The Upper Mustang trek takes you to the ‘Last Forbidden Kingdom,’ and it is steeped in undisturbed Tibetan Buddhist culture, with ancient monasteries, traditional villages, stunning architecture, and cave dwellings high up on the cliffs, on display at the walled city of Lo Manthang. Organized treks only began visiting the region in 1992, and numbers are limited, with an average of fewer than 1,000 visitors per year (capital of Mustang region).
The Upper Mustang trek in this semi-independent Tibetan Kingdom’s isolated Trans-Himalayan Region provides an exciting 14-day route that includes superb walking through the dramatic semi-arid desert with colorful rock formations, deep ravines, and snow-capped peaks all around you. History, culture, myth, and mythology all combine beautifully with breathtaking surroundings.
Mustang refers to the dry Tibet-like area near the northern end of the Kali Gandaki in popular use (known to its inhabitants as Lo). Mustang has a long, rich, and complex history, making it one of Nepal’s most fascinating regions. Although the early history of Lo is steeped in tradition, myth, and mystery, there are records of occurrences dating back to the eighth century.
Milarepa, a Tibetan poet who lived from 1040 to 1123, is thought to have visited Lo. With its limitless stretches of yellow and grey undulating hills worn by wind, Lo’s scenery is reminiscent of the Tibetan plateau. In the lower section of the upper Mustang, there is more rain, and the hills are large red-fluted cliffs of small round stones bonded together by mud. Villages are many hours apart and look almost like mirages in the distance; during the summer, when the crops have been sown, they are a green oasis in a desert-like environment.
Best Time for Upper Mustang Trek
The best time for Upper Mustang Trek is from March to June, with September to November being the best months to visit. Depending on your holiday duration in Nepal, you may also visit in July and August if that is the only time you have.
Because Upper Mustang, like Tibet, sits in the rain shadow, where monsoon clouds and showers are blocked and impeded by a high range of Himalayan mountains, Upper Mustang and Tibet are dry regions with little rainfall.
From March through May, most of the day is clear, with dry and crisp air that is ideal for seeing the mountains and their surrounding landscapes, while the late afternoon can be gloomy, with fewer possibilities of rain and snow.
During the monsoon season, from July to mid-September, the country will be green owing to moisture from monsoon clouds and mild showers. From September to November, most of the day will be clear for vistas and delightful drives.
During the end of October and November months, it may be cold in the mornings and evenings, with the possibility of snow, and most Upper Mustang residents travel to lower mild parts of Nepal and India to avoid the cold environment from late November to late February.
Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty
Many components of a moderate Upper Mustang trek are tough. The journey is, nevertheless, quite achievable if you are physically healthy and eager to see the trans-Himalayan region. It is not necessary to have prior hiking experience. Trekkers should, however, begin a schedule of walks and jogs a few months ahead of time.
It aids in increasing stamina at high altitudes and combating shortness of breath. This makes your journeys a lot easier. It is critical to see your doctor before embarking on the journey if you have any pre-existing medical concerns such as heart, lung, or blood illnesses.
It is appropriate for people of all ages, including families with children and seniors. If somebody is unable to walk in the middle of the trail, a jeep transfer service is available. As a result, this hike is both safe and convenient.
Mustang is a popular trekking and adventure trekking destination in Nepal. The location provides pristine vistas of nature and a setting unlike any other in Nepal. Because of the culture and language, there are many parallels between Mustang and Tibet. The environment is a combination of snow-capped mountains and arid regions, despite its location in the Himalayas.
The Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs cast a rain shadow on the Upper Mustang area. As a result, even during the monsoon, walking in this region is doable. However, it is preferable to add a day or two to account for travel delays caused by inclement weather in the lowlands.
Most walkers will be able to complete the Upper Mustang trek without any restrictions or limitations. This trek, however, necessitates a respectable degree of fitness.
Culture and People during Upper Mustang Trek
The people of Upper Mustang have been influenced by strong Tibetan Buddhist religion and culture, and have been on strong trade with Tibet, where all salt and wool trade took place within the Kali Gandaki and unto Lo-Manthang, bringing a significant amount of money to this great village town.
In the center of the huge settlement, resembling a medieval-era city, rises the former Mustang raja’s palace, an outstanding four-story structure. Jigme Parbal Bista, the previous Raja (king), and the Rani (queen), from the noble family of Lhasa and Shigatse in Tibet, lived there.
Upper Mustang Trek takes you to a particular spiritual location, as evidenced by the monasteries and villages along the way, as well as the Namgyal Gompa, Red Thubchen Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House), Chyodi Gompa, and the Great Entrance Hall, all of which have special authorization to see the palace inside.
Why was the Upper Mustang trek restricted?
Upper Mustang trek was a restricted zone until 1992, making it one of the best-preserved regions on the planet owing to its seclusion from the rest of the world. From the summit of the Annapurna Circuit to the Tibetan border, the valley runs south to north, and the bulk of the people still speak traditional Tibetan dialects.
Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300 m)
On the first day of your Upper Mustang Trek, focusing your arrival time on Tribhuwan International Airport (Kathmandu), our association representatives will be awaiting you there for your warm welcome with a private vehicle for shifting you towards a fine tourist standard inn. Today, we also schedule a short meeting to discuss the upcoming trek.
Day 2: Sightseeing valley and preparation day
Today after attending our morning delicious breakfast, we plan for sightseeing famous spots; Pashupatinath Temple, Swyambhunath Stupa (monkey temple), and Boudhanath Stupa which are on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After inspecting these amazing sites for some hours, we returned to finalizing trekking equipment which is essential for our upcoming trek. This second night will also be spent at the same hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (820 m)
On the third day after morning breakfast, our private vehicle arrives at a hotel to pick up and shift you towards the bus station to catch the tourist standard bus to Pokhara. Therefore splitting the valley, the bus heads towards the west by catching Prithivi Highway to reach Pokhara. Along the way, we stop twice for breakfast and lunch before steeping Pokhara. Finally, after reaching Pokhara, we explore Fewa Lake during leisure hours and stay overnight at the lodge.
