- 13 days
- 3,840m/12,598ft
Overview
The Upper Mustang Trek is a 13-day trekking journey from Kagbeni (2,810 m) to the walled city of Lo Manthang (3,840 m) in Nepal’s Mustang region. The highest point reached on the standard route is Nyi La Pass at approximately 4,010 m. The trek costs USD $1,749 per person, is rated moderate in difficulty, and is best done in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November), though its rain-shadow location makes it one of the few Nepal treks viable during the monsoon season (June–August).
Most treks that promise “off the beaten path” are lying to you. Upper Mustang is not. For centuries, outsiders simply could not come here — this was a restricted Himalayan kingdom sealed from the world, its culture so intact that the Loba people still speak a dialect closer to old Tibetan than anything you’ll hear in Lhasa today. We’ve been running this trek for years, and the moment that still gets us every time is the Lo La Pass — the instant Lo Manthang’s ochre walls appear below you in that vast, wind-scoured valley, the whole ancient kingdom revealed in one glance. You don’t get that anywhere else in Nepal. Not even close. Come with us, and we’ll show you why.
What is the Upper Mustang Trek?
The Upper Mustang Trek is a 13-day guided journey into Nepal’s former restricted Kingdom of Lo, beginning from Kagbeni (2,810 m) and culminating at Lo Manthang (3,840 m), the medieval walled capital of the Mustang region. The trek traverses approximately 125–160 km of high-altitude desert terrain across the Annapurna Conservation Area, before returning via the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3,710 m) and driving back to Pokhara. Solo trekking is legally prohibited — a licensed Nepali guide is mandatory.
Upper Mustang is sometimes called “the last forbidden kingdom,” and that phrase earns its keep. Until 1992, foreigners were completely barred from entering. Even today, visitor numbers are controlled through a USD $500 restricted area permit — which is exactly why the culture here feels so extraordinarily preserved. Walk the narrow alleyways of Lo Manthang and you’ll pass whitewashed mud-brick houses that have stood for six centuries, monks debating outside gompas whose walls are painted with frescoes older than the printing press, and a royal palace that still carries the quiet gravity of a working seat of power, even if the Kingdom of Lo is now officially part of Nepal.
The landscape itself is something else entirely. Upper Mustang sits in the deep rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, which means the terrain is arid, wind-sculpted and almost lunar — nothing like the green rhododendron forests of the Annapurna Circuit just a few valleys south. Towering red and ochre sandstone cliffs flank the trail. Ancient sky caves — some of them thousands of years old — puncture the cliff faces. The Kali Gandaki gorge, one of the deepest on earth, carves through it all. It is, in our honest opinion, the most visually distinctive trek in Nepal.
The trail to Upper Mustang through the Mountain desert
How difficult is the Upper Mustang Trek?
The Upper Mustang Trek is rated moderate in difficulty. Trekkers should expect to walk 5–8 hours per day over predominantly dry, rocky, and sometimes dusty trails, covering 10–18 km per day. The highest standard pass is Nyi La Pass at approximately 4,010 m, well below the extreme altitudes of Everest or Manaslu routes. A reasonable level of cardiovascular fitness — built through regular walking, jogging, or cycling in the 4–6 weeks prior — is sufficient for most healthy adults.
That said, “moderate” in Upper Mustang doesn’t mean easy. The afternoon winds in the Kali Gandaki corridor are legendary — cold, relentless, and gritty with dust. Some of the passes involve sustained uphill effort at altitude, and the terrain between villages like Chele and Syangboche has no gentle corners. What makes this manageable is the itinerary design: we build in a full acclimatisation day in Lo Manthang (Day 8), the gradual altitude gain follows sensible patterns, and our guides carry a medical kit and know the signs of AMS (acute mountain sickness) well before you do. The Himalayan Rescue Association recommends ascending no more than 300–500 m per sleeping altitude per day above 3,000 m — our itinerary respects that.
If you’ve done any multi-day trek before — even something like the Annapurna Base Camp Trek — you’ll find the physical demands here comparable. The altitude ceiling is lower than EBC, the trails are drier, and the culture along the way gives you reasons to stop and breathe that have nothing to do with fitness.
