Upper Mustang Trek

The best time to trek to the Upper Mustang Region is during the Autumn and Spring seasons, as the climate is favorable and the trekking route is rich in luscious greens. For a safe, memorable, and incredible experience, plan a trek between mid-September and November or March and June.

However, the trek is possible all around the year. As long as you can avoid rainstorms and sustain extreme temperatures, you can ascend during colder months to avoid the crowd.

The Upper Mustang walking trek usually takes 16 days to complete, but the duration might vary depending on how you customize your trip and the transportation you use.

Though it might not be mandatory, booking your Upper Mustang trek in advance is better to ease the process, specifically if you plan for trekking seasons, as mentioned above.

Booking in advance secures your spot and ensures you and your trekking company are well-prepared for the trek. However, getting the trekking permits, booking accommodation and transport, and getting your visas might take time.

Trek to the Upper Mustang requires moderate fitness since you will walk at least 6-7 hours daily. You will also need good cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength to ascend quickly through rough terrain.

If you aren’t somebody who doesn’t perform physical training regularly, it is better to start training at least ¾ months in advance. Ensure you include cardio, flexibility exercises, and strength training in your workout to prepare your body for the trek.

To explore the Upper Mustang, you require three different permits: a special Mustang trek permit, an Annapurna Conservation Area project permit, and a TIMS card (Travelers Information Management System).

Travel insurance isn’t mandatory when trekking in the Upper Mustang region. Still, it is advisable to do so to prepare in advance for possible catastrophic situations on the trek.

Yes, you can customize your itinerary for the Upper Mustang trek to fit your needs. We can add or subtract the acclimatization days, optimize the trekking route, and shorten or elongate the trek as you prefer.

However, if you have booked for our regular trekking package that moves as a group, customizing the itinerary just for an individual isn’t possible.

Some of the best ways to train for the trek are through regular cardio, focusing on breathing exercises, strength training, lifting weights, hamstring sketching exercises, and so on. You can also switch to climbing stairs instead of lifts, walking, or jogging instead of driving to smaller distances to prepare your body.

Additionally, going on regular hikes or climbing up the hills can be the best way to train for the trek.

To trek to the Upper Mustang region, you will need lightweight and warmer clothing, trekking poles, hiking boots, headlamps, sleeping bags, sunglasses, toiletries, and solar batteries.

Getting any vaccinations to trek to the Upper Mustang region isn’t mandatory. However, you can check your country’s travel regulations and vaccinate yourself before visiting Nepal.

Typically, routine vaccines are available, including those against Malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, and Cholera.

For any personal expenses other than those offered by the trekking company, you will need Nepalese rupees for your Upper Mustang trek. However, it is better to have some USD or your home currency as a backup for emergencies or returns.

Exchange your currencies for Nepali rupees in Kathmandu to find the best rates.

To travel to Nepal, you will need a “Tourist Visa.” This visa is available on arrival for most foreign visitors except those from African countries, Afghanistan, and refugees with travel documents.

Check the official website of the Department of Immigration for information regarding On Arrival and other tourist visas in Nepal.

It is possible to trek solo to the Upper Mustang Region, as the terrain isn’t that difficult to reach.

The trekking route to the Upper Mustang consists of rough rocky terrain, a couple of steep hills, stairs, and narrow trails. Along your path, you will encounter suspension bridges, a biodiversity conservation area, luscious green forests, and locally inhabited villagers.

While standard, three-star, and five-star accommodations are available in Kathmandu, the options might be restricted on the trekking route. You will most likely find tea houses with clean rooms along the route.

And yes, getting private rooms or rooms with attached bathrooms is possible, but you will have to pay an extra charge.

If you want to trek through the Upper Mustang region, you can reach the starting point, i.e., Jomsom, via flight or on a jeep ride.

Yes, electricity and Wi-Fi are available in most of the teahouses en route to the Langtang region trails. However, it might be costly to access internet services and charge your devices at these stops, and the reliability of the connection could be better, too. You can carry rechargeable solar batteries for electricity.

Since you will be traveling on a bust and then hiking along the trekking route, there is no restriction on the luggage you can carry. However, it is better to travel light as you will have to

The guesthouses and teahouses primarily serve Nepali, Tibetan, and other ethnic cuisine, including Rice, Pulses, Bread, Noodles, and Soup.

