Located in the rain shadow region of the Himalayas, Upper Mustang presents itself as an arid and remote river valley. In times past, this enclave was a forbidden kingdom within Nepal, and its isolation from the outside world for decades bestowed upon it a unique cultural identity closely tied to Tibetan tradition. Nowadays, Upper Mustang stands as a prime trekking destination, drawn by its unique desert-like terrain, as well as its unparalleled history and culture.
During the trek in Upper Mustang, you’ll immerse yourself in a desert-like and semi-arid landscape, traversing arid and rocky terrain reminiscent of a desert. You’ll experience a unique culture deeply rooted in Tibetan traditions as you explore ancient fortresses and monasteries in historic villages like Lo-Manthang and Charang. You’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas and deeply connect with nature as you walk along remote and serene trails. This journey will challenge you both physically and emotionally, but it will reward you with an unforgettable adventure experience that will lead you to discover the beauty, history, and culture of one of the most fascinating corners of the Himalayas.
The day before our trekking expedition begins, we’ll gather for a memorable welcome dinner. It’s a perfect occasion for us to connect and become acquainted with one another before we set off on our exciting adventure. This dinner also provides a valuable opportunity for us to approach our guide with any final questions or concerns we may have.
Flight: 25 minutes
Trek: 4 hrs, 11.4km / 7miles distance, 2,800m / 9,500ft highest altitude
We embark on an early morning flight to Jomsom, ensuring optimal weather conditions for awe-inspiring vistas of the Himalayas, with majestic peaks like Dhaulagiri and Annapurna dominating the skyline. Upon touchdown in Jomsom, the administrative center of the Mustang district, our trek commences. The trail leads us through the arid Kali Gandaki River valley, offering a serene journey to the historic fort of Kagbeni. This ancient trading post, adorned with a Buddhist monastery, sits just south of the Upper Mustang’s restricted area, inviting us to delve deeper into its rich cultural tapestry.
Trek: 5-6 hrs, 11.2km / 6.9miles distance, 3055m / 10,025ft highest altitude
The region beyond Kagbeni is known as Upper Mustang, inaccessible without a permit. At the gateway, a checkpoint awaits where our documents are registered before proceeding. Our journey commences early morning, tracing the eastern bank of the Kali Gandaki River towards Chuksang, strategically avoiding the fierce Mustang winds that intensify later in the day. En route, bask in the breathtaking sight of Mt. Nilgiri bathed in the golden hues of dawn. Be prepared for windy conditions and airborne dust along the river, necessitating sunglasses and, possibly, a face mask for comfort. As we press on, we encounter Mustang’s distinct red sandstone formations, sculpted over millennia by natural erosion, before arriving at the charming Tangbe Village. Here, crimson and whitewashed houses adorn the landscape alongside picturesque apple orchards and swaying barley fields. Continuing through a narrow canyon, we ascend to Chele, a quaint town perched atop a ridge, offering unparalleled vistas that are truly out of this world. You’ll find such panoramic views unmatched elsewhere on the globe.
Trek: 5-6 hrs, 11.5km / 7.1miles distance, 3,930m / 11,400ft highest altitude
Today’s trek presents a significant challenge as we ascend approximately 800m in elevation. Departing from Chele, our path leads us up a steep spur, then continues through a rugged canyon to Eklo Bhatti. Ascending further, we reach the Taklam La pass (3,625 m/11,940 ft), a lofty vantage point offering sweeping vistas. Crossing the Taklam La pass, we descend to the quaint village of Samar, where stunning views of Mount Nilgiri await. Samar serves as a customary resting point for horse and mule caravans. Continuing our journey, we descend into a vast gorge, passing by the striking Rangchyung Chorten adorned with vibrant hues of red, black, yellow, and white. Our day’s trek concludes as we arrive at Syangboche, our next destination.