A quick note for the Jeep-supported option: several trekking operators in Mustang offer Jeep-assisted tours where driving replaces walking on some sections. We offer this as a variation, but our personal recommendation is to walk the core stages. The landscape is meant to be walked through, not driven past.
How much does the Upper Mustang Trek cost in 2026?
The Upper Mustang Trek costs USD $1,749 per person as of 2026, based on a group of two or more trekkers. This is an all-inclusive price covering airport transfers, three meals daily during the trek, all ground transportation as per the itinerary, an experienced English-speaking government-licensed guide, one porter for every two trekkers, all necessary trekking permits including the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and ACAP, staff costs (salary, insurance, equipment, food, and accommodation), a medical kit, all government and local taxes, a trekking map, and a trekking certificate on completion.
The permits alone are significant: the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit costs USD $500 per person for the first 10 days, with USD $50 charged per additional day beyond that. Crucially, this permit cannot be obtained by individual travellers — it must be arranged through a registered Nepali trekking agency such as Info Nepal Tours and Treks (Regd No: 198664/075/076). The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) adds approximately NPR 3,000 (around USD $22–25) on top.
What’s not included: international airfare, travel and rescue insurance (mandatory — must cover helicopter evacuation), personal expenses such as bottled water, hot showers, device charging, tips for guides and porters, and any domestic flights outside the standard itinerary. We don’t hide costs in the fine print. The USD $1,749 figure is what it says it is, and we’re happy to walk you through a line-by-line breakdown before you book.
One honest word on value: this is not the cheapest trek in Nepal, and the permit cost is genuinely significant. But consider that nowhere else on earth will you walk through a living medieval city, examine sky caves carved by people whose civilisation predates the Kathmandu Valley’s recorded history, and stand on a pass with Nilgiri’s north face filling your entire field of view — all in thirteen days. The permit price keeps crowds down. That’s a feature, not a disadvantage.
When is the best time to do the Upper Mustang Trek?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the two classic windows for the Upper Mustang Trek. Spring brings stable weather, daytime temperatures of 15–20°C, clear mountain panoramas, and the possibility of catching the Tiji Festival — a three-day masked dance festival in Lo Manthang that usually falls in May. Autumn brings crisp air, vivid post-monsoon colours, daytime temperatures of 12–20°C, and some of the year’s most reliable photography conditions.
Spring is our personal favourite. There’s something about arriving at Lo Manthang when the apricot trees in the lower valleys are just finishing their bloom — the contrast between that colour and the red cliffs above Dhamkar is genuinely hard to describe. If your dates allow it, aim for late April or early May and check the Tiji Festival calendar carefully. Missing it by a week is genuinely painful.
The monsoon window (June–August) deserves more credit than it gets. Upper Mustang’s rain-shadow location means it receives significantly less rainfall than central or eastern Nepal — days are warmer (18–28°C), the landscape takes on unusual patches of green, and you’ll share the trail with far fewer other trekkers. The roads between Jomsom and Kagbeni can get muddy and occasionally cut off, which is worth factoring in. But for travellers with limited spring or autumn availability, this is a genuinely viable, increasingly popular choice. The Nepal Tourism Board confirms Upper Mustang’s monsoon accessibility in its seasonal trekking guidance.
Winter (December–February) is not recommended. Teahouses in the higher villages close as families migrate south, nighttime temperatures plunge to –15°C or lower, and snow can block the passes entirely. Leave this window to highly experienced mountaineers who know exactly what they’re signing up for.
For real-time weather data ahead of your trip, the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Nepal (DHM) publishes seasonal forecasts.
What permits do you need for the Upper Mustang Trek?
The Upper Mustang Trek requires three permits: the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) at USD $500 per person for the first 10 days (USD $50 per additional day), the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) at approximately NPR 3,000 (USD $22–25) for foreign nationals, and the Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card. The RAP cannot be obtained independently — it must be arranged through a registered Nepali trekking agency, and a minimum of two trekkers is required for permit issuance purposes.
