Upper Mustang Trek – 13 Days

Before and after your trek, you will stay in comfortable hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. In Kathmandu, most trekkers stay in Thamel, the lively tourist hub; in Pokhara, the Lakeside area beside Phewa Lake offers a relaxed setting with beautiful mountain reflections. During the trek itself, accommodation is in simple teahouses and guesthouses, with the most comfortable lodges found in Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Lo Manthang.

Upper Mustang, historically known as the Kingdom of Lo, was an independent kingdom closely tied to Tibet for centuries, founded in the late 14th century by Ame Pal, who built the walled capital of Lo Manthang. The kingdom thrived as a key staging point on the salt-trading route between Tibet and the lowlands of Nepal, and its royal lineage continued in a largely ceremonial role until Nepal’s federal republic was established in 2008.

Closed to foreign visitors until 1992, Upper Mustang remains a restricted area today, a policy that has helped preserve its ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, architecture, and traditions in a way rarely seen elsewhere in the Himalaya. Still visited by only a few hundred trekkers each year, the region offers an exceptionally authentic glimpse into a living Tibetan Buddhist kingdom.

Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, bordering the Tibetan plateau to the north. The landscape is a high-altitude desert of eroded cliffs, deep canyons, colorful rock formations, and ancient cave dwellings, in stark contrast to the greener valleys found elsewhere in Nepal.

Major Geographical Highlights

•      Lo Manthang – 3,840 meters, the walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo.

•      Charang La and Nyi La passes – among the trek’s highest crossings, at 3,870m and 4,010m respectively.

•      Chhoser Sky Caves – ancient cliffside caves north of Lo Manthang, some believed to be over 2,000 years old.

•      Ghami Mani Wall – the longest prayer wall in the Mustang region, carved with centuries-old Buddhist mantras.

•      Kali Gandaki Gorge – one of the deepest river gorges on Earth, forming the southern approach to Upper Mustang.

Lo Manthang, enclosed within ancient mud walls, is home to the former royal palace and three of the region’s most important monasteries: Jampa Lhakhang, one of the oldest in Mustang; Thubchen Gompa, an impressive assembly hall with striking murals; and Chode Gompa, the city’s main monastery. The city also hosts the annual Tiji Festival, a colorful three-day celebration of masked dances performed by monks symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

A licensed guide is a legal requirement for trekking in this restricted region, and is essential for permits, navigation, and cultural interpretation.

•      Permit and Checkpost Management – guides handle the Restricted Area Permit and checkpost formalities along the route.

•      Route Navigation – guides know the network of trails, passes, and jeep roads through this remote high-desert terrain.

•      Cultural Insights – learn about the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, monasteries, and history of the Kingdom of Lo.

•      Altitude Monitoring – they monitor your health on the higher passes and around Lo Manthang.

•      Logistical Management – guides handle accommodation, transport, and daily operations throughout the trek.

Teahouses throughout Upper Mustang serve a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and simple international dishes, with the variety generally narrowing in the more remote villages north of Chele.

Popular Food Options

•      Dal Bhat, the most common and recommended trekking meal

•      Tibetan bread, momos, and noodle soups (thukpa)

•      Potatoes, eggs, and seasonal vegetables

•      Tea, coffee, and butter tea in the Tibetan style

Safe drinking water is available via boiled, filtered, or purified sources throughout the trek, supported by purification tablets.

The cumulative effect of several days above 3,500m, combined with the high passes en route to Lo Manthang, can cause mild altitude symptoms.

Common Symptoms of AMS

•      Headache

•      Nausea

•      Fatigue

•      Dizziness

•      Loss of appetite

A gradual ascent profile, proper hydration, and the rest day in Lo Manthang help reduce these risks.Although altitudes on this trek are more moderate than on high-pass treks elsewhere in Nepal, 

Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)

•      Clear mountain views

•      Comfortable daytime temperatures

•      The most popular seasons for this trek

Monsoon (June-August)

•      Upper Mustang lies in a rain shadow, so it stays largely dry even during monsoon

•      A good alternative when other Nepal trekking regions are clouded over

Winter (December-February)

•      Cold, with strong winds, especially in the afternoons

•      Some high passes may be affected by snow

Trekkers require a Restricted Area Permit (USD 500 per person for the first 10 days, with an additional daily fee for extensions), an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, and a TIMS card. The Restricted Area Permit can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency, requires a minimum of two trekkers per group, and must be accompanied by a licensed guide at all times.

•      Sturdy, well broken-in trekking boots suited to dry, rocky, and sometimes windy trails

•      Warm jacket, fleece, and thermal layers for cold mornings and evenings

•      A strong windproof jacket and a dust mask or buff, as Upper Mustang is notably dry and windy

•      Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat for the exposed, high-altitude desert terrain

•      A lightweight down jacket for the cooler evenings in Lo Manthang

The Upper Mustang Trek is rated moderate, with several consecutive days of walking at altitudes between 3,000m and 4,000m. Regular cardiovascular training and hiking practice for several weeks before departure will help you enjoy the trek comfortably.