Upper Mustang Trek
The "Forbidden Kingdom" - desert canyons, caves, and Tibetan culture.
Days
18 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Max Altitude
3,840 M
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Trip Overview
The Upper Mustang Trek takes you to the remote "Forbidden Kingdom" of Mustang, a region that was closed to foreigners until 1992. This unique trek offers a glimpse into an ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The landscape is dramatically different from other Nepali treks, featuring desert-like terrain, eroded cliffs, and colorful rock formations. Experience the rich Tibetan culture with its ancient monasteries, chortens, and prayer flags. The trek culminates in Lo Manthang, the medieval walled capital of the former Mustang kingdom. This trek requires a special restricted area permit, ensuring fewer crowds and an authentic cultural experience.
Trip Information
- Day 1 : Arrival In Kathmandu (1350m)
- Day 2 : Sight - Seeing, Trek Briefing & Official Procedures (1350m)
- Day 3 : Fly To Pokhara & City Tour (30min, 827m)
- Day 4 : Fly To Jomsom & Trek To Kagbeni (3-4, 2810m)
- Day 5 : Trek To Samar (5-6 hrs, 3620m)
- Day 6 : Trek To Geling (5-6 hrs, 3570m)
- Day 7 : Trek To Tsarang (5-6 hrs, 3560m)
- Day 8 : Trek To Lho Manthang (5-6 hrs, 3840m)
- Day 9 : Acclimatization Day (3840m)
- Day 10 : Trek To Yara (6-7 hrs, 3670m)
- Day 11 : Hike To Luri Gompa & Back To Yara (4-5 hrs, 3670m)
- Day 12 : Trek To Tangye (5-6 hrs, 3240m)
- Day 13 : Trek To Chuksang (5-6 hrs, 2920m)
- Day 14 : Drive To Muktinath (6-7 hrs, 3760m)
- Day 15 : Drive To Jomsom (2-3 hrs, 2720m)
- Day 16 : Fly To Pokhara (25min, 827m)
- Day 17 : Fly To Kathmandu (25min, 1350m)
- Day 18 : Final Departure
Day 1: Arrival In Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Nepal! Step off the plane into Kathmandu's warm chaos, where a Meander Himalaya teammate will be waving you down at arrivals. Settle into your hotel and meet your guide over dinner, you're about to ride into one of the last restricted kingdoms in the Himalaya.
Day 2: Sight - Seeing, Trek Briefing & Official Procedures
Altitude: 1350m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
A day to soak in Kathmandu's magic before the mountains take over. Wander through Boudhanath's vast stupa and Pashupatinath's riverside temples, then sit down with your guide for a full briefing on the restricted-area permits and remote route ahead. Grab any last bits of gear from Thamel's shops before flying to Pokhara.
Day 3: Fly To Pokhara & City Tour
Walking: 30min · Altitude: 827m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
A short, scenic flight brings you to Pokhara, with Machhapuchhre's fishtail peak visible right from the city. Spend the afternoon relaxing by Phewa Lake or wandering the lakeside strip, a lovely, easy day before the real adventure into Mustang begins.
Day 4: Fly To Jomsom & Trek To Kagbeni
Distance: 5 km · Walking: 3-4 · Altitude: 2810m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short, thrilling flight through the Kali Gandaki gorge, one of the deepest gorges on earth, drops you into Jomsom, gateway to Mustang. From here, an easy walk along the wide, windswept river valley brings you to Kagbeni, a striking medieval village and your official entry point into Upper Mustang.
Day 5: Trek To Samar
Distance: 16km · Walking: 5-6 hrs · Altitude: 3620m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross into the restricted region proper today, with the landscape shifting dramatically into high-altitude desert, eroded cliffs, canyons, and colorful rock formations unlike anywhere else in Nepal. Samar is a small, striking village tucked into this otherworldly terrain, this is where Upper Mustang really starts to feel like its own world.
Day 6: Trek To Geling
Distance: 12km · Walking: 5-6 hrs · Altitude: 3570m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue through dramatic desert canyons and windswept passes, with ancient chortens and prayer flags marking the trail along the way. Geling is a traditional Tibetan-style village, and the sense of stepping back in time only grows stronger with every mile.
Day 7: Trek To Tsarang
Distance: 14km · Walking: 5-6 hrs · Altitude: 3560m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cross high, arid plateaus and pass ancient cave dwellings carved into cliffsides, remnants of communities that lived here centuries ago. Tsarang is home to one of the largest monasteries in the region and a historic royal palace, a fascinating, culturally rich stop on the way to Lo Manthang.
