Upper Mustang Trek – The Hidden Kingdom of Nepal

Overview

“Where the sky meets the desert, and history whispers on the wind.”

Behind Nepal’s gigantic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range, there lies hidden Upper Mustang, a long-forgotten Himalayan kingdom still frozen in time. In Nepal’s far north, Upper Mustang Trek opens up a world like no other—wind-carved canyons, endless ochre cliffs plunging into eternity, and unforgiving high-desert plateaus laid out under endless, open skies. Often called the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” Upper Mustang is a living museum of Tibetan civilization, its medieval walled city of Lo Manthang, ancient monasteries, and timeless caves carved out of cliffsides. The Mustang trek is an odyssey through history. Walking along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, you will cross high passes and old trade routes that once linked Tibet and Nepal. Villages are seen as mirages, whitewashed villages, mani walls, and prayer flags blowing in the mountain wind. The Mustang people, who are descendants of the Tibetan settlers, welcome travelers with traditional deference and stories of resilience in one of the most challenging spots on the planet.

As you tread through this spiritual nation, each step reveals layers of mysticism, from the chanting, and sounds echoing in monasteries to holy caves where sages had meditated. The Upper Mustang Trek is not just a trek—it’s a journey into an ancient world where nature, culture, and mythology intertwine, and an adventure that lingers in the heart long after the trail ends.

Attractions Of Upper Mustang Trek

💠 Lo Manthang – The Walled City

The old capital of the now-dissolved Kingdom of Mustang, Lo Manthang is a walled medieval town with narrow alleys, royal palaces, ancient monasteries, and traditional Tibetan-style houses. It’s a cultural gem where time stands still.

💠 Chhoser Cave Dwellings

Cut high into sheer cliffs, these mysterious cave complexes are estimated to be over 2,000 years old, having been used as homes, meditation centers, and burial chambers in the past. A visit to these prehistoric caves is like stepping into an archaeological wonder.

💠 Ghar Gompa (3,920m)

One of the oldest monasteries in Mustang, Ghar Gompa is over 1,200 years old and is associated with the great Guru Rinpoche. With its beautiful murals, prayer wheels, and spiritual legends, it is a serene and holy visit.

💠 Kali Gandaki Gorge

Trekking through the world’s deepest gorge, which is situated between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, offers stunning, windswept scenery with fascinating rock formations and fossils known as Shaligrams, which are sacred to Hindus.

💠 Chhoser Monastery and Namgyal Monastery

Located near Lo Manthang, these monasteries remain living repositories of Tibetan Buddhism. Visiting them provides a window into centuries-old traditions, colorful murals, and monastic life.

💠 Dakmar’s Red Cliffs

Dakmar’s deep red, vivid cliffs make up one of Mustang’s most spectacular landscapes. The cliffs, legend has it, were reddened by the blood of a demon slain by Guru Rinpoche.

💠 Unique Tibetan-Inspired Culture

Remote Upper Mustang has preserved its Tibetan Buddhist culture, language, festivals, and traditional lifestyle. Seeing this living culture is one of the best parts of the trek.

💠 Tiji Festival (Seasonal)

If well-timed (usually in May), trekkers can catch the Tiji Festival, a three-day masked dance ritual in Lo Manthang celebrating the victory of good over evil and seeking protection for the region.

💠 Desert Plateau Landscapes

Upper Mustang’s otherworldly landscape is dominated by treeless high-desert plateaus, eroded cliffs, and canyons broken by green oases of irrigated land—a distinctive, photographic landscape different from any other Nepal trek.

💠 Panoramic Himalayan Views

Despite the desert terrain, Upper Mustang is interspersed with heart-stopping views of snow-capped giants like Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna, which provide a dramatic contrast to the ochre desert landscape.

Accessibility

Travel to Upper Mustang is part of the experience, with various routes that expose travelers to the challenging Himalayan landscapes of Nepal. By flight or by land, the journey to Mustang is full of rich cultural experiences and stunning natural landscapes even before trekking begins.

𖥟 By Air

Air is the quickest and most impressive way of getting to Mustang. Internal flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, give spectacular bird’s-eye views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The flight into Jomsom, the gateway to Upper Mustang, is an experience not to be forgotten, with planes taking off through deep valleys and high passes, leaving you in the trans-Himalayan region where your trek begins almost as soon as you arrive.

