To trek in Upper Mustang is to trek in an ancient land steeped in a colourful history and lengthy tradition. Upper Mustang has been part of Nepal for around 200 years, yet retains a strong cultural influence of Tibet (China), especially given its proximity to the border of Nepal and Tibet (China).
You will see and experience an immersion within the culture of true mountain people, who were for many years not in regular contact with other parts of Nepal. The highest point reached on this trek is around 4,300m, making it a great choice for many reasons, including the altitudes experienced.
Geographically, Upper Mustang is part of the ‘Tibetan plateau’, extending the trekking season in this area to times of the year when it is not possible to trek in other parts of Nepal (due to monsoonal rains).
Until 1950, Mustang was actually a separate kingdom sitting within the boundaries of Nepal. This area was opened to non-Nepali visitors around 25-30 years ago and access to the area remains restricted.
Special permit fee for Upper Mustang: For trekkers venturing to Upper Mustang further north from Kagbeni, it is necessary to obtain a special trekking permit, payable at a daily rate of $US50 per person (rate quoted is the 2018 rate, but is subject to change). This amount is not included in our stated trip costs due to it fluctuating from time to time). Our itinerary contemplates 10 days in the Upper Mustang area which would make the special permit fee $US500 per person.
Tenting option: where the team is 4+ members, a tent option for the trekking portion of the trip is available at an additional cost of $US500 per person.
Book this trip as a private departure - for any group, big or small.
Day 1
Arrive Kathmandu (1,350m)Day 2
In KathmanduDay 3
Drive to Pokhara (880m) ~5-7 hrsDay 4
Fly Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m), Trek to Kagbeni (2,800m) ~3hrsDay 5
Kagbeni - Chele (3,075m) ~6hrsDay 6
Trek Chele to Geling (3,560m) ~7hrsDay 7
Trek Geling, to Ghami (3,510m) and onward to Dhakmar (3,800m) ~6hrsDay 8
Trek Dhakmar to Tsarang (3,595m) ~4hrsDay 9
Trek Tsarang to Lo Manthang (3,820m) ~4hrsDay 10
Lo Manthang - Dhi (3400m) - Yara (3400m) ~5hrsDay 11
Trek Yara, to Luri Gompa, return to Yara (3,400m) ~4hrsDay 12
Trek Yara to Tangye (3,240m) ~6hrsDay 13
Trek Tangye to Chusang-Tetang (3,000m) ~9-10hrsDay 14
Trek Chusang-Tetang to Muktinath (3,760m) ~6hrsDay 15
Trek Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m) ~5hrsDay 16
Drive Jomson to Pokhara ~9hrsDay 17
Fly Pokhara (880m) to KathmanduDay 18
In KathmanduDay 19
Depart KathmanduNote: Daily walking hours include a lunch break, and regular rest breaks.