16 Days Upper Mustang Trek

16 Days Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang known as the Mini Tibet of Nepal, is the Hidden Paradise of Nepal, which lies in the Mustang District. Trek to Mustang is a Fabulous tour for visitors to experience the best holiday trip ever in Nepal in their lives. Upper Mustang is explained as a mystique valley and the last forbidden kingdom in Nepal. 

Start/End Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Trip Difficulty Moderate
Maximum Elevation 3,900m
Best Season March to November
Accommodation Hotel/Lodge
Transportation Car, Flight and Bus

Overview of 16 Days Upper Mustang Trek

The 16 Days Upper Mustang occupies a rain-shadow plateau tucked behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Monsoon clouds can’t cross those peaks. So while the rest of Nepal soaks from June to September, this corridor stays dry, dusty, and open for walking.

For over 500 years it ran as its own sovereign kingdom. Known as the Lo Kingdom, it had its own ruler, its own trade levies, its own form of Tibetan Buddhism, and very little contact with the outside world. Nepal absorbed the territory politically in 1795. But life inside kept going much the same way. Foreign visitors weren’t allowed at all until 1992. Even now, getting in requires a special permit, a licensed local guide, and a group of at least two foreign trekkers. That quota is what keeps the footpath quiet.

Terrain-wise, it looks nothing like the rest of Nepal. Eroded sandstone walls rise in shades of red, orange, and white along the canyon sections. Barley grows at 3,500m beside irrigation ditches dug centuries ago. Mud-brick settlements cling to ridgelines in the same spots they’ve occupied for 600 years. The Kali Gandaki river cuts through one of the deepest gorge systems on earth, running along the lower stretches of the route.

Lo Manthang, walled capital of the old Mustang kingdom, sits at 3,730m. Its outer boundary walls are still standing. Three functioning shrines occupy the interior: Jhampa, Thupchen, and Chhoeda Gompa. Murals covering every surface inside Thupchen were painted in the 15th century. The final king of Mustang, officially stripped of royal status in 2008, still keeps a private residence within the compound.

Running 16 days from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, the upper mustang trek kicks off at Kagbeni (2,800m) after a short jeep ride from Jomsom airstrip. The outbound path climbs north through canyon country toward Lo Manthang. After a rest day in the capital, the return leg swings east through Drakmar, Ghiling, and Chhuksang, avoiding much of the road overlap on the way back.

Nepal Holiday Trip has been running groups through this region since 2003. Our director, Dhruba Bhatta, personally escorts selected departures. We sort the restricted area permit, Jomsom flight bookings, guesthouse reservations along the full route, and guide assignment. Get in touch to check available dates.

Why Trekker Choose 16 Days Upper Mustang Trek?

16 days Upper Mustang carries a higher price tag than most Nepal routes. The lodges are simpler. The logistics take more planning. People still choose it because the experience is structurally unlike anything else on the Nepal trekking circuit.

Trekkers returning to Nepal after EBC or Annapurna

Both those routes share a similar texture: rhododendron forests, long suspension bridges, well-stocked teahouses, steady prayer-flag scenery. The upper mustang trek shares none of that.

The walking ground is Tibetan desert plateau. The settlements are preserved pre-modern Tibetan kingdom villages. Permit rules keep the numbers down. If your next Nepal trip needs to feel genuinely different from your first, this route delivers on that.

Travellers with a June to August Vacation

EBC in July means monsoon. Annapurna in August means monsoon. Upper Mustang in July means dry trail, clear mornings, and some of the lowest visitor counts of the year.

The rain shadow is the most underused practical advantage of this route. If work or family commitments put you in Nepal during summer, the trek to upper mustang is one of very few high-altitude options that actually works.

People drawn to Tibetan Buddhist culture

Upper Mustang developed its own form of Tibetan Buddhist practice separately from modern Tibet after the mid-20th century. The monasteries, seasonal ceremonies, spoken language, and daily rhythms of village life here carry that distinct lineage.

Trekkers after cultural substance alongside the mountain walking tend to find this route delivers more of it than any standard Nepal circuit.

May travellers wanting Tiji Festival

The Tiji Festival runs three days in Lo Manthang each May. Monks from Chhoeda Gompa perform masked ritual dances in the main courtyard. One of the most significant Tibetan Buddhist events accessible to foreign visitors in Nepal.

Timing arrival in Lo Manthang with Tiji takes early booking. Guesthouses and Jomsom flights fill months in advance during this period. Get in touch with your dates and we’ll check availability.

