Upper Mustang Trek - 17 days

Trip Overview

Duration: 17 days Country: Nepal
Max. Altitude: 3,840m/12,600ft . Walking Per Day: 5-6hrs
Accommodation: N/A grade Grade: Strenuous
Best Season: Summer, Autumn and Spring Group Size: 2
Mode: Tea-House/Lodge Culture: Tibetan-Influence Culture

In one of the least developed and most remote regions in Nepal, the Upper Mustang trek offers a great opportunity to explore the unique culture, lifestyle, and traditions of the local population, bringing you into the hidden world of the Buddhist Kingdom. It was a restricted location until 1991, after which the government opened it for tourists. Ancient architecture has been well preserved in the area, with monasteries, caves, and the spectacular palace of the ancient king being highlights of the trek. The region offers the opportunity to see the culture and lifestyle of different tribes in Nepal. It attracts ordinary people who are looking for an exciting trek in the region, as well as archaeologists, geologists, and anthropologists who wish to take in the distinct geographical and cultural features. 

Upper Mustang Trek Insights

The Upper Mustang trek is popular for adventurers looking for a pony trek in the region. Other activities include Jeep or bike tours. These tours take several excursions and cultural experiences such as visiting the Forbidden Kingdom, food in a local teahouse, and hiking to Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.

Upper Mustang has a maximum altitude of 3810m (12,500ft) and can be located at latitude 29° 04'60.00" N, longitude 83° 54'59.99 E. It is a valley surrounded by the Himalayan Range and has a dry, cold atmosphere with no vegetation and a desert-like landscape.

Cultural and Traditonal Highlights

The Upper Mustang trek allows climbers to immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions of the region. The locals still speak the Tibetan language and have a rich Buddhist culture. Due to its remote location, Tibetan culture has been preserved from the outside world. The Upper Mustang trek allows you to explore Buddhist architecture, art, culture, and tradition, as well as enjoy the amazing landscape of snowy peaks and gorges that have been referred to by previous trekkers as heaven on Earth. The people of Mustang are friendly and curious about new arrivals, and you will find children running out of the stone and sunbaked mud-brick houses along the route to greet you as you move through the region.

Annapurna Conservation Area

A highlight of the Upper Mustang trek is the Annapurna Conservation Area which stretches across the Mustang region. Established in 1992, it is a restricted area managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. A permit is required to enter the conservation area at USD 20.
 

Requirements to join Upper Mustang Trek`

The Upper Mustang trek involves trekking through the steepest gorges in the world, and across the stunning high-altitude desert. No prior trekking experience is required to join the trek with Nepal Mountain Trekkers. You simply need to be physically fit and have a passion for exploration. It is an ideal trip for adventure seekers who wish to immerse themselves in the Nepalese culture. No equipment is needed, as Nepal Mountain Trekkers provide gear such as sleeping bags, down jackets, and a first aid box. You will, however, require suitable clothing and footwear. 

To be able to participate, you will need a permit to enter the region. This is provided by Nepal Mountain Trekkers and includes the Upper Mustang Special Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area fees. The Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit is USD 500 per person for the first 10 days then USD 50 per day thereafter. 

Best time for this trek

Even during monsoon season, the Upper Mustang region receives much less rainfall than other local areas. Because of this, the Upper Mustang trek can be joined any time during the year. However, August and October are the peak visiting months, with other popular times coinciding with cultural celebrations such as the Tiji festival, which is known as the most colorful and important festival in Upper Mustang. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and consists of meditation and dancing.

 

Want to know more about Upper Mustang Trekking, please check this article: 9 reasons you must visit Upper Mustang once in your lifetime?


Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary

  • Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)
    • Meals :Lunch / Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Thamel

    • Highlights :

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

      » Welcoming with Marigold Flower Garland

      » Group Photo

      » Introduction with group members and trekking crew

      » Evening Walk at Thamel

     

  • Day 2 Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
    • Duration :Half Day
    • Meals :Lunch , Dinner , Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Kathmandu Durbar Square

      » Boudhanath

      » Pashupatinath

    • Highlights :

      » Sightseeing at Kathmandu

      » UNESCO World Heritage Sites

      » Introduction with group members and trekking crew

      » Equipment checking and briefing about the trek

     

  • Day 3 Kathmandu to Pokhara(823m/2,700ft)
    • Duration :5-6hrs (200Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Location :

      » Kathmandu

      » Muglin

      » Pokhara

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Drive

      » Trishuli and Marshyangdi River

      » Small Settlements

      » Unique Lifestyle

      » Hills

      » Fishtail Mountain

     

