Highlights
Highlights of Upper Mustang Trek
- Explore the Forbidden Kingdom: Discover the remote and mystical region of Upper Mustang, which was restricted to foreigners until 1992.
- Lo Manthang: Visit the ancient walled capital of Upper Mustang, rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture.
- Ancient Monasteries and Caves: Explore 1,000-year-old monasteries like Ghar Gompa and hidden caves used by monks and ancient civilizations.
- Unique Landscapes: Trek through dramatic red cliffs, canyons, barren deserts, and high-altitude trails.
- Cultural Immersion: Interact with Tibetan-influenced communities preserving age-old traditions and practices.
- Kali Gandaki Gorge: Walk along the world's deepest gorge with stunning mountain views.
- Remote and Untouched Beauty: Witness a region largely unaffected by modern development.
- Tibetan Plateau Experience: Enjoy landscapes and cultural experiences similar to Tibet without leaving Nepal.
- Sacred Sites: Visit Muktinath Temple, a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
- High-Altitude Adventure: Trek above 3,500 meters, challenging your endurance while offering rewarding views.
Overview
Upper Mustang Trek: Description
The Upper Mustang Trek is a journey into one of Nepal's most fascinating and remote regions, offering a unique blend of adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes. Known as the "Forbidden Kingdom," Upper Mustang retains its mystique, with an arid desert-like environment, ancient Tibetan culture, and dramatic Himalayan backdrops.
The trek begins with a scenic flight to Jomsom, followed by a trek through the Kali Gandaki Gorge. As you ascend, the landscape transforms into a surreal mix of red cliffs, rocky trails, and windswept plateaus. The journey takes you to Lo Manthang, the ancient capital of Mustang, where you'll explore monasteries, palaces, and traditional mud-brick houses.
Throughout the trek, you’ll visit ancient monasteries like Tsarang Gompa and Ghar Gompa, as well as caves such as the Chhoser Caves, which hold historical and spiritual significance. The people of Mustang, predominantly of Tibetan descent, warmly welcome trekkers, sharing their unique lifestyle and traditions.
The trek's remote location and restricted area status make it an exclusive adventure, ideal for trekkers seeking solitude, cultural immersion, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Why You Should Trek to Upper Mustang
- Cultural and Historical Richness: Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture and visit ancient monasteries and caves.
- Unique Landscapes: Explore one of Nepal’s most distinctive terrains, resembling the Tibetan Plateau.
- Adventure in a Restricted Area: Access a region that requires special permits, ensuring a less crowded trekking experience.
- Heritage of the Forbidden Kingdom: Discover the history and traditions of the former Kingdom of Mustang.
- Unparalleled Mountain Views: Enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri ranges.
- Pilgrimage and Spiritual Sites: Visit sacred places like Muktinath Temple and Ghar Gompa.
- Remote and Unspoiled Trails: Trek through less-commercialized paths, preserving the authenticity of your adventure.
Best Tips for the Upper Mustang Trek
- Obtain the Necessary Permits: You’ll need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit.
- Prepare for High Altitude: Acclimatization is key, as the trek reaches altitudes above 3,500 meters.
- Pack for Varied Weather: Bring layers, as temperatures can vary greatly between day and night.
- Stay Hydrated: High altitudes and dry weather can lead to dehydration.
- Hire a Guide: A licensed guide is mandatory and can enrich your experience with local insights.
- Respect Local Customs: Follow cultural norms, especially at religious sites.
- Train Physically: The trek is moderately challenging, so prepare with regular hiking and cardio exercises.
- Carry Cash: ATMs are unavailable in the Upper Mustang region.
- Travel Light: Pack only essentials to make the trek easier.
- Plan for Connectivity: Internet and mobile services are limited; inform loved ones beforehand.
Best Season for the Upper Mustang Trek
- Autumn (September–November): Offers clear skies, moderate temperatures, and excellent visibility of the landscapes.
- Spring (March–May): Experience pleasant weather and blooming wildflowers.
