Experience the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal
Upper Mustang is one of the most culturally extraordinary treks on Earth-a journey into the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, perched at 3,820m in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Often referred to as the forbidden kingdom of Nepal, this remote Upper Mustang region preserves authentic Tibetan Buddhist traditions, medieval architecture, and a way of life that has barely changed since King Ame Pal founded the Kingdom of Lo in 1380.
The area is restricted and requires a special permit and a licensed guide. However, no mandatory minimum of two trekkers; a solo trekker can also do a trek there. The trail remains uncrowded and deeply authentic-unlike anything you’ll encounter on the Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp trek.
Tip: the aware of altitude sickness – make sure you acclimatize properly and stay hydrated. With Himalayan Exploration Treks, you’re in safe hands.
Why You’ll Love This Trek
- Ancient Forbidden Kingdom – The Lo Manthang is the capital of the Upper Mustang. You will wander through the narrow alleys of the last walled city, where mud-brick walls were built in the 14th century. The surrounding community is still practicing the Sakya sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Monsoon-Season Trekking – The monsoon season runs from June ot August. However, the Upper Mustang is markedly different from other major Nepal treks because it lies in the rain shadow and receives less rainfall, with approximately 200-250 mm of annual precipitation.
- The Deepest Gorge and Sacred Fossils – The Kali Gandaki River forms the world’s deepest gorge, which you traverse on the route. The Kali Gandaki River, itself considered sacred in Hinduism, where ancient shaligram fossils are embedded in riverbed stones.
- Tiji Festival Experience – Time your visit for mid-May to witness the Tiji Festival, a three-day celebration in Lo Manthang. The Tiji Festival features the step-by-step masked dances that present the warfare arts.
- Sky Caves and Ancient Monasteries – The Upper Mustang is popular for sky caves and ancient monasteries dating back 2000 to 3000 years. The human-made sky cave near Chhoser village is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites for those keen to discover ancient caves and bewitching vistas. The monasteries such as Ghar Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, and Namgyal Gompa stand as centuries-old monuments to a once-independent kingdom.
What Makes Upper Mustang Different
Most Nepal treks traverse from lush green valleys to the lesser-known high Himalayan valley. There’s no single best trek; each has spectacular scenery and standard tea houses. But Upper Mustang Treks is totally different.
Restricted Access: To enter the restricted area, you will need to obtain a special permit costing $50 per day and 3000 rupees for ACAP. You will get all of these through the registered trekking companies.
Tibetan Culture in Nepal – No need to cross an international border; you will experience authentic Tibetan culture. You will pass through traditional villages, Buddhist monasteries, long mani walls, and prayer flags. The locals, called Loba, maintain their own dialect, dress, and customs that directly connect to Tibet, with sites linked to Guru Rinpoche.
Year-Round Trekking – The climate in Upper Mustang is dry and windy, characteristic of high-altitude deserts. While fierce wind can sweep the plateaus in the afternoon, the rain shadow geography means this is the only major Mustang trek feasible during monsoon months-a genuine advantage for trekkers with limited scheduling flexibility for choosing the best time for an Upper Mustang trek.
Historical Significance – Upper Mustang was a kingdom founded in 1380, and you’ll walk the same ancient salt-trading route that connected Tibetan Plateau traders to lowland India through the Kali Gandaki corridor for centuries—every village along the trail, from Kagbeni to Tsarang to Lo Manthang, tells a chapter of that story.
How Your Trek Works
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,350 m).
You arrive at TIA in Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft). We will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. You will stay overnight at a comfortable 3-star hotel. Overnight at a 3-star hotel.
Day 02: Free day & trek preparation.
A gentle visit to the city and prepare for the trek.
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara (920 m).
A scenic drive through the Trishuli River valley and introduction to the city of Lakes, Pokhara – 6 to 7 hours.
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom (2,740 m), then trek to Kagbeni (2805 m).