  • Day 4 Fly to Jomsom(2,720m/8,925ft) and Trek to Kagbeni(2,800m/9,186ft)
    • Duration :25mins flight and 3hrs Walk(7-8Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
    • Transportation :Domestic Flight
    • Accommodation :Lodge/Hotel
    • Ascend :80m/262ft
    • Location :

      » Pokhara

      » Jomsom

      » Ekle Bhatti

      » Kagbeni

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Flight

      » Snow-Capped Mountain

      » Lofty Massif of above 8,000m

      » Kali Gandaki River

      » Clustered Village

      » Ancient Monasteries

      » Thakali Culture

      » Salt Trade Route  

     

  • Day 5 Kagbeni – Chele (3,100m/10,170ft)
    • Duration :5-6hrs(9-10Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :300m/984ft
    • Location :

      » Kagbeni

      » Tangbe

      » Chusang

      » Chele

    • Highlights :

      » Tibetan Culture

      » Complex Trails

      » Whitewashed Settlements

      » Cultivations

      » Apple Orchards

      » Nilgiri Mountains

      » Kali Gandaki River Bank

     

  • Day 6 Chele – Syanboche (3,800m/12,464ft)
    • Duration :6-7hrs(8-9Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :700m/2,300ft
    • Location :

      » Chele

      » Taklam la Pass(3,624m/11,888ft)

      » Dajong La Pass(3,660m/12,005ft)

      » Samar

      » Bhena La Pass(3,830m/12,563ft)

      » Syanboche

    • Highlights :

      » Steep Ascend Westwards

      » Deep Crayon

      » Gorge

      » Rocky Trail

      » Steep Descend on some section

      » Red Painted Cave Monastery or the Rangchyung Chorten, believed to have hosted the famed Buddhist saints Padmasambhava and Atisha centuries ago

      » Forests and gouges with a high vertical wall

     

  • Day 7 Syanbochen – Ghyami (3,520m/11,546ft)
    • Duration :5-6hrs(8-9Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :220m/725ft
    • Descend :500m/1,640ft
    • Location :

      » Syanbochen

      » Tamagaon

      » Chhungar

      » Jhaite

      » Nyi La Pass(4,020m/13,190ft)

      » Ghami La Pass(3,765m/12,350ft)

      » Ghyami

    • Highlights :

      » Cross one of the three passes – the Yanda La Pass

      » Distinctive Chortens painted with Buddhism’s auspicious symbols

      » Gompas

      » Sparsely Settled Village

      » Terraced Valley

      » Nyi La Pass

      » Ghami La Pass

      » Deserted Landscapes

      » Hills

      » Ghaymi village – the third largest settlement in the Mustang valley

     

  • Day 8 Ghyami – Charang (3,560m/11,680ft)
    • Duration :4hrs(5Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :350m/1,150ft
    • Descend :310m/1,020ft
    • Location :

      » Ghyami

      » Chinggel(Tsarang, Choya)La Pass(3,870m/12,695ft)

      » Charang(Sarang)

    • Highlights :

      » Visit to Mustang’s longest Mani wall adorned with the carvings accompanied by the group of Chortens that mark the end of the valley

     

  • Day 9 Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3,840m/12,600ft )
    • Duration :5-6hrs(7-8Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :390m/1,280ft
    • Descend :110m/362ft
    • Location :

      » Charang

      » Sungda La Chorten

      » Lo(Day) La Pass(3,950m/12,957ft)

      » Lo Mangthag

    • Highlights :

      » Famous Settlement of LoMangthang

      » Caharang Chu Canyon

      » Climb Steeply after Crossing River

      » Palace and Gompas

      » Barren Land

      » Ancient Fortress and Monasteries

      » Windy Pass

      » Small Bridge  

     

  • Day 10 Explore Lo-Mangthang
    • Duration :Whole Day
    • Meals :Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Location :

      » Places nearby Lo-Mangthang

    • Highlights :

      » Rich Culture

      » Sound Architecture Settlement

      » Well Preserved Legacy since the 14th Century

      » Walled City

      » Four Major Ancient Shrines

      » Brick-Red Jampa Lhakhang – the oldest Gompas

      » 50 Foot Large Clay Statue of Lord Buddha

      » 15th Century Old Thubchen Gompa and Choprang Gompa

      » Royal Palace of the Mustangi King

      » The Tall Champa Lakhang

      » Red Thugchen Gompa and Entrance Hall

      » Cave Village of Chosar

      » Deep Red Nyhu Gompa

      » Ancient Cave-Dwelling Sire of Jhong Cave

      » White-washed Villages

      » Old Fortress

      » Ruins of Ancient Palaces and Monuments

      » Teje Festival (End of March)

