Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek
Duration18 Days
Trip GradeStrenuous
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude4,010 m
Group SizeAny
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
Travel StyleTrek/ Jeep Tour
Best TimeSpring, Autumn & Monsoon

Overview

Mustang Valley in Nepal is also listed as one of the best destinations to visit in CNN Travel reports. The Lost Forbidden Kingdom and the Hidden Buddhist World, Upper Mustang Trek, is all about exploring the mountain civilization of the northern part of Nepal, which is still happily embracing its ancient lifestyle.

It is an adventurous trek in the remote trans-Himalayan mountain area using an upper Mustang trek map. The arid landscape, unique rock formations, high cliffs, canyon, and gorge are some of the exceptional Upper Mustang Trek highlights. Other than that, the Upper Mustang trek from Kathmandu offers breathtaking mountain views, ancient monasteries, high caves, colorful prayer flags, and intriguing stone carvings and paintings.

As the Upper Mustang has close ties with Tibet, the lifestyle, tradition, and culture of the locals resemble them. The locals here are very welcoming and kind. The Upper Mustang Trek route goes through fine mountain villages, beautiful narrow pathways, apple orchards, and farming fields. You have to cross a handful of passes that offer spectacular views of snow-capped mountains like Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), etc.

You will explore ancient monasteries like Namgyal Gompa, Ghar Gompa (1,200 years old), and other places like Tingkhar and Chhoser Caves along the trek. Upper Mustang was closed to foreign visitors for a very long time. And now, because of the strict rules and regulations imposed on Upper Mustang trekking by the government of Nepal, the region has successfully preserved its ancient values.

The trail is less crowded and unspoiled. To be frank, the Upper Mustang trek is nothing less than a privilege that only a handful of people get every year.  Also, check out our other famous trekking packages: the Everest Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Upper Mustang Trek during the Tiji Festival

Upper Mustang Trek during the Tiji Festival is the best way to closely observe the vibrant cultural heritage of the locals of Lo Manthang. The spiritual values, traditional costumes, delicacies, divine chants, and colorful decorations add to the trekking experience and make it a once-in-a-lifetime event. Tiji is a three-day festival celebrated in the upper Mustang Trek. The best time to visit is May.

It is a sacred festival that showcases ancient Tibetan culture. The festival means chasing off the demons. As per the legends, Dorje Jono must battle against his demon father to save the kingdom of Mustang from destruction. The entire festival revolves around it.

There cannot be a better time to get blessed and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals. Tiji Festival 2024 starts on May 5, 6, and 7 of 2024. To know more about the Upper Mustang Trek package, you can read ouruseful information section. For more information regarding the Upper Mustang Trek cost, the Upper Mustang Trek cost for travelers, or a tailored Upper Mustang Trek itinerary, talk to our representative. 

Highlights of Upper Mustang Trek 

  • Adventurous journey in the western part of Nepal; explore the trans-Himalayan area
  • Arid desert-like landscapes and breath-taking views of mountain panoramas
  • Travel back in time and enjoy ancient cultural heritage and simple lifestyle
  • Trek through fine mountain villages, apple orchards, and farming fields
  • Cross many passes along the route
  • Visit ancient monasteries, explore high caves, and witness intriguing stone carvings
  • Walk via canyon and gorge
  • Have intimate encounters with locals and enjoy their warm hospitality
  • Less-crowded and unspoiled trekking experience.

WHY CHOOSE MYSTIC ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS FOR THE UPPER MUSTANG TREK?

3S: Safety, Success, and Satisfaction

Booking an Upper Mustang Trek package with Mystic Adventure Holidays offers superior service and benefits. Here's why:
Planning your trip with Mystic Adventure Holidays means paying the lowest cost with no commission fees. Additionally, you'll benefit from:

  • Client Safety: Our trips are organized with the utmost safety in mind.
  • Best Price Guarantee: Ensuring you get the best value.
  • Free Transfers: Complimentary airport-to-hotel and return transfers in a private vehicle.
  • Expert Guides: Trained, government-licensed local guides with extensive route knowledge.
  • Support for Locals: Helping local communities earn a living through tourism.
  • Health Monitoring: Oximeters to monitor oxygen levels during high-altitude treks.
  • Medical Preparedness: Guides equipped with medical kits to handle any situations that may arise. 
  • Essential Gear: Arrangements for sleeping bags and down jackets.
  • Free Storage: Secure storage at our office for extra luggage during your tour.
  • Convenience: Duffel bags for transferring items to be carried during the journey.
  • Porter Service: A free porter to help carry your heavy bags.

