Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang trek is the ultimate gateway to the mysterious world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. Once forbidden and isolated from the rest of the world for decades, the area was able to evolve within its own distinctive culture and rich traditions closely tied to Tibet. This moderate, lesser-known trek passes through one of the driest
regions of Nepal and provides spectacular mountain scenery.
Highlights
- Walk back to the history of Lo Manthang after exploring the palace of king
- Spiritual walk through many Gompas, chortens, flapping prayer flags, and caves
- Catch a live glimpse of Tibetan influence on the everyday activities and culture of the locals
- Enticing views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other chains of mountains
- Breathe the spirituality of the Tibetan like people and monks with their prayer flags
- Witness everyday life and culture of the local people who live closely like Tibetan
Facts
Start your journey with a scenic ~7-hour drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, the gateway to Upper Mustang trekking. Enjoy rivers, hills, and terraced landscapes along the way.
Drive Duration: ~7 hours
Take a short flight to Jomsom, then trek along the Kali Gandaki river to Kagbeni, a traditional village and entry point to Upper Mustang.
Trek Duration: ~4 hours
Follow the scenic trails through desert landscapes and cliffside villages, gradually ascending to Chele.
Trek Duration: ~6 hours
Cross high desert trails and enjoy panoramic views of Mustang’s rugged mountains en route to Syangbochen.
Trek Duration: ~6–7 hours
Pass through traditional villages, monasteries, and unique Mustang landscapes to reach Ghami, known for its Tibetan culture.
Trek Duration: ~5–6 hours
Ascend gradually along scenic trails to Charang, a historic village with ancient and fortresses.
Trek Duration: ~6–7 hours
Trek to the walled city of Lomanthang, the capital of Upper Mustang, rich in Tibetan culture and architecture.
Trek Duration: ~3–4 hours
Spend the day exploring the walled city, ancient monasteries, and local markets. Learn about the unique culture and lifestyle of Mustang’s people.
Trek through high desert trails and traditional villages, surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks.
Trek Duration: ~5–6 hours
Continue trekking along rugged trails and desert landscapes to reach Syangboche.
Trek Duration: ~4 hours
Descend through canyon-like landscapes and riverside trails to Chusang.
Trek Duration: ~5 hours
Follow the Kali Gandaki river back to Jomsom, retracing your steps along scenic trails.
Trek Duration: ~5 hours
Take a short flight back to Pokhara and relax by the lake or explore the lakeside markets.
Flight Duration: ~25 minutes
Return to Kathmandu by road (~7 hours), completing your Upper Mustang trekking
adventure with memories of Tibetan culture and Himalayan desert landscapes.
Drive Duration: ~7 hours
Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.
Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.
No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.
Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.
Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.
It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.
For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.
Related Trekking
Manaslu is situated near the border of Nepal and Tibet. The name Manaslu means The Spirit Mountain. As per the...
A culturally rich trek through the sacred Tsum Valley, known for its ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, remote villages, and pristine...
This remote and less-travelled trek takes you through the rugged terrain of Nepal’s far east, offering awe-inspiring views of Kanchenjunga—the...