Treks
Upper Mustang Trek – 16 Days
The Upper Mustang Trek is a culturally rich journey through the once-forbidden kingdom of Lo. This 16-day adventure leads you across a trans-Himalayan desert to the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, blending Tibetan culture, red-rock canyons, and cave monasteries in one of Nepal's most mystical regions.
This route is on the Nepal Tourism Board list in force since 31 March 2023. A licensed guide and an agency-issued TIMS card are required, and they are arranged with this package. The published TIMS charge is NPR 2,000, or NPR 1,000 for SAARC citizens. Confirm the documents with us before you leave.
The published price is per person. The total is that price times the number of travellers. It is not a confirmed invoice. We email the final price before you pay. The 20% advance is due within one week of confirmation, and the other 80% is due 7 days before the trip. Nothing is charged on this page. Cancellation policy
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About this Treks
Itinerary
- Day1
Arrive in Kathmandu
You land in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. The briefing covers Upper Mustang: the restricted permit, the flight or road to Jomsom, and the walk north to the walled town of Lo Manthang.
This is not a snow-pass trek. The nights are in villages. A licensed guide is required.
OvernightKathmandu
Altitude1,400 m
MealsDinner
StayHotel
RouteKathmandu
- Day2
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
A tourist bus or private car takes the Prithvi Highway to Pokhara, about 822 m, in about 6–7 hours. The lake is the stop before the mountains.
The Jomsom flight, when you use it, leaves early. Sleep near the airport side of town if the guide asks.- OvernightPokhara
- Altitude822 m
Ride6–7 hrs- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- StayHotel
- RouteKathmandu to Pokhara
- Day3
Fly or drive to Jomsom, then Kagbeni
A morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom takes about 20–25 minutes between Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri, when the sky is clear. If the flight does not go, the road up the Kali Gandaki is the backup and takes most of the day.
From Jomsom, about 2,720 m, you walk or take a short jeep to Kagbeni, about 2,810 m, the last village before the restricted checkpoint. The walk is about 3 hours and usually windy in the afternoon.- OvernightKagbeni
- Altitude2,810 m
Walkabout 3 hrs from Jomsom- Rideshort jeep, if used
Fly20–25 min if flown- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- StayTeahouse
- RoutePokhara to Kagbeni
- Day4
Kagbeni to Chele, into Upper Mustang
The restricted-area check is at Kagbeni. After it, the trail crosses the Kali Gandaki and climbs a dry canyon to Chele, about 3,050 m. About 5–6 hours.
The land changes here: pale cliffs, chortens, and very little green. The lodges are in the village, not on an open pass.- OvernightChele
- Altitude3,050 m
- Walk5–6 hrs
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- StayTeahouse
- RouteKagbeni to Chele
- Day5
Chele to Syangboche
The trail climbs and drops through Samar and a few small villages to Syangboche, about 3,800 m. This is the high overnight of the usual village route. About 6–7 hours.
There is no glacier to cross. The work is the repeated climbs between canyons, and the wind.- OvernightSyangboche
- Altitude3,800 m
- Walk6–7 hrs
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- StayTeahouse
- RouteChele to Syangboche
- Day6
Syangboche to Ghami
From Syangboche the path crests a short rise, then drops to Ghami, about 3,520 m. The village is known for a long mani wall. About 6–7 hours.
You sleep lower than last night. The walled city is still two walking days north.- OvernightGhami
- Altitude3,520 m
- Walk6–7 hrs
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- StayTeahouse
- RouteSyangboche to Ghami
- Day7
Ghami to Tsarang
A shorter day crosses another dry ridge to Tsarang, also spelled Charang, about 3,560 m. About 4–5 hours. The red monastery and the old palace are in the village.
Tsarang was a seat of the Lo kingdom before Lo Manthang. The afternoon is for those rooms, not more walking.- OvernightTsarang
- Altitude3,560 m
- Walk4–5 hrs
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- StayTeahouse
- RouteGhami to Tsarang
- Day8
Tsarang to the walled town of Lo Manthang
The trail drops to a river, climbs the far side, and enters Lo Manthang, about 3,840 m, still a walled town. About 4–5 hours. You walk in through the gate.
The first afternoon is the lanes, the palace wall and the monasteries inside the town. You sleep here two nights.- OvernightLo Manthang
- Altitude3,840 m
- Walk4–5 hrs
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- StayTeahouse
- RouteTsarang to Lo Manthang
- Day9
A day in Lo Manthang
The second day stays in and around Lo Manthang. A common walk is out to the Chhoser caves and back to the same lodge, about 5–6 hours if you go. The guide keeps the group inside the town if the wind is strong.
This is the turnaround of Upper Mustang. There is no higher pass after the town on this plan.- OvernightLo Manthang
- Altitude3,840 m
- Walk4–6 hrs if you walk out
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- StayTeahouse
- RouteLo Manthang
- Day10
Lo Manthang to Dhakmar, under the red cliffs
The return leaves by a different line of villages to Dhakmar, about 3,820 m. The village sits under a wall of red rock. About 6–7 hours.
You are not retracing every step of the way north. The lodges are still in the village.- OvernightDhakmar
- Altitude3,820 m
- Walk6–7 hrs
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- StayTeahouse
- RouteLo Manthang to Dhakmar
- Day11
Dhakmar to Ghiling
A long walk south reaches Ghiling, about 3,570 m, a village of fields and chortens on the way back toward the Kali Gandaki. About 6–7 hours.
