Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek
Category: Trekking in Nepal
Duration: 17 days
Tour Grade: Moderate
Highest Elevation: 3950 m
Walk/Trek Duration: 11 days
Season: Spring, Summer and Autumn

Upper Mustang Trek Overview

The Upper Mustang Trek is a rare and captivating journey into one of Nepal’s most preserved and remote regions, which is many times referred to as the "Last Forbidden Kingdom." This unique trek takes you through the city of Lo Manthang, where Tibetan Buddhist culture is alive in every corner, from old monasteries to traditional stone houses powered by solar energy. It’s nestled between the towering Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau and provides an otherworldly experience of old traditions, red cliffs, sky caves, and valleys. The region’s deep spiritual heritage, combined with its royal past and mythical stories, creates a living museum that feels like you are stepping back in time.

Trekking in Upper Mustang is especially rewarding during the monsoon months, as it lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, providing clear skies and lively village life. You'll pass through canyons, hills, and settlements, all set beneath a stunning backdrop of snow-capped peaks like Nilgiri and Annapurna. This is more than just a trek—it's a chance for you to take an immersive cultural journey into a land where tradition and nature mix in perfect harmony.

 

Upper Mustang Trek Highlight

The Mustang Trek is an amazing journey into one of Nepal’s most isolated and culturally preserved regions—Upper Mustang, which is many times referred to as the "Last Forbidden Kingdom." Nestled between the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, this hidden valley feels like a different world altogether. It is rich in Tibetan influence, and provides a glimpse into ancient traditions, landscapes, and lifestyles untouched by time. The city of Lo Manthang, which was once the capital of the Kingdom of Lo, still tells the stories of its royal past, myths, legends, and spiritual depth. With around 275 traditional houses and a social structure divided into castes—including royals, blacksmiths, and butchers—Lo Manthang remains a living museum that one must visit if they can once in their lifetime. Today, the city is uniquely powered by solar energy, with prayer flags fluttering above mani walls, and sacred wood piles stacked throughout its alleys.

It was opened to outsiders only in 1992, so its still clean and serene, the Upper Mustang Trek goes through dramatic desert-like valleys, canyons, cave, and old monasteries, all beneath the towering mountain peaks of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. One of the most fascinating aspects of this trek is that it lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, hence making it a perfect destination to go and visit even during Nepal’s monsoon season. During this time, the region comes alive with lively cultural activities, blooming wildflowers, and bustling local villages—set against a dramatic backdrop of crimson cliffs with the rays of sunshine and snowcapped mountains making a dream-like picturesque scene. This trek isn’t just an escape into nature—it’s an immersion into an old culture and a sacred landscape. For those who are seeking excitement, peace, mystery and majesty, the Mustang Trek is truly a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan adventure that you shouldn’t miss out on.

Some Highlights for Upper Mustang Trek: 

  1. Visit the ancient Kingdom of Lo Manthang. 
  2. Stroll through a unique landscape of cliffs and canyons. 
  3. Lying in the shade of the rain, enjoy a beautiful walk in monsoon. 
  4. Discover the rich culture of Nepal - The origin of Tibetan Buddhism Lama. 
  5. Green and dry landscapes to visit and admire. 
  6. Discover and try out Tibetan food, dresses, and lifestyle. 
  7. Interact with human settlement in Himalayan Range. 
  8. Discover Mysterious Sky Caves and Geological Wonders
  9. Cave and Geographical Configuration

Detailed Itinaries

DAY 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,428ft)

After landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative of our Go Nepal Travel Tours and Treks Pvt. Ltd. who will drop you off at your hotel. After we check into the hotel, we refresh and rest for a while. In the evening, a welcome dinner will be organized by us Go Nepal Travel Tours and Treks Pvt. Ltd. The night today will be spent in Kathmandu.

Day 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,428ft)
DAY 2

Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation

On day 2 of our Upper Mustang Trek, after having breakfast we begin the day by visiting many UNESCO world heritage sites such as Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Bouddhanath Stupa. Durbar Square reveals the life of royalty in ancient times. The Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important sacred sites for all Hindus all over the world. Swayambhunath is also known famously as the monkey temple and the Boudhanath stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world. In the evening, we will introduce ourselves to our fellow participants and discuss our trip for the next day. The night today will also be spent in Kathmandu.

