Highlights
The Complete Guide to Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek is a popular and remote trekking destination located in the north-central part of Nepal. This trek takes you through the heart of the Upper Mustang region, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains and stunning landscapes, including vast arid valleys, high cliffs, and unique rock formations. The region has a significant cultural heritage, having once been a part of the Tibetan Empire, and the Tibetan influence is evident in the local culture and traditions. Additionally, the Upper Mustang region is home to several ancient monasteries, including the famous Lo Gekar Monastery, which dates back to the 8th century.
The Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate trek that requires a good level of fitness and endurance. The trek takes you to high altitudes, so proper acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness. Trekking in the region is best done during the spring and autumn months when the weather is clear, and the temperatures are mild. The Upper Mustang Trek offers a unique and rewarding experience, providing a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. With the right preparation and mindset, this trek is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you're an experienced trekker or a beginner looking for a new adventure, the Upper Mustang Trek is definitely worth considering.
Itinerary
DAY 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m) & Transfer to the Hotel
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative at the airport. From there, you will be transferred to your hotel. After checking in and getting refreshed, you can take some time to rest and adjust to the altitude. In the evening, you will have a welcome dinner with the team and receive a briefing about the upcoming trek.
DAY 2 - Preparation Day & Sightseeing around Kathmandu
Today is a preparation day for your trek. After breakfast, we will take you on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. You will visit some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, including Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. In the evening, you can do some last-minute shopping and preparation for the trek.
DAY 3 - Fly/Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (823m): Fly 30minutes/Drive 5-6 hours
After breakfast, you will take a scenic flight or drive to Pokhara, a beautiful lake city nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will check into your hotel and have the rest of the day to explore the city. You can go for a boat ride on Phewa Lake or take a walk around the lakeside.
DAY 4 - Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2760m) & Trek to Kagbeni (2810m)
Today, you will take a short flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, a gateway to the Mustang region. From Jomsom, you will start your trek to Kagbeni, a charming medieval village that lies at the confluence of two rivers. Along the way, you will see stunning views of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges..
DAY 5 - Trek from Kagbeni to Chuksacng (2920m)
After breakfast, you will start your trek to Chuksang, a small village situated on the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. On the way, you will cross a suspension bridge and pass through several small settlements. You will also see the ancient red-walled monastery of Tangbe and the stunning landscape of the Mustang region.
DAY 6 - Trek from Chuksang to Samar (3290m)
Today, you will trek to Samar, a small village surrounded by beautiful mountains. The trail takes you through a narrow gorge with colorful rock formations and views of the Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges. Along the way, you will pass through the village of Syangboche, where you can take a break and enjoy some tea.
DAY 7 - Trek from Samar to Gelling (3440m) via Chungsi Gompa
After breakfast, you will start your trek to Gelling, a village known for its barley and wheat fields. Along the way, you will visit Chungsi Gompa, an ancient monastery that dates back to the 13th century. From the monastery, you will see stunning views of the Mustang region.
DAY 8 - Trek from Gelling to Tsarang (3490m)
Today, you will trek to Tsarang, a village that was once the capital of the Mustang kingdom. Along the way, you will see the stunning red cliffs and views of the Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges. You will also visit the ancient monastery of Ghami and the village of Charang, known for its white-walled houses and narrow alleys.
DAY 9 - Trek from Tsarang to Lo Manthang (3840m) via Lo Gekar (3825m)
On this day, after having breakfast, we will continue our trek from Tsarang to Lo Manthang, which is the capital of the Mustang region. The trail passes through the Lo Gekar monastery, which is one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal, dating back to the 8th century. The monastery is known for its beautiful murals, statues, and frescoes. As we trek towards Lo Manthang, we will see the barren landscape gradually transform into a green and fertile valley, with the Kali Gandaki River meandering through it. The landscape becomes more enchanting as we approach Lo Manthang, with the majestic Himalayas looming in the distance.
DAY 10 - Explore Lo Manthang: visit Chhosar, Chonup, Namgyal, etc.
Today, we will spend the day exploring the ancient city of Lo Manthang. We will visit various historical and cultural sites, including the Chhosar Cave, which is believed to have been used as a meditation chamber by Guru Rinpoche, one of the most revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism.
DAY 11 - Trek from Lo Manthang to Dakmar (3820m) via Ghar gompa
Today, we will leave Lo Manthang and head towards Dakmar, a small village that is known for its unique red cliffs. On the way, we will visit the Ghar Gompa, which is one of the oldest and most important monasteries in the region. The monastery is famous for its beautiful frescoes and murals that depict the life of Buddha..
DAY 12 - Trek from Dakmar to Syangbochen
Today, we will leave Dakmar and trek towards Syangbochen. The trail passes through several small villages, where we will have the opportunity to interact with the local people and learn about their way of life.
DAY 13 - Trek from Syangbochen to Chuksang
Today, we will leave Syangbochen and trek towards Chhuksang. The trail passes through several small villages and beautiful landscapes, including the Kali Gandaki River and the Mustang Khola River. We will also pass through several beautiful apple orchards, which are a major source of income for the local people. We will have the opportunity to taste some of the delicious apples and other fruits that are grown in the region.
