Upper Mustang is a place unlike any other in Nepal. Despite bordering one of the most popular trekking regions in the country, it sits a world apart thanks to its dramatic semi-arid landscape and distinct Tibetan heritage. A Trek here is also unlike any other in Nepal, centering as much on cultural exploration as it does spectacular scenery.
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.
Learning from our own experiences and mistakes, we’ve put together this Upper Mustang Travel Guide to help you have the best trek possible. In truth, the very fact that you’ve read this far means you’re already better prepared for the realities of the trek than we were, but do read on as we have much to share! For a day to day account check out our separate Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary. And to get a sense of what the trek is really like
Upper Mustang Quick Facts
- Start/End: Kagbeni/Jomsom
- Permit: 500 USD Restricted Area Permit ( Entry: Kagbeni / Exit: Kagbeni)
- Guide: Compulsory (plus a minimum of 2 trekkers)
- Travel Season: March – November best for trekking
- Route: Mix of road and trail walking
- Culture: Traditional Tibetan Buddhist heritage
- Landscape: Semi-arid, plateaus, steep-sided gorges
Permits For The Upper Mustang Trek
The permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. Entry fee is not required for children under 10 years of age. Also, ensure that you carry both the permits at all time and show it at the respective checkpoints. The permit will be checked at the Kagbeni checkpoint the gateway to Upper Mustang.
Following are the mandatory Upper Mustang Trekking permit:
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 500 per person for the first 10 days then USD 50 per person per day thereafter
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP): USD 30 per person for foreigners and USD 10 per person for SAARC Nationals (approx.)
Restricted Area Permit provides all the information of the trekker along with the route, emergency contact, and more which is why a TIMS card is not required for this trek.
Upper Mustang Itinerary
The travel itinerary below starts and ends in the city of Pokhara, which is a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu. Your trip can also be organized from Kathmandu, according to your preference.
| Day | Destination | Altitude | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Welcome to Kathmandu! | ||
| Day 2 | Explore Kathmandu | ||
| Day 3 | Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, Trek to Kagbeni | 2,847 m | |
| Day 4 | Trek from Kagbeni to Chele | 3,050 m | 5-6 hours |
| Day 5 | Trek from Chele to Zhaite | 3,730 m | 7-8 hours |
| Day 6 | Trek from Zhaite to Charang via Dhakmnar and Lo Gekar | 3,575 m | 5-6 hours |
| Day 7 | Trek from Charang to Lo Manthang (explore the ancient city) | 3,820 m | 5-6 hours |
| Day 8 | Stay in Lo Manthang (Namgyal Gompa and Thinggar Valley) | 3,780 m | (rest day) |
| Day 9 | Stay in Lo Manthang (the Chosar Valley) | 3,780 m | (rest day) |
| Day 10 | Trek from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar via Lo Gekar | 3,730 m | 6-7 hours |
| Day 11 | Trek from Dhakmar to Geling | 3,570 m | 4-5 hours |
| Day 12 | Trek from Geling to Chuksang | 2,950 m | 7-8 hours |
| Day 13 | Trek from Chuksang to Jomsom | 2,750 m | 5-6 hours |
| Day 14 | Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara | 853 m | (25-minute flight) |
| Day 15 | Depart Kathmandu |
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