Day 2 - Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek Preparation
DAY 3

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m/2689ft): 5-6 hours

On day 3 of our Upper Mustang Trek, after early breakfast in the morning , we leave for Pokhara which is also known as the City of lakes due to the large number of lakes that are in the city. Upon our arrival in Pokhara, we are rewarded with the magnificent views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri (8,167m / 26,794 feet), Manaslu (8,156m / 26,759 feet), Machhapuchhre (6,993m / 22,943 feet), the five Annapurna peaks and other mountains. Then we check into our hotel and take a relaxing break for a short moment. Then we go out to enjoy sailing on Fewa Lake and stroll through the picturesque streets of this beautiful city. The night today will be spent in Pokhara.

Day 3 - Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m/2689ft): 5-6 hours
DAY 4

Fly to Jomsom (2,700m/8898 ft) and trek to Kagbeni (2,810m/9,216ft): 3-4 hours trek

On day 4 of our Upper Mustang Trek, we will take a morning flight to Jomsom, a place in Nepal which is famous for its apples, strong winds and scenery. We begin our walk on an open path along a beautiful valley. We cross the village of Eakli Batti before arriving at Jomsom, located on the banks of two rivers. The city is beautiful, with its flat-roofed houses and ruins of an ancient fortress. We will spend the night in Kagbeni.

Day 4 - Fly to Jomsom (2,700m/8898 ft) and trek to Kagbeni (2,810m/9,216ft): 3-4 hours trek
DAY 5

Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m/10,004ft): 5-6 hours

On day 5 of our Upper Mustang Trek, we first review our permits and then we start our trek. We walk on the sand in strong winds before climbing a hill. We arrive at the Tangbe Village and admire its narrow streets, white houses, fields of barley and buckwheat and apple orchards. We continue on our walk and we pass another town and cross a river on our way. Next, we will walk along a ridge before arriving at Chele Village. The night today will be spent in Chele.

Day 5 - Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m/10,004ft): 5-6 hours
DAY 6

Chele to Syangboche (3,475m/11,398ft): 6-7 hours

Day 6 of our Upper Mustang Trek will be a little more difficult compared to previous days. As our walk today involves crossing two passes, the Taklam La pass (3,624m) and the Dajori La pass (3,735m). On our way, we can enjoy the amazing views of Tilicho, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda and we pass through the Ramchung cave. We stroll down a little further and arrive at the town of Samar. From here we walk along a path over the village and arrive at a ridge. Next, we descend a steep path to a stream and continue our trip to reach Syanboche. The night today will be spent at Syanboche.

Day 6 - Chele to Syangboche (3,475m/11,398ft): 6-7 hours
DAY 7

Syanboche to Ghami (3,520m/11,546ft): 5-6 hours

On day 7 of our Upper Mustang Trek, we will climb to reach the Yamda La pass at 3,850 m. On the way we will pass by some tea houses, chortens and beautiful villages. We will walk past poplar forests and barley fields to reach the Nyi pass at 4,010 m. From here we descend to Ghami, which is one of the largest villages in the Lo region. The city is beautiful, with fields that surround the entire city. The night today will be spent in Ghami.

Day 7 - Syanboche to Ghami (3,520m/11,546ft): 5-6 hours
DAY 8

Ghami to Tsarang (3,620m/11,873ft): 5-6 hours

On day 8 of our Upper Mustang Trek, our trek today begins with a descent through a rocky and many times slippery path. We then walk past a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola and begin ascending. The pathway is beautiful with Mani walls along the trail. Next, we cross the Tsarang La Pass at 3870m and reach Tsarang village. The village lies atop the Charang Chu canyon with a huge fortress and a red gompa towards its east. The night today will be spent in Tsarang

Day 8 - Ghami to Tsarang (3,620m/11,873ft): 5-6 hours
DAY 9

Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3,730m/12,234ft): 3-4 hours

On day 9 of our Upper Mustang Trek, we begin our trek by going downhill towards a canyon and walk past a river before starting our hike uphill to the Lo La pass at 3950 m. From the top of the pass, we can admire the beautiful village of Lo Manthang. From the pass, we descend to Lo Manthang which is a beautiful fortified town. From there, we can admire the view of the Himalayas, including Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna I, Bhrikuti peak and Damodar Kunda (pond) which is just breathtaking. The night today will be spent at Lo-Manthang.

Day 9 - Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3,730m/12,234ft): 3-4 hours
DAY 10

Explore Lo Manthang/ Acclimatization

On day 10 of our Upper Mustang Trek, we explore Lo Manthang, which is a fortified city that is located in the remote region of Upper Mustang in Nepal. We spent the day visiting three of the main gompas of the city: Jhampa, Thupchen and Chhoeda. All these gompas have been restored by experts over the past two decades. We can also hike to Tingkhar, which is a beautiful village located northwest of Lo-Mangthang. The night today will be spent in Lo Manthang.

