At a Glance
Trip Overview
Upper Mustang Trek: Journey to the Forbidden Kingdom
The Upper Mustang Trek is a captivating journey into the heart of the forbidden kingdom, offering an unparalleled blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Nestled in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif, Upper Mustang is a remote and isolated region of Nepal that has preserved its unique Tibetan culture and traditions for centuries
Begin your adventure by exploring the rich heritage sites of Kathmandu, including ancient temples, palaces, and bustling markets. From here, enjoy a scenic flight to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region, known for its stunning natural beauty and serene Phewa Lake. After a morning flight to Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang, you will be greeted with spectacular views of the Himalayas. The trek then begins with a journey to Kagbeni, a sacred village for Hindu pilgrims, located at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Jhong Khola rivers. Kagbeni is an oasis amidst rocky arid mountains with narrow alleys, ancient gompas, and green fields that create a unique and serene atmosphere.
The trek through Upper Mustang is a journey through desolate yet picturesque landscapes characterized by red cliffs, deep canyons, and ancient cave dwellings. The route follows the wide sandy riverbed of the Kali Gandaki Valley, filled with saligrams, and offers spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Nilgiri, and the Annapurna massifs. This region’s cultural richness is most evident in the historic walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. Here, you will discover the unique culture and traditions of the Lo people, who have maintained their Tibetan heritage for centuries. The city is home to the royal palace, ancient gompas, and a community that warmly welcomes visitors to explore their way of life.
Continuing the journey, you will visit Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. This site offers a spiritual ambiance and stunning views of the Annapurna range, providing a fitting climax to the trek. After paying homage at Muktinath, the trek returns to Jomsom, from where a scenic flight will take you back to Pokhara and then Kathmandu.
The Upper Mustang Trek is renowned for its stunning mountain views, including the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche, and Annapurna massifs. The region’s unique Tibetan culture is preserved in its Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, ancient palaces, and traditional villages. Despite its remote location, trekkers can enjoy comfortable accommodations and warm hospitality at tea houses and lodges along the route. The Upper Mustang Trek promises an unforgettable journey into one of Nepal’s most intriguing and lesser-known regions.
Why The Mustang Trek one of the best options?
- Cultural Immersion: Upper Mustang offers a unique opportunity to experience a well-preserved Tibetan culture that dates back centuries. The region is rich in ancient monasteries, gompas, and traditional Tibetan villages, providing an authentic cultural experience that is increasingly rare in the modern world.
- Stunning Landscapes: The trek features a diverse range of landscapes, from the arid desert-like terrain of the Mustang Valley to the lush green fields and snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. The red cliffs, deep canyons, and ancient cave dwellings create a dramatic and otherworldly scenery that is unique to this region.
- Historical Significance: Mustang was a forbidden kingdom until 1992, which means its traditions and way of life have been largely preserved from external influences. The walled city of Lo Manthang, with its ancient palaces and gompas, provides a glimpse into a bygone era.
- Spectacular Mountain Views: Trekkers are treated to panoramic views of some of the highest and most majestic peaks in the world, including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tukuche, and the Annapurna massif. These views are especially striking due to the unique landscape of Mustang.
- Less Crowded: Unlike other popular trekking routes in Nepal, such as the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, the Mustang Trek is less crowded. This allows for a more peaceful and intimate trekking experience, where you can truly connect with nature and the local culture.
- Moderate Trekking Conditions: The Mustang Trek is suitable for trekkers of varying skill levels. The trails are generally well-maintained, and the altitude is not as extreme as some other high-altitude treks, making it accessible for both novice and experienced trekkers.
- All-Season Trek: Due to its location in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, Mustang trek experiences less rainfall compared to other regions in Nepal. This makes it an excellent trekking destination even during the monsoon season, when other trails might be challenging.
- Unique Flora and Fauna: The region is home to diverse wildlife and plant species. Trekking through Mustang offers the chance to see rare animals like the snow leopard, blue sheep, and various species of birds that are native to this unique ecosystem.
- Spiritual Experience: Mustang holds significant spiritual value for both Hindus and Buddhists. Pilgrimage sites such as Muktinath attract visitors seeking spiritual solace and enlightenment, adding a profound dimension to the trekking experience.
