Upper Mustang Trek
- Duration
- 16 days
- Max altitude
- 3,950 m
- Difficulty
-
Moderate
Difficulty scale
- Easy Short walking days on good trails below about 3,000 m. Suitable for anyone in ordinary health, including families.
- Moderate 5 to 6 hours a day with some steep sections, reaching up to about 4,000 m. A reasonable level of fitness and a few weeks of preparation walking recommended.
- Strenuous 6 to 8 hours a day, high passes or altitudes above 5,000 m, and remote stretches. Good fitness, prior trekking experience and proper acclimatisation days are essential.
- Very strenuous Long days, multiple high passes or technical sections, sustained time above 5,000 m. For experienced, well-conditioned trekkers only.
- Best season
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) · Monsoon (Jun–Aug) · Spring (Mar–May) · Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Group
- Private
- From
- $1,890.00
Overview
Behind the Himalaya, in the rain shadow, the old Kingdom of Lo. Red cliffs, cave dwellings cut into them, and the walled city of Lo Manthang. Because it sits beyond the main range it stays walkable through the monsoon, when most of Nepal does not.
Every departure is private and led by a government-licensed Nepali guide, so the plan flexes to your party and to the mountain. Permits, park fees and local taxes are inside the price you see.
Trip highlights
- The walled city of Lo Manthang
- Cave monasteries in the cliffs
- Walkable in monsoon, unlike most of Nepal
- Restricted area permit, limited visitors
Day by day
The itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft) and transfer to the hotel 1,400 m Hotel
Our airport representative will be receiving you at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu and s/he will be displaying an signboard outside the airport terminal. You will be then transferred to your respective hotel in our private tourist vehicle.
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Day 2: Morning drive to Pokhara (900 m/2,953 ft) from Kathmandu by tourist bus – 7 to 9 hours 900 m 7-9 hrs Hotel
Our trekking staff will pick you up from the hotel at 6:30 am and escort you to the tourist bus station. The bus to Pokhara leaves at around 7:30 am. Pokhara is a beautiful valley set on the banks of Phewa Lake.
The city is also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna and Machapuchare (the shape of a fish tail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west, and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the east. It is smaller and much less hectic than Kathmandu, hence providing the perfect starting point for our Upper Mustang Trek. -
Day 3: Early-morning flight to Jomsom (2,720 m/8,924 ft) from Pokhara – 30 minutes. Drive to Kagbeni (2,810 m/9,219 ft) – 35 to 45 minutes 2,810 m Teahouse
Early morning you will be flying northwest from Pokhara towards the great portal between the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. You will enjoy the well-raised massifs of more than 8,000 m and the deepest gorge on this planet.
On arrival at Jomsom, you will meet the rest of the trekking staff. From Kathmandu, you will have a guide with you. You start to trek towards Kagbeni, the main gate to Upper Mustang and the trek will take you around 4 and half hours to reach Kagbeni.
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Day 4: Drive to Samar (3,660 m/12,008 ft) from Kagbeni – 2 to 3 hours. From Samar, hike up to Chungsi Cave Monastery – 2 to 3 hours, where you can experience the tranquil Buddhist surroundings; then hike up to Syangboche (3,800 m/12,467 ft) – 25 to 30 minutes. Then, drive to Ghami (3,520 m/11,549 ft) – 2 to 3 hours 3,800 m 2-3 hrs Teahouse
Today we might have a long day as the itinerary includes a drive and a trek. First, we’ll take a beautiful drive from Kagbeni to Samar, which is at 3,600 m. It will take us there in approximately 2 to 3 hours.
After reaching Samar, we’ll have our lunch there. After having our lunch, we will begin our about 2 to 3 hour hike from Samar to Chungsi Cave Monastery. The Chungsi Cave Monastery is a monastery inside the cave. Similar to this, we will climb for around 30 minutes to reach Syangboche Monastery at 3,850 m after touring Chungsi Cave Monastery. In Syangboche, we’ll explore the monastery and again have our drive towards Ghami.