𖥟 By Road

For those who enjoy an overland journey, road travel offers a more relaxed, detailed view of Nepal’s diverse countryside. Between Kathmandu and Pokhara, a twisting drive leads through terraced hills and river valleys. Following a rough 4×4 jeep from Pokhara to Jomsom runs along the Kali Gandaki Gorge, passing through small mountain villages and arid country. While less convenient and coarser, the road journey involves a gentle adjustment to the change of altitudes and a better cultural introduction to the region.

Amenities

Due to Upper Mustang’s extreme isolation, amenities are basic and often minimal. Simple wholesome food, limited electricity, minimal medical care, and abysmal mobile connectivity are typical. Banking services are not available en route, and sanitation is rudimentary. Trekkers must carry sufficient cash, water purification methods, hygiene products, and a complete first-aid kit. Creature comforts are scarce, but the warm hospitality of the Mustang people and the breathtaking scenery create an experience that will be remembered, as trekkers can shed the accouterments of modern-day turmoil and live life in one of Nepal’s most spiritual environments.

✻ Accommodations and Meals

Along the Upper Mustang trek, you’ll stay in local tea houses or family-run lodges that offer modest rooms, often with shared bathrooms and limited furnishings. Food is simple but filling, typically dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetables), noodle soups, Tibetan bread, and locally sourced produce. Due to the remote setting, meat options are rare, and vegetarian meals are recommended for freshness. Clean drinking water is not readily available, so trekkers should carry water purification tablets or filters. Boiled water can be purchased at an additional cost, and it would be advisable to carry energy-dense snacks or bars to supplement the limited menu.

✻ Electricity and Charging Facilities

The power in the Upper Mustang is weak and unstable. All the villages utilize solar panels or small generators, lighting up public spaces with little light. Charging of electronic devices is possible in some of the lodges at an extra fee, typically USD 2–4 per hour, with priority given to critical devices. Charging is low capacity, and it is highly recommended to bring a high-capacity power bank (15,000–20,000 mAh) and be mindful of power usage. Regular power outages and slow charging are anticipated, especially at higher altitudes.

✻ Mobile Connectivity and Internet

The mobile phone signal in Upper Mustang is extremely poor and unstable. For most of the trek, there is no signal at all, particularly in more remote and higher places. There might be spotty weak signals in larger towns, but they are slow and unstable. Some two lodges at places like Lo Manthang may offer basic Wi-Fi at an additional expense, but it is highly limited, for just texting purposes. Trekkers must download maps, and documents, and alert relatives of likely durations of full disconnection so that they can enjoy the experience with no worries.

✻ Health and Medical Facilities

Upper Mustang boasts very minimal medical facilities. There are tiny health posts in large villages, but these only deal with minor ailments like general first aid. Serious medical matters have to be taken out to Jomsom, Pokhara, or Kathmandu. Trekkers must carry a comprehensive first-aid kit, altitude sickness medication, pain relievers, antibiotics, and blister and minor wound treatments. Full travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation is required because emergency helicopter evacuations may be the only means in life-or-death emergencies. Active health care and acclimatization to the altitude are necessary for a safe stay.

✻ Banking and Payment Facilities

There are no money exchange points, banks, or ATMs available in Upper Mustang. Pokhara and Kathmandu have the last banking services. Trekkers will need to carry sufficient Nepalese Rupees in cash to cover all trekking expenses, including lodging, food, permits, and incidentals. Credit cards cannot be used on the trail. Organizing your cash in advance, with some buffer funds set aside, is wise for a trouble-free trek, especially for any unexpected expenditure.

✻ Toilet and Sanitation Facilities

Sanitation is very limited throughout the Upper Mustang region. Squat toilets shared by many are available in most tea houses, often outside the building, with no or very little running water. Hot showers, if available at all, are typically solar-heated or gas-heated and are an additional cost. Trekkers will need to supply their toilet paper, biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, and quick-dry towels. Wet wipes, sanitizing sprays, and personal hygiene products are highly recommended to keep you clean and comfortable during the trek, as facilities become more primitive the higher you go into Mustang’s remote country

Echoes Of The Locals

Way back, the peaceful land of Upper Mustang was besieged by an evil and evil demon. It brought constant storms, drought, and misery to the people, contaminating rivers and destroying the crops. Life became unacceptable, and no one could stop the evil influence that seemed to control the winds and skies in the valley. When he heard of this suffering, the great Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche, or Padmasambhava, came from Tibet to Mustang to conquer the demon and restore tranquility. The battle was fierce. The demon retreated across the dry mountains, taking refuge in the deep canyons and cliff walls. Guru Rinpoche pursued it across the valleys, using his knowledge, mantras, and successful rituals to tire the beast.

