Upper Mustang Classic Trek - 19 Days

Mustang · 19 Days

Upper Mustang Classic Trek - 19 Days

· Moderate · Max altitude 3,985m (13,074 ft) at Surkhang Village · Max group 2-10 people

Duration

19 Days

Max Altitude

3,985m (13,074 ft)

at Surkhang Village

Grade

Moderate

Lodging

Hotel + Lodge + Homestay

Overview

The Upper Mustang Classic Trek is a 19-day journey into the forbidden kingdom of Lo - the most authentic Tibetan culture still found anywhere outside Tibet itself. Closed to outsiders until 1992 and still requiring expensive restricted-area permits, Upper Mustang is a high-altitude desert kingdom with walled cities, cliff-carved sky caves, ancient monasteries, and a landscape of red cliffs and barren wind-sculpted hills that resembles the Tibetan plateau more than the rest of Nepal.

The trek visits the walled capital Lo Manthang, the Sky Caves of Choser, sacred Luri Gompa, Yara, Tange, Chuksang and finally Muktinath - a deep cultural pilgrimage through one of the most fascinating regions of the Himalayas.

Highlights

  • Visit the walled medieval capital of Lo Manthang
  • Explore the Sky Caves of Choser - thousand-year-old cliff-carved meditation chambers
  • Visit Luri Gompa - hidden cave monastery with ancient Buddhist murals
  • Cross the dramatic red cliffs of Dakmar village
  • Ghar Gompa - one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Nepal
  • Walk through villages of Samar, Syangbochen, Yara, Tange and Chuksang
  • Reach the sacred Muktinath Temple at trek's end
  • Trans-Himalayan landscape unlike anywhere else in Nepal
  • 25-minute scenic flight Pokhara to Kathmandu

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

🍽 Welcome dinner

Hotel transfer.

Day 2

Kathmandu Sightseeing

🍽 Breakfast

Visit Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath.

Day 3

Kathmandu to Pokhara

⏱ 25-min flight 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to Pokhara, enjoy lakeside.

Day 4

Pokhara to Lete (2,470m)

⏱ Jeep 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Drive through the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Lete.

Day 5

Lete to Samar (3,660m)

⏱ 2 hrs jeep + acclimatization hike 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enter Upper Mustang. Afternoon hike above the village.

Day 6

Samar to Syangbochen (3,800m) via Chungsi Rangjung Cave

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the mystical Chungsi cave - Guru Rinpoche's meditation site.

Day 7

Syangbochen to Dakmar (3,820m)

⏱ 6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Pass through traditional villages to red-cliff Dakmar.

Day 8

Dakmar to Lo Manthang (3,840m) via Ghar Gompa

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit Ghar Gompa (Lo Gekar) - oldest monastery in Nepal - and arrive at the walled capital.

Day 9

Explore Lo Manthang

🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit Thubchen, Jampa and Chodey monasteries inside the city walls.

Day 10

Lo Manthang to Choser Village via Thinkar

⏱ Half day 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the Sky Caves of Choser.

Day 11

Choser to Kuncholing Hiking, Return to Lo Manthang

⏱ 4-5 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Amazing landscape structure hike.

Day 12

Lo Manthang to Yara (3,650m)

⏱ 6-7 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek east through desolate canyons.

Day 13

Yara - Day Hike to Luri Gompa

⏱ 5-6 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit ancient Luri cave monastery and Tashi Kabung chortens.

Day 14

Yara to Tange (3,440m)

⏱ 7-8 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long walk through remote canyons.

Day 15

Tange to Chuksang (3,063m)

⏱ 7-8 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cross multiple dry riverbeds and ridges.

Day 16

Chuksang to Muktinath (3,800m) via Tetang

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Reach the sacred Muktinath Temple.

Day 17

Muktinath to Jomsom via Lubra Village

⏱ 5-6 hours hiking 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Walk via Bonpo village Lubra.

Day 18

Jomsom to Pokhara by Jeep

⏱ 7 hours 🍽 Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Long jeep ride back to Pokhara.

Day 19

Pokhara to Kathmandu

⏱ 25-min flight 🍽 Breakfast

Return to Kathmandu.

Ready to walk this?

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What's included

Included

  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) in clean hotels, teahouses and homestays
  • Accommodation in clean rooms throughout
  • Special Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit
  • All land transportation by jeep
  • English-speaking guide with knowledge of Mustang language and culture (food, accommodation, salary, insurance included)
  • 1 porter for every 2 trekkers (insurance included)
  • Domestic flight tickets (Kathmandu-Pokhara return)
  • All government and local taxes
  • Helicopter evacuation arrangement (paid by your insurance)

Not included

  • International flights and Nepal visa
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Wi-Fi and hot showers
  • Donations to monasteries
  • Food and accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Hard drinks and soft drinks
  • Tips for guide and porters
  • Personal trekking equipment

Trek guide

Into the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo

Upper Mustang - historically the Kingdom of Lo - is one of the most culturally and visually distinctive regions in Nepal. Pressed against the Tibetan border, the area was an independent Tibetan kingdom until annexation by Nepal in the 18th century, and the people - known as Loba - still preserve ancient Tibetan language, customs and Buddhism.

