Upper Mustang Trek
The last forbidden kingdom of the Himalaya
Duration
12 Days
Max Altitude
3,840 m / 12,598 ft (Lo Manthang)
Best Season
June–September (rain-shadow, trekkable in monsoon) & March–November
Group Size
Minimum 2 trekkers (restricted area regulation)
Overview
Upper Mustang was closed to outsiders until 1992 and still requires a special restricted-area permit, which limits visitor numbers and keeps its Tibetan Buddhist culture remarkably intact. The trek climbs from Kagbeni into a rain-shadow desert of ochre cliffs, wind-eroded canyons and cave dwellings to Lo Manthang, the walled former capital of the Mustang kingdom, still home to a functioning royal palace and centuries-old monasteries. Because Mustang sits in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, it is one of the few Himalayan treks that remains excellent even during the summer monsoon, when most of Nepal is under cloud.
Trip Highlights
- Lo Manthang, the walled former capital of the Mustang kingdom
- Trekkable during the monsoon season, unlike most of Nepal
- Centuries-old monasteries, chortens and cave dwellings
- Tibetan Buddhist culture largely unchanged for generations
- Dramatic desert canyon scenery unlike anywhere else in Nepal
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Fly Kathmandu–Pokhara–Jomsom, trek to Kagbeni
Fly to Jomsom (2,720 m) via Pokhara, then trek to Kagbeni, gateway to Upper Mustang.
Day 2
Trek to Chele
Enter the restricted area and climb into the high-desert landscape toward Chele.
Day 3
Trek to Geling/Ghami
Cross windswept plateaus and passes to Geling or Ghami.
Day 4
Trek to Charang
Visit Ghami's long mani wall and continue to Charang, with its red monastery and old fort.
Day 5
Trek to Lo Manthang
Reach the walled city of Lo Manthang (3,840 m).
Day 6
Explore Lo Manthang
Full day visiting the royal palace, Thubchen and Jampa monasteries, and surrounding caves.
Day 7
Day trip to Chhoser caves
Optional excursion to the ancient Sky Caves of Chhoser.
Day 8
Trek to Ghami (return route)
Begin the return journey via a variant route through Dhakmar's red cliffs.
Day 9
Trek to Chele
Continue the descent back toward Kagbeni.
Day 10
Trek to Jomsom
Final trekking day back to Jomsom via Kagbeni.
Day 11
Fly to Pokhara
Morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara; free time by Phewa Lake.
Day 12
Fly/drive to Kathmandu
Return to Kathmandu and transfer for departure.
Cost Includes
- All internal flights (KTM–PKR–JOM–PKR–KTM)
- Licensed trekking guide
- Porter service
- Teahouse accommodation
- Restricted area permit & ACAP
Cost Excludes
- Meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara
- Travel insurance
- Personal gear
- Tips
Permits Required
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (special permit)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Upper Mustang Trek — FAQs
The Nepali government caps visitor numbers to Upper Mustang to protect its fragile culture and environment, funded through a special restricted-area fee — currently around USD 500 for the first 10 days per person, which we include in your package price.
Yes — Mustang sits in a rain shadow, so June to September, when most of Nepal is cloudy and wet, is actually one of the best windows to trek here.