And finally, in present-day Dakmar, the fight ended. With his divine energy, Guru Rinpoche killed the demon. According to legend, the blood of the demon splattered on the cliffs, which were stained a deep, ominous red. The same red cliffs remain today, a witness to the historic battle in silence. Locals believe that the red rocks of Dakmar are stained forever with the demon’s defeat and the site remains spiritually important and sacred. As a result of Guru Rinpoche’s victory, Mustang became a safe refuge for the Buddhist teachings to thrive, and peace again fell upon the people. To this day, visitors who travel through Dakmar halt to look at the blood-red cliffs, remembering the story of the demon and the master who saved the kingdom.

Inclusion and Exclusion

Inclusions & Services Provided

☑       Full-Board Meals – Enjoy wholesome and energy-dense meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) daily, specially designed for high-altitude trekking.

☑       Daily Beverages – Stay hydrated with four rounds of tea or coffee daily, including morning, mid-day, afternoon (with light snacks), and evening.

☑       Evening Treats – Fresh seasonal fruits served post-dinner for a healthy and satisfying end to your meals.

☑       Comfortable Accommodation – Stay in comfortable, well-maintained teahouses along the trail, offering warmth, hospitality, and stunning mountain views.

☑       Professional Trekking Support – Hike with a licensed, insured, and experienced guide, along with porter support (1 porter between 2 trekkers) for a seamless and enjoyable trek.

☑       Effortless Transfers & Permits – Private vehicle transfers and all trekking permits (Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu Rural Municipality) arranged for your convenience.

☑       Safety & Health Monitoring – Daily oxygen level and heart rate monitoring, first-aid kit, and helicopter arrangement in an emergency (insurance paid) for your safety.

☑       All-Inclusive Pricing – Govt. taxes, service charges, and an assistant guide for a group of 5+ trekkers for a hassle-free experience.

☑       Lifetime Deposit Policy: Secure your spot with a lifetime deposit, allowing you to postpone or reschedule your trek without losing your booking deposit

☑       Free Booking: Secure your trek without any initial payment, allowing you to organize and finalize your trip at your convenience—no risk, no pressure.

Exclusions: What’s Not Included

☒       Pre-Trek Arrangements – Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu before and after the trek are not included.

☒       Visa & Entry Fees – Nepal entry visa fees must be arranged separately ($50 for a 30-day visa, payable on arrival).

☒       Insurance – Travel, trekking, and medical insurance are mandatory for safety and emergency evacuation coverage.

☒       Travel Costs – International airfare to and from Nepal is not included in the package.

☒       Beverages & Personal Expenses – Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, souvenirs, and other personal expenses are at the trekker’s discretion.

☒       Teahouse Amenities – Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging at teahouses are available at an extra cost.

☒       Gratuities – Tips for guides, porters, and drivers are not included but are customary and highly appreciated.

We cover all the essential aspects of your trek so you can focus entirely on the adventure. These exclusions ensure transparency, allowing you to plan accordingly for a smooth and well-prepared experience in the Himalayas.

Required Permits:

✔ Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

Cost

🔸USD 500 per person for the first 10 days (including both trekking and rest days within Upper Mustang).

Additional Days

🔸 USD 50 per person, per day beyond the first 10 days.

Issued by

🔸 The Department of Immigration through a registered trekking agency.

✔ Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

Cost

🔸 NPR 3,000 (approx. USD 25) per person.

Purpose

🔸 Supports conservation and sustainable tourism within the Annapurna region.

✔ Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card

🔸Not required for Upper Mustang if you have a Restricted Area Permit, as RAP records replace TIMS data.

Permit Conditions:

⟡ Mandatory Guide

🔸Solo trekking is not allowed in Upper Mustang. You must trek with a licensed guide through a government-registered trekking agency.

⟡ Group Requirement

🔸 A minimum of two trekkers is required to apply for the RAP. Solo travelers often join group treks to meet this condition.

⟡ Passport Copies

🔸 You will need valid passport copies and passport-sized photos for permit applications.

⟡ Checkpoints

🔸 Your permits will be checked at multiple points along the route, including Kagbeni, the official entry point to Upper Mustang.

Essential Advice for Trekkers

⦿ Acclimatize Properly

Ensure you take time to acclimatize to high altitudes to avoid altitude sickness. Stick to the principle of “climb high, sleep low.”

⦿ Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the trek. Dehydration can significantly affect your performance and overall well-being at high altitudes.

⦿ Pack Light, But Smart

Only carry the essentials. Prioritize warm clothing, a reliable pair of hiking boots, and a good-quality sleeping bag for higher altitudes.

