Upper Mustang Trek 14 Days: Itinerary, Cost, Permit, Map & Guide
The 14-day Upper Mustang Trek takes you into one of Nepal’s most distinctive landscapes, where green valleys give way to a high-altitude desert of red and ochre cliffs, eroded canyons and windswept plains. Beyond Kagbeni, the scenery reflects the Tibetan Plateau, with dramatic rock formations and Himalayan views along the route. Upper Mustang remained closed to foreign visitors until 1992, helping preserve its distinctive cultural heritage. The region is home to the Loba people, whose Tibetan Buddhist traditions shape village life, monasteries and ancient settlements. The trek’s main destination is Lo Manthang , a historic walled city that once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Lo. You have a full day to explore its traditional architecture, monasteries and cultural landmarks. This itinerary follows the main trail to Lo Manthang via Nyi La Pass before returning along a different route through Drakmar and Ghiling. It suits travelers with reasonable fitness who are more interested in remote landscapes and Tibetan Buddhist culture than technical climbing. Expect long walking days, strong winds and basic mountain lodges. As Upper Mustang is a restricted area, a special permit and a licensed guide are required ; we arrange the necessary permits and guide for your trek.
- Kathmandu
- 14 Days
- 4,010 m
- Easy
- 14
- Hotel, Teahouses, Lodge
- Breakfast, Lunch, DInner
Highlights
- Explore Lo Manthang: Walk through the walled capital, with its palace, monasteries and narrow lanes, and spend a full day there.
- Cross Nyi La Pass: Climb to 4,010 m for wide views over the dry, folded hills of Upper Mustang.
- Trek through a desert landscape: Pass red cliffs, deep gorges and sandstone formations unlike anywhere else on the Nepali trails.
- Visit ancient monasteries: See centuries-old Buddhist gompas filled with murals and statues.
- Explore Chhoser Cave: Visit a cave complex carved into a cliff, one of the region's most unusual sights.
- Walk beside the Ghami mani wall: Follow one of the longest prayer-stone walls in Nepal.
- Return a different way: Come back via Drakmar and Ghiling rather than retracing your steps.
- Meet the Loba people: Stay in family-run lodges and experience a living Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m)
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where our representative will meet you and take you to your hotel. After checking in, you can rest or wander the nearby streets, depending on when you land.
In the evening, you'll meet your guide over a welcome dinner. Your guide will go through the route, the permit arrangements, and what to expect in Mustang's dry, windy conditions. If you need last-minute gear, Thamel's trekking shops are close by.
- Hotel
- Welcome Dinner
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (822 m)
After breakfast, you leave Kathmandu and follow the Prithvi Highway west through river valleys. The road passes small bazaars, terraced hills and roadside tea stops, and the air gets warmer as you near Pokhara.
You'll arrive in the afternoon, with time to walk by Phewa Lake or rest. It's a good last evening of green hills and lake water before the dry mountains ahead.
- 6-7 hours
- Hotel
- Breakfast
Day 3: Drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni via Jomsom (2,810 m)
Today is a long drive, and the scenery changes completely. From Pokhara, the road climbs through Beni and follows the Kali Gandaki River north through a gorge often called one of the deepest in the world, squeezed between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. The green hills give way to pine forest, then to dry, brown slopes as you approach Jomsom.
Past Jomsom, the road continues to Kagbeni, an old mud-brick village on the edge of the restricted area. It's a good place to stretch your legs and get your first look at the desert landscape. Kagbeni also sits on the river where pilgrims hunt for fossil shaligram stones. Your permits are checked here before you enter Upper Mustang.
- 9-11 hours
- Teahouse
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 4: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,050 m)
Your walk into the restricted area begins today. From Kagbeni, the trail follows the Kali Gandaki upstream through a wide, stony valley, past Tangbe and its whitewashed chortens and barley fields. Wind often blows hard in the afternoon, so an early start helps.
You continue through Chhusang, where the trail drops to the river, and then climb up through a canyon of red cliffs to Chele. The village sits above a deep gorge with apple and barley terraces. It's a short introduction to what's ahead.
- 6-7 hours
- 14 km
- Teahouse
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5: Trek from Chele to Syangboche (3,800 m)
Today the trail leaves the river and climbs onto a high, exposed ridge, crossing a series of passes between deep, dry canyons. The views are wide and empty, with eroded cliffs in rust and cream and a few villages perched on the slopes.
