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Overview

Experience a journey back in time with the Upper Mustang Trek, a premier cultural trek in Nepal that remained hidden from the world until 1992. Often referred to as the “Forbidden Kingdom of Lo,” this region offers an unparalleled glimpse into preserved Tibetan traditions, set against a backdrop of dramatic, high-altitude desert landscapes.
Unlike the lush greenery typically associated with Himalayan trekking, Upper Mustang is a rugged, semi-arid wonderland. Located in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, it is one of the few regions where you can enjoy a Nepal holiday during the monsoon season (June to August) without the rain.
The journey typically begins in Kathmandu for preparation and sightseeing, followed by a flight or drive to the lakeside city of Pokhara. From there, a breathtaking mountain flight takes you to Jomsom, the gateway to the trek. Flying to Jomsom is highly recommended to bypass the long, dusty road journey and maximize your time in the “Forbidden Kingdom.”

Trip Highlights

  • Visit a remote Buddhist kingdom, only opened to outsiders after 1992.
  • Explore Lo Manthang, the medieval walled capital city at 3,800 m.
  • Walk through traditional Tibetan influenced villages with preserved culture and daily life.
  • Experience a dramatic high-altitude desert with colorful rock formations and cliffs.
  • Enjoy the views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri along the trail.
  • Trek through a unique landscape unlike other trekking routes in Nepal.
  • Visit ancient monasteries, like Ghar gompa renowned for one of the oldest and the most sacred monasteries in th world, chortens, and mani walls along the trail.
  • Discover thousands of ancient colorful cliff caves once used for living, meditation, and burial.
  • Walk along the sections of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
  • Visit sacred Muktinath Temple, important to both Buddhists and Hindus pilgrimage.
  • Witness the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang (Mid-May), with colorful dressed and masked dances and rituals.

Trip Infos

Duration

20 Days

Trip Grade

Beginner

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

Transportation

Bus/Jeep and Flight

Diffifulty

Easy

Meal

Full Board

Group Size

2-10

Accomodation

Star Hotel, Teahouse and Camping

Detailed Day-to-Day Itinerary

Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to HotelnUpon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, our staff will warmly welcome you outside the terminal, holding a placard with Himalayan Travelers Trek & Expedition. You will be greeted with an auspicious garland and transferred to your hotel by a private tourist vehicle. At the hotel, our representative will assist you with check-in and conduct a pre-trip meeting.

Trek Preparation DaynA day to prepare for the trek, rest, and adjust to the journey. Enjoy the atmosphere of Boudhanath or Thamel, do last-minute shopping, and organize your luggage into a trekking bag and a mountaineering bag.

Drive to Pokhara (6-7hrs)nThe drive takes us out of the Kathmandu Valley along the Prithvi Highway. En route, we follow the Trishuli River, one of Nepal’s most popular rafting rivers. Upon arrival in Pokhara, check in to your hotel and enjoy a stroll around Phewa Lake, boating, or simply relaxing.

Fly/Drive to Jomsom (25-35min) and Trek to Kagbeni (4-5hrs)nA scenic short flight offers spectacular views of hills and mountains. After arriving in Jomsom, we trek to Kagbeni via Lubra Village, one of the hidden Bon villages of Lower Mustang. Explore Kagbeni, a traditional Tibetan village and the gateway to Upper Mustang.

Kagbeni – Tangbe – Tetang – Chhusang (1.5hrs drive) 5 hrs hikenAfter breakfast, Upper Mustang permits are checked before driving to Tangbe and hiking to Tetang. Tangbe is entered from below through beautiful chortens and a ruined fort. Tetang, one of the best-preserved villages of the Shoyul region, offers stunning views when approached from above. We then continue trekking to Chhusang, passing whitewashed houses and buckwheat and barley fields.nThroughout the journey, we encounter Rigsum Gonpo (the Three Protectors), representing the three bodhisattvas: Jampelyang (Manjushri – wisdom, red), Chenresig (Avalokiteshvara – compassion, white), and Chana Dorje (Vajrapani – power, blue). These protect villages from spirits of the sky, earth, and underground.