The gateway to Upper Mustang – 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse; from here, accommodation is usually in basic lodges or tea houses run by local families, with simple amenities such as hot showers where available.
Day 05: Trek to Chele (3,050 m).
A village that lies on the cliffs – 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 06: Trek to Syangbochen (3,800 m).
Visiting the hidden caves and monasteries at a higher altitude – 6 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 07: Trek to Charang (3,500 m).
High mountain passes and the Himalayan desert – 6 hours. The route crosses high, windy trails, and many of the fortress-like monasteries here grew rich along former trans-Himalayan trade routes between India and Tibet. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 08: Trek to Lo Manthang (3800 m).
Beaming with pride, visit the walled city – 8 hours, and on the approach to Lo Manthang, trekkers may catch views of Damodar Himal, Tilicho Peak, and Bhrikuti Peak. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 09: Explore the Valley
Explore the Lo Manthang valley, with time to visit monasteries including ancient sky caves once used for meditation and shelter during times of famine and war, trending toward the Tibet border – 8 hours. Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 10: Lo Mangthang – Ancient Monasteries and Royal Palace.
You will visit the wonders of the walled city. An L-shaped wall surrounds the entire area. Walking through the narrow alleys, you will see many different monasteries, including Jhampa Lakhang, Thupchen Gompa, and the Chhode Gompa. Nearby religious features, such as a mani wall, reflect the area’s living Buddhist heritage and deepen the sense of cultural immersion. The Chhode Gompa hosts the Tiji Festival, held annually in May. You will observe beautiful local handicrafts and visit galleries.
Day 11: Lomangthang to Yara Gaon (3,778 meters).
You will take the trail southeast from the town to the Dhi Gaon. You will catch a glimpse of the Damodar Himal and Mustang Himal. The trail follows the ridge to Dhi, then crosses a suspension bridge over the Kali Gandaki River and turns right along the Puyang Khola to Yara Gaon. Your journey ends here with 5 to 6 hours of walking.
Day 12: Yara Gaon to Tangge (3,720m).
The route follows the wide Surkhang Valley and features a gentle climb, but is mostly flat. So, it is not that hard to walk, but you will still cross Sandy trails and a few narrow stretches through the gorge. You will need to carry sufficient water, as there are no water sources available. Your journey ends at Tangge after 6 hours of walking.
Day 13: Trek to Chhusang (3150 m).
The day from Tangge to Chhusang is the longest day of the entire journey. Let’s say this day is too hard. You will be on flat terrain as you move from Tangge to Yak Khola. Then you will climb to the Pa Pass (4180 meters). You can enjoy the most beautiful views from here. Afterward, you will trek along flat pasture before descending to Chhusang. It takes 9 to 10 hours to reach Chhusang.
Day 14: Chhusang to Muktinath (3800 meters).
Your journey will start with a gradual climb to Tetang. From there, you’ll have another steep climb to reach the Yak Pasture. Your trek along the yak pasture involves a steep climb to Giyu La at 4077 meters. Afterward, you will take an easy trail to Muktinath via Jong village, and the day ends with a gradual descent toward lower elevations after the earlier climbs. The walking time to Muktinath will be 7-8 hours.
Day 15: Muktinath to Jomsom (2800 meters).
There is an option to go back. You can either walk or drive to Jomsom. If you choose to trek this section to Jomsom, you can cover more of the overall trekking distance on foot. If you trek to Jomsom, you will take the route to the Lupra Valley and connect to the classic road just below the Ekle Bhatti. Then you will walk along the road to Jomsom. The walking time to Muktinath will be 5 hours.
Day 16: Fly or drive back to Pokhara.
You will wake up early in the morning and get ready with all your bags before boarding a flight to Pokhara. You will have incredible views of the Dhaulagiri range on the right and the Annapurna range on the left. It’s not over yet. You will have a short break in Pokhara, and you can explore the lake.
Day 17: Pokhara to Kathmandu.
