Culture Trip / Mustang / Nepal Upper Mustang TrekNext tentative Date: Available as a Private Trek on a date of your preference.
What the arid desert of Mustang lacks in towering mountains, it makes up for in impeccable, surreal Martian landscape and a pristine culture lost in time. |
What the arid desert of Mustang lacks in towering mountains, it makes up for in impeccable, surreal Martian landscape and a pristine culture lost in time.
Stunning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, flying between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains | |
Erratic landscapes of Upper Mustang - arid, dry and chiseled by strong winds for millions of years. Upper Mustang is the southern tip of Tibetan plateau and falls on the rainshadow area of the HimalayasThe terrain is significantly different from other trekking regions of Nepal. | |
Predominantly Tibetan culture throughout Mustang | |
Ancient houses, monasteries and religious practices. | |
Crossing Paa Pass (4,210m) that boasts incredible panorama of Upper Mustang. | |
Goats, sheep, yaks and horses in the region that are widely used for food, transportation etc. | |
Exploring ancient sky caves, some multi-storied, which are believed to have been used for meditation and keeping a lookout for bandits in the region. | |
The surreal village of Samzong with amazing and colorful rock formation. The journey to Samzong takes us through narrow gorges and landscape that seems otherworldly. |
Also known as the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal, the Upper Mustang Trek is a unique expedition into the remote and ancient kingdom of Mustang. These days, Upper Mustang is connected by roads all the way. Therefore, we have designed our itinerary to maximize the experience by minimizing walks on the motor roads and focusing on exploring more remote and fascinating corners of the region. It is a moderate trek, suitable for trekkers with a reasonable level of physical fitness. Some days will be challenging due to the rugged terrains, as we have to stock up on necessary food and water for the entire day.
For added accessibility, one can also choose to drive to most parts or explore the region on horseback. It's important to note that trekking in Upper Mustang is expensive due to the high permit rates allocated by the government.
On this trek, the highest point you will cross is Pa Pass, at an elevation of 4,200m (13,780ft). The trek includes acclimatization days to allow your body to adjust gradually to the increasing altitude. Accommodations in a few sections will be extremely basic as we tread through secluded villages. Rest assured, you'll be accompanied by our highly experienced guides with trail and safety knowledge, and we will have porters to carry your luggage.
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Spring is one of the best times for the Upper Mustang Trek. The weather is pleasant, and the region is in full bloom with colorful flowers. The daytime temperatures are mild, ranging between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and the nights can be cool but not excessively cold.
The monsoon season in Upper Mustang experiences less rainfall compared to other regions in Nepal. However, there might still be occasional showers. The landscape becomes greener, and the temperature remains moderate during this time. The average daytime temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The otherwise whitewashed landscapes become colorful with shades of pink, yellow, and green fields. Getting to the region, however, is a big challenge as the roads are obstructed due to floods, landslides, and rockfalls. The chances of flight cancellation between Pokhara and Jomsom are also high.
Fall is another excellent time for the Upper Mustang Trek. The weather is stable, and the skies are clear, offering stunning views of the Himalayas. The temperatures are moderate during the day, ranging between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), and it gets colder at night.
Winter in Upper Mustang is cold, especially at higher elevations. The temperatures can drop below freezing, and there may be occasional snowfall. The trek is still possible in early winter, but you need to be well-prepared for the cold weather. High passes will be inaccessible due to snow. The average daytime temperature ranges between 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
Group Size | Price per person* |
4 - 8 people | USD 2250 |
8 and above | USD 2050 |
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Valid until Dec 31st, 2024
Prices for expats is less by USD 75
Horsemen galloping from Lo Manthang to Chhoser in Upper Mustang
A monk navigates intricate passage of multistorey caves of Chhoser
Chhortens and prayer flags, called Lungtas, near Ghar Gompa
Women walking in clockwise direction around the walled fortress of Lo Manthan. This ritual is called Kora, and performed daily by many locals here.