Syangboche is a small settlement on the ridge, high and quiet. You'll sleep about 750 m higher than the night before, so walk at an easy pace and drink water at every stop. The cold bites after sunset.
- 6-7 hours
- 14 km
- Teahouse
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6: Trek from Syangboche to Ghami (3,520 m) via Nyi La Pass (4,010 m)
The day starts with a climb to Nyi La Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,010 m. The pass is windy and cold, with prayer flags flapping and a sweeping view across the dry hills toward Ghami and the valley beyond. After the top, the trail drops steeply into the valley.
Ghami is one of the largest villages on the route, with fields, whitewashed houses and a long mani wall nearby. Wander the lanes in the afternoon and look at the old stone walls and the monastery.
- 6-7 hours
- 15 km
- Teahouse
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 7: Trek from Ghami to Tsarang (3,560 m)
Today is a shorter day, with a gentle walk along the long mani wall and then across wide, open land toward Tsarang. The trail crosses a river canyon and climbs onto a plateau where wind and light work on the landscape in changing colors.
Tsarang has a large, old monastery and the ruins of a fort, and it's one of the main villages of the region. Leave time for the monastery, whose paintings and statues are among the oldest in Mustang, and ask your guide about its history.
- 4-5 hours
- 11 km
- Teahouse
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8: Trek from Tsarang to Lo Manthang (3,840 m)
This is the day the whole trek has been leading up to. From Tsarang, the trail climbs over Lo La Pass (about 3,950 m) and then opens onto a wide, flat plain. When you come over the top, the walled city of Lo Manthang appears in the distance, a dense huddle of whitewashed buildings against brown hills.
Inside the walls, the lanes are narrow and the houses are flat-roofed, with prayer flags on every corner. Check into your lodge and spend the late afternoon wandering. The city is small, and you can walk across it in minutes, but each corner has something to look at.
- 4-5 hours
- 12 km
- Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9: Rest Day in Lo Manthang: Monasteries, Royal Palace and Chhoser Cave
Today you stay in Lo Manthang, and the day is for the city and its surroundings. In the morning, your guide takes you through the old town to its main monasteries and the royal palace. The temples have red-painted walls, murals and large statues, and many are centuries old. Ask before photographing inside, since some temples don't allow it.
In the afternoon, take an excursion to Chhoser Cave, a cave complex carved into a cliff face with rooms on several levels, linked by narrow passages. It's a short trip from the city, and it's one of the most unusual stops of the trek. A rest day at this altitude also helps your body adjust before you head back.
- Lodge
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Trek from Lo Manthang to Drakmar (3,810 m)
Today you leave Lo Manthang and take a different route back. The trail heads south across high, open ground and passes a remote monastery before dropping toward Drakmar, a small village beneath a wall of red cliffs. The colors here are some of the best of the trek, especially in the late afternoon light.
You'll sleep at Drakmar tonight, a quiet village far from the main trail. The lodge is simple, and the sky is dark and full of stars.
- 6-7 hours
- 17 km
- Teahouse
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11: Trek from Drakmar to Chhusang (2,980 m) via Ghiling
The return route follows a different valley and passes through Ghiling, one of the larger villages in Mustang, surrounded by barley fields in summer. Beyond Ghiling, the trail drops through a canyon and returns to the Kali Gandaki, then continues to Chhusang.
It's a long day, but a downhill one, and the air gets thicker with every hour. The descent is hard on the knees, so poles help. Chhusang is a village divided by a deep gorge, with red cliffs, caves and a river below. It's a good place for the last night of the trek.
- 7-8 hours
- 20 km
- Teahouse
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 12: Drive from Chhusang to Pokhara via Jomsom (822 m)
After breakfast, your vehicle takes you from Chhusang to Jomsom and then south through the Kali Gandaki Gorge toward Pokhara. The scenery runs in reverse, from dry, brown desert to pine forest, waterfalls and green hills. It's a long day, so settle in with a good book and enjoy the changing view.
In Pokhara, a hot shower and a lakeside dinner feel like a reward after two weeks of lodges and dust.