We handle all three permits on your behalf as part of the all-inclusive package. Our permit documentation process is clean: we collect your passport copy and photo, complete the paperwork, and have everything ready before your trek begins. You don’t wait in queues at government offices. If you’re arriving from abroad and want permits arranged ahead of time, that’s also possible via your Nepal embassy — contact our team early and we’ll walk you through the steps.
A note on the solo trekker situation: if you’re travelling alone, the permit still requires payment for two people. Some agencies solve this by pairing solo travellers with other guests — we’re happy to arrange this if your travel dates align with other bookings. Just ask.
For the official permit information and current fee structure from the government side, the Nepal Tourism Board permit page is the authoritative source.
Day-by-day itinerary for the Upper Mustang Trek
The table below outlines the standard 13-day route. Daily walking hours are approximate and will vary by group pace and weather.
| Day | Route | Altitude | Approx. Walking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kathmandu to Pokhara (drive, 7–9 hrs) | Pokhara 827 m | Drive only |
| 2 | Pokhara to Kagbeni (drive via Jomsom) | Kagbeni ~2,810 m | Drive only |
| 3 | Kagbeni to Chele | 3,050 m | 5–6 hrs |
| 4 | Chele to Syangboche | 3,800 m | 6–7 hrs |
| 5 | Syangboche to Ghami | 3,510 m | 5–6 hrs |
| 6 | Ghami to Tsarang | 3,560 m | 5–6 hrs |
| 7 | Tsarang to Lo Manthang | 3,840 m | 4–5 hrs |
| 8 | Acclimatisation & exploration — Lo Manthang | 3,840 m | Easy walks / Jeep excursion |
| 9 | Lo Manthang to Yara | ~3,650 m | 5–6 hrs |
| 10 | Yara to Tangbe | ~3,240 m | 6–7 hrs |
| 11 | Tangbe to Tetang | ~3,067 m | 5–6 hrs |
| 12 | Tetang to Muktinath | ~3,710 m | 5–6 hrs |
| 13 | Muktinath / Jomsom to Pokhara (drive) | Pokhara ~822 m | Drive only |
Itinerary
DAY 1
Kathmandu to Pokhara-7-9 hours' drive
Arrival and pickup at TIA
This day marks the beginning of your upper Mustang adventure as you depart from the bustling capital, Kathmandu, for the serene lakeside city of Pokhara. The scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway offers glimpses of Nepal’s diverse landscapes, from terraced hillsides to winding rivers. It’s a comfortable transition into the journey, allowing you to relax and anticipate the rugged beauty of Mustang.
Upon arrival in Pokhara, you will immediately feel the differences in the atmosphere – a laid-back vibe surrounded by the majestic Annapurna mountain range. The vibrant city is a popular hub for Himalayan treks and offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and exploration. You can take a stroll along Phewa Lake, enjoy the reflections of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) or explore the local markets.
Pokhara serves as the perfect gateway to the Annapurna region and the upcoming Upper Mustang journey. It provides a chance to acclimatise to a slightly higher elevation and soak in the natural beauty, before heading further north. This day is crucial for setting the tone for a memorable and culturally enriching experience.
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- Destination
- Pokhara
-
- Altitude
- Pokhara (827m / 2,713ft)
DAY 2
Drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni (Approx. 2,810m / 9,219ft)
Pokhara airport arrival section
Today marks your official entry into the mystical world of the Upper Mustang trek, as you transition from the relative modernity of Jomsom to the ancient gateway village of Kagbeni. The drive itself is an adventure, traversing the windswept Kali Gandaki Gorge, offering initial glimpses of the dramatic, arid landscapes that characterise this unique region. You’ll witness the stark contrast between the green patches of lower Mustang and the barren, sculpted cliffs as you head north.
Kagbeni serves as the checkpoint for the restricted Upper Mustang region, where your special permits will be verified. Thai charming medieval village, with its narrow alleyways, ancient mud-brick houses, and the impressive 15th century Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery, provides a fascinating introduction to the Tibetan Buddhist culture that permeates the entire trek. Spend your afternoon exploring its hidden corners, feeling the winds through the gorge, and preparing mentally for the deeper cultural immersion ahead on your Upper Mustang trek.
