The Upper Mustang Trek offers a rare opportunity to explore the once-forbidden, isolated Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, a Tibetan enclave within the borders of Nepal. Due to its seclusion and unique relationship with Nepal’s leaders, Mustang preserves what may be the purest Tibetan culture in the world. The trek leads to the capital, Lo Manthang, a medieval walled city where the King’s palace still stands, and you’ll even have the chance to meet the King himself.
The landscape of Upper Mustang is stunningly beautiful, with eroded cliffs, red-walled monasteries, and snow-capped peaks illuminated by hues of orange and red. The scenery is reminiscent of Tibet, with a spiritual atmosphere that pervades the region.
Until 1991, Mustang was closed to foreigners. Today, a special permit is required, with a minimum stay of 10 days costing USD 500, and an additional USD 50 per day. The trek takes you through a desolate area of rugged rock formations, rich in color, and over high passes around 4,000 meters. The landscape is dotted with Buddhist relics, including chortens, stupas, and mani walls, as you journey through small Tibetan villages, absorbing the ancient culture.
The people of Mustang engage in various trades, bringing goods from Tibet to trade with those living in lower regions. With limited arable land, few are involved in farming. The locals wear traditional Tibetan dress and maintain a lifestyle deeply rooted in Tibetan culture.
In some sections of the trek, the leader from Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expeditions can arrange horses for those who prefer to ride. Although the roads can be rough, you might see a few vehicles, mainly jeeps and tractors, navigating the terrain.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu(1337m)
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1337m)
Day 03: Kathmandu – Pokhara (827m) 6-7 hours
Day 04: Pokhara- Jomsom(2720m) by flight(20minutes)-Kagbeni (2810m) 3-4 hours
Day 05: Kagbeni – Chele (3050m) 5-6 hours
Day 06: Chele – Shyangbochen (3800m) 5-6 hours
Day 07: Syangboche – Ghami (3520m) 5-6 hours
Day 08: Ghami – Ghar Gumba (3950m) 3-4 hours
Day 09: Ghar Gumba – Lo Manthang (3810m) 5-6 hours
Day 10: Explore Lo – Manthang (3810m)
Day 11: Lo- Manthang – horse hiking through Chosar(3880m) – Namgyal Gompa(3850m)
Day 12: Lo Manthang – Dhigaon (3360m) 3-4 hours
Day 13: Dhigaon – Tangye (3,240m) 5-6hours
Day 14: Tangye – Chhusang, (2,980m) 6-7 hours
Day 15: Chhusang – Muktinath, (3,710m) 6-7 hours
Day 16: Muktinath – Pokhara by vehicle (822m) 8 -9hours
Day 17: Pokhara -Kathmandu by tourist bus 5-6hours
Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu(1337m)
Important Information:
At Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition, the safety of our guests is our top priority. Please note that our HV Treks trekking leader has the authority to modify or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary. During the trek, unforeseen circumstances such as hazardous weather, a group member’s condition, or natural events like landslides may require adjustments to the plan. While every effort will be made to stick to the planned itinerary, flexibility may be needed.
Rest assured, our HV Treks leader will do everything possible to ensure the trip proceeds smoothly and as planned. In the event of any emergency, Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition is fully equipped, experienced, and prepared to provide a 24-hour emergency response, including attention or evacuation if required.
Important Also:
The airport is located at a high altitude, and flights are often subject to delays due to weather conditions. During the wetter, cloudier months, flights may be delayed or even canceled until the weather improves. We strongly recommend that guests plan their itinerary with these potential delays in mind to avoid any disruptions to their travel plans.
