The Upper Mustang Trek - 15 Days

5 reviews
Ancient Buddhist stupas in front of large desert cliffs in Upper Mustang, Nepal.
Quick Overview
Duration15 Days
Trip GradeModerate
Maximum Altitude3,840m / 12,598ft
Group Size2-20
StartsKathmandu
EndsKathmandu
ActivitiesTrekking
Best TimeSep to Nov and Mar to May

The Upper Mustang Trek takes you on an amazing journey through the old Kingdom of Lo, which is one of Nepal's most remote and culturally rich areas. This desert terrain is very different from the lush foliage that is common in Nepal. It is located in the rain shadow  of the Himalayas. Upper Mustang has been a restricted area for hundreds of years, which has helped keep  its distinctive Tibetan Buddhist culture, old monasteries, and stunning caverns on the cliffs. Today, it is a top teahouse excursion for people who want to explore culture and history up close and personal, away from the masses.

What Makes This Trek Special

  • major pilgrimage sites like Muktinath, Kagbeni, Talbarahi temple, and many more.
  • A varied terrain from tropical forest to alpine terrain to mountain.
  • Going to the old walled city of Lo Manthang.
  • Seeing the one-of-a-kind high desert terrain.
  • Finding old cave homes.
  • Seeing the Tiji Festival (if you get the timing right).
  • Crossing the high passes of Nyi La (4,010m) and Lo La (3,950m) on the way to and from Lo Manthang.
  • Visiting the holy Muktinath Temple.
  • Walking along the Kali Gandaki valley, the deepest gorge in the world, with Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Annapurna I (8,091m) on either side.
  • Seeing wide vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains.
  • Experiencing Tibetan Buddhist culture that has been maintained.
  • An authentic Himalayan experience away from the crowded teahouse routes of the Annapurna and Everest regions.

15-Day Upper Mustang Trek Overview

Explore Upper Mustang, a region of Nepal that remained isolated from the rest of the world until 1992. This secluded area is sometimes nicknamed the "Last Forbidden Kingdom." It keeps Tibetan Buddhist culture alive in its purest form through old monasteries, medieval palaces, and traditional villages that have remained unchanged over time. The terrain is very different from what you would expect to see in the Himalayas. It's a beautiful high-altitude desert with eroded cliffs, deep valleys, and huge, dry plateaus. This walk is more than just an adventure; it's a deep cultural experience that lets you see how the Loba people live, speak, and practice their religion, which are all part of a rich Tibetan legacy.

The hike brings you into the Himalayas' rain shadow, where the rocks change into a beautiful mix of red, brown, and ochre. After the Kali Gandaki valley, which is the deepest valley in the world, you'll walk over pathways that are blown by the wind and have amazing views of big mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Nilgiri. This area has a unique trans-Himalayan ecology, showcasing uncommon plants, historic cave homes, and rocks adorned with prayer flags. The architecture of Mustang,  with its whitewashed buildings, beautifully carved entrances, and mountain fortifications, is a mix of Nepalese and Tibetan styles. Such diversity makes it a wonderful place for photographers and culture lovers to visit. 

Our journey starts with a beautiful drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni. The entrance to Upper Mustang and Chele is where the desert environment truly comes to life. The best part of the trip is Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the old kingdom. You will see historic monuments like the Royal Palace, Thubchen Gompa,  and  the  Chhoser  Cave  Complex,  which  is  a  maze  of  tunnels  constructed  by  people thousands of years ago. The way back through Ghami and Muktinath adds a spiritual element, as Muktinath is a holy place for both Hindus and Buddhists.

The Upper Mustang Trek offers a rare experience that combines stunning scenery with living history.  It's great for experienced  trekkers  and  people  who  want  to  learn  about  different cultures. Every moment in Mustang feels like stepping into a lost period, from the lively Tiji Festival (if you schedule it properly) to the kind welcome of the Loba people. It's not only about getting to a place on this walk; it's about finding the essence of the Himalayas.

Before You Arrive

For a smooth and easy start, we highly recommend arriving in Kathmandu by 4 PM the day before we leave. This gives you enough time for a final gear check, a trip briefing with your guide, and to make sure you have everything you need before heading to the trek. 

