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Trekking to Upper Mustang – 2025
August 21, 2024
nepalguide
Trekking to Upper Mustang – Nepal 2025
Mustang trekis an exploration of the concealed valleys of upper Mustang in Nepal 2025, nestled between Tibet and the Himalayas – a place different from the rest of the world. The wall city of Lo manthang used to be a part of Tibetan kingdom of Gungthang until 1830s. The early history of Lo manthang is embellished in myths and legends rather than the recorded facts. Even though the upper Mustang is changing it still surprises the visitors with its stunning vista and the stubborn way it cling to its unique culture. Indeed the culture is fighting back, crumbing art works are being restored. Crumbing monasterieshave been rebuilt and refilled with the sound of bald-headed children in robes studying the ancient Buddhist ways.
Here you will experience the way of life of true mountain people, who were not much in touch with the rest of Nepal for hundreds of years, and even until recent times had an officially recognized king.
In many ways, a trek into Upper Mustang is similar to trekking and Tour in Tibet, as geographically it is a part of the Tibetan plateau. The district of Mustang was, until 1950, a separate kingdom within the boundaries of Nepal. The last king, the Raja of Mustang, still has his home in the ancient capital known as Lo Manthang.
Upper Mustang was opened to non-Nepali trekkers only some fifteen years ago and even today, access is still highly restricted. To enter Upper Mustang, that is to travel further north from Kagbeni, trekkers need special trekking permit and must be accompanied by a government appointed officer.
Upper Mustang, being in the Himalayan rain shadow, is one of the regions in the country suitable for trekking even during monsoons. During this time, the upper Kali Gandaki valley is still quite dry with only occasional rainfall.
The Mustang trek is not particularly difficult, the highest point reached being only 3,800 meters, but the conditions at times can be arduous. Mustang is cold in winter and is always windy and dusty through the year. Winter treks are best avoided due to harsh weather.
There are few accommodation facilities available above Kagbeni, so groups must be fully self-sufficient, especially in fuel. While porters are available in Jomsom it is preferable to use mules to carry the loads up to Mustang. These pack animals are available locally and are more economical, and certainly more environmentally friendly than porters.
Mustang trek requires a minimum of 9 days, starting and ending in Kagbeni. This allows the trek to be completed within the 10-day period that the permit allows. The route generally follows the Kali Gandaki valley but, occasionally climbs high above the valley walls. Now a days lo manthang by jeep from Kathmandu way Pokhara Jomsom and way to Mustang
(mustang jeep tour)
Upper Mustang trip cost and price – we are always organized Full board Package trip including the special trek permits, all meals, domestic flight and trek crew.If you does,t need Package trip you need Guide and Compalsarry join in Company
Nepal Guide Info team give a Mustang Teahouse & Camping Trekking route map and Details itinerary 2018/2019 and We are specially operate Mustang Tour package for all kinds of Travelers and Nepali travellers too
The settlements are scattered and there is little sign of cultivation between villages. In Mustang, little grows without irrigation, thus the region resembles a desert albeit mountainous, nuclear settlements in fertile areas.
Lo Manthang, the old capital, is reached in four days and at least one extra day should be spent here to catch the sights and sound of this unique walled settlement. Ponies are available for hire if you so desire. The return trip can either follow the same route while entering or, as an alternative route, the eastern bank of the Kali Gandaki may be followed
Best Season for Upper Mustang trek: 2025
Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalaya range, making it a great monsoon trek in Nepal and open year-round for trekking. The main consideration is the winter ( Dec to Feb ), when most residents leave the capital to avoid the cold and snow. Generally, the best time to visit Upper Mustang is from March to still end November
How much is an Upper Mustang?
Upper Mustang refers to a region in the Mustang District of Nepal, which has a restricted area permit for tourists due to its unique cultural and environmental significance. The cost of visiting Upper Mustang can vary depending on various factors, such as the duration of the trip, mode of transportation, accommodation, and the services of a trekking agency, if you choose to hire one.
Upper Mustang was set at $500 per person for the first 10 days and an additional $50 per person per day for each day beyond the initial 10 days. These fees are subject to change, so it’s recommended to check with the relevant authorities or travel agencies for the most up-to-date information.
In addition to the permit fee, you would need to consider the cost of transportation to reach Upper Mustang, which usually involves a flight to Jomsom followed by a jeep or trekking from there. Accommodation and food costs can vary depending on your preferences and the level of comfort you seek. Hiring a guide and porters, if desired, would incur additional expenses.
It’s important to note that the cost of a trip to Upper Mustang can be higher compared to other trekking regions in Nepal due to the restricted area permit and the remoteness of the location. Prices can vary greatly based on the services you choose and the level of comfort you seek during your journey.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Flight Kathmandu – Pokhara or drive 6-7 hrs
Day 2 Flight Pokhara- Jomsom (2743 m), trek to Kagbeni (2810 m) 3 hrs. Possible roundtrip day trek from Kagbeni to Muktinath (3720 m) and back (6 hrs).
Day 3 Kagbeni(2810 m) – Chele (3050 m) 6 hrs
Day 4 Chele (3050 m) – Syangmochen (3800 m) 7-8 hrs
Day 5 Syangmochen (3800 m) – Tsarang (3560 m) 7 hrs
Day 6 Tsarang (3560 m) – Lo Manthang (3800 m) 4-5 hrs
Day 7 Lo Manthang (3800 m). Rest day and explore heritage sites.
