Upper Mustang Trek – A Complete Trip Guide To Upper Mustang

The mid-western district of Mustang in Nepal is considered to be one of the favored destinations for wanderers. With its topography, none like anywhere, and its unique blend of culture, food, and walk of life of the inhabitants, Mustang comes off as a submissive yet adventurous destination. Upper Mustang Trek traverses through the heart of the Mustang region passing through prominent settlements of the regions like Jomsom, Kagbeni, Tangbe, Chhusang, Chele, Ghyakar, Samar, Chungsi Cave, Shyangbochen, Tamagaon, Jhaite, Ghami, Dhakmar, Ghar Gumpa, Tsarang and the ancient capital city of Mustang kingdom: Lo Manthang.

The geographical features of the whole of the Mustang region are semi-arid which portrays landscape features similar to that of its northern counterpart. This region borders Tibet with Nepal and the cultural practices are pretty similar. Owing to its dry climatic condition receiving very little rainfall around the year, the landscape is dry and desert-like. 


Upper Mustang Trek Video.

Table Of Content
01: Trekking in Upper Mustang Nepal.
02: Upper Mustang Trekking Route.
03: Upper Mustang Jeep ride tour.
04: Upper Mustang Trek Cost.
05: Upper Mustang Trek Solo.
06: Upper Mustang Trek Distance.
07: Best Time to trek Upper Mustang in Nepal.
08: Why is Upper Mustang Restricted?
09: How long is the Upper Mustang Trekking Tour?
10: How hard is the Upper Mustang Trek?
11: Upper Mustang Permit Cost.
12: Upper Mustang Trek Package.

01: Trekking in Upper Mustang Nepal.

The Upper Mustang Trek is a unique trek in Nepal that leads you to the historic kingdom of Mustang located in the northern part of the country. With its unique culture, awe-inspiring vistas, and far-off locale, it has become a popular option for those wanting a more daring and Cultural trip.  Visit Himalaya Treks Offer 20 days Upper Mustang Trek arriving in Nepal departure from Nepal following the original route through untamed mountainous areas, deep canyons, and arid terrains. The highlight of the trek is the fortified city of Lo Manthang, formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Mustang, featuring a well-maintained Tibetan culture and architecture. During the course of the journey, you will also get a chance to explore remote villages, old monasteries, and remarkable natural formations like the Kali Gandaki River and the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain ranges.

02: Upper Mustang Trekking Route.

Our Upper Mustang Journey starting point is Jomsom, the capital of the Mustang district. You will fly to Jomsom from Pokhara. We head North eastward alongside the Kaligandaki river basin and follow through to reach Kagbeni. Kagbeni resides in the conflux of two rivers, Kaligandaki and Jhong Rivers. It is a sacred site for Hindus for their ritual practices. You trek westward from Kagbeni through the deserted landscapes and arid geography of Nepalese highlands.

Followingly, you traverse through small Thakali people settlements such as Syangmochen, Dhakmar, and Tsarang crossing Nyi La Pass (3932m) in order to finally reach the ancient capital of Lho Manthang. Lho Manthang portrays a scenic village that can be compared to an ancient civilization village with a brief touch of modern-day amenities. Filled with ancient monasteries and mysterious caves all across Lo Manthang is submissive and quaint with sparsely populated settlements.

You return via the Upper High route visiting Yara, Ghara, Luri Gumpa, and even the remote village Tangge and over Paha Pass and Baha La Pass 4380 meters connect us to Tetang and Chhusang village and visit the sacred Hindu site of Muktinath. Then you descend towards Jomsom for your return journey to Pokhara and Kathmandu.


Charang (Tsarang) monastery Upper Mustang Nepal. 

03: Upper Mustang Jeep ride tour.

You may opt to choose to explore the Upper Mustang Region on a 4wd jeep, providing a different experience than trekking. A jeep tour is more comfortable and allows you to cover a larger area in a shorter span of time. We offer 12 days Upper Mustang Jeep ride tour that will take you through the old kingdom of Mustang, situated in the northern region of Nepal. You can visit secluded villages, historic monasteries, and remarkable natural sights, including the Kali Gandaki River and the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Mountain ranges.

The Upper Mustang Jeep tour lets you cover a larger area of the Mustang region if you are limited by time. Mustang is considered an adventurists playground for its rough terrain. A jeep ride along the Kaligandaki River basin is an experiential adventure on its own. Our team at Visit Himalaya has a strong network of vehicle providers for your tour to Upper Mustang Jeep Tour.