Trek: 5-6 hrs, 9.3km / 5.7miles distance, 3,930m / 11,400ft highest altitude
The day commences with an ascent to yet another pass – the Yamda La (3,845m/12,655 ft) Pass, traversing through an awe-inspiring desert landscape dotted with a handful of remote settlements. Once again, the trail ascends to a spacious valley before descending to the vast barley fields of Gelling. The mud and stone dwellings in Gelling are adorned in hues of white and ochre, mirroring the architectural style of Mustang. Continuing our journey from Gelling, we arrive at the quaint settlement of Tama Gaun before ascending the Nyi La pass (4015 m/13,205ft). Descending from this pass, we trek onward to our next destination, Ghami.
Trek: 5-6 hrs, 11.2km / 6.9miles distance, 3,520m / 11,535ft highest altitude
This day’s trek takes you through the driest part of Mustang. However, the heavenly countryside perspective you gain compensates for a difficult climb. Finally, we arrive at Tsarang, an extensive spread-out town with around 1000 inhabitants.
Trek: 5 hrs, 11.5km / 7.1miles distance, 3,810m / 12,135ft highest altitude
Beginning from a level terrain, our journey leads us upward, crossing yet another pass known as the Lo La Pass. From this vantage point, revel in the enchanting vistas of the valley below, encompassing the majestic sight of Lo Manthang. Descending from the Lo La Pass, we make our entry into Lo Manthang from the northern direction.
Today offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich history of Lo Manthang – a fortified city boasting approximately 150 houses. This ancient enclave traces its origins back to the 1390s, serving as the walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo since its establishment in 1380 by Ame Pal. Renowned for its towering whitewashed mud-brick walls, gompas, and the illustrious royal palace, Lo Manthang is steeped in cultural significance. The palace itself, a nine-cornered, five-story marvel erected around 1400, stands as a testament to the region’s architectural prowess, representing the oldest surviving structure of its kind. Within the town’s confines lie four major temples – Jampa Gompa (Jampa Lhakhang), Thubchen Gompa, Chodey Gompa, and Choprang Gompa. Of these, Jampa Gompa, also known as God’s house, holds the distinction of being the oldest. Similarly, Choprang Gompa, dubbed New Gompa, offers a glimpse into the evolving religious landscape of the region. While the Nepal government opened Upper Mustang to foreigners in 1992, tourism to this captivating region remains carefully regulated, preserving its allure and authenticity.
Trek: 6/7 hrs, 16.1km / 10miles distance, 3,810m / 12,135ft highest altitude
Departing from Lo Manthang, our path leads us southward towards Kagbeni. However, we opt for a different route than the one we took upon arrival at Lo Manthang. En route, we traverse through Drakmar, ensuring a visit to the renowned Ghar Monastery, adorned with exquisite wall paintings. Our trek persists until we reach Ghami.
Trek: 6/7 hrs, 13.2km / 8.2miles distance, 3,700m / 12,139ft highest altitude
Traversing through the remote and arid landscape with care, we revel in the enchanting vistas along our path. Our journey involves ascending to reach both the Chemi La and Yiy La passes, followed by a steep descent leading to Geling. Beyond Geling, the terrain eases as we approach Syangboche, yet our destination lies further ahead in Samar. This Tibetan-style village enchants with its characteristic features, including mani walls, a monastery, and terraced fields.
Trek: 5/6 hrs, 9.9km / 6.1miles distance, 2,980m / 9,776ft highest altitude
Departing from Samar, we merge onto the main trekking trail heading towards Chhusang. Following the trails, we descend towards the Kali Gandaki riverbed, where we cross the river via a rock tunnel, continuing our trek until we reach Chhusang.
Trek: 6 /7 hrs, 14.5km / 9miles distance, 3,760m / 12,335ft highest altitude
Today’s journey involves crossing the Gyu La Pass (4077m), a route that intersects with the renowned Annapurna circuit, albeit from a distinctive approach. From this vantage point, breathtaking views unfold before you, with numerous majestic Himalayan peaks stretching northward into Tibet. Glancing behind, you’ll behold the majestic Annapurna range. The trail meanders through ancient villages before culminating at Muktinath – a revered site cherished by both Hindus and Buddhists. Known as “Chumig Gyatsa” in Tibetan, which translates to “A Hundred Waters”, Muktinath houses a fortified temple complex encompassing a Buddhist monastery, numerous Hindu shrines, 108 sacred bathing spouts, and an eternal flame.