Yes, showers are available on the trek to Upper Mustang, but it’s recommended that you avoid showering at higher elevations.

There are provisions for charging your electronics in rest houses, teahouses, or local stays. But remember to carry the required adapters (C type and D type) with you to fit in your chargers.

The teahouses have clean but fundamental squat toilets en route to Upper Mustang. In case of emergencies, private areas along the trail can also be found to relieve the pressure.

Yes, doing laundry on the Upper Mustang Trek is possible. However, the water is cold, so we suggest you do not use it unless required. Packing enough clothes is better than looking for laundry in elevations with cold water.

You are less likely to find a store to buy snacks and drinks on the trek as it is a remote area inhabited by fewer people. However, the tea houses along the trail do sell biscuits, candies, and other snacks.

We advise you to carry protein bars, dried nuts, and fruits to snack when you want. For drinking water, you can bring a refillable bottle with a filter to drink water from sprouts or springs along the way.

ATMs are not available in Upper Mustang beyond Jomsom, so it is essential to carry enough cash for the entire trek.

If you get altitude sickness on your way Upper Mustang, let your trekking guide know about the situation. The guides are prepared with first aid required for such a situation.

Rest at the same spot and take anti-sickness medications. After you feel a little better, descend to a lower altitude. If the situation worsens, request the guide reach out to the head office in Kathmandu for a helicopter rescue.

It would be best to pack warmer clothes, trekking gear, all your necessary medications, and travel documents for the trek. Additionally, you should pack protein bars, dry nuts, and fruits for snacking on the trek, along with a refillable water bottle.

Even though the company will provide you with packaged water bottles along the journey, it is convenient to carry your own.

Medical facilities are very limited on the trekking routes of the Upper Mustang except in towns like Jomsom. We suggest you carry all necessary medications in your backpack before you drive to the base.

Water from natural sources looks clean in the Langtang region, but it might not be safe to drink. You can purify the water using bottle filters, chlorinate it, or boil it to make it potable.

The first thing you can do in an emergency is contact our trekking guide. Our guides are equipped with oximeters and necessary first-aid kits and trained to handle any kind of emergency.

Besides, the guides will have all the necessary contacts to contact emergency rescue services such as helicopter rescue, air ambulance, or land rescue.

The best way to prevent altitude sickness is by taking proper rest after your trek, acclimatizing to the altitude, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol while on the trek.

Whenever you feel sick due to altitude, stop immediately and rest for a while. Hydrate yourself and take medications to ease the pain.

You should never try to ascend or descend right away whenever you are experiencing altitude sickness. Let your trekking guide know about your situation and request an emergency rescue if the condition worsens.

Acetazolamide (usually sold under the name Diamox) can help you with altitude sickness. As it reduces the severity of any observed symptoms as well as helps you adjust to high altitude quicker, Diamox is often suggested to treat acute altitude sickness.

Some other medications that can also help are Dexamethasone, Nifedipine, and Ibuprofen. It is safe to consult your physician and take the medications in advance to prevent allergies or any undesired reaction against the drugs.

You should be aware of any medical conditions that you might have before planning the trek. If you have pulmonary diseases, asthma, or any other breathing-related illness, it’s better to get it checked and prepared in advance with medication and stimulatory exercises.

Additionally, you should be aware of any allergies that you might have before you trek. It is always best to avoid food, drinks, or agents that can instigate a hypersensitive reaction in your body to prevent any illness on the route.

It isn’t too safe to trek alone in the wilderness. If you are planning to trek to high-altitude mountains like the Upper Mustang region, which can often have unpredictable weather, is prone to natural calamities, and involves risky and rough terrains, it isn’t safe to travel solo.

If you know the route very well and are mentally and physically prepared to trek alone, go for it. Otherwise, it is recommended to take along a travel guide who knows the route well to have a smooth trekking experience.

If you get injured during the trek, stop for a break and take the necessary first aid. If you have a serious injury that needs immediate attention, call for emergency rescue with the help of your trekking guide.

