Upper Mustang is a highly cherished and admired destination located in the Annapurna region, where the beauty of nature blends seamlessly with the allure of a mysterious kingdom. The Upper Mustang trek is a 15-day adventure through the desert mountains of Nepal, offering some of the most unique and sensational travel experiences. The Upper Mustang trek is considered one of the most unique and off-the-beaten-path treks. During this trek, you will have the opportunity to walk through a distinctive landscape, right beside the Trans-Himalayas. Additionally, you will encounter the fascinating culture and history of the "Loba" people, who are also known as the people of Lo Manthang. Amid the cold mountain desert, you will come across a multitude of enchanting and celestial locations that embody a beautiful and simple way of life. You will discover hidden beauty in unexpected places, along with the majestic jewels that grace these locations. They stand tall and strong, offering breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains.
Lo Manthang, the ancient capital of Mustang. The Upper Mustang trek leads to the last forbidden kingdom within the country’s territory. It is the gateway to the mysterious world of the old Buddhist kingdom; Lo. Lo Manthang is the ancient capital of the Mustang. Upper Mustang was once restricted to average travelers until 1992 and to this day one must have a restricted area permit to enter this place. Because of that, it was completely isolated from the outer world. As of now restricted area permits along with TIMS card and ACAP permits are required to explore the Upper Mustang of Nepal. Mustang is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. There is no technical climbing required for the Upper Mustang trek. Meanwhile, the difficulty level of the trek is moderate and with basic hiking experience can easily complete the trek. Meanwhile, the highest altitude of the Upper Mustang trek is 3,730 meters above sea level.
Tiji Festival in Mustang is one of the most unique festivals in Nepal, one of the prominent Himalayan festivals. It is a lifetime experience to visit the Upper Mustang of Nepal and witness the Tiji festival. To reach the Lower Mustang of Nepal both the roadways as well as airways are available. But compared with the Lower Mustang of Nepal, the Upper Mustang is rich in culture, tradition, amazing caves, monasteries, and many more. Upper Mustang carries a long history and it is also believed that the kingdom of Lo used to be a part of the Ngari area of Tibet. Along with the above highlights, you will traverse around the deserted valleys and watch yak caravans, eroded canyons, and extraordinary walled settlements. Arid beauty and harsh, cliff-face landscapes are other attractions. You will also see the nuclear settlement and little sign of cultivation. Moreover, The region reflects stunning vistas and the stubborn way of holding unique Tibetan cultures. Experiencing the ancient cultures of the Forbidden Kingdom is another memorable side of this trek.
As you make your way to your final destination of the trek - Lo Manthang, you will also have the opportunity to explore the mysterious caves and marvel at the centuries-old walled city. Nestled in a secluded location, surrounded by majestic mountains and endless chains of peaks, the scenery is truly unforgettable. The landscape in this part of Nepal is very different from other areas, which is one of the major attractions during this trek.
Mustang - The Apple capital of Nepal
The Forbidden Kingdom Mustang region is Northern Nepal, which has a fascinating culture along with mind-blowing landscapes that are much more than just a trekking destination. It is a mounting of old cultural traditions and unique beauty that seems otherworldly. It is also the age-old trade route and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on earth. It is inhabited by Gurung and Thakali ethnic groups, these ethnic groups still live in small villages along the foothills of the Himalayas.
The mysterious place is full of incredible attractions, and culture that has been preserved for centuries. Mustang is a deserted area of land due to the Himalayan zone covering the valley. Not only landscapes but also hypnotic culture and history. Many attractions make the Mustang a great place to visit. The cliffs and caves, waterfalls, mountain sceneries, culture and lifestyle of locals, and the incredible arid landscapes are some of the major attractions to explore in Mustang.
Kagbeni village - Gateways to Upper Mustang
Kagbeni is made of the two words “ Kag '' and “venue’’ where ‘’Kag’’ means crow and venue means junction of two rivers Kali Gandaki and Jhong rivers. Kagbeni is the stunning village that is the only gateway to the upper Mustang. It is located in the valley of the Kali Gandaki River in the Mustang district. You can catch a glimpse of the local lifestyle village by visiting this beautiful village. This rustic village lies on the trail from Jomson and the royal capital of Lo Manthang. Kagbeni not only fascinates people with its beauty but also attracts people with its religious significance.
Kagbeni lies on the way to Muktinath and people usually stop by this interesting place to perform a final ritual for the departed souls of their ancestors. Besides the religious importance, this village is one of the most beautiful places to explore in this area. The iconic houses here are rectangular with flat mud-plastered roofs and are built adjoining each other. The worn-down prayer flags are believed to carry the blessings of the mantras. Places like these are typical for semi-desert, trans-Himalayas. According to the season, the dry land is filled with green agricultural fields that please one's eye.
Upper Mustang - The Mountain Desert
Upper Mustang is one of the most popular trekking trails in the Annapurna Region. The highest altitude of the trek is Lo Manthang which is situated at an elevation of 3,730 meters above sea level. The Everest region was first explored by trekkers during the 1950s. Meanwhile, the trek to Upper Mustang was opened for all after 1992. The trekking trails to Upper Mustang were once used as a salt trading route by the locals. The king still has his home there. Upper Mustang is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Although the entire region is geographically part of the Tibetan plateau. Hence, the kingdom is influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Traveling to the Upper Mustang is a real privilege. Upper Mustang Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime destination to explore the captivating medieval walled kingdom of Lo Manthang.