Day 8 Day hike to Nyiphu and Garphu monasteries/caves and villages in the north of Lo Manthang. Day 9 Lo Manthang (3800 m) – Dhakmar (3820 m) via Ghar Gumba (Loghekar Monastery) 6 hrs Day 10 Dhakmar (3820 m) – Ghiling (3570 m) 6 hrs
Day 11 Ghiling (3570 m) – Samar (3550 m) 6 hrs
Day 12 Samar (3550 m) – Kagbeni (2810 m) 6-7 hrs
Day 13 Kagbeni (2810 m) – Jomsom (2750 m) 3 hrs
Day 14 Flight Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu
Cost Include
All arrival/departure transfers, drives in a private vehicle with a/c accompanied by an English speaking tour representative/escort from us.
Two night’s stay at hotel (As above) in Kathmandu on twin / double room sharing basis with bed, breakfast and all applicable taxes.
Two night’s stay at hotel (As above) in Pokhara on twin / double room sharing basis with bed, breakfast and all applicable taxes.
09 nights /10 Days “The Upper Mustang Trek” inclusive of all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), accommodation in best available Tea houses/Trekkers Lodges, services of trained, trusted and highly experience trek Guides & assistants including a team of strong and reliable porters.
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) fees.
Mustang Restricted Area fees US$ 500 per person..
All meals as listed on the above Itinerary.
Drive on the trek in a local public jeep
Cost Exclude
International airfares and airport departure taxes.
Nepal entry visa fees.
Items of a personal nature such as bar bills, mineral water, telephone calls, laundry, mineral water, extra mileage and any extra costs incurred due to natural calamities, flight delays etc.
Airfare for sector Pokhara / Kathmandu (Quoted Separately)
Airfare for sector Pokhara / Jomsom / Pokhara (Quoted Separovaly)
Additional expenses due to illness, hospitalization, travel medicines, loss of valuables, thefts, change of Itinerary, flight and tour cancellation.
Any kind of insurance.
Emergency Helicopter Charter for Evacuation.
Items not specified in the above “Costs include column”
The Upper Mustang Trek is a fascinating travel experience jumping into a semi desert region crossing over the traditional Nepali settlements. The upper mustang region is encompassed by Dhaulagiri Massif along with its 35 other Himalayas of six thousand meters. This upper mustang region is remote and unspoiled due to which people living here a still following their traditional culture practice and social life along with their ancient religion of Bon-Po which is older than Buddhism. This region was closed to outside world till the year 2000 for preserving its antiquity. There is an ancient city in upper Mustang called Lo-Manthang which is walled like china and ruled by Lo dynasty of ancient Tibet. There are other traditional villages in upper Mustang which are part of capital city of Lo-Manthang. The descendant kings of Lo dynasty still live in Lo-Manthang with his people. There is an ancient festival celebrated in this region called as Tiji festival has become a point of interest on people of outside world.
The Upper Mustang Trek begins from the Jomsom village following a trekking trail towards kagbeni landing on ancient city of Lo Manthang. The grand Lo Manthang which is the capital of ancient Mustang can be observed by trekking on high elevation trails of the city. The Lo Manthang is the region of chronicled history of thousand year old religion, ancient neighborhood tribes and place of lost kingdom of ancient Tibet. The tourists after enjoying the Lo-Manthang and other traditional villages of upper mustang follow the trekking trail through Kali Gandaki Valley and land on Jomsom. The tourists from Jomsom can either take air-flight or vehicle ride to Kathmandu city or Pokhara city.
Tour and Trekking in the Upper Mustang is a special privilege. Here you will mee the lifestyles of true mountain people, who, for lots of years, had very little contact with the rest of Nepal and managed to retain their wealthy cultural heritage. Until recently, their king was formally recognized by the Government of Nepal.
In many ways, a trek into Upper Mustang trail is comparable to trekking in Tibet, as geographically it is a part of the Tibetan plateau. The district of Mustang was, till 1950, a separate kingdom inside the boundaries of Nepal. The remaining king, the Raja of Mustang, still resides in the historical capital recognized as Lo Manthang of Nepal
Lo Manthan and Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang was opened to non-Nepali trekkers only some fifteen years ago and even today the area is very restricted. To enter Upper Mustang, trekkers need a Special permit it cost Per day 50$ USD and other different trekking permit and should be accompanied by a certified guide. The Upper Mustang is unique in every form.
What Is The Best Season for Trekking in the Upper Mustang?
If you are looking for the perfect option for trekking/and tour in Nepal during the summer months, the Upper Mustang will automatically come on your radar. Thanks to the Upper Mustang being in the rain shadow of the Annapurna, you can experience crystal clear days and dry weather this time of the year. Interestingly enough, the summer months are also relatively quiet. The best tea houses will be yours. The most popular times of the year are Spring and Autumn.
In May the Tiji Festival is held. Many trekkers like to combine their adventure with this traditional festival. The three-day festival takes place on the premises of the former king of Mustang’s palace. The locals from far and wide visit Lo Manthang (Upper Mustang) to participate in the festival. You can also go trekking and tour in the Upper Mustang in winter, but you will have to make sure you are bringing the right gear.