After having a day full of driving and a trek, we’ll stay for a night in Ghami. Along the trail, we’ll be walking and exploring the dry and desertic landscape of Mustang.
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Day 5: Trek to Ghar Gompa (3,950 m/12,959 ft) for lunch and Gompa exploration, then continue trekking to Charang (3,560 m/11,680 ft) – 5 to 6 hours 3,950 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
While on your trek, you have the chance to stop by two additional settlements. The climb to Lo-Gekar continues. One of the oldest gompas in Nepal is Lo-Gekar Gompa, which is older than Samye Gompa in Tibet. Inside the gompa, it is thought that “Padmasambhava” meditated.
The Ghar Gompa, which dates back to the year 1200, is a short distance away from there where they worship Guru Rinpoche as their main figure. The Gompa is renowned for its rock carvings as well.
It takes roughly three and a half to four hours to get here from Ghami. The Ghar Gompa is said to grant the wishes of everyone who makes a wish there. After an hour of Ghar Gompa exploration, the journey continues in the direction of Charang, where we will spend the night. Charang can be reached from Ghar Gompa in 2 to 3 hours.
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Day 6: Drive to Lo Manthang (3,810 m/12,500 ft) from Charang – 2 to 3 hours 3,810 m 2-3 hrs Teahouse
We arrive at Lo-Manthang, our final stop, on day 6. It will take us another 2 to 3 hours to drive from Charang to Lo-Mangthang on our trip.
Every hike or journey to the Upper Mustang ends in Lo-Manthang. It is the capital of the ancient city of Upper Mustang and is located at a height of 3,810 meters above sea level. In addition, the settlement is completely surrounded by walls, earning it the name “walled city.”
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Day 7: Explore Lo Manthang (3,810 m/12,500 ft), including the King Palace, Thupchen Gompa, Chode Gompa (Dragkar Thegchen Ling Gompa), and Jampa Monastery 3,810 m Teahouse
We have an additional day in Lo-Manthang today, so we’ll explore the city a little bit more, taking in the King’s palace and other surrounding tourist attractions. The Lhobas people’s Tibetan culture is one of the main draws in Lo Manthang.
Additionally, the settlement is thought to include 12 caves with old Buddhist paintings that are located at the edge of a 14,000-foot steep cliff. While exploring around the city on this day, we’ll be walking for 3 to 4 hours.
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Day 8: Trek to Yara (3,650 m/11,975 ft) from Lo Manthang – 6 to 7 hours 3,650 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse
From Lo-Manthang, the trail walks straight to Dhi Pass (4,100 m) and descends to Dhi village within 5 to 6 hours of the trek. The trek from Lo Manthang to Muktinath is harder but more rewarding and interesting than the west side of the valley.
Dhi village is one of the best villages in all of Lo-Manthang, and it seems more prosperous and settled in a very suitable place. We then cross a river and follow a path along the left bank of the river to Yara village at 3,650 m.
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Day 9: Trek to Luri Gumba (3,880 m/12,730 ft) and return to Yara (3,650 m/11,975 ft) – 6 to 7 hours 3,880 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse
From Yara, the trek to Luri Gumba will take roughly three hours. The Nyingma Kargyupa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism is linked to Luri Gumba. One of the most well-known gompas in the area, it is perched on a 100-meter-high cliff of sharp rock.
The monastery has a distinctive building inside the cave with two chambers and natural pillars made of sandstone. We’ll hike back to Yara for the night after exploring Luri Gomba.
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Day 10: Trek to Tangye (3,340 m/10,958 ft) from Yara – 6 to 7 hours 3,340 m 6-7 hrs Teahouse
From Yara, the trek to Luri Gumba will take roughly three hours. The Nyingma Kargyupa Sect of Tibetan Buddhism is linked to Luri Gumba. One of the most well-known gompas in the area, it is perched on a 100-meter-high cliff of sharp rock.
The monastery has a distinctive building inside the cave with two chambers and natural pillars made of sandstone. We’ll hike back to Yara for the night after exploring Luri Gomba.