- Summer/Monsoon (June–August): Upper Mustang lies in a rain-shadow area, making it one of the few regions suitable for trekking during the monsoon.
- Winter (December–February): Offers a peaceful experience with fewer crowds but can be very cold, especially at night.
Key Attractions Along the Trek
- Jomsom: Starting point with a scenic flight and gateway to Mustang.
- Kagbeni: A picturesque village marking the entry to Upper Mustang.
- Lo Manthang: Explore the walled city with its royal palace, monasteries, and local markets.
- Tsarang Gompa: A historic monastery with a library of Tibetan Buddhist texts.
- Chhoser Caves: Visit ancient cave dwellings that were once home to early settlers and monks.
- Dhakmar Village: Known for its striking red cliffs and tranquil environment.
- Muktinath Temple: A sacred pilgrimage site en route to Mustang.
- Desert-like Landscapes: Trek through barren yet stunning terrain with Himalayan views.
Want a more adventurous and active way to explore Upper Mustang? The Upper Mustang Bike Tour offers an exhilarating biking experience through the unique landscapes of Mustang, allowing you to immerse yourself in the region’s remote beauty.
🧭 Alternative Tours & Packages
- Premium Upper Mustang Heli Trek
Discover the mystique of Upper Mustang on a luxurious heli-assisted adventure that blends dramatic aerial panoramas with easy access to remote trails. Enjoy the comfort of well-appointed lodges as you uncover the region’s stark desert beauty and rich Tibetan-inspired heritage. - Upper Dolpo to Mustang Trek
Take on one of Nepal’s most adventurous routes as you traverse from the mystical valleys of Upper Dolpo to the windswept kingdom of Mustang. This off-the-beaten-path trek promises raw Himalayan wilderness, ancient spiritual sites, and a deep dive into preserved mountain cultures.
Included and Excluded
Included:
- Accommodations during the hike in a tea house or lodge.
- Three-star hotel accommodations in Kathmandu for two nights.
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
- English-speaking guide with experience.
- A porter to pick you up and take you to the airport.
- Liner-equipped sleeping bag.
- All required permits, such as those for trekking and national parks.
- Airfare for a round-trip flight (Kathmandu to Lukla).
Excluded:
- All personal expenses, bar tabs, laundry, water, travel insurance, beverages, phone calls, internet, and trek-related costs such as heater bills are excluded.
- Gratuity for the guide, porter.
- Rescue via helicopter.
- Personal trekking gear, as well as emergency rescue procedures.
- All costs associated with a change in plans because of landslide, political unrest, strike, or lockdown.
- All of Kathmandu's lunch and dinner.
Itinerary
Time :
Whole Day
Max Altitude :
1,400 m
- Arrival in Kathmandu: Arrive in Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,400m) on a morning flight.
- Meet and Greet: Meet our office representative and drive to your hotel.
- Rest and Gear Shopping: Take some time to rest before visiting Thamel to purchase any missing or forgotten trekking gear and equipment for your trek.
- Special Permit Issuance: Obtain the special permit required for trekking in the Mustang area.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay: Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu.
Time :
1 hour
Max Altitude :
822 m
- Flight to Pokhara: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Altitude: 822m) in approximately 25 minutes.
- Meet Your Guide: Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.
- Explore Lakeside Pokhara: Spend the day exploring the beautiful lakeside area of Pokhara. Renowned as one of Nepal's top tourist destinations, Pokhara Valley is famous for its stunning lakes and views of the Himalayan range. The city offers various activities, including boating, trekking, rafting, bungee jumping, and canoeing, making it a hub for adventure seekers. It also serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Annapurna Massif to the north.
- Overnight Stay: Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Pokhara.
Time :
1 - 2 hrs
Max Altitude :
2,840 m
- orning Flight to Jomsom: Take a morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (Altitude: 2,743m), lasting approximately 25 minutes.
- Arrival in Jomsom: Land in the Kingdom of Mountains, known for its unique and stunning mountain landscape. Jomsom is a beautiful and expansive town in this region.
