Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek - 17 Days

Upper Mustang is located north of Annapurna and at an average altitude of 4,000m is geologically and culturally part of the Tibetan plateau. The valleys are arid and dry with colourful rock formations containing many cave dwellings high up in the cliffs.

The first trekking parties were allowed into Upper Mustang in 1992 and there are still very few people (about 800 trekkers each year) visiting Upper Mustang as a result it is one of the few places left where one can see undisturbed Tibetan culture. The Upper Mustang Trek allows you to experience the true life of the real mountain people in Nepal.

In many ways, trekking into the Upper Mustang Area is similar to trekking into Tibet, which geographically it is a part of. Mustang, a land where the soul of man is still considered to be as real as the feet he walks on, while the land itself is almost treeless, barren landscape with a countryside similar to Tibetan plateau, but where beauty and happiness flourishes, in spite of hardship.

This was part of the Tibetan Kingdom of Gungthang until 1830’s. The fabled medieval wall city of Lo-Manthang, an official capital of Mustang still remains a kingdom within a kingdom its full of culture and religious heritage.

The early history to Lo-Manthang is embellished in myth and legend rather than the recorded fact. The Upper Mustang trek is a unique journey and has special requirements for Mustang trekking participants.

The trekker to the region is supposed to agree to follow certain guidelines to ensure that the unique sights, culture and beauty of the land be preserved and respected. Also it requires a special trekking permit from the government of Nepal to visit this special preserved land as well as Upper Dolpo trek, Nar Phu Valley trek and Kanchenjunga trek.

Counting starts from Kagbeni once you enter restricted Area. For any extra days in restricted area you are subjected to extra charge for extra days.

Upper Mustang trek is a great option for the one looking explore the unique Tibetan Buddhist culture following the less traveled trails (Unlike Everest base camp trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek)

Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu (1400 meters)

Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport after completing your custom formalities Visa,etc. pick up your luggage and look for our airport representative from Himalaya Discovery who will display your name on the board at the arrival gate.

You will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel by private tourist vehicle. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 2
Free in Kathmandu for sightseeing and pre trip briefing and gear check.

Today is free for sightseeing in Kathmandu. You may wish to visit Durbar Square in the heart of the old city where the old Royal Palace, with its intricate woodcarving is located. The whole area is a maze of temples and images. Leading away from the square in all directions are narrow alleys, full of the most amazing variety of shops and stalls.

Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Bhaktapur Durbar Square, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ Swayambhunath and Buddhists shrine Buddhanath which is one of the largest Stupas in the world.

There will also be a full trip briefing today with gear check. In case you need to hire or buy equipment locally there will be time to do this today. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 3
Drive to Pokhara (900 meters) 6 - 7 hours by deluxe tourist bus.

Your guide will pick you up at 6:30 am from the hotel and take you to the tourist bus station. The bus leaves to Pokhara at about 7:30 am. Also known for its panoramic views of Annapurna and Machapuchare (Fishtail) in the north, Dhaulagiri in the west and Lamjung Himal and Manaslu in the south, Pokhara is a lovely valley on the banks of the Fewa Lake.

It’s lower than Kathmandu and much less hectic, making it the ideal starting point for your journey. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 4
Fly / Drive to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2800 meters) 3.30 hours.

Early morning, we are flying Northwest from Pokhara toward the great portal between the snow covered peaks of Annapurna and Daulagiri. You will enjoy the well-raised massifs of more than 8000 meters, and the deepest gorge on this planet.

On arrival to Jomsom you will meet the rest of the trekking staff. From Kathmandu you will have a guide with you. We start to trek towards Kagbeni, the main gate to Upper Mustang. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 5
Trek to Chele (3050 meters) 5 hours.

The trail leads up towards the east bank of the Kaligandaki climbing over many ridges as it heads north and reaches Tangbe village. The town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys amongst white washed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat and apple orchards.

The Nilgiri peak, dominates the southern skyline of Kagbeni, all the way by different shapes. Beyond Tangbe we reach Chhusang village in about 1/2 hr, then we trek and cross the river which continues north climbing up to a huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel that the Kaligandaki follows.

The trek now leaves the Kali Gandaki valley and climbs steeply up a rocky gully to Chaile. From here the culture changes from the Manangi culture to the Tibetan culture of Lo. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 6
Trek to Ghiling (3500 meters) 6 hours.

The climb continues along steep, treeless, waterless terrain, along the side of the spectacular steep canyon to a pass and cairn of rock.