Overnight in traditional teahouses, you’ll feel the atmosphere of centuries of trek and pilgrimage that have passed through this historic crossroads. This day is crucial for acclimatisation, allowing your body to begin adjusting to the higher altitude before the more rigorous trekking days of your Upper Mustang Trek commence.
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- Destination
- Kagbeni
-
- Altitude
- approx. 2,810m / 9,219ft)
DAY 3
Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m/10,006ft)
On the way from from Kagbeni to Chele
This is where the Upper Mustang Trek properly begins. Leaving behind the Kali Gandaki riverbed, the trail climbs into restricted territory through a landscape of barren hills and geological formations that grow more alien with every hour. The wind picks up in the afternoon — always. Get an early start.
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- Destination
- Chele
-
- Altitude
- (3,050m/10,006ft)
DAY 4
Trek from Chele to Syangboche (approx 3,800m/12,467ft)
chele to syangboche
The hardest day in the first half of the trek. You’ll cross impressive ridges with sustained ascent, navigating chortens and mani walls while Annapurna and Dhaulagiri fill the southern skyline. It’s a long day. Worth it.
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- Destination
- Syangboche
-
- Altitude
- (3,800m/12,467ft)
DAY 5
Trek from Syangboche to Ghami (approx. 3,510m/11,515ft)
Surrounding views on the way from Syangboche to Ghami
Descending from the high point of Syangboche, day 5 of your Upper Mustang Trek offers a historically rich walking experience. The trail winds through a variety of terrain, including open plains and narrower valleys, taking you past ancient caves in some of the region’s oldest monasteries. This segment is less about steep ascents and more about cultural discovery.
You will likely encounter the impressive Nyi la pass (approx. 4,020m) and Ghemi La Pass (approx. 4,000 m) before descending into Ghami. This day also presents opportunities to explore ancient chortens and the unique architecture of local villages, giving you deeper insights into the spiritual fabric of the upper Mustang Trek. The landscape remains dramatic with vast open spaces and towering cliffs.
Ghami, a relatively large village, is notable for its extensive fields and, most significantly, the longest Mani walls in Mustang, adorned with thousands of carved stones. This sacred structure is a powerful symbol of the Buddhist faith of the Loba people, making your stay in Ghami a culturally enriching highlight of your upper Mustang trek.
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- Destination
- Ghami
-
- Altitude
- (approx. 3,510m/11,515ft)
DAY 6
Trek from Ghami to Tsarang (approx. 3,560m/11,679ft)
snap of sunset on the way from Ghami to Tsarang
The journey from Ghami to Tsarang on your Upper Mustang Trek is characterised by open terrain and a gradual elevation change, leading you closer to the heart of the former Kingdom. You will traverse or wide valley, enjoying expansive views of the barren yet beautiful landscape and surrounding hills. This day off offers views of the stunning red cliffs of Dhamker, a geological marvel.
Along the way, you may have the opportunity to visit Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in Mustang, believed to have been built by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) in the 8th century. This ancient site holds immense spiritual significance and features remarkable rock paintings, making it a powerful cultural stop on your Upper Mustang Trek. The spiritual energy of the region becomes more palpable with each step.
Tsarang, your destination, is a sprawling village known for its impressive 5-story white fort and a large monastery, both dating back centuries. Exploring the Monastery with its intricate murals and a royal palace ruins, offering a tangible connection to the Mustang’s royal past and preparing you for the culmination of your Upper Mustang Trek in Lo Manthang.
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- Destination
- Tsarang
-
- Altitude
- (approx. 3,560m/11,679ft)
DAY 7
Trek to Lo Manthang (approx: 3,840m/12,598ft)
The day most trekkers remember longest. A gradual climb to Lo La Pass (~3,950 m) — and then your first view of the walled city below. Those ochre walls in that vast, empty valley. Nothing prepares you for it.