Since the trekking route takes you through conservation areas, it is obvious to see animals on the route. Although it is less likely to find a dangerous animal on the trail, it isn’t impossible. Leopards, cheetahs, musk deer, etc., can often inhabit mountainous regions.

Traveling in groups in such forest areas is better than encountering one. But if you do, don’t just run or instigate the animal; let it pass before you move.

The weather can be unpredictable if you are trekking in a mountainous region. Usually, the temperature is lower and can drop to freezing at night.

Besides, the higher elevation areas often have snow storms, soft rains, and chilled breezes.

Yes. While the full Upper Mustang Trek usually takes 12–14 days, shorter versions are possible. Many trekkers choose to fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and then trek directly to Lo Manthang, which reduces the itinerary to 7–10 days. Another option is a jeep tour, which can cover the route in just 4–6 days. These shorter versions focus on the highlights, such as Lo Manthang, Chhoser caves, and monasteries, while skipping longer walking sections.

Nepali citizens do not need to pay the expensive restricted area permit (USD 500 for foreigners) to trek in Upper Mustang. However, they still need to carry valid identification and follow local regulations. For Nepali trekkers, the cost is significantly lower, with expenses mainly limited to transportation, accommodation, and food.

It is technically possible, but very challenging. Upper Dolpo and Upper Mustang are both restricted areas that require special permits, guides, and significant logistical planning. The trek between Dolpo and Mustang involves remote, high-altitude passes with little infrastructure. Only highly experienced trekkers with strong logistics support should attempt to combine both. Most travelers choose to visit them separately due to cost, difficulty, and time requirements.

Yes, a licensed guide is mandatory because Upper Mustang is classified as a restricted area by the Government of Nepal. Trekkers cannot enter without registering through a trekking agency. Porters are not mandatory, but hiring one can make your trek more comfortable, especially since the terrain is dry and demanding. Having local support also enriches the experience by providing insights into Mustang’s culture and traditions.

The Upper Mustang Trek is considered moderate in difficulty. The altitude is not as extreme as in Everest or Manaslu, but it still reaches over 3,800 meters at Lo Manthang and over 4,000 meters at some passes.

Both treks are scenic but very different in character. The Annapurna Circuit is lush, diverse, and popular, with forests, waterfalls, and villages. Upper Mustang, by contrast, is dry, barren, and culturally Tibetan. Mustang offers fewer crowds, ancient monasteries, and a feeling of stepping into a lost kingdom. While Annapurna showcases natural diversity, Mustang highlights cultural and geographical uniqueness.

Mustang has deep cultural and historical ties with Tibet. The region was once part of the Tibetan kingdom of Ngari and still practices Tibetan Buddhism. Monasteries in Lo Manthang, Chhoser, and Tsarang date back centuries, with traditions, architecture, and festivals resembling those of Tibet. Even today, locals speak dialects similar to Tibetan, wear traditional dress, and follow ancient customs.

Unlike the lush, green landscapes of most of Nepal, Mustang has a dry, high-altitude desert environment with rugged cliffs, caves, and eroded canyons. It is culturally distinct, with Tibetan influences dominating everyday life, festivals, and architecture. Mustang’s unique identity as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom” also sets it apart, as it was closed to outsiders until 1992.

Most trekkers start the Upper Mustang journey from Jomsom after flying from Pokhara. From Jomsom, the trail follows the Kali Gandaki River northward into Mustang, passing through villages like Kagbeni, Tsarang, and finally reaching Lo Manthang. The trek from Jomsom typically takes 10–12 days round trip, depending on the itinerary.

Although the altitudes in Mustang are moderate compared to Everest or Annapurna, proper preparation is still necessary. Spend a few days in Pokhara or Jomsom to rest before trekking. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol during the trek. Training

Yes, beginners with a good fitness level can complete the Upper Mustang Trek. The trails are not technically difficult, and the risk of very high altitude is lower than in other treks. However, the dry climate, dusty trails, and long walking days can be demanding. Hiring a guide, preparing physically, and walking at a steady pace will make the trek more manageable for first-timers.

Both have rich culture, but Upper Mustang offers a more authentic and preserved Tibetan heritage. Lo Manthang and surrounding villages still maintain traditional ways of life, ancient monasteries, and festivals like Tiji. Lower Mustang (Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath) is more accessible and modernized, but still important for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. For deep cultural immersion, Upper Mustang is the better choice.