Online Briefing

This is like our first coffee before the trip, but online!  This online meeting is our chance to show you everything that will happen on the trip. We will discuss everything from what gear to bring to what each day on the route will be like and how it will feel. we will answer any questions you have.  After you book, we'll send you an email with a couple of times when we can talk. We'll set up the meeting after the booking process is completed. Also, our trek itinerary does not include your hotel stay in Kathmandu. During the online meeting, please share your preferences, budget, and the standard of the hotel you would like to stay at in Kathmandu. We will arrange it for you accordingly. 

Your Trek, Your Way

Experience the Himalayas on your terms. We create personal, intimate treks for groups of two or more. Whether you select our Budget, Standard, or Luxury package, your adventure will be tailored exclusively for you and your companions, for a comfortable and personalized journey from start to finish.

Note on Pokhara Meals

In Pokhara, only breakfast at your hotel is included (all tiers). Lunch and dinner in Pokhara are at your own expense — we want you to have the freedom to explore Pokhara’s incredible restaurant scene on your own terms. Meals during the drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara are also not included, as there are many great stops along the way.

Kathmandu Accommodation

Your hotel in Kathmandu is not included in the trek package. During the online briefing before your trek, we will ask about your preferences and budget — whether you want a simple guesthouse or a five-star hotel — and help you arrange it. Your trek package begins when you leave Kathmandu for the mountains.

Compare Our Three Packages

  Budget Standard Luxury
Price from USD 1,292 USD 1,930 USD 3,500
Meals Choose your own (approx. USD 15-25/day) 3 meals + tea + fruits + 2L water daily All meals + all drinks anytime (except alcohol)
Room Shared teahouse Private twin w/ bathroom Private deluxe w/ bed heater
Porter Not included 1 per 2 trekkers 1 per trekker (carry nothing)
Guide 1 guide, assistant at 8+ 1 guide per 6, assistant at 6+ 1 guide per 2 trekkers
Transport Local vehicle Private tourist vehicle Luxury private vehicle
SIM data SIM only Limited data Unlimited data
Best for Backpackers and independent travellers Comfort trekkers, couples, families Premium experience seekers

Himalayas for Every Budget — same expert guides, same safety, three comfort levels.

Difficulty: Challenging (4/5)

Trek through the restricted Upper Mustang region — the former Kingdom of Lo behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. You will walk 5-7 hours per day across high desert terrain reaching a maximum altitude of around 4,200m at the high passes.

Where your $500 permit money cannot follow

The Upper Mustang restricted-area permit alone is $500 a person. The Nepalese government keeps that. But everything else inside our trek price has room for the things we care about — fair pay for our crew, and a fixed share for the Nagarjun Learning Center, the village school my mother runs in Saldum. Seventy children study there for free and eat two daily meals on us. We are a registered Nepalese charity, listed on the UN Partner Portal, and we have been running the school since 2019.

Trip Gallery

Mustang 2
Mustang 3
Mustang 4
Mustang 5
Mustang 6
Mustang 7
Mustang 8
Mustang 9
Mustang 10
Mustang 11
Mustang 12
Mustang

