14 Days
Wilderness Trekking
Meals
Trekking is essentially day hiking and doesn't require any special training. However, good physical condition, a love of walking, and a desire to enjoy mountain views and village life are essential.
These treks are suitable for walkers looking for something more challenging and energetic. Hill-walking experience is desirable, with longer days and higher elevations.
Since the terrain can be hard and the days long, hikers should be in good physical condition and have previous mountain walking experience. High passes and extended trekking days may be involved.
Accommodation
Sep to Jan, March to August
3710m
1-15 Pax
Flight/Land
Group Size: 5
(Save $120/pp)
Per Person
$1,680Total
$8,400The Upper Mustang Trek is one of Nepal’s most exclusive and breathtaking adventures, offering trekkers an unforgettable journey through a hidden Himalayan valley. With its arid landscapes, ancient monasteries, and deep cultural heritage, the Upper Mustang Trek combines spectacular scenery with a rare cultural experience. The region’s dramatic cliffs, deep canyons, and desert-like terrain contrast beautifully with the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Trekking alongside the Kali Gandaki River, one of the world’s deepest gorges, adds to the awe-inspiring scenery. The Upper Mustang Trek also allows travelers to explore centuries-old cave complexes, such as the Chhoser Cave, carved into cliffs for meditation, burial, and residence. These caves contain ancient manuscripts and relics, providing insights into Mustang’s rich history.
The Upper Mustang Trek grants access to the once-restricted Forbidden Kingdom, opened to outsiders in 1992. This region has preserved a unique Tibetan cultural identity, with monasteries, traditional villages, and spiritual rituals intact. Trekking here feels like stepping back in time, where the lifestyle, architecture, and customs remain largely untouched, similar to Upper Dolpo.
The Upper Mustang Trek is not only a physical adventure but also a cultural odyssey. Travelers meet the Loba people, guardians of Mustang’s Tibetan-influenced traditions. Sacred monasteries, prayer wheels, and ancient murals are common along the trail. The locals maintain their heritage proudly, displaying portraits of the former king and queen as a mark of respect.
The Upper Mustang Trek ensures that visitors experience authentic Tibetan culture while helping preserve it. Tourism supports sustainable practices that maintain the region’s spiritual and cultural identity
The Upper Mustang Trek starts with a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom Airport. From Jomsom, trekkers follow the trail through Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, and continue to Lo Manthang.
The 14-day itinerary passes through remote villages, high desert plateaus, and iconic cultural landmarks, including optional visits to Chhoser Cave, Garphu Monastery, and sacred lakes. The route can also connect with the Annapurna Circuit or the sacred Muktinath Temple.
Highlights include:
The Upper Mustang Trek is of moderate difficulty:
Lo Manthang, the former capital of the Kingdom of Lo, retains its medieval charm. The Upper Mustang Trek allows travelers to explore its monasteries, royal palace, and cobbled streets. The city’s architecture, cultural heritage, and spiritual ambiance make it the centerpiece of the trek.
The Tiji Festival, celebrated in late April or early May, is a highlight of the Upper Mustang Trek. This three-day festival features masked dances, rituals, and ceremonies symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Witnessing the festival provides a deep cultural and spiritual insight into Mustang life.
Despite its barren appearance, Upper Mustang features striking natural landmarks: the world’s deepest gorge, fossil-rich cliffs, and red rock formations. Local farmers cultivate high-altitude crops such as barley, buckwheat, potatoes, apples, and apricots, using sustainable traditional methods. The Upper Mustang Trek offers a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural immersion.
Tea houses along the Upper Mustang Trek route offer warm hospitality, local meals, and a cozy place to rest. Interacting with locals and fellow trekkers enhances the experience, providing an authentic insight into Mustang’s culture and lifestyle.
The Upper Mustang Trek is best undertaken from May to October, benefiting from the rain shadow effect and clear skies. The trek can also be combined with other routes, including the Annapurna Circuit, via Thorong La Pass.
Permits required for the Upper Mustang Trek:
Included: Guide, porter, meals, accommodation, flights Pokhara–Jomsom, first aid kit.
Excluded: Meals in Kathmandu/Pokhara, beverages, personal travel insurance, tips, international airfare, and visa fees.
The Upper Mustang Trek is perfect for travelers seeking:
With expert guides from Nepal Wilderness Trekking, the Upper Mustang Trek promises safety, comfort, and an unforgettable journey through one of Nepal’s most mystical regions.
Early in the morning, take a scenic mountain flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720 m), a short but spectacular journey offering panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After landing, meet your trekking crew and begin your journey along the windswept Kali Gandaki Valley.
