Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek

Description

Trip Highlights
  • Duration 16 Days
  • Max Altitude 3840m
  • Season March-May/September-November
  • Group Size 2-15
  • Difficulty easy

The Upper Mustang Trek is one of Nepal's most extraordinary and exclusive trekking experiences, leading you into the ancient walled kingdom of Lo Manthang — a place where Tibetan Buddhist culture, dramatic desert landscapes, and centuries-old traditions have been preserved almost entirely untouched. This is not simply a trek. It is a journey into a living piece of history.

The route begins with a scenic flight to Pokhara and then onward to Jomsom, from where the trail heads north into the restricted zone of Upper Mustang. The landscape here is unlike anywhere else in Nepal — vast wind-sculpted cliffs in shades of red and ochre, ancient cave monasteries carved into cliff faces, and a dry, open plateau that feels closer to the Tibetan highlands than the green hills of the south.

The walled medieval city of Lo Manthang is the centrepiece of the journey. Within its ancient walls you will find ornate monasteries, royal palaces, and a community that has maintained its traditions with remarkable continuity. The people of Mustang — the Loba — carry a culture, language, and spiritual practice that is deeply connected to Tibet and among the most fascinating you will encounter anywhere in the Himalaya.

With Virgin Nepal Treks and Expeditions, every detail of this restricted-area trek is handled professionally, including the special Upper Mustang permit, so you can focus entirely on the extraordinary experience ahead.


Culture of the Annapurna Region

Upper Mustang is one of the last places on earth where ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture survives in its most intact and authentic form. The Loba people maintain centuries-old traditions of art, religion, and community life within the walls of Lo Manthang. Ornate gompas, sky-high chortens, sacred cave dwellings, and the vibrant Tiji Festival — held annually in Lo Manthang — offer a cultural immersion that is genuinely rare and deeply moving.


Best Season

Spring (March to May): The best time to witness the famous Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, with warm days and clear skies across the plateau.

Autumn (September to November): Upper Mustang sits in a rain shadow and remains dry even during Nepal's Autumn season, making it one of the few destinations that is ideal to trek during this period.

Contact our team to plan your Upper Mustang Trek with the right timing and support for you.

Day By Day Itinerary

Our guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel for check-in and rest. In the evening, gather at the hotel at 6:00 PM to enjoy a traditional Nepalese dinner accompanied by cultural performances. A briefing session will follow.

After breakfast, we will drive from Kathmandu through the scenic Kathmandu Valley and along the Trishuli River. On clear days, the drive offers stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. Upon arrival in Pokhara, we will check into the hotel and make final preparations for the trek. The evening is free for relaxation along the lakeside area.

In the morning, take a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (approximately 20 minutes), offering views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks. Jomsom, the capital of Mustang, was a vital trading town in ancient times. After a brief rest, we will trek for three hours along the Kali Gandaki riverbed to Ekley-bhatti village. After a short rest, continue trekking for an hour to reach Kagbeni, another important historical trading town where the KakKhola and Mustang Khola tributaries converge to form the Kali Gandaki River.

2858m
All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

After completing the special permit checks, we will trek along the Kali Gandaki River, navigating picturesque valleys with sandy trails. Our first stop is Tangbe Village, where narrow alleys wind through white-washed houses and fields of barley, buckwheat, and apple trees. We will then proceed to Chhusang and cross the river before ascending toward the giant red cliffs of Kali Gandaki. Chele is situated just beyond a small ridge.

3,100m
All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Today’s trek begins with a stop at Eklo Bhatti before climbing to Taklam La Pass (3,624m). We will cross a plateau, offering views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, and Damodar Danda, before descending slightly to reach Samar Village. After ascending to the ridge beyond Samar Village, we will descend via stone steps to a creek, passing through pine forests. After three hours of trekking, we will arrive at Syanbochen, where we will follow local customs by burning pine branches to seek blessings before visiting the famous Ramchung Cave.

3475m

After breakfast, we will ascend along mountain paths, passing Tibetan teahouses, shrines, and villages before reaching the Yamda La Pass (3,850m). We will continue through several mountain passes and an avenue lined with poplar trees and barley fields before ascending to the Nyi Pass (4,010m). After a long descent, we will arrive at Ghaymi, the third-largest village in the region, surrounded by barren landscapes.

