Upper Mustang Trek
US$ 2708
15 Days
Nepal
Feb-Nov
Moderate
3770m
Trekking
Flight | Car | Jeep
Overview
The Upper Mustang Trek with Taiwan Trek Nepal is a truly unique adventure that takes you into a hidden world of ancient culture, dramatic landscapes, and peaceful Himalayan beauty. Offered by Taiwan Trek Nepal, the most experienced and trusted travel and trekking company in Nepal, this journey feels like stepping back in time. Upper Mustang was once a separate kingdom, and its walled city of Lo Manthang still holds the charm of centuries-old traditions, Tibetan-style houses, and royal palaces. The trek begins in the windy town of Jomsom and slowly leads you through barren cliffs, colorful rock formations, deep canyons, and dry valleys that look almost like a desert — very different from the green forests of other treks.
Along the way, you’ll pass ancient caves, old Buddhist monasteries, and small villages where people live simple lives, influenced by Tibetan culture and spirituality. This region lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna range, so it’s perfect for trekking even during the monsoon season. With every step, you’ll discover a deeper connection to the land, the people, and the stories that live in this hidden corner of Nepal. Taiwan Trek Nepal provides experienced guides who know the region well and make sure your trek is safe, meaningful, and comfortable. You’ll stay in cozy local lodges, taste traditional food, and learn about Mustang’s unique history and spiritual heritage. The Upper Mustang Trek is not just about mountain views — though the sights of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna are truly breathtaking — it’s also about exploring a way of life that has remained untouched for generations. This trek is perfect for travelers who want something different — a blend of culture, nature, and remote adventure.
With Taiwan Trek Nepal, you can explore this magical “Forbidden Kingdom” with care, comfort, and deep respect for its traditions. The memories of walking through quiet valleys, spinning prayer wheels, and watching the sun set behind the red cliffs of Mustang will stay with you forever.
Why Choose Taiwan Trek Nepal?
-Expert Guides: Our experienced, local guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the region, culture, and history, ensuring you have an enriching and informative experience.
-Customized Itinerary: We provide tailored itineraries that allow for flexibility based on your pace, interests, and time.
-Safety First: We prioritize your safety and well-being, ensuring the highest standards of trekking equipment and support.
-Cultural Experience: Our tours are designed to ensure a deep cultural connection with the local communities, giving you an authentic experience of Upper Mustang’s unique heritage.
-Sustainable Travel: We are committed to responsible tourism, supporting local communities and promoting environmental conservation in the region.
Tips for the Trek:
-Acclimatization: The trek reaches altitudes above 4,000 meters, so proper acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness. Take your time and follow the pace set by your guide.
-Pack Light but Smart: While it’s important to pack light, make sure you bring essentials such as a warm jacket, a hat, gloves, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.
-Stay Hydrated: Due to the dry climate of Upper Mustang, dehydration can be a concern. Drink plenty of water and carry water purification tablets or a filter.
-Respect Local Culture: Upper Mustang is a Tibetan Buddhist region with strong religious traditions. Be respectful when visiting monasteries and interacting with locals.
-Travel Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking at high altitudes and potential emergencies.
Best Season for Travel:
The best times to trek in Upper Mustang are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer clear skies, moderate temperatures, and stable weather, making it ideal for trekking and exploring the region.
Conclusion:
The Upper Mustang Trek offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the most untouched and culturally rich regions of Nepal. With its spectacular landscapes, rich history, and warm Tibetan culture, the trek is perfect for those seeking adventure off the beaten path. With Taiwan Trek Nepal’s expert guides, attention to safety, and commitment to responsible tourism, you can experience Upper Mustang with confidence and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Highlights
- Journey into the Forbidden Kingdom: Explore the ancient and once-restricted region of Upper Mustang, a hidden Himalayan world that remained isolated from the outside for centuries, preserving its authentic Tibetan culture and traditions.
- Lo Manthang – The Walled Capital: Discover the fascinating medieval walled city of Lo Manthang, home to royal palaces, whitewashed alleys, ancient monasteries, and rich cultural heritage that feels like stepping back in time.
- Tibetan Buddhist Culture and Spirituality: Immerse yourself in the deeply spiritual atmosphere of Upper Mustang, with its centuries-old monasteries, chortens, mani walls, and prayer flags fluttering across dramatic landscapes.
- Spectacular Desert-Like Landscapes: Trek through unique terrain unlike any other part of Nepal—wind-eroded cliffs, deep gorges, red-rock canyons, and barren hills that mirror the beauty of the Tibetan plateau.
- Explore Mysterious Caves and Ancient Art: Visit ancient cave dwellings and sky caves carved into cliffs, some filled with hidden murals, scriptures, and mysteries that date back thousands of years.
- Rare Cultural Festivals: Time your trek with vibrant local festivals like Tiji, a colorful and spiritual celebration held in Lo Manthang that showcases traditional masked dances and sacred rituals.
- Less Crowded, Peaceful Trails: Experience the serenity of trekking in a restricted area with limited permits, ensuring a quiet, immersive adventure far from the crowds of popular trails.