Trek: 5 hrs, 22km / 13.6miles distance, 3,760m / 12,335ft highest altitude
As we arrive at our final day on the trekking trails, our path leads us downhill towards Jharkot and Khingar, adorned with captivating monasteries awaiting exploration. Gradually descending, we journey towards Jomsom, nestled at the base of the Kali Gandaki River Valley. The bustling market area of Jomsom marks a stark contrast from the tranquil trails and remote villages we’ve traversed throughout our trekking adventure.
Flight: 25 minutes
We bid farewell to Mustang and embark on an early morning flight over the southern Kali Gandaki Valley to Pokhara. It’s time to express our gratitude to the entire team for their unwavering support throughout the journey. If inclined, you may choose to offer tips to our guides and porters, as tipping is greatly appreciated in Nepal as a gesture of recognition for their hard work.
The best time to trek to Upper Mustang hinges greatly on weather conditions, impacting both comfort and the overall experience. While treks occur year-round, certain seasons offer optimal conditions.
Spring (March-May): Spring draws mountain enthusiasts and travelers in abundance to Upper Mustang. Mild climates prevail, with daytime temperatures ranging between 16 to 22°C, though nights can be chilly, dipping below 0°C.
Summer (June-August): Despite coinciding with Nepal’s monsoon season, Upper Mustang remains unaffected, making it an ideal time to trek. During August’s full moon, locals celebrate a vibrant horse festival. Daytime temperatures range from 16 to 25°C, with nights cooling to -3 to 0°C.
Autumn (September-November): Autumn mirrors the clear skies of other Nepalese regions, offering splendid mountain vistas. However, afternoons can be windy. Daytime temperatures range from 12 to 20°C, with chilly nights averaging between -8 to -4°C.
Winter (December-February): Winter marks the end of the trekking season in Upper Mustang. Villagers migrate to warmer regions, resulting in lodge closures. Snow blankets the trails, rendering treks nearly impossible.
Travel insurance is compulsory for the trek. All the trekkers must provide a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy certificate. The policy must cover medical and emergency repatriation – including helicopter rescue and evacuation expenses at high altitudes (up to 4,000m).
Trekking members are kindly requested to send their detailed insurance information after trek booking. In case of emergencies, we will be using the insurance policy and informational documents you sent us. It will help us arrange a quick and effective rescue operation, transfer for emergency medical help, etc. Please ensure that your insurance covers all costs incurred during mountain rescue service.
Before buying travel insurance, make sure to call the insurance company and recheck if they have heli-rescue up to 4,000m.
This trek package includes a dedicated day of rest in Lo Manthang to ensure proper acclimatization and mitigate the risk of altitude sickness, a condition that, while preventable, can prove fatal if symptoms are ignored.
Our itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to facilitate a gradual ascent, allowing the body ample time to acclimate to the changing altitude. Our experienced trekking leaders and guides possess extensive first-aid training and are adept at recognizing and managing altitude-related symptoms. We strongly encourage all trekkers to promptly notify their group leaders at the first sign of altitude sickness.
Rest assured that your health is our top priority, and our team is well-equipped to handle any medical concerns that may arise. Your trek leader or guide will offer valuable advice and precautions, emphasizing the importance of pacing yourself and staying hydrated throughout the trek. In the event of severe altitude sickness, immediate descent is the only effective remedy. Please be aware that your group leader retains the authority to halt the ascent if altitude sickness manifests. It’s crucial to recognize that susceptibility to altitude sickness varies among individuals.
We recommend you bring a container for one liter of water. In the teahouses we can buy boiled water suitable for drinking with which to fill our bottles. Another option is to refill the water from the fountains that we find along the way or from the tap of the teahouses themselves, for this we have to count on water disinfectant tablets that we can find in pharmacies.