Day 8: Trek To Lho Manthang
Distance: 12km · Walking: 5-6 hrs · Altitude: 3840m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This is the day it all builds toward. Trek across open plateau to Lo Manthang, the medieval walled capital of the former Mustang kingdom, a genuinely extraordinary place where centuries-old palaces, monasteries, and mud-brick walls remain remarkably intact. Walking through its gates feels like stepping into a different century entirely.
Day 9: Acclimatization Day
Altitude: 3840m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A full day to explore Lo Manthang at your own pace. Wander the walled city's narrow lanes, visit its ancient monasteries filled with centuries-old murals, and if timing allows, meet members of the former royal family. This is one of the most culturally rich rest days on any trek in Nepal.
Day 10: Trek To Yara
Distance: 11 km · Walking: 6-7 hrs · Altitude: 3670m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leave Lo Manthang behind and trek across dramatic, remote high desert terrain toward Yara, a small, little-visited village in one of the quietest corners of Mustang. The scenery here is stark and beautiful, canyons, cliffs, and wide open skies, with barely another trekker in sight.
Day 11: Hike To Luri Gompa & Back To Yara
Distance: 8 km · Walking: 4-5 hrs · Altitude: 3670m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A rewarding side trip to Luri Gompa, one of the oldest and most remarkable cave monasteries in Mustang, carved directly into a cliff face with stunning ancient murals inside. Getting there requires a bit of scrambling, but the reward is one of the most unique cultural sites in the entire region. Return to Yara for the night.
Day 12: Trek To Tangye
Distance: 10 km · Walking: 5-6 hrs · Altitude: 3240m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Continue through remote, rugged terrain toward Tangye, a small, traditional village tucked deep in Mustang's back country. This stretch of trail feels genuinely off the map, dramatic canyons, isolated villages, and a real sense of having gone somewhere very few travelers ever reach.
Day 13: Trek To Chuksang
Distance: 12 km · Walking: 5-6 hrs · Altitude: 2920m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Descend through dramatic canyon terrain back toward the main Kali Gandaki valley, arriving in Chuksang, a picturesque village perched above the river. The scenery shifts again here, wide valleys and river views replacing the tighter canyons of the past few days.
Day 14: Drive To Muktinath
Distance: 18 km · Walking: 6-7 hrs · Altitude: 3760m · Stay: Teahouse · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A scenic drive brings you to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, tucked at the base of the Thorong La pass. Visit the temple complex and its famous 108 water spouts, a peaceful, spiritually significant close to your time in Upper Mustang.
Day 15: Drive To Jomsom
Distance: 22km · Walking: 2-3 hrs · Altitude: 2720m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A short, scenic drive back down the valley returns you to Jomsom, with one last look at the dramatic desert landscape of Mustang fading behind you. A relaxed day to rest up before flying back toward Kathmandu.
Day 16: Fly To Pokhara
Walking: 25min · Altitude: 827m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
A short, scenic flight back through the Kali Gandaki gorge returns you to Pokhara's lakeside charm. Treat yourself to a well-earned coffee by Phewa Lake and reflect on the ancient kingdom you've just explored.
Day 17: Fly To Kathmandu
Walking: 25min · Altitude: 1350m · Stay: Hotel · Meals: Breakfast
A short, scenic flight back to Kathmandu offers one last aerial glimpse of the Himalaya before city life takes over again. Use the rest of the day to relax, explore Thamel, or pick up souvenirs to remember this incredible journey by.
Day 18: Final Departure
Meals: Breakfast
Time to say farewell to Nepal, at least for now. With Lo Manthang's ancient walls, Luri Gompa's cave monastery, and the dramatic desert landscapes of the Forbidden Kingdom all behind you, our team will see you off at the airport for your onward journey. Namaste, and until next time!
Note: The trek itinerary is a guide only and may be subject to change at short notice.
Required equipment
- Backpack (30 to 40 liters) for daily use
- Duffel bag (provided by us)
- Sleeping bag rated for -15°C or lower (provided by us)
- Trekking poles (provided by us)
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (2 to 3 liters)
- Water purification tablets or filter
- Trekking boots, waterproof and broken-in
- Camp shoes or sandals for evenings
Clothing list
- Moisture-wicking base layers (top and bottom)
- Fleece or wool mid-layers
- Insulated down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell (jacket and pants)
- Trekking trousers, 2 to 3 pairs
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff or scarf, essential here for the strong afternoon winds and dust
- Gloves, lightweight and insulated pair
- Warm wool socks, 4 to 5 pairs
Personal items
- Passport (with visa) and passport-size photos
- Travel insurance documents
- Cash (Nepali Rupees) for personal expenses
- Personal first-aid kit and any personal medication
- Sunscreen (high SPF) and lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses with UV protection, wraparound style recommended for windblown dust
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, etc.)
