Upper Mustang Trek Nepal: Itinerary & Cost

Upper Mustang Trek Nepal: Itinerary & Cost. On the Upper Mustang Trek, you’ll feel like you’re entering a lost country where time has stopped. This walk will blow your mind if you’ve fantasized about dusty Himalayan routes, colorful monasteries, and old caverns. You will hike through an elevation range of 3000 meters to 4000 meters above sea level.

Many tourists choose not to go on the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal because they are unsure of the best time to go, the cost, or how to organize their itinerary. As a result, they miss out on one of the most amazing experiences in Nepal’s Mustang region.

Everything you need to know about trekking in Upper Mustang is covered in this blog, including the ideal time to go, the whole route, and even a breakdown of costs.

Let’s explore the enchantment of the Upper Mustang Trek!

Why Trek to Upper Mustang?

The Upper Mustang Trek is unlike other hikes in the lush jungle. It leads you through Nepal’s Mustang area, which was formerly a prohibited kingdom until 1992. The routes are dry and desert-like. Yes, this location was forbidden for many years!

The Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal is ideal for those seeking a unique experience. In place of trees and large crowds, you get red cliffs, sky caverns, and the historic walled city of Lo Manthang. The entire Upper Mustang tour transports visitors to Tibetan culture (Tour) without ever leaving Nepal.

This hike is a fantastic blend of culture and action. You’ll encounter hospitable residents, stroll through little stone towns, and discover long-standing Buddhist customs. And you know what? The weather in Upper Mustang remains dry even during the rainy season.

Trekking in Upper Mustang is more than just hiking; it’s an exploration of one of the world’s most unique locations. If you put this on your bucket list, you will never forget the Upper Mustang Trek Nepal experience.

Recommended Package: Book a Buddhist Tour to Nepal from Thailand

Best Time for Upper Mustang Trek

Are you unsure when the Upper Mustang Trek is ideal? The good news is that it’s one of the few summertime treks in Nepal!

Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times of the year. The weather in the Upper Mustang is ideal throughout these months, with dry trails, bright skies, and breathtaking vistas of the untamed mountains.

Trekking in the spring may allow you to witness Lo Manthang’s renowned Tiji Festival. It adds even more significance to the Upper Mustang Trek and is one of the most significant cultural events in the Mustang area of Nepal.

Because the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal is located in a rain-shadowed area, it is also possible to complete it during the warm months of June through August. However, if you find trekking difficult, you can also travel by jeep. It suggests that even when the rest of Nepal is soaked, it doesn’t rain that much. Winter, which lasts from December to February, is a peaceful yet chilly season.

Therefore, there is an excellent period for the Upper Mustang Trek that suits your preferences, whether you enjoy festivals, arid landscapes, or peaceful routes. All you need to do is arrange your Upper Mustang schedule around it.

Recommended Read: Best Time To Visit Nepal

Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary (12–17 Days)

The Upper Mustang itinerary typically lasts 12 to 17 days, depending on your pace and the sights you wish to see. A typical 15-day plan provides the perfect blend of trekking, culture, and exploration.

Sample Upper Mustang Itinerary:

Day 1-2: Arrive in Kathmandu and fly to Pokhara

Day 3-4: Fly to Jomsom and begin the trek to Kagbeni

Days 5-8: Trek through Chele, Syangboche, and Ghami

Day 9-10: Reach Lo Manthang and explore the walled city

Day 11-13: Return via Dhakmar and Samar

Day 14-15: Fly back to Pokhara and then Kathmandu

The Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal offers a chance to experience the stunning views, unique culture, and mysterious caves of the Mustang region. You’ll walk 5–7 hours daily, but the path is manageable for most trekkers.

Add extra days for side trips or to explore places like the Muktinath Temple. With the right Upper Mustang itinerary, your journey will feel like a true Himalayan adventure.

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Cost of Upper Mustang Trek (Breakdown & Variants)

Let’s talk money! The Upper Mustang Trek costs between US$ $1,700 and US$ 2,800 per person. It depends on the duration, services, and whether you’re in a private or group trek.

Cost Breakdown:

• Restricted Area Permit: USD 500 for the first 10 days
• Extra Days: USD 50 per day after that
• ACAP Permit: USD 30
• Guide & Porter: USD 25–USD 35 per day each
• Domestic Flights: Around USD 250 (Pokhara–Jomsom round trip)
• Food & Lodging: Included in most packages

Reservations must be made through a licensed service when trekking in the Upper Mustang. Trekking alone is prohibited. Most firms combine transportation, food, permits, and guides for the Upper Mustang Trek Nepal in their packages.

Do you want to cut costs? Join a group hike. This allows you to share the Upper Mustang Trek expenses while enjoying the entire experience. However, in isolated communities, be aware of hidden costs, such as Wi-Fi, charging, or hot showers.

The Upper Mustang Trek is well worth the money if you plan.

Permits and Regulations

Due to its location in a restricted zone, the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal requires special permits. You can’t just show up and start hiking—you must plan.

