Upper Mustang Trek
  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Price & Dates
  • Useful Info
  • F.A.Q.
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Facts of this Trip

Duration 16 Days
Trip Grade Moderate
Max Altitude 3700 M
Trip Type Tea house Trek and sightseeing
Accommodation *** Hotel/ Tea house on Trail
Meals Full board on trek
Transportation Private Vehicle and Domestic Flight
Season All season
Group Size Minimum 2 pax

Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang, it refers to the arid Tibet-like region at the northern end of the Kaligandaki lying beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Mustang is the land of the bare field, pastures for grazing herds. Upper mustang consists of two distinct regions, the southern region with five villages inhabited by people related to Mannangis and the northern region (the ancient region of Lo) where the language, culture, and tradition are purely Tibetan.
The region mustang being a restricted area, there are certain formalities required by the government of Nepal in obtaining a special permit. Upper Mustang was a separate kingdom within Nepal until the time of Monarchy till 2006 and even after the downfall of Monarchy this small Tibetan settlement has the same respect for their King Jigme Paramal Bista. The trek to Lo-Manthang is through high altitude desert country climbing in and out of the huge sided valley of the Kali Gandaki. In places, the gorge which the Kali Gandaki River runs through is the deepest in the world. This region is full of some of Nepal's oldest Buddhist Monasteries, ancient and isolated villages with quaint whitewashed houses.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival at Kathmandu

At your arrival at a Tribhawn international airport, Kathmandu our representative from Alfresco Adventure Travel wait you outside at Arrival gate with your Name card. Our team welcome and collect your baggage at the airport. By formal introduction with the representative and transferred to your hotel. In the evening you will enjoy complimentary welcome dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with Nepalese cuisine. Overnight at hotel.

Day 2

Sightseeing at Kathmandu and pre trek preparation.

After breakfast, our office representative and your trekking guide and support staff will meet you on the hotel and discus about all programs and coordinate any last-minute arrangements. After staff meeting, one of our professional tour guides will take you for a sightseeing trip and then back to the hotel. Rest of the day can be used for travelling around Thamel and buying any last minute equipment and other necessities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3

Drive or Flight Kathmandu to Pokhara

After breakfast we start our journey to Pokhara after Scenic 6-7 hours (200km) drive you will reach beautiful and peaceful town Pokhara. Or you may take a 30 min flight to Pokhara enjoying the non-stop mountain scenery and valleys. A city with a large lake that offers us the magnificent views of various mountains. Dhaulagiri, the whole Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) amongst others.

Day 4

Fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni (2,858m)

After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 20 minutes over the mountains with views of 8,000ers such as Annapurna & Dhaulagiri, brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town, headquarter of the Mustang region; it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age-old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, Continue on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hrs. and finally reaching Ekley-Bhatti village. After the good stop here an hour of the easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept village situated on the main age-old Trans-Himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. In Kagbeni a major tributary, Kak Khola, coming from Muktinath, meets Mustang Khola, and from there the river is called the Kali Gandaki. Overnight at hotel

Day 5

Trek Kagbeni to Chele (3050m)

Our journey starts with a special permit checkup and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki upstream. During the walk, we have the scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trail follows the up and downhill. Firstly we reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst whitewashed houses, fields of buckwheat, barley, wheat, and apple orchards. From there we trek forward to Chhusang and after crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges reach Chele village. Overnight at hotel

Day 6

Trek to Geling (3570 m)

This is the day of the 3 passes; our trek takes us over the mountain passes of Chele La, to the village of Samar (a one-time Khampa stronghold as they battled the Chinese to preserve their land). From there it is up and down, through a valley and over another pass, Bhena La at 3850 meters then we continue on to Yamdo La at 4010 meters before descending to the village of Geling. Overnight at hotel

Day 7

Trek to Charang (3620m)

The walk today is the hardest in the entire trip so make sure you have enough water and some power bars to Support you as we walk past the driest place in the Mustang area. The walk might be tiring and 5 hours might seem as long as 10 but still, you can feel fresh with the view of the high mountains in the backdrops. At mid-afternoon, we will reach Charang, where at the eastern end a huge Dzong (fortress) and red gompa home to a great collection of statues and thankas can be seen. Overnight at hotel

Day 8

Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3700m)

Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Charang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay at hotel for the overnight stop. Overnight at hotel

Day 9

Day in Lo Manthang

Today we stay in Lo Manthang exploring the splendors of the town with it’s gompas, old shops, and King’s palace. On summer treks the king may be in residence, so look for special activities surrounding the palace. Our Mustangis guides have many friends in Lo Manthang, and this is the day they get a chance to really introduce you to their special culture that is like no other in the Himalaya. Because the Mustang was closed to Western visitors until the 1990s, it does not have as many of the Western trappings as other regions of Nepal. Indeed, Mustang was not even part of Nepal until 1951. It is rumored to be the region of the lost Shangri-La. Enjoy this day in one of the world’s most remote and ancient kingdoms before we begin our walk, heading south again toward Lower Mustang. Overnight at hotel

Day 10

Trek back to Ghami (3490m)

Today we start the second leg of the journey to get back to Jomsom. We take the same way back to Ghami. There are few alternate routes but very short ending up at the main trail in short span of time. Overnight stay at Ghami.

Day 11

Ghami to Chuksang (2900m)

We will reach Chuksang after crossing the Kaligandaki and walking past some desert-like land area. After walking for around 6 hours we reach Chuksang for an overnight stay.