- 10-11 hours
- Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400 m)
The trek is behind you, and today is for the road home. The highway follows river valleys and green hills, and it's a good time to scroll through your photos. If you'd rather skip the drive, you can fly for about 25 minutes. Flights depend on the weather, so keep your plans flexible if you choose this.
You'll reach Kathmandu in the afternoon, and the rest of the day is free for shopping, a farewell dinner or resting.
- 6-7 hours
- Hotel
- Breakfast
Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast, our representative drops you at Tribhuvan International Airport about three hours before your international flight. If your flight is in the evening, you can use the morning for last-minute shopping in Thamel or a visit to Boudhanath or Swayambhunath. Share your flight time with us in advance and we'll plan the transfer around it.
You leave with dusty boots, a full camera roll and stories of a hidden kingdom.
- Breakfast
Included
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle
- Hotel stays in Kathmandu (2 nights) and Pokhara (2 nights) with breakfast, twin sharing
- Teahouse and lodge accommodation during the trek (9 nights), twin sharing
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking days
- Welcome dinner on Day 1
- Private jeep for road transfers: Pokhara to Kagbeni and Chhusang to Pokhara
- Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus (flight available at extra cost)
- Government-licensed, English-speaking trekking guide, with their food, lodging, salary and insurance
- Porter service (one porter for every two trekkers)
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
- Any additional permit or card required for the route, such as a TIMS card where applicable
- First-aid kit and oximeter carried by the guide
- Entrance fees to monasteries and heritage sites in Lo Manthang
- All government taxes and service charges
Excluded
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa
- Travel insurance with high-altitude trekking and helicopter evacuation cover
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal trekking gear (can be rented or bought in Kathmandu and Pokhara)
- Bottled water, soft drinks, alcohol and snacks on the trail
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi and device charging at lodges
- Donations at monasteries and any optional activities not listed as included
- Additional accommodation, meals, or transportation caused by delays, landslides, route closures, itinerary changes, or an early trek exit
- Tips for your guide and porter
- Any other expenses or services not mentioned in the "What's Included" section
Good to know
Upper Mustang Trek Map and Route (Kagbeni to Lo Manthang)
The route runs north from Kagbeni up the Kali Gandaki valley to Lo Manthang, then returns by a different trail through Drakmar and Ghiling. Because the outward and return routes differ, you see more of the region and don't retrace your steps. Seven of the fourteen days are spent on foot (Days 4 to 8, 10 and 11), and the two long drives, from Pokhara to Kagbeni and from Chhusang back to Pokhara, bookend the trek.
On the map below, the solid line shows the trekking route and the dashed line shows the road transfers.
Upper Mustang Trek Elevation Profile and Daily Sleeping Altitude
The table below combines the 14-day itinerary with daily walking or travel times and overnight sleeping altitudes. It follows the route from Kathmandu and Pokhara into Upper Mustang, through Kagbeni, Chele and Ghami to Lo Manthang, before returning via Drakmar and Chhusang.
Nyi La Pass at 4,010 m is the highest point on the trek, crossed during the walk from Syangboche to Ghami on Day 6. Lo Manthang, at 3,840 m, is the highest overnight stop on this itinerary.
14-Day Route and Daily Sleeping Altitude
Day | Route / Daily Plan | Walking / Travel Time | Sleeping Altitude |
1 | Arrive in Kathmandu | Airport transfer | 1,400 m |
2 | Kathmandu → Pokhara | 6–7 hrs drive | 822 m |
3 | Pokhara → Jomsom → Kagbeni | 9–11 hrs drive | 2,810 m |
4 | Kagbeni → Chele | 6–7 hrs walk | 3,050 m |
5 | Chele → Syangboche | 6–7 hrs walk | 3,800 m |
6 | Syangboche → Nyi La Pass → Ghami | 6–7 hrs walk | 3,520 m |
7 | Ghami → Tsarang | 4–5 hrs walk | 3,560 m |
8 | Tsarang → Lo Manthang | 4–5 hrs walk | 3,840 m |
9 | Rest day in Lo Manthang | Sightseeing and Chhoser Cave | 3,840 m |
10 | Lo Manthang → Drakmar | 6–7 hrs walk | 3,810 m |
11 | Drakmar → Ghiling → Chhusang | 7–8 hrs walk | 2,980 m |
12 | Chhusang → Jomsom → Pokhara | 10–11 hrs drive | 822 m |
13 | Pokhara → Kathmandu | 6–7 hrs drive | 1,400 m |
14 | Departure from Kathmandu | Airport transfer | — |
Is 14 Days Enough for the Upper Mustang Trek?
