Do you have a dream of exploring the Upper Mustang? Here are 5 of the best Upper Mustang trek itineraries to enjoy. Each of these itineraries takes you through some of the most beautiful areas. You can easily choose your favorite one among those five by comparing them with each other. Also, to make your trip unforgettable, you must take advantage of all the important places.
The Mustang region is divided into two major parts: Upper and Lower. The upper is situated in the trans-Himalayas range, with less summer rain, and expanded to Tibet. Various Upper Mustang Trek itineraries are available, ranging from 8 to 19 days and beginning and ending in Kathmandu.
The Upper Mustang Trek itineraries have much to offer regarding the great history of the former Kingdom of Lo, unique topography, and exciting rituals.
The barren landscape of the Tibetan plateau delivered a fascinating mixture of culture and spiritual purity unmatched elsewhere in the Himalayas. For many, Mustang is the fundamental nature of the Himalayan experience and extraordinary geographical arrangements in the universe.
Trekkers seek the ideal Itineraries to see the unrivaled vistas of old caves in high cliffs, some of the world’s highest mountains, and the ethnic Tibetan Buddhists and Thakali who have succeeded in conserving their imperial culture and ancient monasteries.
Among the various variations of the Itinerary, the five best Upper Mustang Trek itineraries are suitable for all types of travelers, from thrill-seekers, nature lovers, trekking enthusiasts, and cultural and religious enthusiasts.
The unparalleled geographical arrangement, ancient Buddhist shrines, and monasteries remain alive to protect this wonderful Trans-Himalayan Kingdom. Due to these features, Mustang is the world’s top 10th destination and opened for group trekking in 1992.
Table of contents
- 1. Upper Mustang Overland Tour 7-day Itinerary
- 2. Upper Mustang Trek – 10 Days Itinerary Return Via Jeep Drive
- 3. 13 Days Itinerary For Upper Mustang Trek (Lo Manthang Trek)
- 4. Upper Mustang Trek – 15 Days Itinerary Return Via Muktinath
- 5. Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 19 Days Itinerary
- Things To Do in Lo – Mangthang
1. Upper Mustang Overland Tour 7-day Itinerary
Nepal has to offer a variety of overland tours, treks, and adventure activities. Himalayan Exploration has established this famous Upper Mustang Overland Tour. We will not use a Mahindra Bolero or a Scorpio Jeep for the trip. From Pokhara to Pokhara, we exclusively use a 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser.
We will also provide a Mahindra Bolero and Scorpio Jeep from Jomsom if you make a particular request. Upper Mustang Jeep Tour is a good option with a minimal budget. The Upper Mustang Tour, as the name suggests, is an exciting and thrilling adventure that takes you through some of Nepal’s most beautiful landscapes.
Unlike other itineraries, it is ideal for travelers who want to explore the Upper Mustang quickly. Despite the short tour, you will have an exciting experience going over the dusty roads to the home of the former monarch of Mustang.
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Distance |
| 1. | Kathmandu to Pokhara | 920 Meters | 6-7h00 Drive/0h25 Flight |
| 2. | Fly to Jomsom 0h25 minutes, then drive to Ghami | 3520 Meters | 5h00 |
| 3. | Drive to Lo-mangthang | 2730 Meters | 3h00 |
| 4. | Explore around Lo-mangthang | ||
| 5. | Drive to Muktinath, then drive back to Jomsom | 3800 | 6h00 |
| 6. | Fly back to Pokhara | ||
| 7. | Drive or fly back to Kathmandu. |
2. Upper Mustang Trek – 10 Days Itinerary Return Via Jeep Drive
This 10-day Itinerary is best for trekkers who need to enjoy the adventure partly on foot and partially via jeep drive for comfort. The trek begins at Jomsom and continues to Lo-mangthang, passing via Kagbeni, Chele, Syangboche, and Drakmar villages. The trip is more leisurely and a shortened trip with a drive back.