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- Destination
- Lo Manthang
-
- Altitude
- (approx: 3,840m/12,598ft)
DAY 8
Acclimatisation & Exploration in Lo Manthang
The acclimatisation rest day is not wasted. Use it to explore Thubchen Gompa, Jampa Lakhang, and Chode Gompa in the morning; take a Jeep excursion to Jhong Cave (Chhoser) in the afternoon. The cave system is multi-storey, ancient, and genuinely astonishing — climb between levels on wooden ladders built into carved chambers. This detail alone is worth the trek.
DAY 9
Trek to Yara (Approx 3650 m/11,975 ft)
Lo Manthang to Yara
Leaving this central hub of Lo Manthang, day 9 of your upper Mustang Trek takes you on a less frequented, it incredibly scenic route towards the eastern part of the region. The trail involves crossing a pass and descending towards the village of Dhi, offering vast, Open landscapes and breathtaking views of every mountain. This segment provides a different perspective on Mustang’s unique geology.
After the possible lunch, stop in Dhi, you’ll continue your trek, often following a riverbed that eventually leads to the charming village of Yara. This path showcases the sheer scale of Mustang’s landscape, with dramatic cliffs and a profound sense of isolation. The journey of Yara offers a quieter, more intimate experience of the Upper Mustang trek.
Yara is a picturesque village set against a backdrop of impressive cliffs, known for its unique ancient cave structures and the opportunity to visit the revered Luri Gompa. This ancient cave monastery is famous for its exquisite, well-preserved Buddhist frescoes and clay statues. Consider some of the oldest and finest in the region, making it a significant cultural highlight of your Upper Mustang Trek.
-
- Destination
- Yara
-
- Altitude
- (Approx 3650 m/11,975 ft)
DAY 10
Trek from Yara to Tangbe (approx. 3,240m/10,630ft)
a monastery on the way to Tangbe
Today’s portion of your Upper Mustang Trek continues your exploration of the lesser-visited eastern allies, taking you from Yara to the remote village of Tanbe. That will typically involve crossing a pass or navigating through a challenging deep gorge, often requiring careful footing but rewarding you with stunning, dramatic scenery unlike anywhere else. Logical formations here are truly spectacular, sculpted by millennia of wind and water.
This part of the Upper Mustang Trek is known for its raw, untamed beauty and profound sense of wilderness. You will encounter fewer triggers, allowing for a more personal connection with the natural environment and a deeper appreciation for the resilience of local communities. The quietude of the landscape is a powerful element of the experience.
Tanbe (also spelt Tangge) is one of Mustang’s most isolated villages, characterised by its traditional model brick houses and an impressive chorten that seems to guard the entrance. Staying here offers a genuine glimpse into the traditional, simple life of the Upper Mustang people, providing a unique cultural immersion on your Upper Mustang trek.
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- Destination
- Tangbe
-
- Altitude
- (approx. 3,240m/10,630ft)
DAY 11
Trek to Tetang (Approx.3067m/10,062 ft)
Two monks standing facing the Nilgiri mountain from Tetang
Leaving the isolated charm of Tanbe, day 11 of your Upper Mustang Trek guides you towards Tetang, passing through diverse terrain that gradually leads you back towards the more central Mustang region. This day involves crossing a high pass such as Paha pass, offering expansive views before or descent. The path often follows ancient trade routes carved by centuries of caravans.
The landscape remains all inspiring, with its vast open spaces, dry riverbeds and the distant Himalayan peaks providing a constant backdrop. You will observe this subtle shift in the vegetation and geology as you descend in altitude, reflecting the variety of systems within the Annapurna Conservation Area. This is a day when the sheer scale of the Mustang region truly becomes apparent on your upper Mustang trek.
Tetang (also known as Tiri) is a charming village nestled in a sheltered valley, known for its traditional houses and agricultural fields. It offers a pleasant and comfortable stop, providing an opportunity to reflect on the deeper explorations you’ve undertaken in the eastern reaches of your Upper Mustang Trek before rejoining a more frequented path.
