Upper Mustang Trek
Trip Facts
Trip Highlights
- Ancient Tibetan lifestyle, cultures and traditions.
- Fascinating mountains like Nilgiri, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Painted mud-brick houses, Caves carved into the cliffs.
- Royal Palace, Buddhists Monasteries, Thugchen Gompa.
- Traverse to villages like Chhuksang Village, Ghame Village, etc.
- Vast and barren valleys, scattered valleys.
Trip Overview
Along with the above highlights, you will traverse around the deserted valleys and watch yak caravans, eroded canyons, and extraordinary walled settlements. Arid beauty and harsh, cliff-face landscapes are other attractions. You will also see the nuclear settlement and little sign of cultivation. Moreover, The region reflects stunning vistas and the stubborn way of holding unique Tibetan cultures. Experiencing the ancient cultures of the forbidden kingdom is another memorable side of this trek.
Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang is one of the most popular trekking trails of Annapurna Region. The highest altitude of the trek is Lo Manthang which is situated at an elevation of 3,730 meters above sea level. Everest region was first explored by the trekkers during the 1950s. Meanwhile, the trek to Upper Mustang was opened for all after 1992. The trekking trails to Upper Mustang was once used as a salt trading route by the locals.
The king still has his home there. Upper Mustang is located in Annapurna region of Nepal. Although the entire region is geographically part of the Tibetan plateau. Hence, the kingdom is influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Travelling to Upper Mustang is a real privilege. Upper Mustang Trek is a once in a lifetime destination to explore the captivating medieval walled kingdom of Lo Manthang.
Upper Mustang trekking transits across the arid river valley that runs north-south of Annapurna circuit. Trek to Upper Mustang passes through the driest region of Nepal. It certainly offers you a visit to the deserted valley rich in its own ancient cultural heritages and traditions. It provides spectacular mountain scenery. Though trekking to this region has been open since 1992, trekkers must need a special permit to trek this region.
About Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang falls under a restricted area. The travellers must require a special permit to travel to this region. Trekkers should pay a permit fee of US$ 500 (to be arranged through a trekking agency and valid for 10 days). Each additional day costs US$ 50. Meanwhile, ACAP permits which cost US$ 30 must be paid before travelling to Upper Mustang. Similarly, for the TIMS card US$ 10 must be paid to the department of immigration.
With us, your journey to Upper Mustang starts from Kathmandu. Being the capital of Nepal recently Kathmandu holds the only international airport in the nation. Some other international airports are under construction and 40+ domestic airports are in operation. From Kathmandu, you can reach Pokhara by road or by flight. Flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu Takes about 7 hours. Similarly, 25 minutes of scenic flight will take you to the beautiful lake city Pokhara from Kathmandu.
A 20 minutes flight from Pokhara will take you to Jomsom. After a 30 minutes drive from Jomsom, you will reach Kagbeni. The trek generally starts from Kagbeni. From Kagbeni you will start the trek the very next day and take about 5 days to reach the capital of Mustang Lo Manthang. Situated at an elevation of 3,730 meters above sea level, Lo Manthang is the ancient capital of the Jomsom.
You will have an extra day to explore Lo Manthang. During the day you get to witness sky caves, ancient cave paintings, cultural practices and many more. From Lo Manthang it takes 3 trekking days to reach Kagbeni. From Kagbeni you can trek to Jomsom. The trek distance is short and during the rest of the day, you can explore the lower Mustang. Meanwhile, Marpha Village and Dumba Lake are must-see places to visit during your stay at Jomsom.
Best Time to Travel Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang is cold in winter, windy and dusty throughout the year. As the region falls under the rain shadow, it does not bear rainfall. So, trekking in Upper Mustang is also suitable during monsoon season. During the monsoon season of the year, amazing views of the landscapes, green fields, apple orchards and many more can be seen. Rainfall only lasts for a few hours meanwhile in the evening the clouds may cover the sky.
However, Summer, Monsoon and Autumn are the best time to trek the upper Mustang. Mid-September, October November and Early- December is one of the best months of the year for the Upper Mustang trek. Mustang is situated at low altitude compared with other trekking trails without any high passes. Because of that, the snowfall does not hamper the trekking trails. Similarly February, March and April are the second-best seasons for Upper Mustang trek. During these months of the year, the sky is clear.
If our trip itinerary doesn’t suit your holiday schedule or you wish to modify the itinerary or combine it with any travel plans, then please let us know and we’ll be happy to create a tailor-made itinerary, designed especially for you. Also whether you are a student group/family group /corporate team please inquire with us. We offer you a variety of packages to Upper Mustang.
Detailed Itinerary
Kathmandu Arrival
Drive to Pokhara
Fly to Jomsom, Trek to Kagbeni
Trek to Chele
Trek to Syanbochen
Trek to Ghami
Trek to Tasrang
Trek to Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang Exploration
Trek to Ghami
Trek to Samar
Trek to Kagbeni
Trek to Jomsom
Fly to Pokhara, Rest Day
Drive to Kathmandu
Departure
Trip Guide
Get all required travel guides, tips and informations about Upper Mustang trek.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where is Upper Mustang located?
Upper Mustang is located 400km north west from Kathmandu in the Mustang district of Nepal. Upper Mustang is the upper part of Mustang district, which is bordered with Tibet.
Services Includes
- All arrival and departure at Kathmandu airport as mentioned.
- Flight transfer (Pokhara/Jomsom/Pokhara) as mentioned in the itinerary.
- SIC transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back. (Subject to change on private with additional cost.)
- 2-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu/Pokhara as per the trek itinerary.
- Daily breakfast throughout the trip.
- Lunch and Dinner from trek start day to trek end day.
- All necessary paper works. (Restricted Area Permit, National Park Entry Permit, ACAP permit and TIMS Card)
- English speaking licensed trek guide.
- Porter during the trek. (Can carry 20KG Baggage of 2 person)
- Lodge or Tea house accommodation during the trek.
- One local SIM card (returnable) during your stay.
- All government and local taxes.
- Guide and Porter’s salary, food and accommodation during the trek.
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter service which will be paid by your traveller’s insurance company.
- Sleeping bag, duffle bags and trekking route maps – if necessary.
- Farewell Nepali dinner on your last night.
Services Excludes
- Personal expenses.
- Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fee.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
- Nepal visa cost. (You will require 2 passport size photos and 30 USD)
- International flight ticket.
- Travel health insurance. (Recommended)
- Tips for the guide, porter and driver.
- Sweet things like dessert/chocolate.
- All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Hot shower/batteries charge/heater during the trek.
- Any other expenses which are not mentioned in including section.
Why Travel With Altitude Himalaya?
We believe in the quality services to accommodate our guests 360 degrees need with tour personalization and customization. Our dedicated and experienced team believes not only in arranging trips, but making creating life long memories. Our travel experience within the region of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet could make a memorable trip of yours.
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