Required Permits:

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 500 for the first 10 days
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): USD 30
• No solo trekking: You must be in a group of at least two trekkers with a licensed guide
• Issued by: Your trekking agency arranges everything

The Mustang region of Nepal is protected for cultural and environmental reasons. The government limits visitors to preserve its unique Tibetan heritage. That’s why the permits cost more than usual.

Good agencies make the permit process easy—they’ll help with the paperwork, ensure your Upper Mustang itinerary meets the rules, and prepare you for the trail.

If you’re serious about trekking in the Upper Mustang, know the permits are non-negotiable. But once you’re in, it’s like unlocking a hidden world.

Difficulty, Altitude, & Preparation

The rating for the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal is moderate. Although it’s not the most challenging trip in Nepal, you will still need to walk for five to seven hours every day, often above 3,500 meters.

Around 4,200 meters, close to Lo Manthang, is the highest point on most Upper Mustang itineraries. So, even if the trail isn’t particularly steep, you should be aware of the possibility of altitude sickness.

Before your trip, engage in physical activity, such as cycling, running, or hiking, to prepare—practice carrying a backpack when you stroll. Also, remember that Upper Mustang’s weather can be windy and cold, especially at night.

Additionally, when trekking in Upper Mustang, consider taking altitude medication (such as Diamox) and staying hydrated. Your guide can help you pace yourself.

If you have experience trekking, you will manage this easily. People of all levels can succeed if they practice and take their time to do so. Being well-prepared is essential for a fantastic Upper Mustang Trek Nepal experience!

Culture, People & Traditions in Upper Mustang

The Mustang Himalayas in Nepal have a culture unique to the country. It’s like traveling to a tiny part of Tibet within Nepal. The residents live in traditional whitewashed houses, speak their dialect, and practice Tibetan Buddhism.

When you arrive in Lo Manthang, the heart of the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal, you will feel as though you are traveling through time. The historic walled city features monasteries, prayer wheels, royal palaces, and winding passageways that have remained unchanged for centuries.

You can see the Tiji Festival, a three-day event featuring dances, chants, and masks, if you’re lucky. One of the highlights of the Upper Mustang program is that it is one of the most vibrant cultural spectacles you will ever witness.

Trekking in Upper Mustang will take you through pleasant communities where people welcome you with hot butter tea and warm smiles. Ask questions and respect their customs, and you’ll have memorable cultural experiences.

The Upper Mustang Trek is unique due to its cultural diversity. It’s about people, stories, and ageless customs, not just mountains.

Learn More About Mustang History: Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista: The Last King of Mustang

Packing List & Trekking Essentials

Packing right can make or break your Upper Mustang Trek. The weather can be sunny during the day and freezing at night, so you’ll need layers.

Essentials:

• Warm clothes (fleece, down jacket, thermals)
• Trekking boots
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (the sun is intense!)
• Gloves, socks, and a neck gaiter for the wind
• Reusable water bottles & purification tablets
• Basic medicine & first aid (including altitude pills)
• Power bank & headlamp
• Passport copies for permits

Since the Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal is remote, it’s recommended to bring snacks, toilet paper, and sufficient cash. There are no ATMs on the trail!

Additionally, please note that your Upper Mustang Trek cost may not include gear rental; therefore, it is recommended to check with your agency beforehand. You’ll enjoy every step of the trek in Upper Mustang with the right gear.

How to Reach Upper Mustang

Reaching the Mustang region of Nepal is a journey in itself!

Step-by-step Route:

• Kathmandu to Pokhara: 25-minute flight or 6-hour drive

• Pokhara to Jomsom: 20-minute flight (weather permitting)

• Jomsom to Kagbeni: Start of the Upper Mustang Trek

• Another option is to drive from Pokhara to Jomsom by jeep, which takes around 10–12 hours. It’s bumpy but scenic.

Although flights save time, Upper Mustang weather frequently causes delays. For flexibility, many hikers mix jeep and trek.

Your actual Upper Mustang schedule starts as soon as you arrive in Kagbeni. From there, each step puts you in Nepal’s historic Mustang region.

Always have a backup plan and ensure your agency secures flights well in advance. Proper planning makes the Upper Mustang Trek much smoother.

Recommended Read: Off-Road Guided Trekking in Upper Mustang

Final Thoughts

One of the most unusual experiences you may have in Nepal is the Upper Mustang Trek. You’re not simply trekking; you’re exploring sky caverns, strolling through historic kingdoms, and getting to know people from a world that hasn’t been affected by time.

An excellent travel agency, careful planning, and the appropriate Upper Mustang route make this adventure memorable. Everything counts, including the best time to go on the Upper Mustang Trek and the associated costs. Now you’ve got everything you need.

So, pack your bags and organize your permits to prepare for a once-in-a-lifetime trip through Nepal’s beautiful Mustang region. The Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal awaits you!

Plan with Boundless Adventure Now!

FAQ’s About the Upper Mustang Trek