3,520m
All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

The day’s trek starts easily but becomes steeper as we cross the Ghaymi Khola River and ascend along a main path to the high plateau. We will follow a stone-paved pilgrimage route lined with Mani walls and then head east toward Charang Village. Charang is perched atop the Tsarang Chu Canyon, offering beautiful views of fields and houses separated by willow trees and stone walls, along with many Tibetan monasteries.

3840m
All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Today’s trek offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, including Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna 1, and Bhrikuti. We will start by descending to the Charang Chu Canyon, crossing the river, and then ascending to a sandy plateau at 3,850 meters. From here, we will get our first glimpse of the Lo-Mangthang Valley, before descending into Lo-Mangthang, a walled city that looks both majestic and sacred against the backdrop of the mountains bordering Tibet.

3700m
All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

We will spend the day exploring the surrounding areas of Lo-Mangthang, including a visit to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa, perched on a hilltop, is of great importance both religiously and politically. After visiting Namgyal Gompa, we will proceed to Tingkhar, the last major village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang, before returning to the hotel. Alternatively, you may opt to visit the legendary "Ghost House" Tall Champa Lakhang, the red Thugchen Monastery, Chyodi Monastery, and the entrance hall of the town, which are among the town's most significant attractions. Another highlight is the four-story Raja Palace, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.

3700m
All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

We will begin by trekking to the Lo Gekar Monastery, one of the oldest and most revered monasteries in Nepal, even older than the famed Samye Monastery in Tibet. After crossing a few hills and passing through a lovely meadow, we will reach Drakmar, where the landscape offers a striking contrast with its red cliffs and green pastures.

3810m
All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

Today, we will trek through high ridges, lush green meadows, and deep ravines before descending to Ghiling. The afternoon is free to explore the village and its surroundings, where you may experience strong winds in the evening.

3806m
All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

We will trek back to Chhusang, following the same route as before. The return journey offers different perspectives and, with a change in the lighting, the views become even more impressive. After arriving in Chhusang, the evening is free to relax.

2980m
All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

On the final day of our trek, we will continue along the Kali Gandaki River to Kagbeni and then Jomsom. Upon arrival in Jomsom, we will check into the hotel and celebrate the completion of the trek with a small party.

2,700m
All Meals [Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner]

After breakfast in Jomsom, begin a scenic 10-hour, 178 km drive to Pokhara. The route offers diverse landscapes, from the arid terrain of Mustang to lush greenery as you descend. You’ll pass through picturesque villages like Marpha and Tukuche, cross the Kali Gandaki River, and enjoy views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you’ll be transferred to your lakeside hotel for an evening of relaxation. Spend the night in Pokhara, reflecting on your journey amid the serene lakeside ambiance.

Our team will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your trek in Mustang.

After breakfast, we will drive back to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, the rest of the day is free for last-minute shopping or exploration of the city.

Inclusion and Exclusion

  • Airport pickup and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
  • Domestic flights as per itinerary
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS Card
  • Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
  • Experienced English-speaking guide and porter
  • Tea house accommodation and all meals during the trek
  • First aid kit and emergency coordination
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • International airfare and Nepal visa fee
  • Personal travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal trekking gear and equipment
  • Snacks, beverages, and laundry
  • Tips for guides and porters
  • Any personal expenses not listed above

Gallery Highlights

Gear List & Preparation Notes

Clothing: Base layers, insulated jacket, waterproof shell, fleece, trekking trousers, gloves, warm hat, sun cap, buff / neck gaiter for dust and wind

Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots, camp sandals, trekking socks

Equipment: Trekking poles, headlamp, daypack, duffel bag

Personal Items: Sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, lip balm, water bottles, purification tablets, sleeping bag (-10°C), personal medication, toiletries

Physical: Begin training 2–3 months before departure with regular hiking and loaded pack walks. The terrain is not technically demanding but daily distances and wind exposure require good stamina.

Technical: No technical climbing skills are required. Experience on remote mountain trails is an advantage on this trek.

Altitude: Though the maximum altitude is moderate, the dry plateau and wind can accelerate dehydration. Drink consistently, walk steadily, and monitor how you feel each day.

Mental: Upper Mustang moves at its own pace. Roads are rough, conditions can be dusty and windy, and the remoteness is part of the appeal. Come with an open mind and a spirit of genuine exploration.

Insurance: Ensure your policy covers high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation up to at least 4,500 m.

Gear: A good buff or dust mask, high-SPF sunscreen, and quality sunglasses are essential in the dry, high-UV environment of Upper Mustang.

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