| No of people | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 - 3 | $2,250 |
| 4 - 8 | $2,195 |
| 9 - 15 | $2,150 |
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Upper Mustang has been known as the land of the forbidden kingdom for over 600 years. Upper Mustang lies in a restricted zone, the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains in western Nepal. Upper Mustang trek offers breathtaking views of desert landscapes with Himalayan snow caps, Muktinath temple with 108 holy taps, a Royal place, and old sky caves. Upper Mustang trekking is perfect for all seasons.
Introduction to the Upper Mustang Trek
Nepal is a famous trekking destination worldwide because of its landscapes and cultural richness. Upper Mustang is one of the popular and perfect destinations for trekkers, known as the "Last Forbidden Kingdom".
The Upper Mustang is located inside a restricted region in northwestern Nepal that was closed to outsiders until 1992. Upper Mustang is famous for its desert landscapes and breathtaking views of the Himalayan snowcaps.
The Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurnaand Dhaulagiri Mountains near the Tibetan border. The Mustang upper is well preserved and still holds the charm of traditional Tibetan culture.
Upper Mustang is called the Desert of Nepal and the Pyramids. It's a perfect destination for trekking in any season without fear, so get ready for your next trip with Epic Adventures.
TheUpper Mustang Trek is one of the most iconic journeys into Nepal's remote area and culturally rich region, often known as "Last Forbidden Kingdom" or "Lo".
The Upper Mustang trekking route lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Upper Mustang trek offers a lush greenery trail, Dramatic cliffs, and endless desert landscapes with mountain views.
The local people of Upper Mustang preserve their way of living, which is deeply connected to Tibetan culture. The locals conserved and preserved the ancient monasteries, chortens, prayer flags and 3000-year-old caves, etc.
The Upper Mustang trek begins in Jomsom after a short flight from Pokhara. Then, trekkers gradually walk through the Kali Gandaki valley towards the historic capital of Mustang, known as "Lo Manthang".
During the Upper Mustang trek in Nepal, trekkers pass through small villages like Chusang, Samar, Ghiling, and Charang. In the village, white washed houses stand against hills and snow-capped peaks.
The upper Mustang trek offers natural beauty and a traditional museum of Tibetan Buddhism, festivals, Ritual dances, and Gompas that have been practised for generations.
The Upper Mustang trip lies inside the restricted zone, so the visitors or trekkers need special permits, which help to maintain the culture, nature, and environmental integrity.
The Upper Mustang trek is moderately challenging due to dry and windy conditions with an altitude of over 3800 meters. The Upper Mustang trek is not only a trek but a rare chance to explore the untouched Himalayan kingdom with limited facilities, where nature and traditional culture have been preserved for centuries.
The Upper Mustang Trek requires three special permits called Restricted Area Permit (RAP),Annapurna Conservation Area permits (ACAP), and a Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card to do the trek. Solo trekking is not allowed in this route; this trek requires at least two trekkers. Trekkers should complete the trek during the Upper Mustang trek in Nepal during the given time.
The Upper Mustang trek is your chance to connect with desert landscapes and the Himalayan snow-capped peaks, explore the local culture, caves, monasteries and rituals. You will understand the lifestyle of the local people and observe the traditional apple farming.
The Upper Mustang trek gives you a lifetime experience, combining natural beauty and cultural experience. During the trek, the trekkers will return with unforgettable memories and pictures in their hearts and eyes.
The Upper Mustang Trek takes 15 to 17 days to complete. During the trek, you will pass through the Kali Gandaki Gorge(deepest gorge in the world), the desert, the Himalayas and many small villages.
Lo manthangis the historical capital of Mustang, a small street surrounded by white colored houses built with stones. The local people are called Loba, and their culture and traditions are similar to those of western Tibet.
In the 15th to 20th centuries, Lomanthang was a trade route between India, China, and Nepal. Lamanthang was the home of generations of kings, including the last king Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista, who is now isolated.
The local people and their festivals reflect the traditional culture of Tibetan and Shakyapa. Lomanthang offers a stunning view of deserts and peaks with three thousand years old caves, monasteries, gumbas, chortens and prayer flags.
The highlight itinerary:
If you want to explore the whole kingdom, Upper Mustang could be your best option for trekking with Epic Adventures.
