Upper Mustang Trekking, Journey into the Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal
The Upper Mustang Trek is one of Nepal’s most mystical and culturally rich trekking adventures, often called a journey into the “Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal.” The Trekking route to Upper Mustang blends dramatic Himalayan landscapes with centuries-old Tibetan culture, walled cities, ancient monasteries, and cave dwellings carved into cliffs.
At Mountain Eco Trails Pvt. Ltd., we specialize in crafting authentic trekking experiences that not only showcase the beauty of the Himalayas but also immerse you in the traditions of the people who call these mountains home. Whether you are seeking a cultural exploration in Lo Manthang or a moderate-level adventure through windswept valleys, our Upper Mustang trekking packages are designed to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
The trek to Upper Mustang offers the opportunity to explore caves, painted rocks, monasteries, diverse landscapes, the Tibetan Plateau, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Moreover, the Tiji Festival of Upper Mustang, the Horse Race, the Lhosar Festivals, and many other carnivals attract many visitors annually. Although the Mustang Region is a restricted area of Nepal, visitors require special permits with a licensed trekking guide to visit this place.
Things to see in Upper Mustang Trek, Nepal
Lo Manthang
The city of Lho Manthang, a walled city, is the capital of the Upper Mustang Region. Lho Manthang-which surrounds it, means wall in the Tibetan Language. The visitors can feel the power of spirituality after entering this city. It is because of the monasteries, old houses, and the way this city is built. Interestingly, this city has a King to date. This city always hosts the largest and most famous Tiji Festival in May.
Tiji Festival
The Upper Mustang Trek in May allows the trekkers to experience the unique Tiji Festival in Lho Manthang. According to the myth, this festival is celebrated by the people marking the victory over the devil. The local people celebrate it by dancing and reciting mantras. It is an excellent opportunity to learn and cherish the culture and traditions of the local people.
Himalayas and Old Caves
The trek to Upper Mustang delivers excellent mountain views in both the North and South parts. However, most of the mountains are on the northern side. Nilgiri Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other ranges can be seen during this trek.
Apart from the mountains, the Old Hill caves are the cultural display of this region. There are many habitable caves in the Mustang. People believe that the cave was made for shelter during the war. Similarly, holy gurus and Rinpoche use the caves as meditation places.
Upper Mustang Trek Nepal Altitude and the location
The Upper Mustang Trek lies in the north-central part of Nepal. It is one of the restricted regions of Nepal in the Gandaki Province. Generally, the trek starts from the Pokhara-west of the Kathmandu Valley. Then, it continues towards the Northern Part of the Mustang Region. Moreover, the highest altitude of the Upper Mustang Trek is 3800 meters above sea level.
Upper Mustang Trekking and Lo Manthang Cultural Visits
A major highlight of this trek is exploring Lo Manthang, the walled city established in the 14th century. Lo Manthang is home to ancient monasteries such as Jampa Lhakhang, Thubchen Gompa, and Chhoede Gompa, each preserving unique Tibetan Buddhist art and manuscripts.
Cultural visits also include exploring sky caves believed to date back thousands of years, offering a glimpse into Mustang’s mysterious past. By joining our Upper Mustang trekking itinerary, you’ll engage with local families, experience authentic Tibetan-influenced hospitality, and witness traditions that have remained untouched for centuries.
Upper Mustang Trek 14-Day Itinerary
A typical Upper Mustang trek itinerary takes around 12 to 14 days, starting with a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, the gateway to Mustang. From here, trekkers follow the Kali Gandaki River valley, passing through barren ridges, Tibetan-style villages, and Buddhist shrines. However, if you do the Upper Mustang Trek from Kathmandu, it can take an extra 2 days.
The highlight of this Mustang trek in Nepal is reaching Lo Manthang, the walled city and ancient capital of Mustang. The cultural significance, monasteries, and royal palace here make this journey stand apart from other Himalayan treks. On your return, you’ll retrace the trails via charming settlements like Ghami and Samar, completing a circuit back to Jomsom.
Upper Mustang Trek Cost and Permits 2025, 2026
Being a restricted area trek, the Upper Mustang trek cost is higher compared to other trekking regions in Nepal. Foreign trekkers are required to obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), which costs USD 500 for the first 10 days and USD 50 for each additional day. You’ll also need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), costing around USD 30.
For 2025, the average cost of a guided Upper Mustang tour package ranges between USD 1,900–2,500, depending on the services included. At Mountain Eco Trails, we offer all-inclusive packages covering permits, accommodation, guide service, meals, and domestic flights. This ensures a hassle-free experience where you can focus fully on your trek.