Then the trail makes a long gradual descent to some chortens on a ridge, and with a further descent before coming along a pleasant trail to Samar village.

We climb above Samar to a ridge, then descend into a large gorge, which the trail goes into another valley field, crosses a stream and climbs up to a ridge at 3800 meters.

The route climbs over yet another pass, follows a ridge and then descends to Shyangmochen. From there we gently climb to a pass at 3770 meters and descend to Geling Village. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 7
Trek to Charang (3620 meters) 5 hours.

From Ghiling, village the trail climbs gently up to an interesting pass NYI LA and descends below the blue, gray and red cliffs. After crossing a steel bridge of the Tangmar Chu (river) you will arrive to a mani wall perhaps the longest and most spectacular mani wall in Nepal. Climbing over another pass at 3600 meters, the route makes a long gentle descent to Charang village.

The huge five-story white Dzong and red Gompa are the main attractions to visit and observe collections of statues and Thankas as well as many large paintings, of seated Buddha’s. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 8
Trek to Lo-Manthang (3840 meters) 5.30 hours.

This is an opportunity to visit two other villages on your trek. The trail climbs steadily until Lo-Gekar. Lo-Gekar Gompa is older than Samye Gompa in Tibet and one of the oldest Gompa of Nepal.

After visiting Lo-Gekar continue trek to Lo-Manthang. The trail until Lo-Manthang is fine with some minor climbing. Finally from the ridge there is a view of the walled city of Lo.

After a short descent, cross a stream then climb up into the plateau of Lo-Manthang. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 9
Discover Lo-Manthang

It takes around 2 hours to Namgyal Gompa. Namgyal Gompa situates on a hilltop, which serves as an important monastery for the local community, also serving as a local court.

After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, which is a village of around 40 houses, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Manthang. After visiting Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar return to Lo-Manthang. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 10
Trek to Dhi (3410 meters) 6 hours.

From Lo-Manthang, the trail walks straight till Dhi pass 4100 meters and descends down to Dhi village. The trek from Lo Manthang to Muktinath is harder, but more rewarding and interesting than the west side of the valley.

Dhi village is one of the best villages of whole Lo-Manthang and it seems more prosperous and it is settled in a very suitable place. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 11
Trek to Tange (3370 meters) 6 hours.

From Dhi, the trail goes through the river for around 2 hours and crosses a river from Damodar Kunda, one of the sacred lakes, there is no bridge on the river so we need to walk across in bare feet to cross this river.

After crossing the river the trail climbs up till high above a pass of 3850 meters. The trail goes through a grassless, treeless bare hill. After the pass the trail again drops directly to Tangbe village at an elevation of 3370m.

Tangbe is a small village of around 30 houses but most of the houses are attached to each other. On the rooftops one can see piles of dry woods, which also reflects the prosperity in their society. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 12
Trek to Tetang / Chusang (3022 meters) 5 hours.

The trail walks through a steep ridge of hills providing some fine views of the wind carved hills. Tetang village is formed between 2 hills; they should have found it a safe place to avoid the strong wind that hits the entire Kaligandaki valley.

Tetang is the upper village of the Chuksang, which we visit on the first day entering to Mustang from Kagbeni. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 13
Trek to Jomsom (2713 meters) 6 hours.

This is the last day of the trek. The trail goes through the village of Jharkot where one can visit the many attractions such as the Jharkot monastery, Tibetan herbal medical center and the old fortress of Jharkot which once served as palace.

Continuing the trek towards Jomsom one will enjoy the views of the Kali Gandaki valley and Kagbeni village. This is the entry point to Mustang.

We get a round trip of our trek in Ekle Bhatti visiting all the surprises of the human effort in this corner of the World of such an isolation and solitude. Arrive to Jomsom to celebrate the last day of the trek, with all the trekking staff. Overnight at guesthouse.

Day 14
Fly / Drive to Pokhara.

Today 25 minute morning flight takes us from Jomsom back to Pokhara.

Once we arrived at Pokhara airport, we then drive to hotel. The rest of the day will be free and relax.

Take a sightseeing tour around Pokhara valley if you are interested. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 15
Free day in Pokhara.

It’s also spare day in case of bad weather in Jomsom. Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.

Day 16
Drive back to Kathmandu (1400 meters).

We depart at approximately 7.30am for Kathmandu by tourist bus. We arrive back in Kathmandu at around 2-3.00 pm.

In the evening we will have a farewell dinner in a traditional Nepalese restaurant with cultural performances. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 17
Free day / Fly to home.

Today you can either stay back and enjoy a free day in Kathmandu or leave for your respective countries.

