Best Upper Mustang Trek – 17-Day Ultimate Itinerary

Overview of Upper Mustang Trek

Let’s be real, Tibet is a very breathtaking land that fascinates many outside travelers. Yet getting there is not only expensive but can also be quite a headache. What if we tell you that you can still see more authentic, real, and inspiring Tibet without any stress? Morning Star Treks presents the Upper Mustang trek, a journey of 17 days that will reveal the stark beauty of this region, completely unique from the rest of the world.

Besides its raw nature, in our Upper Mustang trek, you will also meet the ever-smiling Tibetan people who live as if they are outside of time. Their villages are characteristic by houses made of bricks and wood. Most of them are the Lhopas who still like to stick to the time-honored Buddhist beliefs and faith.

The Upper Mustang is an arid, high-altitude land bordering Tibet, which seems like an extension of the Tibetan plateau in the northwestern region of Nepal.

The gigantic rock walls of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I surrounding Upper Mustang don’t let the rain clouds reach the region, making the Upper Mustang trek feasible even in the summer/monsoon season in Nepal.

Once the Kingdom of Lho, the land symbolizes the vast plains of spiritual aspirations. Eventually, it came under Nepal’s sovereignty but remained forbidden to foreigners till 1992.

Even now, only a select number of visitors are allowed yearly, subject to a high entrance fee. This strategy has preserved the exclusivity of the region while also helping in its development.

Our Upper Mustang trek itinerary will follow the northern path through Pokhara and Jomsom in the Kali Gandaki Valley. You will journey through the villages that are home to the Thakalis and Gurungs, recognized for their friendly demeanor and their roles as hotel entrepreneurs.

But our aim is to reach the former Royal Kingdom of Lo Manthang, for which we will have to traverse at least six high Tibetan Passes: Taklam La (3,624 m), Ghami La (3765 m), Dajori La (3,650 m), Mui La (4170 m), Syangboche La (3850 m), and Marang La (4230 m).

Out of our Upper Mustang trek, 17 days trip, you will spend two days in Lo Manthang seeing its priceless monasteries, royal palace, and its constricted gullies.

But the main exciting part will be the excursion to the Chhoser Valley and exploring the 3000-year-old Jhong Cave. After a day in Lo Manthang, you will then redirect your steps back to Kathmandu via Jomsom and Pokhara.

The Upper Mustang trek is a remarkable mountain adventure made for anyone with good physical condition. So if you like to have a surreal adventure among the deep canyons with red, organ-pipe-like walls, choose our Upper Mustang Trek for the journey of a lifetime.

Price starts

US$ 2250

We offer group discount

1 - 3 people
US$ 2350
4 - 7 people
US$ 2250
8 - 10 people
US$ 2150
11 + people 9999
US$ 2000

How many people?

US$ 2350

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Trip Highlights

An entire day in Kathmandu and Pokhara with the opportunity to unravel their distinct beauties
A jaw-dropping travel adventure towards Jomsom and Kali Gandaki Valley
An exciting hiking adventure alongside the massive red canyons and the deepest gorge
The stage of the dancing icy profiles of Dhaulagiri, Bhrikuti, Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Tilicho
Intriguing caves, Gompas, and the royal palace of Lo Manthang
The demanding yet fulfilling journey over a series of high Tibetan passes
Life-inspiring encounter with the Lhopas along with Thakalis and Gurungs

Photo and Video Gallery

Upper Mustang Trek Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival, Reception and Transfer to Hotel

A Morning Star Treks representative will meet you at the TIA Arrival Gate with a private pick-up vehicle and driver. You will be driven to your chosen hotel, where later in the evening, you will meet our guide.

He will discuss your Upper Mustang trek itinerary, after which you can venture to see the old town of Kathmandu for a while.

Activity: 30 mins

Max. Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft. (Kathmandu)

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02: Kathmandu Excursion and Trek Preparation

Today is a buffer day, which you can enjoy by discovering the very old sights and landmarks of Kathmandu, such as Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and the Durbar Square of Kathmandu.

Our guide will then verify if you have all the needed gear so you can purchase or rent as necessary. Our team will also acquire the special Upper Mustang trek permit today.

Max. Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. (Kathmandu)

Day 03: Early Morning Flight or Drive to Pokhara

You can take a half-hour domestic short yet very stunning mountain flight over the sacred Fishtail and Annapurna to reach Pokhara for a surcharge.

Or, you can also take on an impressive drive through mountains along the Prithvi Highway to Trishuli, and Bandipur to reach Pokhara. After settling, you can travel around the lake and enjoy evening boating across idyllic Lake Phewa.

