# Upper Mustang Trek > The Upper Mustang trek is a 14-day guided trek to the former Kingdom of Lo, a high desert behind the Himalaya where Tibetan Buddhist culture has survived almost unchanged. Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, walk through Kagbeni into the restricted area, and cross wind-carved ridges past red cliffs, cave dwellings and whitewashed villages to the walled capital of Lo Manthang (3,840 m), with its 15th-century monasteries.The trek is moderate, with no very high passes, and because Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalaya it is one of the few treks in Nepal that is excellent during the monsoon. The best time is March to November. We arrange the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, ACAP, Jomsom flights, a licensed guide, porters and teahouse lodges with meals. ## Trip facts - **Destination:** Nepal - **Duration:** 14 days - **Difficulty:** Moderate - **Activity:** Trekking - **Max altitude:** About 4,200 m / 13,780 ft - **Best season:** Mar–Nov (including monsoon) - **Group size:** 1–12 people - **Accommodation:** Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouse lodges - **Meals:** Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek - **Price:** from US$2,390 per person - **Web page:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/upper-mustang-trek - **Book:** https://www.himalayanhiking.com/booking?trip=upper-mustang-trek ## Overview Hidden behind Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas, **Upper Mustang** was an independent kingdom for centuries and was closed to foreign visitors until 1992. Its landscape is unlike anywhere else in Nepal: a high, dry plateau of eroded cliffs in red, ochre and grey, deep canyons, and fortified villages surrounded by barley fields and poplar trees. Thousands of man-made **sky caves** are carved into the cliffs, some used for burials and meditation for more than two thousand years. The people of Mustang, the **Lobas**, follow Tibetan Buddhism and speak a Tibetan dialect. Their capital, **Lo Manthang**, is a walled city of narrow lanes, whitewashed houses and the old royal palace, with three great monasteries whose wall paintings are among the finest in the Himalaya. ### Upper Mustang trek at a glance Trip factDetailsDuration14 days from Kathmandu (10 days of trekking)Highest pointAbout 4,200 m on the passes; Lo Manthang 3,840 mGradeModerateDaily walking5–7 hoursStart and finishKathmandu, via Pokhara and Jomsom flightsAccommodationHotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara, teahouse lodges on the trekPermitsUpper Mustang Restricted Area Permit and ACAPRulesMinimum 2 trekkers with a licensed guideBest timeMarch to November, including the monsoon### Why trek to Upper Mustang? - **Lo Manthang**, the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo. - **Ancient monasteries** such as Jampa, Thubchen and Lo Gekar (Ghar Gompa), with rare wall paintings. - **Sky caves** of Chhoser and the red cliffs of Dhakmar. - **Tibetan Buddhist culture** that has changed little over centuries. - **Monsoon trekking** in the rain shadow of the Himalaya. - **The Tiji festival** of masked dances, usually in May. ### The Upper Mustang trek route After a drive or flight to Pokhara, a 20-minute morning flight squeezes between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas to **Jomsom**. Sit on the right for the best view. You walk up the Kali Gandaki valley to **Kagbeni**, where the restricted area begins, and continue through **Chele**, **Syangboche** and **Ghami**, crossing ridges with views back to the Annapurnas and Nilgiri. Past the longest mani wall in Mustang, you reach **Tsarang** and finally **Lo Manthang**. A full day in Lo Manthang allows you to explore the monasteries and palace and make an excursion to the **Chhoser cave** complex or **Namgyal Gompa**. The return follows a different route via **Lo Gekar (Ghar Gompa)**, one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal, and the red cliffs of **Dhakmar**, before returning to Jomsom and flying to Pokhara. ### Upper Mustang permits Upper Mustang is a **restricted area**. You need the **Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit**, issued for a set period with extra fees for additional days, and the **Annapurna Conservation Area Permit**. Restricted area permits are issued only through a registered agency to groups of **at least two trekkers** with a **licensed guide**. All permits are included in this trip. ### How difficult is the Upper Mustang trek? The trek is **moderate**. There are no passes above about 4,200 m, and most nights are spent between 3,000 and 3,900 m. The challenges are the dry climate, strong afternoon winds, dust and sun, and some long days crossing ridges and dry riverbeds. Good fitness, sun protection and plenty of water make the trek comfortable. ### Best time for Upper Mustang Mustang can be trekked from **March to November**. **Spring** is mild, with the Tiji festival in May; the **monsoon (June–August)** is one of the best times, with green barley fields and few other trekkers, as the region receives little rain; **autumn** brings clear skies and harvest time. In **winter** it is very cold, and many residents of Lo Manthang move south. ### The Tiji festival The three-day **Tiji festival** in Lo Manthang, usually held in May, celebrates the victory of the deity Dorje Jono over a demon who brought drought to the land. Monks perform masked dances in the main