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- Destination
- Tetang
-
- Altitude
- (Approx.3067m/10,062 ft)
DAY 12
Trek to Muktinath (approx.3,710m/12,172ft)
Muktinath temple
The trek ends at Muktinath (3,710 m), a site sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists. The 108 water spouts, the eternal flame burning from natural gas at the Jwala Mai temple, pilgrims from across South Asia — it’s a genuinely moving conclusion.
108 waterspouts of Muktinath
Upon reaching Muktinath, you’ll visit the main temple complex, famous for its 108 water spouts where pilgrims perform ritual bathing, and Jwala Mai temple, housing the intriguing eternal flame. This flame, burning from natural gases, holds deep spiritual significance, symbolising the union of all five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and sky) in Hindu belief and consecrated by Guru Rinpoche for Buddhists, making it a powerful spiritual conclusion to your Upper Mustang Trek.
The atmosphere in Muktinath is one of devotion and spiritual energy, with pilgrims from various backgrounds gathering for blessings and liberation. This day marks a shift from the cultural exploration of Mustang to a more universal spiritual experience, serving as a powerful and reflective conclusion to the trekking portion of your Upper Mustang Trek.
The atmosphere in Muktinath is one of devotion and spiritual energy, with pilgrims from various backgrounds gathering for blessings and liberation. This day marks a shift from the cultural exploration of Mustang to a more universal spiritual experience, serving as a powerful and reflective conclusion to the trekking portion of your Upper Mustang trek.
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- Destination
- Muktinath
-
- Altitude
- (approx.3,710m/12,172ft)
DAY 13
Drive to Pokhara (approx 822m/2696 ft)
Staute of Mahadev at Pumdikot
Having completed the challenging and culturally immersive trekking portion of her Upper Mustang trek, Day 13 involves a scenic drive from Muktinath back towards the comfort and beauty of Pokhara. The journey typically begins with a drive from Multi N down to Johnson, where you will join a broader road that follows the Kali-Gandaki River South. The landscape gradually transitions from arid desert to more fertile terraced hillsides.
The drive offers spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, offering their snow-capped peaks in stark contrast to the surrounding terrain. As you descend in altitude, the air becomes warmer and more humid, and you will notice the return of lush greenery and denser settlements. This long drive allows for reflection on the incredible journey you have just completed on your upper Mustang trek.
Upon arrival in Pokhara, Nepal’s adventure capital, you will check into a comfortable hotel. The evening is free to relax by Fewa Lake, enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and savour a celebratory meal at one of the many lakeside restaurants. Reflect on unforgettable experiences and profound memories created during your epic Upper Mustang Trek.
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- Destination
- Pokhara
-
- Altitude
- (approx 822m/2696 ft)
Includes/Excludes
What's included?
- Airport picks up and drops off by private vehicle.
- Three-time Meal During trekking(Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
- All ground transportation on a comfortable Sharing vehicle Jeep as per the itinerary (Luxury tourist bus, Kathmandu- Pokhara)
- Lo Manthang to Jomsom, Jomsom to Pokhara (Comfortable public shared vehicle)
- An experienced, English-speaking, and government-licensed trek guide and Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food, accommodation, Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
- All necessary paperwork trekking permits and TIMS (ACAP permit)
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit.
- Medical kit (carried by your trek guide)
- All government and local taxes
- Trekking map
- Trekking certificate after the trek.
What’s excluded?
- International Airfare
- Excess baggage(S)
- Domestic flight (outside of itinerary)
- All Personal Expenses
- Anything except what is mentioned in the What Is Included section
- Early arrival, late departure, early return from the mountain (due to any reason like natural disaster and your problems) than the scheduled.
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Helicopter Evacuation
- Trekking equipment
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
- Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
- Donation (in places like Monastery)
Useful Info
What to pack for the Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang’s high-altitude desert climate means big temperature swings: warm and dusty by midday, bitterly cold after dark. The wind is the variable that most first-timers underestimate. Pack for it.
