Upper Mustang Trek

Duration: 18 Days
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Hard
  • Trip Style: Trekking
  • Accommodation: Budget Hotels & Mountain Lodges
  • Group Size: 2 to 14 persons
  • Max Elevation: 3,820m
  • Trip Route: Kathmandu – Pokhara – Jomsom – Kagbeni – Tsele – Synagbochen – Tsarang – Lo-Manthang – Dhakmar – Syangbochen – Chhusang – Muktinath – Jomsom – Pokhara - Kathmandu
  • Best Season: May to October
  • Permits Required: restricted area permit, ACAP and MCAP permit, TIMS Card

Explore the vastest of landscapes and otherworldly experiences in Upper Mustang. This trek in Upper Mustang takes hikers into the rural part of western Nepal, where the environment is similar to Tibet’s. It is an arid land, though full of beautiful, blossoming mountain flowers. The Kali Gandaki River’s pristine roaring waters bring life to the area. You will find great pleasure in hiking on this unique trail. The former Lo Kingdom seems to be undisturbed by the passing of time. You will be blow away by the mysterious caves, suspended several dozen meters high into the side of a cliff. Equally spectacular is the Tibetan culture found in the area. You will find the people to be most kind and inviting. The Upper Mustang area, which used to be a yak caravan route to trade with Tibet, was opened to foreigners in 1992.

The route to Upper Mustang takes you along the Kali Gandaki River. Wearing open trekking sandals will make crossing shallow waters more pleasant. You should consult with your travel expert at The Trekkers’ Society about this – advice may vary according to season.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (1,345m):
  • Day 02Discover Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
  • Day 03Drive to Pokhara (Kathmandu to Pokhara (204km) Approx 6 to 7 hours):
  • Day 04Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (Pokhara to Jomsom (approx. 20 minutes flight),Jomsom to Kagbeni: About 3 hours trek ):
  • Day 05Trek to Tsele (Kagbeni to Tsele: Approx 6 hours trek):
  • Day 06Trek to Syangboche (Tsele to Syangboche: approx. 7 hours ):
  • Day 07Trek to Tsarang (Syangboche to TsarangL Approx 6 hours)
  • Day 08Trek to Lo-Manthang (Tsarang to Lo-Manthang: Approx 6 hours):
  • Day 09Exploration and observation at Lo-Manthang
  • Day 10Visit to Chhoser Cave:
  • Day 11Trek back to Dhakmar via Ghar Gompa (Loghekar Monastery)(Lo-Manthang to Drakmar: approx. 8 hours ):
  • Day 12Trek back to Shyangbochen (Drakmar to Shyangbochen: 5-6 hours )
  • Day 13Trek back to Chhusang (Shyangbochen to Chhusang: approx. 3 hours):
  • Day 14Trek to Muktinath (3,710 Meters). About 8 hours (Chhusang to Muktinath: approx. 8 hours):
  • Day 15Trek to Jomsom
  • Day 16Fly back to Pokhara:
  • Day 17Drive back to Kathmandu ( Pokhara to Kathmandu by vehicle: 6-7 hours , Pokhara to Kathmandu flight: 20 minutes (+ airport check in time):
  • Day 18Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport:

Useful Information

Tradition & Culture in Mustang

The people of Upper Mustang call themselves Loba meaning people from Lo. Here, the people herd yaks, raise goats and sheep, and farm buckwheat, barley, wheat and mustard. The harsh climate conditions only allow one crop per year; at most two crops in the lower parts. In general, many people from Mustang leave to lower altitudes during the bitter cold winter months… the frequent migration has caused declining population in Mustang, amongst many other rural parts of Nepal.

In Mustang, people follow Tibetan Buddhism of the Sakya lineage. Although one can find gompas of Gelug and Nmuyingma school too. Sakya followers paint their religious structures like monasteries and stupas n stripes of grey (symbol of protection), white (symbol of compassion) and yellow (symbol of wisdom); a pattern that is repeated throughout the Mustang region, alongside ochre and white chortens and red-walled gompa buildings. The colours used are from the natural pigments from the earth itself found in Mustang.

Accommodation during this trip

During your Upper Mustang Trek you will stay in simple guesthouses along the route and enjoy the comforts of 4 or 5 star hotels in the major cities.

Meals & Drinking Water

Main meals are included in the package. You may want to bring with you some extra energy snacks for during your trek. It is recommended to carry a refillable water bottle to reduce the amount of plastic on the trails. You can fill this up from local water sources that are usually quite clean – to take precautions, consider having a UV steriliser pen or purification tablets.

Transport

All transport will be included in the package, except for international flights. Please discuss with your travel expert at The Trekkers’ Society what kind of transport you prefer to take between Kathmandu and Pokhara and the return.

Best season to travel to Mustang

The best season to travel to Mustang is between May and October. Although this is the rainy season in Nepal, in the higher altitudes like Mustang, the climate is dry and temperatures are bearable. Traveling during the winter months is not possible – not even the locals stay there!

Visa & Mustang Travel Permits

Nepal tourist visa applies. You will also need to apply for a TIMS Card and ACAP.

Please see the travel information section for more information.

To trek inside Mustang you will need a “Restricted Area Permit” which costs US $500 for the first 10 days per person, and US $50 per day after 10 days, per person.

Start planning your trek to Upper Mustang with one of our travel experts at The Trekkers’ Society >> click here (link to inquiry / booking form)

Or stay up to date on new itineraries, special offers and news from The Trekkers’ Society Nepal.