The kingdom remained closed to foreigners until 1992 and still requires a USD 500+ per week restricted-area permit. The 19-day Classic Trek is the most complete way to experience the region, visiting both the famous Lo Manthang capital and the remote eastern villages (Yara, Tange, Chuksang) that fewer visitors reach.

Lo Manthang

The walled city of Lo Manthang (3,840m) is the medieval capital, built in the 1380s and still surrounded by its original mud walls. Inside are three major monasteries - Thubchen, Jampa and Chodey - all containing centuries-old murals and statues. The former royal palace stands in the center. Walking the narrow streets feels like time travel.

Sky Caves of Choser

A short drive or hike from Lo Manthang, the Sky Caves of Choser are thousand-year-old cliff-carved meditation chambers stacked vertically into red sandstone walls. Some caves reach five stories. The Jhong Cave is the most accessible to visitors.

Luri Gompa

Hidden in a sandstone cliff near Yara village, Luri Gompa is one of the oldest cave monasteries in Mustang, with ancient Buddhist murals still visible.

Geography

Upper Mustang sits in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, making it dry year-round - one of the few Himalayan treks possible in monsoon. The landscape is high-altitude desert with red cliffs, eroded canyons and sparse vegetation. Most trekking is between 3,500-3,900m.

Permits

  • Special Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang (USD 500 for 10 days, USD 50 per additional day)
  • ACAP

Minimum 2 trekkers and licensed guide mandatory.

Altitude

Highest sleeping point: 3,985m at Surkhang. Moderate altitude exposure throughout - no high passes.

Best Season

Upper Mustang is trekable nearly year-round due to the rain shadow:
- March-May: Spring with mild temperatures
- June-August: Monsoon (dry here while rest of Nepal is wet) - excellent off-season choice
- September-November: Best visibility
- December-February: Cold but possible

Fitness

Moderate. 5-7 hours daily on desert and mountain trails. No technical sections.

Packing list

Clothing: Down jacket -10°C, fleece, waterproof shell, 3 trekking shirts, 2 trousers, thermal layer, 5 pairs socks, sun hat (essential), beanie, buff, dust scarf for windy days

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp shoes

Accessories: 50L daypack, 70L duffel, -10°C sleeping bag, trekking poles, headlamp, glacier sunglasses (essential - high UV), 2L water, purification, power bank, adapter

Documents: Passport with visa, insurance, 6 photos (for permits), cash

Medical: First-aid kit, sunscreen SPF 50, lip balm SPF, painkillers, anti-diarrhoea

Frequently asked questions

How expensive is the Upper Mustang permit?
USD 500 for the first 10 days plus USD 50 per additional day. Included in the package price.

Can Upper Mustang be done in monsoon?
Yes - the rain shadow makes Mustang one of the only Nepali trekking regions practical in June-August.

How does Upper Mustang compare to Tibet?
Many travellers say it is the most authentic Tibetan culture still accessible - in some ways more preserved than central Tibet itself.

Is altitude sickness a concern?
Mild - no point above 4,000m, gradual acclimatization. Diamox optional.

Are lodges as good as Annapurna Circuit?
Variable - some excellent, some basic. Lo Manthang has good lodges. Remote villages (Yara, Tange) are very basic.

Is the trek physically hard?
Moderate. Long days but no technical sections.

Can I take photographs inside the monasteries?
Sometimes - always ask permission. Inside Lo Manthang's main monasteries, photography is often restricted or requires a fee.

What about cultural sensitivity?
Dress modestly, remove shoes at monasteries, walk clockwise around mani walls and stupas, ask before photographing people.

Will I see other foreign trekkers?
Yes but in small numbers - the permit cost keeps numbers low. You will mostly see other small groups.

How is the Tiji Festival linked?
Tiji Festival (usually late April or May) is held in Lo Manthang - see our Tiji Festival trek for festival-timed itineraries.

Still have questions? Talk to a guide →

Why book this with us

Senior local guides. Small groups. Honest pricing.

  • Departures led by a guide who grew up in the region.
  • Max 8 trekkers per group — no convoys.
  • 100% Nepali-owned. Profit stays in the valleys.
  • Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
  • Permits, internal flights and TIMS handled by us.
  • 24/7 in-country support during your trek.

From $2500

per person

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