Head and face
- Sunglasses with UV protection (non-negotiable at altitude)
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm — reapply constantly
- Warm hat and buff/neck gaiter
- Cap or sun hat for daytime
Hands
- Lightweight liner gloves for walking
- Warm fleece or woollen mid-gloves for passes and evenings
- Trekking poles — highly recommended for descents and river crossings
Upper and lower body
- Moisture-wicking base layers (thermal weight for the upper trail)
- Fleece mid-layer
- Down jacket (nights at Lo Manthang get cold — a good one)
- Windproof and waterproof outer shell
- Quick-drying trekking trousers (2–3 pairs)
- Thermal leggings for evenings
Footwear
- Well-fitted, broken-in waterproof trekking boots — the single most important item
- 4 pairs of merino wool or synthetic trekking socks
- Camp sandals or flip-flops for teahouse evenings
Essentials
- 2-litre water capacity minimum (bladder or bottles)
- Water purification tablets or UV purifier — tap water needs treatment
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Portable power bank (charging fees are common, electricity unreliable)
- Personal first aid kit including altitude sickness medication (Diamox — consult your doctor)
- Passport photocopy (separate from original)
- Sufficient cash in Nepali Rupees — ATMs are scarce beyond Jomsom
For a more detailed Nepal trekking packing guide, see our general trekking equipment page on intrekking.com.
Where you sleep and what you eat on the trail
Accommodation on the Upper Mustang Trek is in family-run teahouses and lodges throughout. In Pokhara (nights 1 and 13), we use comfortable tourist-class hotels with attached bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and hot water. On the trail between Kagbeni and Muktinath, expect clean twin-sharing rooms with beds and blankets, shared bathrooms, and a communal dining hall that becomes the social heart of the teahouse each evening — heated by a wood-burning bukhari stove, trekkers gathered over plates of dal bhat, swapping the day’s stories.
Lo Manthang (Day 7–8) has seen genuine improvement in accommodation over recent years. A handful of guesthouses now offer attached bathrooms, more reliable electricity, and basic Wi-Fi — still simple, but noticeably more comfortable than the upper-trail teahouses. Hot showers are available at most stops, usually for a small extra fee.
Food on the trail is straightforward and good. Dal bhat is the trekker’s engine — lentil soup, rice, vegetable curry, and unlimited refills. Order it once and you’ll understand why our guides eat it twice a day. The teahouse menus also run to Tibetan bread with butter and jam at breakfast, thukpa (noodle soup), momos (dumplings), fried rice, and chowmein. In Marpha — the Thakali apple village you’ll pass through — stop for apple pie and, if the mood takes you, a small glass of the local apple brandy. It’s genuinely worth the detour.
A word on chiya: the sweet, spiced milk tea served at every stop is not optional. It is how Mustang welcomes you. Accept it whenever it’s offered. Your knees will warm up, and the conversation will start.
Hydration is critical at altitude. We recommend a reusable bottle with purification tablets rather than buying plastic bottles — it saves money, reduces waste, and the treated local water is perfectly fine.
FAQs
Can I do the Upper Mustang Trek solo?
No. Solo trekking is legally prohibited in Upper Mustang. You must travel with a licensed Nepali guide, and permits require a minimum of two trekkers for issuance. If you’re travelling alone, contact us — we regularly pair solo travellers with compatible departures for permit purposes.
Is Upper Mustang accessible during the monsoon?
What is the highest point of the trek?
Is altitude sickness a risk on the Upper Mustang Trek?
When is the Tiji Festival?
What is the Restricted Area Permit and how do I get it?
Are there ATMs in Upper Mustang?
What wildlife might I see?
How physically demanding is the trek compared to Everest Base Camp?
What are the typical symptoms of altitude sickness (AMS)?
What kind of accommodations can I expect?
Are hot showers available?
What food options are available?
Is drinking water safe?
Is electricity available for charging devices?
What about mobile network coverage and Wi-Fi?
What currency is used, and can I use cards?
Are trekking poles necessary?
What cultural etiquette should I follow?
Are there other festivals in Upper Mustang?
What is the main attraction in Lo Manthang?
Are medical facilities available along the trek?
Is Upper Mustang suitable for children?
What are the tipping customs for guides and porters?
What are the trail conditions like?
What are the best views on the trek?
USD 1749
Per Person
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