⦿ Physical Preparation       

Focus on cardiovascular and strength training exercises to build stamina. Practice hiking with a backpack to simulate trek conditions.

⦿ Mind Your Footwear

Invest in high-quality, comfortable hiking boots. Well-fitted boots are essential for tackling the rugged terrain.

⦿ Embrace Local Culture

Respect local traditions and customs. Positively engage with the local community and learn about their culture for a richer experience.

⦿ Be Prepared for the Weather

Weather conditions in the Himalayas can be unpredictable. Always bring layered clothing and be prepared for sudden temperature changes.

⦿ Follow Leave No Trace Principles

Help preserve the environment by minimizing your impact on nature. Respect wildlife and dispose of trash responsibly.

⦿ Listen to Your Body

If you feel unwell or fatigued, don’t push yourself. Rest and adjust your schedule if necessary. Remember, safety comes first.

⦿ Travel with a Licensed Guide

For safety and smoother navigation, hire an experienced, licensed trekking guide who knows the route and the terrain well.

Why Himalayan Explore Line?

🔶 Safety & Expert Guidance

Led by government-licensed guides with first-aid and crisis-management expertise.

Daily oxygen-level and altitude safety health check-ups.

Emergency response and evacuation protocols always ready.

🔶 Smooth Logistics

Essential permits and private transfers arranged in advance.

Pre-booked lodges/teahouses with verified hygiene and comfort.

Gear rentals and porter services streamlined for convenience.

🔶 Cultural & Scenic Sophistication

Immerse in Himalayan villages, ancient monasteries, and local traditions.

Trails showcasing iconic peaks, pristine valleys, and biodiverse forests.

Cultural interactions, from tea ceremonies to folklore storytelling.

🔶 Luxury Nutrition

Energy-providing nutritious meals at high altitudes.

Vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-free meal choices.

Tea/coffee break daily with local sweets.

🔶 Clear Pricing

Unambiguous packages without additional charges.

Ethical operation: fair labor practices, sustainable operations.

Inquiries and modifications available 24/7.

Our Commitment

We deliver secure, culturally enhancing Himalayan journeys with meticulous logistics, allowing you to immerse yourself in the experience.

Terms and Condition

Reservation and Payment

To confirm your booking, a 30% non-refundable deposit is required. The remaining balance can be paid before your trip. We recommend confirming your reservation before arriving in Nepal to help us plan your journey smoothly.

Payments can be made via digital wallet, credit card, or bank transfer (processing fees may apply). A 4% surcharge applies to all card payments, including deposits and other transactions. Bookings are only confirmed once you receive a Client Confirmation Letter from us. To receive this, you must complete the booking form with accurate details such as your name, contact info, and travel dates.

Policy on Cancellations and Refunds 

By Client:

• More than 2 months before departure: 80% refund

• 2 months to 29 days before: 70% refund

• Less than 15 days before: 50% refund

• Less than 7 days before: 50% credited toward a future trip (non-refundable if unused)

We strongly recommend purchasing cancellation insurance at booking. No refunds will be issued if you cancel after the trip has started, including for unused services like accommodation, transport, meals, or activities.

By Company:

If Himalayan Explore Line must cancel a trip due to unforeseen circumstances—such as natural disasters, flight cancellations, strikes, civil unrest, illness, quarantine, government restrictions, or severe weather—you will be offered an alternative trip of equal value and features, agreed upon mutually.

Please note that major changes do not include adjustments to airline carriers, flight schedules, or itineraries, provided the departure and return dates remain unchanged. Similarly, changes to hotel accommodations are not considered major as long as they are within the same category.

Itinerary Changes:

Weather in high-altitude areas is unpredictable, and domestic flight delays at the start or end of the trip may lead to itinerary changes. Flexibility is essential, as local conditions can affect plans, accommodations, or transport on short notice.

Clients are responsible for any extra costs caused by delays, natural disasters, or if alternative arrangements (e.g., helicopter flights) are chosen. These changes are binding, and any additional expenses beyond our control will be the client’s responsibility.

Insurance:

Himalayan Explore Line does not provide travel insurance. Clients must secure insurance covering high-altitude emergencies, medical costs (including pre-existing conditions), repatriation, trip delays, cancellations, and personal liability. Proof of insurance is mandatory. The company reserves the right to cancel your participation without a refund if valid insurance cannot be provided upon request.

Acceptance of Terms:

By booking with Himalayan Explore Line, you agree to the terms and conditions, including any updates. It is your responsibility to stay informed and comply with any changes.