Incredible Upper Mustang Trek-

Duration: 17 Days   |   Based on 2 Reviews
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trip Style: Trekking
  • Transport: Aeroplane / Tourist Bus
  • Food: Full Board Plan
  • Accommodation: Hotel And Guest House
  • Group Size: 2+
  • Max Elevation: 3,840 m

Upper Mustang Trekking is a less crowded hiking area in the northern part of the Annapurna region. If you are interested in the Mountain people and their way of life, the Bon culture, and the Khamba history then surely the Upper Mustang trek is the place that you have to visit.

The upper Mustang trek is an alternative similar to the Tibetan plateau. It was officially opened in 1992. Particularly limited numbers of trekkers are allowed every year. The capital city is called Lo Manthang at an altitude of 3,840 m. The royalty fee of 500 USD is collected from every trekker for the improvement of the education, health, and sanitation of local people. It is a Himalayan rain shadow region and the best time of the year from May to September. The rest of the month is cold and harassing weather. The accommodation is well maintained nowadays and served good food. The occupations of locals are husbandry work and harvesting some potatoes, wheat, Barley, and Horse keeping. Mustang Treks require a minimum of 10 days from Kagbeni until return to Kagbeni or Muktinath.

Lo Manthang, the old capital, is reached in four days and at least one extra day should be spent here to soak in the sights and sounds of this unique walled settlement. Ponies are available for hire if you so desire. The return trip can either follow the same route as the one you took to enter or take an alternative route along the eastern bank of the Kali Gandaki which Global Adventure Trekking suggests in the itinerary. Once you are in Lo Manthang, you will have a day trip to Knchok Ling, founded in 2007, it is a remarkable series of caves sheltering some fine and extremely old paintings. It is 6 hours of walking to go and four to get back. Now you have the option to take a jeep drive to Knchok Ling and back. 

Upper Mustang Trek starts after taking the short Mountain flight to Jomsom from Pokhara in the morning. Trek through the Kaligandaki-the Holy River where you may find Saligram and fossils along the Kali Gandaki river bank. Till Kagbeni follow the popular Annapurna Circuit trek and take a left turn from Kagbeni for the Lo Manthang trek. Every year Tiji festival is celebrated in Lomanthang of Upper Mustang on the month of May 16th, 17th, and 18th in the courtyard of the Royal Palace. The road service is extended towards the Tibet border so you can have an overland Jeep tour to Upper Mustang around the year. 

Note: We can surely tailor a different Upper Mustang trek Itinerary to make the loop with changes in services that best assist your travel requirements. Please feel free to contact us to know about my Guide, porter, services, and about my company queries. We will be delighted to respond to your queries. 

Tiji Festival Departure:

The Tiji Festival is celebrated on the 5th, 6th, and 7th of May 2024.  Our Tiji festival trip departs from Kathmandu on the 30th of April 2024. Please lock on time and secure your holiday. Tiji Festival is an annual 3 days festival celebrated in Upper Mustang performing a Tibetan ritual and Mask dance. Global Adventure is ready to organize your trekking and tour to Upper Mustang with a Guide, Permit, Porters, necessary transport, and logistics.

Highlights

  • Trek through trans Himalayan region of Upper Mustang
  • Visit the palace in Lo Manthang and Chumig Gyatsa (Muktinath)
  • Visit the Thakail town of Kagbeni and Jomsom
  • Learn about the culture of Thakali, Bon, Khambas, and Tibetan tribes
  • Spectacular views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges

Outline Itinerary

Open All Days Close All Days
Day 01: Arrival and transfer to Hotel.

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, our company representative will receive you and transfer you to Hotel by private car.

  • No meals
  • Hotel
  • 1,350m

Trek gear checking and trek preparation day in Kathmandu and evening guide meeting.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • 1350 m

The tourist bus leaves early morning about 7 am from Kathmandu. It is a 200km ride through the Prithvi Highway with a scenic view of the Manaslu mountain range and some typical villages along the way. Alternatively, you may fly to Pokhara for an additional 95 US$ cost.