The best season to explore and trek to Upper Mustang is Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September-November). But the upper mustang lies in the rain shadow so you can do it in the off-season. The trekking routes offer stable weather, temperatures, dry winds with desert landscapes, and clear skies, which make for more comfortable trekking conditions.
Spring (March – May): This season offers a view of clear skies, Annapurna ranges, Nilgiri ranges, medium temperatures and blooming wildflowers on parts of the trails. During this season, you can observe a cultural event, the Tiji festival at Lo Manthang, which adds a rich cultural dimension.
Summer/Monsoon (June-August): This season also could be your choice. The Upper Mustang trekking route lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, so there is a low chance of rain even in the monsoon.
During the time, trails are less crowded and the landscapes look vivid with warm temperatures, but winds can be stronger in the evening.
Autumn (September-November):Autumn is known for the peak season for trekking in Nepal. During the autumn, you will find the most stable weather conditions, clear visibility of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri with the Thorong La pass, and minimum wind, making it more comfortable during the trek.
Winter (December-February): It's possible to do the Upper Mustang trek in winter, but not ideal. Some lodges could be closed during the winter, but not all lodges; the temperature could drop. Winter is more challenging than other seasons; snow can block the high passes in winter.
Select the best time to trek to Upper Mustang with Epic Adventures. We will take you to the Kingdom of Lo or Ko-Rala border (4600m) for a lifetime experience. Different seasons give different vibes and change your trekking experience during the Upper Mustang trek.
Weather condition Highlights:
The Upper Mustang is situated in the remote Himalayan region of Nepal. The communities of Upper Mustang follow Tibetan Buddhism, with a rich and unique culture that has been preserved for centuries. Monasteries, prayer flags, and chortens symbolize spiritual power and parts of the Landscapes.
The main festival of Upper Mustang was known as Tiji, where the entire community gathered together at heritage and celebrated with traditional dances and costumes. The people of Upper Mustang are deeply engaged in traditional agriculture and animal husbandry. They use Yaks, Sheep, and goats for milk, meat, and Wool, while horses and Mules are used for transportation.
Basic accommodation is provided by tea houses/lodges, which offer you a traditional cooked meal with hospitality.
Main meals: Dal Bhat (Nepali Set Meal), Fried Rice, Noodles, Thukpa, Mo: mo (dumplings), Pasta/Spaghetti, Pizza, Tibetan Bread/Chapati, etc.
Soups And Snacks: Garlic Soup, Vegetable Soup, Noodle Soup, French Fries/ Potato Wedges, Boiled Potatoes with Salt and Chilli, etc.
Breakfast and Beverage: Porridge, Pancakes, Tibetan Bread with Jam or Honey, Omelettes, Toast with Jam, Milk Tea, Black Tea, Coffee, Hot Lemon, Hot Chocolate, Boiled Water, etc.
The lodges make other meals as you requested and choices. But during the trek, we recommend you try local cuisine.
The Upper Mustang trek takes 15 to 18 days to complete. The itinerary depends on the trekkers' rest day and acclimatization days. If you have enough time, we recommend you make the trip comfortable with rest days and more exploration.
Your adventure trek to the Upper Mustang begins with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and from Pokhara to Jomsom (gateway of Upper Mustang). After landing at Jomsom, we will hike to Kagbeni for an overnight stay.
The next day, you will hike toChusang, which offers the first views of desert landscapes and Himalayan snowcapped mountains, and then hike to Samar, Ghiling, and Charang, where we can observe a Gumbas.
On your 9th day, you will hike to Lo Manthang, known as the historical capital of Mustang, a small street surrounded by white colored houses built with stones. After an overnight stay, we will explore around Lo Manthang the next day.
It offers a stunning view of desert landscapes and peaks with three thousand years old caves, monasteries, gumbas, chortens and prayer flags. You explore the royal palace of the last king, Jinma Palvar Bista, who is now isolated and traditional cultures simmering in Tibetan culture.
After a wonderful time at Lo Manthang, we will return by the same route, passing through Ghami, Samar, Kagbeni and Jomsom and transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay. You will fly to Pokhara from Jomsom the next morning and stay overnight.
After breakfast, fly or drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, or stay overnight. On the last day of your trek, our guide or staff will drive you to the airport for your final departure.
Key itinerary:
The Upper Mustang trek route lies in a Restricted Area, where solo travel is not allowed. The Upper Mustang Trek requires three special permits to enter the restricted area. Permits area:
This permit is mandatory for entering the Upper Mustang, a restricted region beyond Kagbeni. The permit is issued only through a registered Nepali trekking agency. Solo trekking is not permitted.