04: Upper Mustang Trek Cost.

The cost of the Upper Mustang Trek can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as the duration of the trek, the type of accommodation, the number of people in your group, and the level of support and services provided by your trekking company.

Generally, the cost of the Upper Mustang Trek ranges from USD 2000 to USD 3000 per person for a 20 days trek, including permits, accommodations, meals, transportation, and the services of a licensed guide and porter. We Offer 20 days of upper Mustang Trek for USD 2400 for each person arriving in Nepal to departure from Nepal. That is including 10 days of valid Upper Mustang restricted area entry permits and Annapurna conservation entry permits.

Keep in mind that this is just a rough estimate, and the actual cost may vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. If you prefer more luxurious accommodations, the cost can increase significantly. Additionally, you should budget for extra expenses such as snacks, drinks, tips, and souvenirs, as these are not included in the trekking package.


Lo Manthang Upper Mustang Nepal.

05: Upper Mustang Trek Solo.

Trekking Solo in any part of Nepal is permitted but is definitely not recommended. Upper Mustang lies in a section of Nepal that has been secluded as a restricted area, hence, you will need to apply for a permit for access to this region via a registered trekking agency. Such a restricted area trek required a minimum of 2 people for travel and trekking. Furthermore, there are various health, security, geographical, and other risk factor associated with solo trekking in Nepal.

The Upper Mustang region is an isolated area of the landmass that directly borders Tibet to the north. The human settlements in the region are sparse and the whole of the topography is arid.

Trekking with a registered provides additional support and assistance if things don't go your way. A reputed trekking agency can summon help and support in time of need. Also, your trekking agency will look after the permits, accommodation, transportation, guides, and porters so that you can have a hassle-free trekking experience. Solo (single) persons can’t trek to Upper Mustang and any restricted area entry permits will not be able to get for Single travelers.

06: Upper Mustang Trek Distance.

The estimated distance that will be covered on your trek to Upper Mustang will be somewhere around 130 km/ 75 miles roundtrip (Jomsom- Lho Manthang - Jomsom). Your trek will initiate from the commercial town of Jomsom in the Mustang region and head north-westward from there on. There is a motor-able road that you will follow through during the trek at most times but it consists of many foot trails that leave the motor-able road at times.

07: Best Time to trek Upper Mustang in Nepal.

Nepal has moderate climatic conditions except for a few months that are muggy and highly humid. Nepal experiences four major weather patterns during a year, namely: Spring (March, April, and May); Summer/Monsoon (June, July, and August); Autumn (September, October, and November); Winter (December, January, and February). 

The best time for Upper Mustang Trek is during Autumn and Spring when the sky is clear and it is warm. Spring is characterized by the blooming of flora across the Nepalese belt making it lush and filled with colors all across the trekking trails. The Autumn season in Nepal is scheduled right after the harsh monsoon which brings heavy rain. During autumn the temperature in the highlands of Nepal is moderate and the places at higher altitudes are relatively warmer during those times.

The Upper Mustang region is dry and arid and is a rain-shadow region beyond the Himalayas which receives occasional showers during the monsoon. Owing to this feature, you may opt to trek to Upper Mustang even during the summer. However, the picturesque view of the Annapurna massifs which would otherwise be clearly visible is blocked by the monsoon clouds during the summer.

It is not recommended that you opt for Upper Mustang Trek during the winter owing to heavy snowfall across the mustang region, disrupting the trail and roadways across the region.  The trails mostly will be icy and snow-covered which makes your trek even more arduous during that time.


Landscapes and local House in Upper Mustang Nepal. 

08: Why is Upper Mustang Restricted?

Nepal borders the Tibetan plateau running all across its northern territory. The Upper Mustang region serves as the border point of the last Nepalese territory before Tibet. This makes the region politically and geographically sensitive. Until 1992, the region of Mustang remained a separate kingdom and even had its own ruler and a separate governing law. It was totally forbidden for tourists to access the region until 1992.

Also, the topographical feature of the Upper Mustang region is none like you would find anywhere in other Nepalese territories. Owing to the geographical and political sensitivity, the Nepal government has instilled a special permit for access to the Upper Mustang region for foreigners. Upper Mustang restricted area entry permits cost per day $50 per person and a minimum of 10 days valid required special permits are required to visit Upper Mustang in Nepal.