You can take one of these options: either drive or fly to Kathmandu. If you take a plane, it takes 25 minutes to reach Kathmandu. Similarly, if you take a bus to Kathmandu, it takes 6 to 8 hours. Whatever the option you choose, finally, your journey comes to an end.
Day 18: Final Departure:
Your trip to Mustang went perfectly. Thanks for choosing us. Now we need to get you to the airport. We’ll be sending a car for you 3 hours before your flight.
Trek Details
Duration and Itinerary
- Duration: The trek typically lasts 12 to 18 days, with 12–15 days being the most popular trek itinerary
Altitude and Difficulty
- Maximum Altitude: 4350m at Pa Pass (the highest point on the Upper Mustang trek)if combining the eastern route.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate, with no previous trekking experience or technical climbing required-daily hikes of 5 to 7 hours over passes and hills, as outlined in many Upper Mustang trekking guides
Best Seasons
- Best Seasons: Upper Mustang trekking season extends from March to November: Spring (March to May) features blooming wildflowers and the Tiji Festival in mid-May. Autumn (September to November) offers clear skies and stunning views. The winter months are harsh and not recommended for trekking.
There are 5 hiking trails in Upper Mustang, from 7 days to 18 days. We design them based on the duration and difficulty. All of them allow you to explore in depth the most important cultural and natural sites.
Optional extensions: Saribung Pass or Teri-La Pass for highly experienced trekkers.
Trekking Routes
- Trekking Routes: Upper Mustang has three main trekking routes: Classic, Western, and Eastern. The Classic Route follows the road with some off-road detours; the Eastern Route is a challenging 3-day off-road trek, all of which feature in some of the best Upper Mustang trek itineraries.
Permits and Costs
- Group Size: 1-14 people (small groups can fully enjoy the trek).
- Permits Required: Restricted Area Permit ($50 USD per day), ACAP permit, and TIMS card-total permit fees approximately $550
- Total Trek Cost: Upper Mustang Trek costs range from 2,250 to 4,400 USD per person, depending on group size and service level. These figures align with the detailed cost breakdowns for the Upper Mustang trek. Guide costs range from 25 to 50 USD per day.
Accommodation and Food
- Accommodation: In Upper Mustang, accommodations are typically basic tea houses. Accommodation is often in traditional Mustang homes. Rooms usually have two single beds and a small table. Shared bathrooms are common in guesthouses. Showers may be available, but often depend on solar heating. Accommodation costs range from 1500 NPR to 8500 NPR per night.
- Food Costs: Approximately 3,000 NPR per day, with prices increasing the further you walk from Kagbeni.
Getting to Upper Mustang
- By Air: Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 minutes), and Pokhara to Jomsom (another 20-minute flight).
- By Land: Kathmandu to Jomsom (14 to 18 hours) and Bus from Pokhara to Jomsom (7 to 8 hours).
The trek officially starts at Kagbeni, where you’ll need to show your permit.
Who This Trek Is For
Ideal for:
- Cultural enthusiasts seeking authentic Tibetan Buddhist experiences and preserved monastic heritage
- Experienced trekkers looking for unique, off-the-beaten-path adventures beyond the standard Annapurna Circuit or pass trek routes
- Photographers are drawn to desert landscapes, ancient architecture, and the dramatic contrast between red-rock canyons and snow-capped mountains.
- Travelers who want to trek during Nepal’s monsoon season, when other trails are impassable
- Adventure seekers with good fitness levels who can handle 5–7 hours of daily walking at altitude, carrying a daypack across exposed ridgelines
If you want a journey that combines deep cultural immersion with spectacular scenery found nowhere else in Nepal, this trek is for you. Prior high-altitude trekking experience is helpful but not mandatory. Proper acclimatization and planning make this route accessible to fit, motivated hikers.
Ready for Your Forbidden Kingdom Adventure?
Upper Mustang is not a trek you stumble into-it’s one you plan, commit to, and remember for life. With restricted access and mandatory permits, securing your spot in advance is essential, especially if you’re planning to visit the Tiji Festival or the peak of the autumn season. Book at least 4 to 6 months ahead for the best availability.
