Upper Mustang Trek | 8 days to 15 days | Price ranges: $1600.00 – $2235.00
The Upper Mustang Trek takes you to the kingdom formerly known as Lo. Restricted until 1992, this trek is your next pure trekking experience. Upper Mustang trek offers a spectacular trekking experience in the remote trans-Himalayan mountain region of Nepal. Hidden behind the Himalayan giants of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, Special Area Trekking Permits are required for Mustang.
| # | Packages | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Upper Mustang Trek 15 days | $2000 |
| 2 | Upper Mustang Trek 14 days | $1650 |
| 3 | Upper Mustang Trek 8 days | $1600 |
| 4 | Upper Mustang Trek 9 days | $1700 |
| 5 | Upper Mustang Trek 10 days | $1800 |
| 6 | Upper Mustang Trek 11 days | $2035 |
| 7 | Upper Mustang Trek 12 days | $2135 |
| 8 | Upper Mustang Trek 13 days | $2235 |
This is a fascinating high desert canyon region in the rain shadow of the Himalayan peaks, dry, clear and warmed by the sun even in the monsoon.
Upper Mustang trek is the place where all the trekkers and visitor must go for trek to experience high Himalaya desert and Tibetan culture landscape, oldest Buddhist monastery
The Upper Mustang Trek is a high-altitude journey into the former Kingdom of Lo, a remote trans-Himalayan region of Nepal. It is known for its distinct Tibetan Buddhist culture, dramatic semi-arid desert landscapes, ancient sky caves, and deep rock canyons.
Upper Mustang is located in the northern part of the Mustang District in Nepal, bordering the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It lies within the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
Yes, you need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) which costs USD 500 per person for the first 10 days, and USD 50 per day thereafter. You also need the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit.
No, solo trekking is strictly forbidden in Upper Mustang. Government regulations state that there must be a minimum of two trekkers in a group, and you must be accompanied by a licensed Nepalese trekking guide.
The best time to visit is from March to November. Because it lies in a rain shadow, Upper Mustang is one of the few treks in Nepal that is excellent to visit during the monsoon season (June to August).
The maximum altitude reached on a standard trek is approximately 3,840 meters (12,598 feet) at Lo Manthang, though crossing certain high passes like Marang La can reach up to 4,230 meters.
The trek is classified as moderately difficult. While the altitude is lower than the Everest Base Camp trek, it involves walking 5 to 7 hours daily across windy, dry, and dusty terrain with steep ridge ascents.
Lo Manthang is the walled capital city of the historical Kingdom of Lo. Founded in 1380 by Ame Pal, it houses the ancient royal palace and centuries-old monasteries like Jampa Lhakhang and Thubchen Lhakhang.
Accommodation consists of local teahouses and lodges. They offer basic but comfortable rooms with twin beds, communal dining spaces, and increasingly available features like hot showers and Wi-Fi for a small fee.
Yes, electricity is widely available via solar power or the local grid for charging devices. Mobile network coverage (Ncell and NTC) and Wi-Fi are accessible in most villages, though connection speeds vary.
Teahouses serve a mix of traditional Nepalese Dal Bhat (rice, lentil soup, and vegetables), Tibetan bread, Tsampa, noodle soups (Thukpa), as well as standard international options like pancakes, pasta, and eggs.
The classic trek starts from Jomsom. To get there, you typically fly or drive from Pokhara to Jomsom. Alternatively, you can take a local jeep from Pokhara via the Beni-Jomsom highway.
Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness) is less common here than on higher treks, as you rarely stay above 4,000 meters. However, proper acclimatization, hydration, and a gradual ascent remain essential safety measures.
The Tiji Festival is a vibrant three-day annual Buddhist festival held in Lo Manthang, usually in May. It celebrates the victory of good over evil through ritual mask dances performed by Monks.
The Sky Caves are a collection of roughly 10,000 man-made caves carved into the sheer cliff faces of Mustang. Dating back thousands of years, they were used for burials, storage, and hiding places during times of war.
Key items include sturdy trekking boots, windproof jackets, moisture-wicking layers, a down jacket, sunglasses, sunblock, a dust mask or buff, reusable water bottles, and personal medical kits.
Yes, both Kathmandu (Thamel) and Pokhara (Lakeside) have numerous gear shops where you can rent high-quality down jackets, sleeping bags, and trekking poles for a reasonable daily rate.
Boiled filtered water can be purchased at teahouses. Alternatively, you can use water purification tablets, drops, or UV filters like a SteriPEN on tap water to avoid single-use plastic bottles.
The official currency is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). You must exchange your currency and withdraw enough cash in Kathmandu or Pokhara, as there are no reliable ATMs or credit card facilities in Upper Mustang.
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended and often required by agencies. Ensure your policy covers high-altitude trekking up to 5,000 meters, emergency medical treatments, and helicopter evacuation.
The landscape is a unique high-altitude cold desert. It features striking red and ochre mud cliffs, eroded wind formations, deep gorges, and snow-capped peaks in the background, resembling the Tibetan plateau.
Yes. Always walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas, chortens, and mani walls. Take off your shoes before entering monasteries, avoid taking photos inside prayer halls without permission, and dress modestly.
A standard itinerary takes 12 to 14 days from Kathmandu. The actual trekking portion from Jomsom to Lo Manthang and back typically takes 10 to 12 days.
Yes, a dirt road now connects Jomsom to Lo Manthang and the Chinese border. It is completely possible to do a full Upper Mustang overland jeep tour if you prefer not to or are physically unable to trek.
The trek offers spectacular, clear views of major peaks including Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, and Tukuche Peak.