- Panoramic Mountain Views: Witness stunning views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other Himalayan giants as you traverse the high-altitude desert landscape.
- Rich Local Interaction: Engage with friendly Mustang locals, whose language, dress, lifestyle, and beliefs reflect a deep connection to Tibetan roots and a peaceful way of life.
- Professional Support from Taiwan Trek Nepal: With years of experience, knowledgeable guides, and personalized service, Taiwan Trek Nepal ensures your Upper Mustang Trek is safe, seamless, and filled with cultural depth, historical insight, and awe-inspiring scenery.
Cost Details
Included
- Accommodations during the hike in a tea house or lodge.
- Three-star hotel accommodations in Kathmandu for two nights.
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner).
- English-speaking guide with experience.
- A porter to pick you up and take you to the airport.
- Liner-equipped sleeping bag.
- All required permits, such as those for trekking and national parks.
- Airfare for a round-trip flight (Kathmandu to Lukla).
Excluded
- All personal expenses, bar tabs, laundry, water, travel insurance, beverages, phone calls, internet, and trek-related costs such as heater bills are excluded.
- Gratuity for the guide, porter.
- Rescue via helicopter.
- Personal trekking gear, as well as emergency rescue procedures.
- All costs associated with a change in plans because of landslide, political unrest, strike, or lockdown.
- All of Kathmandu's lunch and dinner.
Itinerary
- Arrival in Kathmandu: Arrive in Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,400m) on a morning flight.
- Meet and Greet: Meet our office representative and drive to your hotel.
- Rest and Gear Shopping: Take some time to rest before visiting Thamel to purchase any missing or forgotten trekking gear and equipment for your trek.
- Special Permit Issuance: Obtain the special permit required for trekking in the Mustang area.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay: Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu.
- Flight to Pokhara: Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Altitude: 822m) in approximately 25 minutes.
- Meet Your Guide: Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel.
- Explore Lakeside Pokhara: Spend the day exploring the beautiful lakeside area of Pokhara. Renowned as one of Nepal's top tourist destinations, Pokhara Valley is famous for its stunning lakes and views of the Himalayan range. The city offers various activities, including boating, trekking, rafting, bungee jumping, and canoeing, making it a hub for adventure seekers. It also serves as a gateway to the breathtaking Annapurna Massif to the north.
- Overnight Stay: Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Pokhara.
- orning Flight to Jomsom: Take a morning flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (Altitude: 2,743m), lasting approximately 25 minutes.
- Arrival in Jomsom: Land in the Kingdom of Mountains, known for its unique and stunning mountain landscape. Jomsom is a beautiful and expansive town in this region.
- Breakfast with a View: Enjoy breakfast with breathtaking views of Mount Dhaulagiri (Height: 8,167m), Mount Nilgiri (Height: 7,061m), Pisang Peak (Altitude: 3,250m), and numerous other peaks.
- Hike to Kagbeni: Hike up to Kagbeni (Altitude: 2,804m), which takes approximately 2-3 hours.
- Lunch and Exploration: Have lunch and take time to explore the charming Kagbeni Village, situated along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay: Enjoy dinner and spend the night at a teahouse or lodge in Kagbeni.
- Trek Along the Kali Gandaki River: The trek begins along the scenic trail by the Kali Gandaki River.
- Farming Fields and Orchards: Enjoy views of farming fields and apple orchards along the way. The main crops in this region include buckwheat, barley, and apples.
- Pass Through Tangbe Village: Continue onward, passing through the small mountain village of Tangbe (Altitude: 3,060m). The residents of this village are known as "Tangbetani," and Buddhism is the primary religion practiced here.
- Explore Tangbe: Take time to explore Tangbe, where you can see the ruins of an ancient fortress and numerous Buddhist chortens built by travelers in ancient times.
- Trek to Chele Village: Trek uphill to reach the beautiful village of Chele. Along the way, enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay: Enjoy dinner and spend the night at a teahouse or lodge in Chele.
- Trek to Syangboche: Begin your trek towards Syangboche, which may take up to 7-8 hours, making it a long day on the trail.
- Climb and Cross Taklam-La Pass: Climb approximately 600m to cross Taklam-La Pass (Altitude: 3,625m). Along the way, enjoy views of the Copper-Red Canyon beside the trails, adding adventure and memorable scenery to your journey.
- Reach Samar Village: Arrive at the beautiful village of Samar, where you can see many ancient chortens along the route.
- Cross Dajori La Pass: Continue your trek by crossing Dajori La Pass (Altitude: 3,735m).
- Arrival at Syangboche: Finally, reach Syangboche.
- Overnight Stay: Enjoy dinner and spend the night at a teahouse or lodge in Syangboche.
- Trek to Nyi La Pass: Start your trek from Syangbochen to Nyi La Pass (Altitude: 4,020m).
- Descend to Geling: Descend into the town of Geling, then trek uphill through the fields to the heart of the valley.
- Climb to Nyi La Pass: Navigate challenging terrain as you climb to the head of the valley, ultimately reaching Nyi La Pass (Altitude: 3,840m).
- Trail Junction: Descend to a trail junction where the left trail leads to Ghami—a village perched on a cliff, characterized by its collection of whitewashed mud and stone homes—while the right trail heads toward Charang.