Himalayan Exploration Treks handles every detail of your forbidden kingdom journey, from Restricted Area Permit processing and ACAP/TIMS documentation to experienced licensed guides, logistics, accommodation arrangements, and safety protocols for altitude management. Our guides know the Upper Mustang region intimately, from the best Upper Mustang trek map routes to the most significant monasteries and cave sites.
Contact us today to start planning your Upper Mustang trek. The ancient walled city of Lo Manthang is waiting.
Secure your booking. Expert guides. Full permit handling. Complete logistics support. Enrich your trekking experience.
Day 1: Arrival day (1,300 m)
Day 2: Free day and trek preparation.
Day 3: Kathmandu – Pokhara (920 m) 6h00 drive.
Day 4: Pokhara – Jomsom – Kagbeni (2870 m) 20 min. by plane 3h00 walk.
Day 5: Kagbeni – Chele (3050 m) 6h00 walk.
Day 6: Chele – Gelling (3806 m) 6h00 walk.
Day 7: Gelling – Charang (3,500 m) 6h00 walk
Day 8: Charang – Lomangthang (3,700 m) 5h00 walk.
Day 9: Exploration Day: Lo – Mangthang
Day 10: Exploration day at Lo – mang thang.
Day 11: Lo – Mangthang – Ghami (3,520 m) 6h00 walk.
Day 12: Ghami – Samar (3,150 m) 6h00 walk
Day 13: Samar – Kagbeni (2870 m)
Day 14: Kagbeni – Jomsom (2800 m) 3h00 walk.
Day 15: Jomsom – Pokhara
Day 16: Pokhara – Kathmandu
Day 17: Free day in Kathmandu
Day 18: Final departure
| DEPARTURE/RETURN | Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. | |||||||||
| DEPARTURE TIME | Please enter at least 3 hours before the flight. | |||||||||
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Prices quoted and payable only in (US$). All prices published on our website are set as low as possible. The Prices may vary at any time due to currency fluctuation, fuel prices, and unforeseen economic circumstances. But we guarantee our prices for those who have already signed up for your tour. Please consult us for a custom quote.
How difficult is the Upper Mustang Trek, and do I need prior trekking experience?
The Upper Mustang Trek is rated as easy to moderate in the terms of difficulty. You don’t need any prior experience to do this trek, but it is worth it if you have.
What is the best time of year to do a trek to Upper Mustang?
The best time of year to visit Upper Mustang is from mid-March to May in Spring and from September to mid-December in autumn. But as a rainshadow area, you can do this trek in the rainy season too.
Do I need a special permit for Upper Mustang, and how much does it cost?
Yes, you need a special permit to trek to the Upper Mustang, and the price of the permit is USD 50 per day according to the new regulations.
How long does the Upper Mustang Trek take, and what is the typical itinerary?
The Upper Mustang Trek takes from 12 to 14 days, depending on the itinerary you plan. Himalayan Exploration Treks plans a typical 14-day itinerary that allows exploring from the western route to the eastern route, including Lomanthang. And it starts from Jomsom and ends in Jomsom.
What makes Upper Mustang different from places like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp in Nepal?
Unlike any other trek in Nepal, the Upper Mustang Trek is unique for its arid landscape, rich culture, and fame for its human-made artifacts and caves.
Can I do the Upper Mustang Trek solo, or do I need a guide?
Yes, you can do the Upper Mustang Trek solo as of the decision of the Department of Immigration on 22nd March 2026, but you will still need a guide.
Tour Reviews
We were a group of 3 sisters trekking in Upper Mustang Himalayan Exploration Treks. It was an incredible experience. Everything was very well organized, right from when we landed in Kathmandu, and we truly enjoyed every part of the journey. I also highly recommend kumar as a guide – he was knowledgeable, helpful, and made the trek even more special. A truly unforgettable adventure!
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