The Upper Mustang Trek, often called the "Last Forbidden Kingdom," is an extraordinary adventure that allows trekkers to discover one of Nepal’s most isolated and culturally rich regions. Managed by Adventure Mountain Explore Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd, this trek leads through the fascinating Mustang region, located in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri mountain range. Stretching from Kagbeni in the south to the Tibetan border in the north, the trek reaches altitudes of over 4,000 meters.
The trek offers an unparalleled experience as it takes trekkers through desert-like landscapes, dramatic rock formations, and deep gorges. The journey along the historic trade route once used by salt caravans from Tibet is filled with ancient fortresses, palaces, and cave dwellings high on cliffs. A highlight of the trek is the stunning Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. As trekkers explore these ancient sites, they encounter breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, with snow-capped peaks and glaciers in the distance.
In addition to its natural beauty, Upper Mustang is renowned for its Tibetan Buddhist culture. Once part of the Kingdom of Lo, the region has preserved its ancient Buddhist traditions and Tibetan lifestyle for centuries. Monasteries like Lo Gekar Monastery (dating back to the 8th century) and Thungchen Gompa (from the 15th century) stand as symbols of Mustang's spiritual and cultural heritage. The Tibetan-style villages are characterized by whitewashed houses, with firewood stacked on the rooftops, reflecting the timeless ways of life that have endured for generations.
During the trek, you’ll encounter the Thakali and Gurung communities, known for their hospitality and warmth. Their welcoming nature enhances the trek, making the journey even more rewarding. The trek begins in Jomsom, where trekkers follow the Kali Gandaki River upstream to Kaagbeni, the last village before entering the restricted area. After crossing into the Upper Mustang region, trekkers are immersed in landscapes and cultures that have remained largely untouched for centuries.
The Upper Mustang Trek is an extraordinary combination of rugged adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural immersion, offering an experience that is both historically significant and spiritually enriching. For adventurers, history lovers, and those seeking a unique experience, this trek is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
How Difficult is the Upper Mustang Trek?
The Upper Mustang Trek is regarded as moderately challenging due to its rugged terrain and high altitude. While it is not technically difficult, trekkers must navigate through arid, rocky paths, steep ascents, and descents, which can be physically demanding. The altitude is one of the primary challenges, with the trek reaching heights over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), where altitude sickness can become a concern. It is essential to schedule acclimatization days to allow the body to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels and reduce the risk of altitude-related illnesses. The remote location of the trek also means limited access to medical facilities, so physical preparation and fitness are crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.
How Long is the Upper Mustang Trek?
The Upper Mustang Trek typically lasts between 14 to 16 days, depending on the chosen itinerary and pace. Starting in Jomsom, the trek moves through scenic villages like Kaagbeni, Chele, Geling, and Lo Manthang, allowing trekkers ample time for cultural exploration and acclimatization. The trek spans altitudes ranging from 2,800 meters to 4,000 meters, with the gradual ascent helping trekkers adjust and minimizing the risk of altitude sickness. The trek's duration can vary depending on rest days or any additional excursions.
How Much is a Trek Permit for Upper Mustang?
The Upper Mustang Trek requires a special Restricted Area Permit to trek in this culturally and ecologically preserved region. The permit costs USD 500 for the first 10 days of trekking. For any additional days beyond 10, there is an extra charge of USD 50 per day. Since Upper Mustang is a restricted zone, it is important to trek with a licensed guide or porter as independent trekking is prohibited. The permit fees are vital to support the conservation of the area's unique environment and culture.
How Much Does it Cost to Trek Mustang?
The total cost of the Upper Mustang Trek generally ranges between USD 2200 to USD 2,500 per person. This price typically includes essential services such as permits, flights from Pokhara to Jomsom, accommodation (either in teahouses or as part of a camping trek), meals, and the guide and porter fees. The cost can vary depending on the quality of services, duration of the trek, and personal preferences. Since the trek passes through a restricted area, Upper Mustang trekking costs tend to be higher than other popular trekking routes in Nepal.