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Day 11: Trek to Tetang (3,040 m/9,974 ft) from Tangye – 8 to 9 hours 3,040 m 8-9 hrs Teahouse
The trek departs from Yara and traverses a river from Damodar Kunda, one of the holy lakes, for around two hours. You must cross this river with bare feet because there is no bridge across it. Following the river crossing, the trail ascends steeply to a 3,850 m pass.
The trail winds through a hill that has no trees or grass. Following the pass, the trail descends once more swiftly to Tangye hamlet, which is located at a height of 3,340 m.
Tangye is a small village with about 30 homes, although the majority of them are connected to one another. The prosperity of their civilization is also reflected in the piles of dry wood that can be seen on the rooftops. On this day, we’ll examine the Tibetan way of life and the massive little stupas.
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Day 12: Trek to Muktinath (3,760 m/12,336 ft) from Tetang – 5 to 6 hours 3,760 m 5-6 hrs Teahouse
This is the last day of the trek. After crossing the picturesque Mani walls, we continue on our path through the hamlet. Following the plateau, we continue to climb till we get to a little pass, from where we can see the majestic Muktinath temple and high mountains in the distance. We proceed past the kani (gate) on the path that would take us to the Muktinath temple. We walk around the temple and take a short break.
Muktinath is a sacred Hindu and Buddhist temple located at an elevation of 3,760 m above sea level. Additionally, it is one of the highest-altitude temples in the world. Muktinath means “Liberation Arene.” It is believed by the devotees that washing yourself in the 108 watercourses of Muktinath will give you liberation.
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Day 13: Early morning drive to Jomsom (2,720 m/8,924 ft) for about 1 to 2 hours and flight back to Pokhara (900 m/2,953 ft) – 30 minutes 2,720 m 1-2 hrs Hotel
After staying the night in Muktinath and seeing the surrounding area, we’ll board a local Jeep and head back to Jomsom. The trip there will take about an hour.
As a result, once we get to Jomsom, if the weather cooperates and we get lucky, we’ll take a flight to Pokhara; otherwise, we’ve built in an extra day to our schedule in case something goes wrong or there is a flight delay.
Therefore, we will either wait for better weather or swap to a locally accessible vehicle, such as a Mahendra Scorpio or a Bolero and drive toward Pokhara. Please be aware that your airfare cost will be repaid in this situation when the vehicle price has been appropriately adjusted.
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Day 14: Spare day in case of Jomsom to Pokhara flight cancellation due to weather conditions 900 m Hotel
We have reserved an extra day in Jomsom in case of flight delay or cancellation due to inclement weather, taking into account the traveler’s anticipated departure date from Nepal. In such circumstances, as we have already stated, we will drive back to Pokhara and arrive in Kathmandu in accordance with our itinerary.
Besides, if we arrive in Pokhara without any unfortunate circumstances, we’ll use this spare day as an exploration day in Pokhara. Additionally, we’ll also have our farewell dinner today at the end of the day.
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Day 15: Drive back from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus – 6 to 7 hours 6-7 hrs Hotel
We will be driving back to Kathmandu in the morning on the Tourist bus.
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Day 16: Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for your final departure
It’s the end of our exciting journey in the Mustang Region! Today we conclude our Upper Mustang Trek. One of our airport representatives will accompany you to the International Airport for your flight back home. We bid you farewell and hope you’ll travel to Nepal again.
Altitude profile
The climb, day by day
Comfort tiers
Choose your level of comfort
| Amenity | Standardfrom $2,270.00 | Comfortfrom $2,678.60 | Luxuryfrom $3,291.50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu hotel | 3★ | 4★ | 5★ |
| Trail accommodation | Standard teahouse | Best lodge in each village | Premium lodge where the route has one |
| Porter support | Shared porter | Private porter, lighter load | Extra porter, carry almost nothing |
| Transfers | Shared | Private | Private, throughout |
What's included
Included
- Included: In Kathmandu and Pokhara: You'll spend three nights in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with twin-sharing rooms and breakfast included each morning.