- Adventure and Comfort: The Mustang Trek balances adventure with comfort. While it offers the thrill of exploring remote and rugged terrain, it also provides comfortable accommodations in tea houses and lodges that cater to trekkers, ensuring a pleasant and memorable journey.
These factors collectively make the Mustang Trek an exceptional choice for those looking to explore the Himalayas, offering a rich tapestry of cultural, natural, and historical experiences.
Trip Highlights
- Exploring the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang
- Visiting ancient Buddhist monasteries and caves, like Jhong Cave
- Trekking through picturesque Tibetan villages and barley fields
- Crossing high mountain passes with panoramic views of the Himalayas
- Experiencing the unique Tibetan culture and traditions
- Seeing the dramatic landscapes of the Mustang region
- immersing with the culture of Kathmandu valley
- Enjoy the lake city Pokhara
Is this trip Right for me?
- Mustang is an amazing place going through desert beauty, cliff-faced landscape and an ancient kingdom. If you love to travel in such a landscape then this is the right trek for you.
- Upper Mustang trek has many ancient Monasteries, Walled city, Buddhist culture and Tibetan like people who are friendly to welcome visitors. If you love to see these beauties then this is the right trek for you.
- The Mustang trek goes up and down passing through 3500-4000m high passes, if you have no problem with this altitude then this is the right trek for you. However, we have planned an itinerary such a way that we will spend many days in low altitude before going in high elevation. So altitude sickness is almost rare.
- This ‘hidden kingdom’ is changing dramatically because historic salt trade routes are being developed into modern trading routes, altering the very nature of a ‘trek’ here. Roads plough right over what once were trekking trails, with little care for the surrounding environment. If you want to see these hidden gems before it spoil by so-called development, then this is the right trek and right time for you.
NB: If you have an extra 2 days’ time and are interested in a more unique perspective on the Upper Mustang following the eastern side of the Kali Gandaki valley going through Yara, Ghara & Tange; please do let us know, we will customize an itinerary for you depending on your interest and timeframe.
When to Visit
Trip Itinerary
- Full Itinerary
- Outline Itinerary
Departure from home
Back to home
Cost Include
- Airport transfers
- An experienced insured and equipped English speaking Guide
- Guided sightseeing and entry fee in Kathmandu
- Internal flights and land transport involved in the itinerary
- Airport tax
- Good standard Hotel ( 3*) accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara with breakfast
- 3 meals during the trek
- Teahouse accommodation on trek twin sharing basic
- Tims permit
- Annapurna Conservation Fee
- Special mustang Permit
- Insured and equipped porter as on IPPG rules
Cost Exclude
- Lunch and dinner in the city.
- Drinks and bar bill.
- Tipping.
- Personal Insurance.
- Other things not mentioned.
- Nepalese visa 50$ for 30 days multiple
Tailor made Journeys
Your journey, your way - This itinerary can be tailored to your desire.
You can also use this tour as a base for a tailor-made itinerary. Like your personal architect creating your one-of- a-kind home, our Travel Specialists will execute the trip of a lifetime. It’s all up to you – logistics, pace, budget, dates, performances, visits, explorations, meals and lodging are hammered out down to the finest customized detail. Please fill in our tailor-made request form.
Private Journeys
Customize the departure dates suitable for you
If you do not want to join a group then you can also make this a private trip with your friends and family one at your own schedule. Considering this, Trekking Team Group organizes private journeys as well. Please choose your own departure date.
Trip Photo Gallery
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Open
Trip Reviews
Upper Mustang trek and Jeep tour
Hi, I had my experience with Trekking Team Group and it was really positive. We were a group of three and wrote them in the end of July for a quick planning of a trip to Upper Mustang mid August. The usual tour is scheduled to 12 days but we only had 8 days, so we came up with the specific request to have a mixed trekking-jeep tour in order to save time and fit it to our need. They were really quick to collect our request and set up an 8 days tour, leaving for Pokhara. The price they proposed was really competitive too. Our guide for those days was Bir and we had great time with him. He is very experienced and careful to our needs during the day, the treks, meals and places we slept at. He is also very passionate about letting us know the culture of the region and of Nepal in general. Always ready to answer to the hundreds of questions I was making him! Also, I think he was flexible to change the program of the trip according to our request: we wanted to trek “as much as possible” (still according to our physical conditions!) and after knowing each other, and having seen our ability and commitment to trek, Bir managed to arrange very beautiful trekking stages that suited out level. In summary, I really recommend to pick Trekking Team Group (and Bir!) for a trek in Nepal. I (we) will try to come back as well for some Himalaya experience soon!
