Mountaineering Expeditions
Peak Climbing
Trekking

Best for 2026

Upper Mustang Trek – Nepal

Season

March - May, September - November

Group Size

2+

Max Altitude

3,921m (Ghar Gompa) / 3,840m (Lo Manthang)

Duration

18 Days

Overview

The Upper Mustang Trek is a unique and culturally rich journey into one of Nepal’s most remote and restricted regions. Located in the rain-shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Upper Mustang offers a dramatic landscape of arid valleys, wind-eroded cliffs, and ancient cave dwellings, often described as a living museum of Tibetan culture.

The trek leads through traditional Tibetan-style villages, ancient monasteries, and the former walled kingdom of Lo Manthang. Trekkers experience a strong Tibetan Buddhist influence, with prayer flags, chortens, and centuries-old gompas lining the trail. The region’s isolation has helped preserve its distinctive culture, traditions, and architecture.

Moderate in difficulty, the Upper Mustang Trek is suitable for trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. This trek offers a rare combination of striking desert-like scenery, deep cultural immersion, and Himalayan views, making it one of Nepal’s most fascinating trekking experiences.

Itinerary

Upper Mustang Trek – Nepal

18 Days • Itinerary Overview

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. The day is free to rest after your journey. In the evening, a short briefing introduces the Mustang Trek and travel logistics.

Day 02

Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (830m)

A scenic flight or drive takes you to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. The day is free to relax and prepare for your flight to Jomsom the next morning. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 03

Flight to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni (2,800m)

An early morning flight from Pokhara brings you to Jomsom. From the airport, the trek begins along the Kali Gandaki River, reaching Kagbeni, an ancient village and entrance to Upper Mustang. Kagbeni is known for its Tibetan-style architecture and monasteries.

Day 04

Trek from Kagbeni to Chaile (3,050m)

The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River through arid, desert-like landscapes unique to Mustang. You pass small settlements and gompas (monasteries) before arriving at Chaile. The village is small but culturally rich, with traditional Tibetan houses.

Day 05

Trek from Chaile to Syangbochen (3,050m)

Today’s trek continues through the Mustang region’s dramatic landscapes, including cliffs, canyons, and desert-like terrain. The trail passes through traditional villages with flat-roofed stone houses and prayer flags.

Day 06

Trek from Syangbochen via Gami (3,560m) to Ghar Gompa (3,921m)

The trail gradually ascends through the Upper Mustang plateau. You pass Gami village, a small settlement with ancient caves and Tibetan-style architecture, before reaching Ghar Gompa, famous for its cliffside cave monasteries.

Day 07

Trek from Ghar Gompa to Lo Manthang (3,840m)

The trek continues through high desert valleys and past small Tibetan-influenced villages. You reach Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang. This ancient town is culturally rich, with monasteries, traditional houses, and narrow streets.

Day 08

Lo Manthang Rest Day (3,840m)

A full rest day to explore Lo Manthang. Visit monasteries, local markets, and interact with residents. Optional short hikes around the town offer panoramic views of the Upper Mustang plateau.

Day 09

Trek from Lo Manthang to Yara (3,607m)

The trail descends gently across high desert plains, passing chortens and prayer wheels. You reach Yara, a remote village with stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Day 10

Yara Rest Day (3,607m)

A rest day in Yara allows for exploration and cultural visits. You may hike to Luri Gompa, a meditation cave located on a cliff above the village, offering insight into Tibetan Buddhist practices.

Day 11

Trek from Yara to Tangbe (3,040m)

The trek descends through arid landscapes, passing ancient caves, mani walls, and small villages. Tangbe is an old Tibetan village known for its traditional culture and architecture.

Day 12

Trek from Tangbe to Chhusang (2,962m)

Continue descending along the Kali Gandaki River. The trail passes dramatic canyons and caves carved into cliffs before reaching Chhusang, a small settlement with historic monasteries.

Day 13

Trek from Chhusang to Muktinath (3,710m)

The trail ascends to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Explore the temple complex and sacred water spouts. Overnight stay in Muktinath allows time for rest and spiritual reflection.

Day 14

Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,743m)

The trail descends along the Kali Gandaki River to Jomsom. The afternoon is free to explore the town, interact with locals, or relax after the trek. Overnight in Jomsom.

Day 15

Contingency/Weather Day in Jomsom (2,743m)

A buffer day to accommodate flight delays due to weather conditions. This ensures flexibility for your return flights. Optional short walks around Jomsom are possible.

Day 16

Fly to Pokhara (830m) and Continue to Kathmandu (1,400m)

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara, then transfer onward to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to relax and prepare for departure.

Day 17

Leisure Day in Kathmandu (1,400m)

A free day for sightseeing, shopping, or cultural exploration. Optional activities include visiting local markets, temples, or enjoying a farewell dinner.

Day 18

Final Departure

You will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure, concluding your Upper Mustang Trek.

Upper Mustang Trek – Nepal

18 Days – Detailed Itinerary

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. The day is free to rest after your journey. In the evening, a short briefing introduces the Mustang Trek and travel logistics.

