Upper Mustang Trek – 11 Days

Upper Mustang has a long history that goes back thousands of years. Ancient caves in the region show that people lived there very early, although little is known about them. Written records from Tibet and Ladakh mention Mustang as early as the 7th century. In 1380, a leader named Ame Pal founded the Kingdom of Lo after building a strong fortress and defeating local rulers. He established the walled city of Lo Manthang, which became the center of the kingdom.

Because Mustang lies on an important route between Tibet and India, it became a busy center for trade and travel. At the same time, the region faced attacks from bandits, so the gates of Lo Manthang were closed every night for protection. In the late 1500s, Mustang came under the control of Ladakh, and later in the 1760s, it became connected to Jumla in western Nepal. When King Prithvi Narayan Shah united Nepal, Mustang also became part of the country, although it still kept some local independence.

In the 20th century, major political changes affected Mustang. In 1951, Nepal became a constitutional monarchy, and Mustang officially became a district. After China took control of Tibet in 1959, Mustang became a base for Tibetan fighters resisting Chinese rule, so the Nepalese government declared it a restricted area. For many years, Upper Mustang was closed to outsiders. After Nepal’s 1990 democratic movement, the government slowly opened the area to tourism. In 1992, the first foreign trekking groups were allowed to visit, and today Upper Mustang is known for protecting its unique culture and history.

During your 11-day Upper Mustang Trek in Upper Mustang, you will enter a place that feels like a living museum. The geography of the trans-Himalayan rain shadow, combined with centuries of political history, has preserved its culture, traditions, and heritage in a way that is rarely found anywhere else. Here are the main things you will experience during your journey into the former Kingdom of Lo:

Lo Manthang

Lo Manthang (3,840 m) is one of the last surviving walled kingdoms in the Himalayan region. Founded in 1440 by King Ame Pal, the old settlement is still protected by a mud wall nearly 6 m high, built to defend the ancient Kingdom of Lo from invasions and desert winds. Even today, the alleys, whitewashed mud houses, prayer wheels, and centuries-old traditions make the town feel almost frozen in time.

At the center of the walled city stands the four-story royal palace, which was the residence of the Lo dynasty for nearly 25 generations. Lo Manthang is also home to some of the Himalayas’ oldest Buddhist monasteries such as Jampa Gompa and Thubchen Gompa, famous for their rare 15th-century wall paintings and handmade clay statues. A short trip north leads to the Chhoser Valley sky caves, where researchers discovered hand-carved cave chambers, ancient burial remains, and meditation rooms believed to be around 2,500 to 3,000 years old. These caves reveal that people were living in this dry Himalayan valley long before modern Nepal existed.

Spin Prayers at the Longest Mani Wall of Ghami

Near the village of Ghami, trekkers can visit one of the most sacred landmarks of Upper Mustang: the massive Ghami Mani Wall. More than 305 m long, it is considered the longest Mani wall in the entire Mustang region. Its bright red, white, and bluish-grey mineral colors represent important Buddhist symbols linked to compassion, wisdom, and protection.

The top of the wall is covered with thousands of slate stones sculpted with the Buddhist mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum.” Many of these stones were engraved slowly over generations by monks, pilgrims, and local families as acts of faith and prayer. You can pass the wall from the left side in a clockwise direction while spinning prayer wheels or offering prayers for safe travel. In the strong Mustang winds, the sound of fluttering prayer flags and spinning wheels creates a calm atmosphere that feels connected to the spiritual life of the Himalayan desert.

Kali Gandaki Gorge & River with Shaligram

The Kali Gandaki Gorge (also known as the Andha Galchi) is one of the deepest river gorges on Earth, located between Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri I. In some areas, the vertical difference from the riverbed to the mountain summits is more than 5,500 m. Over millions of years, the Kali Gandaki River excavated this canyon through the Himalayas by forming a natural corridor that connected ancient trade routes between Nepal and Tibet.

The Kali Gandaki River is also famous for its Shaligrams, smooth black fossil stones found on the riverbanks. Geologically, these are petrified cephalopods, ancient sea organisms that lived around 150 million years ago in the ancient Tethys Ocean before the Himalayas even existed. When the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collided nearly 50 million years ago, the ocean floor rose upward to form the Himalayan mountains, leaving these fossils trapped inside the rocks. For millions of Hindus, Shaligrams are not ordinary fossils but holy symbols of Lord Vishnu.

