Upper Mustang Trek – 17 Days

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Upper Mustang Trek – 17 Days Through Nepal's Remotest Himalayan Region

The Upper Mustang Trek is the non-festival alternative for travelers who want to explore Lo Manthang, the canyon landscapes, and the cave monasteries of Upper Mustang without timing their trip to the Tiji Festival. It's available year-round, offers fewer crowds than the festival period, and gives more time in Lo Manthang itself to explore the walled city, visit the monasteries at your own pace, and engage with the community on normal days rather than festival days.

The route follows the Kali Gandaki north from Kagbeni, climbing through progressively more arid terrain until the landscape becomes an almost Mars-like high-altitude desert of red cliffs and eroded canyons. Villages along the way – Chuksang, Syangboche, Charang – have their own monasteries, history, and visual character. Lo Manthang itself merits at least two nights: the three medieval monasteries, the royal palace, the cave dwellings in the cliffs above the city, and the narrow lanes that look much as they did in the 15th century all reward extended exploration.

The 17-day itinerary includes a Kathmandu cultural tour, a flight to Jomsom, the full trek to Lo Manthang and back, and a return flight to Pokhara. The highest point is Lo Manthang at 3,840m. No technical mountaineering skills are required. The trek is rated moderate and is suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and some hiking experience.

If you want to visit during the Tiji Festival, see our Tiji Festival Group Trek or Private Trek pages – the festival-period itinerary includes the three festival days in Lo Manthang and is structured over 18 days.

PROGRAM ITINERARY
INCLUDES AND EXCLUDES
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Trek Highlights

Trek through Upper Mustang's high-altitude canyon desert – unique in Nepal.
Explore the Last Forbidden Kingdom on foot at your own pace.
Visit Lo Manthang – 600 years of continuous habitation, three medieval monasteries.
Sky Cave (Chhoser) – 50+ individual rooms carved into a 200-metre cliff face.
Luri Cave Monastery – some of the oldest Buddhist murals in Mustang.
Muktinath Temple – sacred to both Hindus and Tibetan Buddhists.
Sunrise and sunset over Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri.
Kali Gandaki Gorge – the world's deepest river valley.
Year-round trekking – viable even during Nepal's monsoon season.

17-Day Itinerary – Upper Mustang Trek

Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu (1,400m). Airport transfer, hotel, briefing.
Day 2: Kathmandu heritage tour (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath) + permit processing.
Day 3: Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m) – 6 hours.
Day 4: Fly Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m). Trek to Kagbeni (2,900m) – 3 to 4 hours. Enter the restricted zone.
Day 5: Trek Kagbeni to Chuksang (3,000m) – 5 to 6 hours. First canyon sections of the route.
Day 6: Trek Chuksang to Syangboche (3,610m) – 5 to 6 hours. Dramatic cliff terrain.
Day 7: Trek Syangboche to Charang/Tsarang (3,560m) – 6 to 7 hours. Visit Tsarang Monastery and Dzong fortress.
Day 8: Trek Charang to Lo Manthang (3,840m) via Ghar Gompa – 6 to 7 hours. Arrive in the walled capital.
Day 9: Explore Lo Manthang. Visit Jampa Lhakhang (15th-century), Thugchen Gompa, Chode Gompa, and the royal palace exterior.
Day 10: Free day in Lo Manthang. Excursion options: Namgyal Gompa, Chhoser Sky Cave, surrounding villages. Or rest day.
Day 11: Trek Lo Manthang to Yara (3,580m) via eastern return route – 5 to 6 hours.
Day 12: Trek Yara to Tange (3,320m) – 5 to 6 hours.
Day 13: Trek Tange to Chhuksang (3,310m) – 5 to 6 hours.
Day 14: Trek Chhuksang to Muktinath (3,710m) – 6 to 7 hours. Visit Muktinath Temple complex.
Day 15: Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m) – 5 hours. Fly Jomsom to Pokhara.
Day 16: Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu – 6 hours. Farewell dinner.
Day 17: International departure from Kathmandu.

Day 18 is available as an international departure buffer if needed.

Pricing

Pricing depends on group size, accommodation standard, and season. Contact us for a full quote. Group and private options available – private treks can depart on any date.

What's Included

All ground transfers throughout (Kathmandu–Pokhara, airport/hotel).
Pokhara–Jomsom domestic flight (with airport tax) and return Jomsom–Pokhara flight.
3-star hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara with breakfast.
Guided Kathmandu heritage tour with entry fees.
Tea house accommodation during the trek.
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Upper Mustang RAP permit (USD 500/person) and ACAP permit.
All government paperwork and TIMS card.
Licensed English-speaking guide (NATHM-certified, First Aid trained).
One porter per two trekkers.
First aid kit and emergency medical supplies.
Upper Mustang trekking map.
Insurance for all trek staff including porters.
Complimentary trekking T-shirt and duffle bag.
Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.

Cost Exclude(s)

Nepal Visa fee (You can apply online or in Kathmandu airport on your arrival).
Your International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
Meals in Kathmandu (except welcome and farewell dinner).
Beverages and alcholoholic drinks.
All personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, extra porters, shower etc).
Personal medical and evacuation insurance.
All other additional charges for additional services.
Tips for guides and porters (Tipping is expected ).