Itinerary

Day 01: Morning  start  210  km/  135  miles  drive  to  Pokhara  (820m)  west  of  the  Kathmandu Valley. Drive Time: Approx. 6-7 hrs. with a total elevation change of 580 m/1902.89 ft.
Day 02: Day 2: Drive from Pokhara to Kagbeni (2,800 m/9,186 ft.). With a total elevation change of 1980 m/6496.063 ft.
Max Altitude: 2,800 m/9,186 ft
Day 03: Morning start with a 14 km/8.7 mile walk from Kagbeni (2,800 m/9,186 ft) to Chele (3,055 m/10,023 ft). Trek Time: Approx. 5-6 hrs, with a total elevation change of 255 m/836.614 ft.
Max Altitude: 3,055 m/10,023 ft
Day 04: Morning start 15 km/9.3 miles walk from Chele to Syangboche (3,930 m/12,894 ft). Trek Time: Approx. 5–6 hours with a total elevation change of 875 m/2870.73 ft.
Max Altitude: 3,930 m/2,441 ft
Day 05: Morning start with a 15 km/9.3 mile walk from Syangboche to Ghami (3,520 m/11,549 ft). Trek Time: Approx. 5–6 hours with a total elevation change of 410 m/1345.14 ft.
Max Altitude: 3,520 m/11,549 ft
Day 06: Morning start with a 10 km/6.2 mile walk from Ghami to Tsarang (3505 m/11,499 ft). Trek Time: Approx. 5-6 hrs.
Max Altitude: 3505 m/11,499 ft
Day 07: Morning start with an 11 km/6.8 mile walk from Tsarang to Lo Manthang (3810 m/12,500 ft). Trek Time: Approx. 5 hrs. with a total elevation change of 305 m/1000.66 ft.
Max Altitude: 3810 m/12,500 ft
Day 08: Rest and exploration day in Lo Manthang
Day 09: Morning start with a 15 km/9.3 mile walk from Lo Manthang to Ghami (3,520 m/11,549 ft). Trek Time: approximately 6–7 hours, with a total elevation change of 290 m/951.444 ft.
Max Altitude: 3,520 m/11,549 ft
Day 10: Morning start with a 14 km/8.7 mile walk from Ghami to Samar (3,700 m/12,299 ft). Trek Time: Approx. 6-7 hrs. with a total elevation change of 180 m/590.551 ft.
Max Altitude: 3,700 m/12,299 ft
Day 11: Morning start with a 7.7 km/4.7 mile walk from Samar to Chhusang (2,980 m/9,777 ft). Trek Time: Approx. 5–6 hours with a total elevation change of 720 m/2362.2 ft.
Max Altitude: 2,980 m/1,851 ft
Day 12: Morning start with a 16 km/9.9 mile walk from Chhusang to Muktinath (3,760 m/12,336 ft). Trek Time: Approx. 6-7 hrs. with a total elevation change of 780 m/2559.06 ft.
Max Altitude: 3,760 m/12,336 ft
Day 13: Morning start 20 km/12.4 miles walk from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720 m/8,924 ft). Trek Time: Approx. 5 hrs. with a total elevation change of 1,040 m/3,412.073 ft.
Max Altitude: 2,720m/  1,690ft
Day 14: Drive back from Jomsom to Pokhara (820 m/2,690 ft). With a total elevation change of 1900 m/6233.596 ft.
Max Altitude: 820 m/2,690 ft
Day 15: Morning start with a 210 km/135-mile drive from Pokhara (820m) to the Kathmandu Valley. Drive Time: Approx. 7-8 hrs. with a total elevation change of 580 m/1902.89 ft.
Expand All
Couldn't find what you're after?Reach out to our travel experts.
Customise Trip

Interactive Route Map

Altitude Chart

The Upper Mustang Trek - 15 Days

Availability

Book your own private small group trip

Discounts are determined exclusively by the size of your group. We do not add additional members to your group.

Book Now
hbl logo
Secure Payment by Himalayan Bank.

Equipment Lists

Only pack what’s needed for the trek to travel light and comfortably. You can store your excess luggage at The Everest Holiday for free. Porters will carry your main trekking bag, but the weight limit is 10 kg for each trekker. Since one porter carries the luggage for two people, we suggest that you and a trekking partner share one large duffel bag (over 60 litres).