Nepalis rich naturally and culturally, which attracts thousands of trekkers each season. The Upper Mustang Trekking route is also a newly opened and popular destination with desert landscapes. Practising responsible and sustainable trekking with eco-friendly behaviour can support and promote the local communities.
Practices during trek:
The budget for the Upper Mustang trek is also very important and essential. All the costs are based on the costs of accommodation, amenities, permit fees and transportation. Accommodation, permits, food, and beverages are the main expenses for this trek.
The teahouses and lodges offer different prices depending on the location, altitude, and transportation challenges. All the food items are reasonable, and mostly meals are Nepali dishes.
Some additional costs:
We suggest you carry some extra cash to cover emergencies or unexpected costs. We think a well-planned budget gives us a stress-free experience.
Safety, Health and Altitude Sickness
Safety concerns: weather conditions (5%rain chance, snow in winter, rocky trail, narrow trail, clear skies, dry winds)
Heath and Altitude sickness: water and food hygiene (drink purified or boiled water only), cold and Hypothermia, Injuries
Symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness:
Prevention:
Guided tours provide significant benefits, especially for first time trekkers in Nepal. These tours often include accommodation, meals and a knowledgeable guide. The guides offer insights into local culture and ensure safety on unfamiliar terrains.
Here are some key factors:
The Upper Mustang trek takes 15 to 18 days to complete, so the trek requires good physical fitness and mental preparation to complete the trek if you are planning to do an Upper Mustang trek.
Upper Mustang Trekshould be your next trekking destination because it offers a rare combination of breathtaking desert landscapes and a traditional culture similar to Tibetan culture. You can explore the ancient monasteries, centuries-old caves, and festivals like Tiji, which are protected by the modern generation.
The Upper Mustang trekking destination is the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. During the Upper Mustang trek, you will walk through a high-altitude desert with striking red cliffs, wind-eroded canyons, and a stunning view of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri.
The Upper Mustang trek gives you a lifetime experience with Epic Adventures, combining natural beauty and cultural experience.
On first arrival in Kathmandu and Nepal international airport, received by our Epic Adventures staff and guide for short transfer to your hotel in the hub of Kathmandu. After a short refreshing rest in your room then join with other group members for trek briefing, our expert guide will provides full information regarding the trek, culture, tour of Kathmandu at places of interest.
Evening a welcome dinner in a typical Nepalese restaurants with local folk cultural program entertains, while you have dinner.
After breakfast, we will drive to the World Heritage sites of Kathmandu, which are of great interest to you. Our city tour guide will take you to World Heritage Sites like Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Changunarayan Temple.
After a wonderful sightseeing tour, we will return to the hotel to prepare for the trek to Upper Mustang.
Our journey starts with a tour from Kathmandu to Pokhara by tourist bus, which has beautiful views and offers an off-road experience. It takes a 6 to 7-hour drive or 5 minutes by flight. After reaching Pokhara (822m), an overnight stop is located near Phewa Lake, where you can take a leisure stroll.
There you finds fancy shops and stores, and you can visit the lakeside. Take a refreshing rest with the beautiful view of Machhapuchhre.
After morning Breakfast, you will take a flight to Jomsom from Pokhara, from here you can observe a panoramic view of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, Annapurna and Mt. Machhapuchhre.
After 4 to 5 hours of hiking, you will reach to Kagbeni and take a short break, then start a walk on the windy Kaligandaki river valley to reach Kagbeni for an overnight stay.
After a wonderful night at Kagbeni, you will have breakfast and then trek to Chusang from Kagbeni. It will take a 5 to 6-hour hike.
During the hike, you can enjoy the stunning views of Desert landscapes, electricity poles on the side of roads, rock hills and passing through the local houses, take a break with an overnight stay.
After breakfast, we will start our hike to Samar. It will take around 5 to 6 hours from Chusang. During the hike, you must pass through a bridge with a view of mountains, hills, and small caves. It's approximately 26 km from Kagbeni.
After reaching Samar, take a refreshing break, visit the village, and stay overnight at Samar.
After breakfast, we willhike to Ghiling from Samar in the morning, passing through small lush greenery, mountain views, chortens, and monasteries. It will take 5 to 6 hours of hiking.
