Upper Mustang Trek

Trip Budget USD $2200 (per person)
Trip Duration 16 Days
Trip Grade Medium
Highest Altitude 4,200 m
Accomodation Tea Houses, Monastery, Guest House
Transportation Jeep and Bus
Group Size 2 Min - 12 Max
Best Season (March to May) and autumn (September to November)

Upper Mustang Trek - Brief Insight

The Upper Mustang Trek takes you to the remote and mystical region of Mustang, often referred to as the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal. This trek reaches a maximum altitude of 4,200 meters at Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital of Mustang. The journey passes through dramatic desert landscapes, deep canyons, colorful rock formations, and ancient Tibetan-influenced villages. You'll explore centuries-old monasteries, caves, and traditional Buddhist culture, while witnessing panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri peaks. This trek is ideal for those seeking a unique blend of adventure, history, and Tibetan culture in one of Nepal’s most exclusive trekking destinations.

Highlights of Upper Mustang Trek

Explore Lo Manthang – The ancient walled city with a royal palace and rich Tibetan heritage.
Desert-like Landscapes – Experience Mustang’s wind-swept valleys, deep gorges, and red cliffs.
Ancient Monasteries & Caves – Visit Chhoser Caves and centuries-old Buddhist monasteries.
Tibetan Culture & Traditions – Witness colorful festivals, prayer flags, and traditional lifestyles.
Scenic Flight to Jomsom – Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Kali Gandaki Gorge – Trek through the world’s deepest gorge, nestled between towering peaks.
Restricted Region Permit – A special permit ensures an exclusive and less crowded trekking experience.

Outline Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals : Nepali Food
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel and relax. Explore the vibrant streets of Thamel if time permits.
Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara to Lete
Highest Altitude : (2,480m).
Meals : Nepali: Organic Food
Take a scenic 25-minute flight to Pokhara, enjoying breathtaking mountain views. From Pokhara, hop into a jeep for a picturesque 6-hour drive to Lete, passing through lush valleys and the famous Tatopani hot springs.
Day 3: Acclimatization & Exploration in Lete
A day to acclimate! Hike to Titi Lake and Kharka, soaking in stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna.
Day 4: Lete to Ghami
Highest Altitude : (3,560m).
Meals : Nepali: Organic Food
A 3.5-hour jeep ride takes you to Ghami, passing through Samar, an awe-inspiring landscape of rugged cliffs and deep gorges.
Day 5: Ghami to Dakmar
Highest Altitude : 3,820m.
Meals : Nepali: Organic Food
A 3-hour trek through vivid red rock formations and apple orchards. Explore the unique culture of Dakmar village.
Day 6: Dakmar to Lo Manthang
Highest Altitude : (3,840m).
Dakmar to Lo Manthang (3,840m) via Ghar GompaTrek via Ghar Gompa (3,930m), one of the oldest monasteries with deep Tibetan Buddhist influence.
Day 7: Lo Manthang to Surkhang
Highest Altitude : (3,985m).
Meals : Nepali: Organic Food
A 4-hour trek takes you deeper into the forbidden kingdom, with visits to traditional apple farms along the way.
Day 8: Surkhang to Dhee Village
Highest Altitude : (3,920m).
Meals : Nepali Food
Take a short hike to Dhee, an authentic Mustangi village, and experience warm hospitality in a homestay.
Day 9: Surkhang to Yara
Highest Altitude : (3,650m).
Meals : Nepali: Organic Food
A 3-hour trek to Yara, offering incredible views of canyons and ancient cave dwelling
Day 10: Yara to Ghara
Highest Altitude : (3,770m).
Meals : Nepali: Organic Food
Hike for 5-6 hours to visit Luri Gompa, an ancient Buddhist monastery built inside a cave, and explore the Tashi Kabung Chortens. Return to Yara for the night.
Day 11: iYara to Tange
Highest Altitude : (3,340m).
Meals : Nepali Food
A long but rewarding 7-8 hour trek through vast landscapes and river valleys.
Day 12: Tange to Chuksang
Highest Altitude : (3,067m).
Another day of scenic trekking (7-8 hours), passing remote settlements and barren high-altitude terrain.
Day 13: Chuksang to Tetang to Muktinath
Highest Altitude : (3,800m).
Meals : Nepali: Organic Food
Trek for 5-6 hours and arrive at Muktinath, a revered pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Day 14: Muktinath to Pokhara
Meals : Nepali: Organic Food
In the morning before embarking on a 7-8 hour scenic jeep ride back to Pokhara. Stay at Three Jewels Boutique Hotel.
Day 15: Pokhara to KathmanduFly
Meals : Nepali: Organic Food
Back to Kathmandu in 25 minutes and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 16: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying unforgettable memories of Upper Mustang.

What is included in Upper Mustang Trek

  1. Accommodation in nice and wonderful hotels and homestays (clean) and single room for 1 person.

  2. Food in good and hygienic hotels, tea houses, and homestays.

  3. Lower Mustang Annapurna region permit fees and Upper Mustang special restricted area permit fees.

  4. Government tax and office documentation service charge.

  5. Trekking guide salary and 3 porters' service salaries.

  6. All land jeep transportation with 3 people in one jeep during the whole trek.

  7. Kathmandu hotel stay before and after the trek, one night each.

  8. Farewell dinner.

  9. First aid kits.

  10. Hot showers.

  11. WiFi.

  12. Two-way flight tickets from Kathmandu to Pokhara and return from Pokhara to Kathmandu.

What is included in Upper Mustang Trek

  • Drinks including Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, and hard drinks.

