- Airport transfers – Pick up and drop upon arrival and departure
- Private Transportation including a drive from Kathmandu to Jomsom
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner during trekking
- Accommodation in tea house or lodges during trekking
- English speaking license holder trekking guide and his all expenses
- 1 Porter – 2 Trekkers and his all expenses
- TIMS and Restricted permit and National park permit fees
- Two nights’ standard accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- One day guided sightseeing in Kathmandu valley
- Supporting staffs (Trekking guides, cook and porters) and their necessary insurance, accommodation, meal, allowance and salaries
Journey overview
The experience at a glance
The Upper Mustang Trek is one of Nepal’s most interesting Himalayan expeditions and takes you into the remote Trans-Himalayan landscape of Mustang, near the Tibetan border. Also known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” Upper Mustang offers a unique mix of ancient Tibetan culture, centuries-old monasteries, dramatic cliffs, mysterious caves, traditional villages and breathtaking mountain scenery.
Beginning with a flight to Jomsom, the trip follows the ancient paths through Kagbeni, Chele, Syangboche, Ghami, Tsarang and the legendary walled city of Lo Manthang. At a height of approximately 3,840 meters, Lo Manthang is the cultural heart of the region and is a fascinating window into Mustang’s centuries-old Buddhist history.
The trail passes through desert-like landscapes carved by wind and erosion, with colorful rock formations, deep valleys and snow-capped Himalayan peaks providing a captivating landscape. Old monasteries, the traditional villages of Tangbe and Ghami, historic Tsarang Palace and Gompa, and the amazing cave settlements of Chhoser Valley are all mentioned.
Unlike many of the other popular Himalayan routes, Upper Mustang has a relatively preserved and traditional culture. The trek is perfect for those on an adventure, Tibetan-influenced culture, old history, and beautiful Himalayan landscapes away from the busier trekking routes.
The best seasons for the Upper Mustang Trek are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). A special restricted-area trekking permit and a licensed guide are needed, so you get a truly exclusive Himalayan experience.
Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang:
As an unforgettable cultural experience, you can plan your Upper Mustang Trek to coincide with the Tiji Festival, one of the most important traditional Buddhist celebrations in Lo Manthang. It’s a three-day affair with masked dance, traditional music, Buddhist rituals, and monks performing, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil.
The Tiji Festival usually takes place in May or June, but the exact dates change every year according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. The festival is held in Lo Manthang, so it’s an ideal opportunity to combine the classic Upper Mustang Trek with an authentic cultural celebration.
How do you get into the Tiji Festival?
When you go to the Tiji Festival, just plan your Upper Mustang Trek around the festival dates. We can tailor your trekking itinerary so that you arrive in Lo Manthang in time to participate in the three-day celebration. There can be the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, a licensed trekking guide, accommodation, transportation, and festival arrangements.
Since festival dates change every year and accommodation in Lo Manthang can be scarce during the festivity, early planning and booking are necessary. We can give you the dates of the upcoming Tiji Festival and customize your Upper Mustang Trek around this unique Himalayan cultural event.
Trip highlights
What makes this journey
- 01
Lo Manthang at 3,840 m - the legendary walled city and cultural heart of Upper Mustang.
- 02
Tiji Festival - Plan a tour around May or June to enjoy Lo Manthang's spectacular three-day Buddhist festival.
- 03
Ancient Tibetan Buddhist Heritage - visit historic monasteries, gompas, prayer walls and traditional villages.
- 04
Chhoser Cave Settlements - explore fascinating ancient caves and monasteries carved into the dramatic Mustang cliffs.
- 05
Trans-Himalayan Landscapes - trek through colorful cliffs, barren valleys, high passes and spectacular desert-like Himalayan scenery.
Day by day
17 days · 1 region
Walk the route one day at a time — meals, overnight stays, and the details that shape each stage.
International Airport in Kathmandu at about 1,400 meters. Your representative will welcome you and take you to your hotel. You can meet your trekking team and get a briefing about the Upper Mustang Trek.
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Altitude
- 1,400m
You will spend the day exploring Kathmandu's cultural heritage sites and finalizing trekking preparations as you go. Your guide will check your equipment and give you details about the route, altitude, and walking schedule daily.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Altitude
- 1,400m
Note4-5 hours of sightseeing in Kathmandu, obtain permit and review checklist for trekking
After breakfast, drive to Pokhara; it is about 200km and the drive takes around six to seven hours. Settle at the hotel in Pokhara. Alternatively, you can also take 35-minutes flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Distance
- 200 km
- Altitude
- 820m
Take an early morning flight to Jomsom at 2,720 m. From Jomsom, start your trek towards Kagbeni and walk for about 3–4 hours, covering about 10 km. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki Valley towards Kagbeni, the historic gateway to Upper Mustang.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Distance
- 10 km
- Altitude
- 2,810m
NoteFlights are subject to weather conditions. If the morning flight is not available, we will arrange private transportation from Pokhara to Jomsom. The drive takes approximately 6–7 hours, depending on road and weather conditions.