You will be able to interact with the people living in the villages that appear stuck in time. The trek comprises a stopover at medieval Gompas, some established over 500 years ago during Buddhist mythology depicting spiritual master Padma Sambhawa, who is believed to have led the creation of many monasteries.
| Days | Itinerary | Elevation | Distance |
| 1. | Drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu | 900 Meters | 6h30 |
| 2. | Pokhara to Jomsom then trek to Kagbeni | 2800 Maters | 3h00 |
| 3. | Trek to Chele | 3050 Meters | 5h30 |
| 4. | Chele to Shyangbochen | 3475 Meters | 7h00 |
| 5. | Trek to Dhakmar | 2830 Meters | 7h30 |
| 6. | Dhakmar to Lo-mangthang | 3800 Meters | 8h00 |
| 7. | Excursion around Lo-mangthang | ||
| 8. | Return to Jomsom by Jeep | 2800 | 5h00 |
| 9. | Fly back to Pokhara | ||
| 10. | Drive or fly to Kathmandu. |
3. 13 Days Itinerary For Upper Mustang Trek (Lo Manthang Trek)
Upper Mustang Trek is a beautiful trek that will provide you with the best holiday trip. Upper Mustang Trek is one of Nepal’s most famous treks. The Mountain Desert of Nepal is another name for Upper Mustang. Upper Mustang, Kingdom of Lo, is a remote and isolated Himalayas region.
You may discover the hidden world of the medieval Buddhist kingdom of Mustang on this Upper Mustang Trek. It protects Tibetan culture as well as the natural surroundings. Unfortunately, the upper Mustang is not well-known among tourists; there will be fewer trekkers.
The 13-day Upper Mustang Trek starts in Jomsom and ends in Kagbeni, passing through the settlements of Chele, Syangboche, and Tsarang before arriving in Lo Manthang. The trail then retraces its steps back to Jomsom.
| Days | Program | Height | Duration |
| 1. | Drive or fly to Pokhara | 920 Meters | 6h30 drive/25 Min. flight |
| 2. | Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom then trek to Kagbeni | 2830 Meters | 25 Min. Flight/3h00 walk |
| 3. | Trek from Kagbeni to Chaile | 3050 Meters | 6h00 |
| 4. | Chele to Syangbochen | 3475 Meters | 7h00 |
| 5. | Trek to Tsarang | 3620 Meters | 7h30 |
| 6. | Tsarang to Lo-mangthang | 3810 Meters | 4h00 |
| 7. | Exploration day at Lo-mangthang | ||
| 8. | Lo-mangthang to Dhakmar | 3810 Meters | 6h20 |
| 9. | Trek to Syangbochen | 3475 Meters | 6h00 |
| 10. | Syangbochen to Chhusang | 2980 Meters | 7h00 |
| 11. | Chhusang to Jomsom | 2800 | 6h00 |
| 12. | Fly back to Pokhara | ||
| 13. | Fly or drive back to Kathmandu. |
4. Upper Mustang Trek – 15 Days Itinerary Return Via Muktinath
Upper Mustang Trek – 15-day Itinerary allows you to explore prominent places in the Mustang region. Additionally, the trail goes through the hidden Yara and Tangge, which enables the discovery of ancient monasteries. Finally, it takes a round trip through Jomsom to experience the high passes.
The journey begins at Jomsom and continues to Kagbeni, Chele, Syangbochen, Ghami, Tsarang, and Lo Manthang. Finally, the trek takes to Yara, Tangge, and the sacred Hindu and Buddhist Muktinath shrine via Tetang before returning to Jomsom.
The views of snowcapped Mt. Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Bhrikuti, and Tilicho Peak will never leave your sight while you go along the trek. In addition, the trail passes through many villages and high passes, making the trip even more enjoyable.
| Days | Plan | Altitude | Duration |
| 1. | KTM to Pokhara by drive or flight | 920 Meters | 6h00 drive/0h25 flight |
| 2. | Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, then trek to Kagbeni | 2800 | 3h00 |
| 3. | Trek to Chele | 3050 Meters | 6h00 |
| 4. | Chele to Syangbochen | 3475 Meters | 7h00 |
| 5. | Trek to Ghami | 3520 Meters | 5h00 |
| 6. | Ghami to Tsarang | 3630 Meters | 4h00 |
| 7. | Trek to Lo-mangthang | 3810 Meters | 4h00 |
| 8. | Excursion around Lo-mangthang | ||
| 9. | Lo-mangthang to Yara | 3840 Meters | 7h00 |
| 10. | Yara to Tangge | 3240 Meters | 7h30 |
| 11. | Tangge to Tetang | 2950 | 9h00 |
| 12. | Tetang to Muktinath | 3800 | 7h00 |
| 13.. | Muktinath to Jomsom | 2700 | 5h00 |
| 14. | Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara | ||
| 15. | Flight or drive back to Kathmandu |
5. Mustang Tiji Festival Trek 19 Days Itinerary
“Mustang Tiji Festival Trek (3 days annual festival) in Upper Mustang is a well-known Buddhist festival in Lo-man thang. Tiji, which means”Prayer for World Peace,” is a yearly three-day festival celebrated in Lo-Manthang, Upper Mustang.
