Upper Mustang Trek -
11
/Days
Upper Mustang Trek
Our Upper Mustang trek consists of 17 days trek which offers a spectacular trekking into the remote Trans-Himalayan mountain area with Tibetan influence culture. The high desert region of the Tibetan influence, Kaligandaki, from the Tibetan border south to Kagbeni is generally referred to as Upper Mustang. Explore the thousand years of old monastery, caves, local tribes and scenic beauties of the different landscapes. Make an adventure starting from world’s deepest gorge Kaligandaki Region into world’s highest regions of Lo-Mangthang Valley that passes through an almost tree-less barren landscape, a steep rocky trail up and down hill and panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and several other peaks. The trek passes through high peaks, passes, glaciers, and alpine valleys. The thousands years of isolation has kept the culture, lifestyle and heritage remain unchanged for centuries and to this date. The houses in Mustang are mostly made from stone and sun baked mud bricks. The city wall and the four storey palace in Lo-Manthang are some of the beautiful architectures of Mustang region. Another attraction in the Mustang region is the Tiji Festival influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, which is timed to coincide with the end of the dry season (late winter/spring). The Mustagi people have their own way of family life, which is quite surprising for many outsiders. All the brothers in the family are married to a single girl, what you may call a practice of polyandry.
The Transhimalayan Mustang Region is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, since the region was restricted for outsiders until Nepal Government announced the opening of the restricted areas in October 1991. The Mustangis or the people of Mustang call themselves Lobas, and they have their own King or Tribe-leader, Jigme Palbar Bista. After Nepal was declared a republic in 2007, the Nepal Government took back the official recognition of the Bista as the Mustangi King. However, the people there still respect him as their King or tribe-leader. Bista also grants audience the visitor upon request. There is also strict control in obtaining a special permit from the department of immigration to protect their tradition from outside influence as well as to protect their environment. The Upper Mustang trek starts from Jomsom to Kagbeni, the entry point of upper Mustang Region. Follow the banks of Kaligandaki River upstream to get to Lo-Mangthang, the capital of the upper Mustang.
Our 17 days teahouse/lodge Upper Mustang trek is a great adventure trek for those who wish to make a challenging trek along “off the beaten path” in the Trans-Himalayan Region. If you are interested in making even more adventurous trek in remotest parts, we recommend you to try our Upper Dolpo & She Gompa Trek -28 days. For the trekkers longing to experience some of the most interesting features of the Annapurna region including Annapurna Base Camp, Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Poon Hill, etc, our Annapurna Sanctuary Trek-16 days itinerary would an interesting option.
Availability
Includes
What's Included
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- All airport/hotel transfers
- Two nights in HOTEL IN Kathmandu
- Three nights in hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- All accommodation and meals during the trek
- A full day sightseeing tour in Beautiful Pokhara valley including tour guide and entrance fees
- Domestic flights (pokhara-Jomsom) and airport departure taxes
- Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu transport via Tourist bus
- An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide)
- assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers:1 porter) including their salary
- and trekking map (down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
- A comprehensive medical kit
- All necessary paper work and permits
- (ACAP) ) Annapurna Conservation Area Park Permit
- Upper Mustang Special Trekking Permium=USD 500 $ Per Person for 10 days insight the Upper Mustang Area
- Government Tax
What's Not Included
- Nepal Visa fee (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Excess baggage charges
- Extra night accommodation/s in Kathmandu because of early arrival
- early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu(and also in the case you return early from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls
Itinerary
Follow our carefully planned Upper Mustang Trek itinerary, designed with proper acclimatization and comfortable trekking days throughout the journey.
Upon your arrival in the Kathmandu airport (KTM) you will be greeted by a representative from Beauty Nepal Adventure. After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our representative with a Beauty Nepal Adventure display board at the arrival gate. You will be then transferred to
Kathmandu. After check in, you can either take a rest, hang around in the city, visit our office; it all depends upon your interests and condition. In the evening we will organize a Welcome Dinner at an excellent traditional Nepalese Restaurant where you will enjoy a Nepalese cultural program as well as a fine meal.
Day 1
Early morning at around 7 am, we set off for Pokhara on a tourist bus. Enroute we will see more of countryside of Nepal that offers greeneries, rivers, villages, farms and beautiful mountain sceneries. Afternoon, we reach Pokhara. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara is city of lakes and has numerous beautiful lakes. We can explore the most accessible and beautiful, Fewa Lake during the afternoon -enjoy boating too. Explore, relax and dine by tranquil Lake Fewa. You can even do some shopping during evening hours. Overnight in Pokhara. (B)
Day 2
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 at Ekley-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk takes us to Kagbeni, which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni is an interesting windswept villages situated on the main age old Trans-himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. In Kagbeni a major tributory, Kak Khola, coming from Mukinath, meets Mustang Khola, and from there the river is called the Kali Gandaki.