On this trail, you have to walk up and down hills, and can observe a panoramic view of desert landscapes and mountains together. After reaching Ghiling, you can visit the village and stay overnight here.
After breakfast, you will start hiking in Charang from Ghiling, which takes only 5 to 6 hours. You can enjoy the dry, strong wind, desert landscapes, and hills during the hike.
It gives a feeling of Egypt sometimes. After reaching to the Charang, take a refreshing break and stay overnight.
Today is the most interesting day, today we will start our hike after a wonderful breakfast from Charang to Lo Manthang. It takes only 5 hours; after 5 hours of hiking, you can enjoy the beauty of the capital city (Lo Manthang).
During today's hike, you can see an unfinished desert landscape, monasteries and chortens. Take some rest and an overnight stay.
Today, after breakfast, we will visit and explore Lo Manthang. Lomanthang is the historical capital of Mustang, a small street surrounded by white colored houses built with stones. We will explore the culture and traditions of local people, which are similar to Western Tibet culture.
We will visit the home of generations of kings (the Royal Palace). Lomanthang offers a stunning view of deserts and peaks with three thousand years old caves, monasteries, gumbas, chortens and prayer flags. We will explore the 3000-year-old cave, which has 40+ rooms. After the exploration, we rested and stayed overnight.
After a wonderful moment at La Manthang, we will have breakfast in the morning and start hiking down to Ghami, crossing through Charang.
It takes 5 to 6 hours of hiking. During the hike, you can observe a village and a group of animals. Overnight stay at Ghami and prepare for the next day's hike.
In the morning after breakfast, we will descend back to Samar from Ghami, passing through Ghiling village. It takes around 5 hours of hiking. During the hike, you can observe a desert and some small pyramids. After reaching to Samar, take a break and stay overnight.
After breakfast in the morning, we will descend back to Kagbeni from Samar Pass through Charang village. It takes around 5 hours of hiking. During the hike, you can observe a desert and some small trees and apples along the way.
After reaching to Kagbeni, take a break and stay overnight.
After breakfast in the morning, we will descend back to Jomsom from Kagbeni. It takes around 4 hours of hiking.
During the hike, you can observe monasteries, Chortens, a gompa and some small trees and apples on the way. After reaching Jomsom, take a break in full comfort and stay overnight.
After breakfast at Jomsom, we will take a flight to Pokhara. After landing, we will drive to the hotel and take a refreshing break on a lakeside street. We can go boating on Phewa Lake as well if you are interested.
After the break, we will return to the hotel and prepare for the next morning. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
After spending an overnight in Pokhara, again drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus (6-7 hours) or fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu (25 minutes) and overnight in Kathmandu and enjoy our last night in Nepal.
At the end of our trek, after a wonderful breakfast at the hotel, our guide and staff will take you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure as per your flight time, with emotions and keeping our beautiful moments.
Time to say bye and have a safe journey
See you again
The Upper Mustang Trek offered an incredible mix of culture and stunning scenery. The views were breathtaking, and visiting ancient monasteries and local villages made the trek even more enriching. The trek was well-organized, and our guide was fantastic, always ensuring we were safe and comfortable. I highly recommend this trek to anyone looking for a unique experience in the Himalayas.
My experience on the Upper Mustang Trek was nothing short of magical. The landscapes were stunning, and the blend of Tibetan culture made the journey even more special. The company was very professional, and our guide was exceptional. This trek is a must for those who appreciate remote beauty and rich history.
The beauty of Humla and Limi Valley is hard to put into words. The landscapes were rugged yet beautiful, and the trek took us through pristine, untouched nature. The cultural experience was amazing, with visits to remote Tibetan villages. The trekking company handled everything perfectly, and our guide was fantastic. This is an unforgettable adventure for those seeking serenity and remote trekking.
The Upper Mustang trek is moderately challenging due to dry and windy conditions with an altitude of over 3800 meters. The Upper Mustang trek is not only a trek but a rare chance to explore the untouched Himalayan kingdom with limited facilities.
The Upper Mustang Trek takes 15 to 17 days to complete. During the trek, you will pass through the Kali Gandaki Gorge (the deepest gorge in the world), the desert, the Himalayas and many small villages.
The Upper Mustang trek is a journey where you can expect to connect with desert landscapes and the Himalayan snow-capped peaks, explore the local culture, caves, monasteries and rituals. You will understand the lifestyle of the local people and observe the traditional apple farming.
