Imagine standing on a windswept ridge at 3,840 metres, staring across a lunar landscape of eroded red cliffs while the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang shimmers in the distance. This is the Upper Mustang trek, Nepal’s last preserved Tibetan kingdom, only opened to foreigners in 1992. Once called the “Forbidden Kingdom”, Upper Mustang still feels like stepping centuries back in time.
You walk through villages where people speak an ancient dialect, pray in 600-year-old monasteries, and live inside cave dwellings carved into cliffs. No crowds. No teahouse Wi-Fi. Just raw Himalayan beauty and culture that has barely changed since the 14th century. If you crave a trek that combines high desert adventure with living history, the Upper Mustang trek delivers like nowhere else in Nepal.
Quick Overview:
- Duration: 14–18 days round trip from Pokhara
- Upper Mustang permit cost: USD 500 for 10 days (2025–2026 rates)
- Best months: May–October (rain shadow = almost no monsoon)
- Max elevation: 3,840 m – low risk of altitude sickness
Ready to discover why travellers call this Nepal’s most magical trek? Let’s dive in.
Why Choose the Upper Mustang Trek Over Other Nepal Treks?
The Upper Mustang trek stands apart because it sits in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. While the rest of Nepal drowns in monsoon from June to September, Upper Mustang stays bone-dry with blue skies almost guaranteed.
You explore a high-altitude desert at 3,000–3,900 metres where the landscape looks more like Ladakh or Tibet than the lush green valleys of Annapurna or Everest. Ancient Buddhist culture remains untouched – sky caves, chortens, and mani walls appear around every corner. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki riverbed, one of the deepest gorges on earth, before climbing into the restricted kingdom.
Most importantly, visitor numbers stay tiny – only about 3,500 trekkers per year compared to 40,000+ on Annapurna Circuit. You often walk hours without seeing another trekking group. For anyone seeking solitude and authentic Tibetan culture without the Everest crowds, Upper Mustang delivers.
The region also protects fragile ecosystems and traditions. Your Upper Mustang permit fee directly supports local schools, monasteries, and conservation projects – responsible tourism at its best.
Image 1 – After this section
Description: Panoramic view of the red cliffs and white-washed houses of Lo Manthang against a cobalt sky
Caption: “Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang, where time stopped centuries ago.”
Purpose: Instantly shows readers the unique Tibetan architecture and desert colours that make Upper Mustang unforgettable
When Is the Best Time for the Upper Mustang Trek?
Upper Mustang lies in the Himalayan rain shadow, so you can trek here almost year-round – a huge advantage over other Nepal routes.
May to October remains the prime season. Clear skies, warm days (15–22 °C), and cool nights dominate. Monsoon barely touches the region – expect maybe one or two light showers all summer.
Many travellers choose May–June for wildflowers and the famous Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang (usually late May, dates change yearly). September–October offers crisp air and golden barley fields ready for harvest – perfect for photography.
Winter trekking (November–February) is possible and spectacular with snow-dusted red cliffs. Temperatures drop to –10 °C at night, but the days stay sunny. Fewer than 200 people trek to Upper Mustang in winter – you’ll have the kingdom almost to yourself.
Avoid March–April if heavy snow closes high passes (Nyi La 3,930 m and others). Always check current conditions.
How Difficult Is the Upper Mustang Trek Really?
Moderate – that’s the honest answer.
The highest sleeping altitude is only 3,840 m in Lo Manthang, so acute mountain sickness rarely strikes. You cross a couple of 3,900–4,000 m passes, but the gradual ascent keeps the risk low.
Daily walking averages 5–7 hours on jeep tracks and well-defined trails. The terrain feels more like high desert hiking than steep Himalayan climbing. Strong winds in the afternoon can tire you out, and loose gravel demands good ankle support.
Previous trekking experience helps but isn’t essential. Fit beginners in their 50s and 60s complete the Upper Mustang trek every season. If you can handle the Annapurna Circuit foothill sections, you can manage Upper Mustang.
Fitness and Preparation Tips
Start walking 2–3 months beforehand – aim for 10 km with 500 m elevation gain. Core and leg strength matter more than cardio because of the long days on uneven ground.
Upper Mustang Permit – Everything You Need to Know in 2026
You cannot trek Upper Mustang independently. The region remains restricted, and an Upper Mustang permit is mandatory.
Current cost (2025–2026):
- USD 500 per person for the first 10 days
- USD 50 per person per extra day
You need a minimum of two trekkers plus a licensed Nepali guide. Agencies handle all paperwork through the Department of Immigration.
Additional permits required:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – NPR 3,000
- TIMS card no longer needed for restricted areas
Apply at least 7–10 days before departure. Most reputable agencies include the Upper Mustang permit in package prices.
Detailed Mustang Trek Itinerary – 14-Day Classic Route
Here’s the most popular mustang trek itinerary that balances culture, scenery, and acclimatisation.