This festival commemorates Lord Buddha’s incarnation Dorjee Sonnu’s defeat over the devil Man Tam Ru. The Tiji festival in the upper Mustang is a unique annual three-day festival. In remembrance of Dorjee Sonnu, the Tiji Festival is being celebrated in Upper Mustang because of saving the Mustang kingdom from destruction.
Each year, Chhoedhe Monastery organizes the festival in May, which lies in the courtyard of the Mustang Royal Palace. The Tiji Festival will celebrate from 16th May to 18th May this year.
You must travel during the third week of May to participate in the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival. The Tiji festival date will announce according to the lunar calendar. Please contact us if you are seeking a detailed program of the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek for 2023.
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”
~ Helen Keller
Things To Do in Lo – Mangthang
Lo Manthang, sometimes known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” is in the upper Mustang district. Lo – Manthang is a canyon that connects the Tibetan Plateau with the highlands. Furthermore, it combines the world’s arid geography with one of the ancient empires. The area features beautiful vistas, gompas, and a mix of Tibetan Buddhist culture.
- Lomanthang Durbar: One of the top sights in Lo Manthang you would see while trekking in the upper Mustang in Nepal. This is a magnificent palace. It was built in the 15th century and stood five stories tall with nine corners. In addition, there are four Gombas within walking distance of this palace. The Namgyal Gompa is another Sakyapa monastery that lies north of the castle.
- Himalayan Vegetation: Even if the region is gasping, you’ll be amazed at how locals have managed water resources to cultivate various crops for their livelihood.
- Tibetan culture, tradition, and people: This is another crucial attraction in Upper Mustang. On the Upper Mustang Trek, you will experience several forms of dances, cultural shows, and Tibetan Buddhist arts. In addition, Lomanthang is a great place to learn about Tibetan Buddhism and culture.
- Korala Border: This border between Nepal and China is 4660 meters above sea level and is the lowest derivable passage between the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau.
- Chhoser Caves: When conducting upper Mustang trekking from Lomanthag, you can visit the Chhoser Caves. There are around 10,000 human-made caves discovered in this area, with some stretching back over 2500 years. However, it remains a mystery as to who made it and why.
Food & Accommodation
Teahouses are accessible along the Upper Mustang trek, like other treks in Nepal. Teahouses are tiny houses, generally the home of the family that manages them, that serve basic meals in a shared dining hall and provide bedrooms with two single beds.
Jomsom is the starting – point for practically all routes connecting the Upper Mustang region. Most travelers fly between Pokhara and Jomsom (a 20-minute flight) to save time and avoid the exhausting bus or jeep ride by land. Kagbeni, slightly north of Jomsom, is the official checkpoint for the restricted area.
Upper Mustang is located in the Himalayan rain shadow, giving it an excellent monsoon trip available all year. However, winter is crucial since most locals leave the town to avoid the snow and cold. Therefore, the best time to visit Upper Mustang is generally March to early November.
All hikers entering Upper Mustang (north of Kagbeni) must acquire a $500 permit for ten days. After that, you may remain for an additional day, but it will cost $50 each day after that. You will need to present your permit in and out of Kagbeni. You must also obtain an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The cost of the Annapurna Conservation Area is USD 28 per person, which is summed up with your Upper Mustang Trek cost.
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Final words
We recommend spending two weeks in the upper Mustang region for those looking for an epic trek. The Upper Mustang Trek itineraries are perfect for those looking to relax on beautiful trails while visiting the incredible landscape and also for those looking for an unforgettable experience.
The Upper Mustang Trek itineraries have everything you’ll want from an adventure, and the beauty of the trail will take your breath away. Finally, for those looking for an experience, we recommend taking a week off from everything in a peaceful valley on the western edge of the Annapurna region.
You’ll feel completely isolated, and the views are stunning. This trip gives you a taste of the best upper Mustang.