- Breakfast with a View: Enjoy breakfast with breathtaking views of Mount Dhaulagiri (Height: 8,167m), Mount Nilgiri (Height: 7,061m), Pisang Peak (Altitude: 3,250m), and numerous other peaks.
- Hike to Kagbeni: Hike up to Kagbeni (Altitude: 2,804m), which takes approximately 2-3 hours.
- Lunch and Exploration: Have lunch and take time to explore the charming Kagbeni Village, situated along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay: Enjoy dinner and spend the night at a teahouse or lodge in Kagbeni.
Time :
3 - 4 hours
Max Altitude :
3,060 m
- Trek Along the Kali Gandaki River: The trek begins along the scenic trail by the Kali Gandaki River.
- Farming Fields and Orchards: Enjoy views of farming fields and apple orchards along the way. The main crops in this region include buckwheat, barley, and apples.
- Pass Through Tangbe Village: Continue onward, passing through the small mountain village of Tangbe (Altitude: 3,060m). The residents of this village are known as "Tangbetani," and Buddhism is the primary religion practiced here.
- Explore Tangbe: Take time to explore Tangbe, where you can see the ruins of an ancient fortress and numerous Buddhist chortens built by travelers in ancient times.
- Trek to Chele Village: Trek uphill to reach the beautiful village of Chele. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay: Enjoy dinner and spend the night at a teahouse or lodge in Chele.
Time :
7 - 8 hr
Max Altitude :
3,735 m
- Trek to Syangboche: Begin your trek towards Syangboche, which may take up to 7-8 hours, making it a long day on the trail.
- Climb and Cross Taklam-La Pass: Climb approximately 600m to cross Taklam-La Pass (Altitude: 3,625m). Along the way, enjoy views of the Copper-Red Canyon beside the trails, adding adventure and memorable scenery to your journey.
- Reach Samar Village: Arrive at the beautiful village of Samar, where you can see many ancient chortens along the route.
- Cross Dajori La Pass: Continue your trek by crossing Dajori La Pass (Altitude: 3,735m).
- Arrival at Syangboche: Finally, reach Syangboche.
- Overnight Stay: Enjoy dinner and spend the night at a teahouse or lodge in Syangboche.
Time :
5 hrs
Max Altitude :
4,020 m
- Trek to Nyi La Pass: Start your trek from Syangbochen to Nyi La Pass (Altitude: 4,020m).
- Descend to Geling: Descend into the town of Geling, then trek uphill through the fields to the heart of the valley.
- Climb to Nyi La Pass: Navigate challenging terrain as you climb to the head of the valley, ultimately reaching Nyi La Pass (Altitude: 3,840m).
- Trail Junction: Descend to a trail junction where the left trail leads to Ghami—a village perched on a cliff, characterized by its collection of whitewashed mud and stone homes—while the right trail heads toward Charang.
- Overnight Stay: After a long journey of about 5 hours, spend the night in a wonderful location.
Time :
4 - 5 hrs
Max Altitude :
3,870 m
- Hike to Mustang's Driest Area: Begin your hike to the driest area of Mustang. Expect a tough trek over challenging terrain, but the reward will be spectacular landscapes of the isolated countryside and panoramic views of mountains in all directions.
- Rest at Charang: Take a rest in Charang (Altitude: 3,870m), a large village located at the top of the Charang Chu Canyon.
- Explore Historical Sites: Visit a historical fort and a red gompa to the east of the village, which boasts an impressive collection of statues and thangkas.
- Overnight Stay: After approximately 4 hours of trekking, enjoy your overnight stay at a teahouse or lodge in Charang.
Time :
5 hrs
Max Altitude :
3,560 m
Time :
3 - 4 hours
Max Altitude :
3,770 m
Time :
6 - 7 hrs
Max Altitude :
4,100 m
- Trek to Upper Highland Trail: Begin your trek on the upper highland trail, which leads out of Lo-Manthang. This route offers breathtaking views of Lo-Manthang, the Charang Valley, and the distant snow-capped mountains.
- Cross Dhi Pass: Ascend to the Dhi Pass, standing at an altitude of 4,100 meters, as you make your way to Dhakmar.
