Trip Packages
Upper Mustang Trek
From
$2500
Duration
17 Days
Difficulty
Medium
Type
Trekking
Overview
Trekking to Upper Mustang is similar to trekking in Tibet because it is close to the Tibetan Plateau. Here, you can see how the mountain people live. The people of Upper Mustang have little contact with the rest of Nepal and have maintained their rich culture. Access to the Upper Mustang is restricted. Trekkers need a special permit and must go with a government-approved trekking agency to access the area. Upper Mustang is a good choice for trekking during the monsoon season. The upper Kali Gandaki Valley is mostly dry, with little rain. The trek is not very difficult; however, the weather is always windy and cold in winter.
Itinerary
Upon arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be greeted by a representative who will escort you to your hotel. That evening, you will attend a pre-trip meeting where you will meet your trekking guide and have the opportunity to ask any questions about your upcoming adventure.
A great tour of Kathmandu includes famous UNESCO sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and the Durbar Squares in Kathmandu and Patan. This is often done in one day, focusing on culture, buildings, and spiritual places.
For travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara, it is recommended to choose a flight, which has a duration of approximately 25 minutes, to optimize efficiency. Upon reaching Pokhara, individuals can explore its serene beauty by participating in activities such as boating on Phewa Lake and visiting notable sites including the World Peace Pagoda, the International Mountain Museum, and Devi's Fall.
A common trip starts with a short flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. After the flight, there is a 3-4 hour walk along the Kali Gandaki River to Kagbeni. Kagbeni is the entry point to Upper Mustang, known for its Tibetan culture and mountain views. From Kagbeni, people usually continue to Chele, Muktinath, or further into Upper Mustang towards Lo Manthang. They stay overnight in teahouses and enjoy the beautiful Himalayan scenery and local villages.
The trek from Kagbeni to Chele marks the beginning of the Upper Mustang journey. It usually takes a full day, approximately 5–7 hours. Along the way, you pass through the Tangbe and Chhusang villages by the Kali Gandaki River. This route offers beautiful views of canyons, apple orchards, and red cliffs. Chele is located at an altitude of approximately 3,050 m. You will walk on dusty jeep tracks, cross streams, and visit traditional villages with whitewashed homes.
The Chele to Syangbochen trek is often part of the Upper Mustang or Chele La Pass route. It is a tough 11.5-12 km walk with a big climb of about 800 m. The trek goes through Taklam La (3624m), Dejong La (3660m), Bhena La (3830m), and Yamda La (4010m) before reaching Syangbochen (3800m). You will see amazing views of the Mustang landscapes, and pass through villages like Ghyakar and Samar. You can also visit Chungsi Cave and see Mount Jumolhari.
This usually takes 5-6 hours. The path goes up over Yamda La (3,850m) and Nyi La Pass (4,010m) before a steep drop into Ghami. Ghami is known for its red cliffs and the longest mani wall. The trek passes through villages such as Gheling and Lo Manthang. It offers beautiful views of the high-altitude desert, Tibetan culture, and the sights of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
It usually takes 5-6 hours to cover approximately 10.7 km. This path has Nepal's longest Mani Wall and steep climbs over Choya La, which is 3870 m high. You can see the beautiful views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Tsarang has old monasteries and a medieval fort.
The Tsarang to Lo Manthang trek is a key part of the Upper Mustang journey. It is usually a half-day walk, about 11 km, from Tsarang (Charang) to the old walled city of Lo Manthang. The trek includes going downhill, crossing the Tsarang Chu river, and a gentle climb past places like Sungda Chorten. You can enjoy wide views from Lola Pass. This trek offers a rich cultural experience with monasteries and unique landscapes.
A day excursion from Lo Manthang to Jhong Gumba (Jhong Cave) is a frequently undertaken and feasible journey, typically requiring approximately 4 to 6 hours of walking for a round trip. This duration is significantly reduced if one opts to travel by jeep or horse. The site is situated in the Chhoser Valley, a short distance from the fortified city.
The trek from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar is usually part of a bigger trip in Upper Mustang. It takes 6-7 hours to walk. You will see beautiful red cliffs, old monasteries like Ghar Gompa, and tough passes like Chogo La Pass, which is 4280 meters high. The views are amazing. After the pass, you go down to the village of Dhakmar. You stay there overnight. The scenery is dramatic, and you often need to bring your own lunch because there are not many facilities.
The walk from Dhakmar to Ghiling is part of the Upper Mustang Trek. It usually takes 5-7 hours and covers about 10-14 km. The path goes up and down, passing through Ghami and over Ghami La Pass, which is 3765 meters high. You can see old monasteries, Mani walls, cliffs, and the high Himalayas. The day ends with a night in Ghiling village, which is 3570 meters high, surrounded by buckwheat fields.
The Ghiling to Chuksang trek is usually part of the Upper Mustang trek. It takes 5-7 hours to go downhill, dropping about 900 meters in height. The path goes through different landscapes and old villages like Tangbe, Ghami, and Syangboche. You will cross streams and passes like Yamda La and see snowy mountains. The trek ends in the traditional village of Chuksang by the Kali Gandaki River.
