Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek is the most beloved and most daring 17 days trek planned into one of the most challenging and admired trekking destinations of Nepal. The region itself was restricted to outsiders before 1992. Moreover, it requires a special permit from the Government of Nepal for all kinds of trekking expeditions. Nevertheless, the trip allows the travelers to explore ethnic Tibetan culture in one of the most rural and restricted areas of the Himalayas.

Furthermore, it is also known as the Mountain Desert, and is a highly preserved area where only a limited number of visitors are allowed per year. For being one of the very few communities in Nepal that have remained untouched with the outside world, the life in Upper Mustang revolves mostly around tourism, animal husbandry and trade. The trek thus offers the visitor to experience the ancestral culture, traditions, lifestyle, hospitality and warmth of local Tibetan Buddhists.

Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang, formerly known as Kingdom of Lo, comprises multiple settlements bordering the autonomous region of Tibet. Furthermore, it features a very windy and dry valley that is characterized by windswept canyons and colorful stratified rock formations. The journey thus provides its visitor with a view of unique landscapes, ancient Buddhist monasteries, stupas, prayers wall, caves, ancient Tibetan villages, rare medieval art and architecture alongside scenic trails of the Himalayas.

Additionally, the trip features a hike through barren Himalayan desert, Tibetan plateaus and eroded canyons. It provides with panoramic view of snow-capped mountains including Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri.

Lo Manthang

The main attraction of this trip will be the final destination of Lo Manthang. Moreover, it is a rural municipality in Mustang district that borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and Dalome rural municipality of Mustang in the south. Lo is the northern two-thirds of Mustang district and is culturally and linguistically influenced by Tibet. Furthermore, the southern third is called Thak, the homeland of Thakali people. They speak a different language and have a synthesis of Tibetan and Nepalese culture.

Recently a series of at least twelve caves were discovered north of Annapurna and near the village. It is decorated with ancient Buddhist paintings and set in sheer cliffs at an elevation of 14,000 feet (4,300 m). The paintings show Newari influence, dating to approximately the 13th century. The caves also contain Tibetan scripts executed in ink, silver and gold and pre-Christian era pottery shards.

Upper Mustang Trek Map

Upper Mustang Trek

Additional information on Upper Mustang Trek:

Booking your Upper Mustang Trek:

We are now offering maximum flexibility for our guests’ convenience to book their trips into the Mustang region as well for 2025 and 2026. You may thus choose a date that best suits your schedule. Regarding your booking, please select one of the two available options. You may either pay USD 200 per person as a deposit amount to confirm your trip or pay the full amount of USD 1799 per person upfront. Moreover, if you opt for the deposit, the remaining is payable via Online / Card Swipe / Cash. We also accept all of the convertible currencies including USD, AUD, CAD, EURO, GBP, SGD, etc. when you arrive in Kathmandu.

Booking your International Flight:

For your 17 Days Upper Mustang Trek, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu on Day 1 and depart on Day 17. However, having some extra one or two buffer days can prevent any issues with your return tickets.

Checklist for 17-Days Upper Mustang Trek:

Please click here for a complete checklist of your 17-Days Upper Mustang Trek. Be sure to read it carefully and pack accordingly as per your personal preferences.

Arrival information:

Once you’ve booked your flight ticket, please share the details with us so that we can provide you with a complimentary airport pickup as well. Our airport representative will then be waiting for you at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. They will also be holding our official name Cordial Trek and your nameplate as you exit the airport terminal. Additionally, if you’re arriving earlier, we can also arrange an accommodation for extra nights with add-on tours for additional cost.

Trek starting and ending days:

The actual trekking days are from Day 4 to Day 14. Also, Upper Mustang Trek requires a special permit to visit the region. We will therefore need your original passport after your arrival & one full day to apply for the same. Day 2 has thus been allocated as a Full Day Kathmandu Tour for the travelers while we process the necessary permits. Day 3 consists of an early morning scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. The travelers will then take a short flight from Pokhara to Jomsom on Day 4 to commence the trek.

You will then fly back to Pokhara on Day 15 and back to Kathmandu on Day 16. This way the travelers will also have plenty of time to spend in the beautiful city of Pokhara. Expect to spend 11 nights and 11 days completing the Upper Mustang Trek. You’ll begin your trek from Jomsom to Lo Manthang and Chhoser with overnight stays in Kagbeni, Chele, Syanboche, Ghami, Tsarang, Dhakmar, Ghiling and Chhusang.

Each day’s trek will begin around 07:30 AM and conclude in the late afternoon, with frequent breaks to catch your breath. You’ll have numerous photo opportunities along the way and enjoy breakfast and dinner at the same place, while lunch is en route. Additionally, your guide will provide you with regular briefings about timing and stops every morning before the trek begins.

Accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara:

In Kathmandu & Pokhara, you’ll stay in 3 Star Category Hotels with twin/double sharing beds.

Accommodation during the trekking days:

During the trek, your accommodation options are mostly at Teahouses. Although basic, these teahouses are clean and provide a comfortable place for a good night’s rest.

Food:

In Kathmandu, your package includes breakfast only, typically served buffet-style. Except for the day when you plan to leave for your trip early in the morning, you have an option to receive a packaged breakfast as well. During the trek, you will be provided with full board meals and may choose from a menu offering local and international cuisines.

Note: It is highly advisable to stick to vegetarian food from your arrival in Kathmandu until the end of your trek. It is because proper toilet facilities are not available everywhere along the trekking trail.

Drinking water during the trek:

Bottled water is available along the trail, but we encourage you to bring your own reusable water bottles and treat tap water to reduce single-use plastic bottle waste. Be sure to bring water treatment pills and flavorings to enhance the taste. Staying hydrated is essential, so aim to drink more than 4 liters of water every day while trekking.

Electricity, Charging and Wi-Fi:

Please keep in mind that you’re embarking on a trek and not exploring urban areas. While some facilities like charging and Wi-Fi are available at an extra cost, they are not guaranteed. We also recommend against planning to work or conduct online meetings during the trek, allowing you to fully enjoy the trekking experience.

Cash for extras and tipping:

You should have Nepali rupees for expenses such as tea, coffee, bottled drinks and Wi-Fi. Plan to carry about USD 250-300 equivalent Nepali rupees. Additionally, set aside USD 150-200 for tipping your guide and porter. The amount can vary based on the level of service provided by the field staff members.

Baggage and weight limit:

On your flight to Jomsom, the total baggage weight allowance is 15 kgs, combining both checked and carry-on baggage. Ensure you pack approximately 10/11 kilos in your checked bag and 5/4 kilos in your carry-on to stay within the 15-kilo limit. If you have items you don’t need on the trek, you can leave them at the Kathmandu hotel for storage at no cost. Remember to take a photo of your bag-tag and keep it for easy identification in case the original tag is lost.

Availability of Guide & Porter:

Every two travelers will be provided with a single porter and an experienced guide. The baggage however must be divided between 12.5 kgs each as every porter carries a maximum of 25 kgs. Additionally, both guide and porter will be insured and well equipped with necessary items and first aid kit.

Highlights of 17-Days Upper Mustang Trek:

1. Visit to Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. It is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal.

2. Spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges including Mt. Annapurna I-III, Mt. Nilgiri and Mt. Dhaulagiri among others.

3. Experience the ancestral and ethnic Tibetan Buddhist culture, religion and their lifestyle.

4. Visit to Ghar Gompa, the oldest Tibetan monastery, built c. 7th century.

5. Hike via restricted areas and Trans-Himalayan regions of Nepal.