  • Sun hat (wide-brimmed)
  • Beanie (for warmth)
  • A neck gaiter or buff (for warmth and sun protection)
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Insulated gloves or mittens (for cold weather)
  • Waterproof gloves (for wet conditions)
  • A thick-wool or synthetic pair of moisture-wicking socks
  • waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and excellent traction
  • Sandals (for camp use or river crossings)
  • Gaiters (for ankle protection in scree and dust)
  • Moisture-wicking t-shirts (short and long sleeves)
  • Thermal base layer (for colder conditions)
  • Fleece jacket and down jacket (Mandatory)
  • Lightweight puffy jacket (for extra warmth)
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)
  • Raincoat
  • Lightweight, breathable long-sleeve shirt
  • Polypropylene underwear (four)
  • Quick-drying pants/trousers (convertible or full-length)
  • Insulated pants (for colder conditions)
  • Lightweight cotton pants
  • Long underwear or thermal leggings (for cold conditions)
  • Two pairs of thermal/trekking trousers (pants)
  • Biodegradable bar soap
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Medium-sized drying towel
  • Wet wipes or hand sanitizers
  • Toilet paper (store in a Ziplock bag)
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Travel-sized shampoo
  • Nail clippers
  • Small mirror
  • A duffel bag with a capacity of over 60 litres is intended for porters, with one duffel bag for every trekker.
  • An individual's daypack or backpack with a 20- or 30-litre capacity should be plenty.
  • Adjustable and lightweight poles (preferably collapsible)
  • A two-litre water bladder or bottle (with a protective cover for cold climates)
  • Camera/smartphone (extra memory cards and batteries)
  • A portable charger, spare batteries, or a battery pack
  • Two-pin charging plug
  • Personal medications (inhalers, allergy meds, etc.)
  • Few passport-size photos
  • Passport photocopies
  • Notebook and pen
  • Binoculars
  • Reusable water bottle or 2-litre hydration bladder
  • Water purification tablets, filter bottle or UV filter (essential in Upper Mustang where bottled water is expensive)
  • Energy bars and snacks (Mustang teahouses have limited shop options)
  • Lightweight spork or spoon (optional)
  • Insulated mug for hot tea
  • Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers)
  • Diamox (for altitude sickness prevention and relief)
  • Personal medications (inhalers, allergy meds, etc.)
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Lip balm and extra moisturiser (Mustang is very dry)
  • Rehydration salts
  • Lightweight headlamp (with adjustable brightness)
  • Face wipes
  • An extra pair of batteries

Essential Information

Upper Mustang Trek (15 Days) — What You Need to Know

Arrival and Welcome

When you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will be waiting with a sign showing your name. You'll be welcomed with a traditional marigold garland or khada and driven to your hotel in a private vehicle. Please arrive in Kathmandu at least one day before your trek, allowing time to prepare and review the details. On the first day, we'll drive to Pokhara by 4x4 jeep or tourist bus — a beautiful 7–9 hour journey. The next day, we fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and trek towards Kagbeni. Along the way, our guide will register at the checkpoint, and your trek into the former kingdom of Lo officially begins.

Accommodation

The Upper Mustang Trek includes eleven nights in comfortable teahouses along the trail — standard twin-sharing rooms. Hotels in Pokhara, Jomsom, and Upper Mustang offer toilets, hot water, and laundry facilities. Rooms along the trail may have attached bathrooms. Most hotels provide charging points and Wi-Fi. Kathmandu accommodation and meals aren't included in the 15-day package.

Meals

This trek reaches high altitudes where your body needs plenty of carbohydrates, protein, and hydration. While food options may be limited at elevation, we'll make sure you eat well throughout. The menu includes traditional Nepali, Asian, and Western dishes. We strongly recommend fresh vegetables, green tea, hot lemon, ginger tea, and garlic soup. For a hearty, filling meal, try the local favourite: Dal Bhat Tarkari (lentil soup, rice, and vegetable curry). Personal extras like alcohol, snacks, and drinks between meals aren't included.

Luggage

We provide one porter for every two trekkers. Each person's luggage allowance is 10 kg, so a porter carries no more than 20 kg total — we never overload our porters. Pack your gear in a duffel bag of over sixty litres and team up with a fellow trekker. You'll still carry a small daypack for your valuables, water, and camera. Extra bags can be stored free at your hotel or our Kathmandu office.

Facilities and Essentials

Water

You can buy bottled water from shops along the trail or drink boiled or filtered water at lodges. We strongly recommend bringing a reusable bottle and refilling it with boiled water — this cuts down on plastic waste and saves money. Never drink untreated tap, river, or well water. For extra safety, carry water purification tablets (available at shops along the trail).