Important Also:
Himalayan Vacation Treks & Expedition requires all trekking and expedition guests to have insurance coverage. Your travel insurance policy should cover the costs of emergencies, including altitude sickness, injuries, and evacuations. It is essential that you bring your travel insurance policy or copies of your relevant existing insurance coverage with you to Nepal, as HV Treks will need a copy for our records. We also recommend informing your current insurance provider about your itinerary, including trekking, climbing, and hiking, to ensure your policy offers adequate coverage.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu(1337m)
You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will be waiting with a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition placard with our guests’ names displayed. After dropping luggage at the hotel, guest(s) can rest after tiring long air journey.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1337m)
A local guide will be available. According to your wishes, the guide will escort you for sightseeing. Sightseeing may include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati, Baudhastupa, Patan Durbar Square, and the Swayambhu Nath areas. Starting after breakfast, usually at 9.00am, the exploration of Kathmandu Valley can continue until 4.00pm. Lunch and dinner, you will be responsible for.
Day 03: Kathmandu – Pokhara (827m) 6-7 hours
Seats will be booked on the comfortable, air-conditioned Tourist Bus that runs from Kathmandu to Pokhara on the Prithvi Highway. A distance of 200km, it takes generally 6 hours including rest and meal stops. On the way, there are views of Ganesh Himal, Lamjung Himal, and Annapurna, as well as the Trishuli River Valley. In the more rugged areas of the Valley, there are rapids with kayaking/rafting to be seen. In the evening, your Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition guide will give a briefing about the next day’s trek.
Day 04: Pokhara- Jomsom(2720m) by flight(20minutes)-Kagbeni (2810m) 3-4 hours
Today we fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, early in the morning, in a small 14seater plane. Jomsom is an entirely different, drier landscape than Pokhara, and we head for the Kagbeni region after tea/coffee. Kagbeni Village is the beginning of Upper Mustang area, the dress of the people is Tibetan, and prominent is a Buddhist Gumpa (monastery). At this place trekking permits are checked and this is the entry point of Upper Mustang.
Day 05: Kagbeni – Chele (3050m) 5-6 hours
Today we start walk from Kagbeni following the riverbed of the Kali Gandaki River. Along the way, as we go towards the village of Chele, we pass through Buddhist villages with their Gompas. Coming to Chele, the Gandaki River flows quite amazingly through a natural rock tunnel. Chele is a village of people originally from Tibet, and they speak Tibetan language.
Day 06: Chele – Shyangbochen (3800m) 5-6 hours
Today, we cross 4 passes. The first one is Taklam La (3624m), the second one is Dajori La (3735m), the third one is Bhena La (3860m) and the 4th is Yamda La (3860m). The scenery is of vistas of mountains and barrens. We reach Shyangbochen where there are lodges. Telephone and mobile service are available here. Overnight at shyangbochen.
Day 07: Syangboche – Ghami (3520m) 5-6 hours
We walk first uphill, then on flat land, and lastly downhill. We visit the village of Geling, with a Gompa, beautiful Stupas, chortens and mani walls. We cross Nyi La pass at 4025m. From the pass, before us are Mustang valley, the Annapurna Range and Mt. Neelgiri. On the way to our destination, the medieval village of Ghemi, we cross a pass called Ghemi La (3765m). It is an isolated, deserted place.
Day 08: Ghami – Ghar Gumba (3950m) 3-4 hours
We cross a wooden over Ghemi Khola then the path goes uphill. We see a hospital made by Japanese that provides health services here and the longest Mani wall of Mustang on the way. We cross a village called Dhakmar that lies in the altitude of 3820m. After this village we cross red cliffs where we can get the chance to view blue sheep. We cross a pass called Mui La (4170m). From the pass we see the most parts of Mustang valley and various peaks of Himalayas. We walk flat and downhill to Ghar Gumba. A big monastery lies here. We camp beside the Gumba (monastery). If we visit the Gumba, we will be welcomed by Tibetan Butter Tea (su tea). A big Sculpture of Buddha in Padmasanbhava is seen inside the Gumba.
Day 09: Ghar Gumba – Lo Manthang (3810m) 5-6 hours
The path goes uphill first then flat for some time and then downhill to Lo Manthang. We cross a pass called Lo La (3950m) before we reach Lo Manthang. Lo Manthang the captal city of Mustang Kingdom is surrounded by a very high wall with square towers at the corner points. Only a white palace of four levels and three red colored monasteries can be seen. The town has only one port. We spend night in Lo – Manthang.