Some short trek options include:

• Jomsom to Lo Manthang and back by jeep + short hikes (5–7 days)
• Jomsom to Chhoser caves (4–5 days)
• Lo Manthang exploration trek (3–4 days within Upper Mustang)

These itineraries skip the long approach but still provide cultural highlights and unique landscapes.

Some short trek options include:

These itineraries skip the long approach but still provide cultural highlights and unique landscapes. for more detail, visit the site.

The cultural highlights of the Mustang region are:

• Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the former kingdom
• Ancient monasteries like Thubchen, Jampa, and Tsarang
• The Tiji Festival, a three-day Buddhist celebration
• Sky caves of Chhoser, used for meditation and burial
• Local traditions, Tibetan art, and unique mud-brick architecture

Mustang is famous for its unique desert-like landscape, ancient Tibetan culture, and the historic walled city of Lo Manthang. It is known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom” because it remained closed to outsiders until the early 1990s. The region is also popular for the Tiji Festival, sky caves, and the deep cultural heritage of Tibetan Buddhism.

• Jomsom – 2,720 m
• Kagbeni – 2,810 m
• Chele – 3,050 m
• Syangboche – 3,475 m
• Tsarang – 3,560 m
• Lo Manthang – 3,840 m

The trek generally stays between 2,700 m and 4,000 m, making altitude manageable but still requiring acclimatization.

Mustang was once an independent kingdom known as the Kingdom of Lo, founded in the 14th century. Its rulers were closely tied to Tibet, and the region became a center of Buddhism and trade between Nepal and Tibet. The kingdom officially became part of Nepal in the 18th century but retained its monarchy until 2008, when Nepal abolished all royal titles.

The Kingdom of Lo was the ancient monarchy of Mustang, with Lo Manthang as its capital. The king of Lo held semi-autonomous rule under Nepal until 2008. Even today, locals revere the royal family, and Lo Manthang remains the cultural and spiritual center of Upper Mustang.

Some trekkers extend their pilgrimage to Muktinath by continuing north to Upper Mustang. From Muktinath, the route joins Kagbeni and follows the Kali Gandaki into Upper Mustang, eventually reaching Lo Manthang. This route blends religious pilgrimage with cultural exploration.

The Tiji Festival is a three-day Buddhist celebration held in Lo Manthang each spring (usually May). It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and includes masked dances, rituals, and prayers. It is one of the most important festivals of the region and draws both locals and trekkers.

A standard itinerary runs for 12–14 days:
Pokhara – Jomsom – Kagbeni – Chele – Syangboche – Tsarang – Lo Manthang – Chhoser caves – Ghar Gompa – Jomsom – Pokhara.
This allows time for acclimatization and cultural exploration.

Lo Manthang is the former capital of the Mustang Kingdom and one of the last remaining walled cities in Nepal. It is home to centuries-old monasteries, royal palaces, mud-brick houses, and narrow alleyways. Visitors can explore caves, Tibetan art, and witness the Tiji Festival. Its preserved culture and isolation make it one of the most unique destinations in Nepal.

Trekking during the Tiji Festival is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The entire village of Lo Manthang comes alive with music, chanting, and masked dances. Trekkers not only witness the cultural celebration but also enjoy a festive atmosphere shared with locals. It is a popular time, so accommodation may be crowded, and permits should be arranged well in advance.

The Tiji Festival takes place every May in Lo Manthang,which lasts three days. The exact dates vary according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. It is celebrated in front of monasteries and courtyards with dances, rituals, and prayers performed by monks.

Mustang lies in north-central Nepal, bordering Tibet to the north. The region stretches along the upper Kali Gandaki River and is divided into Lower Mustang (around Jomsom and Muktinath) and Upper Mustang (north of Kagbeni).

Upper Mustang was closed to outsiders until 1992 to preserve its culture and traditions. Its ancient monarchy, Tibetan Buddhism, and walled city of Lo Manthang gave it a mysterious reputation. Because of its late opening and unique heritage, it is often called the “Last Forbidden Kingdom.”