Today you officially enter the restricted Upper Mustang region. Walk about 15 km for 5–6 hours from Kagbeni to Chele. The path is taken along the Kali Gandaki River through the traditional villages of Tangbe and Chhusang and up to Chele at 3,050 meters.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 15 km
- Altitude
- 3,050m
Trek approximately 12 km for 6-7 hours to Syangboche. The route passes through a number of high passes and gradually climbs through Samar before reaching Syangboche at about 3,800 meters. This is one of the more challenging days because of the big elevation gain.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 12 km
- Altitude
- 3,800m
NoteElevation Gain, Stay hydrated, walk slowly.
Walk approximately 11 km for 5–6 hours through the remote Mustang landscape. The trail goes through some passes, including the Yamda La, and eventually descends to Ghami at 3,520 meters. Ghami is one of the most beautiful traditional villages in Upper Mustang.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 11 km
- Altitude
- 3,520m
Today it is about 11 km of trekking over 4-5 hours. Cross the dramatic Ghami La and go through barren valleys and colorful rock formations towards Tsarang at 3,560 meters. When you arrive, look around the Tsarang Gompa and traditional village.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 11 km
- Altitude
- 3,560m
Trek about 13 km for 4-5 hours to reach the legendary walled city of Lo Manthang. The course leads into Lo La Pass and then down to the Lo Valley. At 3,840 m, Lo Manthang is the cultural heart of Upper Mustang and one of the highlights of the trip.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 13 km
- Altitude
- 3,840m
Lo Manthang and the surrounding area will take you a full day to visit. Walk about 8-12 km around 5-7 hours and visit ancient monasteries, traditional settlements, and historical sites. You can also visit Chhoser Valley, where ancient cave dwellings and monasteries were carved into the cliffs.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 12 km
- Altitude
- 3,840m
Begin the return journey along a different trail. Trek 16 km in 6-7 hours in remote highlands and dramatic landscapes. The course is over high terrain and reaches Drakmar at about 3,810 meters, known for its striking red cliffs.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 16 km
- Altitude
- 3,810m
Descend approximately 10 km over 4-5 hours from Drakmar to Ghami. The trail passes through spectacular red-rock formations and barren valleys and returns to the traditional village of Ghami at 3,520 meters.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 10 km
- Altitude
- 3,520m
Follow the trail for about 17 km over 6-7 hours through the tough Mustang landscape. The trail passes through a few passes and remote settlements before arriving at Samar at around 3,660 m. At the same time, you will get amazing views of the surrounding Himalayan terrain.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 17 km
- Altitude
- 3,660m
Trek about 20 km for 6–7 hours as you descend toward the Kali Gandaki Valley. Pass through Chhusang and Tangbe, then continue to Kagbeni at 2,810 meters. The lower elevation makes this part of the return journey actually enjoyable.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 20 km
- Altitude
- 2,810m
Walk the last 10 km of trekking in approximately 3-4 hours. Follow the Kali Gandaki Valley from Kagbeni to Jomsom at 2,720 meters. Celebrate your Upper Mustang trekking adventure with your trekking team.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Lodge
- Distance
- 10 km
- Altitude
- 2,720m
Take a morning flight from Jomsom back to Pokhara, descending from about 2,720 m to 820 m. The flight gives you beautiful views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Take some time in the afternoon to relax around Phewa Lake.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Altitude
- 820m
Take a short flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu, covering the journey in 25-30 minutes. Depending on your international flight schedule, you may have some free time in Kathmandu before you leave.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Overnight
- Hotel
- Altitude
- 1,400m
Private vehicle & English-speaking guide throughout · Kathmandu
Places covered
Destinations on this trip
The places this journey moves through, in the order they shape the experience.
Kathmandu
Pokhara
Jomsom
Kagbeni
Lo Manthang
Trip essentials
What your journey covers
A clear split between what we arrange and what you budget yourself.
- International Flight and Departure Tax
- Domestic flights (optional)
- Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu
- Personal gears and clothing such as sleeping bag, walking stick and etc
- Travel/Medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost
- Rescue if needed
- Personal expenses caused by weather, laundry telephone call, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks, tips and etc.
Before you go
Trip Information
Before you go
Frequently asked
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