22 Days

Upper Dolpo Trek

Camping Trekking Routes 21 Days

Mera Peak with Amphu Lapcha Pass Trek

We Are Associated

  • NTB
  • NMA
  • TAAN
  • Gov Nepal

Find & Follow Us on

© 2011 - 2024 All rights reserved. Peace Nepal Treks.