Day 1: Fly Kathmandu → Pokhara (25 min)
Day 2: Fly Pokhara → Jomsom (2,700 m), jeep to Kagbeni (2,810 m)
Day 3: Kagbeni → Chele (3,050 m) – 6 hrs
Day 4: Chele → Geling (3,570 m) – 7 hrs
Day 5: Geling → Charang (3,560 m) – 6 hrs
Day 6: Charang → Lo Manthang (3,840 m) – 5 hrs
Day 7–8: Explore Lo Manthang – visit monasteries, the king’s palace, side valleys
Day 9: Lo Manthang → Dhakmar (3,820 m) – 6 hrs
Day 10: Dhakmar → Geling – 7 hrs
Day 11: Geling → Chhusang → Jomsom – 7 hrs
Day 12–18: Fly Jomsom → Pokhara → Kathmandu (weather buffer days)
Many operators now use 4WD jeeps from Kagbeni to Lo Manthang and back, cutting walking days if you prefer. Pure walking versions take 16–18 days.
Image 2 – After “Detailed Mustang Trek Itinerary”
Description: Infographic map showing the classic Upper Mustang route with daily stops, elevations, and key highlights
Caption: “Your 14-day Upper Mustang trek route – from Jomsom through the forbidden kingdom to Lo Manthang and back.”
Purpose: Gives an instant visual overview of distance, elevation, and major villages
Trekking Map and Trail Info – Navigation Made Simple
The Upper Mustang trail follows old salt-trade caravan routes. From Kagbeni, you enter the restricted area checkpoint.
Key sections:
- Kagbeni to Chele: steep climb out of the Kali Gandaki valley
- Samar to Geling: beautiful pine forests and canyons
- Nyi La Pass (3,930 m): the highest point on the classic route
- Lo Manthang to Yara/Ghara: optional side trips to sky caves
Download offline maps (Maps.me or Gaia GPS) – mobile signal disappears after Kagbeni. Your guide carries paper maps as backup.
Accommodation and Food on the Upper Mustang Trek
Teahouses exist in every village, but facilities remain basic compared to Annapurna or Everest regions.
Expect:
- Twin rooms with shared bathrooms (hot shower rare)
- Foam mattresses and warm blankets
- Dal bhat, momos, thukpa, and fried rice on menus
- Apple brandy from Ghami and Tsarang villages (try it!)
Lo Manthang offers the best lodges – some with attached bathrooms and Wi-Fi. Luxury “glamping” options now appear near Lo Manthang with heated tents and proper beds.
How Much Does the Upper Mustang Trek Cost in 2026?
Budget USD 2,800–3,800 per person for a 14-day all-inclusive trip (minimum 2 people).
Breakdown:
- Upper Mustang permit: USD 500
- Guide + porter: USD 35–45/day each
- Domestic flights KTM–PKR–JOM–PKR–KTM: USD 350–400
- Teahouse accommodation + meals: USD 35–45/day
- Agency fee + insurance: USD 300–500
Solo travellers pay roughly 30–40 % more because of the two-person minimum rule.
Highlights You Cannot Miss on Upper Mustang Trek
- Lo Manthang royal palace – meet the last king of Mustang (ceremonial title)
- Chhosar sky caves – 1,000-year-old cliff dwellings reachable on day trips
- Tiji Festival (if dates match) – three-day masked dance festival
- Luri Gompa – stunning 14th-century cave monastery with original frescoes
- Red cliffs of Dhakmar – otherworldly landscape that photographs like Mars
Image 3 – After “Highlights” section
Description: Trekkers standing inside the ancient Luri Gompa cave monastery with golden statues and colourful wall paintings
Caption: “Luri Gompa – one of the oldest and best-preserved cave monasteries in Upper Mustang.”
Purpose: Shows the incredible cultural treasures waiting beyond the landscape photos
Packing List for Upper Mustang Trek
- Windproof jacket and trousers (afternoon winds are fierce)
- Warm layers for –10 °C nights
- Wide-brimmed hat and strong sunscreen (UV is intense)
- Good ankle-support boots for loose gravel
- Sleeping bag liner (teahouse blankets are warm but basic)
- Reusable water bottle + purification method
- Power bank (no charging in many villages)
Is Upper Mustang Trek Safe?
Yes – one of Nepal’s safest trekking regions.
Crime is virtually unknown. Altitude sickness rarely occurs below 4,000 m. The biggest risks are strong winds, dehydration, and occasional jeep accidents on rough roads. Travel with a registered agency and comprehensive insurance.
Sustainable Travel in Upper Mustang
Your Upper Mustang permit fee already helps local communities, but you can do more:
- Stay in family-run teahouses
- Buy handicrafts directly from women’s cooperatives
- Avoid single-use plastics (refill stations exist in major villages)
- Respect monastery rules – no photography inside without permission
Final Thoughts – Why Upper Mustang Should Be Your Next Adventure
The Upper Mustang trek offers something increasingly rare in 2026 – a Himalayan journey where ancient culture still lives and breathes. You won’t find another place in Nepal where prayer flags snap against red desert cliffs, where kings still hold court in medieval palaces, and where the 21st century feels deliciously far away.
Whether you join the Tiji Festival crowds once a year or walk the empty trails in winter silence, Upper Mustang changes you. The landscapes etch themselves into memory. The warmth of the Lo-pa people restores faith in human kindness.
The kingdom won’t stay forbidden forever – roads are coming, and change follows. Trek Upper Mustang now, while the magic still feels untouched.
Ready to plan your own Upper Mustang trek? Explore our detailed [Nepal restricted region permits guide] or contact our local experts for custom mustang trek itineraries. The last Tibetan kingdom awaits.