Communication

We'll provide you with a SIM card in Kathmandu and show you how to set up data and top up credit. Mobile signal can be patchy at higher altitudes, but our lead guide stays in daily contact with all trekking teams.

Travel Essentials

Visa

All foreign nationals need a visa to enter Nepal (Indian citizens are exempt). Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Kathmandu airport — the current fee is USD 50 for 30 days, payable in cash. You'll need a passport valid for at least six months and one passport-sized photo.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is mandatory for this trek. Your policy must cover medical expenses and emergency helicopter rescue up to 6,000 metres. Please send us your insurance details within a week of booking — in an emergency, we'll use them to arrange rapid evacuation and hospital transfer.

Currency Exchange

The Nepali Rupee (NPR) is the local currency. ATMs are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and major towns. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants but not at smaller shops or on remote trails.

We recommend carrying cash in NPR for daily expenses. USD, GBP, EUR, and AUD can be exchanged at banks and money changers in Kathmandu.

Extra Expenses

While the package covers most trek costs, you'll need to budget for some personal items: meals and accommodation in Kathmandu, visa fees, snacks on the trail, hot showers, personal gear, and tips for the crew. We recommend roughly USD 30 per day for these extras during the trek.

Trek Season and Weather

The Upper Mustang Trek is best from March to May and September to November. Spring (March–May): The ideal season — clear skies, high desert vistas, and views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Nilgiri (7,061m). Daytime temperatures range from 15–22°C, dropping to -4°C at night. Autumn (September–November): Stable weather and beautiful mountain views, with temperatures from 15–25°C during the day and nighttime lows around -5°C. Winter (December onwards): Snow increases, making the trails more challenging.

A Typical Day

A big breakfast kicks off each morning around 7 am. The day's trekking normally lasts four to six hours, with a lunch break along the way. In the evenings you can rest or explore, then enjoy dinner and a briefing on the next day's plans.

Booking Your Trek

Private Treks

Every trek we run is private — you'll only walk with your own group. We never add strangers to your trip. All itineraries are fully customisable to suit your schedule.

Solo Trekkers and Group Bookings

Our treks run with a minimum of two people. If you're travelling alone and don't have a companion, we can set up a group trek open to others — once you confirm, it goes on our website so other trekkers can join. This way, every trip becomes your own personal holiday in the Himalayas.

Secure Booking

The Everest Holiday is a registered and bonded trekking operator — proud members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). To confirm your booking, we require a 10% advance payment.

Payment options include the Himalayan Bank online portal (on our website), major credit cards, bank transfers, Wise, and Western Union. You can pay the remaining balance after arriving in Kathmandu. Please send us a copy of your passport within one week of booking, and make sure it has at least six months' validity from your arrival date in Nepal.

Last-Minute Bookings

We recommend booking in advance, but we do accept last-minute bookings with full payment required 24 hours before departure. For last-minute treks, contact Shreejan directly at +977-9810351300 or email info@theeverestholiday.com. Please note that last-minute trips may face delays due to circumstances beyond our control.

Our Team

We're a family business with three generations in Nepal's tourism industry. We started as porters and now run the agency — and we still treat every team member like family. Your guides and porters are experienced professionals from the upper Himalayas who know these mountains intimately. They're trained in wilderness first aid, altitude safety, and speak good English. We cover their insurance, meals, accommodation, and medical care. Don't hesitate to ask them anything — they're there for you.

Flexible Schedule

Your trip dates are entirely up to you. If our listed departure dates don't work, let us know and we'll arrange a trek that fits your schedule.

Trip Extensions

Want to see more of Nepal? We can add activities like a jungle safari in Chitwan or Bardiya, bungee jumping in Pokhara, Bhote Koshi, or Kushma, white-water rafting on the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli, or Seti rivers, kayaking in Trishuli or Pokhara, paragliding over Pokhara, zip flying in Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Kushma, canyoning at Pokhara or Sukute Beach, or hot air ballooning in Pokhara.

For culture and history, we arrange guided tours of the Kathmandu Valley's UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Changunarayan Temple, and Pashupatinath Temple. Sunrise trips to Nagarkot and Dhulikhel are also popular. We can arrange spiritual visits to temples, stupas, monasteries, and meditation centres too. Check our ADD-ON packages when you book.