  • Full Board plan
  • Guest House
  • 830 m

Flight to Jomsom is between the Annapurna I and Dhaula Giri I Mountain (both are above the 8000m). You can experience a Mountian flight. These flights depart only in the morning because of the strong wind in Jomsom after 11 am. It is just a 25 minutes flight, starting at 6 am till 10 am.

  • Full Board Plan
  • Guest House
  • 2,780 m

 After having breakfast, we set off to enter Upper Mustang! The trail takes you along the Kali Gandaki River where the wind will contest us as it whistles up the valley gorge. In the Tangbe Village, you notice white-washed houses, settled among fields of buckwheat and barley. Apple gardens also take place in such landscapes. By following the ridge, you reach the village of Chele.

  • Full Board Plan
  • Guest House
  • 3,050 m

The difficulty level of the trek is on and off! Today you are crossing the Taklam La pass (3,624m) and the Darjori La pass (3,735m). But there are wonderful mountain views and fascinating caves along the way. After crossing the passes descends into Samar Village through the downhill ridge.

  • Full Board Plan
  • Guest House
  • 3,475 m

Trekking means walking up and down into nature. You have another pass the Yamada La (3,850m) as well as Chorten/Mani wall and interesting villages with their barley fields at a glance. Trekking through herbs to the Nyi Pass is 4,010m but from here you will descend down to Ghami where you spend the night. Ghami is a larger village in Upper Mustang and is beautifully located and surrounded by green fields.

  • Full Board Plan
  • Guest House
  • 3,500 m

The path could be greasy (depending on the time of the year) as we descend to a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola. The trail leads you to Mani walls (Tibetan Mantra carved on the boulders), and the Buddhist prayer flag. At the top of the Charang Chu canyon hanging above the village of Charang. Arrival and check-in Guest House.

  • Full Board Plan
  • Guest House
  • 3,560 m

Charang to Lo Manthang trek is about 11 km and most of the trek is on flat land. It is pleasant and easy to walk. Charang to Lo Manthang trails offers the perfect blend of remoteness, adventure, culture lushness, and natural beauty. The highest pass of the day is Lo La (3965m) and you can have the first glimpse of Lo Manthang. Arrival and check-in to the Guest House.

  • Full Board Plan
  • Guest House
  • 3,840 m

The Jhong cave in Upper Mustang is the most interesting place to visit. It is 5 stored buildings hanging on the cliff. There are more than 40 rooms inside the cave. Upper Mustang is the best civilization of the Monastery and Cave in Nepal. The views of the Chooser village are outstanding from the Jhong cave’s windows.

Optional: you may take a longer and further Konchok Ling cave towards to Tibetan border. This cave is new and found in 2007. A day trip to Konchok ling is an exciting trip and is becoming almost inaccessible due to the erosion. You have the option to visit Konchok Ling Cave, and rent a jeep at Lo Manthang to the cave and back is recommended. The views are extraordinary!!

  • Full Board Plan
  • Guest House
  • 3,840 m

Lo Manthang to Dakmar is 17km trek via Ghar Gumba. Along the way, you will have the beautiful sight of Red cliff. The Ghar Gumba was built in the 8th century by Padmasambhava. Upper Mustang is the unexploited area of the Annapurna region and Lo Manthang is the unique capital. The best time to visit Upper Mustang is from March to November. Snow-covered Mountian, Tibetan art and culture, Buddhist Monastery, Chortens, antique village and sky caves, and beautiful landscapes are the major attraction of the LO Manthang Trekking.

  • Full Board Plan
  • Guest House
  • 3,820 m

It’s another beautiful day of the Upper Mustang trekking. Dakmar to Ghiling is a 14km distance but the path is more up and down. On the way, you will be crossing the Ghami Khola to reach the beautifully surrounded high cliff and caves to Ghami village. 

  • Full Board Plan
  • Guest House
  • 3,570 m

Ghiling to Chhusang trek distance is 17km via Chungsi cave and Samar village. Most of the trek trails are flat and down. After crossing Syangboche La (3850m) follow the alternative route to visit the Ranching Chungsi cave near the gorge. Still, you have to pass Dajong La and Taklam La pass to reach Chhusang via Chele.