Yes. Fourteen days gives you 7 days on foot, a rest day in Lo Manthang, and a different route back. The two long drives at each end take most of the other days. If you want more time to acclimatize, a buffer for landslide delays on the road, or a visit to Muktinath, ask us about adding a day.
Upper Mustang Trek vs Jeep Tour
A road now reaches Lo Manthang, so you can also visit by jeep. Here is how the two compare:
Upper Mustang Trek (14 Days) | Jeep Tour | |
How you travel | On foot between villages, jeep only to and from Kagbeni | By jeep throughout |
Time in the landscape | 7 walking days | Short walks at stops |
Duration | 14 days | Shorter |
Physical effort | Moderate | Low |
Best for | Travelers who want to walk the desert and villages | Travelers with limited time or mobility |
Upper Mustang Trek Cost
The 14-day Upper Mustang Trek costs from US$1,000 per person for groups of six or more. The restricted-area permit, guide, porter and jeep costs are shared, so larger groups pay less each. The route, permits and lodges stay the same for everyone.
Price by Group Size
Group Size | Price per Person |
1 person (private rate, subject to permit rules) | US$1,300 |
2-5 people | US$1,100 |
6+ people | US$1,000 |
Prices are per person, and Trip Highland can set up private departures on dates that suit you. The package covers the restricted-area permit, so there's no separate permit fee to pay on arrival.
Restricted-area permits are issued for a minimum of two trekkers, so if you're traveling alone, tell us and we'll explain your options. Ask us for a quote if your group is bigger or you want upgrades like better hotels in the cities.
Extra Costs on the Upper Mustang Trek (Showers, Wi-Fi, Tips)
These are small costs you'll pay on the way, in cash. Prices are typical and rise with remoteness, and there are no ATMs in Upper Mustang.
Item | Typical Cost |
Hot shower | US$3-5 |
Device charging or Wi-Fi | US$1-4 per use |
Bottled or boiled water | US$1-3 per litre |
Snacks and drinks | US$5-10 per day |
Tip for guide | US$10-15 per day, per group |
Tip for porter | US$6-10 per day |
Plan on roughly US$200-300 per person for the whole trek, including tips, depending on how often you treat yourself.
How Difficult Is the 14-Day Upper Mustang Trek?
This trek is moderate. You don't need climbing skills, and the passes are gentler than on the big Himalayan circuits, but you do need to be comfortable walking for five to eight hours a day in strong wind and sun, for several days in a row.
The difficulty comes from the conditions more than the climbs. The air is dry and dusty, the afternoon wind in the Kali Gandaki valley can be fierce, and the lodges are basic. Two days stand out: Day 6 over Nyi La Pass, and Day 11, a long descent that's hard on the knees. There's also a lot of time in vehicles, with a long drive at each end of the trek.
If you can walk uphill for a few hours with a daypack and recover well the next morning, you're in good shape. The training plan below shows you how to get there.
Acclimatization on the Upper Mustang Trek
The big jump is on Day 5, when you sleep at Syangboche (3,800 m), about 750 m higher than at Chele (3,050 m) the night before. That is above the usual advice of 300 to 500 m per night above 3,000 m. After that, the route stays between about 3,500 and 3,850 m, and the rest day in Lo Manthang on Day 9 gives your body time to adjust.
Our guides manage Day 5 with a slow pace, regular stops, plenty of water and daily symptom checks with an oximeter. If you want a gentler profile, ask us about adding a night at Chele.
Best Time for the Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang sits in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, so it stays much drier than the rest of Nepal, and its season is longer than most. Winds are strongest in the afternoon at any time of year.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a popular season, with long days and clear skies, though it can be windy and dusty.
Summer (June to August)
Because of the rain shadow, the monsoon is far lighter here than elsewhere in Nepal, and the fields are green with barley and buckwheat. The challenge is getting there, since heavy rain on the lower roads can cause landslides and delays on the drives from Pokhara.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn offers clear skies and comfortable days, and it's a good season for photography. The harvest brings extra color to the villages. October is the busiest month, but the trail is still much quieter than the Annapurna Circuit.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is very cold, and many lodges close as families move to lower villages. Heavy snow can also block the passes. We don't recommend trekking in winter.
