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The Upper Mustang Trek leads into one of Nepal’s most distinctive landscapes — a stark trans‑Himalayan plateau where wind‑sculpted cliffs, deep canyons, and medieval villages reveal a culture shaped by centuries of Tibetan influence. Once a restricted kingdom known as the Kingdom of Lo, Upper Mustang remained closed to outsiders until 1992. Even today, strict permit regulations preserve its remarkable heritage.
The adventure begins with travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and a spectacular mountain flight to Jomsom, the gateway to Mustang. From here the trail follows the ancient salt trading route of the Kali Gandaki Valley, gradually ascending through traditional settlements such as Kagbeni, Chele, Ghami, and Tsarang. Prayer flags flutter across high passes while whitewashed chortens, mani walls, and centuries‑old monasteries mark the path.
The highlight of the trek is reaching Lo Manthang (3,810 m), the historic capital of the former Mustang Kingdom. Surrounded by high earthen walls, this medieval town holds royal palaces, ancient monasteries like Jampa and Thubchen, and narrow alleys lined with mud‑brick houses. Exploring nearby valleys reveals mysterious sky caves carved into sheer cliffs — archaeological wonders believed to be over a thousand years old.
Unlike the lush forests of other Himalayan treks, Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The environment resembles the Tibetan plateau, with dramatic desert scenery and wide horizons framed by peaks such as Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. This dry climate also makes Mustang one of the few trekking destinations in Nepal suitable even during the summer monsoon.
Along the journey you will experience the warm hospitality of Mustang’s people, whose lifestyle revolves around agriculture, trade, and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Monasteries echo with morning chants, while yak caravans and barley fields reflect a way of life that has changed little for centuries.
The Upper Mustang Trek offers far more than a mountain walk — it is a cultural expedition through one of the Himalaya’s most preserved regions, combining dramatic landscapes, living history, and rare insight into a once‑forbidden kingdom.
Arrive in Nepal . (1,360m/4,462 ft)
Kathmandu city sightseeing and Trek preparation Tour. (1,360m/4,462 ft) 5-7 hours
Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822 m/2,697 ft) 25-minute flight.
Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni . (2,810m/9,219 ft) 3-4 hours
Trek from Kagbeni to Chele . (3,050m/10,007 ft) 5-6 hours
Trek from Chele to Syangboche . (3,800m/12,467 ft) 6-7 hours
Trek from Syangboche to Dramkar . (3,810m/12,500 ft) 5-6 hours
Trek from Dramkar to Lho Manthang . (3,840m/12,598 ft) 7-8 hours
Exploration of Lho Manthang . (3,840m/12,598 ft) 7-8 hours
Lho Manthang to Yaragoun . (3,607m/11,834 ft) 6-7 hours
Exploration of Yaragoun and Hike to Luri Gompa . (3,880m/12,730 ft) 6-7 hours
Trek from Yaragoun to Tyangbe . (3,240m/10,630 ft) 6-7 hours
Trek from Tyangbe to Chhusang . (2,980m/9,777 ft) 7-8 hours
Trek from Chhusang to Muktinath . (3,750m/12,303 ft) 7-8 hours
Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom . (2,720m/8,924 ft) 7-8 hours
Fly back to Pokhara then transfer to hotel (822 m/2,697 ft) 2o-minute flight.
Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel (1,360m/4,462 ft)
Final departure (1,360m/4,462 ft)
This itinerary is customizable. If you want to modify any aspect of this trip, let us know and we'll create a personalized itinerary just for you.
CUSTOMIZE MY TRIPThe best seasons for the Upper Mustang Trek are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are moderate and skies are generally clear. Unlike most Himalayan regions, Upper Mustang lies in a rain shadow, making it one of the few treks suitable even during the summer monsoon months.
Upper Mustang is a restricted area. Trekkers must obtain a Restricted Area Permit issued by the Nepal government as well as an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Trekking must be arranged through a registered agency with a licensed guide, and a minimum of two trekkers is typically required for the permit.
This trek is considered moderately challenging. Expect daily walks of 5–7 hours across dry valleys, mountain passes, and rugged trails. A good level of fitness and some prior hiking experience will help you enjoy the journey comfortably.
Most travelers can obtain a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and bring passport photos and the visa fee in USD or equivalent currency.
Upper Mustang has a dry, high‑altitude desert climate. Days are usually sunny and mild, while nights can be cold due to the elevation. Temperatures during trekking seasons typically range between 5°C and 20°C during the day and drop below freezing at night.
Here's a recommended packing list for your trek. Some items can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu or at the trailhead.