Trip Highlights
→ The Mysterious Hidden Kingdom—The Last Forbidden
→ Barren landscape, deep canyon valleys
→ Spectacular view of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
→ A thrilling experience of flying between Pokhara and Jomsom
Upper Mustang Trek takes us into the far-flung semi-independent Kingdom of Upper Mustang that sits north of Annapurna close to the Tibet border. On this trip, your mind is naturally invigorated with the mysteries & history that blend into the geographical wonders of this mountain kingdom.
Upper Mustang lies north of Annapurna at a balanced elevation of 4,000 meters but is geographically and ethnically part of the Tibetan Plateau. Our all-inclusive Upper Mustang Trek Itineraries are uniquely planned to help you discover lesser-known areas off the beaten track. We head west of Kaligandaki towards Lo Manthang and descend to the less used east side of this valley. We find valleys that are dry and barren with colorful rock formations where many caves are visible above, cut into the rocks, arousing the interest of archaeologists and anthropologists who seek to investigate the existence of early human settlements in these areas. Early trekking groups were first allowed to enter this secret kingdom only in 1992 and we still see quite a few backpackers (like 800 trekkers every year) hitting the trails of the Upper Mustang Trek which is amazing fun for those serious hikers who ‘trails all. . himself’; And it also finds the state in a unique league of its own where its ancient Tibetan culture is virtually untouched and unaffected by the contemporary times in which we live.
The upper Mustang is remotely enclosed and semi-independent; Its capital is surrounded by a gleaming white wall and is universally known as ‘Lo Manthang’. Upper Mustang traces its roots to Tibet and was the route for salt caravans crossing the Himalayas to Nepal. Mustang became an independent state in 1380 and the current royal family traces its ancestry to this period. In the 60s, Mustang’s geography became an ideal layout for a stronghold where Tibetan Khampa guerrillas were trained to fight invading Chinese forces.
Check out Upper Mustang special
ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m) 6 hrs
Day 03: Flight to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2,895m) 3/4 hrs
Day 04: Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m) 5/6 hrs
Day 05: Chele to Syangboche (3,475m) 6/7 hrs
Day 06: Syangboche to Ghami (3,520m) 5/6 hrs
Day 07: Ghami to Tsarang (3,500m) 6/7 hrs
Day 08: Tsarang to Lo Manthang (3,840m) 5/6 hrs
Day 09: Explore at Lo-Manthang (3,840m)
Day 10: Lo-Manthang to Drakmar (3,810m) 6/7 hrs
Day 11: Drakmar to Geiling (3,806m) 5/6 hrs
Day 12: Geiling to Chuksang (3,050m) 5/6 hrs
Day 13: Chuksang to Jomsom (2,700m) 5/6 hrs
Day 14: Flight Jomsom to Pokhara (827m)
Day 15: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,350m) 6 hrs
Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu
HOW MUCH DOES THE UPPER MUSTANG TREK COST?
All inclusive Trek Price for 2 trekkers basis; USD 2,100 per person
But the cost varies according to the size of the group, customize your trek: this is a general itinerary, which can always be individually. Trek packages can be redesigned or redeveloped according to your taste.
Tell us about your travel needs. We will work together to customize your trip to meet your exact needs so you have a memorable trip.
WHEN IS THE BEST SEASON TO TREK UPPER MUSTANG?
Upper Mustang is a remote arid region. Bordering Tibet, this region has a distinctly Tibetan feel – both in its people and cultural landscape. High rocky cliffs of unusual structure and color, caves, rock paintings, monasteries, and of course, high snow mountains characterize the region.
Being in the rain shadow, this arid region does not experience monsoons, making it a perfect place to visit during the summer monsoon months. Winters are harsh, so it is not a good time for trekking.
SPRING TIME – APRIL AND MAY
This is the best time to visit the Upper Mustang, especially when trekking through the Lower Mustang, as the weather warms and the rivers in the lower reaches are full of snowmelt.
This time of year is probably best if you’re planning to cross the high passes or climb the Upper Mustang. In Lo-Manthang, Taiji festival time is also mid-May.
MONSOON – JUNE TO SEPTEMBER
There is no monsoon in Upper Mustang, making it a very good trekking area for annual vacationers during the summer months. Below the lower Mustang hills, the roads are wet and slippery and the flight from Pokhara to Jomsom may be delayed due to weather conditions. But once you get to Upper Mustang, it’s a whole different world.
AUTUMN – OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER
As in all of Nepal, autumn is the time with the bluest skies and clearest mountain views. It can be windy in the afternoon but be prepared! Generally, the temperature ranges from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. It is really the end of the trekking season in Upper Mustang as the lodges close and the villagers migrate to Pokhara and Kathmandu to await the harsh winter. Trails disappear under snow and heavy duty winter gear is required after November.
TOOLS AND GEARS
When deciding what to pack in your bag, it is important to check the features of the trek as well as the season/month you are coming to Nepal. If you’re wondering what to pack, here’s our recommended packing list and tools.
Check the equipment checklist.