  • Full Board plan
  • Guest House
  • 3,050 m

Chhusang to Jomsom trek distance is 22km and this is the longest day of your entire trek. Most of the trek is flat and it is not difficult to accomplish. Today you are walking through the Kali Gandaki Bank and this trail is famous for finding fossilized ammonites ”Saligram” on this river bank. Remember if you find it too long then you may take a local jeep to Jomsom. 

  • Fare well Dinner
  • Hotel
  • 2715 m

After having a warm breakfast at Jomsom, you will walk to the airport, This is an amazing mountain flight of 25 minutes. All the flights are in the morning to Pokhara. Arrival and transfer to hotel. Afternoon, wellness day Fewa lake cruises.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • 810 m

After having a warm breakfast at Pokhara, drive to Pokhara airport and fly to Kathmandu. Arrival and transfer to Hotel and evening farewell dinner at a community base restaurant.

  • Breakfast
  • Hotel
  • 1350 m

 After having breakfast at the hotel, we will depart you to Kathmandu International Airport for your onward flight destination.

  • Breakfast
  • No

What's included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services by private vehicle
  • 3-night twin-sharing hotel accommodation in Kathmandu including breakfast
  • TIMS-Card (Trekker Information Management System)
  • Upper Mustang Restricted Area permit for 10 days
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit.
  • Kathmandu to Pokhara and back by Tourist coach
  • 11-night lodge/T- House Accommodation during the trek with full board meals.
  • Two-night accommodation in Pokhara with breakfast (Twin sharing)
  • Experienced English Speaking Trek leader (Gov. License Holder)
  • Porters 1 for each 2 clients
  • Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara flight tickets including departure tax.
  • Company guarantee for Gov”t Rescue Services
  • Insurance of Nepalese Staff.
  • Company services charge and local Tax
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Travel insurance which covers emergency high-altitude rescue and evacuation
  • Nepal Visa, International airfare, and airport departure tax
  • taking a Horse and Jeep cost is extra.
  • Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks, Internet, Laundry, and Telephone call.
  • Personal trekking equipment (it can be rented in Kathmandu/Pokhara)
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver (Tipping is expected.)
  • Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the "Price Include section"
  • Early arrival, late departure, early return back from the trek than scheduled itinerary, the cost of hotel, Lunch, and dinner will be on your own.

Price & Dates

Trip Dates Availability Price  
30 Mar, 2024 - 15 Apr, 2024 Guaranteed US$2500
Request a Private Date

The Upper Mustang Trekking is in the restricted area in the Annapurna region. Our fixed departure schedule trek focuses on the festival and the event is Upper Mustang, Please write back with your preferred time and we will suit the departure. The below departure dates are confirmed for solo and joining trek.

Useful Info

  • The itinerary is customizable as per your requirements
  • Please bring 2 passport-size photographs for your trekking permit.
  • Nepal entry visa; Arrival visa grants at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu on arrival (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying USD 30 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, a Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days can be obtained by paying USD 50 and 125 USD respectively. Please bring 2 copies of passport-size photos. You can apply for a Nepal entry visa online as well.
  • Your passport should have a six-month validity while traveling to Nepal.
  • Your travel insurance is mandatory for Upper Mustang Trek
  • Tiji festival falls 5th/ 6th and 7th of May 2024. If you would like to experience the Tiji festival please contact us 
  • Upper Mustang Trek is almost finished due to the insfrastructure of the road and new concrete buildings. It is recommended to choose the Overland Jeep tour.

Client Reviews

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DieuwCras, Netherlands

Upper Mustang Family Trekking

With our family of five (2×50+, 23, 21 and 16 years old) we enjoyed a fantastic 10 days trekking from ...

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Merry and Rob, Australia

Experience Lo Manthang Trek

We just want to say thank you very much GAT team for organizing our lifetime adventure trek into the last ...

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