– Samar via Ghyakar (5-6hrs)nWe cross the Kali Gandaki River and trek through steep, barren terrain beside copper-red canyons. We visit Ghyakar village and monastery before continuing through a series of ascents and descents to Samar.

Samar – Shyangboche/Ghiling 6-7hrs)nToday’s trek includes challenging ups and downs. We visit Chungsi Cave, a sacred pilgrimage site where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated in the 8th century. The cave is naturally formed in a cliff. We then continue to Shyangboche or Ghiling.

Shyangboche/Ghiling – Ghami/Dakmar (6hrs)nAfter breakfast, we follow an alternative route toward Ghami. The trail winds through semi-arid desert hills with narrow paths and panoramic Himalayan views. This route offers deep insight into Tibetan plateau villages, landscapes, culture, and natural beauty.

Ghami – Drakmar – Ghar Gumba – Direct to Lo Manthang (6-7hrs)nCrossing the steel bridge over Ghami Khola, we walk along the longest mani wall in Upper Mustang and pass many chortens to reach Drakmar, famous for its red cliffs and dramatic scenery.nFrom here, we ascend toward Ghar Gumba (Lo Gekar Monastery), the oldest monastery in Upper Mustang and in the world, linked to Guru Rinpoche and Samye Monastery in Tibet. Legend says the red cliffs of Drakmar were stained by the blood of a slain demon, and its intestines formed the long mani walls.

Chrang – Lo Manthang (3.5-4hrs)nWalking along a mostly flat and wide motorable road, we gradually ascend to a windy pass offering the first glimpse of the walled capital of Lo Manthang. We then descend to reach our destination.

Explore Lo Manthang (Monasteries Tour)nLo Manthang, founded in 1380 by Ame Pal, is the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo. It features whitewashed mud-brick walls, royal palaces, and ancient monasteries. Key sites include Jampa Lhakhang (the oldest), Thubchen Gompa, Chodey Gompa, and Choprang Gompa (New Gompa).

Lo Manthang – Choser (4-4.5hrs)nWe trek to Choser, have lunch, and explore the Choser Valley. The area is rich in Tibetan villages, caves, and monasteries. Highlights include Jhong Cave and the deep-red Gharphu Gompa built into the rock face.

Choser – Konchok Ling – Lo Manthang (6-7hrs)nAfter breakfast, we visit Konchok Ling Cave, famous for its exquisite murals depicting Vajradhara, Avalokiteshvara, Tara, and Mahasiddhas. The cave is located at a steep and exposed height, requiring care. The route offers ancient chortens, dramatic landscapes, and one of the most beautiful walks in Mustang.

Lo Manthang – Yara (5-7hrs)nWe follow the route toward Tsarang until near Sungdha Chorten, then take a left trail over small hills to Udi Danda Pass. From the pass, enjoy panoramic views of colorful cliffs and mountains. Descend to Dhi Village for lunch and exploration, then cross the Kali Gandaki River and continue along Puyung Khola to Yara.

Explore Tashi Kabum, Luri Gompa, Gharagaon – Return to Yara nA cultural exploration day visiting Tashi Kabum and Luri Gompa. Tashi Kabum is located high on a cliff and requires careful access. Inside, a white chorten stands beneath auspicious symbols. Luri Gompa, a cave monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu sect, features delicate murals and a central chorten surrounded by painted Mahasiddhas. After lunch in Gharagaon, return to Yara.

Yara – Chrang (Tsarang) (5-6hrs)nChrang is a peaceful village surrounded by chortens and mani walls, with narrow stone alleyways and whitewashed houses. It is the second-largest village in Mustang and known for its terraced fields and friendly locals.

Drive Back to Jomsom (5hrs): Last day celebration in Jomsom with all team.

Fly to Pokhara and Drive to Kathmandu (30mflight/6-7hrs drive)

Leisure Day in Kathmandu: Make last minute shopping for souvenir and gifts for the family and friends.

Departure from Kathmandu: According to your flight schedule, drive to Tribhuvan International Airport for the final departure to the homeland.

Want to Customize Your Trip?

We can tailor this trek to your schedule, comfort level, and interests.