Note: Minimum 2 pax required or single suppliment of USD 650.
Trip Includes
- Arrival from the airport by private vehicle
- 3 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- 2 nights accommodation in Pokhara
- One day Guided city tour of Kathmandu valley with private car
- Welcome and farewell dinner at one of the most popular and typical Nepalese restaurants with traditional dance & music
- One Trek Leader (Gov. Licensed and first-aid-trained with his entire expenses, equipment and insurance)
- ACAP Trekking permits and Tims Permits
- Upper Mustang special permit & its procedure
- All meals during the trek (Lunch/Dinner/Breakfast)
- Lodges during the trek
- A Porter and his entire expenses
- All the gov. and local taxes
- Down jacket and sleeping bags
- Trekking map
- Departure transfer by private vehicle
- Medicine kit box for a group
Trip Excludes
- Nepal arrival Visa
- Flight to/from Nepal
- Lunch and dinner in th city (except special dinner)
- Monument entrance fees
- Beverages, i.e. mineral water, beer, etc. during hiking
- Travel insurance (Which must include trip cancellation)
- Personal expenses
Useful Information
Travel Insurance
You should have travel insurance to be adequately protected in terms of insurance. A travel insurance policy that should cover cancellation, injury, death, lost baggage, theft, liability, medical treatment and expenses is strongly recommended. Make sure the insurance covers all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. If a client becomes ill, all hospital expenses, doctors' fees and repatriation costs are the client's responsibility. If you are injured and unable to travel, you can ask for a rescue helicopter from a remote area only if you have definite proof you can pay for it. They pay a cash deposit to the helicopter operator and collect the money from you if you have been rescued. Be sure your policy specifically covers those.
Health and Fitness
We strongly recommend you to consult the doctor before planning your holidays. You should obtain professional advice from a travel clinic or your local GP about which vaccinations to have before you arrive in Nepal. Your doctor will advise current inoculation requirements. If a doctor has recommended against travel or indicated travel may be inconvenient then kindly inform us of the details. On all trekking and exploratory trips technical experience is not required, hiking/camping experience is an advantage, but by far the most important thing is a positive attitude and a generous amount of determination. We run regular first aid courses for our all trekking guides and Sherpa helpers.
Foods and Accommodation
In Kathmandu we use tourist standard hotel to ensure a comfortable stay and relaxed environment before and after your adventure. All breakfasts are included at the hotel in Kathmandu. Rooms are generally twin share – depending on group size and room availability, triple share may be offered up on your request. A single supplement room is available at an additional cost for accommodation. During the trek for breakfast you expect to have porridge, toast or chapattis, omelet and local bread. We will provide all meals on full board (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) from the teahouse menu during the trekking period. Whilst trekking to Upper Mustang, the accommodation is in very basic guesthouses or Lodges which are basic with shared facilities. Foods will be also very basis special upper mustang trek sp prepare for it.
Our effort while you are on a trek
while you are on a trek, there are not much communication facilities so that we would pass your message to your family and friends if required. Our guide will have cell phone and we often speak with you so that easy for us to deliver message. Our every effort will be made to keep to the proposed itinerary, however as this is adventure travel in a remote Himalayan region. The health of member, weather conditions can all contribute to changes the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary. If you are delayed longer than the itinerary date we can help reschedule your international flights but prepare to pay some extra charge if required.
Why to Trek with us!
We are passionate to deliver real adventure experience that allows you to visit places that unseen and cultures and traditions that untouched. Trip itineraries are optimized to the best of our knowledge to cover the most famous travel routes and interests of the discerning traveler. We have put our heart, soul and over 15 years of experience into an outstanding adventure trips. We are committed to a high level of service so that all of our customers' expectations are met. Our local Sherpas and Leaders are very much dedicated to their services. It is our highest priority to provide you with the best services available through our company. We are here to fulfill your desire. We can tailor trips to your liking. We know how to cater to the needs of our valuable clients. Our specially trained staff understands the best destinations for people with varying interests, physical abilities, budgets, and ages. Customer care is our priority. We also pass your day to day trip update to your family if required. Our guide and Sherps will have cell phone which works most places on this route. Hence, you can tell us what to write to your family about your trip so that they should not worry about your adventure trip.
