The Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal offers a journey through traditional Mustang, Thakali, and Gurung villages, once part of the historic salt trade route between Nepal and Tibet. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, Upper Mustang is considered one of the finest trekking destinations in Nepal, preserving ancient customs and lifestyles that have remained unchanged for centuries.
Mustang is a unique region where natural beauty, wildlife, history, and centuries-old traditions coexist in perfect harmony. It is one of Nepal’s most diverse districts, with the southern region extending into the lush middle hills near Pokhara, while the northern area stretches into the arid Tibetan plateau, beyond the Himalayan range. The Kali Gandaki River flows through this rugged landscape, framed by towering, snow-capped peaks, creating a breathtaking backdrop.
The trek begins in Jomsom, the gateway to Mustang, and takes you through the higher Mustang region, crossing high passes like Lho La (3,950 m) and Dhakmar (3,810 m), offering spectacular views along the way. The journey eventually returns to Jomsom, where you can catch a flight back to Pokhara, concluding this unforgettable adventure in one of Nepal’s most stunning and culturally rich regions.
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400 m / 4,593 ft above sea level), transfer to hotel
Day 2: Morning drive or fly to Pokhara and transfer to hotel
Day 3: Morning flight to Jomsom 2,715 m and trek to Kagbeni – 4 hrs
Day 4: Trek to Tshele 3,050 m – 6 hrs
Day 5: Trek to Geling 3,540 m – 5 hrs
Day 6: Trek to Tsarang 3,560 m – 6 hrs
Day 7: Trek to Lho Manthang 3,700 m – 5 hrs
Day 8: Lo Manthang exploration day, local visit
Day 9: Trek to Dhakmar 3,810 m – 6 hrs
Day 10: Trek to Ghiling 3,806 m – 6 hrs
Day 11: Trek to Tsusang 2,980 m – 6 hrs
Day 12: Trek to Jomsom 2,715 m – 6 hrs
Day 13: Morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
Day 14: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 15: Kathmandu sightseeing
Day 16: Departure to international airport
Welcome to Nepal Himalaya! We will meet at Kathmandu airport and transfer you to your hotel.The Kathmandu is a vibrant capital city of Nepal. You will observe the bustling streets and alley with the aromas of local cuisine and the vibrant colors of traditional attire.
Overnight at Hotel
We get a tourist bus or private vehicle to reach Pokhara, depending on the size of the group. It is a scenic drive along the Trishuli and Marshyangdi River.
Overnight at a Hotel
Breakfast included
Early in the morning, take a scenic 22-minute flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, enjoying breathtaking views of the Annapurna, Manaslu, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Jomsom, a large town and the headquarters of the Mustang district, is where the trek begins. The first day’s hike follows the Kali Gandaki River valley for approximately four hours through a windy valley, leading to Kagbeni. This picturesque village is the gateway to the Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
From Kagbeni, the morning trek continues with an uphill climb through the Kali Gandaki gorge. The trail features striking red cliffs and beautiful landscapes. Passing through small villages, including Tirigaon, with its well-cultivated farmland and dramatic canyon views, the trek proceeds through a windswept valley, eventually arriving at Tsele (Chele) village for the night. Tsele is a large village located by the Kali Gandaki valley.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
After a night in Tsele, the journey begins with a climb to Gyakar village, crossing barren terrain to reach Samar village. After a short stop, continue to Bhena, a small settlement, before climbing steeply to Yamda La pass at 3,860 m. The pass offers stunning views of Mustang’s wide valley and the Dhaulagiri mountain range. After soaking in the views, descend through Syangboche village, arriving in Geling for an overnight stay.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
In the morning we visit old Geling monastery, an interesting old monastery of Geling. After a quick tour, morning walk leads to cross over Ghaymi Khola (river) and then following a long row of interesting Mani walls (holy prayer stone) and reaching at Dhakmar village, after a short rest here couple of hours of pace walk brings at overnight stop at Tsarang village. We visit another monastery in Tsarang village.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
This day’s trek is the highlight of the journey, leading to the famous walled city of Lho Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. The morning starts with a pleasant walk on a gentle path, crossing a steel bridge to Marang village. The landscape offers spectacular views of the Tibetan plateau and distant mountain peaks like Nilgiri, Tilicho, and Bhrikuti. After climbing to the Lo La pass at 3,950 m, enjoy a view of the walled city below. A final hour-long descent brings you to Lho Manthang, where you will stay for two nights.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Spend the day exploring the fascinating medieval city of Lho Manthang. If the King of Mustang is present, visit his palace and learn about the local way of life. Take a tour of the four major monasteries: Namgyal Gompa, Champa Lakhang (God House), Red Thubchen Gompa, and Chyodi Gompa. This is a full day to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and ancient traditions of Mustang.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
