Skip to content
Trekking

Upper Mustang Trek

  • Duration: 16 Days
  • Max altitude: 3840 m
  • Group size: 2
  • Grade: Moderate
  • Best season: Spring

Accommodation: Tea house

The Mustang Trek is a journey back in time.
Located in the ancient Kingdom of Lo, north of the Annapurna range and close to the Tibetan border, Mustang offers a landscape unlike anywhere else in Nepal: high-altitude desert, wind-carved canyons, ancient caves, and a Tibetan culture preserved for centuries.
Until 1992, Mustang was closed to outsiders. Even today, it remains one of the most mystical, cultural, and peaceful trekking regions in the Himalayas.
This is not a summit trek.
It is a trek of history, spirituality, and contemplation.

Upper Mustang Trek

Itinerary

  1. Arrival in Kathmandu

    Arrival in Nepal. Meet & greet at the airport and private transfer to the hotel. First contact with the capital.

    1400 m

  2. Kathmandu: preparation & welcome

    Full preparation day including detailed trek briefing, equipment check and rental assistance if needed, Kathmandu city tour by private vehicle (entrance fees not included), and welcome dinner with the local team.
  3. Kathmandu → Pokhara (flight or jeep)

    • Flight: approx. 25 minutes
    • Jeep / private vehicle: approx. 6–7 hours
    Transfer to Pokhara, gateway to the Annapurna region.
    Due to weather conditions or flight availability, the journey may be done by road using a private jeep.
    Overnight in Pokhara.
  4. Pokhara → Jomsom (flight) & trek to Kagbeni

    Duration:
    • Flight: approx. 20 minutes
    • 4×4 jeep (if flight is canceled): approx. 8–9 hours
    • Trekking: 3–4 hours
    Scenic flight into Mustang and start of the trek to Kagbeni, the historic gateway to Upper Mustang.

    2804 m

  5. Kagbeni → Chele

    Official entry into Upper Mustang. Walk through dramatic canyons and increasingly arid landscapes.

    3050 m

  6. Chele → Syanbochen

    Cross gentle mountain passes and traditional villages with strong Tibetan influence.

    3475 m

  7. Syanbochen → Ghami

    One of the most scenic days, surrounded by chortens, red cliffs, and vast desert valleys.

    3520 m

  8. Ghami → Tsarang

    Cultural route passing ancient monasteries and long mani walls to the important village of Tsarang.

    3620 m

  9. Tsarang → Lo Manthang

    Arrival at Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the former Forbidden Kingdom. A truly special day.

    3730 m

  10. Exploration day in Lo Manthang

    Full day to explore monasteries, the royal palace, ancient caves, and nearby villages. Mustang at its purest.

  11. Lo Manthang → Drakmar

    Trekking:
    Departure from the capital via quieter trails, crossing striking red rock landscapes and unique formations.

    3810 m

  12. Drakmar → Ghiling

    Gentle descent through traditional villages and terraced agricultural land.

    3086 m

  13. Ghiling → Chhuksang

    The valley opens as we descend through wide landscapes and ancient caravan routes.

    3050 m

  14. Chhuksang → Jomsom

    Final trekking day following the Kali Gandaki Valley to Jomsom.

    2700 m

  15. Jomsom → Pokhara → Kathmandu

    Return by scenic flights (weather permitting) back to Kathmandu.

  16. Kathmandu: buffer / free day

    Extra buffer day in case of weather delays or for rest, sightseeing, and shopping.

  17. International departure

    Private transfer to the international airport and end of the journey.

Included / Not Included

Not Included

✈️ International flights

🛂 Nepal entry visa

🛡 Travel insurance including helicopter rescue

🍽 Meals not specified in Kathmandu and Pokhara

🚿 Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging in lodges

🥤 Additional drinks

🎒 Personal trekking equipment

💰 Tips for guides, porters, and staff

📦 Any service not mentioned under “What’s Included”

Included

🚐 Transportation & logistics

• Airport transfers in Kathmandu
• Kathmandu – Pokhara transport (flight or jeep)
• Pokhara – Jomsom transport (flight or jeep)
• All ground transportation during the trek

🏨 Accommodation

• 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu
• Hotel in Pokhara
• Mountain tea houses during the trek

🍽 Meals

Full board during the trekking days
(breakfast, lunch, dinner).

🎉 Special meals

• Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
• Farewell dinner at the end of the trek

💧 Hydration

1 liter of drinking water per person per trekking day.

🧭 Professional mountain team

Certified trekking guide and experienced porters.

✔ 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
✔ Maximum load 15 kg per person

🎟 Permits

• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

🩺 Health & Safety

First aid kit and safety protocols during the trek.

✔ Staff salary, insurance, accommodation, and transport included.