Activity: 30 mins flight / 6-7 hrs drive

Max. Altitude: 822m/2,697ft. (Pokhara)

Meal: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 04: Early Morning Flight to Jomsom

Very early in the morning, we will set off to Jomsom, gazing at the breathtaking spectacle of Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, and Annapurna. We may also look at the deepness of the Kali Gandaki Gorge.

Jomsom is a tiny village part of the Annapurna Circuit trek with a tiny airport. Please understand that the Jomsom flight greatly depends on the weather, which remains clear most of the days.

In case of poor weather, we may take a 5 to 6-hour drive towards Jomsom from Pokhara. Once in Jomsom, you can take a stroll around the Royal Nepalese Army School of High Altitude Mountain Warfare, which will help you acclimate to the 2700 m dry air of Jomsom.

Activity: 20 mins flight / 5-6 hr drive

Max. Altitude: 2,720m/8,924ft. (Jomsom)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 05: Hike to Chele

Upper Mustang trek literally commences now as we hike through the medieval and mysterious location of Kagbeni beside Pang Khola through Ekle Bhatti.

This old town between Muktinath and Kali Gandaki opens the gateway to Upper Mustang, where the permit check will also take place. The typical Buddhist Mani Walls and stupa now begin to appear as we travel through Tangbe (3020 m).

The north-directed route runs beside the Dobhan River, and soon we will be at Chhusang (2980 m). Behind it, a huge suspension bridge hangs over the Mustang River and the deep gorge that will take us across towards Chele.

Activity: 5-6 hrs trek

Max. Altitude: 3,050m/10,007ft. (Chele)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 06: Hike to Ghiling

The red canyon slope from Chele will direct our steps towards Lhatse (3100 m), offering the surprising looming sight of the north face of Annapurna and Nilgiri.

Get ready to push your feet for the overwhelming crossings of Taklam La (3624 m) and Dajori La (3650 m). Take a refreshing moment to look at the Tilicho, Yakawakang, and Damodar Hill.

We direct ourselves north and walk downward to Samar (3660 m) and the Behna Khola. The path from here will once more lead us up over the 3850 m high Syangboche La Pass before descending us back towards Ghiling.

Activity: 5-6 hrs

Max. Altitude: 3,570m/11,713ft. (Ghiling)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 07: Hike to Tsarang

The seventh day of our Upper Mustang trek will be pretty exhausting as we have three more passes to overcome today. The trekking trail from Ghiling will continue to move up through Jhaite Village (3811 m) and its poplar trees till we are over the 4010 m Nya La Pass.

Next, Ghami La Pass (3765 m) stands en route, after which we will find ourselves at Ghamo Village. The longest Buddhist Mani Wall here will now guide our feet east to Dhakmar, the red village.

Now the rigorous path upstream will lead us over the 4170 m Mui La Pass. The trail downstream along the wall of the pass will march us down to Ghar Gompa. It is the time-honored monastery linked to Padmasambhava where we can still see his writings.

The trail will keep moving down to Lo Ghekar (3835 m) from where our eyes will meet the Tsarang Khola and then the village beneath the red canyon of Charang Chu.

We will spare some moments to see the stunning richness of the village monastery, while in the evening, our time will be enriched with Bhrikuti, Tilicho, Annapurna I, and Nilgiri golden views.

Activity: 5-6 hrs trek

Max. Altitude: 3,620m/11,877ft. (Tsarang)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 08: Hike to the kingdom of Lo-Manthang

We will reach the location of the Upper Mustang trek today, which has, in the first place, awakened our desire to engage in the adventure, the Lo Manthang.

The Mars-like red terrain after Tsarang will carry us upward for three hours till we find ourselves standing atop the Marang La Pass (4230 m). The descent from the pass will be quick and straight, directing us to the soil of Lo Manthang walled city that has a stunning former royal palace, monastery, and a series of curious mysteries.

Activity: 5-6 hrs trek

Max. Altitude: 3,860m/12,664ft. (Lo Manthang)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 9-10: Lo Manthang Excursion (Monasteries and Chhoser Valley)

Since one night will not be enough for us to know the enchanting Lo Manthang, we will stay here for two nights. On the first day, time-stamped monastery visits and Royal Palace exploration will be conducted.

The Lhakhan Champa temple, Thugchen gompa, and Chyodi monastery are the major ones that reflect the values of the Sakya-pa sect. Inside, we can see numerous bronze and brass old sculptures and scriptures.

Then there is the Royal Palace, which still houses the former Mustang King families.

