Trip Facts

  • Duration:17 Days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Max Altitude:3,840 m
  • Min group size2
  • Best TimeMarch to May and September to November
  • Holiday typeTrekking

About Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek explores the forbidden Buddhist Kingdom, Lo Manthang, and takes you across the mysteries & myths thriving alongside locals. One of the biggest flexes about Upper Mustang is it was closed to foreign travelers for decades. Remaining untouched by the rest of the world for such a long time has preserved and protected the lifestyle and rich cultural heritage of the locals. Over the years, the tradition, practices, and beliefs of the locals have evolved in their distinctive way. 

Upper Mustang Trekking follows one of the driest regions of Nepal. Upper Mustang is an arid river valley located further north of Kagbeni. The trail winds through numerous ascend & descend, crossing many passes, suspension bridges, remote villages, and forests. Upper Mustang shares an open border with Tibet, which is one of the reasons that make the area a restrictive part of Nepal. Only a handful of trekkers trek in this region every year, making the trail less crowded and unspoiled. The travelers need to get a special expensive permit from the government of Nepal to go on this trek.

As the region is located near Tibet, many things about the locals here resemble Tibetans, including their language, dress, culture, and philosophical outlook. The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains like Annapurna I (8,091 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), and many others. Likewise, you will get to see breathtaking scenery, unlike any other place in the Himalayas. The trail is pleasant and involves many chortens, monasteries, prayer wheels, mani walls, and fluttering prayer flags. 

To know more about the Upper Mustang Trek package go through our useful information section. We also offer a tailor-made Upper Mustang Trek itinerary. Feel free to contact us anytime for your queries or Upper Mustang Trek cost. 

Why go on Upper Mustang Trek with Adventure White Mountain?

Our vision, mission, and ethics set us apart from the crowd of trekking agencies in Nepal. We run well-planned eco-friendly ventures in the Himalayas and around Nepal. From trekking to tours and expeditions, every journey is equally taken care of. We offer professional and experienced trekking guides during the trek/tour. All of our guides are well-trained for several emergencies. Likewise, we are also actively involved in supporting local businesses along the trail. We make sure to leave only our footprints behind.

Trip Highlights

  • Join Upper Mustang Trek to travel back in time, where you will see the lifestyle of the locals as it was centuries ago
  • The trail follows the rain shadow area of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, which makes the region perfect for trekking in the monsoon
  • Relish stunning dry and arid landscape, unlike any other place in Nepal
  • The adventurous and thrilling trail involves crossing of passes, suspension bridges, remote villages, and lush forests
  • Explore ancient monasteries, fortress, and caves
  • Come across rich cultural heritage, rock paintings, mysteries, and myths
  • Get to see enticing views of the Himalayan mountains 
  • Have intimate encounters with locals and have a close insight into their daily lifestyle

Itinerary

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We would like to inform our valued clients that the time duration is depending on the trekker and their physical fitness.
B L D means Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Adventure White Mountain Will receive you at international airport of Nepal, Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to hotel. Today you can enjoy Thamel as it is one of the cream touring sites of Kathmandu. Tourists believe that Nepal visit is incomplete without visiting Thamel. You will spend night in a hotel. 

  • Accommodation Star Hotel
  • Altitude1345 M

 The real fun begins from today as you get chance to witness at least four UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu. You visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath Stupa and Bouddhanath Stupa. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is regarded as Historic City and Kathmandu Durbar Square is a lively example that speaks about the history of this nation. The site covers five acres of land. Hanuman Dhoka, Swoyambhunath, Pashupatinatha and Bouddhanath are the main place of our visit today. We will spend night in a hotel.

  • Accommodation Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Time6 Hours
  • Altitude1345 M

 After having a breakfast we leave Kathmandu for Pokhara- City of lakes. We either go in a private vehicle or a tourist bus. It takes around six to seven hours to reach Pokhara. The journey in between is so marvelous. You can view Trishuli River, cable car and various waterfalls on the way. Right before entering Pokhara the breathtaking view of Machhpuchhre (Fishtail) mountain will leave you speechless. You arrive at Pokhara by noon. You will get time to walk around lakeside and can even enjoy boating on Phewa Lake. The majestic view of Fishtail Mountain from Pokhara is fascinating for every trekkers/tourists. Spend night in a hotel.

