The Upper Mustang Trek offers a rare journey into a once-forbidden Buddhist kingdom in Nepal, preserving one of the purest Tibetan cultures in the world. The tour and trek lead to Lo Manthang, a medieval walled city where the King still resides. The landscape features eroded cliffs, red-walled monasteries, and snow-capped peaks, creating a spiritual, Tibetan-like atmosphere.
Closed to foreigners until 1991, Upper Mustang now requires a special permit ($500 minimum for 10 days permit has to be issued, $50/day after, plus a $30 ACAP fee). The trek crosses rugged terrain and high passes around 4,000 meters, passing chortens, stupas, and mani walls. Locals, dressed in traditional Tibetan attire, trade goods from Tibet and live a lifestyle deeply rooted in Tibetan heritage.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 01: Kathmandu- Tatopani Jeep tour (1190m)9-10 hours
Today, we take an early morning jeep drive to Tatopani, Myagdi, traveling from Kathmandu to Pokhara via the scenic Prithvi Highway, then following the Baglung Highway past rivers, forests, and villages. From Beni, rough mountain roads lead us through Babiyachaur and Tiplyang to Tatopani, known for its hot springs and location near the Annapurna Circuit and the world’s deepest gorge. If possible, we can have bath in natural hot spring water which has healing quality of various skin diseases. Overnight in Tatopani.
Day 02: Tatopani -Samar(3660m) via Kagbeni) 5–6-hour Jeep tour
The Upper Mustang Jeep tour from Tatopani to Samar via Kagbeni offers an adventurous overland journey through Nepal’s remote and culturally rich Mustang region. Kagbeni is the special Permit check point, where we have to produce all documents of trekking. This is the gate way to Upper Mustang. This route is ideal for travelers seeking to explore the unique landscapes and heritage of Upper Mustang without extensive trekking. Overnight we spend in Samar.
Day 03: Samar- Ghami (3520m) 6-7 hours Walking
From today the trekking begins from Samar to Ghami in Upper Mustang, desert-like landscapes. Ascend past juniper trees and chortens to Yamda La (3850m). Descend past mani walls, caves, and painted cliffs. Arrive at Ghami, known for its ancient monasteries and Nepal’s longest mani wall, with distant views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri
Day 04: – Ghami-Lo Manthang (3810) 6-7 hours Walking
Today we trek from Ghami to Lo Manthang passing mani walls, red cliffs, and the village of Dhakmar. Climb to Mui La for panoramic views, then descend to Tsarang, home to an ancient monastery and palace. After crossing the Tsarang Chu River, ascend to Lo La Pass (~3950m) for the first view of Lo Manthang. The trail features desert landscapes, chortens, caves, and views of Annapurna, Nilgiri, and Dhaulagiri—blending natural beauty with rich Tibetan culture.
Day 05: -Explore Lo Manthang (3810m)
Today we Explore the beautiful villages of Mustang. We can go to visit the palace and meet the King and Queen of Mustang ascending 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 honor the royal couple with the Khada. We may hire horse to explore Lo- Manthang if we wish.
Lo Manthang has lots of stupas, few Gumbas, chyortens and we can see the villages decorated by lots of colorful prayer flags. A school and police check post lie here where our permits will be checked. We spend night here.
Day 06: Lo Manthang – Beni 8-9 hours Jeep tour
Today our jeep tour begins from Lo Manthang to Beni is a rugged Himalayan journey through the Kali Gandaki Valley, passing remote Tibetan-style villages like Ghami and Kagbeni. With dramatic mountain views, ancient monasteries, and rough off-road terrain, the route descends from the arid Upper Mustang to the lush hills of Beni via Jomsom and Tatopani.
Day 07: Beni – Kathmandu by jeep. 8-9 hours
Today marks the final trip of our journey, traveling from Beni to Kathmandu. This drive winds through lush hills, terraced farms, and towns like Baglung, Pokhara, and Mugling. It’s a scenic transition from the peaceful Himalayan foothills to the vibrant bustle of Nepal’s capital.
