Upper Mustang Trek-16 Days

Upper Mustang Trek is one of the subliminal treks into Trans-Himalayan mountain region. The area extended from a deserted region, Kagbeni to Lo Manthang in the Tibetan south border is known as Upper Mustang. The Upper Mustang area is nestled at the rainshadow of majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan ranges. Witnessing the cliff-hanging caves that were cemetery under death ritual practice will provide amazing experience and curiosity. The journey to Upper Mustang will be an ideal trek for those who are interested in the ancient kingdom of Lo Manthang and it's surroundings. 

This trekking trail covers several wonderful places, such as Jomsom, Kagbeni and Lo Manthang. Moreover, the trek offers stupendous views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks. Passing through high peaks, treeless barren landscapes and terraced farmland also make this trek memorable. The Upper Mustang region is also one of the restricted areas of Nepal and a special immigration permit is required to enter this area. Every year the only fixed number of foreigners are allowed to enter this area and that makes the region still a virgin and keet the cultures, lifestyles and heritages alive till date. 

The Upper Mustang region lies in the rainshadow of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, making it one of the few areas in Nepal where trekking is possible even during the monsoon months. Unlike most other trekking regions in Nepal, which experience heavy rainfall, Upper Mustang remains dry and accessible in June, July, and August—making these months an excellent time to visit.

The trek begins from Pokhara with a 20min scenic flight to Jomsom then the trail follows the Kali Gandaki River valley to the ancient village of Kagbeni, entrance to Upper Mustang. It then ascends along and above the rivers and ridges carved by the Kali Gandaki’s many side tributaries, and includes five passes up to 4,325m/14,190ft. A road has recently been pushed through the region from Tibet by the Chinese. The road is little used at present with dust and noise causing minimal disturbance to trekkers.

Trip Highlights

• UNESCO World Heritages of Kathmandu Valley
• Scenic drive to Pokhara with along mesmerizing views of Trisuli River
• Wonderful flight from Pokhara to Jomsom via Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges
• Diverse Culture and lifestyles of inhabitants of Mustang
• Kingdom of Lo Manthang

Additional Information

We tried to consign almost all the required information. However, you might have some confusion regarding the time, cost, and some technical support. So to have further discussion and information about the trip please contact us at  [email protected] and feel free to ring +977-9851116042 and talk to us directly. Amazing Nepal will be waiting for your call eagerly.

Airport Transfers and Assistance

• Private vehicle pickup from the airport upon arrival and transfer to your hotel.
• Private vehicle transfer to the airport for your final departure.

Accommodation

• Kathmandu: 3 nights in a quality 3-star hotel on a Bed and Breakfast (BB) plan.
• Pokhara: 2 nights in a quality 3-star hotel on a Bed and Breakfast (BB) plan 
• During Trek: 10 nights in cozy tea houses/lodges along the trekking route (twin-sharing basis).

Guided Tours and Transportation

• Guided city tour in Kathmandu.
• Kathmandu to Pokhara and return by deluxe tourist bus.

Meals and Drinking Water During Trekking

• 11 Breakfasts: Enjoy Tibetan bread, pancakes, porridge, eggs, toast, tea, and coffee.
• 10 Lunches: Dal Bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables), noodles, momos, fried rice, pasta, soups, and more.
• 10 Dinners: Hearty meals such as dal bhat, Sherpa stew, pizza, spaghetti, and traditional Nepali dishes.
• Drinking Water: Purified drinking water treated with Ef-Chlor tablets.

Permits and Entrance Fees

• Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit
• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Special Trekking Permit
• TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card

Domestic Flights & Ground Transportation

• Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara flight (round trip), including all related airport transfers.

Guides and Support Staff

• Experienced, licensed English-speaking trekking guide trained in first aid.
• Assistant guide for groups larger than six trekkers.
• One Porter for every 2 Trekers
• Salaries, food, accommodation, and insurance for all trekking staff.