Ecotourism

We take the health of these mountains seriously. At the start of your trek, every guest receives an eco-waste bag. Please use it for all non-compostable rubbish — snack wrappers, plastic bottles, batteries. Carry it with you as you walk; our guides will show you where to dispose of waste properly at designated collection points. Help us keep the Mustang and Annapurna region clean for the people who live here and the trekkers who come after you.

After the Trek

Farewell Dinner

Back in Kathmandu, we'll host a farewell dinner where you can share stories from the trail and give us your honest feedback. You'll also receive a certificate of achievement to mark what you've accomplished.

Departure

Let us know your hotel name, room number, and flight details, and we'll arrange your transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. We hope you'll come back to Nepal for another adventure.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated in Nepal but never obligatory. The amount should reflect the quality of service, the length and difficulty of the trek, and your overall experience. We recommend tipping the crew collectively at the end of the trek.

FAQs

What is the Upper Mustang Trek?
It's  in  the  Mustang  District  of  north-central  Nepal,  where  the  Annapurna  and  Dhaulagiri massifs block the rain.   The walk goes through the dry, desert-like Kali Gandaki valley, and the main goal is usually the old walled city of Lo Manthang, which was the capital of the area and is at an elevation of 3,840 meters (12,600 feet).

How hard is the Upper Mustang Trek?
It is said to be a somewhat challenging journey. The lengthy days of walking (typically 5–7 hours), the constant climbing and descending on rough terrain, and the high altitude (with passes up to 4,200m) make it physically challenging. The desert is hard to get there and has high winds and dust, which makes it much harder. You need to be in great shape.

How long does the hike take?
A typical trekking trip lasts 14 to 16 days, starting and ending in Pokhara. This trip involves 10 to 12 days of real hiking to get to Lo Manthang and return.

Do I need a guide and a porter?
A guide is required, indeed. You can't hike in Upper Mustang without a qualified guide because it is a protected region. It is very important to hire a porter. The walk is lengthy, the sun is strong, and the wind may be very strong. A porter lets you completely experience the beautiful scenery and cultural places 
without having to carry hefty luggage.

When is the best time to go on the Upper Mustang Trek?
The finest and only reasonable season to visit is from May to October, as this area is under a rain shadow, making it one of the best places to hike during the monsoon season. The best months to visit are May and June, when the weather is pleasant and the renowned Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang typically takes place in May. July and August are also nice months, and September and October have consistent weather and clear skies.

What permits are required?
You need two special and relatively expensive permits: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang: This is the key permit. The cost is $500 USD per  person  for  the  first  10  days,  and  $50  per  day  thereafter.  It  must  be  arranged  through  a registered trekking agency. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Standard permit for the region.

Can I get permits on the trail?
Absolutely not. The Restricted Area Permit must be arranged in advance by a licensed trekking agency in Kathmandu. You will not be allowed past the checkpoint at Kagbeni without it. Your guide will carry and present these permits at police checkpoints.

What should I do to be ready for this trek?
The focus of training should be on building stamina for lengthy, continuous days of trekking. Put hill walking with a pack, aerobic workouts like jogging and cycling, and leg strength training at the  top  of  your  list.  The  ground  is  typically  loose  and  sandy;  therefore, it's  important  to  be stable.

How often is it to have Altitude Sickness occur?
The danger is medium. Lo Manthang's highest sleeping altitude (3,840m) isn't that high, but the walk does require traversing a few high passes, such as Dhi La at 4,200m. The dry weather also makes it more likely to get dehydrated, which can make altitude sickness worse or feel like it. A well-planned trip with enough time to become used to the new environment is quite important.

What do I need to bring?
If you're going to the desert, you need certain gear:
Shoes: Strong, broken-in hiking boots and sandals for camp and teahouses.
Clothing: You need a thorough layering system. Pack a jacket that won't let the wind or rain in, a warm insulated jacket for cold evenings, and thermal base layers. It is very important to protect yourself from the sun and dust. You must wear a buff or scarf, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Essentials: a  strong  headlamp,  lip  balm  with  SPF,  a  reusable  water  bottle, and  way  to  purify water, and a lot of cash (Nepalese Rupees).  There are no cash machines.