Outline Itinerary of 16 Days Upper Mustang Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel.
Day 02:Drive or flight to Pokhara 850 m.
Day 03: Fly to Jomsom 2700m and trek to Kagbeni 2,800m 3/4 hours walking
Day 04: Trek to Chele 3,050m 5/6 hour walking
Day 05: Trek to Syanbochen 3,475 m. 5/6 hrs walking
Day 06: Trek to Ghami 3,520m. 6/7 hrs walking
Day 07: Trek to Tsarang 3,620m 5/6 hrs walking
Day 08: Trek to Lo-manthang 3,730m. 6/7 hrs walking
Day 09: Rest day or explore around Lo-manthang
Day 10: Trek to Drakmar 3,910m. 5/6 hrs walking
Day 11: Trek to Ghiling 3,806m 5/6 hrs walking
Day 12: Trek to Chhuksang 3050m. 5/6 hrs walking
Day 13: Trek to Jomsom 2,700 m. 6/7 hrs walking
Day 14: Drive or fly back to Pokhara
Day 15: Drive Back to Kathmandu
Day 16: Final Departure to International Airport

How Hard is the Upper Mustang Trek?

Section Walking Time Ground Conditions Useful Notes
Jomsom to Kagbeni 2 hrs Flat valley track Jeep transfer available, most groups take it
Kagbeni to Chele 4 hrs River canyon, steady gain First stretch inside the restricted zone
Chele to Syanbochen 5 to 6 hrs Two passes, loose rock Wind picks up strongly after 11am
Syanbochen to Ghami 6 to 7 hrs Yamda La 3,850m then Nyi La 4,010m Toughest day, depart by 7am
Ghami to Tsarang 5 to 6 hrs Ridge trail, exposed in wind More open than the canyon sections
Tsarang to Lo Manthang 6 to 7 hrs Lo La Pass 3,950m, then descending First sighting of the walled city from Lo La
Lo Manthang rest day 1 to 2 hrs Flat ground, village walking Gompa visits plus optional Tingkhar day trip
Lo Manthang to Drakmar 5 to 6 hrs Alternate return path Ghar Gompa side track adds 40 minutes
Drakmar to Ghiling 5 to 6 hrs Dry plateau, losing altitude Easier going than the outbound days
Ghiling to Chhuksang 5 to 6 hrs Descending canyon Altitude drops significantly, scrub returns
Chhuksang to Jomsom 6 to 7 hrs Joins the Annapurna Circuit trail Final trekking day

Fitness and Altitude Required

The trek highest overnight sits at 3,840m at . Nyi La Pass reaches 4,010m. Compare that to Everest Base Camp’s 5,364m or the Thorong La crossing on the Annapurna Circuit at 5,416m. AMS risk exists above 2,500m in anyone, but the lower ceiling here reduces the severity significantly. Most people get through with a headache or two, usually on the double-pass day.

You’ll need to manage walking 5 to 7 hours daily for up to 9 back-to-back days. No scrambling or technical climbing required. Prior experience at altitude helps. The Syanbochen to Ghami section is the day that sorts people out. Your guide sets the pace and knows when to stop.

Book the Upper Mustang Trek with Nepal Holiday Trip

Nepal Holiday Trip is a government-registered trekking company based in Thamel, Kathmandu. Holding memberships with TAAN (Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal) and the Nepal Tourism Board. Director Dhruba Bhatta has been guiding in Upper Mustang and the wider Annapurna region since 2003.

Here’s what the package covers and what our team manages on your behalf.

What We Handle How It Works
Restricted Area Permit You send passport copy and Nepal visa. We lodge the RAP at the Department of Immigration. Done in 2 to 3 working days before you arrive.
ACAP and TIMS Both included. No separate government office visits needed.
Jomsom flights We book the Pokhara to Jomsom route and advise on the Kathmandu to Pokhara leg.
Licensed guide Government-registered, route-experienced guide throughout. Dhruba personally escorts selected group departures.
Porter hire Available on request. Porter capacity matched to your pack weight.
Teahouse reservations Pre-booked across the full route. Especially important for May and October when Lo Manthang lodges fill quickly.
Permit checkpoints Your guide carries all documents and handles every checkpoint interaction.
Airport pickup and drop Included for Kathmandu arrival and final departure.
Emergency coordination Jeep and helicopter evacuation coordination available if needed during the trek.

Whats Included?