From Lho Manthang heading back to Jomsom using an old trekking route passing several farm houses, tended fields and poplar trees. A few hours hiking to Marang village and then following old walking trail leads to our overnight stop at Dhakmar village.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
After leaving Dhakmar, the trek continues along familiar paths, retracing your steps back to Ghiling village. Cross a bridge over the Ghami Khola to reach Ghami village, with an optional visit to Geling Monastery along the way. Ghiling provides a restful stop for the night.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Morning walk begins with gradual uphill to Syangboche village, from here couple of hours walk brings at Yamda La after catching the wonderful views of surrounding hills and valleys, then downhill to Bhena and Samar villages, and then following a stream leading through Gyakar and Chele villages. The day ends with an overnight stop at Tsusang village.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
This final trekking day is a long but rewarding journey back to Jomsom. Start with a gentle downhill hike, passing through several villages before reaching Kagbeni, where you can take a brief rest. Afterward, continue walking for another three hours along the valley floor, eventually arriving in Jomsom. Celebrate the completion of this incredible trek with your fellow trekkers and staff, enjoying some of the region’s famous apple products, as Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Marpha are known for their apples and apple-based products.
Overnight at guesthouse
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
After breakfast, take a scenic short flight back to Pokhara. Pokhara is a beautiful city with its pristine air, spectacular backdrop of snowy peaks, blue lakes, and lush greenery. We will enjoy engaging in various tourist activities like boating and sightseeing.
Overnight at Hotel
Breakfast included
We will be back to Kathmandu by tourist bus in the morning.
Overnight at Hotel
Breakfast included
After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley. The tour includes visits to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, the iconic Boudhanath Stupa, the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple), and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square. This is an opportunity to observe the rich history, religion, and culture of Nepal, along with the stunning architecture, including palaces, temples, stupas, and intricate carvings.
Overnight at Hotel
Breakfast included
After a memorable trek and cultural exploration with Ace Hiking, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your international departure or onward journey to your next destination. Safe travels!
Breakfast Included
Upper Mustang Trek is relatively easier than the Everest Base Camp Trek. Trekkers do not require technical training or rock climbing and mountaineering skills but you need to be physically fitness to hike 6 to 8 hours daily. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, and hiking are recommended before your journey.
The best months to do the Upper Mustang Trek is March, April, May, September, October and November. During these months, the weather is generally favorable with clear skies and mild temperatures, making for optimal trekking conditions and stunning mountain views.
Our trekking guides are trained and hold a trekking guide license issued by the Nepalese government. All of our guides are local with a deep understanding of the mountains, culture, health and your safety. All of our guides are skilled, experienced, courteous and helpful. They are proficient in English and will be able to communicate effectively with you throughout the trip.
You can get verity of meals including typical Nepali Dal Bhat (Rice, Curry and lentils), breads, noodles, soups, eggs, toast, potato varieties, pizza, pasta, burger items are common choices in the menu. Breakfast and dinner will be served from tea house or lodge where we stay overnight and lunch will be served on the way to next destination. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included during the trek.
Boiled water and bottled water options are available along the trekking route. We do not recommend you drink water from local sources such as taps, wells, and rivers.
You will be accommodated in 3 star level hotel in Kathmandu. During the trek, you will have a private room in guesthouses and lodges. In some cases, during peak season, you need to share a room with others.
Yes, it is necessary to have insurance to join this Upper Mustang Trek. Your insurance should cover cost of Helicopter rescue and treatment.
Yes, while porters can carry the majority of your belongings, it’s recommended to carry a small day backpack yourself. This backpack can hold essentials such as drinking water, snacks, sunscreen, camera, sunglasses and any other items you may need easy access to during the day hike.
Yes, trekkers should note that the luggage limit for a porter is 20kg, and typically, there is one porter assigned for every two trekkers. It’s advisable to pack efficiently and within this weight limit to ensure ease of transportation during the trek.