Which Season Should You Choose?
Spring and autumn are generally the most practical choices for this itinerary. Your final decision should account for your available dates, tolerance for wind and cold, interest in festivals, and the latest trail and road reports.
Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang
Tiji is a three-day Buddhist festival in Lo Manthang, with masked dances that tell the story of good defeating evil. It usually falls in May or early June, and the dates follow the Tibetan lunar calendar, so they change every year. The festival is confirmed by Choede Monastery close to the event.
Lo Manthang has limited lodging, and the festival is the busiest time of the year, so book early if you want to attend. Tell us your preferred year and we'll build the itinerary around the confirmed dates.
Upper Mustang Trek Permits (RAP and ACAP) and Documents
The Upper Mustang Trek requires a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) because the region is a protected restricted area of Nepal. You also need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) to enter the conservation area.
All permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency, and foreign trekkers must travel with a licensed guide. The Restricted Area Permit requires a minimum of two trekkers, so independent trekking is not permitted.
Permit / Requirement | Cost / Status | Details |
Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | US$50 per person per day | Mandatory for Upper Mustang. The fee depends on the number of days spent in the restricted area. |
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 per person | Required for foreign nationals entering the Annapurna Conservation Area. |
TIMS Card | Confirm before departure | We check the latest requirements and arrange it if applicable. |
Licensed Trekking Guide | Mandatory | Foreign trekkers must travel with a licensed guide through a registered trekking agency. |
Important Permit Information
The Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit costs US$50 per person per day. Your total permit cost depends on how many days you spend in the restricted area, so the RAP is calculated separately from the ACAP fee.
We arrange the required permits before your trek. You only need to provide your passport details and the required photographs in advance. We will confirm the applicable fees and document requirements when you book, as government regulations may change.
Nepal Visa
A tourist visa costs US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, and US$125 for 90 days, so the 15-day visa covers this 14-day trip with one day to spare, but a delay on the road could push you past it. We suggest the 30-day visa for peace of mind.
You can get it on arrival at the airport, or pre-apply online up to 15 days before you travel. Visa rules and fees can change, so check with the Department of Immigration before you fly.
Documents to Prepare Before Your Trek
Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your trip, with blank pages for the visa
Passport-size photos: Two to four copies, for the visa and permit applications
Travel insurance: A policy that covers trekking at altitude, emergency medical treatment, and helicopter evacuation
Emergency information: Contact details for Trip Highland, your family and your insurer's 24-hour assistance number
Copies: Digital and paper copies of important documents, stored separately from the originals
Travel Insurance and Emergency Evacuation
Travel insurance is not included, and you should buy it before you fly. Your policy must cover trekking up to at least 4,100 m and emergency helicopter evacuation. Check the policy wording for altitude limits, because some standard policies stop at 3,000 m or 4,000 m.
Upper Mustang is remote, and evacuation takes time, so insurance with helicopter cover matters. Your guide carries a first-aid kit and an oximeter and monitors symptoms every day.
If anyone needs evacuation or urgent medical care, your guide contacts our Pokhara office, and you contact your insurer's emergency line. Keep a printed copy of your policy number and the insurer's 24-hour number with you.
Accommodation During the Upper Mustang Trek
Along the trail, you'll stay in simple lodges and teahouses run by local families. Rooms usually have twin beds, foam mattresses, and shared bathrooms, and the walls are thin. Some lodges in Lo Manthang and larger villages are a little more comfortable, but facilities vary by village and season.
Electricity often comes from solar panels, so charging may be limited and may cost extra. Hot showers can be basic and slow, and heating is usually limited to the dining room. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, you stay in hotels with breakfast included, on a twin-sharing basis.
Food on the Upper Mustang Trek
Lodges serve dal bhat, noodles, rice, soups, momos, eggs, porridge, and Tibetan bread. Mustang is also known for its apples and apple products, and you may see local barley and buckwheat in the dishes. The menu gets shorter the further you go, since everything comes up the road or by mule.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner on the trek are included. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, only breakfast and the Day 1 welcome dinner are included. Tell your guide about any dietary needs on day one so they can pass them on to each lodge.