  • Accommodation Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Time6 Hours Drive
  • Altitude822 M

 Early in the morning after breakfast we catch flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. It is a scenic flight of around 20 minute. Walking along Kaligandaki River we arrive at Ekley Bhatti village. An hour of further walk takes us to Kagbeni. It is a windswept village. It is a rain shaded area. We stay overnight at Kagbeni. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time25 M flight 4 Hours Trek
  • Altitude2804 M

 The checkpoint at Kagbeni will check our trekking permit to Upper Mustang. A couple of hours walk will bring us at Tangbe village. We arrive at Chhusang. Crossing river falling from cliff will take us to Chele. Here we spend night.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time5 Hours
  • Altitude3100 M

After breakfast we start moving ahead. We climb Taklam La Pass and descend to a village of Samar. Further three hours walk will bring us at Syanbochen. Here we will enjoy our night. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time5 Hours
  • Altitude3260 M

 We start uphill walk today and arrive at Yamda La. Climbing Nyi Pass get us at Ghyami. Here we will spend night. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time5 Hours
  • Altitude3390 M

 Crossing Ghyami Khola and Mani walls bring us at Charang village. It is a place that has influence of Tibetan culture. The white Dzong and red Gompa here are the attractions for the tourists. We spend night here at Charang. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time5 Hours
  • Altitude3560 M

 It is going to be a wonderful walking experience today. It is a walk in beautiful land observing Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. In the beginning we follow descend trail to be at Charang Chu Canyon. We follow up and down to be at windy pass of Lo. It is a point to enjoy Lo-Mangthang Valley. We spend night here. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time5 Hours
  • Altitude3840 M

 To adjust body temperature with the increasing altitude we take rest for a day and it is known as acclimatization. To avoid altitude sickness it is essential. Despite being rest day we will keep on roaming nearby area. We pay visit to Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. The Namgyal Gompa here serves as local court. If weather supports us we will visit Tal Champa Lakhang which means God House. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time5 Hours
  • Altitude3840 M

 After breakfast we start trekking. Gyakar is our first on the destination today. Further walk from here brings us to Drakmar. The attraction of this place are Ghar Gompa and Guru Rinpoche. The rock painting of Ghar Gompa is popular and it is 1200 years old. We will put off at Drakmar. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time5 Hours
  • Altitude3520 M

 We will be walking for six hours today. We lunch at Ghiling and explore the area. It gives different outlook of Nepal. The culture and tradition of this place is really different to the world.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time5 Hours
  • Altitude3570 M

 Enjoying scenic beauty of Himalayas we move ahead. It is a pleasing walk. We arrive at Chhuksang after around six hours of walk. Here we put off at night. 

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time5 Hours
  • Altitude2980 M

 It is longer trail today. After breakfast we start moving towards Jomsom. To avoid the wind on the way we walk early in the morning. We lunch at Kagbeni and further move ahead to be at Jomsom. Here we halt at night. If time permits we will visit monasteries.

  • Accommodation Tea House
  • MealsB L D
  • Time6 Hours
  • Altitude2720 M

 Early in the morning after breakfast we catch flight to Pokhara. It is a flight on around 20 minute. You will enjoy the scenic beauty of mountains from the flight. In Pokhara you will have ample of time to enjoy the city. You can visit Gupteswor Cave, Mahendra Cave, Davi’s Fall and enjoy boating in Phewa Lake. We will put off at a hotel in Pokhara.

  • Accommodation Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Time25 Minute Flight
  • Altitude822 M

 Now it is time to head back to Kathmandu from Pokhara. We will have a breakfast and drive back. The staff of Adventure White Mountain will accompany you in the evening as they will invite you for a farewell dinner for positively completing the trip.