Skies turn pink at dusk
Distinct red cliffs of Dhakmar
Trekker on the downhilll to Dhi
Prayer Flag in Mustang
Kids in Lo Manthang
Sun Cave Monastery in Chhoser
Prayer flags are hung outdoors so that winds can carry the inscribed prayers to all sentient beings
Butter tea is drink of favor in Mustang, and takes a little getting used to
Ravens fly in hordes against the erroded cliffs of Mustang
Luri Gompa
Chhorten in Tsarang at dusk
Monastery in Namgyal, just off Lo Manthang, and mountains that separate Mustang and Dolpo
Hitching a ride on a tractor to the revered Chhoser village
Monks in Mustang
Walking up to Paa Pass, the highest point of the trek
A lone sheep heads back from higher pastures to Dhakmar as dusk approaches
Clad in traditional Tibetan clothes in Samzong
A local Mustangi woman in traditional ornaments
Trekker walks by erratic formations in Upper Mustang
A local in front of his shop in Lo Manthang
Entrance of Ghar Goampa, the oldest monastery of Upper Mustang
Mustard fields and arid mountains in Upper Mustang
Sheep Herder in the village of Dhe
Rock formations and colors are otherworldly in Mustang
Sunset over the dunes of Tsarang
Off to a religious ceremony in Chhoser. On the background is the newly built Nenyul village that will house relocated people of Samzong village
Nilgiri mountain dominates the horizon in Upper Mustang trek
Horses in Mustang have a respectable reputation for their strength
A lady in Samzong
Horseman in Lo Manthang
Elderly lady in Dhi village
Monastery under construction in Lo Mantang, Mustang
A local brushes her teeth
Towards Tangge from Yara
Monastery in Tsarang
Eroded by air and water, the landscape of Mustang is Martian and unique to say the least
A local in Samzong dances for the camera
Suspension bridge in Chhuksang
Mustang is home to caves believed to be thousands of years old
Little monk within the walled ancient city of Lo Manthang
Dhe rooftops
Tibetan ornaments worn by a local at a festival
Day 1 |
Kathmandu - Pokhara |
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Day 2 |
Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni |
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Day 3 |
Kagbeni - Ghami |
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Day 4 |
Ghami - Lomanthang via Ghar Gompa |
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Day 5 |
Lomanthang - Chhoser - Lomanthang |
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Day 6 |
Lomanthang - Samzong |
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Day 7 |
Samzong - Lomanthang |
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Day 8 |
Lomanthang - Yara |
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Day 9 |
Yara - Luri Gompa - Yara |
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Day 10 |
Yara - Tange |
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Day 11 |
Tange - Chhuksang |
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Day 12 |
Chhuksang - Muktinath - Jomsom |
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Day 13 |
Jomsom - Pokhara |
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Day 14 |
Pokhara - Kathmandu |
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Day 1 |
Kathmandu - Pokhara |
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Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara 25 mins |
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Explore Pokhara valley |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Temple Tree Resort and Spa
Day 2 |
Pokhara - Jomsom - Kagbeni |
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Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom 20 mins |
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Trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni 3 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3 |
Kagbeni - Ghami |
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Drive from Kagbeni to Ghami 5 to 6 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 4 |
Ghami - Lomanthang via Ghar Gompa |
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Trek from Ghami to Lomanthang via Ghar Gompa |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 5 |
Lomanthang - Chhoser - Lomanthang |
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Day trip to Chhoser 5 to 6 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 6 |
Lomanthang - Samzong |
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Trek from Lomanthang to Kora La (Chinese Border) and then to Samzong |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 7 |
Samzong - Lomanthang |
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Trek from Samzong to Lomanthang |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8 |
Lomanthang - Yara |
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Trek from Lomanthang to Yara 7 to 8 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 9 |
Yara - Luri Gompa - Yara |
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Trek from Yara to Luri Gumba, and back 5 to 6 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 10 |
Yara - Tange |
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Trek from Yara to Tange 8 to 9 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 11 |
Tange - Chhuksang |
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Trek from Tange to Chhuksang 9 to 10 hrs |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mountain Lodge
Day 12 |
Chhuksang - Muktinath - Jomsom |
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Trek from Chhuksang to Jomsom (via Muktinath) |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 13 |
Jomsom - Pokhara |
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Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Temple Tree Resort and Spa
Day 14 |
Pokhara - Kathmandu |
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Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu |
Meals Included: Breakfast
Temple Tree Resort and Spa |
X Close Accommodation Popup
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Lakeside, Pokhara
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Air Conditioning | • | Balcony | • | TV | • | Mini Bar | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Electric Kettle | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Child-friendly | • | Garden | • | Swimming Pool | • | Plunge Pool | • | Massage | • | Spa | • | Laundry | • | Fire Extinguisher | • | POS Machine | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Hotel |
X Close Accommodation Popup
X Close Popup
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Balcony | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Lake Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Accommodation Popup
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Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Hotel |
X Close Accommodation Popup
X Close Popup
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Balcony | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Lake Views |
Hotel |
X Close Accommodation Popup
X Close Popup
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Balcony | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Lake Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Accommodation Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Hotel |
X Close Accommodation Popup
X Close Popup
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Balcony | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Lake Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Accommodation Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Accommodation Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Accommodation Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Mountain Lodge |
X Close Accommodation Popup
X Close Popup
Mountain lodges are the basic accommodation set up by locals to cater to trekkers in the trails. The common features across all lodges are standard rooms, a spacious and heated dining hall, and a restaurant with a menu. The rooms in mountain lodges generally have two or three twin beds with a mattress and blanket. If you are used to sleeping warm, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag and liner. Other amenities could be a table, hanger, and dustbin but do not expect to have charging ports and attached toilets in the rooms. Moreover, it is mandatory to have meals in the facility you’re staying at.
