- Adventure-filled itinerary in one of the most preserved and iconic protected regions of Nepalese Himalayas.
- Fantastic views of surrounding landscape and sceneries including snow-covered peaks, rock formations, arid pastures, riverbeds, and more.
- Welcoming hospitality of locals and an educational experience of the ancient lifestyle in mountains.
- Traditional villages and settlements like Lo Manthang, Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Charang for a complete cultural experience of Mustang.
- Spiritual journey passing by numerous beautiful monasteries and shrines with Muktinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu and Buddhist temples in the country.
- Chooser caves, a majestic complex of cliffside caves holding historic and archeological significance.
- Opportunity to taste the local food, drinks, and snacks and witness life in the rural Himalayas.
Group Size 2+
Trip Grade Moderate
Best Season March - May, October - December
Accommodation Hotel/Tea House
Max Elevation 3840m
Meals Full Board
Transportation Private Vehicle/Flight
Trek Route Jomsom - Lomanthang- Ghami- Muktinath
Trip Highlights
Private Group Discount Cost
| Person(s) | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 Paxes | USD 1795 |
| 3 Paxes | USD 1745 |
| 4 - 6 Paxes | USD 1645 |
| 7 - 12 Paxes | USD 1625 |
| 13 - 18 Paxes | USD 1545 |
Upper Mustang Trek Overview
Upper Mustang Trek: A Journey to the Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal
Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal perfectly encapsulates this country’s cultural, natural, and geographical diversity with an opportunity to reach and explore the ancient Kingdom of Lho hidden in the Himalayas. Bordering Tibet in the north, this rural trail passes by beautiful villages, unique landscapes, and sublime adventure sections for trekking lovers will cherish.
Within two weeks of your Upper Mustang journey, you can admire and understand the hidden forms of nature, the love and hospitality of the locals, and the joy of exploring one of the most isolated areas in the world. The area of the Upper Mustang is a treasure that only a few have to behold, and this Upper Mustang trek is filled with some magical delights waiting just for you.
The journey to Upper Mustang Trek starts from the capital, Kathmandu. You’ll take a scenic drive from here to reach Pokhara. A scenic and thrilling domestic flight from Pokhara will see you reach Jomsom. Jomsom will be the starting point for the trek. From here you’ll trek to Kagbeni getting the first taste of the Mustang region.
Enter 15-Day Upper Mustang Trek from Kageni. Trekkers are delighted with a new atmosphere, environment, and scenery to accompany you for the next week. Passing by the villages of Chusang, Syangbuchem, Ghami, and Charang you’ll reach Lo Manthang on the seventh day of the trek. From the capital of the Ancient Kingdom of Lo, you can truly witness and appreciate the trek and the people living here. Returning to Jomsom, enjoy other fantastic settlements and views surrounding them to complete this trek of a lifetime in Upper Mustang.
The Upper Mustang region is the primary factor that Lonely Planet has picked Nepal in their list of must-visit places in 2022. Don’t miss this opportunity to complete one of the best treks in the world. Before you are a section beyond the Himalayas which evolved in isolation and trekking here is a dream for adventure-lovers around the world. 15 Days Upper Mustang trek package price ranges from USD1545 to USD1795.
More Travel Blogs/Guides for Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary
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Day
01
We’ll pick you up from your hotel early today. Your guide will help you with the last-minute preparation and cheks for the trek. We’ll take a short cab ride to reach the bus stop. Taking a tourist bus with other trekkers and ravelers we’ll head towards the beautiful Pokhara valley. Explore around the city region after reaching there. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day
02
We will take a morning flight to Jomsom. The views of the Annapurna Mountain ranges alongside the lovely landscape of the Mustang valley are sublime during the flight. After landing in Jomsom rest for the while and start the hike for the day to Kagbeni. It is a short trek. For the first day of walking in Nepal, Jomsom to Kagbeni is perfect. Overnight at a teahouse/lodge in Kagbeni.
Day
03
We will enter the Upper Mustang region today soon after leaving Kagbeni. our trail will be beside the Kali Gandaki River for most of today. For lunch, we will stop at a small settlement of Tangbe. White-washed houses, a vast gorge, and buckwheat and barley fields are the highlights of today’s trek. Also, be prepared to face some heavy winds during midday periods while trekking in Mustang.We will take a break in Chusang and reach Chele in the afternoon. Overnight at a teahouse/lodge in Chele.