- Quick-dry towel
- Power bank and universal adapter
- Snacks or energy bars
- Camera (extra batteries, memory cards)
Technical climbing equipment
- Not required for this trek (Upper Mustang is a teahouse trek, no technical climbing gear needed)
Your trek cost includes
- Airport pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle
- 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu (4-star, B&B basis)
- 1 night hotel in Pokhara (similar standard, B&B basis)
- Welcome dinner in Kathmandu at a traditional Nepali restaurant
- Farewell dinner to celebrate the successful trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek, with tea/coffee included and fresh seasonal fruit served every evening
- All meals on full board basis (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trek
- Round-trip domestic flights, Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu, plus Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara, including airport taxes
- All ground transportation by private vehicle as per itinerary
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang
- Experienced, government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
- Assistant trek leader for groups of 6 or more trekkers
- Porter service (1 porter for every 2 trekkers, carrying up to 15 kg)
- Wages, food, accommodation, equipment, insurance, and transportation for all Nepalese staff
- High-altitude first-aid medical kit carried by the guide
- Oximeter checks twice daily to monitor pulse, oxygen saturation, and AMS symptoms
- Emergency helicopter rescue arrangement (cost covered by your travel insurance)
- Satellite phone with the guide for emergency communication (available for member use at an extra charge)
- Complimentary use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, and walking poles (returned after the trip)
- Meander Himalaya trekking duffel bag, t-shirt, and detailed trekking map to keep
- Trip achievement certificate on successful completion
- All applicable Government of Nepal taxes and fees
- Note: no TIMS card here, it's generally not required for Upper Mustang unless combined with other Annapurna routes.
Your trek cost does NOT include
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fee on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport ($50 USD for 30 days; other durations available)
- Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except the welcome and farewell dinners), including in case of an early return from the trek
- Extra hotel nights in Kathmandu or Pokhara due to early arrival, late departure, flight cancellations, or early return from the trek
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), must cover high-altitude trekking up to 3,840m+ and emergency air evacuation
- Personal expenses: phone calls, internet, toiletries (soap, shampoo, tissue paper, etc.), laundry, battery charging, hot showers, and alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages (including mineral water, soft drinks, extra tea/coffee) purchased during the trek
- Personal trekking gear: clothing, packing items, bags, and your own medical kit
- Excess baggage charges on domestic flights (beyond the 10 to 15 kg limit)
- Special permits and fees for filming, cameras, and drone use
- Tips for guides, porters, and drivers (expected and appreciated)
- Any other service or activity not explicitly listed under "Cost Includes"
1. What makes the Upper Mustang Trek unique?
Nepal's "Forbidden Kingdom", a restricted trans-Himalayan desert region closed to outsiders until 1992. Expect red-rock canyons, ancient cliff caves, and the walled medieval capital of Lo Manthang (3,840m), with a living Tibetan Buddhist culture preserved by centuries of isolation.
2. How difficult is the Upper Mustang Trek? Can beginners do it?
Rated moderate, gentler than Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, with no technical climbing or glacier crossings. The main challenges are strong afternoon winds (50 to 70 km/h) and dry, dusty conditions. Fit beginners can complete it with proper preparation and a licensed guide.
3. What permits do I need?
The ACAP permit and a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which now runs on a $50/day system. A licensed guide is mandatory, though the two-person minimum rule was lifted in March 2026, solo trekkers can now go with just a guide. We handle all permit arrangements for you.
4. What is the best time to trek?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are best. Unusually for Nepal, Upper Mustang sits in a rain shadow, so it's trekkable even during monsoon season (June to August). The Tiji Festival in May draws crowds to Lo Manthang, book 2 to 3 months ahead for that window.
5. What accommodation and food can I expect?
Teahouses and family-run lodges with twin-sharing rooms and shared bathrooms. Wifi is uncommon outside Kagbeni and Lo Manthang. Food includes dal bhat, thukpa, momos, Tibetan bread, and butter tea, with Western options like pasta and pizza available in larger villages.
Have more questions?
Reach out by email, phone, or through our website FAQ Page for anything on altitude safety, equipment, training, insurance, or itinerary customization.
Have Additional Questions?
Our team can help with altitude safety, packing lists, insurance, or a custom itinerary.
