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The 5 Best Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary for 2024

 Best Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary for 2021

Upper Mustang is one of the most popular trekking destinations traversing to the northern part of the Mustang District in Nepal. There are many Upper Mustang Trek itinerary ranging from a minimum of 8 days to a maximum of 18 days commencing from Kathmandu and navigating back. These itineraries have a lot to offer in terms of the radiating history of the former Kingdom of Lo, distinct geography, and remarkable rituals.

Tourism in the forbidden Himalayan Kingdom began in 1992. Ever since then, the arid land has seen a surge in trekkers from all around the world. Trekkers pursue the best itinerary to experience the unparallel vistas of ancient caves in high cliffs, some of the world's highest mountains, and the ethnic Tibetan Buddhist and Thakali who have accomplished in preserving their imperial culture, primeval Goempas, and temples.

Among many variations of the Itinerary, the following four best Upper Mustang Trek itinerary are suitable for all kinds of tourists, from thrill-seekers, nature lovers, trekking enthusiasts to admirers of culture and religion.

The list of 5 Best Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary.


1. Upper Mustang Overland Tour 7 Days Itinerary

Upper Mustang Overland Tour 8 Days itinerary

Upper Mustang Overland Tour Itinerary offers a jeep ride into the forbidden kingdom of Upper Mustang's trans-Himalayan landscape. It is one of the shortest itineraries that commence from Kathmandu, traverse through Upper Mustang, and returns to Kathmandu in 7 days. The tour begins with a flight to Jomsom Domestic Airport, then takes a drive across Ghami, Lo Manthang, Syangbochen, and Muktinath, then back to Jomsom.

Unlike another itinerary, it is best for those tourists who prefer to explore Upper Mustang in minimal days with ease. However, despite the short tour, you will have a fascinating experience passing through the dusty roads to the home of the former monarch of Mustang.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1        

Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) - 6 to 7 Hours, 200 km/ Optional: Flight – 35 minutes

Day 2 

Fly to Jomsom (2,700m/8,856ft) - 25 minutes, then drive to Ghami  (3,520m/11,546ft) - 5 to 6 hours

Day 3

Drive from Ghami to Lo Manthang (3,730m/12,235ft) – 5 to 6 hours

Day 4

Exploration at Lo Manthang

Day 5

Drive from Lomangthang to Muktinath (3,800m/12,464ft) – 5 to 6 hours, then drive back to Jomsom (2,700m/8,856ft)

Day 6

Fly back to Pokhara (800m/2,635ft) - 25 minutes

Day 7

Drive from Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) – 6 to 7 hours, 200 km/Optional: Flight (35 minutes)

Featured Trips

lo-manthang

Upper Mustang Trek - 15 days

Upper Mustang Trek is a relatively new trek in Nepal as the region was opened to foreigners since 1992. Upper Mustang is culturally and geographically more similar to Tibet.

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upper mustang jeep tour

Upper Mustang Overland Tour - 7 days

Upper Mustang Overland Tour is regarded to be an easier, shorter leisurely alternative to exploring the ancient forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang on a jeep in a short time.

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2. Upper Mustang Trek And Return By Jeep To Jomsom 10 Days Itinerary

Upper Mustang Trek and Return by Jeep to Jomsom 10 days itinerary

This 10 days itinerary are preferable for trekkers who seek to experience the trek partly on foot and partly through a jeep ride for ease. Trek begins from Jomsom to Kagbeni then heads to villages of Chele, Syangboche, Drakmar into Lo Manthang. From thereon, the itinerary is shortened through a drive back to Jomsom. The trek is thus made easier with a ride back.

You will get to interact with the residents of the villages that seem to be stuck in time. The trek makes a stop at ancient Goempas, some built 500 years ago, surrounded by the Buddhist mythology depicting spiritual leader Guru Rimpoche, who is believed to have led the establishment of many monasteries in the area.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1       

Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) / Options: Flight - 35 minutes

Day 2

Flight to Jomsom (2,700m/8,856ft) - 25 minutes, then trek to Kagbeni (2,810m/9,217ft) – 3 to 4 hours

Day 3

Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m/10,004ft) – 5 to 6 hours

Day 4

Trek from Chele to Syangboche (3,475m/11,398ft) – 6 to 7 hours

Day 5

Trek from Syangboche to Dhakmar (3820m/12,532ft) – 7-8 hours

Day 6

Trek from Dhakmar to Lo Manthang (2810m/12,500ft) – 9 to 10 hours

Day 7

Excursion at Lo Manthang

Day 8

Return to Jomsom by Jeep

Day 9

Flight to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) - 25 minutes

Day 10

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - 6 to 7 Hours, 200km/ Optional: Flight – 35 minutes

