Upper Mustang Trek
- Duration
- 14 Days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Max altitude
- 3,840 m · Lo Manthang
- Pricing
- Custom quote
At a glance
Overview
The Upper Mustang Trek takes you into the last remaining forbidden kingdom of Nepal, a remote and arid trans-Himalayan region bordering Tibet. Known as the "Kingdom of Lo," this unique desert-like landscape features dramatic canyon cliffs, ancient walled cities, centuries-old cave dwellings, and deeply preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture that has remained virtually untouched for centuries.
Trip highlights
- +Exploring the historic walled capital city of Lo Manthang and the King's Palace
- +Discovering ancient, mysterious sky caves carved into sheer cliff faces
- +Visiting centuries-old monasteries such as Chhaile, Ghar Gompa, and Thupten Sengye Gompa
- +Stunning otherworldly landscapes of wind-carved red cliffs, canyons, and barren Himalayan peaks
- +Experiencing unique Loba culture and traditions heavily influenced by Tibetan heritage
Know before you choose
Why this journey stands out
The defining experiences, trail character and route rhythm that make Upper Mustang Trek distinctive.
Signature experience
Exploring the historic walled capital city of Lo Manthang and the King's Palace
Discovering ancient, mysterious sky caves carved into sheer cliff faces · Visiting centuries-old monasteries such as Chhaile, Ghar Gompa, and Thupten Sengye Gompa
Trail character
Moderate · 3,840 m · Lo Manthang
A 14 days journey with a moderate trail profile, paced around the route's key elevations and experiences.
Sense of place
Trekking, Nepal
Travel through the landscapes and communities that define Trekking, supported by locally led interpretation throughout the journey.
Best suited to
Travelers ready for a moderate adventure
Ideal for guests who value exploring the historic walled capital city of lo manthang and the king's palace and discovering ancient, mysterious sky caves carved into sheer cliff faces and can commit 14 days to the experience.
Route rhythm
Your journey at a glance
- 01 · The openingArrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet the team, and review restricted-area permits and trek logistics.
- 02 · The heartCharang to Lo Manthang
Trek across the high desert plateau to the walled city of Lo Manthang.
- 03 · The finaleFly Jomsom to Pokhara, Return to Kathmandu
Fly to Pokhara in the morning and continue to Kathmandu by flight or road depending on arrangements.
Day by day
Your itinerary
01Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu, meet the team, and review restricted-area permits and trek logistics.
02Kathmandu to Pokhara
Travel to Pokhara and prepare for the early Jomsom flight.
03Fly Pokhara to Jomsom, Trek to Kagbeni
Take a morning mountain flight to Jomsom and trek through the Kali Gandaki valley to Kagbeni, gateway to Upper Mustang.
04Kagbeni to Chele
Enter the restricted Upper Mustang region and follow arid valley trails and cliffside villages to Chele.
05Chele to Syangboche
Cross high ridges and passes through Samar and dry Mustang landscapes to Syangboche.
06Syangboche to Ghami
Walk through open terrain, mani walls, and Mustang villages toward Ghami.
07Ghami to Charang
Pass long mani walls and red cliffs en route to Charang, known for its monastery and old palace ruins.
08Charang to Lo Manthang
Trek across the high desert plateau to the walled city of Lo Manthang.
09Explore Lo Manthang and Chhoser Caves
Explore Lo Manthang, monasteries, local settlements, and the Chhoser cave area by foot or local jeep.
10Lo Manthang to Drakmar
Begin the return route via high passes, red cliffs, and monastery landscapes toward Drakmar.
11Drakmar to Ghiling
Continue south through dry valleys and ridges to Ghiling.
12Ghiling to Chhuksang
Retrace the Mustang trail through villages and wind-carved valleys toward Chhuksang.
13Chhuksang to Jomsom
Exit the restricted region via Kagbeni and continue to Jomsom.
14Fly Jomsom to Pokhara, Return to Kathmandu
Fly to Pokhara in the morning and continue to Kathmandu by flight or road depending on arrangements.
Clear and transparent
What your trip covers
What's included
- +Airport pickup and drop-off
- +Domestic flights (Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara) or private jeep transfer options
- +Experienced English-speaking trekking guide and porters
- +Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek
- +Three meals a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) during the trek
- +Special Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (USD 500 per person for 10 days)
- +Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- +Guide and porter insurance, wages, and meals
- +Government taxes and official service charges
What's excluded
- -International flights and visa fees
- -Travel insurance covering emergency evacuation up to 4,500m
- -Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu or Pokhara
- -Personal expenses (hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, laundry)
- -Bottled or boiled water and extra snacks
- -Tips for guide, porters, and driver
- -Any other services not explicitly listed under What's Included
Before you go
Essential trip information
Best season
- +Spring and autumn are generally most reliable.
Recommended gear
- +Layered clothing
- +Trekking footwear
- +Waterproof outer shell
Permits
- +Applicable local permits are arranged before departure.