By choosing Mystic Adventure Holidays, you ensure a safe, successful, and satisfying adventure in the Himalayas.

Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all

Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city, is located in a valley surrounded by picturesque green hills on all sides. Assume you enter through the flight (Airways). The Mystic Adventure Holidays representative will be in the airport terminal with our company flag. Nepali CultureThe traditional greeting is to press one's palms together in front of the chest and utter "Namaste" (which means "I greet the god within you"). Depending on the level of the person you are welcoming, you may greet them with a nod of the head or a bow, as well as khadas (Buddhist shawls) or garlands and a crimson tika (tilak) on your forehead. Garlands and tilaks are used in Nepal to signify honor when someone comes.to wish you a hearty welcome. After welcoming you, our representative will drop you off at your hotel and assist you with check-in. Our representative will greet you at your location if you come by road.

There will be no activities scheduled for you.

You can relax, and if you wish to explore, you may do so on your own. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu

Before visiting Nepal, you may have learned how to greet someone with a 'Namaste' or thank someone with a 'Dhanyabad'. However, it's important to note that Nepal is an ancient civilization with its own set of ideologies and mannerisms. Here are some social etiquettes specific to Nepal that can help you avoid being disrespectful or humiliating in public. Nepal's roads are unpredictable. Roads are usually congested, resulting in numerous traffic backups. Most places lack traffic lights, forcing drivers to rely on hand gestures from police officers. Visit religious places and UNESCO-listed places.

  • Swoyambhu Nath Stupa
  • Boudhnath Stupa,
  • Pashupatinath Temple,
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square,
  • Patan Durbar Square
Max Altitude: 1,400 m Meals: Welcome dinnerAccommodation: Apsara Boutique hotelDuration: 30-45 minDistance: 6km

What better way to know the city than by visiting its popular monuments? Even though we will not be able to tour all the tourist sites in Kathmandu in one day, our tour guide will take you to the most popular ones. After having breakfast, you will drive to Swayambhunath, located on a hilltop, and continue the tour towards the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and the largest stupa of Nepal, Boudhnath Stupa. 

The tour ends at the Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you will be exploring centuries-old palaces, shrines, and courtyards. This one-day Kathmandu tour will offer you a good insight into the culture, art, and history of Nepal.

Max Altitude: 1400 m Meals: Breakfast onlyAccommodation: Apsara Boutique hotelDuration: Full Day

It takes 6 to 7 hours of a long drive from Kathmandu to reach Pokhara. The good news is, that you will be following a very scenic route that offers mesmerizing views of lush green hills, rivers, waterfalls, and a glimpse of mountains at a distance. In the evening, enjoy the bustle of Lakeside Market and have dinner in your restaurant.

Max Altitude: 822 m Meals: Breakfast onlyAccommodation: Kuti Resort or Hotel KarunaDuration: 6-7 hrsDistance: 200 km

An early-morning flight from Pokhara will take you to Jomsom. The flight will be approximately 20 minutes long and offer stunning views of snow-capped Himalayan mountains, lakes, and hills. From Jomsom, you will cross a small bridge and gradually ascend towards Kagbeni. If you do not have a flight, take a jeep drive to Jomsom; it will take around 9 hours.

Max Altitude: 2,743 m Meals: Breakfast onlyAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 20 min flight & 3-4 hrs trekDistance: 69 km

The trail from Kagbeni goes along the Kali-Gandaki River. You may face a strong wind on the way. While passing by Tangbe village, you can see beautiful white-washed houses, fields of barley & buckwheat, and apple orchards. The route to Chele involves pretty narrow passways. 

Max Altitude: 3,050 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 14 km

Today, you will be crossing two passes: Taklam La (3,624 m) and Darjori La (3,735 m). It will be a tough day, but the spectacular views along the way are worth the difficulty. Following a downhill trail, you will descend to Samar village and walk to a ridge. The trail steeply descends one more time before taking you to Syangboche for the night. 

Max Altitude: 3,735 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 13 km

It's only going to be tough, as you will gain elevation. With rugged, steep routes, you also have to deal with the thin air and remoteness of the region. The trail from Syangboche ascends to Yamada La Pass (3,850 m). You will further pass by fine villages and lush forests before crossing another pass, Nyi Pass (4,010 m). Both of the passes offer outstanding scenery. The trail then descends to Ghami. 