- Included: In Pokhara, you'll stay two nights at a lakeside hotel where you can relax by the water after your mountain adventure.
- Included: During the Trek: You'll stay at carefully chosen mountain lodges throughout your trek. Each lodge offers a warm welcome, comfortable rooms, and sits in the perfect spot along your route.
- Included: Breakfast in Kathmandu: Each morning in Kathmandu starts with a fresh, hearty breakfast that gives you energy for the day ahead.
- Included: Full Board Meals During the Trek: All meals are included on the trek, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. The food is freshly prepared to keep you energized and happy throughout your mountain journey.
- Included: Tea or Coffee: Enjoy hot drinks up to three times a day to stay warm and refreshed on the trail.
- Included: Fresh Fruits: Fresh mountain fruits are served after dinner each evening, giving you extra energy for the next day’s trek.
- Included: Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu are included, with all ground transportation provided throughout your journey.
- Included: Travelers will enjoy a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and vise versa
- Included: Drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni and from Muktinath to Pokhara, including applicable departure taxes.
- Included: All required monastery and monuments entry fee as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Included: Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Included: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Included: An experienced English-speaking guide with official government certification leads the Upper Mustang Trek. They have extensive knowledge of high-altitude trekking in Mustang’s remote landscapes.
- Included: One porter is assigned for every two trekkers to carry up to 25 kg combined. The guide and porter team receives fair wages, meals, accommodation, equipment, insurance, and medical support.
- Included: Guides carry important medical supplies for your safety, including an oximeter, water purification tools, and basic altitude sickness medicine. They monitor your health regularly throughout the trek to ensure safety and comfort.
- Included: Complimentary warm jacket and sleeping bag for the trek (3–4 kg)
- Included: A 70-liter hiking bag is provided for each trekker
- Included: Commemorative set featuring a detailed Upper Mustang trek map, a company T-shirt, and a cap
- Included: Official certificate marking completion of the Upper Mustang trek
- Included: All government taxes, permits, and service charges
Not included
- Not included: Meals not specified in the 'Meal Inclusions' in the itinerary'
- Not included: Travel insurance
- Not included: International airfare
- Not included: Nepal entry visa: you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (a multiple-entry tourist visa good for 30 days can be obtained by paying US $ 40 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, multiple-entry tourist visas for 90 days can be obtained by paying US $ 100. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos.)
- Not included: Cold drinks, water, snacks and other personal expenses
- Not included: Hot shower during the trek
- Not included: Personal trekking equipments
- Not included: Tips and gratuities for trekking staff and drivers
Your team
Led by a licensed guide
Every route is led by a government-licensed guide from our team. Licences are on record with us before departure, and you'll meet your guide once your trip is confirmed.
Guide language(s): English, Nepali
Group-size pricing
Walk together, pay less
Every trip is private, so the guide, permits and transfers cost the same however many walk. Sharing them is why the per-person price falls: arithmetic, not a sale.
| Group size | per person | You save each |
|---|---|---|
| 1 trekker | $2,270.00 | base rate |
| 2 to 3 trekkers | $1,890.00 | $380.00 |
| 4 to 6 trekkers | $1,775.00 | $495.00 |
| 7 or more | $1,665.00 | $605.00 |
Per person, including permits, park fees and taxes. Nothing is added at checkout.
Weather
What to expect, month by month
- Autumn (Sep–Nov)The most reliable trekking season: clear air, stable weather and cold nights, right after the monsoon clears.
- Monsoon (Jun–Aug)Wet and cloudy on most routes, though Mustang and Dolpo sit in the rain shadow behind the main range and stay walkable.
- Spring (Mar–May)Warmer than autumn, with rhododendron forests in flower and slightly hazier mountain views as the season goes on.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)Cold and quiet, with the clearest skies of the year at lower altitude. High passes and very high routes are best avoided.
Traveller reviews
What trekkers say
Why book with us
Every trail, one licensed team
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