02

A scenic flight or drive takes you to Pokhara, the gateway to the Annapurna region. The day is free to relax and prepare for your flight to Jomsom the next morning. Overnight in Pokhara.

03

An early morning flight from Pokhara brings you to Jomsom. From the airport, the trek begins along the Kali Gandaki River, reaching Kagbeni, an ancient village and entrance to Upper Mustang. Kagbeni is known for its Tibetan-style architecture and monasteries.

04

The trail follows the Kali Gandaki River through arid, desert-like landscapes unique to Mustang. You pass small settlements and gompas (monasteries) before arriving at Chaile. The village is small but culturally rich, with traditional Tibetan houses.

05

Today’s trek continues through the Mustang region’s dramatic landscapes, including cliffs, canyons, and desert-like terrain. The trail passes through traditional villages with flat-roofed stone houses and prayer flags.

06

The trail gradually ascends through the Upper Mustang plateau. You pass Gami village, a small settlement with ancient caves and Tibetan-style architecture, before reaching Ghar Gompa, famous for its cliffside cave monasteries.

07

The trek continues through high desert valleys and past small Tibetan-influenced villages. You reach Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang. This ancient town is culturally rich, with monasteries, traditional houses, and narrow streets.

08

A full rest day to explore Lo Manthang. Visit monasteries, local markets, and interact with residents. Optional short hikes around the town offer panoramic views of the Upper Mustang plateau.

09

The trail descends gently across high desert plains, passing chortens and prayer wheels. You reach Yara, a remote village with stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

10

A rest day in Yara allows for exploration and cultural visits. You may hike to Luri Gompa, a meditation cave located on a cliff above the village, offering insight into Tibetan Buddhist practices.

11

The trek descends through arid landscapes, passing ancient caves, mani walls, and small villages. Tangbe is an old Tibetan village known for its traditional culture and architecture.

12

Continue descending along the Kali Gandaki River. The trail passes dramatic canyons and caves carved into cliffs before reaching Chhusang, a small settlement with historic monasteries.

13

The trail ascends to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. Explore the temple complex and sacred water spouts. Overnight stay in Muktinath allows time for rest and spiritual reflection.

14

The trail descends along the Kali Gandaki River to Jomsom. The afternoon is free to explore the town, interact with locals, or relax after the trek. Overnight in Jomsom.

15

A buffer day to accommodate flight delays due to weather conditions. This ensures flexibility for your return flights. Optional short walks around Jomsom are possible.

16

Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara, then transfer onward to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to relax and prepare for departure.

17

A free day for sightseeing, shopping, or cultural exploration. Optional activities include visiting local markets, temples, or enjoying a farewell dinner.

You will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure, concluding your Upper Mustang Trek.

Trip Inclusions

Trip Inclusions

Everything you need for a comfortable and memorable trek

Cost Includes

  • Airport Transfers
    Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu in a private vehicle.
  • Kathmandu Accommodation
    Four nights’ accommodation in a standard hotel on a twin-sharing basis with daily breakfast.
  • Kathmandu Sightseeing
    Guided sightseeing tour of major cultural and heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley.
  • Domestic Transportation
    Round-trip flight to Pokhara – Jomsom -Pokhara – Kathmandu, including round-trip ground transfers .
  • Permits & Entry Fees
    Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) entry permit and local village development fees.
  • Medical Oxygen & First Aid
    One 3-liter oxygen cylinder with mask and regulator for emergency medical use, along with a comprehensive first-aid kit.
  • Tea House Trek Accommodation & Meals
    Lodging in local tea houses during the trek, including daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Snacks During Trek
    Supplementary snacks such as cheese, crackers, salami, fresh fruits, and similar items to maintain energy levels.
  • Trekking Staff Support
    Licensed trekking guide and porters, including their food, accommodation, wages, insurance, and domestic air tickets.
  • Office & Service Charges
    All operational and administrative service charges.

Exclusions

Personal Expenses

  • International airfare to Nepal
  • Personal equipment (boots, climbing harness, gloves, jackets, crampons)
  • Personal trekking/medical insurance
  • Tips for guides, porters, or staff

Extra Services

  • Extra hotel nights outside itinerary
  • Optional sightseeing or recreational activities
  • Satellite phone, internet, or personal communications

Unforeseen Costs

  • Rescue or evacuation due to personal negligence or health issues
  • Weather-related delays (flights or lodging beyond plan)

Other

  • Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and snacks purchased personally
  • Any items not mentioned in the inclusions

Trip Notes

Key Facts – Upper Mustang Trek

  • ✔ Highlights: Lo Manthang walled city, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, meditation caves, Kali Gandaki River canyon, arid Himalayan landscapes
  • ✔ Unique: One of the most culturally preserved regions of Nepal, formerly restricted to foreigners
Eco-Friendly

Upper Mustang Trek – Nepal

18 Days • Schedule Your Own Departure

No booking fees • Free cancellation up to 50 days