DAY 14 - Trek from Chuksang to Muktinath (3800m)
Today, we will leave Chhuksang and trek towards Muktinath, one of the most sacred places for both Hindus and Buddhists. The trail passes through several beautiful landscapes, including the Kagbeni village, the Jharkot village, and the beautiful Kali Gandaki River.
DAY 15 - Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (via Kagbeni)
After visiting the sacred temple of Muktinath and enjoying the serene beauty of the place, we will make our way back to Jomsom via Kagbeni. We will take our time and soak in the stunning views of the Annapurna range and the surrounding landscapes as we make our way back to Jomsom. We will spend the night in Jomsom and prepare for our return journey to Pokhara the next day.
DAY 16 - Fly/Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara
After breakfast, we will take a scenic flight back to Pokhara, where we will spend the rest of the day exploring the beautiful city. Pokhara is known for its serene lakes, beautiful mountain views, and adventure activities like paragliding and bungee jumping. We will spend the night in Pokhara.
DAY 17 - Fly/ Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
After breakfast, we will drive/fly back to Kathmandu. Once we reach Kathmandu, we will check into our hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the vibrant city. We will visit some of the popular tourist attractions like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Stupa. In the evening, we will enjoy a farewell dinner with our trekking team and share our experiences of the trek.
DAY 18 - Rest Day in Kathmandu
After a strenuous trek, we will take a well-deserved rest day in Kathmandu. We can spend the day exploring the city, shopping for souvenirs, or simply relaxing at the hotel. In the evening, we can enjoy a cultural show or take a cooking class to learn about Nepali cuisine.
DAY 19 - Transfer to International Airport for final departure
Our incredible trek to Upper Mustang comes to an end today. After breakfast, we will be transferred to the international airport for our final departure. We will bid farewell to our trekking team and take back unforgettable memories of the beautiful Mustang region.
TRIP ENDS HERE!
TREK GALLERY
Map
What's Included
ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast basis
AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP : Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
WELCOME DINNER : One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staff.
Permits : All necessary paper works: Trekking Permit including MCAP and special permit, TIMS Card & conservation entry fee
STAFF INSURANCE : Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
MAP: Trekking map of the trek
MEMBER TRANSPORTATION : Land Transportation Kathmandu
MEMBER LUGGAGE: Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.
FOODS & LODGING : 3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/camp during the trek.
DRINKS : 2 liters of boiled water to carry on thermos per day per member.
Guide : Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sight-seeing in Kathmandu valley.
PORTER : Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE : All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit.
Meals on treks only: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner.
What's Not Included
NEPAL VISA FEES : Nepali Visa fee is US$ 60 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 120).
LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).
EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
INSURANCE : Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.
RESCUE EVACUATION : Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation cost if required. (Rescue, Repatriation, Medication, Medical Tests, and Hospitalization costs.)
PERSONAL EXPENSES: Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT : Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.
TOILETRIES : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
INTERNET SERVICE : Internet facility during the trek is not included.
EXTRA PORTER : $35 USD for an extra porter per day (If an extra porter is demanded).
TIPS : Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.
EXTRA : Any other services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
Mandatory Documents
Identification document
Booking Receipt, if Booked Online (PDF will work)
Cancellation Policy
More than 30-days prior to departure - 50% refund.
In Between 15-30-days prior to departure - 25% refund.
Less than 15-days prior to departure - No Refund.
Frequently Asked question
Absolutely! Whether you're a solo trekker or with a group, you can easily book your trek through our website or by contacting our Kathmandu office directly. We can even pair solo trekkers with groups, if desired.
On our treks, you'll enjoy a blend of traditional Nepali meals like 'dal bhat' (lentil soup with rice) and other international cuisines. We ensure our food is nutritious and energy-packed for the trekking journey. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice.
Yes, we offer secure luggage storage at our office in Kathmandu. You can leave behind non-essential items and pick them up once you return from your trek.
Yes, depending on your trek's region, you'll need permits like the TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management Systems) card and regional conservation or national park permits. Our team takes care of all the necessary paperwork and permits for you.
Absolutely! We offer both fixed-departure and tailor-made treks. If you have specific preferences, routes, or places you'd like to visit, just let our team know, and we'll help design a trek that meets your desires.
Altitude sickness is a concern in the Himalayan treks. Our itineraries are designed to allow gradual acclimatization. It's essential to communicate any discomfort to our guides, who are trained to assist in such situations.
Yes, Kathmandu offers several rental shops where you can rent or buy trekking gear. If you're missing something, it's likely you'll find it here. However, for personal comfort, we recommend bringing specialized items like hiking boots from home.
Accommodation varies depending on the trek's route. In popular trails like the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, you'll find well-maintained teahouses offering basic amenities. However, in remote areas, the facilities might be more basic. Camping may also be part of certain trekking routes.
Our guides carry communication devices and have contacts with local agencies to ensure swift action during emergencies. In extreme cases, helicopter evacuations can be arranged, given that the trekker has suitable insurance coverage.