The trail is mostly flat and follows the riverbed, passing through arid landscapes with dramatic cliffs and strong Himalayan winds. After approximately 3 hours of trekking, you arrive at Kagbeni (2,800 m), a medieval-style village with narrow alleys, red-walled monasteries, prayer flags, and traditional mud-brick houses.
Kagbeni is the official gateway to Upper Mustang, where your Restricted Area Permit is checked.
Overnight stay in Kagbeni.
After permit registration, the trek officially enters Upper Mustang. The trail gradually ascends along the Kali Gandaki River, revealing a dramatic transition from green valleys to desert-like terrain.
You pass through Tangbe village, known for whitewashed houses, barley fields, chortens, and narrow alleyways filled with Buddhist prayer wheels. The route continues to Chhusang, where cliffs and caves dominate the landscape. From here, cross the river and climb steadily to Chele, a small village perched above the valley.
Overnight stay in Chele.
Today is a more challenging trekking day with several steep ascents. You climb toward Taklam La (3,624 m) and Dajori La (3,735 m), offering stunning views of the Nilgiri and Damodar Himal ranges.
The trail passes through deep gorges, caves used by ancient monks, and barren rock formations. Lunch is usually taken at Samar village, a beautiful settlement surrounded by poplar trees. After lunch, a gradual climb leads you to Syanbochen, a quiet village in a high-altitude desert setting.
Overnight stay in Syanbochen.
A scenic and culturally rich day. The trail ascends through Yamda La (3,850 m) and Nyi La (4,010 m), two of the most beautiful viewpoints of Upper Mustang, offering wide Himalayan panoramas.
The landscape becomes increasingly arid, with red cliffs, wind-carved hills, and ancient Buddhist symbols carved into rocks. You descend into Ghami, one of the most picturesque villages in Mustang, known for its long mani wall and traditional architecture.
Overnight stay in Ghami.
Today’s trek is shorter but culturally rewarding. The trail crosses dry valleys and follows ancient trading routes used for centuries between Tibet and Nepal.
After crossing Ghami Khola, you reach Charang (Tsarang), a historic settlement with a large monastery, ancient fortress ruins (dzong), and red-and-white painted houses. The village reflects the deep Tibetan influence of the region.
Overnight stay in Charang.
A highlight of the journey. The trail climbs steadily toward Lo La Pass (3,950 m), offering your first panoramic view of the legendary walled city of Lo Manthang.
The descent into the valley reveals one of the most fascinating settlements in the Himalayas—Lo Manthang, the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Mustang. The city is enclosed by massive stone walls and preserves centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Overnight stay in Lo Manthang.
A full day dedicated to exploration and cultural immersion. Visit ancient monasteries such as Jampa Lhakhang, Thubchen Gompa, and the Royal Palace.
Optional excursion to Chhoser Valley by jeep or horseback allows you to explore centuries-old sky caves carved into cliffs, along with Nyphu and Garphu monasteries. This area provides deep insight into Mustang’s spiritual and historical heritage.
Overnight stay in Lo Manthang.
Leave Lo Manthang and trek through remote, less-traveled terrain with dramatic desert cliffs and wide open valleys. The route descends to Dhi village before crossing the river and ascending toward Yara.
This region is known for fossil-rich landscapes, ancient cave dwellings, and untouched Himalayan desert scenery.
Overnight stay in Yara.
A culturally significant day hike to Luri Gompa, a hidden cliff monastery dating back to the 13th century. The site features ancient murals, meditation caves, and spiritual relics of Tibetan Buddhism.
After exploration, return to Yara for overnight rest.
Overnight stay in Yara.
One of the longest and most remote trekking days. The trail crosses rugged terrain, deep valleys, and high ridges before reaching Tangge, a hidden village surrounded by chortens and stone houses.
This area offers a true sense of isolation and raw Himalayan wilderness.
Overnight stay in Tangge.
A demanding but rewarding day. Begin early and climb toward Pha Pass (4,050 m), where you are rewarded with panoramic views of Upper Mustang’s desert landscapes and distant Himalayan ranges.
After crossing the pass, descend steeply to Chhusang, reconnecting with lower Mustang villages.
Overnight stay in Chhusang.
Today’s trek follows ancient trails via Tetang village, a fortified settlement with deep cultural significance.
You gradually ascend to Muktinath, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple complex features 108 water spouts and eternal natural flames, symbolizing spiritual purification.
Overnight stay in Muktinath.
Descend through Jharkot village, known for traditional Tibetan-style monasteries and herbal medicine practices. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing through dry landscapes shaped by strong Himalayan winds.
Arrive in Jomsom, a major trekking hub of the Mustang region.
Overnight stay in Jomsom.
Take an early morning scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Mustang’s desert cliffs, deep valleys, and the Annapurna range.
End of Trek.
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