Altitude Sickness on the Upper Mustang Trek
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, however fit or experienced. On this trek, you cross Nyi La Pass at 4,010 m and sleep as high as 3,840 m, and you spend seven nights above 3,000 m (Days 4 to 10). The trek is lower than many Himalayan routes, but altitude still matters, and the dry air makes dehydration easy.
Early Signs of Altitude Sickness (AMS)
Watch for headache, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite and poor sleep. Tell your guide at the first hint. Mild AMS usually settles with rest and a night at the same altitude.
Serious Altitude Sickness (HACE and HAPE): When to Descend
If symptoms get worse, with confusion, stumbling, extreme drowsiness, breathlessness at rest or a persistent cough, descend immediately, day or night. Both HACE and HAPE are emergencies, and descent is the only reliable treatment.
Rules to Follow Above 3,000 m
Walk slowly, even when you feel strong
Don't climb higher if you have symptoms
Drink 3 to 4 litres of water daily, since the dry air dehydrates you faster
Skip alcohol and cigarettes
Tell your guide how you really feel, every day
Diamox and Pulse Oximeter Checks
Diamox (acetazolamide) is a prescription medicine some trekkers use to help acclimatize, but it doesn't replace going slowly, so talk to your doctor before you travel. Your guide carries a pulse oximeter, which is useful but can't rule out altitude sickness on its own.
Upper Mustang Trek Packing List
Pack for dry, windy, sunny days and cold nights. The wind and dust are as much of a challenge as the temperature, so protect your face, lips and eyes. Your porter carries the duffel (limit 15 kg), and you carry a daypack with the essentials.
Clothing
Moisture-wicking base layers
Warm fleece or insulating mid-layer
Down or synthetic insulated jacket
Windproof and waterproof jacket and trousers
Lightweight trekking trousers and shirts with sun protection
Warm hat, wide-brimmed sun hat, and gloves
Footwear and Equipment
Broken-in trekking boots with good grip
Comfortable camp shoes or sandals
Trekking poles
Headlamp with spare batteries
Water bottles or a hydration system
Sleeping bag rated to about -10°C (bring or rent in Kathmandu or Pokhara)
Dust, Wind and Sun
A buff, scarf or dust mask for the windy afternoons
High-SPF sunscreen and strong lip balm
Moisturizer and eye drops for the dry air
Sunglasses with strong UV protection, ideally wraparound, or goggles for dusty days
Health and Personal Items
Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
Blister plasters
Toiletries and hand sanitizer
Water purification tablets or a filter
Power bank and charging cable
Cash
Bring Nepali rupees in cash for the trek, since there are no ATMs along the route.
Upper Mustang Trek Training Plan (8 Weeks)
Start about eight weeks before departure. The aim is to build the endurance for long days on dry, open trails and several days of steady uphill and downhill walking.
Weeks 1-3: Walk briskly 3 to 4 times a week for 45 to 60 minutes. Add hills or stairs, plus step-ups, squats, lunges, and calf raises twice a week.
Weeks 4-6: Make the weekend hike 3 to 5 hours with your loaded daypack, and try walking in wind if the weather allows.
Weeks 7-8: Do back-to-back long hikes in your trekking boots, and practice walking downhill, since Day 11 is a long descent.
Two days of the trip are long jeep rides on rough roads. Bring a neck pillow, motion-sickness tablets if you need them, and snacks. If you have health concerns or take regular medication, consult a qualified healthcare professional before traveling at altitude. Fitness alone does not prevent altitude sickness.
Extend Your Upper Mustang Trek
Extension | Extra Time | Highlights |
Fly one way between Pokhara and Jomsom | Saves road time | Skips one of the long drives, subject to weather and at extra cost |
Visit Muktinath | 1 extra day | A sacred temple for Hindus and Buddhists, close to Kagbeni |
Time your trip for the Tiji Festival | Dates vary | Masked dances in Lo Manthang, usually in May or early June |
Extra nights in Pokhara | 1-3 days | Lakeside relaxation, paragliding, and local sightseeing |
Kathmandu sightseeing | 1 day | Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath |
Let Trip Highland know how many extra days you have and what you want to experience. We can help you choose a suitable extension and adjust your Upper Mustang itinerary accordingly.
Why Trek With Trip Highland?