The next morning will see us getting northeast of Lo Manthang to the Chhoser Valley. Here, we will explore in depth the Jhong Cave, a large cave complex where the original inhabitants of Mustang lived. The complex is spread over five floors and is accessible via a staircase.

Some chambers of this cave have even proved to be dated 3000 years. Lo Manthang awaits uf to offer us the evening dinner and warm sleep.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 11: Hike to Dhakmar

After an uplifting experience in Lo Manthang, it’s time to leave its beautiful boundary and once again head west towards Dhakmar. Journeying through the Marang La Pass, Tsarang, and Mui La Pass will once again welcome us with their towering heights before we are at Dhakmar.

Activity: 5-6 hrs

Max. Altitude: 3,786m/12,421ft. (Dhakmar)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 12: Hike to Syangboche

Before we reach the modest comfort of Syangbochen, Ghami Village with its Ghami La Pass and Nya La Pass will again enrich our trail.

Activity: 5-6 hrs trek

Max. Altitude: 3,818m/12,526ft. ()

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 13: Hike to Chhusang

The Syangbochen Village lies just below the shadow of the Syangbochen La Pass, which we will have to ascend today before we cross over the two hung bridges to arrive at Samar.

Darjori La and Takam La will once more allure us, after which we will reach Chhusang trekking through the known grounds of Chele.

Activity: 5-6 hrs

Max. Altitude: 2,980m/9,777ft. (Chhusang)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 14: Hike to Jomsom

We will be back at the Kali Gandaki Valley as we keep on progressing from Chhusang through Ekle Bhatti and Pang Khola to Kagbeni. Jomsom is welcoming to see next, where again the luxury of hot water and a soft bed will calm our fatigued bodies. This is where we will bring a beautiful end to our Upper Mustang trek.

Activity: 4-5 hrs trek

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lodge

Day 15: Fly to Pokhara

A short morning Himalayan flight will bring us back to the refreshing coolness of Pokhara. Surrounded by the green hills and the snowy Himalayas, you can spend the day with a Pokhara Valley excursion with short hikes to Peace Stupa, a boat ride over Phewa, Gupteswor Cave, and its Davis Falls, etc.

Activity: 20 mins flight

Max. Altitude: 822m/2,697ft. (Pokhara)

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 16: Fly or Drive Back to Kathmandu

Once again, you will be presented with the option to engage in a scenic mountain drive through the remarkable vista or fly over the sky-kissing Himalayas to reach Kathmandu.

Max. Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. (Kathmandu)

Day 17: Sweet Home

Morning Star Treks representative with its drop-off vehicle will be at your hotel to take you back to the Departure Gate of TIA after an adventurous journey of the Upper Mustang trek, you will never forget.

If our standard itinerary doesn't fully meet your needs, we are happy to tailor it to your specific preferences and requirements.

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Includes and Excludes

What’s Included?

Airport transfers in Kathmandu, including pickup on arrival and drop-off on departure
Tourist bus or private vehicle transport between Kathmandu and Pokhara, both ways
Domestic flights between Pokhara and Jomsom, both ways
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu before and after the trek
Comfortable teahouse or lodge accommodation during the trek (twin-sharing)
Breakfast in Kathmandu hotel, and three meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) each day during the trek
Professional, English-speaking trekking guide and required porters
Trekking guide salary, insurance, meals, accommodation, equipment, transportation, etc.
Seasonal fresh fruit during the trek
All necessary trekking permits and national park entry fees
Basic medical kit and safety equipment during the trek
Sleeping bag, down Jacket, walking poles, duffel bags (you have to return after the trek)
Certificate of achievement at the end of the journey
Government taxes and agency service charges

What is not Included?

International flights to and from Nepal
Nepal entry visa fees upon arrival
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
Personal expenses such as drinks, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and device charging
Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and helicopter evacuation
Tips for guides, porters, and drivers
Extra hotel nights caused by flight delays, early arrival, or late departure
Personal Travel insurance and emergency rescue evacuation
Extra cost caused by natural or political disturbances beyond our control

Route Map & Altitude Chart

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Trip Information of Upper Mustang Trek

Weather and Best Season

If you have known Tibet, then you will know Upper Mustang, which shares a similar weather pattern, a little harsh, dry, and windy even in monsoon months between June to August.

Thus, the Upper Mustang trek is merrier at this time along in spring and autumn. March, April, and May bring in the color, magic and fragrance of spring with the lively festivity of Tiji.

September, October, and November bring the relaxing, cool weather, decorated with the bluest sky above. The Yartung festival will also decorate the atmosphere in September.

However, after November, the wind starts to blow rapidly, the snow begins to pile up on the passes, and nights become more and more chilly. So December, January, and February should best be avoided for the Upper Mustang trek.