• | Shared Toilet |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
Hotel |
X Close Accommodation Popup
X Close Popup
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Balcony | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Garden | • | Laundry | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Lake Views |
Temple Tree Resort and Spa |
X Close Accommodation Popup
X Close Popup
Lakeside, Pokhara
• | Free Wi-Fi | • | Room Service | • | Air Conditioning | • | Balcony | • | TV | • | Mini Bar | • | Private Bathroom | • | Hot Shower | • | Free Toiletries | • | Towels | • | Slippers | • | Power Socket | • | Electric Kettle | • | Daily Housekeeping |
• | Restaurant and Bar | • | Child-friendly | • | Garden | • | Swimming Pool | • | Plunge Pool | • | Massage | • | Spa | • | Laundry | • | Fire Extinguisher | • | POS Machine | • | Outdoor Seating | • | Mountain Views |
For those short on time or looking to add an exhilarating experience of flying over the majestic Himalayas, you have the option to charter a private helicopter on the way down. Inquire for prices and options!
Group Size | Price per person* |
4 - 8 people | USD 2250 |
8 and above | USD 2050 |
Valid until Dec 31st, 2024
Prices for expats (with a valid work ID and work/student visa) and their dependents is less by USD 75 per person. Prices differ contingent on the rates charged by airlines and hotels.
For people trekking as a group of 3 or less, kindly inquire for prices. As fixed costs are shared among limited people, prices are slightly higher.
Valid until Dec 31st, 2022
Important
Accommodation
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Transportation
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Food
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Crew
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Permits
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Misc
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You will be accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable tour guide equipped with a first aid kit. Always follow their instructions and stick to designated paths.
While Nepal is generally very safe, there is still a possibility of pickpocketing in touristy areas. Pack your passport, flight tickets, phone, wallet, camera equipment, cash, and all your valuables in your day pack or waist belt. Please don’t bring or carry expensive items like jewelry etc or a large sum of cash while traveling for security reasons.
Water safety is very crucial as one can easily contract waterborne diseases. Drinking tap water is not advised and we recommend drinking boiled/ filtered or bottled water only.
Meals are left out from price includes to give you full flexibility, depending on your appetite and preference. The hotels and restaurants are hygienic, and have a good selection of food and drink options. For vegetarians and vegans, or if you have any other dietary requirements, please let us know at the time of booking so we can make arrangements.
It is recommended to bring snacks (like chocolates, dry fruits, etc) and energy bars to munch on during the tour.
• | Comfortable walking shoes |
• | A warm layer |
• | Sun hat or cap |
• | Full sleeved clothes for entering heritage sites |
• | Day bag |
• | Rain gear |
• | Sunglasses |
• | Water bottle |
• | Trail snacks and energy bars (optional) |
• | Camera with charger and extra batteries |
• | Power bank (Optional) |
• | Sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) |
• | Sanitizer |
• | Bug / Insect repellent |
• | Toiletries |
• | Original passport |
• | Extra cash (for meals, shopping, etc) |
• | Credit card (VISA & MasterCard) |
Please print and fill up the Booking Form. It’s pretty simple and short, please let us know if we can help you with it.
We’ll send terms and conditions, along with payment details. To confirm your spot, please pay 50% of the trip cost in advance.
Note: Full payment to be made at least 7 days before trip departure.
A few days before the trip, the lead guide will host a small briefing to discuss logistics and safety matters, and also answer any questions you have.
Do some light training and set your gears. Then off to the mountains we go!