Tibetan Buddhist Culture Exploration & Tiji Festival

Since the ancient Kingdom of Lo was closed to outsiders until 1992, this long isolation preserved Tibetan Buddhist traditions, language, architecture, and rituals that have slowly disappeared in many other Himalayan regions. Most monasteries here belong to the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism (the Ngor lineage) and can be identified by their walls painted with vertical red, white, and grey stripes.

The cultural highlight of the region is the Tiji Festival held every spring inside the royal courtyard of Lo Manthang. This three-day masked dance ceremony represents the victory of good over destructive forces and drought. Monks dressed in colorful silk robes and large symbolic masks perform traditional dances that tell the story of Dorje Jono defeating a demon threatening the kingdom. On the final day, people destroy a figure made of barley dough that symbolizes evil, while prayers, drums, and Tibetan horns echo all over the walled city.

During the Upper Mustang Trek, you can stay in tea houses, guesthouses, or small hotels. Tea houses are the most popular because they are affordable.

The accommodations at the tea houses are comfortable and clean. You will be given pillows, blankets, bedsheets, and mattresses. Remember that during peak season, you mostly have a single room with a twin bed, meaning you might have to share your room with other trekkers. Only a few accommodations have rooms with attached toilets and bathrooms, so you may have to share a bathroom and sink with other trekkers. However, they are cleaned daily, so you don’t have to worry about hygiene.

Nutritious food is essential for trekkers during their treks, so you will be provided with three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Most eateries offer local Nepali foods and some Western food options. Local Nepali foods include traditional Dal, Bhat, and Curry, and for Western foods, common menus include Pizzas, Burgers, Dumplings, Soups, Stews, spaghetti, and Macaroni. However, Western foods are slightly more expensive than local Nepali foods because they are imported from the cities. At the same time, local Nepali food and spices are mainly produced from the local farmland, so they are cheaper than Western foods.

The total walking distance of the 11 days Upper Mustang Trek is approximately 71.5 km (44.4 miles). It starts from the airport at Jomsom and ends at the Lo Manthang city. If you choose to explore the Chhoser valley and the Shija Jhong cave system on your rest day, your total foot distance will increase by an additional 8 to 12 km. On average, you will cover between 10.5 and 15.3 km per day on foot, which translates to roughly 5 to 6 hours of trekking.

What makes this specific 11-day itinerary highly efficient is the availability of walking and driving. While a traditional trek needs you another 5 to 6 days walking all the way back down the valley, this optimized package switches to a private four-wheel-drive jeep immediately after you finish exploring Lo Manthang. On Day 9, you drive about 85 km from the north back to Jomsom via Muktinath. By skipping the long walk back, you save a lot of time on your trip without missing any of the trans-Himalayan scenery or cultural monuments.

Travel insurance is crucial for any treks in Nepal, including the Upper Mustang trek. Who knows what happens next in your life? Thus, buy travel insurance from a reputable company that will be in your service 24/7. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, and emergency evacuation. Moreover, make sure to buy insurance from your country, as no company in Nepal does insurance for foreigners. The insurance cost is USD 200-300 and varies depending on trip destination, coverage, and age.

Classic Route (Jomsom → Lo Manthang)

The Classic Route is the most popular and main trail to Upper Mustang. It starts from Jomsom, which is accessible by a short flight from Pokhara. It takes you from traditional villages like Kagbeni, Chele, and Tsarang, following the Kali Gandaki Valley, crossing arid desert landscapes, and experiencing Tibetan-influenced culture before reaching Lo Manthang. Popular among adventure seekers, the 14 day upper Mustang Trek covers a total trekking distance of around 110–120 km round trip and needs strong mental and physical strength to complete.

• Pros: Well-maintained trail, easy logistics
• Cons: Can be crowded during peak season. An Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit is required

Western Route (Ghemi → Lo Manthang via Dhakmar & Ghar Gompa)

The Western Route is less traveled and more adventurous than the Classic Route. It branches off at Ghemi and passes Dhakmar and the Ghar Gompa before reaching Lo Manthang. This remote trail takes trekkers through hidden caves and barren desert landscapes, with far fewer travelers along the way. Ideal for those seeking for an uncrowded Himalayan experience, the 15 day Upper Mustang Alternative trek covers approximately 115–125 km round trip and takes 14–16 days to complete.

