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  • Duration17 Days
  • Price from$2190/ person
  • Difficulty LevelModerate
  • Max Altitude4230 M (13,878 ft)

Without a doubt, the Upper Mustang Trek is among the top trails in Nepal. Our country is widely known for high alpine trekking, which is why the Upper Mustang trail is so notable. Yes, you still get views of towering peaks and rugged ridges, but this path gives you much more than that. The ethnic groups and landscape of the Upper Mustang region cannot be found anywhere else. To this day, many locals carry out a traditional way of life, including the way in which they practice Tibetan Buddhism.

On a map, the trail lies just meters below the border with Tibet. As a result, Tibetan Buddhism has a strong influence in the area, and the locals are of Tibetan descent. The area is technically a restricted area,’ meaning that the permit to enter is more expensive and the number of visitors is limited. You will realize when you arrive, though, that this designation is justified. The atmosphere of the region is as if it were frozen in time. You will be awe-struck by the reddish cliffs and barren landscape immediately surrounding you, with the colossal Himalayas in the distance.

NYTimes 2024 Travel Destinations: 52 Places to Go This Year

  • Upper Mustang, Nepal

The trail begins with a gorgeous flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River Valley. This valley lies between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, making it the world’s deepest. On the way to Kagbeni, we pass lush agricultural fields and desolate hills. The scenery is wide-ranging. In the springtime, bright rhododendron forests stick out amongst the rocky cliffs and desert-like trail.
Soon, we reach the ancient kingdom of Lo-Manthang, the capital city of the former kingdom of Lo, as well as a major highlight of the trek. Surrounded by a long brick wall, the seemingly middle-of-nowhere city houses about 6,000 Lo’s (natives of the area), along with several monasteries and medieval palaces. Become fascinated by the stupas, mani walls, chhortens, and the pure devotion of the villagers to Buddhism. After exploring the city, we trek back down to Jomsom and fly to Pokhara.

Fill your spirit with the natural energy of the Upper Mustang region. You will truly feel as if you are in a faraway land. Come check out this exclusive trekking area, and you will not be disappointed!

About Mustang Tiji Festival

If you can make the trip during the Tiji Festival, you absolutely should! It is a three-day-long festival celebrated in Lo-Manthang to pray for peace to conquer evil. During this time, Buddhist monks make music and perform entertaining dances. It is celebrated in commemoration of Buddha’s incarnation’s victory over the demon that caused troubles in the region during ancient times. Come check it out if you can! The dates for 2024 fall from May 5 to May 27. Tiji Festival 2024 Trek Itinerary and Price

Best Time to Travel Upper Mustang

Fortunately, Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow. Because of this, even the monsoon season (June–August) allows for great trekking. All year round, trekkers can enjoy the pristine landscape of the Upper Mustang region. Still, spring and fall are the best seasons simply because the skies are generally clearer then.

Upper Mustang Trek Highlights in Details: Upper Mustang FAQ blog.

Upper Mustang Yoga Trek (Fixed Departure Trip)

What makes this tour very interesting

  • Upper Mustang, the place where houses are with the traces.
  • Tibetan Buddhist Cultures, Oldest Monasteries, Arts, and Jampas.
  • Amazing landscapes and the Himalayas.
  • Ancient Tibetan Buddhism, Chortens.
  • Visit a World Heritage Site in Kathmandu.
  • Beautiful Pokhara valley with mountains and lakes.
Rugged Trails Nepal

Upper Mustang Places To Travel Destinations 2024

Soaring among snow-capped peaks in Nepal, Mustang has earned its place as one of the New York Times' 37 must-visit destinations for 2024. Steeped in history and boasting breathtaking beauty, this ancient Tibetan kingdom nestled between Dhawalagiri and Nilgiri was once a bustling trade route ...

Read this

Itinerary

  • Day: 1
    Arrival in Kathmandu.

    Upon your arrival at the Kathmandu airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Rugged Trails Nepal who will take to your hotel. Welcome drinks upon arrival at the hotel, free time until 6 pm. Evening welcome dinner in a traditional Nepali Restaurant with authentic Nepali cuisine and cultural program.Overnight in Kathmandu Hotel.

    • Hotel
    • NA
    • Dinner
    • 1300 M
    • Kathmandu
  • Day: 2
    Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek preparation.

    After breakfast proceeds our short guided sightseeing tour at the Swayambhunath Temple. After Swayambhunath temple, we will visit another UNESCO World Heritage sites Patan Durbar Square, and Buddhist shrine (Bouddhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world.

    After sightseeing drives back to hotel and briefing of our rest of trip plan. At the same time if you have to buy any trekking gears or things for the rest of the days Guide will help take you to the trekking equipment store in Thamel. Also, we will issue the Upper Mustang Trekking Permits and introduce with the guide.

    • Hotel
    • 2-3 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast
    • 1350 M
    • Kathmandu
  • Day: 3
    Kathmandu drive to Pokhara.