The trek from Chuksang to Jomsom typically encompasses the distinctive landscapes of Upper Mustang, often as part of an extended route. This journey includes visits to villages such as Samar, Geling, Ghami, and Tsarang, and features notable attractions like ancient monasteries, breathtaking views of the Kali Gandaki gorge, and the revered site of Muktinath.
Fly back from Jomsom to Pokhara and go sightseeing in Pokhara city.
Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu and spend a day shopping in Kathmandu.
Departure from the hotel to the international airport for return to the home country
Price
We have various pricing tiers at Belmont Adventure. Meaning, depending on your preference of comfort for the trip, you can select the pricing package accordingly.
Medium Package
$2500
3 Star rated hotel (B&B plan twin sharing basis) as per itinerary requirements
Meals (Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners with hot drinks during the trek) & tea house accommodation during the trek
Licensed English speaking guide
Required number of guides, porters and crew as necessary for the route
Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for all staff of Belmont Adventure
Airfares including taxes as appropriate for internal flight transfer as part of trekking itinerary
Land transfers through private vehicle as appropriate for trekking itinerary
All necessary trekking permits & government taxes/fees
Official administrative expenses/Service charges
First Aid Kit (Necessary equipments for healthcare)
Insurance for Belmont Adventure staff
Down jacket and Duffle bag for minimal non-refundable borrow charge upon request (to be returned upon completion of trek)
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Your own travel insurance
International airfare
Appropriate visa fees
Personal trekking equipment
Tip for trekking staff and drivers
Sightseeing/monument entrance fees for locations not in itinerary
Other personal expenses (eg. laundry)
Items not included on this list
Frequently Asked Questions
Everest Base Camp: A popular hike with amazing views of the Himalayas and a chance to experience Sherpa culture. Annapurna Circuit: Known for its diverse landscapes, from warm forests to high mountain deserts, and diverse cultures. Langtang Valley: Offers a quieter experience with beautiful valleys, glaciers and traditional Tamang villages. Upper Mustang: A remote, dry area with unique Tibetan culture and ancient cave homes. Gokyo Lake Trek: Known for its blue lakes and panoramic views of Everest and nearby mountains. Manaslu Circuit: A tough hike around Mount Manaslu, full of natural beauty and cultural history.
Spring (March to May): This period offers stable weather, warmer temperatures, and blooming rhododendrons and other flora. It is ideal for clear views and comfortable trekking conditions. Autumn (late September to November): This is considered the peak trekking season due to clear skies, moderate temperatures, and excellent mountain visibility after the monsoon rains.
Many popular treks like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Langtang Valley, Upper Mustang, Gokyo Lake Trek, and Manaslu Circuit don't need previous trekking experience. However, they do require good physical fitness, endurance, and careful preparation. Beginners should work on their cardiovascular fitness by hiking and running. Choosing easy routes for beginners is important for a safe and manageable trek. Having the right gear, planning for acclimatization, and being mentally prepared are also key to completing these treks successfully.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended and often necessary for most trips because it helps cover unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency evacuations.
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Nepal, which can be conveniently obtained "on arrival" at Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) and at land-border entry points. Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. Citizens of some SAARC countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—are granted a 30-day visa-free entry. Visa fees payable in cash (USD) are typically structured as follows: 15 days for $30, 30 days for $50, and 90 days for $125.
For trekking in Nepal, you need a Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card for most routes. This permit lets authorities track trekkers for safety and environmental management. Some areas are Special Restricted Areas and need their own permits. These control access to sensitive zones, ensure conservation, and require guides when needed. Trekkers usually get permits from trekking agencies or designated offices in Nepal. Carrying these permits is mandatory. Without them, you may face fines or denied access.
Independent trekking is possible in many parts of Nepal. Although a 2023 regulation requires trekkers to have guides in certain restricted regions, such as Manaslu and Upper Mustang, this rule is not strictly enforced in popular trekking areas such as Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang. However, hiring a guide is strongly recommended for safety reasons and to enhance the overall success of the trip, as guides provide valuable local knowledge, logistical support, and emergency assistance.
Altitude sickness, also known as acute mountain sickness, refers to a group of symptoms that develop when the body struggles to adjust to reduced oxygen levels and lower air pressure at high elevations—typically above 3,500 meters (11,482 feet). The condition is usually triggered by ascending too quickly without adequate acclimatization. Common symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness.
To prevent altitude sickness, ascend gradually and avoid gaining more than 700 m (2,300 ft) in elevation per day; if possible, limit daily ascents to below 500 m (1,650 ft). Rest days for acclimatization every 1,000 m (3,000 feet) gained. Stay hydrated by drinking 3–5 liters of water daily and avoiding alcohol. If the symptoms worsen, immediately descend to a lower altitude.
Teahouses are basic lodges or guesthouses along trekking routes, such as the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp. They offer simple rooms with basic amenities, and bathrooms may be shared or private. Hot water is limited, and the furniture is simple. Meals are a mix of local and Western dishes, with tea being the staple beverage.
Yes, Wi-Fi and mobile network connectivity are available during most treks in Nepal, but they are often unreliable, slow, and, at higher altitudes, quite expensive. While you can stay connected in most major villages and teahouses, you should not rely on having consistent access throughout your journey. In remote areas and at higher elevations, network coverage can be intermittent or entirely
Contact Us
Bouddha, Kathmandu, Nepal
9851082016
info@belmontadventure.com