Furthermore, the recent development of studies of centuries of Old Buddhist monasteries, in Chossar Jhong caves and other caves in this region makes it archaeologically significant. There has been the discovery of century-old Buddhist relics and findings that are of immense value. The Upper Mustang region has a significant historical and cultural significance, with many ancient monasteries, palaces, and other structures dating back to the 15th century. These structures are culturally and historically important, and their preservation is critical to the region's cultural heritage.

Foreigners (including SAARC nationals) are bound to pay a fixed sum of $500 for access to the Upper Mustang region. The restricted area of Upper Mustang begins from Kagbeni village and surrounds the vicinity of the area beyond the village until the Tibetan border in Lo-Manthang.


Longest Buddhist Mani wall in Upper Mustang Nepal.

09: How long is the Upper Mustang Trekking Tour?

Upper Mustang Trek duration ranges from a minimum of 12 days to 20 days depending on the itinerary you opt for. This trek may be initiated from Pokhara or Kathmandu. Our company Visit Himalaya can tailor-make your Upper Mustang Trek itinerary based on your choices and preferences. As a general preference of our customers and considering the acclimatization factor we have designed an itinerary that elongates to a total of 20 days. This standard itinerary considers Kathmandu as the starting and closing point. It involves driving to Pokhara, flying to and from Jomsom, and a total of 14 trekking days to/from Jomsom.

10: How hard is the Upper Mustang Trek?

As a general consideration, Upper Mustang Trek is considered a moderately graded trek. At its peak elevation, it reaches a maximum elevation of 3932 meters at Nyi La Pass and mostly traverses through the vast arid landscape of the Mustang region. On average, trekkers are required to walk along the deserted landscape of the region for 5-6 hrs a day. This trek can be completed by individuals of all demographic features but demands a good level of physical fitness and stamina.

It is paramount to note that, one is likely to suffer from altitude-related problems such as hypothermia and hyperthermia in elevation above 3500 meters. That being said, our team of professionals is willing to take all these risks into consideration and ensure a safe trek for our clients. We have set aside a day for acclimatization so that you can adapt well to the high altitude and travel comfortably. Furthermore, our itinerary is designed such that you will be staying in Lo Manthang for 2 consecutive days which provides ample time to adapt to the changing geography, Our guides are professionally trained and provide pre-eminent service.


Jhong Cave Chhosar Upper Mustang Nepal.

11: Upper Mustang Permit Cost.

The Upper Mustang Trek Permit cost is higher than other trekking regions in Nepal due to its status as a restricted area. The permit cost is set by the Nepalese government and is subject to change. As of 2023, the permit cost for Upper Mustang is:

USD 500 for the first 10 days per person
USD 50 per day per person for each additional day

In addition to the restricted area permit, Annapurna Conservation entry permits are required which cost each trekker Rs 3000 (about USD 30) and also need to obtain a TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card, which costs NPR 2,000 (approximately USD 20) for foreigners.

It is important to note that these permits can only be obtained through registered trekking agencies in Nepal, and individual trekkers are not allowed to apply for permits on their own. We Visit Himalaya Treks and arrange all other necessary permits and paperwork for the trek. Also, note that trekkers are required to hire a licensed guide and travel with a minimum of two trekkers for Upper Mustang Trek.

12: Upper Mustang Trek Package.

Upper Mustang Trek requires traveling long distances via flight or roadways. It traverses through some of the remotest areas of Nepal. Proper accommodation and professional guidance are paramount during your Upper Mustang trek. Our standard trekking package to Upper Mustang includes the following

Restricted Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation entry permits, and TIMS card fees
Ground transportation to and from the trek starting/ending point (Kathmandu)
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara before and after the trek as per itinerary.
Accommodation and Full Board meals during the trek (basic teahouses)
Flight cost: Pokhara- Jomsom - Pokhara
Experienced and licensed guide and porter(s)
Trekking equipment (sleeping bag, etc.)
Insurance for the guide and porter(s)
Medical kit and emergency oxygen cylinder
All necessary paperwork and permits

The standard itinerary of the Upper Mustang Trek Package as offered by Visit Himalayas Trek is Kathmandu- Pokhara- Jomsom- Lho Manthang- Jomsom- Pokhara - Kathmandu. You can always make modifications to the standard itinerary as per your requirements. Please send us your inquiries and we will hear you out instantly.