The afternoon wind picks up again as the valley opens. Start early.- OvernightGhiling
- Altitude3,570 m
- Walk6–7 hrs
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- StayTeahouse
- RouteDhakmar to Ghiling
- Day12
Ghiling to Chhusang
The trail drops toward the river and Chhusang, about 2,980 m, with cave lines in the cliffs above the fields. About 6–7 hours.
You are nearly out of the high desert. Jomsom is one more walking day.- OvernightChhusang
- Altitude2,980 m
- Walk6–7 hrs
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- StayTeahouse
- RouteGhiling to Chhusang
- Day13
Chhusang to Jomsom
The last walking day follows the Kali Gandaki to Jomsom, about 2,720 m. About 6–7 hours, often into the afternoon wind. Nilgiri is ahead of you again.
Jomsom has the airstrip. The flight, or the long road, is tomorrow morning.- OvernightJomsom
- Altitude2,720 m
- Walk6–7 hrs
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- StayTeahouse
- RouteChhusang to Jomsom
- Day14
Jomsom to Pokhara
You fly from Jomsom to Pokhara in about 20–25 minutes when the morning is clear, or drive the Kali Gandaki road if the flight does not go. Pokhara is about 822 m.
A hotel night by the lake closes the restricted trek.- OvernightPokhara
- Altitude822 m
- Rideall day if driven
- Fly20–25 min if flown
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- StayHotel
- RouteJomsom to Pokhara
- Day15
Pokhara back to Kathmandu
A bus or a short flight returns you to Kathmandu. The drive is about 6–7 hours.
The Upper Mustang walk is finished: Kagbeni, the dry villages, two nights in Lo Manthang, and a different line back.- OvernightKathmandu
- Altitude1,400 m
- Ride6–7 hrs if driven
- Fly25–30 min if flown
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- StayHotel
- RoutePokhara to Kathmandu
- Day16
Departure from Kathmandu
Transfer to the airport. If the flight is later, the morning is free in the city.
Lo Manthang was the turnaround. The nights were in lodges, and the highest village on this plan is about 3,840 m.- Altitude1,400 m
- Rideairport transfer
- MealsBreakfast
- RouteKathmandu
Includes Excludes
Includes
Accommodation with twin sharing during the trekking period- A first-aid kit
- A farewell dinner
- Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle
- Insurance for the guide, and the guide's meals, lodging, and transport
- Experience guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
- A certificate of achievement
- A licensed trekking guide, including the guide's food and lodging
- A tourist bus between Kathmandu and Pokhara, both ways
- Hotel accommodation with twin sharing and breakfast in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with tea or coffee during the trekking period
- Restricted Area Permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
Excludes
Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the cost includes section- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa
- Personal expenses like water, laundry, phone, and bar bills
- Tips to your guide and porter (tipping is expected)
- Travel and rescue insurance
Additional Information
On the trail
Tibetan BuddhismUpper Mustang preserves Tibetan Buddhist traditions, chants, art, and festivals like Tiji.
Loba PeopleThe Loba ethnic group follows a unique set of customs and social structures linked to Tibet.
Monasteries & FestivalsMonasteries like Thubchen and Jampa Lhakhang hold sacred texts and ancient rituals.
Ancient Sky CavesThousands of man-made caves carved into cliffs were once used for meditation, burial, and shelter.
Best time to go
Spring (April–May)Dry and pleasant with blooming wildflowers. Ideal for visiting caves and monasteries.
Autumn (September–November)Clear skies and vibrant colors. Harvest season in local villages.
Monsoon (June–August)Surprisingly trek-able—Mustang lies in a rain shadow and receives little rainfall.
What to pack
Sun ProtectionHigh UV exposure in Mustang means sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brim hat are essential.
Layered ClothingDue to strong winds and temperature shifts, wear moisture-wicking base layers, fleece, and a shell.
Water SupplyCarry purification tablets or a filter. Clean drinking water sources are limited.
Windproof GearThe Kali Gandaki valley is known for strong afternoon winds—bring wind-resistant jackets.
CashThere are no ATMs in Upper Mustang. Bring enough cash for the entire trek.
Cost and permits
Package priceThis 16-day trek is US$1,780 per person. That is the only package price on this page.
PermitsThe restricted-area permit, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and an agency-issued TIMS card are included.
Not includedDrinks, snacks, Wi-Fi, hot showers, charging, tips, and travel insurance are not included.
Before you travel
This trip is organised by Nepal Travel Guide
.
The difficulty shown in Quick look is the level to plan for on this trek.
If you are pregnant, or you have a heart or spinal condition, tell us before you book. We will say whether this trip is suitable.
Many temples, trails, and vehicles are not accessible by wheelchair. Ask us if you need a plan with fewer steps.
The person who books must be 18 or older. Younger travelers need an adult with them.
Weather, flights, and local conditions can change the plan. We will contact you and adjust the itinerary.
Bring your passport, your travel insurance details, and the booking confirmation.
Getting aroundA private car, a coach, or a domestic flight, matched to the itinerary.
The route is set. Tell us your dates.
We will confirm the route, stay, and price.
- Dates
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Price