How are the accommodations at the tea house?
The tea establishments in Upper Mustang are simple but good enough. They have become a lot better, but they are still more rustic than the big paths like Everest. Rooms are modest and have two beds and a common bathroom. The only place to heat is the communal dining area, where there is a stove. Some communities provide hot showers for an additional fee.

What about food and drink?
Food: The menu isn't as broad as it is on other popular treks. Some of the most common foods include Dal Bhat, Tibetan bread, Thukpa (noodle soup), momos, and simple pasta and potato meals.  Freshness and diversity are restricted because most goods come from outside.

Water: You can buy bottled water, but it's pricey and makes plastic trash. The best way to purify 
water from tea houses is to use purification tablets or a filter.

Is there power and internet?
Electricity is available in most tea houses; however, it's usually from solar panels. Most of the time, you can charge electrical gadgets, but it costs money and may not work.
Internet: Some communities have mobile data (Ncell), although it's weak and doesn't always work. Some tea establishments could provide paid Wi-Fi, although it's quite sluggish. Think of this as an opportunity to unplug.

What permits are required for the Everest Base Camp Trek?
You need two permits:

  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Fee.
  • Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) 
  • Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card fee.
  • All government taxes and official expenses.

Are the necessary permits included in the trekking package?
Yes, permits are included in the trekking package.

What is the Upper Mustang Trek?
A 15-day trek into the ancient kingdom of Lo, a restricted area in northern Nepal bordering Tibet. Upper Mustang is often called the "Last Forbidden Kingdom" because it was closed to foreigners until 1992. You walk through a dramatic Tibetan-style landscape of eroded canyons, red and ochre cliffs, ancient cave dwellings, and walled medieval cities — all under the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

What makes Upper Mustang unique?
The landscape looks like Mars — arid desert valleys, wind-carved rock formations, and colours that change from red to white to golden through the day. Lo Manthang, the walled capital, has monasteries dating back to the 14th century with original murals. The Tibetan Buddhist culture here is largely unchanged. Very few trekkers visit each year due to the high permit cost.

How difficult is this trek?
Moderate. Maximum altitude is approximately 4,010m. The trail is relatively gentle compared to high-altitude treks, but it is long (15 days) and the terrain is arid and exposed to wind and sun. Good fitness for 5-6 hours of daily walking is needed.

What permits do I need?
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (USD 500 for the first 10 days, then USD 50 per additional day), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and TIMS card. The restricted area permit is the most expensive in Nepal — this is why Upper Mustang remains uncrowded. All permits are included in our package.

Why is the permit so expensive?
The Nepal government limits visitor numbers to protect the fragile cultural heritage and environment of Upper Mustang. The high permit fee is the main tool for managing tourism impact. Despite the cost, those who visit unanimously say it is worth every dollar.

Is a guide mandatory?
Yes. Nepal law requires a licensed guide, and the restricted area permit can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency. Our guides are experienced in Upper Mustang and speak English and often some Tibetan dialect.

Where do I sleep?
In local lodges and guesthouses. Accommodation in Upper Mustang is basic but improving — rooms have beds and blankets, and some lodges in Jomsom and Lo Manthang have hot showers and Wi-Fi. Between villages, lodges are simple. The walled city of Lo Manthang has several guesthouses with a surprising level of comfort.

When is the best time?
Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, making it one of the few regions in Nepal suitable for monsoon trekking (June-August). Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are also excellent. Winter is cold and some passes may be blocked by snow. The famous Tiji festival in Lo Manthang usually falls in May — a spectacular 3-day celebration.

How do I get there?
Fly from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Jomsom (25 minutes from Pokhara), then trek north into Upper Mustang. The Jomsom flight is weather-dependent and operates only in the morning. Alternatively, you can drive from Pokhara to Jomsom via Beni (10-12 hours on a rough road). We recommend the flight for comfort.