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Duration
18 days
Max Guests
15 people
Max Altitude
4.9 km
Difficulty
Hard
Best months to visit
The Upper Mustang Trek is an extraordinary 18-day journey into one of the most remote and culturally preserved regions on earth — the ancient Kingdom of Lo, nestled in the north-central Himalayas of Nepal. Hidden behind the towering massifs of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, Upper Mustang lies in a high-altitude rain shadow that shields it from monsoon rains, making it a rare destination accessible year-round. Once an isolated Tibetan kingdom closed to outsiders until 1992, this region retains an atmosphere of mystique and timelessness that few destinations in the world can rival. Trekkers traversing Upper Mustang are transported into a landscape that evokes early Tibet — jagged desert peaks, wind-sculpted brown cliffs, whitewashed mud-walled villages, ancient cave monasteries, and fluttering prayer flags. The region's culture, language, and religious traditions are deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, preserved through centuries of deliberate isolation. Villages such as Kagbeni, Chele, Tsarang, and the walled capital of Lo Manthang offer windows into medieval Himalayan life largely unchanged by modernity. The trek begins with a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, followed by a gradual ascent through the Kali Gandaki Valley. The route passes through dramatic gorges, high plateaus, and remote monasteries before reaching Lo Manthang at 3,800 meters — the spiritual and administrative heart of Upper Mustang. A rest day in Lo Manthang allows for exploration of its royal palace, ancient Thubchen and Jampa Lhakhang monasteries, and surrounding cave dwellings. The return journey offers a different route via Lo Gekar, Geling, Chhuksang, and the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Because Upper Mustang is a restricted area, trekkers must obtain a special Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit in addition to the standard TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit. A licensed government guide and Liaison Officer are mandatory companions on this trek. The requirement for permits and professional guiding contributes to Upper Mustang being among the most exclusive — and expensive — trekking experiences in Nepal, but one that delivers unparalleled cultural and scenic rewards. With a maximum altitude of approximately 4,900 meters and daily walking distances ranging from three to seven hours, the trek is graded strenuous and best suited to fit trekkers with some prior high-altitude experience. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most favorable conditions, though the rain-shadow geography makes summer trekking viable as well.
What's included
✓ All ground transportation by private tourist vehicles
✓ Tourist bus/car/van transport Kathmandu–Pokhara–Kathmandu
✓ Domestic flights Pokhara–Jomsom–Pokhara including airport departure taxes
✓ Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trekking
✓ Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast
✓ Professional tour guide for Kathmandu city sightseeing
✓ Monument entrance fees during Kathmandu city tour
✓ Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
✓ Porters (1 porter per 2 persons) including food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine
✓ All necessary trekking permits and TIMS card
✓ Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit arrangement
✓ Travel and rescue arrangement
✓ Farewell dinner at typical Nepali restaurant with cultural dance show
✓ All government taxes, VAT, official expenses, and service charges
✓ Free airport pick-up and drop-off (Airport–Hotel–Airport)
Not included
✕ International flights, international airport tax, and Nepal visa fee
✕ Major meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara
✕ Personal expenses such as bar bills, bottled water, tea/coffee, snacks, hot showers, battery recharging, and laundry
✕ Personal clothing, trekking gear, sleeping bag, and down jacket
✕ Tipping for guides and porters
✕ Costs arising from flight cancellation, emergency rescue, landslide, weather, political unrest, illness, or re-routing beyond the operator's control
🌿 Cultural Note
Upper Mustang is a deeply Buddhist region with strong Tibetan cultural roots. Visitors should dress modestly, remove shoes before entering monasteries and homes, walk clockwise around religious monuments (stupas and mani walls), and ask permission before photographing local people or religious ceremonies. The region's centuries-old traditions and royal heritage deserve respectful engagement. The Tiji Festival, celebrated annually in Lo Manthang, is among the most spectacular Himalayan religious festivals and draws visitors worldwide.
Cancellation Policy — Moderate
Cancellation time is measured from your trip start date.
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