Hidden behind the mighty Himalayas, the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal is a journey into a mystical, ancient kingdom, once restricted to outsiders and still protected for its cultural and environmental significance. Offering a stark contrast to lush green hills, Upper Mustang is part of the Trans-Himalayan Tibetan Plateau, characterized by desert-like terrain, centuries-old cave dwellings, and medieval Buddhist monasteries.
Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, trekker, or explorer seeking off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Upper Mustang Tour and Trek delivers an unforgettable experience where ancient Tibetan traditions still thrive, and rugged trails lead to one of Nepal’s last untouched frontiers.
Upper Mustang lies in the north-central part of Nepal, bordering the Tibetan Plateau of China. It’s part of Mustang District, with the town of Lo Manthang—a walled kingdom being its cultural heart.
Province: Gandaki
Region: Mustang District
Capital: Lo Manthang
Elevation: 2,800 m to 4,200 m
Border: Adjacent to Tibet (China)
Here’s a standard 15-day Upper Mustang Trek itinerary starting and ending in Kathmandu. The trek requires special permits and is best done with a licensed guide.
Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Fly to Pokhara (820m)
Day 3: Fly to Jomsom (2,700m), trek to Kagbeni (2,800m)
Day 4: Trek to Chele (3,050m)
Day 5: Trek to Syanbochen (3,475m)
Day 6: Trek to Ghami (3,520m)
Day 7: Trek to Charang (3,560m)
Day 8: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,810m)
Day 9: Explore Lo Manthang (visit monasteries, caves, Chhoser)
Day 10: Trek to Dhakmar (3,820m)
Day 11: Trek to Syanbochen
Day 12: Trek to Chhusang
Day 13: Trek to Jomsom
Day 14: Fly to Pokhara, then to Kathmandu
Day 15: Departure
Custom shorter versions are possible via Jeep tour packages.
The cost of the Upper Mustang trek or tour package depends on group size, route, and transport.
| Package Type | Price (USD/person) |
|---|---|
| Guided Trek (Standard) | $1,900 – $2,400 |
| Luxury Tour (Jeep + Lodge) | $2,500 – $3,000+ |
| Budget Group Trek (Min 2 pax) | $1,500 – $1,800 |
Inclusions:
Special permits (Restricted Area)
Domestic flights (Kathmandu–Pokhara–Jomsom)
Guide and porter
Accommodation, meals during trek
Ground transport, permits, TIMS
1. Fly to Pokhara from Kathmandu (25 minutes)
2. Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (20–25 minutes)
From Jomsom, start trekking or begin a Jeep tour to reach Lo Manthang.
Jeep options are available from Pokhara via Beni–Tukuche–Jomsom.
Upper Mustang was a separate kingdom until 2008, and to preserve its:
Tibetan culture
Ancient monasteries
Fragile environment
The Nepal government classifies it as a Restricted Area.
Trekking here requires:
A Special Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
A minimum of two trekkers
| Nationality | Cost per person |
|---|---|
| Foreigners | USD 500 for first 10 days; USD 50/day after |
| Indians | Same as foreigners (USD 500 for 10 days) |
| Nepali Citizens | No restricted area permit required, but ACAP fee (NPR 1,000) applies |
Additional Permit Fees:
ACAP Permit: NPR 3,000 (foreigners), NPR 1,000 (SAARC)
TIMS Card: Often not needed for Upper Mustang, but some agencies include it
If trekking isn’t your style, you can experience Upper Mustang via a 4WD Jeep Tour with:
Pokhara–Jomsom–Lo Manthang scenic drives
4–8 day flexible itineraries
Visits to caves, monasteries, Kora La (Tibet border)
Premium or standard accommodation
Great for families, elderly travelers, or time-bound adventurers.
Thanks to its rain-shadow location, Upper Mustang is a year-round destination, but the best trekking months are:
| Season | Weather Notes |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Flowers, clear views, warm weather |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Rain shadow = good weather, Tiji Festival |
| Autumn (Sept–Nov) | Stable, crisp skies, peak season |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cold, some lodges close above 3,000m |
The Upper Mustang Trek is more than just a journey it’s a rare encounter with an ancient Himalayan kingdom, frozen in time. With its distinct Tibetan culture, dramatic red cliffs, ancient cave systems, and the mystical aura of Lo Manthang, this trek is unlike any other in Nepal.
Whether you choose to trek the remote trails or experience it by jeep tour, Upper Mustang promises a lifetime of unforgettable memories.
1. Where is Upper Mustang?
Upper Mustang is in the northern Mustang District, near the Tibet border, within Nepal’s Gandaki Province.
2. How to reach Upper Mustang?
Take a Kathmandu–Pokhara–Jomsom flight, then either trek or drive by jeep to Lo Manthang.
3. Why is Upper Mustang restricted?
Due to its Tibetan-influenced culture, geopolitical sensitivity, and ecological fragility, it’s a restricted area requiring special permits.
4. What is the Upper Mustang permit cost for Indians?
$500 USD for 10 days, just like for other foreign nationals.
5. What is the permit cost for Nepali citizens?
Nepali citizens don’t need the restricted permit, only the ACAP fee (NPR 1,000).
6. What is the permit cost for foreigners?
$500 for 10 days and $50/day thereafter, plus ACAP permit.
We are a government-authorized trekking agency in Nepal. We have strictly followed all necessary legal procedures and obtained necessary licenses and certificates to be liable to operate travel services in Nepal.