- Overnight Stay: After approximately 6-7 hours of trekking, arrive in Dhakmar for your overnight stay at a teahouse or lodge.
Time :
5 - 6 hrs
Max Altitude :
3,860 m
- Trek to Ghiling: After breakfast, embark on the trek to Ghiling (altitude 3,860 meters), which will take approximately 5-6 hours.
- Villages Along the Way: Pass through the villages of Chhunggar, Jhaite, and Tamagaon, and visit the longest Mani wall in Mustang along with ancient Chortens.
- Cross Ghami Khola: Continue your journey by crossing the Ghami Khola and arriving at the beautiful Ghami village, nestled among high cliffs and caves.
- Explore the Surroundings: Take time to explore the local villages, monasteries, sky caves, and the picturesque buckwheat fields.
- Overnight Stay: Enjoy your overnight stay at a teahouse or lodge in Ghiling.
Time :
5 - 6 hrs
Max Altitude :
3,050 m
- Trek to Chuksang: Begin your trek over hills and ridges to reach the upper village of Chuksang (altitude 3,050 meters), located between two hills. This village offers a secure retreat from the fierce winds that often sweep through the Kali Gandaki Valley.
- Final Day Highlights: On the final day of this unforgettable trek, pass through Jharkot village. Visit the nearby monastery, explore the stunning Tibetan Herbal Medicine Center, and take in the sights of a historical fortress that was once a palace.
- Scenic Descent to Jomsom: Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you descend towards Jomsom, taking in views of the Kali Gandaki Valley and Kagbeni Village along the way.
- Celebration and Overnight Stay: Celebrate the conclusion of the trek with all of your team members in Jomsom. Overnight at a teahouse or lodge in Jomsom after approximately 5-6 hours of trekking.
Time :
4 - 5 hrs
Max Altitude :
2,743 m
- On the final day of this unforgettable trek, you will:
- Pass through Jharkot village.
- Visit the nearby monastery and the impressive Tibetan Herbal Medicine Center.
- Explore an ancient fortress that once served as a palace.
- Enjoy the stunning scenery as you make your way down to Jomsom, including views of:
- The Kali Gandaki Valley.
- Kagbeni Village, which marks the entrance to Mustang.
- Celebrate the conclusion of the trek in Jomsom with your entire team.
- Overnight at a teahouse or lodge in Jomsom.
Time :
30 minutes
Max Altitude :
820 m
Time :
Whole Day
Max Altitude :
1,400 m
Depart from Tribhuvan International Airport for your journey back to your home country.
Route Map
Fixed Departure
Upper Mustang Trek Availability
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FAQs
The best time to trek in Upper Mustang is from March to early November. The region lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, making it accessible year-round, even during the monsoon season. However, winter can be harsh, as many locals leave the area to avoid the extreme cold and snow.
It offers a rare experience of traditional Tibetan culture, with ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and the walled city of Lo Manthang.
Trekkers can experience Tibetan Buddhist culture through Gompas, Chortens, prayer flags, caves, and interactions with local ethnic groups.
Main attractions include Muktinath Temple, Jomsom, Nilgiri Mountain, Kali Gandaki River, Dhaulagiri Mountain, and stunning views of surrounding ranges.
Customer Reviews & Rating
Showing Verified Reviews
Hiroshi Takeda - Kyoto, Japan
(5.0)"I wasn’t sure what to expect from Upper Mustang, but this trek blew me away. The dry mountain terrain, Lo Manthang’s walled city, and peaceful monasteries were unforgettable. Explore Nepal Trekking made everything easy—I felt like I was traveling with friends. Highly recommend if you want a quieter, more spiritual Himalayan experience."
Jun 17, 2025
Eliza Moore - Auckland, New Zealand
(5.0)"Absolutely loved the Upper Mustang Trek! The landscapes were surreal, and the mix of culture and nature was simply magical. Explore Nepal Trekking did an excellent job with the logistics, and the guides were amazing. One of the most unique treks I’ve ever done!"