Day 10: Explore Lo – Manthang (3810m)
Today we explore this beautiful city of Mustang. We can go to visit the palace and meet the King and Queen of Mustang riding the wooden ladder. Also, we can take picture along with the royal couple. But we have to take an appointment at least a day before. We are welcomed by Tibetan Su Tea in the palace which we drink staying along with the royal couple. We have to honour the royal couple with the Khada. Lo -Manthang has lots of stupas, few Gompas, chyortens and we can see the city decorated by lots of colorful prayer flags. A school and police check post lie here where our permits will be checked. Internet and telephone facility are available here. Also, we can use cell phone.
Day 11: Lo- Manthang – horse hiking through Chosar(3880m) – Namgyal Gompa(3850m)
Today is the special and exciting day in Upper Mustang. We hire horse for hiking. Let’s say we are going for ‘horse hiking’. We ride the horse almost for the whole day today. We visit to Kimaling, Chosar amd Ghar fu, small and beautiful villages in Himalayan region. We visit several caves. We visit a special monastery made in cave. Hence, we have to carry small torch lights today. We visit the cave that lies in the altitude of 4275m. We cross several wooden bridges over Chhokardokpa Khola and Nhichung Khola during our horse hiking. We ride through rough roads in some sections. We back to the other way round to Lo Manthang crossing Namgyal Gompa, the famous monastery in Upper Mustang. Overnight in Lo-Manthang.
Day 12: Lo Manthang – Dhigaon (3360m) 3-4 hours
Today we trek from Lo Manthang to Dhigaon take us through the remote, high-altitude landscapes of Upper Mustang in Nepal, following ancient trade routes and rugged trails. Departing from the walled city of Lo Manthang, we ascend and descends through arid valleys, dramatic cliffs, and isolated settlements. We pass through Chogo La Pass (4,280 m), the highest point on the route, offering panoramic views of the trans-Himalayan terrain. Along the way, we’ll encounter centuries-old monasteries, cave dwellings, and Tibetan-influenced villages before descending into the greener, less traveled region near Dhigaon. The trek is moderately challenging and culturally enriching, ideal for those seeking solitude and history.
Day 13: Dhigaon – Tangye (3,240m) 5-6hours
Today the trek from Dhigaon to Tangye in Upper Mustang is a stunning mountain journey that begins with a gradual climb out of Dhigaon and crosses the Kali Gandaki valley. we’ll traverse stony plains and ascend toward a pass around 4,000 meters, then descend to the peaceful village of Tangye. Under clear skies, the trail treats you to sweeping Himalayan panoramas, rugged cliffs, and glimpses of traditional Mustang architecture. It’s a moderate but rewarding day with high-altitude desert-like terrain.
Day 14: Tangye – Chhusang, (2,980m) 6-7 hours
Today we start with a steep climb to 4400 meters. We stay high on the flanks of the mountains. We follow the path to the south. All day we look out over the rest of the route and the views are fantastic. In front of us we see the white massifs of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna-I, the white wall of the Great Barrier and on the left the peaks of the Damodar chain. It is a long descent to Chhusang.
Day 15: Chhusang – Muktinath, (3,710m) 6-7 hours
Today we trek from Chhusang to Muktinath which is a scenic and moderately challenging route in Nepal’s Mustang region. Starting from the picturesque village of Chhusang, the trail ascends steadily through the arid, wind-swept landscapes of the Upper Mustang, passing through small settlements like Tetang and Gyu La Pass (4,077 meters), which offers panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. After crossing the pass, we descend toward the lush valley leading to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The journey typically showcases the region’s unique blend of Tibetan culture, rugged terrain, and spiritual heritage.
