Spectacular view of Upper Mustang surrounded by towering peaks
Upper Mustang Trek: The Kingdom Beyond the Mountains
Max Elevation
Lo Manthang 4,400 m
Typical Trip Duration
15 days
Trekking Distance
120 km
Bikepacking Difficulty
Moderate to Hard
Best Seasons
Spring (Mar to May) and Autumn (Sep to Nov)
Permits Required
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit + ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) + TIMS
Overview
Mustang is the wind cut kingdom where Tibetan plateaus, cliff-carved caves and medieval walls meet the high plain, most especially Upper Mustang.
Lo Manthang actually carries the geoclimatic attributes of a high desert which makes it form a pocket rain shadow north of the main Annapurna range and thus it is walled capital.
Mustang feels like a piece of Tibetan culture, preserved in time as if sitting on a cold, wet, and wind-sculpted plateau-the elevation of Lo Manthang being at 3,840 m. Earth walls and palaces, gumbas, thousands of cliff caves, and ochre canyons carved by wind for millennia.
The landscape is arid and spectacular, stark mesas, layered red cliffs and long vistas. The culture is deeply Buddhist and Himalayan Tibetan.
Highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek
Lo Manthang (3,840 m): Walled medieval town, king’s palace, gompas, ancient streets the cultural heart of Upper Mustang
Kagbeni (2,800 m) & Jomsom Gateway: Traditional entry points where the trans Himalayan trade culture gives way to the Mustang plateau
Charang & Chhoser: Villages with cliff caves and small monasteries. Chhoser cave complex contains ancient murals and burial caves
Ghar Gompa & Cave Complexes: There are tens of thousands of caves present across the cliffs in an archaeologically rich landscape.
Tiji Festival (Lo Manthang): This festival is celebrated every year for three days with Buddhist rituals and masked dances. It is a cultural peak that one experiences if their timing is in sync.
Arid Canyons & Wind sculpted Formations: They form panoramic landscapes of red rocks in layers of erosion, sculpturing them into surreal forms.
Tibetan influenced Culture: Manangi and Loba communities, mani walls, prayer flags, yak herding and trade traditions
Itinerary
Day 1: Pokhara to Jomsom
2,810 mMorning flight to Jomsom along the Kali Gandaki gorge. Trek to Kagbeni, gateway to Upper Mustang Trek. Visit the medieval alleyways and the monastery at dusk. Walking: 3 hr, Distance: 10 km
Day 2: Kagbeni to Chele
3,050 mPass through Tangbe’s whitewashed houses and apple orchards. Enter the restricted area after checkpoint formalities. The terrain shifts to ochre cliffs and dry ridges. Walking: 5 to 6 hr, Distance: 13 km
Day 3: Chele to Syangboche
3,800mClimb through barren ridges, cross Taklam La (3,624 m) and Dajori La (3,735 m). Panoramas of Nilgiri and Annapurna ranges dominate the horizon. Walking: 6 hr, Distance: 12 km
Day 4: Syangboche to Charang
3,560 mTrek via Gheling and Ghami villages, mani walls stretch endlessly along the trail. Explore the red cliffs and the Ghar Gompa monastery, Nepal’s oldest Tibetan Buddhist site. Walking: 6 to 7 hr, Distance: 17 km
Day 5: Charang to Lo Manthang
3,840 mGradual ascent onto the high Mustang plateau. The walled city of Lo Manthang unfolds like an earthen labyrinth. Visit the ancient palace and Jampa Gompa. Walking: 5 hr, Distance: 12 km
Day 6: Lo Manthang
4,400mMorning visit to Chhoser cave complex or Namgyal Gompa. Afternoon free for wandering the narrow lanes, murals, and traditional homes. Optional pony ride across the plateau.
Day 7: Lo Manthang to Chhuksang
3,050 mBegin descent southward. Wind swept passes open to surreal canyon views before re-entering the lower Mustang valley. Overnight in Chhuksang or Samar. Walking: 7 hr, Distance: 20 km
Day 8: Chhuksang to Jomsom to Pokhara
882mTrek back to Kagbeni and continue by jeep to Jomsom for an afternoon flight to Pokhara. Evening lakeside stroll and celebration dinner. Walking: 4 hr, Distance: 10 km
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Budget Price | Mid Range Price | Luxury Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily stay & meals (tea-house/basic) | $20-30 / day | ------ | ------ |
| Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit | US$500 per person for the first 10 days, then US$50 per person per extra day | ------ | ------ |
| ACAP Permit | NPR 3,000 (foreigners) | ------ | ------ |
| TIMS or Agency fees | $10 -$30 | ------ | ------ |
| Guide & Crew (required by RAP rules) | Varies | ------ | ------ |
| Clinic Visit / Oxygen | $5 -$20 | ------ | ------ |
| Gear rental (per day) | $5 - $15 | ------ | ------ |
| Wi-Fi / charging / extras | $1 - $3 | ------ | ------ |
Note: ------
Trip Map
Compliance
ACAP & TIMS
In addition to the RAP, the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP) fee applies. TIMS may be required depending on the route.
Guide Regulation
Upper Mustang travel is regulated. Agencies and licensed guides are standard and often mandatory for the RAP.
Altitude & Weather
Lo Manthang is high and exposed. Nights drop cold and winds can be severe. Acclimatize sensibly and prepare for UV exposure and strong diurnal temperature swings.
Medical Assistance
Very few remote clinics will be available, but evacuation from Mustang could be done. This can be quite costly. Thus, travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation and high-altitude rescue is highly recommended.
Packing
Fitness: Moderate endurance and multi day stamina. Long dusty, exposed walks and occasional high, windy passes. Train on long days and walking with a loaded daypack.
Essential Kit: Base layers, insulating mid layers and windproof shells, warm down jackets, gloves, warm hats, strong sun protection (sunglasses with high SPFs), durable trekking boots, gaiters (dust), trekking poles, a headlamp, a power bank, and water treatment or filtering gears.
More for Mustangs: Warm sleeping liner, strong UV-resistant sunglasses, facemask or buff for wind and dust.
Supplementary documentation: Passport photocopies, permit confirmations printed out, travel insurance with high-altitude coverage.
Connectivity, Money & Practicalities
Cash & ATMs: ATMs don’t operate in Upper Mustang. Bring sufficient Nepali rupees from Pokhara or Kathmandu. Card acceptance is limited.
Wi-Fi & Power: Some guesthouses offer paid Wi-Fi and charging, bring a high-capacity power bank.
Road & Flight Access: Jomsom is the usual air gateway. Jeep and road options fluctuate by season and maintenance.
SIM & Coverage: NTC or Ncell coverage is spotty. Buy a local SIM in Kathmandu or Pokhara for better chance of service.
Environmental Note: Mustang is archaeologically and culturally sensitive. Follow local guidance, respect gompas and private property and minimize plastic waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our trips