Max Altitude: 4,010 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 5-6 hoursDistance: 9.3 km

It is a short trekking day today. However, don't feel at ease because you will be crossing Tsarang La Pass (3,870 m) along the way. Trekking on rugged and slippery ground, you descend to a bridge that crosses Ghami Khola. The trail further passes by mani walls and crosses the pass. You will ascend to the top of the Tsarang Chu canyon, where the Tsarang village is located.

Max Altitude: 3,870 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 4-5 hoursDistance: 9-10 km

After having breakfast, you will get ready for the day. Drop down into the canyon and cross a river. The trail gradually ascends towards the Lo La Pass (3,950 m). An amazing view of Lo Manthang is seen from the top of this pass. The trail then takes you to the village, where you will be spending the next two days.

You can see mountains like Tilicho Peak (7,134 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Nilgiri (7,061 m), and Bhrikuti Peak (6,361 m) around you.

Max Altitude: 3840 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 4-5 hrsDistance: 11 km

Today is our first acclimatization day, which is very necessary to adjust the body to the altitude we have gained so far. To make the day exciting, we will be hiking to the Chhoser Caves (3,770 m). These are also known as sky caves, built into the side of cliffs.

Even to this date, it is not sure who made these caves and why. Many people say it's burial chambers, monasteries, hiding places, etc. After coming back to Lo Manthang, explore the village and its ancient monasteries & palaces. Spend time with locals and get to see their simple lifestyle.

Max Altitude: 3840 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: Full Day

Here comes another long trekking day from Lo Manthang to Drakmar. The trail passes through Gyakar village, where you will explore the century-old, famous Ghar gompa. This gompa has fascinating rock paintings. Further, the trail descends to Drakmar for the night.

Max Altitude: 3,880 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 6-7 hoursDistance: 17.2 km

Today, the trail will be windy; therefore, you will begin trekking early in the morning to avoid it. From Drakmar, the trail drops down through a dry plateau and farming fields. You will soon reach Ghiling, which offers excellent views of Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m) and Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). 

Max Altitude: Ghiling: 3,860 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 5-6 hoursDistance: 12 km

Wake up early and have a warm breakfast, enjoying superb views of the mountains. The trail descends to Chhuksang today. You will be trekking through remote mountain villages, enjoying surreal scenery throughout the route.

Max Altitude: 3,050 m Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 5-6 hoursDistance: 15 km

It's time to say goodbye to the upper Mustang and enter the lower Mustang. The trail today takes you back to Kagbeni. You will walk alongside the Kali Gandaki gorge and go through narrow gullies. Likewise, the route also passes by lovely apple orchards and small, fine villages before you reach Jomsom. 

Max Altitude: 2,715m Meals: Breakfast, lunch, & dinnerAccommodation: TeahouseDuration: 6-7 hrsDistance: 18 km

Another 20-minute flight, and you reach Pokhara, relishing the breathtaking aerial landscape. You will have an entire day in Pokhara to rest and visit tourist sites if you want. In the evening, don't forget boating on the tranquil Phewa Lake. End the day enjoying the nightlife in Pokhara.

Max Altitude: 950 m Meals: Breakfast onlyAccommodation: Kuti Resort or Hotel KarunaDuration: 20 minDistance: 60 km

If you feel energetic, we can go on a short tour in Pokhara early in the morning before leaving the city. You can also go paragliding. Pokhara is known for its scenic paragliding. Later, follow the same route back to Kathmandu.

Today is your last day in Kathmandu, so don't forget to do window shopping in Thamel and enjoy its lively night ambiance for the last time. Farewell dinner with the team to celebrate the success of the trip and say goodbye to each other.

Max Altitude: 1,350 m Meals: Breakfast onlyAccommodation: Apsara boautique hotelDuration: 6-7 hrsDistance: 200 km

In case the flight or weather changes from Jomsom to Pokhara, you need an extra day. 

Meals: Breakfast only

Here concludes the journey. Today, it is time for you to return home. Our Mystic Adventure Holidays airport representative will send you off 3.5 hours prior to your arrival in Kathmandu, following a traffic jam that we observe, and upon your arrival. will assist you with check-out and transport you to the airport before the time of your flight. The time has come to bid Dieu.

We dress you in traditional khada in anticipation of your safe journey and good fortune.  It's time to say farewell. We put you in traditional khada for good luck and a safe flight. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to plan your trip. I am glad to be part of your Nepal journey. I hope you have a wonderful time in Nepal. see you again, Nepal, once, but never enough. Have a safe flight back to your home. Best wishes from Mystic Adventure Holidays.

