Upper Mustang Treks

Trip Highlights

• Explore the palace of the king and go back to the history of Lo Manthang.
• Explore different mountains like Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other peaks.
• Explore different Gompas, chortens, caves and monasteries.
• Experience mini Tibetan: Tibetan people, culture, traditions, and daily lifestyles.
• Fly over the Kaligandaki River, which is one of the deepest gorges.
• Explore organic apple farms with apple products like pie, dried apples, and other varieties of apples.
• Picturesque areas, including barren landscapes, ancient caves, century-old monasteries, and many other archaeological sites.

Upper Mustang Trek Overview

Nestled in the remote northern reaches of Nepal, Upper Mustang historically stood as one of the most isolated and culturally preserved regions of the Himalayas. This high desert plateau, often called the “Forbidden Kingdom,” was once the independent Kingdom of Lo, ruled by a hereditary monarch and closely tied to Tibetan culture. Its deep valleys, strong winds, dramatic landscapes, and ancient traditions create a trekking experience unlike any other in Nepal a journey into history, geography, spirituality, and cultural depth.

Until 1992, the region was closed to foreign visitors and has remained highly regulated ever since. Today, the Nepal government maintains restricted area controls to protect its fragile environment and unique cultural heritage.

The journey begins in Kathmandu, where travelers are welcomed by Global Nepal Treks staff and transferred to their hotel. After a scenic drive to Pokhara, the trek continues with a flight to Jomsom, the gateway to the Upper Mustang region. Trekkers pass through traditional villages such as Kagbeni, Chele, Syanboche, Ghami, and Lo-Manthang, crossing high passes like Nyi-la, Dakmar, and Marang-la, and enjoying panoramic views of Mustang, Annapurna, and Nilgiri peaks.

Highlights include exploring the capital Lo-Manthang, with its ancient monasteries, royal palace, museums, and preserved Tibetan culture, as well as experiencing local hospitality in remote villages. The trek concludes with a return to Jomsom, flight to Pokhara, and drive back to Kathmandu, ending with a farewell dinner featuring traditional Nepali culture.

This trek is ideal for adventure seekers, culture enthusiasts, and photographers looking for a truly off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience.

Geographical and Environmental Context

Upper Mustang lies in Gandaki Province of Nepal, forming the northern two-thirds of the larger Mustang District. It sits high on the rain-shadow side of the Himalayas, resulting in a stark, arid landscape of canyons, plateaus, and high desert valleys.

The Rain Shadow and Unique Landscape

Unlike much of Nepal’s lush, monsoon-soaked terrain, Upper Mustang is extremely dry. The high Himalayas block the monsoon, creating a semi-arid climate with clear skies and comparatively little rainfall — ideal conditions for trekking even during the monsoon season when most other regions are wet and muddy.

Kali Gandaki Gorge: One of the World’s Deepest

One of the most remarkable geographical features associated with the Mustang region is the Kali Gandaki Gorge. Carved by the Kali Gandaki River as it cuts between the towering Himalayan giants Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), this gorge is frequently cited as one of the deepest in the world by vertical relief, measured from the riverbed up to the peaks above, with approximately 5,500–6,000 m of relative depth.

This extraordinary canyon has played a central role in human movement, trade, and cultural exchange between South Asia and the Tibetan plateau for centuries.

Caves, Plateaus, and Terrain

Upper Mustang is also known for its rugged cliffside caves — many of which are ancient and historically used for shelter, meditation, or burial practices — and its stark, otherworldly plateaus that resemble Tibetan highland deserts more than what many travelers imagine when they think of Nepal.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Kingdom of Lo and Lo Manthang

Upper Mustang was once the Kingdom of Lo, a Tibetan-influenced polity founded around 1380 AD by Ame Pal. Lo Manthang, the walled capital city, was constructed as the political and cultural heart of this kingdom.

The city’s fortified walls and traditional mud-brick architecture, perched high on a plateau at roughly 3,800 m, still reflect its medieval origins. Lo Manthang’s storied streets, ancient monasteries, and palace structures offer a living window into Himalayan history and culture.

Although the monarchy was formally dissolved along with Nepal’s own royal system in 2008, many locals still honor the traditional identity of the region and its erstwhile rulers.

Permits and Regulations: How to Legally Visit

Upper Mustang is not like most other trekking areas in Nepal — it lies in a Restricted Area and requires multiple permits and formal compliance before entry is allowed.

1. Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

To enter Upper Mustang proper (typically beyond Kagbeni, the gateway village), trekkers must obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued by the Department of Immigration of Nepal. This permit aims to protect the region’s culture and environment by limiting visitor numbers and ensuring appropriate support and oversight.

• As of the latest regulations, a daily fee structure applies (approximately US$50 per person per day) instead of a flat-rate fee. This allows flexibility in trek duration and costs.