     

  • Day 11 Lo-Mangthang to Dhakmar(3,810m/12,500ft)
    • Duration :5-6hrs(9-10Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :390m/1,280ft
    • Descend :410m/1,345ft
    • Location :

      » Lo-Mangthang

      » Marang Chongo La Pass(4,230m/13,875ft)

      » Ghar Gumba

      » Muila Bhanjyang(4,170m/13,680ft)

      » Drakmar
       

    • Highlights :

      » Forbidden City

      » Uphill Climb

      » Downhill to the Settlement of Drakmar

      » Ghar Gumba – Pure Virtue of Lo Nyingma Sect Scriptures of Padmashamva

      » Beautiful Rock Paintings

      » Myth(Local People Believe that the prayer in this shrine is surely heard)

     

  • Day 12 Dhakmar – Ghiling (3,570m/11,710ft)
    • Duration :5-6hrs(8-9Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :200m/656ft
    • Descend :450m/1,476ft
    • Location :

      » Dhakmar

      » Ghami

      » Ghami(Ghemi) La Pass(3,765m/12,350)

      » Nyi La Pass(4,020m/13,190ft)

      » Ghiling

    • Highlights :

      » Expedition

      » Villages

      » Impressive Old and Ancient Chortens and Monasteries

      » Gorgeous Landscapes

     

  • Day 13 Ghiling – Chele (3,100m/10,170ft)
    • Duration :6hrs(10-11Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Ascend :260m/853ft
    • Descend :740m/2,428ft
    • Location :

      » Ghiling

      » Bhena La Pass(3,830m/12,563ft)

      » Samar

      » Dajong La Pass(3,660m/12,005ft)

      » Taklam la Pass(3,624m/11,888ft)

      » Chele

    • Highlights :

      » Unique and Desert-Like Landscapes Decorated by Cultural Legacies and Glorious Mountain

      » Breathtaking views of the Himalayas

      » Scenic Diversity

      » Interaction with the locals

     

  • Day 14 Chele – Jomsom(2,700m/8,856ft)
    • Duration :7hrs(13-14Km)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Descend :400m/1,315ft
    • Location :

      » Chele

      » Tangbe

      » Kagbeni

      » Ekle Bhatti

      » Jomsom

    • Highlights :

      » Strenuous Physical Walking

      » Reach the Settlement in Kagbeni(Special Permit Exit Point)

      » Mark the end of the Upper Mustang Trail and Join Annapurna Circuit Trekking Trail

      » Historical Essence

      » Exotic Arts and Sculpture which is renowned as Bamfu Culture

      » Pony Ride

     

  • Day 15 Fly back to Pokhara and Explore
    • Duration :25mins Flight
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Transportation :Domestic Flight
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Descend :1,877m/6,157ft
    • Location :

      » Jomsom

      » Pokhara

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Flight

      » Lake City

      » Hotspot for Adventurous Activities and Gateway for Several Trekking Expeditions in and around Annapurna

     

  • Day 16 Pokhara to Kathmandu
    • Duration :200Km (5-6hrs)
    • Meals :Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Accommodation :Hotel
    • Descend :710m/2,329ft
    • Location :

      » Pokhara

      » Malekhu

      » Dhading

      » Kathmandu

    • Highlights :

      » Scenic Drive

      » Farewell Dinner in the evening

     

  • Day 17 Departure Day
    • Meals :Breakfast
    • Transportation :Private Vehicle
    • Location :

      » Thamel

      » Tribhuvan International Airport

    • Highlights :

      » Souvenir Shopping

      » Airport Drop with Khata/Khatag as a Symbol of Wishing Safe Journey

      » Group Photo

     

Upper Mustang Trek Photos / Videos

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pick-up and drop service
  • 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu(Hotel Green Horizon)
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
    • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
    • We request you not to waste your meals for it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
    • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
  • Transportation costs: Drive (Kathmandu-Pokhara – Kathmandu) and Domestic Flight (Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara)
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Trekking permits: Upper Mustang Special Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP) fees
  • First aid medical box
  • T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with Company Logo
  • Rescue Arrangement Service
  • All required trekking gear like Sleeping bags and Down jackets made available on rent
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charge
  • Airport Pick-up and drop service
  • 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu(Hotel Green Horizon)
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm-hospitality and quality services.
    • Single/Twin-sharing Accommodation (as per budget): Your group won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • Breakfast during the trek
  • Transportation costs: Drive (Kathmandu-Pokhara – Kathmandu) and Domestic Flight (Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara)
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With an experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek as well as they are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staffs: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek in order to provide employment opportunities to the locals as well as to make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • Trekking permits: Upper Mustang Special Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP) fees
  • First aid medical box
  • T-shirt, Duffel Bag, and Trekking Map with Company Logo
  • Rescue Arrangement Service
  • All required trekking gear like Sleeping bags and Down jackets are made available on rent
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charge