• Pros: Less crowded, more adventurous
• Cons: Longer and harder trek, fewer teahouses

Eastern Route (Lo Manthang → Chhusang via Yara & Tangge)

The Eastern Route is mainly used for returning from Lo Manthang and is suitable for trekkers who want to explore more remote villages. This route passes through lesser-known villages like Yara and Tangge and offers a deeper look into Mustang’s high desert landscapes. Along the way, you can visit cliff-side villages, high desert canyons, ancient monasteries, and cultural sites. The trekking distance is 120–130 km round trip, and the total duration is 12–15 days.

• Pros: Very scenic, off-the-beaten-path, avoids crowds
• Cons: Needs careful planning for food, water, and accommodation; higher altitude exposure

Combined Loop Route (Classic + Western + Eastern)

The Combined Loop Route offers the most complete experience of Upper Mustang. Trekkers reach Lo Manthang via the Classic and Western Routes and return through the Eastern Route. They enter through Kagbeni and complete the loop by exploring Ghemi, Dhakmar, Tsarang, Yara, Tangge, and Lo Manthang. For travelers seeking both comfort and adventure, the Luxury Upper Mustang trek is a perfect way to explore this remarkable route within 14–16 days while covering a total distance of 135–145 km.

• Pros: Most diverse and immersive, great for photography and cultural exploration
• Cons: Requires good fitness, proper acclimatization, careful planning for accommodation and logistics

There are two main ways to reach Jomsom from Pokhara: by a short mountain flight or by an overland jeep journey through the Kali Gandaki Valley. The fastest and most popular option is the early morning domestic flight, which takes only 15 to 20 minutes. Small Twin Otter and Dornier aircraft are operated between 6:30 AM and 10:00 AM for Pokhara to Jomsom, as strong afternoon winds in the Jomsom valley make later flights unsafe.

For travelers who prefer road travel or face flight cancellations, private 4WD jeeps are the most dependable land route. The drive takes around 7 to 9 hours, depending on road conditions, weather, and seasonal landslides. The first drive from Pokhara to Beni follows a smoother paved highway, but beyond Beni, the road is rough and dusty. Although the journey can be bumpy around Tatopani, Ghasa, and Marpha, you’ll still have the chance to explore apple orchards and the transition of green hills to the dry Himalayan desert of Mustang.

The Upper Mustang Trek needs two permits: the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Solo travelers can obtain the RAP through registered trekking agencies in Nepal without needing a second tourist in their group, although a licensed guide is mandatory. Permit applications can also be submitted digitally from abroad using a valid “Visa Application Submission ID” before arrival. The necessary permits are described in detail below:

Restricted Upper Mustang Area Permit

Upper Mustang falls in a restricted area of Nepal that requires a special permit. Without a special permit, you cannot access the region above Kagbeni. There is a restricted area permit check post at the exit of Kagbeni village, where you must show the permit for access. This permit covers Lo-Manthang RM (ward 1–5), Lo-Ghekar Damodarkunda RM (ward 1–5), and Baragung Muktichetra RM (ward 3 & Satang village, ward 5).

• RAP costs USD 50 per day per person

Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit (ACAP)

The second permit required for the Upper Mustang Trek is the Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit. The region lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area of the Annapurna region. The conservation area is a natural habitat of diverse flora, fauna, and ecosystems. Some significant cultural heritages also lie in this protected area. Hence, trekkers must obtain an entry permit to access the area. The Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and Pokhara issues ACAP for trekking.

• ACAP costs NPR 1,000 per person for SAARC nationals and NPR 3,000 per person for non-SAARC nationals.