• RAP must be arranged through a registered trekking agency; individual trekkers cannot obtain it on their own.

• Solo trekking is prohibited — permits are issued only for groups of at least two trekkers accompanied by a licensed guide.

2. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Upper Mustang lies within the broader Annapurna Conservation Area, and all foreign trekkers must obtain an ACAP permit in addition to the RAP. This permit supports conservation efforts and is valid for the duration of the trek.

3. TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System)

Historically, the TIMS card was used to register trekkers for safety and tracking. Although rules have shifted in recent years, in practice TIMS may still be required or recommended depending on the route and entry method. Agencies commonly handle this as part of the permit package.

Key Practical Permit Notes

• Permits require valid passport with a Nepal visa, passport-sized photographs, and detailed itinerary information.

• Permits are checked at key checkpoints such as Kagbeni, and infractions can lead to fines or deportation.

• Permits often must be secured in Kathmandu or Pokhara before the trek begins.

The Trekking Experience

The Upper Mustang trek is a blend of cultural immersion, high-altitude desert landscapes, ancient pathways, and dramatic geological formations. Most itineraries begin from Jomsom accessible by a short flight from Pokhara — and proceed northward through Kagbeni into the restricted zone.

Trail Highlights and Villages

Along the route, trekkers pass through a series of traditional villages such as Chele, Syangboche, Ghame, Tsarang and finally reach Lo Manthang — each offering unique cultural encounters, local hospitality, and scenic diversity.

Lo Manthang itself is steeped in spirituality and traditional practices, with monasteries, chortens (stupa monuments), prayer flags, and the remnants of royal life woven into daily community existence.

Natural and Geological Attractions

• Semi-arid Plateaus: Unlike most Nepal treks that wind through forests and alpine meadows, Upper Mustang exposes trekkers to high desert terrain, deep gullies, and open skies.

• Sky Caves: Numerous ancient caves carved into cliff faces hint at the region’s long history and human adaptation to its challenging environment.

• Kali Gandaki Views: The towering walls of the Kali Gandaki Gorge frame much of the trek’s lower sections, offering striking contrasts between river valley and mountain peaks.

Altitude and Difficulty

Upper Mustang treks are typically classified as moderate in difficulty. Altitudes rarely exceed those encountered on more technical Himalayan climbs, with Lo Manthang itself around 3,800 m, yet proper acclimatization, fitness, and preparation remain essential.

Culture and Traditions

The culture of Upper Mustang is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, with influences from centuries of trade and religious exchange across the Himalayas. Monasteries such as Jampa Lhakang and Thubchen Lhakang host centuries-old frescoes and spiritual artifacts.

Tiji Festival

One of the most significant cultural events in the region is the Tiji Festival, usually held in May each year. This multi-day celebration symbolizes the victory of good over evil and honors local mythologies through ceremonial dances, masked performances, and communal rituals.

Seasonal Considerations and Timing

While Nepal’s spring and autumn seasons are generally ideal for trekking, Upper Mustang’s unique dry climate means that treks are possible in other seasons as well. Its position in the rain shadow helps reduce monsoon impact, though winter conditions can be harsh with snow and cold temperatures.

Logistics: Trek vs. Jeep vs. Cycling

Trekking

The classic approach to Upper Mustang is by foot, traversing traditional trails between villages. Walking allows gradual acclimatization and deeper engagement with the environment and local culture.

Overland Jeep Tours

Recent road extensions have made overland access to Lo Manthang possible by jeep or motorbike, though these roads are often rough and may rapidly gain altitude, which can increase the risk of acute mountain sickness if not paced properly.

Cycling Adventures

Adventurous travelers increasingly undertake mountain biking tours combining parts of the Annapurna Circuit with Mustang trails, offering a faster yet physically demanding alternative to traditional trekking.

Costs and What to Expect

Permit fees comprise a significant portion of the cost, especially for Upper Mustang’s restricted access requirements. While exact prices can vary with policy updates and diplomatic nationality categories, a realistic estimate for foreign trekkers including permits, guide services, accommodation, food, and logistics can range from USD 1,500 to USD 3,500 or more, depending on itinerary length, group size, and service level.

Conclusion

The Upper Mustang trek is a journey into one of Nepal’s most enigmatic regions, a place where ancient kingdoms once flourished, Tibetan culture thrives amidst Himalayan isolation, and dramatic geological forces shaped the world’s deepest gorge. With its strict permit requirements, unique environment, and rich traditions, this trek stands apart from other Himalayan journeys, offering cultural depth, spiritual resonance, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Whether you’re drawn by the challenge of trekking against the desert winds, the allure of ancestral monasteries, or the chance to witness long-held traditions like the Tiji Festival, Upper Mustang rewards thoughtfully prepared visitors with an unforgettable experience — one grounded in real history, real landscapes, and real cultural encounters.