Price Includes

  • Airport transfers pick-up and drop-off.
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek.
  • Hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot milk, hot chocolate) three times a day.
  • Best available lodge accommodations during the trek.
  • All necessary paperwork for the special Upper Mustang trek permits.
  • Annapurna conservation Area permit (ACAP).
  • Trekking information management system (TIMS) permit.
  • From (Kathmandu – Pokhara – Kathmandu) by deluxe tourist bus.
  • Airfares from (Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara).
  • English speaking Sherpa trek guide.
  • Porters to carry your luggage during the trek. (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Accommodation / salary / food / drinks / insurance / equipment / medicine and transport for all staff.
  • Walking stick (if it is required)
  • Trek map
  • All government taxes.
  • Farewell dinner with culture show.

Price Excludes

  • International airfare and Nepal visa.
  • Any personal medical / travel insurance which included rescue.
  • Tips for guide / porters (tipping is expected).
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned in the 'Price Includes' section.

Q. Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival?

A. Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying an Himalaya Discovery Adventures sign board outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by our tourist vehicle.

Q. When is the best time to travel to Nepal?

A. For the trekking regions of the Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, Jumla Rara Lake, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Manaslu we recommend the periods February to May and September to December as the best time for travelling.

  •  For trekking in Mustang or Dolpo region we recommend May to September.
  • The Poon hill  trek  in the Annapurna region takes place throughout the entire year.
  • Cultural tours takes place throughout the entire year. For the best mountain views the periods February to May and September to December are recommended.

Q. How is the climate (temperatures) during the seasons?

A. Winter – January and February. Pleasant temperatures. The nights, mornings and evenings can, however, be quite cold (approx. 0°C – 5°C. Throughout the day, it is mostly sunny with cooler temperatures (approx. 18°C – 20°C).

Spring – March to May. Hot and dry pre-monsoon season (approx. 25°C – 30°C during the day, and approx. 7°C – 20°C at night). May is the hottest month in the lowlands. June is the hottest month in the mountains.

Summer – Monsoon from June to August (approx. 28°C – 30°C during the day, and approx. 20°C at night). Strong rainfall, continuous sultriness and high humidity.

Early autumn – From September the monsoon season is constantly interrupted by periods with only a slight rainfall. Towards the end of August the pauses in rainfall become more frequent and longer.

Late autumn – Post-monsoon season from October to December. The nights, mornings and evenings can be relatively cool (approx. 5°C – 10°C). During the day the sun shines and it is warm (approx. 20°C – 27°C).

Q. Where can I change money?

A. Any cash you have taken with you can be exchanged into Nepalese rupees at the banks, large hotels and the numerous bureau de changes.

Q. Can I use my mobile phone in Nepal?

A. The network coverage is meanwhile quite good in the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and other parts of the Terai (in the rural areas it is very unpredictable).

Basically, foreign SIM cards (providers having international roaming contracts with Nepal) can also be used. However, it is cheaper to buy a local SIM card (Mero Mobile, NTC (GSM) – for approx. NPR 500 or more) and top this up.

Q. Can I use the tap water for drinking and brushing teeth?

A. Tap water is not suitable for drinking in Nepal and it should not be used for cleaning your teeth, either. As there is often a scarcity of water in the countryside, water should be used very sparingly.

Q. What should I concern during my stay in Nepal?

A. Nepali people are very kind and friendly, but there are some things that you should be aware of:

  • Do not take photos of anyone without their permission; always ask permission first!
  • Do not wear hot pants/short paints or stylish clothes in the remote area! (shoulders and legs should be covered)
  • Do not wear hats or caps when you enter a chapel!
  • Do not touch Buddha statues or ritual offerings inside of a monastery!
  • Do not kiss or hug in public places, especially in monasteries!
  • Do not step across someone’s feet, cups or cooking gears!

Q. What documents do I need to visit Nepal?

A. A tourist visa is required for entering Nepal. The tourist visa can be applied for, for different lengths of stay. A visa is required for children under 10 years but no fee is charged. The entry to Nepal must take place within 6 months of issuing the visa.

Q. How much does the Visa for Nepal cost?

A. The fees for the tourist visa (fees valid since 16.07.2008) are staggered as follows:

  • 15 days (several entries possible)  $ 30 (approx. EUR 27.00)
  • 30 days (several entries possible)  $ 50 (approx. EUR 45.00)
  • 90 days (several entries possible)  $ 125 (approx. EUR 115.00)

An extension of the visa to a maximum of 150 days is possible (per year – January to December). The extension must be made at the Immigration Office in Kathmandu. A fee of $ 2.00 is charged in Nepalese rupees (NPR) per day of extension.