This trek package includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks.
All the food is prepared with fresh produce sourced from local homes, ensuring exceptional quality and taste. We highly recommend trying the local cuisine, as it’s often delicious and served in generous portions. It’s especially rewarding to indulge in the varied Nepali cuisine, which offers a wide range of flavors and traditional dishes.
In particular, we suggest opting for vegetarian options, as they are easier to digest and tend to be more abundant at higher altitudes. While non-vegetarian options are available at trekking regions, we advise against them due to concerns about meat quality.
A classic and highly popular choice among trekkers and Nepalis alike is the dal bhat, a nutritious and comforting meal consisting of rice, lentils, and assorted accompaniments. This dish is known for its ability to satisfy hunger, and it can be refilled infinitely!
It’s important to note that supplies may be limited in mountainous areas, so it’s essential to use available resources responsibly. Out of respect and consideration, we recommend carefully considering orders and ensuring that any food requested is fully consumed.
Additionally, we encourage you to refrain from dairy and avoid alcoholic drinks, caffeinated beverages, and hot chocolates at high elevations.
Enjoy the local culinary experience and savor the unique flavors of Nepal as you explore the mountains!
Along the trail, you’ll encounter WiFi at many of the teahouses, typically available for an additional fee paid directly to the teahouse. However, as we ascend to higher elevations, the internet connection may become increasingly unstable until it eventually disappears. While you have the option to purchase a SIM card in the city before the trek, similar to WiFi, the connection may become more unreliable as we venture into remote areas.
Fortunately, phone communication remains functional throughout the trek, and your guide will be in daily contact with the office to provide updates on the journey.
During the trek, we will encounter charging points for our electronic devices in most of the teahouses. However, these services come with an additional charge that is paid directly to the teahouse.
Your safety and security are our top priorities. We implement various measures to ensure your well-being. Throughout the trek, we’ll have all the essential gear, equipment, and first aid kits on hand. Our trek guides are highly trained in wilderness first aid. In case of illness, the trek leader will assess the situation and determine whether to proceed or descend promptly. Additionally, we’ll stick together as a group while hiking.
¡Increíble experiencia! Realicé el Upper Mustang Trek con esta compañía y no puedo estar más satisfecha. Desde el momento en que me uní al grupo, me sentí segura y bien cuidada. Nuestro guía fue excepcional, proporcionando información detallada sobre la ruta y asegurándose de que todos estuviéramos cómodos y disfrutáramos del viaje.
Los paisajes a lo largo del camino eran impresionantes, desde las vistas de las montañas hasta los pintorescos pueblos que encontramos en el camino. La organización del trekking fue impecable, con paradas estratégicas en teahouses para descansar y recargar energías. Además, la comida proporcionada fue deliciosa y nutritiva, lo cual fue una grata sorpresa.
Uno de los aspectos más destacados fue la oportunidad de sumergirme en la cultura local y conocer a las personas de la región. Fue una experiencia enriquecedora poder interactuar con los lugareños y aprender sobre sus tradiciones y estilo de vida.
En resumen, recomendaría encarecidamente esta compañía a cualquier persona que esté considerando hacer el Upper Mustang Trek. ¡Una aventura inolvidable con un equipo excepcional que se preocupa genuinamente por la seguridad y el bienestar de sus clientes!
It was a blast trekking with these guys. Kumar was a great guide, always on point and keeping us laughing. The scenery was unreal, the food was decent, and we met some cool people along the way. Had a blast and would do it again in a heartbeat!
Awesome experience! My buddy and I did the Upper Mustang Trek with these guys and had a blast. Our guide, Kumar, was awesome, always making sure we were good and enjoying ourselves.
The landscapes were stunning, and each day brought new adventures and breathtaking views. Stops at the teahouses were a perfect chance to chill and meet new people, and the food was delicious!
Overall, it was an incredible experience we’ll never forget. We’d recommend this team to anyone looking for a real Himalayan adventure. Thanks for everything!