For more than 16 years, Trip Highland has been guiding trekkers through Nepal's mountains. We're based in Pokhara, the gateway to Mustang, so the people who plan your trip know the road, the lodges, and the permit process first-hand.
16+ years of experience: Benefit from our knowledge of Nepal's trekking routes, mountain conditions, and local communities.
Restricted-area know-how: We handle the permits and paperwork for Upper Mustang, so you don't have to.
Safety-first guiding: Your guide checks for altitude symptoms every day, and the itinerary includes a rest day in Lo Manthang.
Personalized trekking: Discuss your travel dates, interests, fitness level, and budget to find a plan that suits you.
Authentic local culture: Stay in family-run lodges and visit monasteries with guides who know the history.
Responsible travel: We respect local customs, the fragile desert environment and the monasteries you visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Upper Mustang Trek?
This itinerary takes 14 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, with 7 days on foot (Days 4 to 8, 10 and 11) and a rest day in Lo Manthang. The other days are for travel to and from Pokhara and the airport.
How much does the 14-day Upper Mustang Trek cost?
The package starts at US$ 1,000 per person for groups of six or more. Groups of 2 to 5 pay US$ 1,100 per person, and the private rate for one traveler is US$ 1,300. The price includes the restricted-area permit, hotels and lodges, meals on the trek, transport, a licensed guide, and porter service (see "What's Included").
What is the highest point of the Upper Mustang Trek?
The highest point is Nyi La Pass at 4,010 m, crossed on Day 6. The highest place you sleep is Lo Manthang at 3,840 m.
Is the Upper Mustang Trek difficult?
It can be if you are reasonably fit. No technical climbing is needed, but you will walk five to eight hours a day, sleep at around 3,500 to 3,850 m, and handle strong winds and dust. Start training about eight weeks ahead, and tell us about any health concerns when you book.
What is the best time for the Upper Mustang Trek?
Spring and autumn are the most popular seasons, but Upper Mustang is also trekkable in summer because of its rain shadow. Check the latest forecast and road reports before departure.
When is the Tiji Festival?
Tiji is a three-day festival in Lo Manthang, usually held in May or early June. The dates follow the Tibetan lunar calendar and change every year, so check the confirmed dates with us before you book.
Why is Upper Mustang a restricted area?
The region borders Tibet and has been protected to preserve its unique culture. That's why you need a special permit, a licensed guide and a registered agency to visit.
Can I trek Upper Mustang independently?
No. Independent trekking isn't allowed in restricted areas. You need a registered agency to arrange your permits, and a licensed guide must accompany you.
Can I trek Upper Mustang alone?
Restricted-area permits are issued for a minimum of two trekkers. If you're traveling alone, tell us your dates and we'll explain the options, which may include joining another traveler.
Which permits do I need for Upper Mustang?
You need a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). We arrange both for you, include them in your package price, and confirm whether any other card applies, such as a TIMS card.
Is there an acclimatization day on this itinerary?
Yes. Day 9 is spent in Lo Manthang, which gives your body time to adjust and lets you see the city properly. Day 5 is the biggest altitude gain, so ask us about adding a night at Chele if you want a gentler plan.
Do I need travel insurance for the Upper Mustang Trek?
Yes. Your policy should cover trekking up to at least 4,100 m and emergency helicopter evacuation. Travel insurance is not included in the package, so buy it before you travel and carry a printed copy.
Is Upper Mustang a desert?
It looks like one, with red cliffs, dry canyons and sparse vegetation. The region is dry because it lies in the Himalayan rain shadow, and farming happens only where the villages have irrigation.
Is there a road in Upper Mustang?
Yes. A jeep road now reaches Lo Manthang, and in places the trail runs beside it or crosses it. Your guide will take footpaths wherever they exist, and you'll still spend most of each day walking through villages and open desert.
Are there ATMs or mobile network in Upper Mustang?
No ATMs, so bring enough Nepali rupees in cash for the whole trek. Mobile signal is patchy, and Wi-Fi is available only in some lodges for a fee.
What happens if the road is blocked by landslides?
Landslides can delay the drives from Pokhara, especially in monsoon. Your guide will assess conditions and discuss the options, which may include waiting, rerouting or changing the plan. Delays or route changes may result in extra costs, depending on the circumstances and your booking terms.