- Overnight Stay: After a long journey of about 5 hours, spend the night in a wonderful location.
- Hike to Mustang's Driest Area: Begin your hike to the driest area of Mustang. Expect a tough trek over challenging terrain, but the reward will be spectacular landscapes of the isolated countryside and panoramic views of mountains in all directions.
- Rest at Charang: Take a rest in Charang (Altitude: 3,870m), a large village located at the top of the Charang Chu Canyon.
- Explore Historical Sites: Visit a historical fort and a red gompa to the east of the village, which boasts an impressive collection of statues and thangkas.
- Overnight Stay: After approximately 4 hours of trekking, enjoy your overnight stay at a teahouse or lodge in Charang.
- Trek to Upper Highland Trail: Begin your trek on the upper highland trail, which leads out of Lo-Manthang. This route offers breathtaking views of Lo-Manthang, the Charang Valley, and the distant snow-capped mountains.
- Cross Dhi Pass: Ascend to the Dhi Pass, standing at an altitude of 4,100 meters, as you make your way to Dhakmar.
- Overnight Stay: After approximately 6-7 hours of trekking, arrive in Dhakmar for your overnight stay at a teahouse or lodge.
- Trek to Ghiling: After breakfast, embark on the trek to Ghiling (altitude 3,860 meters), which will take approximately 5-6 hours.
- Villages Along the Way: Pass through the villages of Chhunggar, Jhaite, and Tamagaon, and visit the longest Mani wall in Mustang along with ancient Chortens.
- Cross Ghami Khola: Continue your journey by crossing the Ghami Khola and arriving at the beautiful Ghami village, nestled among high cliffs and caves.
- Explore the Surroundings: Take time to explore the local villages, monasteries, sky caves, and the picturesque buckwheat fields.
- Overnight Stay: Enjoy your overnight stay at a teahouse or lodge in Ghiling.
- Trek to Chuksang: Begin your trek over hills and ridges to reach the upper village of Chuksang (altitude 3,050 meters), located between two hills. This village offers a secure retreat from the fierce winds that often sweep through the Kali Gandaki Valley.
- Final Day Highlights: On the final day of this unforgettable trek, pass through Jharkot village. Visit the nearby monastery, explore the stunning Tibetan Herbal Medicine Center, and take in the sights of a historical fortress that was once a palace.
- Scenic Descent to Jomsom: Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you descend towards Jomsom, taking in views of the Kali Gandaki Valley and Kagbeni Village along the way.
- Celebration and Overnight Stay: Celebrate the conclusion of the trek with all of your team members in Jomsom. Overnight at a teahouse or lodge in Jomsom after approximately 5-6 hours of trekking.
- On the final day of this unforgettable trek, you will:
- Pass through Jharkot village.
- Visit the nearby monastery and the impressive Tibetan Herbal Medicine Center.
- Explore an ancient fortress that once served as a palace.
- Enjoy the stunning scenery as you make your way down to Jomsom, including views of:
- The Kali Gandaki Valley.
- Kagbeni Village, which marks the entrance to Mustang.
- Celebrate the conclusion of the trek in Jomsom with your entire team.
- Overnight at a teahouse or lodge in Jomsom.
Depart from Tribhuvan International Airport for your journey back to your home country.
Route Map
Fixed Departure
Upper Mustang Trek Availability
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FAQs
The best time to trek in Upper Mustang is from March to early November. The region lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, making it accessible year-round, even during the monsoon season. However, winter can be harsh, as many locals leave the area to avoid the extreme cold and snow.
It offers a rare experience of traditional Tibetan culture, with ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and the walled city of Lo Manthang.
Trekkers can experience Tibetan Buddhist culture through Gompas, Chortens, prayer flags, caves, and interactions with local ethnic groups.
Main attractions include Muktinath Temple, Jomsom, Nilgiri Mountain, Kali Gandaki River, Dhaulagiri Mountain, and stunning views of surrounding ranges.
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Harry Thompson -Bath, United Kingdom
My Upper Mustang Trek with Taiwan Trek Nepal was an unforgettable adventure! From the very start, their team was incredibly professional, friendly, and attentive. The guides were knowledgeable about the culture, history, and nature of the region, making every day special. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking — the barren landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique Tibetan culture left me speechless. The accommodations and meals were comfortable and authentic, which added to the experience. I felt safe and well taken care of throughout the trek. Highly recommend Taiwan Trek Nepal for anyone wanting to explore Upper Mustang with expert guidance and great service!
Marc Dubois -Paris, France
I had a fantastic experience trekking Upper Mustang with Taiwan Trek Nepal. The entire process, from booking to the end of the trip, was smooth and hassle-free. The guides were very professional and friendly, always ensuring our group was comfortable and informed. The unique desert-like landscape of Mustang combined with ancient Tibetan villages was like stepping into another world. The company paid attention to every detail, including permits, accommodations, and acclimatization schedules. I also appreciated their commitment to responsible tourism and respect for local culture. Definitely a top-notch trekking company in Nepal — I’m already planning my next trip with them!