Day
04
We have a moderate hike today consisting of two mountain passes namely Dajori La pass (3,775m) and Taklam La pass (3,624 m). The scenic mountain ranges and the magical Chungsi Caves will be the highlights of the day. We’ll descend to Sakmar village and continue on a ridge side trail towards Syangbuchen. Overnight at a lodge/teahouse in Syangbuchen village.
Day
05
we will gain further elevation on today’s trek. The mountain passes of Yamda La (3850m) and Nyi La (4010) should be exciting for trekking lovers. The trail is gifted with a truly unique landscape and scenery as we head near to Ghami. Ghami is a picturesque and comparatively large village in Upper Mustang surrounded by fields. Witness a beautiful sunset from the village and rest for the day. Overnight at a teahouse in Ghami.
Day
06
We have a short trek day but it is not short of fantastic experiences. Crossing the Ghami Khola suspension bridge we will follow the trail on the other side of it. You can stop and admire the Upper Mustang while walking past the Charang La pass (3870m). You can see the beautiful Charang Village from the pass. Rest for the day after reaching there. Visit the fortress and monastery in the evening. Overnight at a teahouse in Charang.
Day
07
We’ll reach the primary destination of the Upper Mustang trek today. The capital of the ancient kingdom of Lo, Lo Manthang, will be before us at the end of today’s walk. We will first drop down to the river canyon from Charang and continue on a trail crossing the river to Lo Manthang. The picturesque location of the fortified town is fantastic to gaze at from the distance. The town looks even more beautiful as we get near it. Rest for the day after arriving in Lo Manthang. Overnight at a teahouse in Lo Manthang.
Day
08
We have a full day of exploration around Lo Manthang and nearby Chhoser caves today. Visit the courtyards and intricate streets of Lo-Mantang to admire the lifestyle and culture of the locals here. We’ll also visit the monasteries and local museums while here to understand the Kingdom of Lo better. After a while, we will rent horses to the Chhoser caves just outside the town. These caves, known locally as Jhong caves, are fantastic formations in the cliffs made naturally over hundreds and thousands of years. The whole cave complex is over five stories high with different compartments used by the locals in different centuries here. Due to the archeological and historical significance of the Chhoser cave, it has been on the tentative list of UNESCO world heritage sites since 1996 AD. Return to Lo Manthang and rest for the day. Overnight in a lodge/teahouse.
Day
09
We’ll trek to Ghami today from Lo Mantang to kick off the return section of the Uupperpper Mustang trek. We will take a short stop in the iconic Ghar Gompa. Here lies the Lo Gekar Monastery where you can see centuries-old rock paintings amongst other Buddhist artifacts. Crossing the Chogo La Pass we will enter the Drakmar Valley. The sheer red cliffs here are must-see natural pieces of Mustang. Continue on the trail after taking some pictures here. We’ll reach Ghami in the afternoon. Overnight in a lodge/teahouse
Day
10
We’ll continue on our return trek to Samar from Ghami today. We will take brief stops in Ghilling and Syangboche before reaching Samar. The views are fantastic today as well and you can spend more time in your favorite places on the trail. Rest for the day after arriving at Samar in the afternoon. Overnight at a lodge/teahouse in Samar village.
Day
11
We have a short walk today to reach Chusang from Samar. Passing by Gyakar and Chele we will reach Chusang beside the confluence of Narshing and Kali Gandaki Rivers in the afternoon. As a very active farming community, you can also explore the farmlands and talk with the locals in your free time today. Spend the last night of the Upper Mustang trek in a teahouse at Chusang.
Day
12
We will exit Upper Mustang after reaching Kagbeni from Samar in the morning. We’ll stop for a while here and change the main trail towards Muktinath. The scenic mountain views from here include the Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna peaks. You’ll reach Muktinath in the late afternoon. Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple here. Thousands of Buddhist and Hindu Pilgrims visit the temple each year and it is one of the most significant temples in Western Nepal. Rest for the day after exploring the temple and surrounding places. Oernight at a lodge in Muktinath.
Day
13
For the last walking day of the trek, we will have a leisure walk to Jomsom and Muktinath. After reaching Kagbeni, join the main Annapurna circuit trail to Jomsom. Travelers also like to extend a day or more in their itinerary to explore Lower Mustang. Rest for the day after arriving in Jomsom. be ready to leave the magical Mustang through a morning flight tomorrow. Overnight at a lodge in Jomsom.