Trekking Essentials Provided

• Annapurna region trekking map.
• Trekking poles (on request).
• Sleeping bag rated for -20°C conditions.
• Duffel bag (70-80L capacity).

Emergency Preparedness

• Comprehensive first-aid medical kit
• Insurance for all Nepali staff.
• Assistance with emergency rescue arrangements (requires your personal insurance coverage).

Extra Benefits

• Official certificate of trek completion.
• Complimentary luggage storage at Amazing Nepal Trek’s office during your trek.
• Amazing Nepal Trek T-shirt as a Trekking souvenir.
• Welcome & Farewell dinner at a top-rated restaurant hosted by Amazing Nepal Trek & Expedition.

Not Included

❌ International Flights and Nepal Visa

• Airfare to/from Kathmandu.
• Nepal visa fees: USD 30 (15 days), USD 50 (30 days), USD 125 (90 days).

❌ Additional Accommodation and Meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara

• Additional hotel nights due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek.
• Lunches and dinners while staying in Kathmandu and Pokhara, except for the welcome and farewell dinner.

❌ Travel Insurance

• Personal insurance covering medical emergencies, high-altitude evacuation, trip cancellation, and unforeseen situations (mandatory).

❌ Personal Porter Service

• Personal Porter available at an additional cost of USD 220 per porter (up to 25 kg carrying capacity).

❌ Personal Expenses

• Hot showers, extra meals, Wi-Fi, charging electronic devices, and upgraded accommodation during the trek.
• Bottled water, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, coffee, and other personal drinks.

❌ Personal Equipment and Gear

• Personal clothing, trekking equipment, and personal medications (see our recommended packing list).
• Toiletries like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, tissue paper, etc.

❌ Special Permits

• Drone permits, professional filming fees, and other special permits (if applicable).

❌ Tips and Miscellaneous

• Gratuities for guides, porters, and staff (recommended but optional).
• Any other expenses or services not specifically listed in the “Includes” section.

Accommodations and Meals:

You will be provided a room in a tourist standard hotel, while you are in Kathmandu and Pokhara. During your trekking, you will be provided room in teahouses. Please be informed that you will be sharing the room at teahouses. Please also note that the Mustang Area is located at far from the maddening crowd, therefore, teahouses may not be as much sophisticated as one finds them in town.

We will provide only breakfast while you are in Kathmandu & Pokhara and three-course meals while you are on trek. This means you will be taking breakfast and dinner at teahouse you stay and lunch in the mid of your trekking. Since the Mustang Area is geographically a remote place, you will be provided only selected but hygienic and organic local foods such as Nepali dal bhat, Tibetan soup, and bread, porridge etc.

Is this trek appropriate for me?

We ensure Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate to strenuous trek. So, we confidently announce that it is appropriate for average trekkers, having a passion of loving to nature. It requires inspiration and passion which makes your trek successful. Your positive attitude and strong determination can obligatory to accomplish this trek. For making comfortable walking, adjusting to changing climate, our package manages the facility of acclimatization in needed place as well as 5-6 hours walking per day. If you have already accumulated hiking and jugging experiences that will be beneficial to adjust with the situation; although if you do not have that is not a big problem. However, Amazing Nepal Trek & Expedition cordially request to have medical checking before you plan to start any trekking and hiking.

Briefing of the Tour:

You will be briefed about the trek, you will be given information file, and importantly introduced with your guide.

Trekking Crews:

We will provide government registered, well-trained English Speaking guide, who holds enough knowledge about responsible tourism and eco-friendly tourism

We will also provide an assistant guide who is ready to help you with every situation.

We will provide a porter is provided to every two of you, and he will be carrying not more than 25kg.

We get our crews’ life get insured.

Certificate:

After the trek is over, you will be provided with ANTE adventure certificate.

Size of Group:

Trekking Group Size of our group can range from two people to ten people. In case you want to travel alone, do not hesitate to write to us. We will plan accordingly. In case, you more than ten people, please do let us know so that we can develop and improvise plans and itinerary.

