Upper Mustang Trek 15 days
Starting Price
US$ 2000.00
Bryn
Beautiful Mustang
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.
Harry D
Best place to experience culture and Himalaya
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
Trip Overview
Upper Mustang Trek in 15 days
Upper Mustang Trek 15 days cost $2000.00 per person (Min. Group size : 02)
15 days trek in Nepal
The Upper Mustang ride takes you into the realm of Mustang unique in culture, history, and geography. Mustang is also known as Lo. Lo was once part of the Tibetan Empire. Therefore, the culture, language and geography of this region are quite similar to Tibet.
Foreign tourists only started hiking in Upper Mustang after 1992, so it remained isolated from the outside world for a long time. Thus, Upper Mustang has preserved its Tibetan culture.
The geography of the Mustang is also unique. It lies in the shadow of the Dhaulagiri range. As a result, the region is quite arid. The landscape of this region is therefore quite arid. You can see rugged and barren rocky mountain landscapes. You can also visit canyons along the way.
Outline Itineary
Day 01: We drive for 7 hours from Kathmandu to reach Pokhara.
Day 02: We fly for 25 minutes from Pokhara to reach Jomsom
Day 03: We trek for 5 hours from Kagbeni to reach Chuksang
Day 04: We trek for 6 hours from Chuksang to reach Samar
Day 05: We trek for 5 hours from Samar to reach Geling
Day 06: We trek for 5 hours from Giling to reach Ghami
Day 07: We trek for 5 hours from Ghami to reach Tsarang
Day 08: We trek for 4 hours from Tsarang to reach Lo-Manthang
Day 09: Rest day at Mustang.
Day 10: We trek for 6 hours from Lo-Manthang to reach Ghami
Day 11: We trek for 7 hours from Ghami to reach Chuksang
Day 12: We trek for 7 hours from Chuksang to reach Muktinath
Day 13: We trek for 5 hours from Muktinath to reach Jomsom
Day 14: We fly 25 minutes from Jomsom to reach Pokhara
Day 15: We drive for 7 hours from Pokhara to reach Kathmandu
Detail Itineary
Day 01: We drive for 7 hours from Kathmandu to reach Pokhara.
Drive from Kathmandu towards Pokhara (914m.). It takes around 6 hours.
Day 02: We fly for 25 minutes from Pokhara to reach Jomsom
Fly from Pokhara towards Jomsom (2700 m.) It takes around 25 minutes and trek from Jomsom towards Kagbeni (2810 m.), which takes around four hours. In case bad weather prevails and the flight is cancelled, we will take a private jeep on the same day from Pokhara drive to Jomsom Kagbeni, which takes about 9 hours.
Day 03: We trek for 5 hours from Kagbeni to reach Chuksang
Trek from Kagbeni towards Chuksang (2900 m.).
Day 04: We trek for 6 hours from Chuksang to reach Samar
Trek from Chuksang towards Samar (3150 m.).
Day 05: We trek for 5 hours from Samar to reach Geling
Trek from Samar towards Geling (3510 m.).
Day 06: We trek for 5 hours from Giling to reach Ghami
Trek from Giling towards Ghami (3490 m.) via Ghami La (3520m.).
Day 07: We trek for 5 hours from Ghami to reach Tsarang
Trek from Ghami towards Tsarang (36200 m.).
Day 08: We trek for 4 hours from Tsarang to reach Lo-Manthang
Trek from Tsarang towards Lo-Manthang [Mustang] (3730 m.). It takes around 4 hours.
Day 09: Rest day at Mustang.
Rest day at Mustang. Today is free to explore the fascinating city of Lo Manthang.
Day 10: We trek for 6 hours from Lo-Manthang to reach Ghami
Trek from Lo-Manthang towards Ghami (3490 m.).
Day 11: We trek for 7 hours from Ghami to reach Chuksang
Trek from Ghami towards Chuksang (2900 m.).
Day 12: We trek for 7 hours from Chuksang to reach Muktinath
Trek from Chuksang towards Muktinath (3795m.).
Day 13: We trek for 5 hours from Muktinath to reach Jomsom
Trek from Muktinath towards Jomsom (2713 m.).
Day 14: We fly 25 minutes from Jomsom to reach Pokhara
Fly from Jomsom towards Pokhara which takes about 25 minutes and stay overnight at hotel in Pokhara. In case bad weather prevails and the flight is cancelled, we will take a private jeep on the same day from Jomsom drive to Pokhara, which takes about 9 hours.
Day 15: We drive for 7 hours from Pokhara to reach Kathmandu
Drive from Pokhara towards Kathmandu by tourist mini bus.
Cost Includes
01. Tourist Bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu
02. 2 Nights in Pokhara with BB Plan
03. Airports pick up and drop in private car with guide.
04. 12 nights lodge with twin sharing bed in Mountain.
05. Professional trekking guide & porter.
06. Lodge, food, salary, transport and insurance to the porter and guide.
07. ACAP permit, special permit and TIMS card.
08. Flight ticket to Jomsom and Pokhara with airport tax.
09. Breakfast, lunch and dinner in Mountain.
Cost Excludes
01. Nepal entry visa fees.
02. Travel insurance including helicopter evacuation.
03. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara except farewell meal.
04. International airfare and departure tax.
05. Bar bills, laundry, hot shower, desert, water and battery charge in the Mountain.
06. Tip to guide and porter.
Upper Mustang Trek FAQs
The Upper Mustang Trek typically takes 10 to 14 days to complete, starting and ending with a flight or drive between Pokhara and Jomsom. The classic foot itinerary features 10 to 12 days of active trekking through the dry valley floor up to the walled settlement of Lo Manthang.
The Upper Mustang permit costs USD 500 per person for the first 10 days because the government enforces a strict high-value, low-impact tourism scheme. This helps preserve centuries-old Tibetan-Buddhist monasteries, fragile cliff cave systems, and indigenous customs from overcrowding. Additional days spent past the initial 10-day window cost an extra USD 50 per day.
The trek is rated as moderately demanding, featuring gradual altitude gains rather than steep technical climbs. The primary physical challenges stem from high daily afternoon winds, dry trail dust, and long walking stretches over exposed, arid terrain.
The maximum altitude reached on the standard trail is roughly 3,820 meters (12,532 feet) at the pass of Marang La, while the capital city of Lo Manthang sits directly at 3,840 meters (12,598 feet). Because sleeping altitudes rarely cross 4,000 meters, it is milder on the lungs than the Annapurna Circuit.
No, independent solo trekking is strictly forbidden in Upper Mustang since it is a regulated restricted area. Trekkers must register through a licensed Nepali tour agency and travel with a minimum group size of two individuals plus a certified mountain guide.
Trekkers require two specific documents:
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Costs USD 500 per person for the first 10 days.
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit: Costs NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 23).
The ideal time to trek Upper Mustang is from May to October, as the region sits entirely inside the Himalayan rain shadow. This makes it one of the few places in Nepal perfect for trekking during the traditional summer monsoon months.
Lodging consists of traditional Tibetan-style teahouses and family homestays. Rooms are generally simple twin-beds, and properties feature communal wood-fired dining halls. Hot water and electricity are widely available via solar power, though fees may apply.
The risk of severe altitude sickness is comparatively low because sleeping elevations stay below 3,900 meters. However, the dry climate and high winds can mimic dehydration headaches, making it important to drink 4 liters of water daily.
Teahouses serve classic Nepali Dal Bhat alongside unique Tibetan specialties like handmade thukpa noodle bowls, tsampa porridge, and authentic yak cheese. Regular western dishes like pancakes and eggs are also available at most lodges.