  • All transfer airport to Hotel
  • Two Night Hotel in Kathmandu with B.B plan
  • All Accommodation and three times food during the Trek
  • Tourist Bus to Pokhara
  • An experienced English speaking Government license holder Trekking Guide
  • Two person get one porter
  • Guide and porter salary, their food and accommodation in mountain
  • All necessary paper work and permit for Annapurna Conservation Area and TIMS
  • A comprehensive medical kit-box
  • All government and local Taxes
  • Upper mustang Permit
  • International and national airfare and  Travel Rescue insurance
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal expenses like Phone calls, Laundry, Extra drinks, Battery charge, Wi-Fi, extra porters, hot and cold water, Hot shower
  • Tips for Guide, Porter, and Driver, it is mandatory

Departure Dates & Avability

No upcoming departure dates available.

Travellers Reviews

5 - Excellent

Bayen

Journey Through the Heart of Annapurna

When it comes to visitors, Annapurna and Mustang region of Nepal is an attraction to a dramatic number of trekkers each year. The easy accessibility, well-maintained trails, hotels, and variety of trails ranging from easy, moderate to strenuous can be the major reasons. Pokhara – the Lake City, Annapurna Conservation Area, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Manang, Mustang, Kaligandaki gorge (deepest gorge in the world) and Annapurna Circuit are the major highlights of this place. Your journey starts from the foothills of Annapurna to the Annapurna massif.

Essential Trip Information

Road Conditions Along the Route

A jeep track now connects Jomsom to Lo Manthang. Construction wrapped up across the late 2010s. On certain stretches, especially approaching the capital from Ghami, the walking path crosses or runs beside this road. Nepal Holiday Trip uses the Drakmar, Ghiling, Chhuksang return loop specifically because it carries far less road traffic heading back.

Section Road Presence What It Means for Walking
Kagbeni to Chele Rough track runs nearby Trail and road stay separate most of the way. Low impact.
Chele to Syanbochen Track exists but rarely driven Traditional footpath used throughout. Minimal overlap.
Syanbochen to Ghami Road cuts through Road proximity for 1 to 2 hours. Dust is noticeable in dry months.
Ghami to Lo Manthang Road runs all the way to the capital Final 2 hours involve road crossings and occasional vehicle passing.
Return via Drakmar Significantly less vehicle presence Main reason the return route runs this direction.

The cultural character of the villages, the permit exclusivity, the monastery interiors, and the plateau scenery are all unchanged. Some outbound sections share ground with the road. Trekkers preferring to jeep those stretches can arrange it. Most walk the full route anyway.

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit

Getting the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) sorted is the one step that makes this trek different from any standard Nepal route. It has to go through a registered agency. Nepal Holiday Trip processes everything on your behalf.

Permit 2026 Cost Notes
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit USD 500 per person Covers first 10 days inside the restricted zone
RAP extension beyond 10 days USD 50 per person per extra day Standard NHT itinerary stays under the 10-day cap
ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area) NPR 3,000 (approx USD 23) Needed for all Mustang region access
TIMS Card USD 20 per person Standard Nepal trekking document
Total permit estimate Approx USD 543 per person Rolled into Nepal Holiday Trip package pricing

Entry Rules Inside the Zone

  • Minimum 2 foreign trekkers. Solo entry into the restricted corridor is prohibited under Nepal law.
  • Licensed guide required throughout. A government-registered guide must stay with the group.
  • Permit carried at all times. Checkpoints at Kagbeni and several points north verify the document.
  • Accommodation in designated guesthouses only. Unapproved camping is not allowed.

Send us your passport copy and Nepal visa details 10 to 14 days before departure. We lodge the RAP application at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. Processing takes 2 to 3 working days. Your document pack arrives before trek start. No government office visit needed from your side.

Food and Accommodation During Upper Mustang Trail

Guesthouse conditions in Upper Mustang are more basic than on the Everest or Annapurna trails. Knowing the reality before arrival means packing correctly and landing with the right expectations.

Facility What to Expect
Room type Basic twin or double rooms. Private rooms at most stops, not guaranteed in October or May.
Bedding Blankets supplied. Bring a sleeping bag liner. Above 3,500m, the blankets alone don’t cut it overnight.
Hot water Solar-heated. Available from 12pm to 4pm at most lodges. Cold or unavailable in evenings.
Charging Solar power at most stops. Slow charging. A 10,000mAh power bank minimum is worth packing.
WiFi Kagbeni and Lo Manthang only. Slow and intermittent. Some guesthouses charge NPR 300 to 500 for access.
Toilets Flush toilets at most lodges. Some stops have squat toilets only.
Room heating None in bedrooms. Common room wood stove fires up in the evenings. Warm layers essential.

