The Upper Mustang Trek is an extraordinary journey to one of the most remote and culturally rich regions of Nepal. Located in the rain-shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges, the Upper Mustang offers an arid, desert-like landscape with deep canyons, ancient monasteries, caves, and Tibetan-influenced villages. The trek provides a rare opportunity to explore the "Last Forbidden Kingdom" of Nepal.
The Upper Mustang Trek starts from Pokhara and takes you to Jomsom via a drive. From Jomsom, you drive through the narrow valleys and Tibetan-influenced villages, leading you to the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang. You explore the area around Lo Manthang, visit ancient monasteries, caves, and remote villages, before retracing your steps back to Jomsom.
10-Day Upper Mustang Trek Highlights
- Lo Manthang: The ancient walled city and the capital of the Mustang Kingdom, with monasteries and Tibetan culture.
- Mustang Caves and Cliffside Monasteries: The region has many hidden caves and monasteries that offer insight into the history and culture of Mustang.
- Tibetan Influence: Mustang has a strong Tibetan culture with monasteries, prayer flags, stupas, and traditional architecture.
- Desert-like Terrain: The landscapes are stark and arid, with beautiful canyons, cliff faces, and the unique Mustang cliffs.
Trekking Information
- Difficulty Level: The trek is challenging due to the high altitude, and the remote nature of the trail. Proper acclimatization is important.
- Accommodation: Most accommodation along the way is in local teahouses or basic guesthouses, with simple facilities and local Tibetan food.
- Permits: Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit is required. You will also need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Arrival in Kathmandu: Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you’ll be transferred to your hotel.
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Drive to Pokhara (6-7 hours)
- Morning: After breakfast, drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, enjoying scenic views of the countryside and the Himalayas along the way.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Pokhara, check into your hotel, and relax.
- Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 3: Drive from Pokhara to Jomsom (8-10 hours)
- Morning: Drive to Jomsom via Beni, passing through beautiful valleys and villages. The drive offers a glimpse of the landscape of the Kali Gandaki River and the mountains.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Jomsom and check into your accommodation.
- Overnight: Hotel in Jomsom.
Day 4: Jomsom to Kagbeni (2-3 hours drive)
- Morning: Drive from Jomsom to Kagbeni, a scenic village located at the edge of the Mustang region.
- Afternoon: Explore Kagbeni, a place rich in Tibetan culture, with its unique mud-brick houses and monasteries.
- Overnight: Guesthouse in Kagbeni.
Day 5: Drive to Lo Manthang, capital of Upper Mustang (4-5 hours drive)
- Morning: Begin the journey to Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang.
- Afternoon: Enjoy stunning views of the barren, desert-like landscapes, and reach Lo Manthang. Explore the town, visit ancient monasteries and interact with the locals.
- Overnight: Guesthouse in Lo Manthang.
Day 6: Explore Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang valley
- Morning: Full day to explore the cultural and historical sites of Lo Manthang. Visit monasteries like Thubchen, Chode, and the King's Palace.
- Afternoon: Take a short trek to nearby caves or villages to experience the unique Mustang culture.
- Overnight: Guesthouse in Lo Manthang.
Day 7: Drive Back to Jomsom
- Morning: Begin your drive back to Jomsom, retracing your route. You may stop for photos and explore other areas along the way.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Jomsom and relax.
- Overnight: Hotel in Jomsom.
Day 8: Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara
- Morning: Take a scenic drive from Jomsom back to Pokhara.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Pokhara and enjoy some leisure time exploring the lakeside area or relaxing.
- Overnight: Hotel in Pokhara.
Day 9: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Morning: After breakfast, drive back to Kathmandu.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Kathmandu and check into your hotel.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner with your trekking group.
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 10: Departure
- Morning: You will be transferred to the airport for your departure.
This itinerary offers a mix of scenic drives and exploration, making it a great option for those who want to experience the beauty of Upper Mustang without trekking on foot.
Cost Includes
- Airports pick up and drop off by private vehicle
- All Transportation
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara BB (Bed & Breakfast) basis
- Internal domestic flights
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & dinner) each day during the trek
- Best accommodation at tea houses during mustang valley trek period
- Professional English-speaking guide service trained by government of Nepal
- Experience trekking staffs (2 guest =1 porter basic) to carry your backpack
- All necessary paperwork, trekking permits (ACAP, TIMS) and local taxes
- Travel and rescue arrangements if require
Cost Excludes
- International Flight Ticet.
- Nepal visa fees.
- Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, laundry.
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara.
- Travel insurance.
- Emergency evacuation.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Costs arising from unforeseen events outside the control of our company.
- Domestic flight ticket (optional)