Day
14
Our flight to Pokhara will be in early today. Most domestic flights are during this period due to the favorable weather. After arriving at Pokhara rest for a while in your hotel and head out to explore the city. Phewa Lake, Pumdikot, World peace Caves, and Davi’s falls are some attractions you can visit in Pokhara Valley. You can also choose from several options of adventure sports like Bunjee, Ziplining, Paragliding, Ultralight Flights, and more here today. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day
15
We’ll drive back to Kathmandu to end the 15 days Upper Mustang trek today. With some amazing experiences, memories, and adventure you’ve completed an epic journey to the most amazing region in Tibet bordering the Himalayas of Nepal. We will have a celebratory dinner in Kathmandu with your trekking team.
Cost Inclusion
Accommodation
- Two nights Accommodation in Pokhara ( Hotel Splendid View with Breakfast)
- 12 nights accommodation in Upper mustang Trek
Meals
- All the meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner /the main course) while on the trek
Transportation
- Both way Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmadnu by Tourist bus ( if you ask we can arrange flight an extra cost)
- Both way Pokhara/Jomsom /Pokhara by Flight with airport tax
Extras
- Upper Mustang Special Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area ( ACAP) fees
- Professional & government licensed holder English Speaking Trekking Guide
- Porter (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation etc
- Sleeping bag
- Trekking Map
- First aid kit
- Water purification tablets for drinking water
- Cookies and seasonal fruits Everyday
- All government and Local Taxes
Not Included
- International Airfare
- Nepal Visa fee at Tribhuwan International Airport ( 15 Days USD$30, 30 Days USD$50 & 90 Days USD$125)
- Accommodation and Meals in Kathmandu
- Travel & Health Insurance
- All hard and soft table drinks such as Coke, Fanta, Beer, Water and deserts in trek
- International call/WIFI & Internet on trek
- Your trekking gear
- Tips for guides and porters
Trekking Information
Equipment Checklist for Upper mustang trek
Here is a general gear checklist for the trek for trekking in Upper Mustang.
Upper Body: –
A long-sleeve thermal base layer
Trekking shirt
Insulation layer
fleece jacket
Warm Down Jacket
Gloves
waterproof jacket
T-Shirt lightweight
Head: –
Beanie and ear warmers
Sunhat & Scarf
Headlights with extra batteries
Face: –
Sunglasses with UV protection
Sunscreen
Dust Masks
Lip Balm
Face /Body wipe
legs & Boots: –
Trekking Pants two pairs
waterproof jacket
Trekking boots
Sport Shoes
Gaiters
Crampons (If snow or Ice)
Slippers
Thermal Leggins
Underwear & thick Socks
Essentials Gear: –
Trekking pole
Sleeping bag
Towels
Raincoat
Water bottle
Backpack or Day pack
Toiletries: –
Quick drying towel
Toilet paper
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
soap
Shampoo
Small mirror
Nail cutter
Personal accessories: –
Money
Camera
Phone
Watch
Power bank
Extra batteries for the Camera
Extra: –
Diary & Pen
Books
Extra Passport copy and Photos
Binocular
Firsts Aid Kits
Note: The above list can be customized as per the seasons and necessity of the trekkers.
Upper Mustang Trek starting point
Your journey to Upper Mustang trek starts at Kathmandu. However, the trailhead to start the trek is in Jomsom. It is a small but popular town in the mustang region with a well-managed airport. You can fly or drive to reach Jomsom. However, we suggest you choose to fly as the road conditions are not ideal and you will save at least 2 days by doing so. There are some shops available to get your trekking equipment here.
Accommodations
Treks in the Annapurna region are popular for teahouses, a dominant accommodation option for travelers. A teahouse in the Mustang Valley is usually operated by the locals to serve trekkers with basic services. The rooms are generally simple and you will have the option to choose attached bathrooms in the lower elevations. Similarly, communal dining rooms are another feature of classic teahouses. You can expect a lot of local influence as you head more into the Upper Mustang region. Teahouses here are well managed even if they are less frequent in comparison to Everest or Annapurna Circuit.
Meals
Meals are provided by the teahouses you’ll be staying at during the trek. The food is simple and utilizes the organic local ingredients available in the region. Try some Thakali and Tibetan foods while you are here. You can find small shops, cafes, and occasional bakery’s during the trek as well. Similarly, most teahouses also sell energy bars, mineral waters, snacks, and drinks like shops from their front counters. You can find great dishes made with simple ingredients and Nepali-Tibetan mix cuisine during this trek.