Great Guide and Support Team
We decided to choose a local company on our second visit to Nepal. We were impressed with the social responsibility that this company demonstrates by not using bottled water and also their charity work providing meals in schools, providing dental care and clean drinking water. Our initial plan was to trek to Upper Mustang but unfortunately the amount of snow in late February prevented us from completing our initial plan. Shreehari and our guide, Hari came up with an alternative trekking plan which was still challenging but would give us the opportunity to see at least some of the Mustang area. They were also very honest about the reduction in costs that resulted from the different itinerary and provided a full refund for the difference. Our guide, Hari was very good at finding tea houses which had an ensuite bathroom. Out of all the places we stayed only one teahouse had shared toilet facilities. He made sure that we had enough water to drink and it was clear that safety of his clients was his top priority. The porters (Bikash & Sange) did an excellent job and we felt part of a family as we trekked out of Jomson and back in to Pokhara. I would highly recommend this local company and would definitely travel with them again on our next visit to Nepal.
We – a family of four with children did the Mustang trek, followed by clockwise romp through the Annapurna circuit (Muktinath to Besi Sahar). The route was put together after endless email exchanges with Shree who was very patient and informative and eventually delivered an extremely well matched and tailored package. This also included Chitwan trip and guided tour in Pokhara, Kathmandu and Bakhtapur. We randomly picked Trekking Team Group and few other service providers from the list on thegreathimalayatrail . Their offer was by far the lowest we received and since the dialogue with them was very helpful and as they received good reviews on Tripadvisor, selecting them was a no brainer. From the moment of our landing till our return to the airport we were looked after in the most personal way by Shree and his staff. On the trek we really enjoyed the company and guidance of our guide Arjun and the two porters Ram and Tasi. The trip was an incredible success. We were tended by a very professional and experienced staff on the trek – patient, adaptable, caring, resourceful, and with which a connection was created on all age levels. Food and lodging met and at times surpassed our expectations. As life will have it, not everything went according to plan, but each event was openly and thoughtfuly countered with the best available means. We wholeheartedly recommend Trekking Team Group to anyone looking to tailor a touring/trekking vacation in Nepal. Our experience is that any issue or concern that shall be raised will be fully cared for by this attentive team.
I did trek to Upper Mustang with Trekking Team Group and I strongly recommend this agency to anyone, who is looking for reliable and professional partner in Nepal. TTG also made my arrangements for the trip to Tibet. Everything was just going perfectly. Manager Shreehari is very hands-on and also very kind. It’s a joy to deal with TTG.
I am visiting Nepal almost every year and I always go to Trekking Team Group, where I found profesional service, friendly people and accurate information. I specially appreciate their individualization so I can get exactly what I need. Last time I have been in Mustang and it was wonderful experience. The team we had to support our group was perfect. Thank you guys!Prokop Jouza
We decided visit Upper Mustang especially Tenji festival.Trekking Team Group prepared program of this trip, we visited every interesting places, our guide Bir knows many facts about Mustang, local people and history. When we decided a little bit change program, everything was possible. We can recommended Trekking Team Group – trip was fantastic, people form Trekking Team Group are very friendly and helpful, they are professionals.
How these top guide books have described us?
"Ein Absolut verlässlicher, superfreundlisher veranstalter mit erstlkassigem Service.”
“Long-established trekking company with a breadth of experience and an easy-to-find location."
"A very reliable, super friendly agency offering top-notch service.”
“une agence engagée avec une belle expertise du terrain.”
Additional Information
This is ADVENTURE travel, and many of the destinations on this site are in remote, underdeveloped areas where unpredictability is the norm. Despite careful planning and organization, our adventure trips can’t be taken for granted like regular trips. Many of the places we visit lack the emergency health and safety services you’re used to in the developed world. Internal flights can be canceled, road transport is often uncomfortable and unreliable, and hotel standards may not match those of the West.