Cost Excludes

  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
  • International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses
  • Tip for guides and porters is expected but not mandatory
  • Visa fee to enter Nepal (Visa Information)
  • International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
  • All meals during the trek except for breakfast
  • Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
  • Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
  • All personal expenses
  • Tip for guides and porters is expected but not mandatory

Equipment Checklist

Equipment lists for 17 days Upper Mustang Trek

HEAD

Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Head Torch
Suncreams(40+) and Lip Balms

UPPER BODY

Cotton t-shirts and thermals
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Down jacket

LOWER BODY

Lightweight cotton pants (long)
Waterproof pants
Inner thermals

FEET

Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Comfortable hiking boots
Shower sandals

HANDS

Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
Creams
Sanitizer

ACCESSORIES

Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
Trekking bag (Rucksack)
Duffel bag
Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
Water bottle or camel bag
Toiletries and Tissue Papers

First Aid Kits 

Personal Regular Medicines
Knee Caps
Bandages
Ointments
Blister Tape

MISCELLANEOUS

Medicines: We recommend you to bring your regular medicines; we will provide first aid kit from our side.
Light-weighted Towel
Swiss Knife
Passport and extra passport photos
Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer

Upper Mustang Trek Review

Personal and professional

Jalmar G
Jalmar G
Source:Trip Advisor

I booked two treks with Nepal mountain Trekkers, the Manaslu circuit and the Upper Mustang. It fitted perfectly in my traveling schedule. Suman arranged everything perfectly.

Let’s start with the Manaslu circuit, I had a great guide called Mod. He was very kind and it was a true pleasure to trek with him through the mountains. However due the heavy rainfalls we had to turn around. Safety first. Mod was very helpful and professional in rearranging the trip back down. Mother Nature is the boss and we only can anticipate!

The upper Mustang. Wow, what a track. I was with a fellow traveler and that was a great fit. The guide Sabin was very professional and kind. It was a true pleasure to spend this time in one of the most beautiful areas of Nepal with him and the my fellow traveler. Everything was perfectly arranged.

Thank you! ????

Upper Mustang Trek

Katarzyna M
Katarzyna M
Source:Trip Advisor

The agency organized a trek to Upper Mustang for us. We are impressed by the very good organization of the trip by the Nepal Mountain Trekker agency. Our guide was very professional, porters very helpfull, owners of the lodges very friendly. The Mustang area offers beautiful landscapes and very interesting Buddhist monasteries. We came back very happy and we are already planning our next trips to Nepal!

Upper Mustang trek

Martin W
Martin W
Source:Trip Advisor

This company and its people are simply perfect. Many thanks, Ramesh, to you and you team. Also helped us sort out our hotel reservation mess and with Tibet/China visa bureaucracy. They were also very flexible with dates to suit our changing requirements. We had arranged a private trek to Upper Mustang - splendid - which went without a glitch. Their Green Horizon Hotel is an island of peace right in the middle of Thamel.
Martin (Canada/Swiss) +1 250 593 4487
Tip: fly to Pokhara or Jomsom and back to Kathmandu rather than drive as road traffic is chaotic.

Upper Mustang

Limak L
Limak L
Source:Trip Advisor

Wir waren 4 Freunde, unser Guide war Tibi. Wir waren 9 Tage unterwegs, davon 7 Trekkingtage. Tibi hat uns sehr gut geführt und erklärt und auch alle Probleme gelöst. Auf der Rückfahrt wollten wir nicht mehr den ganzen Weg nach Kathmandu fahren, da die Strassen in der Monsunzeit sehr schlecht sind, Tibi hat dafür gesorgt, dass wir von Pokhara mit dem Flugzeug zurückfahren können. Das war echt super und auch in Kathmandu haben sie uns immer wieder geholfen, wenn wir etwas suchten oder brauchten. Es wqr eine sehr gute Zeit trotz Monsun. Danke nochmals an alle Freunde in Nepal.

Best trip to Upper Mustang

dortul
dortul
Source:Trip Advisor

I had one of my best trip ever to Upper Mustang. I met incredible people. It was well organized and we were lucky to have a very nice and professional guide Sabin. I can really recommend this trek especilly before it becomes too crowded. Enjoy the mesmerizing landscape different from other treks.
Thank you so much.

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Upper Mustang Trek - 17 days

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