Permits for Upper Mustang trek
You must have two permits to complete the Upper Mustang Trek. These are: –
1. Upper Mustang Restricted area permit: US $ 500 per person for 10 days US $ 50 for each additional day.
2. Annapurna Conservation area Permit (ACAP): US $ 30 per person for the duration of the trek.
You can apply for the permits at the NTB office in Kathmandu. Take your original passport and some pp-sized photos with you.
Best season to Trek Upper Mustang trek
The Upper Mustang trek can be done all year long with proper preparation and guidance. Each season promises a different set of experiences for travelers here. here are the four seasons in Nepal and what you can expect while trekking during these periods.
– March to May(Spring)
You can have a pleasant trek with plenty of Annapurna circuit trekkers along the way too during this time. The weather is pleasant and the views are sublime during these months.
– June to August(Summer)
You can expect some rain in the lower regions of the trail but you can enjoy a good trek once you enter Upper Mustang. As most other treks in Nepal is not as popular during these months, you can still find a healthy amount of visitors doing the Upper Mustang trek now.
– September to November(Autumn)
Another fantastic period to trek in Nepal. If you plan your itinerary well enough you will be just in time to witness the biggest national festivals of Nepal in Dashain and Tihar.
– December to February (Winter)
Be aware of the trail conditions and snow situations while trekking to Mustang during these months. We suggest you avoid harsh winter periods. The views are majestic, however, during the wintertime.
Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization
Altitude Sickness is a possibility but not a real concern for the Upper Mustang Trek. We have planned the itinerary in such a way that your body will have plenty of time to acclimatize to the elevation. Here are some tips to prevent altitude sickness.
– Drink plenty of water. Keep rehydrating at regular intervals.
– Get plenty of rest & sleep. Don’t push yourself too much while walking.
– Do warm-up exercises and stretching before starting the trek for the day.
– Try eating a balanced diet. Avoid too-much salty food and alcohol throughout the trek.
– If necessary, take the pills for Altitude sickness by consulting with your guide.
Trek Difficulties
The Upper Mustang Trek is only moderately difficult. It is a great trail to choose from for family adventures and holidays. Trekking guides are compulsory so you mustn’t worry about most things during the trek. Make sure you follow the instructions of the guide and ask for help when necessary. The routes are safe and well maintained as well. be aware of the high-intensity winds that you might face in the mid-day periods while trekking in the Mustang Valley.
Benefits of Choosing (HST)
- We are experienced. Our team has managed treks in the Upper Mustang region for well over two decades.
- Our guides are fluent in English, Nepali, and Local Tibetan dialects. They know the terrain, culture, people, and the Mustang District through & through.
- HST will provide you best value services for your money. No hidden cost, every step with HST is transparent and clear. We value our clients over profit any day.
- Your safety is the top priority while trekking with the HST team.
- We go the extra mile to assure you of a complete trekking experience in Nepal. HST is your ideal choice for trekking in Nepal.
Photo Gallery
FAQs on Upper Mustang Trek
1.
What are the electricity condition and can I charge batteries where I stay?
2.
Is Phone network Internet connectivity available throughout the trek?
3.
What is the tipping culture like in Nepal?
4.
How safe is Nepal and Mustang for Trekkers?
5.
Is last-minute booking available for this trek?
6.
What is the availability of ATMs, banks, and Money Exchange during the trek?
7.
Is travel insurance required for the Upper Mustang Trek?
8.
What is the Luggage limit for Jomsom Plane & Porter to carry?
9.
What permit is required for the Upper Mustang trek?
10.
Can I trek Upper Mustang solo?
11.
If I will be tired during the trek, can I use a Jeep?
12.
Do guides and Porters have Insurance?
13.
Can I fly to Pokhara/Kathmandu instead of riding a tourist bus?
14.
What documents do I need for the Upper Mustang trek?
Trip Review
Travel Year :
2017
Ric
Australian
Best experience trekking we’ve had!
We did the Upper Mustang Trek with Hilary Steps Trek and subsequently rebooked to do another one with them! If you’re looking for a professional outfit to take care of you, these guys are the best! We have done numerous treks in Nepal and tried a few companies but have to say Hari and his crew are a notch above!Everything was so easy and taken care of! They are trustworthy, friendly, professional and do everything they can to make sure you have a beautiful experience! Whether it’s your first time or if you’ve been there before and are looking for a new company to go with, try this company, you won’t be disappointed!
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