square. Dates follow the Tibetan calendar; ask us about festival departures. ### Accommodation and food Upper Mustang is now a teahouse trek, with simple, clean lodges in every overnight village and more comfortable options in Lo Manthang. Food includes dal bhat, Tibetan bread, noodles, buckwheat pancakes and *tsampa*, and in Lower Mustang, the famous apple pie and Thakali dal bhat. ### Why book Upper Mustang with Himalayan Hiking? - **Restricted area and conservation permits** arranged for you. - **A full day in Lo Manthang** and a return route via Ghar Gompa and Dhakmar. - **Jomsom flights** with a buffer day in Pokhara. - **Guides who know Mustang's culture** and monasteries. ## Highlights - The walled city of Lo Manthang (3,840 m) and its 15th-century monasteries - Chhoser sky caves and the red cliffs of Dhakmar - Lo Gekar (Ghar Gompa), one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal - Medieval Kagbeni, gateway to the restricted area - Scenic flights between Pokhara and Jomsom - Trekkable during the monsoon, in the rain shadow of the Himalaya ## Day-by-day itinerary ### Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m) We pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel. We finalise your restricted area permit and hold a trek briefing. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 2: Fly or drive to Pokhara (820 m) Travel to Pokhara and relax by Phewa Lake. _Altitude: 820 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 3: Fly to Jomsom (2,720 m), trek to Kagbeni (2,810 m) An early flight between Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas to Jomsom, then walk up the wide Kali Gandaki valley to medieval Kagbeni. _Walking: 3–4 hours · Altitude: 2,810 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_ ### Day 4: Trek to Chele (3,050 m) Enter the restricted area and follow the Kali Gandaki past Tangbe and Chhuksang, with cave dwellings in the cliffs, to Chele. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,050 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 15 km_ ### Day 5: Trek to Syangboche (3,800 m) Climb over ridges and passes with views of Nilgiri and Annapurna, through Samar, to Syangboche. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 3,850 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 13 km_ ### Day 6: Trek to Ghami (3,520 m) Cross passes decorated with chortens to Ghami, one of the larger villages of Upper Mustang. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,800 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 12 km_ ### Day 7: Trek to Tsarang (3,560 m) Pass the longest mani wall in Mustang and the red cliffs to Tsarang, with its monastery and old palace. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,870 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 11 km_ ### Day 8: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840 m) Cross the Lo La pass and look down on the walled city of Lo Manthang, then descend to enter through its gate. _Walking: 4–5 hours · Altitude: 3,950 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 10 km_ ### Day 9: Explore Lo Manthang and Chhoser caves Visit Jampa, Thubchen and Chodey monasteries and the old palace, then ride or walk to the Chhoser cave complex or Namgyal Gompa. _Walking: 4–6 hours · Altitude: 4,000 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 10: Trek to Dhakmar (3,820 m) via Ghar Gompa Cross a high pass to Lo Gekar (Ghar Gompa), one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal, then descend to Dhakmar beneath its red cliffs. _Walking: 6–7 hours · Altitude: 4,200 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 15 km_ ### Day 11: Trek to Ghiling (3,570 m) Walk via Ghami and over ridges to the quiet village of Ghiling. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,820 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge · Distance: 14 km_ ### Day 12: Trek to Chhuksang and drive to Jomsom (2,720 m) Descend via Samar to Chhuksang, then drive down the Kali Gandaki valley to Jomsom. _Walking: 5–6 hours · Altitude: 3,570 m · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner · Overnight: Teahouse lodge_ ### Day 13: Fly to Pokhara, drive or fly to Kathmandu Morning flight to Pokhara, then continue to Kathmandu (flight or drive) for a farewell dinner. _Altitude: 2,720 m · Meals: Breakfast · Overnight: Hotel_ ### Day 14: Final departure Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. _Altitude: 1,400 m · Meals: Breakfast_ ## What is included - Airport pick-up and drop-off in private vehicles - 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu and 1 night in Pokhara with breakfast - Kathmandu – Pokhara transport and return; flights Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara - Jeep Chhuksang – Jomsom - Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (10 days) and ACAP - Teahouse lodge accommodation during the trek (10 nights) - Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek - Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid - Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers) with their wages, food, lodging and insurance - Monastery entrance fees in Lo Manthang - First-aid kit carried by the guide - All government and local taxes ## Not included - International flights to and from Kathmandu - Nepal visa fee - Travel insurance covering trekking to 4,500 m and helicopter evacuation (compulsory) - Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara - Drinks, snacks, hot showers, battery charging and Wi-Fi on the trek - Extra nights caused by early return, flight delays, landslides or cancellations - Helicopter evacuation or charter - Personal equipment and expenses - Tips for your guide and porters ## Useful information ### Fitness and preparation Expect 5–7 hours on your feet most days, often on steep stone steps. Two or three months of regular hill walking, stairs and cardio will make a big difference, and wear your boots in at home, not on the trail. ### Altitude sickness You will reach about 4,200 m on the passes, with most nights between 3,000 and 3,900 m on this trek. Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness and trouble sleeping, and tell your guide about any of them early. The basics work: walk slowly, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and if things get worse, descend. It is worth asking your doctor about altitude medication before the trip. ### Weather and temperatures Mustang is dry and sunny, with cold mornings and evenings and strong winds in the afternoon. Summer days are warm; spring and autumn nights are near or below freezing. ### Domestic flights and baggage Pokhara – Jomsom flights operate only in the morning and depend on the weather, so delays are possible. The baggage limit is usually around 15 kg per person including hand luggage. ### Permits The Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (10 days) and ACAP are included. Restricted area permits require at least two trekkers and a licensed guide. ### Money, charging and Wi-Fi Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara for extras on the trek; ATMs are rare and unreliable in the mountains. Battery charging, hot showers and Wi-Fi are usually paid extras in lodges, and a power bank is useful. ### Drinking water Skip the plastic bottles. Lodges sell boiled or filtered water, or you can treat tap water with tablets or a filter and refill your own bottle. ### Travel insurance We can't take you on the trek without insurance. Check that your policy covers trekking to 4,500 m and emergency helicopter evacuation, and send us the details before you travel. ### Visa Most nationalities can get a Nepal tourist visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport or apply online in advance. Bring a passport valid for at least six months and passport photos for permits. ## Packing list ### Clothing - Moisture-wicking base layers - Fleece jacket or mid-layer - Warm down jacket (can be borrowed from us) - Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers - Trekking trousers and shirts - Warm hat, sun hat and buff - Liner gloves and insulated gloves - Trekking socks ### Footwear - Broken-in waterproof trekking boots - Camp shoes or sandals for the lodges ### Equipment - Sleeping bag rated to about −10°C (can be borrowed from us) - Daypack of 25–35 litres with rain cover - Trekking poles - Head torch with spare batteries - Water bottles and purification tablets - Sunglasses with UV protection - Power bank and charging cables - Buff or scarf for wind and dust - Wide-brimmed sun hat - Moisturiser and lip balm for the dry air ### Personal items - High-factor sunscreen and lip balm - Personal first-aid kit and medication - Toiletries, quick-dry towel and wet wipes - Snacks such as energy bars and nuts - Passport, insurance details and copies ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the Upper Mustang trek? This itinerary takes **14 days** from Kathmandu, with 10 days of trekking and a full day in Lo Manthang. ### Do I need a special permit for Upper Mustang? Yes, the **Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit** and **ACAP**, both included. The restricted permit requires at least two trekkers and a licensed guide. ### Why is the Upper Mustang trek expensive? Mainly because of the restricted area permit, which is charged for a set period, and the Jomsom flights. The rest of the costs are similar to other treks. ### Can I trek Upper Mustang in the monsoon? Yes. Mustang is in the rain shadow of the Himalaya and receives little rain, so June–August is a good time. Jomsom flights can still be delayed by weather further south. ### How difficult is the Upper Mustang trek? It is **moderate**, with no passes above about 4,200 m. The main challenges are wind, dust, sun and some long days. ### When is the Tiji festival? Usually in **May**, over three days in Lo Manthang. Dates follow the Tibetan calendar; ask us for this year's dates. ### What is special about Lo Manthang? It is the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, with the royal palace and 15th-century monasteries famous for their wall paintings. ### Is there a road in Upper Mustang? Yes, a road now reaches Lo Manthang. This itinerary uses footpaths away from the road wherever possible, especially on the return via Ghar Gompa. ### Can I take photos inside the monasteries? Photography is often not allowed inside the monasteries, to protect the wall paintings. Your guide will explain the rules at each site. ### Are there ATMs in Upper Mustang? No. Bring enough Nepali rupees from Kathmandu or Pokhara for the whole trek. ### Can I visit Muktinath on this trip? Yes, Muktinath can be added as a side trip from Kagbeni or Jomsom. ### How much does the Upper Mustang trek cost? It's priced per person, and groups get a discount; the price box has the details. It includes the restricted permit, ACAP, flights, hotels, lodges, meals on the trek, a guide and porters.