If you’re not prepared for this, you shouldn’t travel with us. The unpredictability also means that our itineraries are statements of intent, not contractual obligations. Factors such as weather, transport difficulties, and political instability might require us to change any itinerary. The trip leader will make any necessary changes after consulting with the group. Such changes are rarely significant, and we always do our best to minimize their impact. However, we cannot be held responsible for changes or delays, regardless of their cause.
What makes this trip different ?
Trekking Team Groups is one of the main supporters of Ambe Foundation, a non-political and non-profit social organization. We contribute our support to the remote village of Nuwakot and different schools like Gramin Devi, Khumbeshwori through donation, sponsorship and partnership in various projects. For details click here what we do and why we do?
Donation
Trekking Team Group donates a percentage of business profits to the foundation on a yearly basis, which supports the ongoing maintenance cost required for Gramin Devi and Khumbeshwori school, a community-based school in Nuwakot.
Sponsorship
One of the major activities of Ambe foundation is the children sponsorship program, which is conducted with full collaboration with Trekking Team Group.
Partnership (Volunteering Program)
The Ambe Volunteer Program, organised by Ambe Foundation and Trekking Team Group, aims to mobilize teams of experts and interested individuals as an effective and economic measure in providing the human capital for education, health and community development in Nuwakot District.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mustang Trek FAQ
1. What is the best time to trek in Mustang?
- The best time to trek in Mustang is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for trekking.
2. Do I need a special permit for the Mustang trek?
- Yes, you need a special permit to trek in the Upper Mustang region. You will require the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
3. How difficult is the Mustang trek?
- The Mustang trek is considered moderate in difficulty. It involves walking on rugged terrain, with some steep ascents and descents. A reasonable level of fitness and prior trekking experience is beneficial.
4. What is the duration of the Mustang trek?
- The Upper Mustang trek typically takes around 10 to 14 days, depending on your itinerary and pace.
5. What kind of accommodation is available during the trek?
- Accommodation during the Mustang trek is usually in tea houses or guesthouses. These provide basic facilities, including a bed, meals, and sometimes hot showers.
6. Is it possible to trek Mustang independently?
- No, independent trekking is not allowed in Upper Mustang. You must trek with a registered guide and through a government-authorized trekking agency.
7. What is the altitude range for the Mustang trek?
- The Mustang trek ranges from around 2,800 meters (Jomsom) to 3,840 meters (Lo Manthang). Acclimatization days are typically included to help adjust to the altitude.
8. What kind of food is available on the trek?
- The tea houses and guesthouses offer a variety of meals, including traditional Nepali dishes like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), as well as international cuisine such as pasta, noodles, and pancakes.
9. What should I pack for the Mustang trek?
- Essential items include sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing, a sleeping bag, a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, personal medications, and a first aid kit. A detailed packing list should be provided by your trekking agency.
10. How do I get to the starting point of the Mustang trek?
- The trek usually starts from Jomsom, which is accessible by a short flight from Pokhara. Some trekkers also choose to drive from Pokhara to Jomsom, though the road can be rough.
11. Is there internet and phone connectivity during the trek?
- Some tea houses in the Mustang region offer Wi-Fi for a small fee, and mobile phone coverage is available in some areas. However, connectivity can be unreliable and limited in remote parts.
12. Are there ATMs available on the trek?
- There are no ATMs in the Upper Mustang region. It’s advisable to carry enough cash for your entire trek from Pokhara or Kathmandu.
13. What is the cultural significance of Mustang?
- Mustang has a rich cultural heritage with a strong Tibetan influence. You will encounter ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and the unique lifestyle of the local people.
14. Can I plan a trek to coincide with the Tiji Festival?
- Yes, you can plan your trek to coincide with the Tiji Festival, which is usually held in May. The festival, held in Lo Manthang, features three days of Tibetan rituals, masked dances, and traditional music, celebrating the victory of good over evil.
15. What are the health and safety precautions for the trek?
- Ensure you have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking. It’s also important to stay hydrated, acclimatize properly, and be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness. Carry a basic first aid kit and any personal medications you may need.