Day 4: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,740 m) and trek to Kagbeni (2,800 m)
Often flights from Pokhara to Jomsom are scheduled in the morning hours so following our flight time, we move forward to catch our plane at Pokhara Airport to reach Jomsom. Finally, after landing at Jomsom Airport, we started our quick bag packs and arrangements along introduced them to the rest of the trekking crew members. Therefore, developing a trek ahead following the trail along the Kali Gandaki River takes you to Kagbeni (Gateway of Upper Mustang) for a stay overnight.
Day 5: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,050 m)
After getting our permit checked on Kagbeni, we stepped ahead following the same trail alongside Kali Gandaki River to step Tangbe (Northern Valley). Continued walk ahead admiring narrow alleyways, white-washed houses, apple orchards and terraced fields with seasonal crops offered next village along passing few ridges and streams from there leaving Kali Gandaki valley takes to Chele for spending the night.
Day 6: Trek from Chele to Geling (3,475 m)
Early morning leaving Chele behind, we ascend to Taklam La Pass to reach a flat terrain for an easy walk. Continuing to walk ahead, following the trail takes to Samar village and descending ridge bypassing mini walls, streams, juniper forest, and large George leads to Shyangmochen. Therefore, enjoying a few tea shops and inspecting a cave ahead takes to Gelling. Today’s accommodation and dinner will be arranged at Gelling.
Day 7: Trek from Geling to Charang (3,490 m)
Triggering Geiling, today we head forward following west towards the driest part of Mustang bypassing terraced fields below Tama Gaon which takes towards Nyi La. Therefore, a vertical ascend from that spot leads to Ghyami to cross a pleasing river bypassing the river back and catching mini walls takes to Charang located at the top of Charang Chu Canyon to spend the night.
Day 8: Trek from Charang to Lo Manthang (3,730 m)
After enjoying the morning walk throughout Charang village and Red Gompa, we develop our walk forward by ascending the valley to explore Chorten which divides the region of Charang and Lo Manthang. From there, continuing walk through the windy trail finally takes you to Lo Manthang (walled city). This night will be spent at the lodge in Lo Manthang.
Day 9: Exploration day at Lo Manthang
On the ninth day, we don’t develop our walk ahead. As we are already high above 3,700 m this day is separated for acclimatization and exploration. On this day, we inspect the entire Lo Manthang settlement (Hidden Tibetan kingdom) and explore their traditions, cultures, and languages from close. This night will be spent at the same place in Lo Manthang.
Day 10: Trek from Lo Manthang to Drakmar (3,810 m)
After full-day exploration, we move ahead early because the trial comes to be windier in the daytime. Changing the direction towards the southwest, we ascend to the Carin located at on height above 4,000 m bypassing enjoyable irrigated fields and attractive settlements for the last glimpse of Lo Manthang. Continuing the downward trail reach Ghar Gompa to observe paintings and artifacts before steeping Drakmar.
Day 11: Trek from Drakmar to Ghiling (3,806)
Today, we start our walk early morning to avoid difficulty on the windy and dusty trail so marching forward following our route bypassing numerous caves and long mini walls takes us to Ghami village. Therefore, a short ascend leads to Ghiling Hill before stepping into Ghiling village. In the remaining hours, we explore the settlement and the night will be spent at the lodge there.
Day 12: Trek from Ghiling to Chhuksang (3,050 m)
Today’s trail is just amazing, we begin our walk forward with an easy descent enjoying spectacular land, amazing hills, and breathtaking views throughout the Himalayas peaks. Additionally, a few villages portraying the Tibetan lifestyle also accompany you before walking down to Chhuksang. Finally, leisure hours can be spent strolling the settlement throughout and nights will be spent at the lodge there.
Day 13: Trek from Chhuksang to Jomsom (2,700 m)
The day of the walk leaving Chhuksang begins with a downward march through the west bank of the river enjoying the views of stunning caves till Kagbeni. Therefore following the trail along Kali Gandaki River takes to Jomsom. You can celebrate the evening with trekking members at a fine tourist standard restaurant or you can take a rest at the lodge if you are feeling tired. This night will be spent at the lodge in Jomsom.
Day 14: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (820 m)
On the last day in the Mustang district by following the schedule, we board a flight time from Jomsom to Pokhara. Finally, after steeping Pokhara Airport, we checked some luxury tourist standard hotels for a fresh up and relaxing shower. The remaining time will be utilized by exploring Pokhara Valley along enjoying boating on Fewa Lake. This night will be spent at a tourist standard hotel in Pokhara.
Day 15: Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,300 m)
After a sweet early morning breakfast, we move forward to catch a tourist standard bus towards Kathmandu leaving Pokhara. Therefore reaching Kathmandu, you will be picked up by our private vehicle and shifted towards a fine tourist standard hotel throughout. Evening hours will be separated for discussing memorable moments of trekking with a farewell dinner and the night will be spent at the lodge.
Day 16: Departure day
On the last day focusing your time, you can go shopping to collect some gifts for your friends or family members. We help you with your necessary arrangements and pack-ups along with our private vehicle transfers you to the airport focusing on your departure time. Our representatives will be there to wish you a safe flight and successful steps ahead.
Permits for Upper Mustang Trek
- For all foreigners, the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit costs USD 500 for the first ten days and USD 50 per day after that.
- For foreigners, the ACAP entrance permit charge is 3,000 NPR (about USD 30).
- For SAARC nationals, the ACAP entrance permit charge is 200 NPR.