Upper Mustang Trek
Photo Credit: Prem Mamba
Trek Details
Max Altitude:
The maximum altitude for the Upper Mustang trek is generally around 3,840 meters (12,598 feet), primarily at the walled city of Lo Manthang, the highest settlement and focus point of the trek, though some routes might briefly touch passes like Gyu La (around 4,077m) or Pa Pass (4,210m) for views before descending, with overall elevation staying moderate for easier acclimatization.
Location: Nepal (Mustang Region)
Estimated Price: $2,000-$3,000 (Depending on package, group size and desired number of days, excursions and amenities). Permit costs are a large part of the expense.
All treks are customizable.
Number of days: ~12-16
Season:
The best seasons for the Upper Mustang trek are Spring (March-May) for blossoming life and festivals like Tiji in May, and Autumn (September-November) for stable, clear weather and stunning mountain views; both offer mild temperatures and dry trails, though Monsoon (June-August) is also possible due to the rain-shadow effect, while Winter (December-February) is extremely cold and less recommended.
An Upper Mustang trek typically spans 12-16 days, starting in Kathmandu/Pokhara, flying to Jomsom, then trekking to Kagbeni, Chele, Syangbochen, Ghami, Charang, and the walled city of Lo Manthang, exploring its rich Tibetan culture, monasteries, and caves before returning via a similar route or loop (sometimes via Yara/Tangge to Muktinath) to Jomsom, Pokhara, and Kathmandu, offering unique landscapes and ancient traditions.
Unique Landscape: High-altitude desert, canyons, colorful cliffs (Tibetan plateau feel).
Culture: Ancient monasteries, Choser caves, traditional villages, Tibetan Buddhism.
Destinations: Lo Manthang (walled city), Kagbeni, Muktinath (optional extension).
Views: Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri mountain ranges.
Itinerary
Days 1-2:
Arrive in Kathmandu, sightseeing, and preparation. Welcome dinner with guide.
Day 2: Drive/Fly to Pokhara.
Day 3: Fly Pokhara to Jomsom, trek to Kagbeni (Gateway to Upper Mustang).
Day 4: Kagbeni to Chele (First taste of the dry, desert landscape).
Day 5: Chele to Syangbochen/Syangboche (Crossing passes like Taklam La).
Day 6: Syangbochen to Ghami (Via Yamada La Pass).
Day 7: Ghami to Charang (Tsarang).
Day 8: Charang to Lo Manthang (The walled capital).
Day 9: Explore Lo Manthang & surroundings (Choser Caves, monasteries).
Day 10: Lo Manthang to Dhakmar (Via Ghar Gumba/Loghekar Monastery).
Day 11: Dhakmar to Ghiling/Ghaymi.
Day 12: Ghiling to Chhusang/Syangbochen.
Day 13: Chhusang/Syangbochen to Jomsom.
Day 14: Fly Jomsom to Pokhara, then drive to Kathmandu. Farewell dinner.
Day 15: Depart Nepal