Day 3
Our journey starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we have scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trails follows the up and downhill. Firstly we reach Tangbe village with narrow alleys amongst white washed 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 at Chele village. (B, L, D)
Day 4
Today, we start our trek again and walk further to Eklo Bhatti. We climb to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and Damodar Danda. Further descend a little to the village of Samar. Climb the trail that goes above Samar village to the ridge then descending steeply to a stream. Another 3 hrs similar walk takes us to Syanbochen. On the way, we relax along the surrounding of cool streams and juniper trees. Locals use the dried leaves of junipers as incenses to invite deities and start any auspicious work. We also pass by a cave famously known as Ramchung Cave. (B, L, D)
Day 5
After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) passing a few teahouses, chortens and local villages which is like Tibetan style of houses with open Varanda. We cross mountain passes, and an avenue of poplar trees and fields of Barley. The climb to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) would be a little longer. Descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi. the third largest village in the Lo region, Ghayami is surrounded by large fields most of which are barren. (B, L, D)
Day 6
Start the trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk. After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall, a sacred stone wall made by the followers Buddhism. From the end of the wall the trail heads east to the village of Charang with a maze of fields, willow trees and houses separated by stone walls at the top of the Tsarang Chu canyon. There is also a huge white dzong and red Gompa to get to our teahouse for tonight’s stop. (B, L, D)
Day 7
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.(B,L,D)
Day 8
Today we explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situated on a hilltop serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to hotel. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang “God house” the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hall which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- storey building of the Raja’s palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the
Day 9
While returning from Lo-Mangthan, we take a different route than that we came by. Trek to Drakmar via Gyakar with more than 1200 years old Ghar Gompa with Guru Rinpoche as the primary figure. The Gompa is also famous for its rock paintings. According to the legend, anyone who makes one wish at the Ghar Gompa, their wish is fulfilled. explore the local area. Likelihood of dusty wind, so suggested to walk in the morning. (B, L, D)
Day 10
Today, we get back to Ghiling as our journey for our overnight stay after a long walk takes 5-6 hrs. After arrival and lunch enjoy the day exploring the area, but it will be dusty wind in the afternoon, better to walk in evening time. (B, L, D)
Day 11
Things To Know
Things to Know – Upper Mustang Trek
- Trek Duration: The Upper Mustang Trek is a 17-day teahouse/lodge trek, allowing ample time for exploration and acclimatization.
- Region: Located in the Trans-Himalayan Mustang region, north of Kagbeni and close to the Tibetan border, often referred to as the Last Forbidden Kingdom.
- Trek Style: Fully teahouse-based trek, with basic yet comfortable lodges in remote villages.
- Landscape & Terrain: Features high desert terrain, barren landscapes, deep gorges, rocky trails, high passes, glaciers, and alpine valleys with minimal vegetation.
- Cultural Experience: Strongly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, showcasing ancient monasteries, cave dwellings, prayer flags, chortens, and centuries-old traditions.
- Historical Highlights: Explore the walled city of Lo-Manthang, its four-storey royal palace, and traditional stone and mud-brick houses.
- People & Lifestyle: Home to the Loba (Mustangi) people, whose unique culture includes rare traditions such as polyandry, preserved through centuries of isolation.
- Festivals: The famous Tiji Festival (late winter to spring) is one of the major attractions, celebrated with ritual dances to ward off evil spirits.
- Scenic Views: Panoramic vistas of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other Himalayan peaks throughout the trek.
- Permits Required:
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Special permits are strictly regulated to protect culture and environment.
- Entry Point: The trek starts from Jomsom, passing through Kagbeni, the official gateway to Upper Mustang.
- Physical Fitness: Suitable for trekkers with good fitness levels and prior trekking experience, due to long walking days and rugged terrain.
- Best Seasons:
- Spring (March–May) – ideal weather and festival season
- Autumn (September–November) – clear skies and stable conditions
- Altitude Range: Trek reaches elevations above 4,000 meters, making proper acclimatization essential.
- Why Special: One of Nepal’s most exclusive and culturally immersive treks, offering a rare glimpse into a preserved Himalayan kingdom.
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