About This Trek / Tour
Upper Mustang is Nepal's most exotic trekking destination — a hidden kingdom that was closed to outsiders until 1992 and still requires a special restricted area permit. Known as "Lo" in Tibetan, this wind-sculpted high-altitude desert landscape resembles a lost world — eroded red cliffs, ancient cave dwellings, vibrant monasteries daubed in ochre and azure, and the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang.
Unlike most Himalayan treks, this route is mostly at a moderate altitude (3,500–4,000m) and can be done year-round, even during monsoon when rain-shadow protection keeps the Mustang plateau remarkably dry. The Tibetan Buddhist culture here is the most authentic and best-preserved in Nepal — a living time capsule.
The Kingdom: Upper Mustang was an independent kingdom until 2008, when the last king (Raja Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista) signed over sovereignty to the Nepal government. The royal palace in Lo Manthang still stands.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu. Trek briefing. Permit processing for the restricted area (requires copies of passport and 2 photos — bring these). Welcome dinner.
Fly to Pokhara, then scenic 25-min mountain flight to Jomsom (2,720m) — the capital of Mustang district. Acclimatisation walk around Jomsom.
Trek to the medieval town of Kagbeni (2,810m) — the entry point to Upper Mustang — permit checkpoint. Continue upvalley against the legendary Kali Gandaki wind to Chele (3,050m). 5 hours.
Dramatic eroded landscape with multi-coloured rock formations. Pass through high-altitude villages with ancient gompas. Ghiling (3,570m). 6 hours.
Trek to Tsarang (3,750m) — home to a significant 14th-century monastery with rare ancient frescoes and a towering dzong (fortress). 5 hours.
Arrive at Lo Manthang (3,840m) — the walled medieval capital of the Kingdom of Lo. Check in to a comfortable guesthouse. Afternoon exploration of the town.
Full day in Lo Manthang. Visit the four-storey Royal Palace, Thubchen Gompa (15th century, incredible murals), Jampa Lhakhang (stunning statues) and the ancient monastery on the hillside above town.
Day excursion to the mysterious Sky Caves of Chhoser — ancient man-made caves in towering cliffs once used as meditation retreats. Visit Namgyal Monastery. Return to Lo Manthang.
Begin return via an alternative high route. Trek to Ghami (3,520m) passing through remote herding communities. 6 hours.
Descend through Tangbe village — black, white and red chortens frame the trail — back to Kagbeni. 5 hours.
Morning trek to Jomsom. Afternoon flight to Pokhara. Lakeside dinner.
Fly or drive to Kathmandu. Transfer to airport for onward flight. End of Upper Mustang tour.
What's Included
- All airport transfers in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Kathmandu–Pokhara–Jomsom–Pokhara flights
- 2 nights hotel in Kathmandu (3-star, B&B)
- 1 night hotel in Pokhara
- 8 nights guesthouse in Mustang
- All meals during the trek
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (USD 500 included)
- ACAP permit & TIMS card
- Licensed English-speaking guide (Mustang specialist)
- One porter per two trekkers
- Guide & porter insurance, food & accommodation
Not Included
- Nepal visa
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
- Beverages & personal snacks
- Tips for guide & porter
- Entrance fees to specific monasteries (~$2–5 each)
Practical Travel Tips
Monsoon-Proof: Upper Mustang sits in the Tibetan rain shadow — even during June–August monsoon it gets minimal rainfall and maximum sunshine. Ideal for a dry-season summer adventure.
Wind: The Kali Gandaki valley funnels powerful afternoon winds (30–80km/h). Trek in the morning, rest in the afternoon. Our itinerary is built around this.
Photography: Upper Mustang is extraordinarily photogenic — red cliffs, ochre monasteries, turquoise sky. Early morning and late afternoon light are exceptional. Bring ample memory cards and lens-cleaning cloth for dust.