  • Accommodation Star Hotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Time6 Hours Drive
  • Altitude1345 M

 Here ends your trekking today. A representative of Adventure White Mountain will drop you to the Airport three hours before your arranged flight to help you reach your destination.

  • MealsBreakfast

What's included

Included

  • Costs related to all airport and hotel transfers. Domestic flights and airport departure taxes.
  • 2 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • A full day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley including tour guide 
  •  11 nights in local lodges/teahouses during the trek
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • All accommodation and meals during the trek
  • Experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide) and Sherpa porter (1 porter for 2 trekkers) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag and other necessary trekking gears (on hire) and trekking map.
  • All permits and necessary paperwork (National park permit, TIMS )
  • First aid kit.

Excluded

  • Visa fee for Nepal (bring accurate USD cash and 2 passport size photographs)
  • International airfare to and from Kathmandu
  • All conservation area and cultural heritage site entrance fees
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from trekking than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
  • Tips for guides and porters.
  • All taxes, be it local or 13% government tax.

FAQs

Mustang is known for its delicious apples, local wines, dried food, beer, Khapse, and Tibetan bread. 

Upper Mustang is a restricted area in Nepal. To trek here, you have to take a special permit from the government of Nepal, which is expensive. Upper Mustang has an open border with Tibet, valuable minerals and caves, and rich cultural heritage. Many parts of the Upper Mustang are still not discovered. All of these reasons make trekking in Upper Mustang expensive and vulnerable.
 

You walk around 6 to 7 hours per day during the Upper Mustang Trek. Some days may go longer or end quickly.

Yes, you mandatory need a guide and porter during the Upper Mustang Trek along with two trekking members in the group (not including the guide/porters). Upper Mustang Trekking requires a special permit from the government of Nepal.
 

Yes, the monsoon is one of the best seasons to go to Upper Mustang Trek. This is the only region in Nepal that doesn't receive rainfall during the monsoon.

You can get almost every gear in Kathmandu. We advise you to keep your luggage light and do heavy shopping in Nepal. It will also help local shops and contribute to the economy.

  • Trekking shirt
  • Trekking pants
  • Thermal wears 
  • Inner Layer
  • Down Jacket
  • Windcheater 
  • Breathable underwear
  • Trousers
  • Warm socks & gloves
  • Strong Trekking Shoes
  • Trekking Socks
  • Sandals/Flip-Flops
  • A comfortable backpack with a cover
  • A good quality Sleeping bag
  • Trekking Poles
  • Headlamp
  • First aid kits
  • Sunscreen Lotion
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun Hat and Fleece Hat
  • Scarf or Buff
  • Water purification tablets
  • Toiletries (towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, hand sanitizer, tissue paper, small mirror, toilet paper, etc)
  • Miscellaneous (Games, camera, extra battery, journal, pen, books, snacks & bars, etc)

To prepare your body for Upper Mustang Trekking, you can do jogging, swimming, or cycling. Similarly, you can also hit the gym to strengthen your core muscles and increase stamina. Do go on a few small hikes too. 
 

Useful Information

The ideal time to go on Upper Mustang Trek

The best time for Upper Mustang Trekking is during May when locals celebrate their biggest festival called Tiji. The festival lasts for three days and offers an intimate glimpse at the culture, practices, and beliefs of the locals. The temperature ranges between 16°C to 22°C. 

Likewise, you can also trek in the monsoon season (June to September). Upper Mustang falls under the rain shadow area, which means no rainfall whatsoever. You might face a slippery trail and rain at the lower altitude, but once you enter Upper Mustang, it is a whole different world. The temperature ranges between 16°C to 20°C. 

Autumn (October to November) and spring (March to April) is the universal time to trek in the Himalayas, including the Upper Mustang. Everything is perfect for trekking in these two seasons, either we talk about sable weather, climate, or views.

Upper Mustang Trek difficulty

As per geographical difficulty, Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate journey, however, the isolation of the region makes the trek challenging. The trail has a combination of paved and unpaved paths. There are a few narrow, rugged, and steep sections as well. You will cross several small passes along the way. Another thing that adds up to the challenges during Upper Mustang Trekking is a high altitude, which may trigger altitude sickness if the gain in elevation is not maintained in the itinerary. 