3. Upper Mustang Lo Manthang Trek 13 Days Itinerary

Upper Mustang Lo Manthang trek 13 days itinerary

If you want to experience the true beauty of Lo Manthang and the remote villages while walking through high passes in Upper mustang, then 13 days Upper Mustang Lo Manthang Trek is best suited for you. The 13 days Upper Mustang Trek itinerary begins with a trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni, then heads to villages of Chele, Syangboche, Tsarang then makes a stop at Lo Manthang. From thereon, the trail retraces through the same route back to Jomsom.

It is regarded as the best Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary. It is a complete trek past ancient settlements with houses made of mud bricks and residents engaged in cattle grazing and apple farming. The trek gets even more exhilarating as you cross through the high pass of Nyi Pass at 4010m/13,156ft. The arid land and caves on the high cliffs are a testament to the early settlers in the Kali Gandaki valley.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1       

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (800m/2625ft, 200km, 6 to 7 hours) / Optional: flight (35 minutes)

Day 2

Fly to Jomsom (2,700m/8,856ft) - 25 minutes, then trek to Kageni (2810m/9217ft, 3 to 4 hours)

Day 3

Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3050m/10,004ft, 5 to 6 hours) 

Day 4

Trek from Chele to Syangbochen (3475m/11398ft, 6 to 7 hours) 

Day 5

Trek from Syangboche to Tsarang (3620m/11874ft, 8 hours)

Day 6

Trek from Tsarang to Lo Manthang (3730m/12,235ft, 3 to 4 hours) and excursion 

Day 7

Excursion Day at Lo Manthang

Day 8

Trek from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar (3810m/12,500ft, 6 hours) 

Day 9

Trek from Dhakmar to Syangbochen (3500m/11,482ft, 6 hours)

Day 10

Trek from Syangbochen to Chhusang (2980m/9,776ft, 6 hours)

Day 11

Trek from Chhusang to Jomsom (2720m/8,923ft, 6 hours)

Day 12

Flight to Pokhara (800m/2625ft, 25 minutes) and sightseeing tour 

Day 13

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400m/4592ft, 6 to 7)/ Optional: flight (35 minutes)

4. Upper Mustang Trek With Return Via Muktinath 15 Days Itinerary

Upper Mustang Trek with Return via Muktinath 15 days itinerary

Maximum Elevation: 4210m/13,812ft at Pa Pass

Upper Mustang Trek with Return via Muktinath 15 days itinerary is one of the most revered trek itineraries by many trekkers because it takes you on a round trip through Jomsom and back. The trek commences from Jomsom to Kagbeni, then heads to Chele, Syangbochen, Ghami, Tsarang, and halts at Lo Manthang. The itinerary expands to Tangbe, Tetang, the holy Hindu and Buddhist Muktinath temple, then back towards Jomsom.

Along the trail, views of snowcapped Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Bhrikuti, and Tilicho Peak will never leave your sight. The trail crosses many villages and high passes, making the trek even more exciting. You can observe the vast difference between the livelihood of the ethnic Tibetan Buddhists living in the rural settings of Upper Mustang from that of the residents living in commercial hubs of Lower Mustang.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1           

Drive from Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) – 6 to 7hours, 200 km

Day 2

Flight to Jomsom (2,700m/8,856ft) - 25 minutes, then trek to Kagbeni (2,810m/9,217ft) – 3 to 4 hours 

Day 3

Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m/10,004ft) – 5 to 6 hours 

Day 4

Trek from Chele to Syangboche (3,475m/11,398ft) – 6 to 7 hours 

Day 5

Trek from Syangboche to Ghami (3,520m/11,546ft) – 5 to 6 hours

Day 6

Trek from Ghami to Tsarang (3,620m/11,874ft) – 5 to 6 hours trek

Day 7

Trek from Tsarrang to Lo Manthang (3,730m/12,235ft) – 3 to 4 hours 

Day 8

Excursion to Lo Manthang

Day 9

Trek from Lo Manthang to Yara (3,838m/12,589ft) – 6 to 7 hours 

Day 10

Trek from Yara to Tangbe (3,240m/10,628ft) - 7 to 8 hours

Day 11

Trek from Tangbe to Tetang (3,067m/10,060ft) - 8 to 9 hours

Day 12

Trek from Tetang to Muktinath (3,800m/12,464ft) - 7 to 8 hours 

Day 13

Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,700m/8,856ft) - 5 to 6 hour 

Day 14

Flight to Pokhara (800m/2,625ft) - 25 minutes 

Day 15

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,400m/4,592ft) - 6 to 7 hours, 200km/ Optional: Flight – 35 minutes 


Featured Trips

Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour

Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour - 12 days

Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour is best for experienced for riders who wish to explore one of the unique rainshadow areas of Nepal, Upper Mustang while considering the rising altitude.

