Upper Mustang trail, Nepal

The forbidden kingdom, opened

Upper Mustang

Cross into a high-desert Himalayan kingdom of red cliffs, cave monasteries and the walled city of Lo Manthang.

Duration

11 days

Difficulty

Moderate

Max Altitude

3,840m (Lo Manthang)

Region

Mustang

Best Season

Summer, Autumn

Overview

Upper Mustang trades glaciers for a wind-carved desert landscape closer to the Tibetan plateau than to the rest of Nepal. The trail winds through canyons striped in ochre and rust to the walled royal city of Lo Manthang, closed to outsiders until 1992 and still one of the best-preserved pieces of Tibetan Buddhist culture anywhere in the Himalaya.

Highlights

  • The walled city of Lo Manthang
  • Ancient cliffside cave monasteries
  • High-desert canyon scenery
  • A trekking season that runs through the summer monsoon

Starting Price

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Pricing is tailored to your group size and dates.

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Day by Day

Itinerary

Enter the gateway to Upper Mustang along the Kali Gandaki.
Cross into the restricted area proper.
High passes and red-rock canyon trail.
Past chortens and long mani walls.
Views of Charang's clifftop dzong.
Arrive at the walled royal city.
Visit the city's centuries-old monasteries and royal palace.
Return journey via a different route through red cliffs.
Retrace toward the lower valley.
Final trekking day back to Jomsom.
Short scenic flight back over the Annapurnas.

Included

  • Road transfers to and from the trailhead
  • Teahouse accommodation on trek
  • All meals during the trek
  • Licensed English-speaking trekking guide and porter support
  • Restricted-area permit and ACAP fees

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Nepal entry visa
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal trekking gear
  • Tips for guide and porters

Questions

FAQ

Yes — it sits in the Annapurna rain shadow, making it one of the best monsoon-season treks in Nepal.
Yes, a restricted-area permit is required and is arranged as part of your booking.

Upper Mustang Gallery

In Pictures

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