Eating on the Trail

Dal bhat, the standard Nepali combination of rice, lentil broth, and vegetable curry, shows up at every single guesthouse. It’s reliably fresh, filling, and comes with unlimited refills at most lodges. Other options include thukpa (noodle broth), fried rice, tsampa porridge, and chapati. Apples and apple products from the orchards around Marpha, south of Kagbeni, appear in the lower sections of the route.

Vegetarian options cover every stop on the route. Meat dishes exist at some lodges but supply chains thin out above Kagbeni, and freshness becomes inconsistent. The food is carbohydrate-heavy, which suits the caloric demands of 6-plus hours of mountain walking.

Meal or Item Typical Cost (2026)
Dal bhat NPR 600 to 900 (USD 4.50 to 6.50)
Noodle soup / thukpa NPR 400 to 700
Eggs and bread breakfast NPR 400 to 700
Tea or coffee NPR 150 to 300
Bottled water (1 litre) NPR 200 to 400, rising in the upper villages
Hot shower NPR 200 to 400 extra at some lodges
Personal spending estimate above what’s covered in your package: USD 25 to 40 per day. Confirm exactly what your Nepal Holiday Trip package includes at time of booking.

Phone Signal and Internet Access during Upper Mustang Trek

Village NTC Ncell WiFi Situation
Kagbeni Good Good Yes Last reliable signal point heading north
Chele Weak None None Mostly gone after Kagbeni
Syanbochen None None None Fully offline
Ghami Intermittent NTC None None Tower nearby but unreliable
Tsarang None None None No signal
Lo Manthang NTC works None Yes, slow NPR 300 to 500 WiFi fee at some lodges
Drakmar to Chhuksang None None None Offline throughout
Jomsom Good Good Yes Full connectivity restored

 

Upper Mustang Weather, Month by Month

Month Day Temp Night Temp Rain Trail Condition Visitor Level
January 5 to 12C -10 to -5C Very low Snow on passes, cold nights Very low
February 8 to 14C -8 to -3C Low Snow possible on Nyi La Low
March 12 to 18C -4 to 0C Low Good, spring arriving Moderate
April 15 to 22C -2 to 4C Low Excellent, clear sky High
May 18 to 24C 2 to 8C Very low Best conditions, Tiji Festival period Peak, book early
June 20 to 26C 5 to 12C Low (rain shadow) Good, dry while other routes close Moderate
July 22 to 28C 8 to 14C Low (rain shadow) Dry, dusty afternoons Low
August 22 to 28C 8 to 14C Low (rain shadow) Same as July Low
September 18 to 24C 4 to 10C Very low Excellent visibility Moderate
October 14 to 20C -2 to 4C Very low Peak season, best overall Very high, book 3+ months ahead
November 10 to 16C -6 to 0C Very low Good, nights getting cold Moderate
December 5 to 10C -10 to -5C Very low Cold, possible snow on passes Very low

October draws the largest groups of any month across Nepal trekking. Book Jomsom flights and Lo Manthang lodges at least 3 to 4 months ahead for this window. May is the cultural peak, particularly if Tiji Festival dates line up with your arrival in Lo Manthang. June to August offers dry walking, lower prices, and some of the lightest trekker numbers of the year.

Itinerary Detail for Upper Mustang 16 Days Trek

FAQs about 16 Days Upper Mustang Trek

Nepal law requires a minimum of 2 foreign trekkers entering the restricted zone together. Solo foreign entry isn’t permitted. If you’re travelling alone, Nepal Holiday Trip can match you with another solo traveller on a group departure. Send us your preferred dates and we’ll check who else is going.

Yes. The Himalayan barrier blocks monsoon rain from reaching the plateau. From June to September, Upper Mustang gets very little precipitation. Trails stay dry. June, July, and August are viable with lower visitor numbers and lower lodge pricing. Afternoon trail dust runs heavy in summer due to the very dry surface conditions.

For October and May, book 3 to 4 months ahead minimum. Jomsom flight seats are limited and Lo Manthang guesthouses fill during peak periods. For June to August and March to April, 4 to 6 weeks typically works. Earlier booking always gives more options for flights, permits, and accommodation.

Lo Manthang sits at 3,730m. Serious AMS is uncommon at this height, especially after 5 to 6 days of steady ascent from Kagbeni. Mild headache and disrupted sleep are normal on the first night in the capital. Drinking 3 to 4 litres of water per day reduces symptoms noticeably. The rest day in Lo Manthang gives the body time to settle before the return leg starts.

Yes. Jeep roads cover the full corridor from Jomsom to Lo Manthang now. Groups wanting to skip road sections, shorten the trip, or needing transport due to injury can arrange vehicles at several points along the route. Most trekkers walk the full route. The option exists when it’s needed.