Day 16: Muktinath – Pokhara by vehicle (822m) 8 -9hours
Today, we start our day with vehicle journey from Muktinath, the museum of nature. We follow the bank of Kaligandaki river with pitch road however some sections of road are still gravel only. We pass via Jomsom and Marpha with the sight-seeing experience of beautiful Himalayas and hills. On the way, there are several Gompas and beautiful waterfalls. We reach the natural city Pokhara via Beni, the famous bazaar for trade in Gandaki province of Nepal.
Day 17: Pokhara -Kathmandu by tourist bus 5-6hours
We take the pleasant and comfortable Tourist Bus back to Kathmandu. Arriving about 3pm, a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff member will meet us and drive us to our hotel. The rest of the day is unscheduled and you are free to spend it as you like. In the evening, a Farewell Dinner is given by Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition.
Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu(1337m)
Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye.
Included in the Cost
Number of participants
Minimum number of participants: 4
Maximum number of participants: 14
Max Altitude: 4760 meters
Best Season: Sep – Nov and Mar-May
Difficulty Level: Moderate
December, January, and February
It is called the winter season in Nepal. It is a season for snowfall in mountain region above 4300m in Nepal. So, trekking is possible below 4500m during this period. This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in the Himalayas. Though it gets colder in a night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively fewer trekkers on the trail. Sunrise and Sunset are seen very clear and beautiful in this season. So, a tourist who wants to pass short holidays during this period Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes to see a splendid view of nature. During this period, we arrange a family tour to experience natural beauty with short hikes and cultural tour. It is suitable for homestay tour through which different rituals and culture can be experienced during this period. The famous homestay like Sailung Timal homestay,Timal homestay, Tamang Heritage Homestay, Ghalegaon Homestay are the special places to visit.
March, April, and May
It is spring season which is known as trekking season in Nepal. A smooth wind and gentle breeze are felt all over the country. Sunny days and clear weather are the supportive factors for trekking in this season. Presence of a cloud can be seen in the sky during this season. So a short rainfall can be felt during this period. It is the season of an expedition and climbing high peaks in Nepal. So many tourists from different parts of the world come to climb peaks above 7000m in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and journey for climbing during this period. Peak climbing period can be in length up to June so Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges attractive programs during this period. This period offers plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring.
June, July, and August
It is rainy season in Nepal. As it is the season of heavy rainfall. it is also known as the crops harvesting season in Nepal. In this season, trekking is slightly difficult in Nepal. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection. However, Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and trek during this period in dry areas. We arrange treks and tour in dry areas like Mustang, Upper Dolpa, Leh Ladakh (India) and Tibet.
September, October, and November
Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our treks. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes. This is the season of feast and festivals. This is also known as the special season for flowers in Nepal. Marigold is popular and found best in this season. Temples and holy places are visited during this period. Festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath are celebrated during this season. Long national holidays are offered for this festival for workers. This season is known as the king of the season. No rainfall, sunny days and moderate temperature are the most favorable factors of this season for treks and tours in Nepal. Every kind of treks and tours can be done during this period. So many tourists come to see beautiful Nepal in this season. Many trekking routes are full of tourist during this season. Peaks 6000m to 7000m is the best destination for climbing in this season. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes tourist to feel the splendid view of the nature of Nepal in this season.
Equipment & Packing List
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Please understand that the items listed below will vary according to the season and the duration of the trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 12 kg. Your gear will be carried by your porter and you will be required to carry your own day-pack (with your valuables and things of immediate importance to you). We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Our list of equipment is prepared on the basis of our long experience. The Himalayan Vacation Trek & Expedition Team leader will check your gear to ensure you have all the necessary equipment at the start of the trek. If necessary, the HVTreks’ guide will request additions of necessary equipment when and where it is available.
Important documents and items
Head
Upper Body
Hands
Lower Body
Feet
Sleeping
Rucksack and Travel Bags
Medical
-Note: In the larger towns and cities of Nepal, pharmacies have available common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Western/foreign brand name products and prescription drugs are not. We suggest you bring the pharmaceuticals you use in enough quantity.
Practical Items