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Get help from our travel specialists for holiday ideas that matches your interests.

5. Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 18 Days Itinerary

Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 18 Days itinerary

Mustang Tiji Festival Trek (3 days for the festival) in Upper Mustang is a very popular festival in Buddhism that mainly happens in Lo-manthang. Tiji meaning "Prayer for World Peace," is an annual three-day festival observed in Lo-Manthang, Upper Mustang. This festival is celebrated to honor the victory of Lord Buddha's incarnation Dorjee Sonnu over a demon called Man Tam Ru. The Choedhe Monastery organizes the festival in the courtyard of Mustang Royal Palace.

On the first day, the monks perform the Tsa Chaam dance that depicts the story of the birth of Dorji Sonnu. On the second day, Nga Cham is performed, and on the final day, the 'Rha Chham' dance is presented, portraying the victory of Dorji Sonnu over the devil.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1        

Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m/4592ft)

Day 2

Free Day in Kathmandu

Day 3

Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (800m/2625ft, 200km, 6 to 7 hours) / Optional: flight (35 minutes)

Day 4

Flight to Jomsom (2,700m/8,856ft, 25 minutes) and trek to Kagbeni (2810m/9217ft, 3 to 4 hours)

Day 5

Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3050m/10,004ft, 5 to 6 hours)

Day 6

Trek from Chele to Shyanbochen (3475m/11398ft, 6 to 7 hours)

Day 7

Trek from Shyanbochen to Tsarang (3620m/11874ft, 7- 8 hours)

Day 8

Trek from Tsarang to Lo Manthang (3730m/12,235ft, 3 to 4 hours) and excursion

Day 9

Attend the first day of the Tiji Festival in Lo-Manthang

Day 10

Attend the second day of the Tiji Festival

Day 11

Attend the final day of the Tiji Festival

Day 12

Trek from Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar (3810m/12,500ft, 7-8 hours)

Day 13

Trek from Dhakmar to Shyanbochen (3500m/11,482ft, 6-7 hours)

Day 14

Trek from Syangbochen to Chhusang (2980m/9,776ft, 6-7 hours)

Day 15

Trek from Chhusang to Jomsom (2720m/8,923ft, 6-7 hours)

Day 16

Flight to Pokhara (800m/2625ft, 25 minutes) and sightseeing tour

Day 17

Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1400m/4592ft, 6 to 7 hours)/ Optional: flight (35 minutes)

Day 18

Final Departure from Kathmandu

Upper Mustang Trekking Permits

Upper Mustang permits

A part of the Upper Mustang trail falls in the Annapurna Conservation Area; hence tourists are required to process the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit. Moreover, Upper Mustang is classified as a restricted area in Nepal to preserve the ancient religion and border security as it borders Tibet.  

The following permits are required by non-Nepalese for the Upper Mustang trek:

  • Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Foreign Nationals worth USD 500 per person for the first 10 days and USD 50 per person per day thereafter.
  • ACAP permit of USD 30 approx. per person, for foreign nationals
  • ACAP permit costs NPR 200 per person for SAARC country nationals.  

The permits will be checked at the Chele checkpoint in Upper Mustang. In addition, you can reach out to Third Rock Adventures to manage your trekking permits.

Best Time To Visit Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang is situated in the northwestern region of Nepal, straddled amidst the high Himalayas. The topography is very arid and is different than most parts of Nepal. A visit to the Upper mustang can be enjoyed in the four different seasons, namely, Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring. Amidst them, Spring and Autumn seasons are regarded to be the best time to visit Upper Mustang. During these peak seasons, it is advised to book your flights and accommodation early on.

Spring Season

The Spring season falls in March, April, and May in Nepal. During this time, Lower and Upper Mustang experience stable weather conditions. The temperature during this time is between 16 to 22 degrees Celsius. Also, in the middle of May, Lo Manthang village in Upper Mustang celebrates the amazing Tiji Festival to spread peace in the world and relive the mythical history of the festival. In addition, you might get a chance to interact with the former royal family of Upper Mustang during the festival.  

