The ultimate Upper Mustang challenge: a high-altitude expedition into Nepal's Forbidden Kingdom of Lo, reserved for those seeking raw adventure and rewarded with the timeless spectacle of Tibetan culture and the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang.
Scenic flight round trip over the mountains from Pokhara & Jomsom.
Stroll across the breathtaking valley of the Kali Gandaki river.
Explore the hidden kingdom in trans-Himalayan land.
Tour around manmade sky caves.
Explore various monasteries in the valley including Ghar gompa, Thokten Gompa, Choten gompa, Luri Gompa, etc.
A picturesque view of the Himalayas.
Visit the walled city; Lo Manthang.
Explore the unique art and architecture of Luri-Gumba perched on a 100 m high cliff of sharp rock.
Hike across the desolate trails of "Pa-Pass" in Upper Mustang.
Discover what it's like to live in the mountains.
Visit Muktinath, the holiest temple in both Hinduism and Buddhism.
The Upper Mustang Trek is a unique 12-to-18-day expedition into Nepal's ancient, high-altitude Trans-Himalayan region, often called the "Last Forbidden Kingdom." This route traverses a stark, desert-like landscape in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, following the Kali Gandaki River. The primary cultural highlight is reaching Lo Manthang, the historic walled capital of the former Kingdom of Lo, where Tibetan Buddhist culture is deeply preserved. Altitudes typically culminate around 3,840 meters at Lo Manthang, with some passes reaching over 4,000 meters, demanding careful acclimatization.
The trek is generally rated as moderate to challenging, requiring good cardiovascular fitness for 5 to 7 hours of walking daily over rugged and exposed terrain. Due to its status as a restricted area, strict regulations apply that trekkers must secure the expensive Restricted Area Permit and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). It is mandatory to trek with a licensed guide in a minimum group of two people. The best seasons are spring (March–May), autumn (September–November), and the dry monsoon months (June–August).
The Upper Mustang Trek is a profound cultural and geological immersion into the ancient, high-altitude Trans-Himalayan region, offering an experience entirely distinct from the alpine snows of the Khumbu. This demanding 14-to-18-day expedition plunges deep into the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, transforming the landscape into a windswept, ochre-colored desert of spectacular sandstone cliffs and deep, eroded canyons carved by the Kali Gandaki River. The ascent is deliberately paced with stops in villages steeped in tradition, ensuring the body adjusts to elevations peaking over 4,000 meters, which is essential for safely navigating this exposed, arid environment.
The true focus of this journey lies in penetrating the fortified heart of the former Kingdom of Lo and reaching Lo Manthang (3,840m). This walled capital is a rare, living medieval fortress where Tibetan Buddhist culture and ancient Bon traditions have remained profoundly preserved for centuries. The reward is an unparalleled encounter with priceless cultural heritage: exploring 600-year-old monasteries like Thubchen and Jampa Gompa, discovering the enigma of the ancient 'Sky Caves' carved into sheer cliff faces, and witnessing traditional festivals like Tiji. This trek is not a test against the highest summits, but a comprehensive, immensely rewarding personal journey through a preserved, magical realm of history and geology in the very shadow of the great Himalayas.
3,810 m
Walled city & former Kingdom of Lo capital
3,650 m
Traditional village in Upper Mustang
3,880 m
Monastery perched on 100 m high cliff
3,340 m
Scenic village along the trek
3,760 m
Holiest temple in Hinduism & Buddhism
2,400 m
Buddhist monastery in a cave
Trekking with Nepal Himal Adventures places you in the care and safety of our expert, experienced Trekking Professionals for the ultimate trekking experience. Our professional guides have years of experience in the Himalayas and intimate knowledge of the Upper Mustang region.
We provide comprehensive support including airport transfers, quality accommodation, experienced guides and porters, all necessary permits (Restricted Area Permit, ACAP), health and safety equipment (oxygen cylinders, medical kit, satellite phone), and traditional welcome dinners. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.
Experience authentic Tibetan culture and traditions as you trek through the Forbidden Kingdom. Stay in traditional guesthouses, taste local cuisine, and witness the daily life of mountain communities. Our guides will share stories and insights about Tibetan customs, Buddhist traditions, and ancient Bon practices.
Our packages include all essential permits (Restricted Area Permit, ACAP), twin-bed accommodation in Kathmandu, guesthouse lodging during the trek, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner with hot tea/coffee), ground transportation, flights to/from Jomsom, and Nepal Himal Adventures souvenirs (sports bag, T-shirt, beanie cap, trekking map).
Transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon trek briefing & preparation. Welcome dinner in a traditional, Nepali Restaurant.
7 to 9 hours by Tourist Bus. Overnight at the hotel at the lakeside.
Early-morning Flight to Jomsom from Pokhara – 30 minutes. Drive to Kagbeni – 35 to 45 minutes. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Drive to Samar – 2 to 3 hours. Hike to Chungsi Cave monastery – 2 to 3 hours. Hike to Syangboche – 25 to 30 minutes. Drive to Ghami – 2 to 3 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Trek to Ghar Gompa with lunch & Gompa exploration. Trek from Ghar Gompa to Charang – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Drive from Charang – 2 to 3 hours. Overnight at a Guesthouse.
Explore Lo Manthang; the King Palace, Thupchen Gompa, Chode Gompa " Dragkar Thegchen ling Gompa", & Jampa Monastery. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Trek from Lo-Manthang – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Trek – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Trek from Yara – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Trek from Tangye – 8 to 9 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Trek from Tetang – 5 to 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Early morning drive to Jomsom – 1 to 2 hours. Flight back to Pokhara – 30 minutes. Overnight at the hotel at the lakeside.
In case of Jomsom to Pokhara flight cancellation due to weather condition. Overnight at a hotel.
Drive from Pokhara by tourist bus – 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at a hotel.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu for Your Final Departure.
Restricted Area Permit: Required for all trekkers in Upper Mustang. Must trek with a licensed guide and minimum group of two people.
Porter Support: For every two participants, one porter is assigned. Each porter carries a maximum of 25 kg/55 lbs. Your duffel bag should weigh no more than 12.5 kg/27.56 lbs.
Included Equipment: High-quality down jacket with hood (USD 150 charge if lost or damaged) and 4-season sleeping bag (USD 150 charge if lost or damaged) are included in your package.
Itinerary Changes: We strive to stick to our planned itinerary, but sometimes things happen beyond our control including flight issues, bad weather, natural disasters, government rules, or health concerns. We'll do our best to find solutions and appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
Pre-Trip Arrival: We highly recommend arriving a day or two before your trek begins. Book international flights with a few extra days in Nepal before and after your trek for flexibility. You can customize your trip with sightseeing tours or other adventure sports.