Our legal documents
We are a government authorized and certified company. We have special authorization from the government of Nepal to operate trekking tours, expeditions, Tibetan tours, Bhutan tours and many other tourism related services. Besides being registered with the government, we are proud to be members of different professional organizations such as the following:
Ministry of Finance, Department of Taxation PAN No. 304585539
Company Registration Office, Pvt. Ltd. No. 79438/067/068
Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Department of Tourism Industry License No. 1288/067
Central Bank of Nepal, Nepal Rasta Bank Foreign Exchange Department License No. 1159/1/068
Nepal Tourism Board
Trekking Agent Association of Nepal (TAAN)
Kathmandu Environment Education Project (KEEP)
Travel season
For Upper Mustang we would recommend you any time of the year but during the winter cold is an issue. Other than that things are visibility as this is rain shadow area where never rain. Although there will be windy all the time so prepare for it.
What to bring
Pack list: It is essential to have warm clothing and equipment to plan this trip. Here below are some suggestions for planning this trip. Please kindly take it as a reference and prepare yourself.
Equipments:
Head;
Sunglasses with UV protection
Sun Hat
Lip balm
Upper body:
T- Shirts (2)
Light and expedition weight thermal tops
Fleece jacket or pullover
Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional)
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/ or jacket ( we provide you down jacket)
Hands:
Lightweight gloves
Heavyweight gloves/ mittens with a waterproof outer shell
Lower body:
Underwear (4)
Hiking shorts (2)
Lightweight cotton long pants
Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms
Fleece or wool pants
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet:
Thin, lightweight inner socks (4)
Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)
Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/ or sandals)
Gaiters only for winter)
Accessories:
Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F ( we would provide you)
Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries
Small padlock or combination lock
Basic First Aid Kit
Large plastic bags- for keeping items dry inside trek bag
Day pack (you will carry your own small daypack)
Water bottles (2)
Hiking poles/ walking sticks
Toiletries:
Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothbrush etc
Ear plugs
Small wash towel
Extras:
Camera with extra batteries and cards/ film
Binoculars
Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Reading book
Trail Map/ Guide book
Journal & Pen
IPod & Travel games (i.e. cards, chess, and backgammon)
Passport & Visa Information
Nepal visa is the easiest visa to obtain; you may buy your Nepal visa at your nearest Nepalese Embassy/ Consulate or Mission offices abroad or buy this upon on arrival to Kathmandu international airport as per your convenient. You have to have 2 passport size photographs, Visa fees in US cash & valid passport at least for 6 months valid at the starting of the trip. Nationals of SAARC countries and China do not need visa when visiting Nepal. As per this rule, Indian nationals do not require visa. Transit visa is provided for foreign nationality for 3 days. Visa must be obtained for staying over the initial period of three days. Currently, foreign national can obtain Nepalese visa from the following border.
Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu
Kakarvitta, Jhapa (Eastern Nepal)
Birganj, Parsa (Central Nepal)
Kodari, Sindhupalchowk (Northern Border)
Belhiya, Bhairahawa (Rupandehi, Western Nepal)
Jamuna, Nepalgunj (Banke, Mid Western Nepal)
Mohana, Dhangadhi (Kailali, Far Western Nepal)
Gaddachauki, Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur, Far Western Nepal)
Tourist Visa Fees
3 days transit visa - Free of cost
Multiple entry 15 days - US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 30 days - US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry 90 days - US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency
(For further information, please, contact Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Dillibazar, Kathmandu
Tel: 00977-1 4433934/ 4223590 / 4429660/ 4438868, Download visa form-: www.immi.gov.np