Day 10 - Explore Lo Manthang/ Acclimatization
DAY 11

Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar (3810 m/12,500ft): 6-7 hours

On day 11 of our Upper Mustang Trek, we walk on a different route when returning from Lo-Manthang. Our path goes through the village of Gyakar, which houses a centennial Ghar Gompa with beautiful cave paintings. According to a local legend, anyone who makes a wish in the Gompa will enforce it, so you can definitely try it who knows your wish may just come true. We explore the Gompa and continue on our trip to reach Drakmar to spend the night.

Day 11 - Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar (3810 m/12,500ft): 6-7 hours
DAY 12

Drakmar to Ghiling (3,806m/12,484ft): 5-6 hours

On day 12 of our Upper Mustang Trek, we start our walk early to avoid strong winds, on the walk we will descend for most of the time. Our path passes through a dry plateau and fields before reaching Ghiling. The walk can be somewhat difficult as it is more likely that we will experience strong winds on our face. Ghiling is mostly dry, but we still have good views of the Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains. We can tour the town in the afternoon. The night today will be spent in Ghiling.

Day 12 - Drakmar to Ghiling (3,806m/12,484ft): 5-6 hours
DAY 13

Ghiling to Chhuksang (3050m/10,004ft): 5-6 hours

On day 13 of our Upper Mustang Trek, we start our walk after having a delicious breakfast. We walk for some time, before having to climb to reach Lo Manthang. Then we will go to the path to Chhuksang, along the path we can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas and the small towns we have crossed. We will spend the night in Chhuksang.

Day 13 - Ghiling to Chhuksang (3050m/10,004ft): 5-6 hours
DAY 14

Chhuksang to Jomsom (2,700/8,856ft): 6-7 hours

Day 14 of our Upper Mustang Trek, is the last that we will need to trek and it will be a long one. After we trek for a while, we will reach the end of our Mustang path and join the path of the Annapurna circuit. We will stop for lunch in Kagbeni. After lunch, we continue our trip to reach Jomsom for the night.

Day 14 - Chhuksang to Jomsom (2,700/8,856ft): 6-7 hours
DAY 15

Fly back to Pokhara

On day 15 of our Upper Mustang Trek, we will take an early morning flight to Pokhara. The plane will go past a gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountains which is a sight to see, making this flight an incredible experience. Once in Pokhara, we can spend the rest of the day at leisure. The night today will be spent in Pokhara.

Day 15 - Fly back to Pokhara
DAY 16

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu

On day 16 of our Upper Mustang Trek, after having breakfast, we bid farewell to the beautiful northern horizon of Pokhara and go towards Kathmandu. This will be a trip along the banks of the river with wonderful views of the terraced hills and the Nepali rural lifestyle. After arriving in Kathmandu, we can either take a break to relax our body or do some last minute souvenir shopping. To celebrate the successful completion of our trip, we will also have a farewell dinner at night. The night today will be spent in Kathmandu.

Day 16 - Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
DAY 17

Final departure

Day 17 of our Upper Mustang Trek is unfortunately our final day as our exciting, serene and eventful adventure in Nepal ends today. A representative from our Go Nepal Travel Tours and Treks Pvt. Ltd. will drive you to the airport about three hours before the flight. On your return flight, you can bring back fond memories of your trip to Upper Mustang and Nepal to share with your friends and family.

Day 17 - Final departure

Cost Inclusion:

  1. All arrival and departure transfer in private vehicle 
  2. Hotels will be of tourist standard and during trekking will be local tea house/ guests house 
  3. All meals (lunch and dinner) as described in itinerary 
  4. A private vehicle as per group size 
  5. An English-speaking guide throughout the tour Trekking 
  6. TIMS and permit. 
  7. 2 guests = 01 Porter 
  8. Tea House Trekking package (Room + Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner) 

Cost Exclusion:

  1. Any kind of medical and personal insurance 
  2. Any kind of personal nature items like bar and Laundry bills. 
  3. Evacuation in case of emergency 
  4. Domestic flights 
  5. Tips to the guide and driver 
  6. Entrance Fees 
  7. ANY ITEMS NOT MENTIONED ABOVE

Useful Information

  1. The Upper Mustang trek leads to the Kingdom of Mustang, also known as Lo, and its hidden Buddhist world. 
  2. This exciting trip includes 360 overall views of the Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri mountains, and many more. 
  3. The trek is relatively high in altitude (3,000m to 3,800m), which is heightened by the dry air.



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