    After breakfast drive to Pokhara. Scenic drive through the Valley, Mountains view, Riverside with the nice green view, the local village. Check-in Hotel and walk around Fewa Lake, and if time permits visit Peace Stupa for Sunset (optional).

    • Hotel
    • 6 Hrs T.Bus Drive
    • Breakfast
    • 827 M
    • Pokhara
    • 210 Km
  • Day: 4
    Pokhara fly to Jomsom 27,43 M (8,999 ft) and Trek to Kagbeni.

    Early morning fly to Jomsom. We will meet our team (porter) at the Jomsom and after a short tea break walk to Kagbeni.

    • Lodge
    • 3-4 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 2804 M
    • Kagbeni
    • 10.7 Km (6.6 miles)
  • Day: 5
    Kagbeni Trek to Chele.
    • Lodge
    • 6-7 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 3050 M
    • Chele
    • 15.3 Km (9.5 mile)
  • Day: 6
    Chele Trek to Syanbochen.

    After at Tsaile (Chele). Chele we start our trek to Syangbochen. The peaceful and enchanting landscape towards Syanbochen with the spectacular mountain views and the villages, caves are the major highlights of the day.

    • Lodge
    • 6-7 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 3800 M
    • Syanbochen
    • 11.5 km ( 7.1 miles)
  • Day: 7
    Syanbochen Trek to Ghami.

    Syangboche to Ghami follows the traditional route; Tamagaon, Ghiling, Chhunggar, and Jhaite village. Nyi La is the best viewpoint to see the Himalayan peaks including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, barley and buckwheat field in the dry desert land of Mustang.

    • Lodge
    • 5-6 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 3520 M
    • Ghami
    • 9.3 Km (5.7 miles)
  • Day: 8
    Ghami Trek To Charang.

    As the days push towards Lo-manthang the spirituality pulls you with the longest Mani wall of Upper Mustang, Chorten. We don’t need to mention the landscapes because every day it’s different and has its own beauty. We will see Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tuckhe, Thorang peaks Mountain View. Tsarang monastery is a popular monastery in Mustang and its related to Gallup sect of Buddhism.

    • Lodge
    • 5-6 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 3560 M
    • Charang
    • 10.7 Km (6.6 miles)
  • Day: 9
    Charang Trek to Lo-Manthang.

    The final destination of the Upper Mustang Trek is L Manthang and today we will start our hike after breakfast. The trails are normally easy but gradually up somewhere but almost flat. The land of Lo offers remoteness, natural beauty, adventure, and cultures along the way. The ancient Tibetan culture and the people's lifestyles are unique experiences. We will see an Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain which is above 8000m high.

    • Lodge
    • 4-5 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 3840 M
    • Manthang
    • 11 km ( 6.8 miles)
  • Day: 10
    Explore Lo-ManThang Valley.

    Today is quite interesting and also many things to explore and experience. Our day starts with breakfast at the lodge. First, we will visit the Chooser cave and we will be taking horse or jeep from the lo manthang. Horse ride is exciting but upon interest and choices, we will arrange it. Around choose the area, there are many centuries-old caves in the rocky cliff. We will visit Jhong, Konchok Ling and Ritseling cave. Before 1 we will head back to the Lo Manthang to explore the ancient monasteries. It will be dusty wind so we will be back by the time. In the afternoon we will visit Chortens, Royal Palace, three ancient monasteries and the unique lifestyle of local people.

    • Lodge
    • 5-6 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 3840 M
    • Manthang Valley
  • Day: 11
    Lo-Manthang Trek to Drakmar via Samduling, Marang la 4230 M (13,878 ft).

    Today we will visit another most important place in this area Dhakmar. We will see ancient Ghar Gumba and it was built in the 8th century by the Tibetan magician master Padmasambhava which is related to the Nyingma sect of Buddhism. Along the way, we will see snow-capped mountains, Tibetan art, chhorten, antique villages, caves, Buddhist monasteries, and beautiful landscapes.

    • Lodge
    • 6-7 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 3820 M
    • Marang La
    • 17.2 Km (10.6 miles)
  • Day: 12
    Dhakmar Trek to Ghiling.

    Trek to Ghiling trek is fascinating as well as exciting because the trail leads the visitors to the hidden Buddhist Kingdom of Mustang. We will see the longest Mani Wall of Upper Mustang and the ancient Chortens.

    • Lodge
    • 5-6 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 3570 M
    • Ghiling
    • 14.3 Km ( 8.8 miles)
  • Day: 13
    Ghiling Trek to Chhuksang.

    Today we will explore the ancient Cave at Samar village. On the way, we will see the Ranchung monastery cave, chhyungkar chorten. We will see stone-carved figurines of various deities inside the Chungsi cave and also the figure of Padmasambhava. The ancient Upper mustang trail almost near to exit the restricted zone. The next day we will exit from the restricted zone.

    • Lodge
    • 6-7 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 2980 M
    • Chhuksang
    • 17.2 Km (10.6 miles)
  • Day: 14
    Chhuksang Trek to Jomsom .