More information

Visa Information

Most travelers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Nepal. This visa can be easily obtained upon arrival in the country.

The tourist visa can be arranged:

  • On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu
  • At major land border crossings into Nepal
  • In advance at a Nepalese embassy or consulate in your country

Travelers may also complete the visa application form online before arrival, which can help speed up the process at the airport.

To obtain a visa on arrival, travelers must complete the immigration form, present a valid passport, and pay the visa fee.

It is recommended to bring US dollars in cash to pay the visa fee.

In some cases, a passport-sized photo may be required, so it is advisable to bring one with you.

Tourist Visa Fees

  • 15 days: $30 USD
  • 30 days: $50 USD
  • 90 days: $125 USD

Tourist visas are generally issued as multiple-entry visas, allowing travelers to leave and re-enter Nepal during the validity period of the visa.

Indian Citizens

Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. However, they must carry a valid passport or an approved identification document when crossing the border.

Travel Information

Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining our treks and expeditions.

Travel insurance is not included in the trip price, and each participant is responsible for arranging their own policy before traveling to Nepal.

We strongly recommend that your insurance policy covers:

  • Medical expenses abroad
  • Emergency helicopter evacuation
  • Mountain accidents
  • Trip cancellation or interruption
  • Loss or delay of luggage

Helicopter evacuations in the Himalayas can be very expensive, especially in remote areas where road access is limited. For this reason, having proper insurance coverage is essential for your safety and peace of mind.

Altitude Coverage

For most treks in Nepal, we recommend insurance coverage for trekking activities up to at least 4,000–6,000 meters, including emergency helicopter evacuation.

For mountaineering expeditions or peak climbs above 6,000 meters, it is mandatory to have insurance that covers high-altitude mountaineering and rescue operations.

Participants must carefully check that their insurance policy covers the maximum altitude of their chosen trip.

Important Information

Participants should carry a copy of their insurance policy and emergency contact numbers during the trek or expedition.

Having appropriate insurance provides safety and peace of mind for both participants and the mountain team supporting the expedition.

Tipping Guidelines

Tipping is not mandatory but is a common practice in Nepal and a way to show appreciation for the local team supporting your trek or expedition.

Guides, Sherpas and porters work hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey in the mountains, assisting with logistics, equipment and support throughout the route.

As a general guideline, many trekkers choose to tip approximately:

  • Porters: around $8–10 USD per day
  • Guides / Sherpa Guides: around $10–15 USD per day

Tips are usually given at the end of the trek as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided.

The final amount is always at the discretion of each participant and may vary depending on group size and personal satisfaction with the service.

Personal First Kit

Each participant should carry a small personal first aid kit with basic medications that may be needed during the trek or expedition.

It is important to bring any personal medication prescribed by your doctor, as well as any specific treatments you normally use.

A personal first aid kit may include, for example:

  • Personal medication
  • Basic pain relief medication
  • Medication for digestive problems
  • Bandages or basic supplies for minor wounds
  • Sunscreen and lip protection

We recommend consulting your doctor before the trip if you require specific medication for high-altitude activities.

Our mountain team carries a group first aid kit and essential safety equipment, but each participant is responsible for their own personal medication.

Ready to experience the Himalayas?

Join a carefully crafted trek designed for those seeking silence, vast landscapes, and a deep connection with the mountains.

What Our Adventurers Say

Real stories from the peaks of Nepal

Our past travelers share the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments that made their Himalayan journey truly extraordinary.

★★★★★
Martin legault Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Canada
Professionnal guide Big experience Have a respect every place during the treck Everything is on control with Pasang. I recommended a 150%
★★★★★
Stephen Tindall Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp UK
I can honestly say I cannot recommend Pasang enough, I had the best time ever. Pasang is very knowledgeable and has so much passion about what he does. Throughout my trek I felt safe, and very welcomed. Pasang has become a life long friend, what…
★★★★★
Otávio Marcacini Everest Base Camp Trekking Brazil
Great guide, I strongly recommend! He knows a lot about the culture and knows many people. Also, I had the opportunity to have lunch at the EBC with others sherpas, nice experience… Thanks Pasang for guiding me during the EBC trekking!
★★★★★
Jensen Lodge Island Peak Climbling UK
Myself and a pal from Mountain Rescue England and Wales decided to go to Nepal and see the spectacular Himalayan Peaks. They didn’t disappoint. I have done a lot of mountaineering in Europe, Mont Blan, Gran Paradiso Etc. but these are next level…literally. The altitude…
★★★★★
Wayne Storey Island Peak Climbling UK
Had a great experience with Pasang on our Everest base camp and Island Peak trek. Very knowledgeable and friendly and great communication skills 👌

Book this trip

Upper Mustang Trek