Yes, you need a guide for the Upper Mustang Trek because the Upper Mustang trekking route lies in a Restricted Area, where solo travel is not allowed. The Upper Mustang Trek requires special permits and a licensed guide to enter the restricted area.
Yes, it’s worth it if you want a break from the digital world and connect with the mountains. Upper Mustang trek offers a lush greenery trail, Dramatic cliffs, and endless desert landscapes with mountain views.
The upper mustang trek cost depends on the itinerary and services, approximately USD 2000 to 3000. This trek is comparatively costly compared to other treks because this trekking route requires more permits and more days for trekking.
The upper Mustang trek is expensive because it takes 15 to 17 days to complete. The Upper Mustang trek route lies in a Restricted Area, where solo travel is not allowed. The cost of accommodation and transportation is also high here. The Upper Mustang Trek requires more special permits to enter the restricted area.
The cost of the ride to Upper Mustang by bike depends on your choice.
Budget-friendly self-ride: USD 40 to 60 per day
Convenience and Peace of mind: USD 2000- 2500
Permit fees: around USD 530 per person
The Upper Mustang trek route lies in a Restricted Area, where solo travel is not allowed. There are three main special permits:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Foreign Nationals USD 500 per person for the first 10 days, and USD 50 per additional day
Annapurna Conservation Area permits (ACAP): foreign trekkers NPR 3000 or USD 25-30
Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card: only needed for non-RAP regions
The total distance from Kathmandu to Lo Manthang (the capital of Upper Mustang) is around 450- 47km/ 280-29 miles by road, and Kathmandu to Pokhara around 25 minutes, Pokhara to Jomsom 20- 25 minutes by air.
The total distance from Jomsom to Kagbeni (upper Mustang entry point) is around 10 – 12 km, and Jomsom to Lo Manthang (capital of upper Mustang) is 85 – 90 km. The restricted area officially begins from Kagbeni.
No, Mustang is a district or region, while Muktinath is a place; Muktinath is inside Mustang. Muktinath is a famous pilgrimage site in lower Mustang, at about 3800 m elevation.
The altitude of Upper Mustang depends on where you are:
Kagbeni: 2800m/9186ft
LO Manthang: 3840m/12600 ft
Chogo la pass: 4200m- 4300m
Temperature in Mustang varies according to seasons.
Spring: daytime 10-20°c nighttime -2 to 5 °c
Summer: daytime 15-25°c, nighttime 5 to 12°c
Autumn: daytime 12 – 20 °C, nighttime -3 to 5 °C
Winter: Daytime 5-12°c, Nighttime -10 to -20 °C
The temperature in Mustang in January is around 5-12 °C during the day and during night it is around -10 °C.
Yes, but very little compared to most of Nepal, because Upper Mustang lies in the rain Shadow of the Himalayas.
Yes, only in winter,but very little compared to most of Nepal, because Upper Mustang lies in the rain Shadow of the Himalayas.
Yes, Mustang will be the best option to visit to enjoy the snow and feel the cold weather. In Mustang, there is no heavy snowfall or rain so that you can do a trek.
The Upper Mustang area is restricted for cultural preservation, Environmental protection and political reasons. The uniqueness of Upper Mustang could be seriously damaged.
Mustang is called the forbidden kingdom because Mustang has been hidden from most of the world for centuries, which has kept political restrictions, Cultural preservation and geographical isolation.
Upper Mustang is the lost kingdom of Nepal, especially the kingdom of Lo centred around Lo Manthang. Mustang was a hidden, independent kingdom for centuries, so it’s called the Lost Kingdom of Nepal.
The Local people of Upper Mustang speak a local language, a Tibetan dialect. The Nepali language is also used, and they understand it very well; they use the Nepali language to communicate with outsiders.
Choosing between Manang and Mustang depends on what kind of experience you want. They are both different in landscapes and cultures.
Manang is a high-altitude trekking destination that is physically challenging and is mostly influenced by Himalayan farming and Buddhist culture. Mustang is a lower trekking destination and easier, influenced by Tibetan Buddhist traditions known as the Forbidden Kingdom.
Mustang trek is popular because it’s a culturally rich, stunning desert landscape, a historically preserved region that feels both remote and mystical. Mustang offers to connect with desert landscapes and the Himalayan snow-capped peaks, as well as local culture, caves, monasteries, and rituals.