    After breakfast, we will start our final day walk towards Jomsom. We will complete our necessary permits and exiting stamping at the checkpoint. We will be walking the same trail as we walked on the first day from Jomsom to Kagbeni. Final dinner with the porters at Jomsom. Today is the last day you will be meeting with the porters so if you want to shake hands. Pack your bags before going to bed because we will not have enough time in the morning.

    • Lodge
    • 5-6 Hour Walk
    • Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • 2743 M
    • Jomsom
  • Day: 15
    Fly or Drive back to Pokhara.

    Early breakfast and walk to the airport. Fly to Pokhara and free time to explore and relax. If you want to add some adventure sports like Paragliding then today you can do in Pokhara. Simply ask your guide to make a reservation for the adventure sports.

    • Hotel
    • NA
    • Breakfast
    • 827 M
    • Pokhara
  • Day: 16
    Drive From Pokhara to Kathmandu.

    A scenic drive back to Kathmandu. Instead of driving tourism buses you can fly back to Kathmandu (optional). Ask for flight tickets price. After reaching in Kathmandu transfer to your hotel. Free time until dinner with Rugged Trails Nepal team members.

    • Hotel
    • 6-7 Hour Drive (25 min fly)
    • Breakfast and Dinner
    • 1300 M
    • Kathmandu
  • Day: 17
    Final Departure.

    Transferred to the international airport on your flight schedule and if some have extra days in Nepal they will continue with other activities. If any help is needed for further plans feel free to contact Rugged Trails Nepal team.

    • NA
    • NA
    • Breakfast
    • NA
    • NA

What's Included

  • Full Board (breakfast, lunch, and Dinner) in Trekking
  • Domestic Airfare Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara (both way) as per itinerary/price
  • Accommodations during the trek.
  • The government registered English-speaking local expert guides and porters.
  • Annapurna National Park fees
  • Upper Mustang trekking permit.
  • Accommodations in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.
  • Guided tour in the city with an expert tour guide.
  • Welcome and farewell dinner in the city
  • Equipment and clothing for Porter and staff.
  • Insurance for all staff and porters.
  • All transportation to and from the starting and ending points of the trek
  • First Aid Kit for the Upper Mustang Trek.
  • Updated Upper Mustang Trekking Map
  • Salary, allowances, expenses and insurance for all staff, including porters
  • All government taxes.

What’s Excluded

  • Nepal visa: Multiple Entrée (30 days): USD 40
  • Lunch and dinner during the hotel stay in Kathmandu
  • Extra baggage charges
  • Personal gear and clothing (available on hire)
  • Tips for guide and porters,
  • Any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation or roadblock due to any reason,
  • Personal travel insurance in case of an emergency.
  • Service other than those mentioned above
  • International airfare and airport taxes.
  • Items of personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, and mineral water
  • Entrance fees during the sightseeing in the city
  • Domestic flight tickets (Kathmandu - Pokhara - Kathmandu) for the optional plan only

Useful Information

Published in Daily Mail about Upper Mustang, Nepal

  • A mystery of the ancient kingdom discovered in Nepal, where thousands of caves are carved 155 feet off the ground
  • An estimated 10,000 of the caves have been found in the former Kingdom of Mustang in north-central Nepal
  • They have either been dug into the cliffside or tunneled from above
  • There are about 10,000 human-built caves in this windswept, dusty region of the Himalayas that the Kali Gandaki River divides.
  • Caves are thousands of years old but who built them and why remains a mystery
  • NYTimes 2024 Travel Destinations: 52 Places to Go This Year

The weather and climatic conditions in Mustang are a little predictable. This region has very little rainfall, and the wind blows more during the afternoon than at other times of the day. Come and join us, as we will enliven your interest. Rugged Trails Nepal will assist you in this place, where the friendly and welcoming people of this area will only make this experience in this region one that will make your return back with their unique sense of tradition and culture.

Upper Mustang Trek Notes:

  • Upper Mustang is a protected area, meaning that you need a special permit to enter.  The cost is $500 for the first 10 days and $50 per day after that.  The cost is included in the price of the package.
  • The Upper Mustang Trek requires moderate fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Also, it is possible to combine this trek with others in the Annapurna region.
  • Rugged Trails Nepal arranges the trek with complete management. Please feel free to contact us for more detailed information. Ask us for our detailed itinerary!

Reviews

  • Upper Mustang Tiji Trekking with Rugged Trails Nepal

    - Brian, United States

    Nirajan, Dipak, and Lalit took excellent care of me. It was an exciting and genuine adventure that exceeded my expectations. Nirajan also took great care of me before and after the trek. I would highly recommend Rugged Trails Nepal. Brain did the Upper Mustang Tiji festival trek and later on, he joins with us for a one-night homestay weekend trip.

  • “Fantastic Trek,”

    - Craig, United States

    I went on a trek with Nirajan of Rugged Trails and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Very professional from the time he picked me up at the airport until he dropped me off 18 days later.