Acclimatization:

Trekking to the Mustang is as much difficult as it is technical. We give special priority to its technical sides as well. For this, we have designed an itinerary to allow you get acclimatize naturally. We know the particular location you need to stay for rest, and the particular distance you need to walk slowly and so on. In case you get high altitude sickness, we have crews who know how to deal it effectively and smartly.

How to respond to Altitude Sickness?

• Please do carry first aid box
• Please consult your physician
• Please do keep on informing our crews if you feel uneasy
• Please do walk in the group so that you can help each other

Travel Insurance:

We would like to recommend you to get your trekking insured. Since you are trekking in probably one of the wildest and challenging routes, you need to be cautious of anything inevitable. You may need helicopter evacuation and get your trip canceled. You may get injured and get your baggage theft and so on.

Permits and fees:

The government local body charges some small amount of fee for every you make to the World heritage sites, Conservation areas, National Parks, and restricted areas along climbing. The price we charge includes all the fees.

Flight Delay in JOMSOM

Flights in the Pokhara–Jomsom–Pokhara sector are highly dependent on weather conditions due to the mountainous terrain and short runway at Jomsom Airport. As a result, flight delays and cancellations are common, especially during the monsoon season (June to August) and winter months (December to February) when visibility is often low. Even on clear days, sudden changes in weather can affect flight operations. We strongly advise our clients to keep at least one or two buffer days in their itinerary to accommodate potential delays. In the event of cancellation, an alternative option is to travel by jeep, which takes approximately 8–10 hours. Our team at Amazing Nepal Trek will assist you in arranging ground transportation or adjusting your travel plans as needed to ensure a smooth journey.

If you want to book a trekking package with Amazing Nepal Trek and Expedition and still wondering about the essential equipment for your trekking journey, here we are more than happy to offer our checklist for your references. Please make necessary amendments to our checklist as per your need and convenience. For some case, if you couldn’t get any of these listed equipment/gears in your hometown or you’re in a rush before you fly to Kathmandu, don’t worry! The listed necessary items mentioned below can be easily purchased here.
Except for your day pack, all luggage will be carried by porters. A porter is available for two people who will carry maximum up to 25 kg. So, you have to be careful while packing your bag or luggage.
 
Moreover, there is an allowance of 15kg per person on domestic flights. Additional personal items are not needed for the trekking portion of the trip which can be kept in the hotel’s storage room without extra cost.

Below is the checklist of equipment that is required for the trek:
 
HEAD

• Buff headwear /neckwear
• Sun hat or scarf
• Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
• Sunglasses
• Head Torch

UPPER BODY

• Cotton T-shirts or Thermals
• Fleece jacket
• Waterproof/windproof jacket
• Down-filled jacket  (Your own Down Jacket is strongly recommended, but Amazing Nepal Trek also supply complimentary down jacket which is needed to be returned after the completion of the trek)

LOWER BODY

• Lightweight cotton pants (long)
• Waterproof Pants
• Thermal underwear

FEET

• Thin inner socks
• Thick and warm wool hiking socks
• Comfortable Hiking boots
• Sneakers /slippers

HANDS

• Gore-tex gloves

ACCESSORIES

• Sleeping bag rated to - 20°C (Your own sleeping bag strongly is recommended, but Amazing Nepal Trek also supply complimentary sleeping bags which is needed to be returned after the completion of the trek)
• Trekking bags/duffel bag (Amazing Nepal Trek will supply complimentary water and windproof duffel/kit bag, but one extra big duffel bag/suitcase is necessary for items that are left at the hotel in Kathmandu)
• Large plastic bags (For keeping items dry inside trek bag)
• Trekking poles (Optional, Recommended)
• Water bottle or camel bag
• Toiletries
• Towel
• Sewing Kit
• Insect repellent, sunscreen, and lip balm
• The first-aid kit; should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band-Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea
• Re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking if any particular
• Wet wipes 
• Reading or writing material