Upper Mustang trekking transits across the arid river valley that runs north-south of the Annapurna circuit. Trek to Upper Mustang passes through the driest region of Nepal. It certainly offers you a visit to the deserted valley rich in its ancient cultural heritages and traditions. It provides spectacular mountain scenery. Though trekking to this region has been open since 1992, trekkers must need a special permit to trek this region.
What is Upper Mustang Trek?
Upper Mustang falls under a restricted area in Nepal and it was completely closed to tourists until the late 90s. The travelers must require a special permit to travel to this region as per the rules from the tourism department of the country. Trekkers should pay a permit fee of US$ 500 (to be arranged through a trekking agency and valid for 10 days). Each additional day costs US$ 50. Meanwhile, ACAP permits which cost US$ 30 must be paid before traveling to Upper Mustang. Similarly, for the TIMS card, US$ 10 must be paid to the Department of Immigration. Traveling to the upper Mustang is quite challenging due to its remoteness and restrictions.
With us, your journey to Upper Mustang starts from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Being the capital of Nepal recently Kathmandu holds the only international airport in the nation making Kathmandu the initial destination for most of the international travelers. Some other international airports are under construction and 40+ domestic airports are in operation. From Kathmandu, you can reach Pokhara by road or by flight. Flight to Pokhara from Kathmandu Takes about 25-30 minutes. Similarly, a 25-minute scenic flight will take you to the beautiful lake city of Pokhara from Kathmandu. The upper Mustang area lies inside the Annapurna conservation area which can be accessed from Pokhara.
A 20-minute flight from Pokhara will take you to Jomsom and you will reach the gateways to the upper Mustang area. After a 30-minute thrilling drive from Jomsom, you will reach Kagbeni. The trek generally starts from Kagbeni. During your journey to the mountain desert, you will come across beautiful and traditional villages full of life and simplicity. From Kagbeni you will start the trek the very next day and take about 5 days to reach the capital of Mustang Lo Manthang also known as the mysterious kingdom and the ancient walled city. Situated at an elevation of 3,730 meters above sea level, Lo Manthang is the ancient capital of the Jomsom with jaw-dropping surprises and fascinating beauty.
You will have an additional day to explore Lo Manthang. During the day, you have the opportunity to witness a variety of captivating experiences, such as sky caves, ancient cave paintings, cultural practices, and the awe-inspiring landscapes. It takes three days of trekking to reach Kagbeni from Lo Manthang. From Kagbeni, you have the option to either trek to Jomsom or drive back. If you choose to drive, there is a well-maintained road that offers a scenic road trip experience. The trek distance is relatively short, allowing you to explore the lower Mustang during the earlier part of the day. During your stay in Jomsom, be sure to visit Marpha Village and Dumba Lake, as they are both must-see destinations located near the village, making it easily accessible and perfect for a short visit.
Best Time to Travel Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang is cold in winter, windy, and dusty throughout the year. As the region falls under the rain shadow, it does not bear rainfall. So, trekking in the Upper Mustang is also suitable during monsoon season. During the monsoon season of the year, amazing views of the landscapes, green fields, apple orchards, and many more can be seen. Rainfall only lasts for a few hours meanwhile in the evening clouds may cover the sky.
However, Summer, Monsoon, and Autumn are the best time to trek the upper Mustang. Mid-September, October November and Early- December is one of the best months of the year for the Upper Mustang trek. Mustang is situated at a low altitude compared with the Upper Mustang region and other trekking trails without any high passes. Because of that, the snowfall does not hamper the trekking trails. Similarly, February, March, and April are the second-best seasons for the Upper Mustang trek. During these months of the year, the sky is clear with pleasant weather allowing you to enjoy the ambiance to its fullest.
If the provided trip itinerary does not fit your holiday schedule or if you would like to make changes to the itinerary or combine it with other travel plans, please inform us. We will gladly create a customized itinerary that is tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Please feel free to inquire with us about whether you are a student group, family group, or corporate team. We have a range of packages available for your trip to Upper Mustang.
How difficult is the Upper Mustang trek?
The Upper Mustang trek is considered to be a moderately to strenuously challenging trek. This is due to its demanding trail and high altitude location, situated above 3,000m above sea level in the mountains. Upper Mustang is designated as a restricted area due to its proximity to the Tibetan Border and border security concerns. As a result, it remains a remote region that has largely been untouched by modern development and civilization. Trekking to the Upper Mustang can be quite challenging due to its remote location.
The trek involves long hours of walking, steep ascents and descents, and unpredictable harsh weather conditions. Another major challenge during this trek is the high altitude, which has the potential to cause altitude sickness, a significant threat. High altitude sickness typically begins to affect individuals when they reach an elevation of 2,500 meters above sea level. This condition can cause physical effects in individuals and is recognized for its unpredictable nature. These are the potential challenges of the Upper Mustang trek. However, you will be accompanied by a professional trekking guide who is equipped with a comprehensive medical kit to ensure that you complete your trek without encountering any difficulties.
10 Km