Q. Can I find a hospital with western doctors?

A. CIWEC Clinic with western doctors is located in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Tel. +977 1 442 4111, info@ciwec-clinic.com.

Q. Do I need an international health and travel insurance?

A. It is recommended taking out a travel and health insurance covering the following risks:- Emergency and personal accident transport/emergency evacuation (helicopter rescue, rescue costs in a case of illness or accident), medical and personal accident risks, repatriation, tour cancellation, damages and theft of baggage.

Q. What happens in bad weather periods?

A. There is virtually always a possibility of a flight delay or postponement owing to highly unpredictable weather conditions that may occur in Himalayan regions, in particular, in the Everest region (Lukla), Jomsom, Dolpo, Simikot and the Jumla region, etc.

When trekking in remote areas or those described above, and especially outside the trekking season, the clients are strongly advised to reserve extra days for making  allowance for possible delays, and thereby avoid any frustrating consequences. In the case of a delayed flight prior to commencing the tour, or at the end of the tour, the participants shall pay for their own accommodation, food costs, etc.

Q. Where can I store my unneeded luggage during trekking?

A. As a rule there is the possibility before commencing the trek, of depositing part of the baggage in the hotel in Kathmandu or in Pokhara.

Q. What kind of meals I can have during the trekking?

A. All Meals on full board basis will be provided during trekking. Freshly cooked food is served at all times (western, continental and Nepalese, Chinese, Indian and Tibetan meals are available in all places).

Q. Is there any communication while we are on trekking?

A. There are telephones in some villages along the trekking routes from which you can make international calls. All our guides are equipped with the local mobile phone. You may wish to pass the number of our guide to your family for the callback or you can make a call from the guide’s mobile and pay him directly for the international call too.

Q. Can I re-charge camera batteries along the trek?

A. Yes, Most of the places, you can charge batteries along the trek (per hour USD 2 – 3 for charging).

Q. What kinds of banking facilities in Nepal?

A. Nepal has modern banking facilities and some international banks even have offices in Kathmandu. Almost all foreign currencies along with credit cards such as American Express, Visa, and Master card are accepted in Nepal. Nepal has also ATM facilities as well.

The above information is a guide and standard template of what we provide. This itinerary can be customized according to the duration of your holiday. We have many options for shorter visits based on your interests and budget.

On an adventure trek of this type, weather, political strikes, transport or a multitude of other factors beyond our control can result in a change of itinerary. It is however very unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered; if alterations are necessary the leader will decide what is the best alternative, taking into consideration the best interests of the whole group. Where a change does occur, we do everything we can to minimize its effect, but we cannot be responsible for the results of changes or delays.

Trek Leader and Crew

Here at Himalaya Discovery, we firmly believe that the way to get the most out of your staff is to treat them well; a happy staff is a hard-working staff. And this belief manifests itself in every way we deal with our staff.

We employ only local leaders and staff to help sustain the local communities we work with. We provide training for all our staff and all our trek leaders are trained in the following as a minimum;

  •  Intensive Wilderness First Aid
  •  Trekking Guide Training
  •  Eco Trekking Workshop & Adventure Meet
  •  English Language
  •  Conservation & Biodiversity
  •  Rock & Ice Climbing & Mountaineering (for expedition leaders)

So, we can guarantee you your trip will be led by the best, most professional and experienced guides there are. All of our guides good English-speakers, All our guides are carefully selected for their experience, leadership skills and personal ability. We have learnt that effective leadership is a vital for a trip to be safe, enjoyable and successful.

In fact, not only are all our guides experienced working in these regions, but most of them actually grew up in these mountainous regions of Nepal. Its home for them, it’s in their blood. They’re not only ‘familiar’ with local communities and culture; they’re a part of them and they practice it. They truly love their home and relish getting the opportunity to show travellers.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Upper Mustang Trek
From $1,890.00
per Adult

Trip Facts

  • 16 Days
  • Moderate
  • 8 People Maximum
  • 4,135m.
  • 5 - 6 hrs.
  • Pokhara/Pokhara
  • Annapurna
Chhiring Sherpa - Trip Planner

“I was born and raised in Nepal, nearby Everest region. I am proud to be a native Sherpa, and I have been a Mountain guide over a decade now. Following my passion, I decided to start helping travelers with their travel plans! I think life is a journey, a trip where you collect experiences when you share with other people and with nature.”