Autumn Season

The Autumn season falls in September, October, and November. During this time, the weather is cool and dry, so it is also regarded as one of the best times to go on a tour or trek in Upper Mustang. You will get to witness the mountains and will not have to bear the hot sun in the lower Mustang region. The temperature ranges from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius. 

Monsoon Season

The monsoon season in Nepal falls in June, July, and August. Although one might correlate rainfall to monsoon season, it is not so in Mustang. As Upper Mustang falls in the rain shadow area, it does not experience rain in the Monsoon season, making it ideal for trekking. The temperature ranges from 13 to 20 degrees Celsius. The views of panoramic Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Annapurna I are seen clearly with the blue sky.

Winter Season

The Winter season in December, January, and February months are the coldest among all seasons. As seen in the Upper Mustang trek map, the trail takes you from 2000m/6,561ft to 4500m/14,763ft so that the temperature can fall up to -22 degrees Celsius. The Upper Mustang Trek difficulty is amplified during this season as you have to be burdened with wearing extra-layered warm clothes and might have to walk through slippery snow.

Upper Mustang Trek Cost

The Upper Mustang trek cost depends upon many factors, including duration, season, mode of transportation, accommodation and food facilities utilized, and permit costs.

In general, the Upper Mustang trek Cost ranges from US $1500 to the US $3000 for a complete Upper Mustang Package. The cost depends on the travel agency that you choose.  If you wish to go for an International tour agency, then the cost is higher than that of choosing a Nepali agency to manage your trek. The benefit of having your trek planned by a travel agency is that they include all the basic trekking necessities in this package. It includes food, accommodation, internal transportation fare, rescue kits, guide fares, and entry permits.

Upper Mustang trek cost for Nepali nationals is generally lesser than that for foreign tourists, as Nepalese do not have to bear the cost for the permits.

If you opt for budget travel, you can travel during the off-season when accommodation prices are a little cheaper. Also, you can travel on foot rather than in a jeep in Mustang. You can also opt to travel by four-wheeler to and from Kathmandu rather than taking a flight. However, if you prefer ease over anything else, then taking a flight is a better option.

Most of the accommodation is in tea houses, lodges, or guesthouses, which have all the basic necessities. You will be offered humble food in Upper Mustang’s remote villages, particularly their local food. However, in commercial areas like Jomsom and Muktinath, you can opt to eat other delicacies at your own expense. Generally, it is a good practice to tip your guide and/or porter anywhere from the US $5 to the US $15 per day, but you can decide to give on your own accord. You will have to bear the tipping cost separately and your other personal expenses during the trek, not included in the trek package.

If you wish to follow the above Upper Mustang itinerary or prefer a customized itinerary, then feel free to reach out to Third Rock Adventures for one of the best trekking experiences of your lifetime.  




Recent Comments

CF
Cayden Foster | Thu May 5, 2022
I guess Upper Mustang Overland Tour 7 Days Itinerary is best for family trek.
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ST
Sajan Tamang | Thu May 5, 2022
To all those who are reading this blog, if you can, for the best of the views, explore Upper Mustang in Winter.
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RT
Rajan Tamang | Thu May 5, 2022
Exploring Upper Mustang in motorbike is also the best way to explore up to Lo Manthang. You should definitely consider adding motor-tour to all these itineraries
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AJ
Aydin Jackson | Thu May 5, 2022
The best time to do this trek is during the Tiji Festival. You'll love the celebration there , and learn alot.
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WM
William Miller | Sun May 30, 2021
Upper Mustang as described my my friends who already visited it is a piece of Heaven on Earth. The variety of itinerary to reach there in this article is in fact impressive. I am planning to do Upper Mustang trip very soon and the itinerary option helped me a lot.
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LF
Levi Franklin | Thu May 27, 2021
Never thought that we can have such wide-idea of the trek. Of all, I liked the most is separate description for the seasons. Though it is few sentences, it's clear. Great work here.
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NF
Nathaniel Floyd | Sat May 15, 2021
Upper Mustang looks separate world from the rest. The images included in this blog made me truly inspired to step on this very land of Himalayas. Waiting for the good time soon...
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KT
Kamala Tamang | Mon Mar 8, 2021
I am from Nepal and I loved this article, specially the Tiji Festival Trek. I think I will be going with my friends to enjoy the festival and explore the beauty of Upper Mustang. Thanks for this blog. Love from Nepal
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GF
Georgina Fraser | Mon Mar 8, 2021
The small and extra details in this blog are so handy. I finished this article and read again. Loved to get the best itinerary for my trip to Upper Mustang.
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