Difficulty

Our Upper Mustang trek 17 days trip, classifies itself as a level II moderate challenge that suits anyone who has a spirit of adaptability and who loves walking through the unrefined nature of the mountains.

However, a good level of physical conditioning and fitness will be needed to conquer more than five high, dry passes and to walk every day for 6 hours across the Martian landscape.

However, the Upper Mustang trek route generally involves walking along the scenic and well-trodden trails that consist of no technical or mountaineering difficulties.

There are also jeep dirt routes available and good lodges and hotels, not luxurious but warm and comfortable enough. Thus, the Upper Mustang trek is open even to those who have no mountain hiking experience.

Altitude Sickness/Acute Mountain Sickness/AMS

We have designed our Upper Mustang trek itinerary such that the trek days will be gentle on your body, thus significantly reducing the chances of experiencing the AMS.

We have strategically placed enough rest days and short hiking hours so your body will be able to adapt to the high-altitude dry air of Mustang. Still, AMS is such a physical condition that can strike anytime and anyone.

Fortunately, its symptoms, such as headache, vertigo, tiredness, and insomnia, will be mild, which can be easily controlled with Diamox medicine, water intake, and adequate sleep.

Preparation and Fitness

If you want a smooth, enjoyable Upper Mustang trek experience, then it is wise that you carry out squats, swimming, push-ups, pull-ups, running, weight lifting, hiking, and cycling that will boost your strength, cardio, and endurance.

Food and Accommodation

Morning Star Treks will arrange for you a very good medium-level three-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara. A double bedroom with the utilities of hot water, WiFi, and a private latrine will be offered to you.

As the Upper Mustang trek takes on, you will stay in the local lodges, which are generally called the tea houses. Do not expect luxury, but they are good in terms of cleanliness and comfort.

Latrines and showers are mostly shared, and hot showers are available for a surcharge.

All meals will be offered by Morning Star Treks in the Upper Mustang trek 17 days trip cost, except for lunch and dinner in Pokhara and Kathmandu.

If you would like an upgrade to a hotel in Pokhara, Jomsom, and Kathmandu, please convey this to us, and we will make the essential prearrangement at a small fee.

Transportation

A private transport from Morning Star Treks with a guide and driver will be offered for your TIA transfers, permit preparation, and Kathmandu excursion.

A back-and-forth drive to Pokhara will occur in a tourist bus, which you can also upgrade to a comfortable domestic flight. A Jomsom flight will be managed while the jeep or the horse ride towards Chhoser Valley will apply an additional fee to be paid on site, not included in our Upper Mustang trek cost.

Communication

The NTC or NCELL will offer you dependable mobile coverage throughout the Upper Mustang Trek; however, the signal often comes and goes on the high passes.

The local lodges on the trail are also now capable of providing you with steady WiFi at an extra fee.

Permit

Upper Mustang trek needs a restricted area permit, which will be checked frequently from Kagbeni. Remember, only a certified travel agency like Morning Star Treks can apply for this permit in the Nepal Immigration Department.

The price for the Upper Mustang special restricted permit is quite high set at at USD 500 per tourist for the first ten days, and then USD 50 per tourist for each added day.

Additionally, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit is required since Jomsom and Kagbeni are part of the Annapurna trail, costing NPR 3000 per tourist. You will also need the TIMS card that will require NPR 2000 per tourist.

Travel Insurance

Apart from the permit and visa, the Upper Mustang trek also mandates the right international travel insurance plan. Upper Mustang is for real, a remote location where there is road access now, but it still lacks an advanced medical health care system.

A helicopter evacuation may be necessary in occurrence of any serious events. Thus, for the Upper Mustang trek 17 days trip, we request each of our guests to incorporate the helicopter transport up to the elevation of 4400 m minimum along with the accidental and medical protection.

Most Asked Questions

General

Where will the Upper Mustang trek take us?

The Upper Mustang trek will lead you towards the northwestern region of Nepal in Gandaki Province, very close to the border of Tibet.

Where does the Upper Mustang territory actually begin?

What type of trips are available in Upper Mustang?

Besides the trekking adventure, you can also engage in the Upper Mustang jeep and trek trip, Upper Mustang jeep tour, and Upper Mustang motorbike tour.

Is Upper Mustang literally like Tibet? How?

The climate, the Buddhist faith and customs, the red canyons, the high sandy plateaus, the monasteries, all will transport you to a time long ago in Tibet.

What is the reason behind the restriction of Upper Mustang?

The Upper Mustang still comes under the Restricted Region because of its strategic location close to Tibet, the rare lives that are found in its territory, and the pure culture of the people.

