Upper Mustang Trek
Discover the Mystical Upper Mustang Trek | Lo Manthang Exploration!!
Upper Mustang, known as Lo Mangtang, is a restricted region situated in the north-central part of Nepal, nestled between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges. It is home to a distinctive and historic culture as well as breathtaking desert-like scenery, narrow ravines, and towering Himalayan peaks.
This region is characterized by a semi-arid, high-altitude desert landscape with eroded canyons, cliffs, and unique rock formations. Historically, Upper Mustang was the Kingdom of Lo, and it retained a degree of autonomy until Nepal became a federal democratic republic in 2008. The culture, language, and religion of Upper Mustang are heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism.
The region is often referred to as a mini-Tibet. Upper Mustang is home to numerous ancient Buddhist monasteries, caves, and chortens, including Lo Gekar, Ghar Gompa, and Thubchen Gompa. Lo Manthang is the walled capital of the Upper Mustang region, and it’s known for its distinctive white-washed mud brick house, which adds to the cultural and historical significance of the region.
Trip Overview
Trip code: UM 100 
Duration: 17 Days 
Max Altitude: Lo Manthang (3840 m) 
Transportaion: Private Vehicle 
Accomodation: Hotel / Lodge or Teahouse 
Start: Kathmandu
End: Kathmandu 
Meals: European Plan Outline Itinerary
Kathmandu (Arrival) – Transfer to Hotel (Private Transfer)
Kathmandu – Pokhara (Drive – Private Transfer)
Pokhara (822m; 6 hrs)Pokhara – Kagbeni (Drive – Private Transfer)
Kagbeni (2804 m; 7 hrs)Kagbeni – Chele
Chele (3050 m; 5 hrs)Chele – Syangboche
Syangboche (3800 m; 6 hrs)Syangboche – Ghami
Ghami (3520 m; 5 hrs)Ghami – Tsarang
Tasrang (3730 m; 5 hrs)Tsarang – Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang (3840 m; 3 hrs)Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang (3840 m)Lo Manthang – Ghami
Ghami (3520 m; 6 hrs)Ghami – Samar
Samar (3700 m; 6 hrs)Samar – Chhusang
Chhusang (2980 m; 5 hrs)Chhusang – Muktinath
Muktinath (3710 m; 6 hrs)Muktinath – Tatopani (Drive – Private Transfer)
Tatopani (1190 m; 4 hrs)Tatopani – Pokhara (Drive – Private Transfer)
Pokhara (822 m; 9 hrs)Pokhara – Kathmandu (Drive – Private Transfer)
Kathmandu (1400 m; 6 hrs)Kathmandu (Departure)
Price Inclusion
- Airport transfers on a tourist vehicle
- Entire accommodation during the trek – 2 nights at hotel in Kathmandu hotel, 2 nights at hotel in Pokhara, and 12 nights in lodges/guesthouse during trek to Upper Mustang.
- Hotel Breakfast during the stay at Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Private tourist vehicle (Kathmandu / Pokhara / Kathmandu), (Pokhara to Kagbeni), and (Tatopani to Pokhara)
- Experienced, government licensed, English-speaking or another language trekking guide
- All necessary permits for Annapurna Conservation Area and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 pax)
- All government taxes and administrative expenses
- Local staff insurances
Price Exclusion
- International flight tickets and Nepal Entry Visa
- Personal travel insurance
- Any meals during the trek
- Any expenses of a personnel nature, e.g., telephone calls, laundry, table drinks, etc.
- Any Tips to Guides, Drivers, and Trekking Staffs
- Any entrance fees for cameras and video cameras at the monuments
- Any other services not mentioned above
- Cost of any emergency evacuation, strikes, etc.
Detail Itinerary
Expand AllKathmandu (Arrival) – Transfer to Hotel (Private Transfer)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, our representative will be waiting at the airport for your welcome. Then board a private vehicle and be transferred to your hotel. Check into your hotel and rest after your journey.
Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore ancient temples and vibrant markets and experience the unique atmosphere of Nepalese urban life.
Kathmandu – Pokhara (Drive – Private Transfer)
Early in the morning, your trekking guides will pick you up from your hotel and head towards your destination. Embark on a scenic drive to Pokhara, a picturesque lakeside city surrounded by the panorama of the Annapurna and Machapuchare mountain ranges. Pokhara not only offers serene lakes, caves, and stunning viewpoints but is also a gateway to adventure tourism in the Annapurna region.
Pokhara – Kagbeni (Drive – Private Transfer)
After having your breakfast, you will start your scenic drive towards Kagbeni. The ride will pass through the small village and take you to Beni. From here, the rough road begins, and it rides through the bank of Kali Gandaki and huge waterfalls on the way. After crossing the huge Rupse waterfall, you will reach Tatopani, a natural hot spring.
After a few hours of journey with glimpses of the changing landscapes, you will reach Marpha, famous for Apple, then continue the journey on a rough road to reach Jomsom and Kagbeni.
Kagbeni – Chele
Today, you will start your trek towards Chele on the trails along the Kali Gandaki River to Chuksang. On the way, you will witness fantastic views of Mt. Nilgiri. After a few hours of walking, you will pass the Mustang unique red sandstone pillars and rock formation, formed by thousands of years of erosion, to reach Tange village, a village with red and whitewashed houses.
After crossing Tange village, you will follow a narrow canyon to Chele, a small village along a ridge.
Chele – Syangboche
You will start your hike on a steep canyon to Eklo Bhatti and ascend to Taklam La, a high pass where you will get beautiful Himalayan views, and then descend to reach Samar village. Samar is a place to stop horses and mule caravans, then you will descend to a large gorge past Rangcyung Chorten, which is painted black, red, white, and yellow, to reach Syangboche.