Max Altitude: 1350 m Meals: Breakfast onlyDuration: 30-45 minDistance: 6km
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Cost Details
Included
  • All the ground transportation is in private vehicles, including both domestic arrivals and departures 
  • 3-night accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast 
  • 2X nights accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast in a three-star standard hotel 
  • Guided Kathmandu Valley Excursion in private vehicles 
  • Kathmandu - Pokhara  - Kathmandu  transfer by tourist bus 
  • Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara transfer by private jeep
  • Twin-sharing accommodation during the trek in standard teahouse & lodges 
  • Full board meal with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek 
  • An experienced, certified, and professional trekking guide for the entire trek 
  • A porter for two trekkers ( if you are traveling solo, you've got to pay extra for the porter)
  • Food, accommodation, insurance, and salary of guide and porter 
  • All the necessary permits and entrances, such as ACAP, TIMS Card, and Restricted Area Permit 
  • Welcome dinner in Kathmandu 
  • Season fruits as dessert during the trek 
  • Mystic Adventure Holidays trekking bag/duffel bag
  • Mystic Adventure Holidays t-shirt and trekking maps are yours to take
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits
  • An achievement certificate as a souvenir
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • All government and local taxes
Excluded
  • Nepalese visa fee
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • Domestic flight (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu)
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara
  • Extra-night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain (due to any reason) compared to the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s), 10% of You Pay and driver(s)
Route Map
Upper Mustang Trek
Altitude Chart
Upper Mustang Trek
Dates & Availability

We organize private treks too. If you wish to tailor-make the Upper Mustang Trek itinerary, then contact us anytime. You can custom-create the itinerary as per your time availability and requirements. 

Essential Info

Upper Mustang trek difficulty and terrain

Upper Mustang Trek follows trodden and desert-like terrain. You will be crossing multiple passes along the way. Likewise, the route covers many narrow, rocky, steep & slippery pathways, a gorge, and a canyon. Every day requires 6 to 7 hours of ascents and descents. Besides that, the remoteness of the region, bare minimum tourist infrastructure, and high elevation add up to the challenge. Overall, Upper Mustang Trek (18 Days) is a difficult trek.

We do not recommend this trek to beginner trekkers unless you are extremely fit and can endure the challenges that come along the journey. Talking about altitude sickness, the astounding geography in this part of Nepal makes it easier for travelers to avoid AMS. 

You will be ascending at high elevation and spending the night in the lower elevation naturally during the trek, which will allow your body to acclimatize as you move further. Moreover, our Upper Mustang Trek itinerary has ample acclimatization days to give you a break during the trek. You can check more about altitude sickness, its symptoms, and preventive measures on this page. 

Upper Mustang trek permit

You need to get two permits to trek in the Upper Mustang region: an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit and a Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

The Restricted Area Permit comes under implementation from Kagbeni onwards. Trekkers or individual guides cannot get this permit on their own. This permit is only issued through a trekking agency registered in Nepal. Furthermore, there have to be two people in the group, not including the trekking guide.

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit cost: USD 20 per person (single entry)
  • Restricted Area Permit cost: USD 500 per person for the first ten days and USD 50 per day thereafter

Best time to go on the Upper Mustang trek

Upper Mustang is a huge, arid, dry ravine that lies in the Himalayan monsoon shadow, which means you can trek to Upper Mustang almost any time of the year. However, we suggest avoiding mid-winter because it gets unbearably cold.

You can trek from March to November. Spring (March–April) and Autumn (October–November) are peak trekking seasons in the Himalayas. The lower part of the trail blooms in the spring, and dry autumn leaves along the way make the trip cozy. The weather remains stable and the climate is moderate (16°C to 22°C) with fantastic views.

May to September (summer/monsoon) is another excellent time for Upper Mustang trekking because the upper part of the trail has little to no rain in the monsoon season. 

Food & Accommodation during the Upper Mustang trek

The trail has basic tea houses where you will spend the night. Make sure to carry a warm sleeping bag with you because it can get cold in the morning and at night. The rooms are commonly small, with double beds and a shared washroom. 

The meals—breakfast, lunch & dinner—will be provided during the trek. The meals are offered as per the menu of the teahouses. You can expect Nepali, Tibetan, and Indian dishes on the menu. Villages in the lower elevation may also offer Continental cuisine. 