The trek takes you to a maximum altitude of 3,850 meters. If the acclimatization days between the trek and constant increase in the elevation are not adjusted properly, it can lead to altitude sickness. Our professionally designed Upper Mustang Trek itinerary and experienced guides will make sure to keep you away from altitude sickness. 

You can take proper measures to trek in the Himalayas without getting altitude illness. Some of them are mentioned below:-

  • Drink a minimum of 2 liters of water daily
  • Avoid alcoholic drinks and smoking
  • Walk at your own pace and follow the itinerary
  • Do not eat foods that might disturb your digestion
  • Drink plenty of soups
  • Carry Diamox or other prescribed medicines to tame down the symptoms of mountain sickness

Mode of transportation during the trek

From Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu, you will drive in a private tourist car/van. There will be two flights in and out of Jomsom, the starting/ending point of the trek. Likewise, you will have airport pick-up and drop service as well. 

Electricity & Charging Facilities 

Upper Mustang is one of the isolated areas in Nepal where reliable electricity facilities are still not touched. Locals mainly rely on solar power, even in Lo Manthang. You may or may not get to charge the electric device, especially in the evening. We highly suggest you carry extra batteries and a solar charger to charge your devices. You might also have to pay a few extra bucks to charge the devices. 

Sim Card & WiFi

You can buy Nepali 4G sim cards and data packages at the airport or from vendors in Thamel. The data connection is fast and reliable in the city area, however, once you touch the trail, the connection will get weaker with the increase of altitude. The same goes for WiFi- available for free of cost in the hotels and restaurants in the city, but you might have to pay a few extra bucks to use it at high altitudes. Similarly, the connection will not be as stable. 

Luggage

The porters will be carrying duffel bags as the main luggage. It is carried by porters. There will be one porter for every two members of the group. You will be carrying a day pack. Carry your camera, cell phone, and other electronic devices in the day pack along with light snacks, water, documents, change money, and miscellaneous things. Store the extra clothes and suitcases in the hotel's locker rooms free of cost while trekking. 

Child policy

If you are under the age of 18 and looking to go on the Upper Mustang Trek, then you have to be accompanied by an identified adult/guardian. Likewise, you have to be an active trekker/hiker to join this trip. There are no discounts for trekkers under 18 years old. Get in touch with our representative to know more about the child policy. 

Tipping to crew members

Your team leader will help you with tips. Although it is up to your wish to tip or not, we do recommend tipping if you like the service of the crew members during the trek. Don't feel awkward or hesitate if any of our crew members approach you for the tip. $20 is best for the tour guide, $10 for the driver, and $150 for the trek guide. You can give more or less as per your wish.

Personal expenses 

Shopping and extra stay are not covered by the package cost. Things like snacks and beverages out of three meals a day during the trek are not included in the package cost. Likewise, you might have to spend a few bucks for charging your electronic devices or hot showers on the trail, which is also not included in the Upper Mustang Trek package cost. Check out our cost includes and excludes section for more information. 

Insurance/rescue/evacuation

Upper Mustang Trekking is a high-altitude remote venture. The trail is not developed and involves dangerous segments. There is no big hospital on the route. In case of emergency, the best possible way to give you an immediate medical assistant is air evacuation, which will cost a hefty amount of money if not covered by the insurance company. Therefore, we highly recommend you to get well-covered travel insurance that includes air evacuation, medical bills, flight cancellation, and loss/theft of personal properties.

Customer Reviews

5rating based on 1 reviewWrite review
Manuel Santoro
Manuel Santoro,Italy- January 25, 2021

Excellent Service

Before the trip in Nepal I saw many pics about Mustang, so I decided for this trek. Sincerely I contacted many tour agencies and Adventure White Mountains was the best that offered me more services and reasonable  prices. It was a beautiful trek a friendly and professional guide, Thank you so much  Dipak for everything
Beautiful!