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What's Included & Excluded

What's Included

  • All arrival and departure transfers in Kathmandu.
  • Experience trekking guide, Assistant guide and porters.( if we organize camping trek) Cook and support Cooks.
  • 4 Nights Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu on BB Plan, Teahouse and Camping during the trek.
  • Full board service in a lodge during the trek.
  • All transportation by bus, jeep and plan from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.
  • Guide and porters Food, salaries, insurance, transportation and all other equipment facilities to the staffs.
  • Permits: Special Mustang trekking permit, and ACAP permit.
  • Government tax and Local agency service charge.

What's Excluded

  • International airfare and Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Insurance: Personal insurance, medical, travel insurance and emergency rescue coverage.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • Bar and beverage bills like wines, beers, coke, sprite, mineral water, tips etc.
  • Personal trekking gears.

Essential Information

Why Choose an Upper Mustang Nepal Trek?

Unlike the lush green forests of southern Nepal, the Upper Mustang altitude (averaging between 3,000m and 3,800m) reveals a stunning semi-arid desert. You will navigate a landscape of wind-sculpted spires, red-rock cliffs, and ancient cave dwellings, all framed by the towering peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri.

  • Cultural Isolation: Explore Lo-Manthang, the walled capital where the "Raja" (King) of Mustang still maintains his residence.

  • Unique Landscapes: Trek through the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki, into a high-altitude wilderness that feels more like Tibet than Nepal.

  • Spiritual Heritage: Visit the Choedhe Monastery and the ancient cave monasteries that have sheltered monks for generations.

Best Seasons to Visit Upper Mustang

  • March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn) are ideal.
  • June to August is also possible due to its location in the rain-shadow.

Permits and Preparation for Upper Mustang

To trek in Upper Mustang, you’ll need a few permits:
  • Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Mandatory for all foreign trekkers.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required for entering the Annapurna region.
  • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card: Essential for safety and trekking management.

Iconic Festivals of Mustang

Planning your holiday in Nepal around local festivals offers a deeper connection to the land:

  • Tiji Festival (May): A three-day "Tenchi" ritual in Lo-Manthang. Monks perform masked dances to celebrate the victory of good over evil, re-enacting the myth of a son saving the kingdom from a demon.
  • Yartung Mela (August/September): A high-energy "end of summer" celebration. It features thrilling horse racing, traditional dancing, and archery, marking the completion of the harvest.

Upcoming Fixed Departures

Trip Name Departure Date Status Price Action
Upper Mustang Trek Apr 5, 2026 Filling Fast $0 Join Trip

Customer Reviews

Julien Fumard
Julien Fumard

From: Google Review

Traveled as: Upper Mustang Trek

Last year (2023) I went to document the drought in Upper Mustang, once again with Himalayan Travellers. This time only with a guide. And what a guide! Kumari was not only an awesome person but also super dedicated to the project and a great translator for the many interviews we had to do. Everything was once again flawless! There are so many agencies in Nepal, I met quite a handful of them for my many treks, but this is the one I will continue working with for my future projects. Thanks for the quality work and the good mood! :-)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Upper Mustang trek typically starts in Jomsom, a town in the Kali Gandaki Valley accessible by flight from Pokhara.

The beauty of Upper Mustang lies in its stark and dramatic landscapes, which are unlike any other in Nepal. The regionu2019s desert-like terrain, with its multicolored rock formations and deep ravines, contrasts sharply with the lower Annapurna regionu2019s lush green valleys and snow-capped peaks.rnBeyond its physical beauty, Upper Mustang is also culturally rich. Ancient monasteries, caves, and the walled city of Lo Manthang offer glimpses into a way of life that has remained unchanged for centuries.

The Upper Mustang trek is moderately challenging, with the main difficulties stemming from the high altitude, rugged trails, and strong winds that sweep through the region. The highest point on the trek reaches about 4,200 meters (13,780 feet), which can be challenging for those not acclimatized to such elevations. However, with proper preparation, a good level of fitness, and adequate acclimatization, most trekkers find the journey both manageable and rewarding.

The trek reaches altitudes around 3,800m to 4,000m near the passes and cave sites like Konchok Ling.

You will stay in traditional tea houses. In places like Lo Manthang and Tsarang, these are often cozy, family-run lodges reflecting Tibetan architecture.

Starting from

€2,385

Per Person (Group Join)

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