The complete Mustang circuit — Lo Manthang's walled capital plus the remote eastern villages few trekkers ever reach.
The Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most extraordinary journeys available to trekkers anywhere in the world — a journey into a living Tibetan Buddhist kingdom that remained closed to outsiders until 1992, preserving a culture, landscape, and architectural heritage of remarkable depth and rarity. This 17-day itinerary is the complete Upper Mustang experience: the classic Kagbeni–Lo Manthang approach, a full rest and exploration day in the ancient walled capital, and the remote eastern Mustang extension through Dhi, Yara, Luri Gompa, Ghara, and Tangge — the hidden heart of the circuit that most trekkers never see.
Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, making it one of the few Himalayan trekking destinations that can be visited during the monsoon (May–October). The landscape is unlike anything else in Nepal: vast ochre and crimson plateaux, cliff-face monasteries, ancient cave dwellings, eroded canyon systems, and walled villages that appear to have changed little since the medieval era. A mandatory licensed guide and Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (USD 500 for 10 days) are required for all trekkers.
Trail gallery
Arrival Day | Altitude: 1,400 m | Overnight: Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu — Nepal's ancient, vibrant capital. Transfer to your hotel and spend the afternoon recovering from travel and adjusting to the time zone.
Altitude: 822 m | Overnight: Pokhara
Travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara — either by a scenic 6–7 hour drive through the hills and river valleys, or by a 25-minute domestic flight for the most efficient option.
Flight: 20 min | Trek: 3–4 hrs | Altitude: 2,810 m | Overnight: Kagbeni
An early morning mountain flight from Pokhara to Jomsom — one of the world's most dramatic short flights, weaving between Himalayan peaks.
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: 3,050 m | Overnight: Chele
Cross the Upper Mustang checkpoint and enter the restricted area — a landscape like nowhere else in Nepal.
Trek: 6–7 hrs | High Pass Crossing | Altitude: 3,800 m | Overnight: Syanbochen
One of the more demanding days of the trek, crossing a series of high passes that characterise the Upper Mustang approach.
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: 3,520 m | Overnight: Ghami
Continue across the distinctive plateau landscape of Upper Mustang — wide valley floors, eroded cliffs in shades of red, orange, and grey, and the constant visual drama of the high Himalayan desert.
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: 3,600 m | Overnight: Tsarang
A beautiful day's walk across the plateau to Tsarang (also known as Charang) — one of the most historically significant villages in Mustang.
Trek: 4–5 hrs | Altitude: 3,840 m | Overnight: Lo Manthang
The most anticipated day of the circuit — the arrival in Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital of the Kingdom of Mustang.
Rest Day | Altitude: 3,840 m | Optional Hikes: 3–5 hrs | Overnight: Lo Manthang
A full day to explore Lo Manthang and its surroundings in depth. Visit the four major monasteries within the walled city — Jampa, Thubchen, Chodhe, and the Mustang Royal Palace.
Trek: 6–7 hrs | Altitude: 3,960 m | Overnight: Dhi
Depart Lo Manthang and begin the remote eastern Mustang section — one of the least-trodden routes in the entire restricted area.
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: 4,010 m | Overnight: Yara
Continue deeper into the remote eastern Mustang on the trail to Yara — one of the most isolated inhabited villages in Nepal's restricted area.
Day Hike: 5–6 hrs round trip | Trek Highlight | Overnight: Yara
The hidden gem of the entire Upper Mustang trek. The round-trip hike to Luri Gompa — a remarkable cave monastery built into a cliff face at approximately 4,100 m — is the single most extraordinary cultural...
Trek: 6–7 hrs | Altitude: ~3,550 m | Overnight: Ghara
A long and demanding cross-country walk from Yara to Ghara through the remote, high-altitude terrain of eastern Mustang.
Trek: 7–8 hrs | Tough Day | Altitude: ~3,240 m | Overnight: Tangge
The toughest single day of the entire Upper Mustang circuit — a long and demanding walk across complex terrain to Tangge.
Trek: 6–7 hrs | Altitude: 2,980 m | Overnight: Chhusang
The trail descends steadily from the high plateau back toward the Kali Gandaki valley, passing through increasingly inhabited terrain as the route rejoins the more familiar landscape of the central Mustang...
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: 2,720 m | Overnight: Jomsom
The final day of trekking follows the Kali Gandaki valley south to Jomsom — the district headquarters of Mustang and hub for flights back to Pokhara.
Flight + Transfer | End of Trek
An early morning flight from Jomsom back to Pokhara — the same dramatic mountain corridor in reverse.
| Permit Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | USD 500 / 10 days | Additional USD 50/day beyond 10 days |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 / person | Through NTB or your agency |
| TIMS Card (with agency) | NPR 1,000 / person | Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) |
| Licensed Guide (mandatory by law) | Agency arranged | Solo trekking strictly prohibited |
| Trek Duration | 17 Days (14–15 trekking days) |
| Trek Grade | Moderate to Challenging |
| Maximum Altitude | ~3,960 m (Dhi) / Lo Manthang 3,840 m |
| Restricted Area | Upper Mustang Permit Required |
| Trek Start | Kagbeni (via Pokhara flight + Jomsom) |
| Trek End | Kathmandu (via Jomsom–Pokhara flight) |
| Best Season | May–October (monsoon-shadow region) |
| Accommodation | Teahouses (basic in remote sections) |
| Meals on Trek | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
| Daily Walking | 4–8 hrs (Day 14: 7–8 hrs) |
| Required Permits | RAP + ACAP + TIMS + Guide Mandatory |
| Minimum Age | 16+ Years |
Read before you go
Key route details for timing, cash, safety and comfort on this trek.
A licensed guide is legally mandatory — solo trekking in Upper Mustang is strictly prohibited by law
Arrange all permits before entering Kagbeni — the RAP (USD 500/10 days) must be pre-arranged
Carry all required NPR and USD cash — no ATMs exist anywhere within the restricted area
Start every trekking day by 6–7 AM — afternoon winds on the plateau can be extremely strong
Teahouse facilities in Yara, Ghara, and Tangge are extremely basic — set expectations accordingly
Travel insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation is mandatory — carry proof at all times
The Day 14 Ghara–Tangge section is the toughest of the trek — conserve energy and start very early
Tipping is customary and appreciated: USD 15–20/day for guide; USD 8–10/day for porter
Carry reusable water bottles — single-use plastics are prohibited in many areas of Mustang
Flexibility is essential — weather, wind, and permit logistics may require itinerary adjustments
