A forbidden Tibetan kingdom, ancient cave cities, and Lo Manthang's walled capital — unchanged for centuries.
The Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most extraordinary journeys in the Himalayan world — a rare passage into a restricted, former Tibetan kingdom that remained closed to the outside world until 1992. Encircled by the sweeping desert plateau of the Trans-Himalayan rain shadow, Upper Mustang is a landscape of ancient monasteries, wind-sculpted cliffs, cave cities carved into crimson rock faces, and the celebrated walled city of Lo Manthang — the living capital of the ancient Lo Kingdom.
This 12-day itinerary from Pokhara to Pokhara is designed to be well-paced and complete — covering the full approach through the Kali Gandaki valley, a two-night stay in Lo Manthang for deep exploration of the walled city, a dedicated excursion to the legendary Chhoser sky caves (Mustang's most dramatic archaeological site), and a varied descent through traditional Mustangi villages. Unlike the Annapurna trails, the Mustang plateau receives almost no rain during the summer monsoon, making it a superb destination year-round.
A special Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit is required in addition to the standard ACAP — this permit limits visitor numbers and preserves the extraordinary cultural integrity of the region. The result is a trek that feels genuinely remote, historically profound, and unlike any other mountain journey in Nepal.
Trail gallery
Travel: Flight 20–25 min or Jeep 8–10 hrs | Trek: 3–4 hrs | Altitude: 2,810 m | Overnight: Kagbeni
Your Upper Mustang journey begins with a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (or a long but spectacular jeep ride through the Kali Gandaki valley).
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: 3,050 m | Overnight: Chele
Today you cross the Upper Mustang restricted area checkpoint and officially enter one of the most remote and preserved Tibetan kingdoms in the world.
Trek: 6–7 hrs | Altitude: 3,800 m | Pass: Taklam La & Dajori La | Overnight: Syangboche
The longest and most physically demanding day of the trek, crossing two high mountain passes — Taklam La and Dajori La — both offering sweeping panoramic views across the plateau.
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: 3,520 m | Overnight: Ghami
A more gradual day traversing the open plateau between Syangboche and Ghami, passing through some of the finest traditional Mustangi village scenery on the entire trek.
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: 3,560 m | Overnight: Tsarang
The trail continues deeper into the heart of Upper Mustang, passing through increasingly dramatic terrain as the plateau cliffs close in and the erosion patterns intensify.
Trek: 4–5 hrs | Altitude: 3,840 m | Overnight: Lo Manthang
The most anticipated day of the trek — arrival at Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the ancient Lo Kingdom.
Rest & Explore | Altitude: 3,840 m | Overnight: Lo Manthang
A full rest day in Lo Manthang — essential for acclimatisation before the Chhoser excursion, and richly rewarding in its own right.
Day Excursion: Hike or Jeep | Altitude: ~3,900 m | Overnight: Lo Manthang
Today's excursion is to Chhoser — home to some of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries in the Himalayas.
Trek: 6–7 hrs | Altitude: 3,810 m | Overnight: Drakmar
The return journey south begins today, but via a different route that reveals new highlights.
Trek: 5–6 hrs | Altitude: 3,570 m | Overnight: Ghiling
A pleasant day's descent across the plateau from Drakmar to Ghiling, passing through characteristic Upper Mustang terrain: open plateau, ancient mani walls, and traditional village settlements with their...
Trek: 6–7 hrs (or partial jeep) | Altitude: 2,720 m | Overnight: Jomsom
The penultimate day completes the descent from the plateau to the Kali Gandaki valley, arriving at Jomsom for a final overnight before returning to Pokhara.
Flight: 20–25 min or Jeep: 8–10 hrs | Trek Ends in Pokhara
The final morning in Mustang. A short walk to Jomsom airstrip for the spectacular 20-minute mountain flight back to Pokhara — one of the most scenic short flights in the world, passing directly beneath...
| Permit Type | Cost (NPR) | Obtained From |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (URAI) | USD 500 / 10 days | Through registered trekking agency only |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | NPR 3,000 / person | NTB Office or through your agency |
| TIMS Card (with agency) | NPR 1,000 / person | Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) |
| TIMS Card (independent trekker) | NPR 2,000 / person | Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) |
| Trek Duration | 12 Days / 11 Nights |
| Trek Grade | Moderate |
| Maximum Altitude | 3,840 m (Lo Manthang) |
| Trek Start | Jomsom (via Pokhara flight or jeep from Pokhara) |
| Trek End | Pokhara (via Jomsom flight or jeep) |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov); also feasible in summer (rain shadow) |
| Accommodation | Teahouses & Guesthouses |
| Meals on Trek | Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner |
| Daily Walking | 3–7 hrs (varies by day) |
| Required Permits | Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit + ACAP |
| Minimum Age | 12+ Years |
Read before you go
Key route details for timing, cash, safety and comfort on this trek.
Independent trekking is not permitted in Upper Mustang — a licensed guide is legally required at all times
Carry all required cash before leaving Pokhara — there are no ATMs beyond Jomsom
The Restricted Area Permit must be processed before departure — allow at least 1–2 working days
Start early each day — afternoon winds in the Mustang plateau are strong and significantly affect both comfort and safety
Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory — carry proof at all times on the trek
Jomsom flights are frequently weather-delayed — always build a buffer day into your Pokhara schedule
Tipping is customary: USD 8–12/day for guide; USD 5–8/day for porter
The itinerary may need adjustment due to weather, flight cancellations, or individual pace — flexibility is key
Teahouse facilities in Lo Manthang are basic but comfortable — hot showers and Wi-Fi are available at extra cost