Syangboche – Ghami
Today, you will have a hard yet beautiful walk towards Ghami. You will begin your trek by ascending to another pass, Yamda La Pass, through an astonishing desert landscape. After crossing the pass, you will climb up to the large valley and descend to a barley field of Gelling. Gelling is a beautiful painting in white and ochre. Then, you will continue your trek to climb a Nyi La pass and then descend to Chami.
Ghami – Tsarang
You will see the barren landscape today. You start a walk today with a descent along a rugged, frequently slippery path. After that, you start climbing up a suspension bridge that crosses the Ghami Khola. The trail’s mani walls add beauty to the pathway. You then leave the Tsarang La Pass to arrive at the Tsarang settlement. Situated atop the Charang Chu canyon, the town is bounded by a massive fortification and a red gompa.
Tsarang – Lo Manthang
Today, you will ascend to the Lo La Pass, from where you will get your first view of the beautiful village of Lo Manthang. The trail passes through pleasant viewpoints that provide a majestic view of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri, and many more. After passing through the beautiful red and white Sungda Chorten, you will arrive at Lo Manthang.
Lo Manthang
Today, you will explore the historical Lo Manthang, a walled city with around 150 inhabitants. Lo Manthang is the home of four major gompas: Jampa Gompa, Chodey Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, and Choprang Gompa. You will visit all these gompas, interact with the local people, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Lo Manthang – Ghami
Today, you will hike to Ghami by taking a different route. After a few hours of walking, you will reach Gyakar village, where you will find the Old Ghar Gompa, which has stunning rock paintings. Then you pass through Drakmar and descend to Ghami.
Ghami – Samar
You will then ascend to reach Chemi La pass and Yiy La pass, enjoying the beautiful views of the Himalayas on the trail. As you cross the path, you descend to reach Geling and then descend to Samar, a Tibetan-style village. You will find beautiful main walls, monasteries, and terraced fields.
Samar – Chhusang
After having breakfast, you will walk through the trail to Chhusang. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki riverbed and crosses through a rock tunnel to reach Chhusang. On the way, you will get great views of the Himalayas and small villages.
Chhusang – Muktinath
Today, you will cross the Gyu La pass to reach Muktinath. On the way, you will see majestic Himalayan peaks and small villages. After crossing the pass, you will descend the trail to the ancient village to reach Muktinath. Muktinath, a holy place for Hindus and Buddhists.
Muktinath – Tatopani (Drive – Private Transfer)
Early in the morning, you will visit Muktinath Temple, where you will find 108 bathing spouts and an eternal flame. After visiting Muktinath Temple, you will drive to Tatopani, known for its hot spring. On the way to Tatopnai, you can visit the Kali Gandaki River Valley and witness the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki gorge. After reaching Tatopani, you can relax in a hot spring bath.
Tatopani – Pokhara (Drive – Private Transfer)
After enjoying the hot spring bath at Tatopani, early in the morning, you will have your breakfast and ride to Pokhara, which takes 9 hours of driving. The ride to Pokhara offers picturesque views of the landscape. You will enjoy the scenic drive along the Kali Gandaki River and lush green hills. After reaching there, you will check into the hotel, explore Pokhara in the evening, and enjoy the lakeside area.
Pokhara – Kathmandu (Drive – Private Transfer)
After having breakfast, you will drive back to Kathamndu. The ride takes you through stunning terrain, little villages, and the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers on the way. After reaching Kathmandu, you will be escorted towards the hotel, and in the evening, you will have dinner and rest.
Kathmandu (Departure)
Depending on your flight schedule, our representative will escort you towards the airport. Before your fight schedule starts, you may have some free time in Kathmandu for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Why you'll love this trip
- Explore the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang.
- Visit ancient monasteries like Thubchen Gompa and Jampa Gompa.
- Learn about the history of the Kingdom of Lo and discover remnants of its historical significance.
- Spectacular backdrop views of Mt. Annapurna range, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Chulu West, Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, and Lamjung Himal
- Insights into the unique Tibetan way of life and tradition
- Experience the surreal beauty of the high-altitude desert landscape.
- Explore ancient caves, such as the Choser Cave.
When To Visit
The spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons are the most suitable times to complete the Upper Mustang trek. During these periods, the weather is generally stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures, making it ideal for trekking. Spring and autumn offer crisp, clear views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Both seasons provide a comfortable trekking experience, and the temperatures are not too extreme, avoiding the monsoon rains and harsh winter conditions that can make the trek challenging. During these months visitors can fully appreciate the unique landscapes and cultural richness of the Mustang region without weather-related obstacles.
Cannot see your date or not satisfied with the itinerary? We may be able to add new trip dates.
Contact UsElevation Chart
Trip Gallery
FAQs for Upper Mustang Trek
Do I need a special permit for the Upper Mustang trek?
Yes, a special trekking permit is required for the Upper Mustang region. It is essential to obtain the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) before embarking on the trek.
Is it possible to trek independently, or is a guide necessary?
Trekking in the Upper Mustang requires a licensed guide, and independent trekking is not allowed. As it passes through a restricted area, there are regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of trekkers and preserving the cultural and natural heritage of the region.
Are there ATM facilities along the trekking route?
ATM facilities are limited in the Upper Mustang region. It’s advisable to carry enough cash in Nepali rupees to cover expenses during the trek.
What is the level of difficulty for the Upper Mustang trek?
The trek is considered moderately challenging. While the trails are not as difficult as high-altitude treks, the duration, varying altitudes, and some steep ascents and descents make them suitable for those with a good level of fitness and prior trekking experience.
