Upper Mustang Trek – A Complete Journey into Nepal’s Hidden Kingdom
The Upper Mustang Trek is one of Nepal’s most captivating adventures, offering an experience unlike any other trek in the Himalayas. Tucked away in the trans-Himalayan region, Upper Mustang is known as the "Last Forbidden Kingdom." This area remained closed to foreigners until 1992 and still maintains a unique cultural identity, largely influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. The trek provides an extraordinary combination of cultural richness, dramatic desert landscapes, and centuries-old monasteries.
The best time to trek Upper Mustang is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These seasons offer stable weather and clear skies. Unlike other regions, Upper Mustang also allows for summer treks (June-August) due to its rain-shadow location, where monsoons have minimal impact. Winters (December-February) are harsh and generally not recommended for casual trekkers.
This trek is graded as moderate. While the maximum altitude reaches around 3,840 meters, the trails are generally wide and manageable. Trekkers should engage in regular cardio exercises, strength training, and hiking practice weeks before departure.
Teahouses offer basic but comfortable lodging with twin beds and shared bathrooms. Electricity is available in some areas, often via solar panels. Meals mainly include local Tibetan and Nepali dishes like dal bhat, Tibetan bread, noodles, soups, and tea. Bringing your own snacks and a sleeping bag is advisable.
The road option is longer but offers scenic views of Nepal's varied terrain.
Expect a journey through remote landscapes and traditional Tibetan-influenced villages. Days are spent walking through barren valleys, past ancient monasteries, and under expansive skies. Nights are cold but culturally immersive as you stay in traditional homes or teahouses.
Upper Mustang is a cultural treasure trove. The predominant religion is Tibetan Buddhism, and festivals like Tiji play a vital role in community life. The art, architecture, and daily rituals reflect centuries-old traditions.
The Loba people, of Tibetan descent, dominate the region. They follow Tibetan Buddhism and maintain a lifestyle rooted in agriculture, animal husbandry, and trade. Their hospitality is legendary, and they often welcome trekkers with warmth and curiosity.
Life here is simple and communal. People grow barley, herd yaks and goats, and engage in crafts. Modern technology is limited, with solar panels providing basic electricity. The harsh environment has shaped a resilient and close-knit community.
We offer comprehensive trekking packages including.
Visa on Arrival available at Kathmandu airport:
Bring a passport valid for at least 6 months and a passport-sized photo.
The Upper Mustang Trek offers an extraordinary journey into a preserved Himalayan kingdom. With its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and remote trails, it remains one of Nepal’s most sought-after trekking destinations. Prepare well, respect local traditions, and immerse yourself in one of the last untouched corners of the Himalayas.
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.
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.
we walk about 6hrs from Kagbeni, takes us to Chaile through a trail with many ups and downs and steep climbs.
Today, we trek to the ancient settlement of Gelling passing through painted Chhortens, Mani walls and alpine meadows.
Today, an early morning start after breakfast takes us to the villages of Ghemi.
Today, we walked to Tsarang, past the old Royal palace and Tsarang Gompa before we stop in Tsarang.
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.
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.
Today we are to the medieval village of Ghemi which sits high at 3500m and looks quite barren and deserted.
From Ghemi we follow the same route up to Nyi La (4,025m) ridge and then descend to the village of Samar.
The trail first descends until we reach the village of Chele. Then it climbs gently to Tangbe trek and then to Kagbeni (2,810m).
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Enjoy the popular trekking and tour packages in Nepal Himalayas. 2025.
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