Day 12

Chuksang to Muktinath (3795m)

We start walking towards Muktinath today. You will travel through some pretty scenery today, apple orchards, agricultural fields, and pretty villages. At the end of the day, we can make a brief visit to the temple of Muktinath which is worshiped by Hindus as Lord Vishnu and By Buddhists as Avalokteshowrs. This temple premise has 108 stone spouts from where holy water comes throughout the day. Overnight at

Day 13

Trek to Jomsom

After the short descend in the morning you will find yourself in Jharkot and Khingar, where there are beautiful monasteries which give you the opportunity to witness the interrelation and similarity of Tibet to this area. The view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri is splendid throughout the trail. We will walk past Kagbeni to reach Jomsom along the bank of Kali Gandaki River. We can spend some time explore headquarter of the Mustang district, Jomsom from where the Mountain View is magnificent. Overnight at hotel

Day 14

Fly back to Pokhara.

Early morning flight to Pokhara and free day in Pokhara. Overnight at hotel

Day 15

Drive or Fly back to Kathmandu

Our trekking is finished we will be drive back to Kathmandu from beautiful lake city Pokhara. It take around 6-7 hours to reach Kathmandu by Drive. Or you can also travel by Air it will take around 25 minutes. Overnight at hotel.

Day 16

Departure, transfer to the airport.

Today is your last day with us in Nepal. You will escort to the airport for your onward destination with the unforgettable moment of your life from the wonderful Upper Mustang Trek. Our office representative came at your hotel for pick up and drop you at the airport.

Price & Dates

Upcoming Fixed Departure Date and Offer Price.


Trip Cost Includes :

  • Arrival and Departure by comfortable Private vehicle
  • Pokhara- Jomsom - Pokhara domestic air ticket
  • All necessary paperwork, trekking permits, Restricted Areas Permit (National Park Permit, TIMS)
  • 3 star accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara on BB plan (with breakfast)
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek (Include breakfast, lunch, Dinner)
  • Welcome and Farewell dinner in typical Nepal restaurant with Nepal food
  • All land transportation is arrange as pre the itinerary in a comfortable vehicle
  • City tour in Kathmandu with experience Tourist guide by private vehicle
  • All entrance fees and government and local charges for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
  • An experienced English spoken and government certified trekking leader, guide and assistant trek leader or guide
  • Poter service (2 trekkers = 1 porter)
  • Staff cost including their salary, insurance and allowance
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader or guide)

Trip Cost Exclude :

  • Your Medical and travel insurance
  • Personal Belong items
  • Personal expenses, shopping, Beverage bills and so on.
  • Tips for staffs

Useful Info

Useful information

Frequently Asked Questions.

How difficult is the Upper Mustang Trek?
No ropes needed and no ice picks needed. There is no vertical climbing involved. The trial is rough, Windy, most of the trek involves long paths that go up and then down. People with weak ankles should take caution. Depending on the time of year you go there can also be snow and ice in the trails. Use caution or seek the expertise of our guide.
How fit do I need to be to go trekking to Upper Mustang??
An Average level of fitness is required. For trekking to Upper Mustang in Nepal you'll need to consider the amount of days you'll be out trekking. Most days include 4-7 hours of slow hiking. Altitude is not the biggest problem for this trek.
Only few people trekked to Upper Mustang because it is restricted area of Nepal and need special permits to do this trek which is expensive. USD 500 for 10 days?
Can my children go on the Upper Mustang? Trek?
Yes your Children can do it but make sure they have enough walking experience and you can afford it.
What if I am a solo traveler?
Not allowed for SOLO trekkers by Nepal government. Must be minimum 2 person in group.
When should I go to Upper Mustang Trek?
April to November are the best time to do Upper mustang Trek. Upper Mustang is rain shadow are of Nepal and you can do trek even in monsoon season or any time.
What Kind of Gear do I need to go to Upper Mustang Trek?
Essential Items: -Warm Jacket -Waterproof jacket or poncho -Mid-weight fleece or sweater -2-3 Hiking shirts -1-2 pair Hiking pants -2-3 Non-hiking shirts -1 Long-sleeve shirt -1-2 Pairs non-hiking pants, shorts or skirts -2-3 Pairs warm socks -Warm hat -Sun hat -Long underwear (for high altitude) -Gloves (for high altitude) -Towel (preferably quick dry) -Day pack -Hiking shoes -Sandals -Sunglasses -Water bladder or bottle -Headlamp or flashlight -Sun screen -Lip balm -Personal medications -Camera Non-Essential Items: -Sleeping bag (can rent in Kathmandu) -Trekking poles (can buy or rent in Kathmandu) -Rain pants
Are there any ATM's on the Upper Mustang Trek?
Yes but Only at Jomsom before/after Trek.
Do I need to purchase my own travel insurance for Upper Mustang Trek?
Yes. Most trips run smoothly, but once in a while something unexpected can happen, that’s why we highly recommend and to join one of our trips you must have travel insurance.
Will I get altitude sickness on the Trek?
Upper Mustang Trek doesn’t go higher than 4300m. And it is possible affected by the altitude. Some people fell altitude symptoms and some doesn't. It is usually above 3000 meters when people start to feel symptoms.
Will I have access to the internet?
Yes But only at Jomsom.
Can I charge my camera batteries on the trek?
Yes you can charge batteries but you'll be charged by the hour and you'll have to bring your own charger.
Will my mobile phone work on this Trek?
Cell phones work at most of the places on Upper Mustang Trek, depending on your mobile provider. There are also phone services almost everywhere we go if you need to reach home.

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