Preparing for the Upper Mustang Trek is different from preparing for other popular treks in Nepal. Because you will be trekking through a high-altitude, dry, and windy desert region, you need to focus on building your fitness, protecting yourself from strong winds, and arranging all required permits in advance. Here are some tips for preparation:

• Build cardio strength 8–12 weeks before the trek with running, cycling, swimming, or long walks to improve stamina.
• Train your legs with stair climbing, squats, lunges, and uphill hiking because Upper Mustang has many rocky climbs.
• Practice hiking with your trekking boots and a 5–8 kg backpack to prepare your knees, shoulders, and breathing.
• Pack strong windproof clothing because Mustang is famous for powerful valley winds and dusty trails.
• Drink plenty of water daily and carry electrolyte powders to avoid dehydration.
• Pack a small medical kit with altitude medicine, blister pads, pain relievers, throat lozenges, and moisturizing nasal spray for dry air.
• Withdraw Nepalese Rupees in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Jomsom because ATMs are unavailable beyond Jomsom.
• Prepare important permits and travel documents in advance because Upper Mustang is a restricted area.
• Start walking slowly from the first trekking day (Jomsom) and avoid rushing.

The Upper Mustang Trek is one of a unique journey close to the Himalayas. It takes you away from modern civilization into the prehistoric settlements of Nepal. The journey reflects an entirely different part of the country hidden from the rest of the world and Nepal’s last forbidden Kingdom. Its varying trails go from dense forests to alpine meadows and winding high-altitude desert landscapes. En route, you will come across deep windswept valleys, red cliffs, and spectacular multicolor rock formations. The scenic trans-Himalayan beauty of the Upper Mustang Trek is not the only reason to take this journey. Mustang Trek is a time travel into the mysterious land of Lo Manthang and the ancient village of Kagbeni.

The region houses monuments and artifacts that date several hundred years back. The region is also close to Tibet and its border. Hence, you can see the massive influence of the Tibetan culture here. You will also explore several ancient hill caves, monasteries, gompas, and other monuments while on the trek. It offers an enriching cultural and religious immersion of the region. Over and above that, if you are craving something unique and momentous, the Upper Mustang Trek is the perfect option. The trek blends adventure, culture, and spirituality with a hint of mystery. Hence, Upper Mustang is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Nepal.

Bodywear

• Clothing Layers
•  Trekking Pants
• Thermal Underwear
•  Rain Jacket or Poncho
• Hat or Beanie
• Down or Fleece Jacket
• Gloves
• Buff or Scarf
• Long-sleeved trekking shirts

Footwear

• Trekking Boots
• Moisture-wicking socks

Backpack

• Large backpack with a rain cover
• Daypack to carry essential items during the day

Electronics

• Camera and extra batteries
• Portable chargers for electronic devices
• Powerbank

Others

• Trekking Pole
• Refillable water bottle with water purification tablet
• Sunscreen and lip balm
•  Insect repellent
• Cash
• Necessary documents
• Personal accessories

During the Upper Mustang Trek, trekkers rapidly move from the lower valleys near Pokhara into a dry high-altitude desert where oxygen levels decrease with elevation. When you reach near places like Lo La Pass (3,950 m), the thinner air can trigger Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Common early symptoms are headaches, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, poor sleep, and unusual tiredness.

Proper acclimatization is one of the most important safety factors during the trek. Standard itineraries keep daily walking hours between 5 and 6 hours so the body can acclimatize to lower oxygen levels at high altitude. Spending extra time in lower villages like Kagbeni before moving higher improves acclimatization and lowers the risk of severe altitude problems. Our teams also monitor oxygen saturation levels daily, and if symptoms become serious or continue to worsen, they’ll they will immediately move you to a lower altitude for safety.

The Upper Mustang Trek costs between USD 1,460 and USD 1,550 per person. Smaller groups of 1–4 trekkers pay around USD 1,550 per person, while larger groups of 13–18 people can lower the price to around USD 1,460 each. The trek covers the expensive Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), licensed trekking guide, porter support, teahouse accommodation, three daily meals during the trek, and ground transportation between Pokhara and Jomsom.

It also includes guide insurance, accommodation in trekking villages, airport transfers, and basic first-aid support during the journey. However, trekkers should still prepare extra personal spending money for hot showers, charging devices, Wi-Fi, snacks, bottled drinks, tips for guides and porters, travel insurance, and international airfare to Nepal. Since Upper Mustang is a restricted Himalayan region with costly permits and remote logistics, the trek is more expensive than many other Nepal trekking routes.