What are the protocols to follow for engaging in the Upper Mustang trek?

To be a part of the Upper Mustang trek, you must reserve your place in the organized trip of a registered travel agency. You must travel in a group consisting of two travelers minimum with a compulsory presence of a local guide.

Will the monasteries in Upper Mustang allow me to click photos?

Please get the permission from the monks of these Gompas before clicking any photos of the inside of the monasteries.

What are the major attractions that make the Upper Mustang trek worthwhile?

The unique, well-trodden yet low-traffic route, the enigmatic monasteries and caves, the Lhopas- local inhabitants, the extraordinary never-before-seen wildlife, and the authentic centuries-old Tibet that has never gone any changes.

Is the Upper Mustang trek 17 days trip very hard?

No, the road access, the tea house establishments, and the lively locals make the Upper Mustang trek moderately tough.

Will climbing and descending the high Tibetan Passes be extremely difficult?

No, all the Tibetan passes can be managed with a gentle pace with no technical necessity.

Why should I choose Morning Star Treks for my Upper Mustang trek 17 days adventure?

We offer a comprehensive Upper Mustang trek package that covers almost all your expenses related to the trip. Plus, our Upper Mustang trek itinerary is also well thought out that suit every individuals of different calibers.

Is the Upper Mustang trek tougher and challenging than the Annapurna Circuit Trek?

No, both trekking adventures are medium-level journeys deep into the mountains, suitable for any individual who may lack hiking experience.

Preparation & Fitness

What is your recommended preparation time for the Upper Mustang trek?

Since the Upper Mustang trek isn’t that challenging, you can start your preparation one to three months in advance.

Do I need to possess excellent fitness for the Upper Mustang trek?

Moderate fitness, along with a good level of physical conditioning and health, is enough for the Upper Mustang trek.

Insurance and Visa

What should be the duration of my Nepal tourist visa for the Upper Mustang Trek?

Since our Upper Mustang trek extends 17 days long, you can get the standard one-month on-arrival Nepal tourist visa at TIA. You can engage in some other outstanding tours and trips that we provide on your free days.

What will a one-month duration Nepal tourist visa cost me?

Your one-month Nepal tourist visa will cost US Dollars 50 per person.

Can I submit my application for the Nepal tourist visa online in advance?

Absolutely! The online portal of the Nepal Immigration Department is available for advanced submissions of tourist visa applications.

When should I hand you my travel insurance policy copy?

You can hand us the insurance policy copy either alongside your passport copy or when you are in Kathmandu.

Guides & Support Staff

Why is it essential to have a guide for the Upper Mustang trek?

Because Upper Mustang is still an area with controlled access, if you don’t have a guide, you will not be able to undertake any trips in Upper Mustang.

Will Morning Star Treks also supply me with a porter?

Yes, we offer one porter for carrying the main bags of two trekkers.

Should I tip my porter and guide each day or all at once at the end of the Upper Mustang trek itinerary?

You can tip them after you have completed your Upper Mustang trek.

Food and Drinks

Are hotels and lodges in the Upper Mustang trek route in good condition?

Yes, many new lodges and hotels have now been constructed in the region that facilitate the comfortable stay of foreigners with utilities such as WiFi, charging, and hot water.

Are there any luxury lodges I can find in the Upper Mustang trek route?

In Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Lo Manthang, you can find luxury lodges that offer premium services.

What type of food will I get in Upper Mustang?

From Western to local, you name it, and you will be served.

Weather & Seasons

Is it really possible to engage in the Upper Mustang trek even during the monsoon/summer season in Nepal?

Yes, the towering Himalayas of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna block the rain clouds from entering Upper Mustang, so it is a good trekking destination for the monsoon season.

Which season between spring, summer, and autumn will be best to trek to Upper Mustang?

Thanks to the reliable, stable climatic conditions, the spring and autumn will be the most favorable ones.

Is the winter Upper Mustang trek possible?

While the winter season is also open for the Upper Mustang trek, it is best to be avoided it because of the extreme frigidity and harsh weather.

Health & Safety

Will I go through the AMS condition in the Upper Mustang trek?

It cannot be guaranteed, but some level of AMS risk is present in the Upper Mustang trek.

How can I completely avoid the AMS?

Adequate intake of water on each day of the hike, a slow, comfortable pace, abundant sleep, and an acclimating walk will completely prevent the occurrence of AMS.

Booking & Payment

Will you return my advance deposit if I cancel my Upper Mustang trek?

We have detailed information specified in our terms and conditions regarding our refund policy. So please take some moment to thoroughly go through it before confirming your Upper Mustang trek.