  • Personal shopping expenses.

  • Donations to monasteries (Gompas).

Benefits of Upper Mustang Trek

Exclusive Cultural Experience: Explore the ancient Tibetan-influenced culture, monasteries, and traditions of the restricted Upper Mustang region.

Scenic Landscapes: Trek through the stunning semi-arid desert terrain, dramatic rock formations, and picturesque valleys.

Lo Manthang Exploration: Visit the walled capital of Lo Manthang, home to ancient monasteries, palaces, and cave dwellings.

Restricted Area Experience: Experience an exclusive trekking route requiring a special permit, ensuring a less crowded and peaceful journey.

Spectacular Mountain Views: Witness breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and other snow-capped peaks.

Monasteries and Spiritual Sites: Visit ancient Buddhist monasteries such as Chhoser, Jampa, and Ghar Gompa, rich in history and spirituality.

Safe and Comfortable Accommodation: Stay in clean and comfortable tea houses, hotels, and homestays, ensuring a pleasant trekking experience.

Convenient Transportation: Enjoy jeep rides and flights to make your journey more comfortable and efficient.

Local Hospitality: Experience warm hospitality from the local Mustangi people, known for their kindness and rich cultural heritage.

Comprehensive guide for Upper Mustang Trek

16-Day Upper Mustang Trek – Quick Guide

📍 Max Altitude: 4,000m (Lo Manthang) | 🎯 Difficulty: Moderate | 🍂 Best Season: Spring (Mar-May) & Autumn (Sep-Nov) | 💰 Cost: $2,200 per person

The Upper Mustang Trek begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, where you will stay in a hotel before heading to Pokhara (800m) the next day via a 25-minute flight. From Pokhara, a scenic jeep ride to Lete (2,480m) takes around 6 hours, passing through Tatopani’s hot springs for a short visit. On Day 3, you will acclimatize in Lete with a hike to Titi Lake and Kharka, enjoying panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna. Day 4 involves a 3.5-hour jeep ride to Ghami village (3,560m), where you'll witness the breathtaking rocky mountain scenery of Samar. The trek continues on Day 5 with a 3-hour hike to Dakmar (3,820m), known for its stunning red cliffs and apple farms. On Day 6, you will trek to Lo Manthang (3,840m) via Ghar Gompa (3,930m), an ancient Tibetan monastery, making for a spiritually enriching stop.

The seventh day takes you to Surkhang (3,985m) on a 4-hour hike, where you'll visit apple farms before heading to Dhee village (3,920m) on Day 8 for exploration and a local homestay experience. Day 9 leads you to Yara (3,650m) after a 3-hour hike, followed by a visit to Ghara (3,770m) on Day 10 to see Luri Gompa and the Tashi Kabung Chortens before returning to Yara for the night. The next stretch on Day 11 involves a 7-8 hour hike to Tange (3,340m), followed by a similar duration trek on Day 12 to Chuksang (3,067m). On Day 13, the trek continues to Tetang and Muktinath (3,800m) in about 5-6 hours, where you will visit the sacred Muktinath Temple.

On Day 14, after a morning temple visit, you will take a 7-8 hour jeep ride back to Pokhara, where you will stay at the Three Jewels Boutique Hotel for a relaxing evening. The next day, you’ll fly back to Kathmandu in 25 minutes and enjoy a final night at a hotel. Day 16 marks the departure day, concluding this extraordinary journey through the restricted Upper Mustang region.

Includes

✅ Accommodation in clean hotels and homestays (single rooms available) ✅ Hygienic meals in hotels, tea houses, and homestays ✅ Lower Mustang Annapurna region permit & Upper Mustang special restricted area permit ✅ Government taxes & office documentation service charge ✅ Experienced trekking guide & 3 porters’ service ✅ All land jeep transportation (3 people per jeep) ✅ Hotel stay in Kathmandu before and after trek (1 night each) ✅ Farewell dinner ✅ First aid kits ✅ Hot showers & WiFi where available ✅ Two-way flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara

Excludes

❌ Travel insurance & personal trekking gear ❌ Soft & hard drinks (Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, alcohol) ❌ Personal shopping & donations to monasteries ❌ Tips for guides & porters 

Packing List for Upper Mustang Trek

Essential Gear: Trekking boots (waterproof), warm jacket (down or synthetic), light fleece or sweater, waterproof jacket and pants, trekking poles, sleeping bag (4-season), water bottle or hydration system, sunglasses (UV protection), hat or cap (sun protection), gloves (light and warm), scarf or neck gaiter.

Clothing: Moisture-wicking base layers (tops and bottoms), trekking pants and shorts, thermal underwear, wool socks (4-5 pairs), comfortable t-shirts (2-3), extra layers for warmth (optional).

Health & Safety: First aid kit (including personal medications), high-altitude medication (Diamox, if prescribed), hand sanitizer and wet wipes, sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), lip balm with SPF, anti-bacterial ointment, insect repellent.

Personal Items: Camera and extra memory cards, power bank (for charging devices), toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.), trekking map (provided by the company), travel documents (passport, insurance, permits), snacks (energy bars, nuts, etc.), small travel bag (for short hikes or day trips).

Optional Items: Gaiters (for snow or mud), lightweight backpack (for day hikes), book or journal, binoculars (for wildlife spotting).

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