Upper Mustang Trek High Altitude Sickness

High altitude sickness is a condition that can occur when trekking or climbing at high altitudes. If you experience any symptoms like headache, fatigue, nausea, and difficulty sleeping, then just share them with your trekking leaders and crew members.

To prevent high altitude sickness, acclimatization and ascending slowly will surely help. It is also important to stay hydrated and avoid alcohol tobacco and any other kind of intoxication. You have to descend to a lower altitude immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

Upper Mustang Trek Trekking Grade

The Trek to Upper Mustang is considered moderate to strenuous. You should walk long hours, which may range up to 7 hours a day, followed by some steep and rocky sections. Those trekkers who are physically fit and have experience trekking at high altitudes can complete this trek without any difficulty.

Upper Mustang Trek Telephone, Internet, and Electricity

Upper Mustang Trek takes you to remote areas of the Mustang region where any kind of telecommunication, network/internet access, or electricity facilities aren't available. Most of the villages in Upper Mustang solely depend on solar panels for lighting their houses. So, you must bring your power bank to charge your gadgets or mobile phones. Solar energy doesn't provide enough outrages to charge your phones and cameras.  

Upper Mustang Trek Drinking Water

The Upper Mustang Trek doesn't have a drinking water facility. Seasonal streams at Paa Pass offer drinking water but you must bring a purification tablet to kill any germs and pathogens. If suitable, you must consume it after boiling to avoid water-borne diseases like Cholera, Dysentery, and many more. You can also fill up your water bottle before starting your hike at teahouses and lodges. 

 Upper Mustang Trek Luggage

The porter will assist you in carrying your luggage while hiking but you have to carry your backpack by yourself. Your luggage must be within 15 kg per person, as one porter will carry the luggage of two guests. Make sure to pack your luggage with only necessary items without making it overweight. 

Upper Mustang Trekking Equipment

The upper Mustang Trek requires a comfortable dress. You must bring good-quality trekking boots, waterproof jackets, warm clothing, and a sleeping bag, which are essential equipment for the trek. Make sure to bring a trekking pole, a headlamp, a water filter, and a first aid kit.

Upper Mustang Trekking leader and crew

You cannot trek in the Upper Mustang region without a certified guide. Trekkers, including Nepali citizens as well as foreigners, need to hire a guide for trekking in this region. In addition to this, you must have a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) permit and a special permit for the Upper Mustang trek.

Customized Itinerary

If you are unable to book a package on the listed date, we can customize it according to your free schedule. We, the Mystic Adventure Holiday team, also organise tailor-made itineraries for the Upper Mustang trek as well as other trekking in Nepal. 

Trip Extensions

In addition to Upper Mustang Trek, we can organize trips to Everest Trekking, Langtang Trekking, Manaslu Trekking, Mountain flights, water rafting, Jungle Safaris, City tours (Kathmandu, Pokhara or Lumbini ), homestay Tours, Nepal Cultural Tours, Tibet Tours, Bhutan Tours or India tour Extensions as per your time frame.

Tips to make the journey smooth

  • Carry extra batteries or a solar charger to charge your electronic devices.
  • Get a Nepali SIM card to use the internet on the way. You may not get a reliable connection all the time because of the elevation.
  • Make sure to drink at least 2 liters of water every day and avoid alcoholic drinks/smoking to stay safe from altitude sickness.
  • Carry your favorite snacks and bars to munch on the trail.
  • Double-check all the gear and clothing before the beginning of the trek.
  • You can tip USD 100 each to the guide/porter, USD 2 to the driver, and USD 5 to the tour guide.
  • Make sure your travel insurance covers air travel and medical bills.
FAQs

The Upper Mustang Trek is a difficult to moderate-level trek. It is neither easy nor strenuous. It all depends on your trekking experience, fitness, and endurance level. 

The biggest reason for the Upper Mustang being a restricted area is the open border between Nepal and Tibet. This restricted area permit and strict rules are to control illegal activities and maintain border security. Likewise, the region also has many undiscovered caves, huge deposits of minerals, and ancient cultural heritage.

To reach Mustang from Kathmandu, you have to fly or drive to Pokhara. From there, you can fly/drive to Jomsom and trek to Lo Manthang, which takes 4 to 5 days.

On average, the Upper Mustang trek costs around USD 1500 to USD 2100 for 12 days. The price may change if your itinerary is longer. Check our cost include and exclude section for more information, or talk to our representative here for detailed information regarding the Upper Mustang trek cost. 

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