Upper Mustang Trek

Overview

Upper Mustang trek is a journey through history, spirituality & nature. It's an exploration of sacred monasteries, cave complexes & vibrant festivals celebrated with dances & ancient ritual.

Hidden beyond the mighty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges lies Upper Mustang, Nepal's last forbidden kingdom—a destination where ancient Tibetan culture, dramatic desert landscapes, and centuries-old traditions remain remarkably untouched. Opened to foreign visitors only in 1992, this mystical Himalayan region offers one of the most extraordinary trekking experiences in the world.

Unlike the lush green hills found elsewhere in Nepal, Upper Mustang surprises visitors with a vast high-altitude desert sculpted by relentless winds into spectacular cliffs, colorful canyons, mysterious caves, and unique rock formations. Every bend of the trail reveals breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped Himalayan giants contrasting beautifully with the barren landscape, creating an unforgettable visual masterpiece.

The journey leads through medieval villages where whitewashed houses, fluttering prayer flags, ancient monasteries, and traditional chortens reflect a way of life deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. The legendary walled city of Lo Manthang, once the capital of the Kingdom of Mustang, remains the cultural heart of the region. Here, visitors can wander narrow alleyways, visit centuries-old royal palaces, interact with welcoming locals, and witness traditions that have endured for generations.

Upper Mustang is far more than a trek—it is a journey through history, spirituality, and nature. Explore sacred monasteries adorned with priceless murals, discover hidden cave complexes carved into towering cliffs thousands of years ago, and experience vibrant festivals celebrated with colorful masked dances and ancient rituals. Every day on the trail offers a deeper connection with the people, landscapes, and timeless heritage of this remarkable kingdom.

The region also enjoys a unique advantage: situated in the Himalayan rain shadow, Upper Mustang remains one of Nepal's best trekking destinations during the summer monsoon when many other trails receive heavy rainfall.

Join Alpine Exodus and venture into this hidden Himalayan kingdom with our experienced local guides. Whether you seek cultural discovery, breathtaking photography, spiritual inspiration, or an unforgettable adventure off the beaten path, the Upper Mustang Trek promises memories that will stay with you long after you leave the Himalayas. Discover the land where history, mystery, and adventure come together in one unforgettable journey.

Itinerary

Airport reception and transfer to hotel in Thamel. Room check in is followed with welcome drinks. Later brief Q&A and free time.

Inclusions & Exclusions

What's Included

Airport pick up and transfer,
Hotel in Kathmandu (3 nts), Bandipur (1nt), Pokhara (1 nt), Patan (1nt) twin sharing, daily breakfast included,
Entire drive from Kathmandu to back Kathmandu. The driving points are: a) Kathmandu to Bandipur, b) Bandipur to Pokhara and further to Upper Mustang and drive back until Jomsom and again resumed at Pokhara to drive to Kathmandu, c) Pokhara onwards drive will be based on 4WD jeep (Mahindra, Scopio etc India make terrain jeeps) and other drive will be based on Toyota Hiace. d) Pokhara to Kathmandu by Toyota make comfortable Hiace.
Jomsom to Pokhara flight ticket,
Local city tours in Kathmandu (on Day 02) and also in Pokhara (Day 13 & 14 as program),
Welcome dinner (Day 02),
In this plan, on the trek – daily meals (3 meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner) and accommodation included (based on regular guest house/lodge, twin sharing),
Meals: simple meals as available on the general trekkers’ menu. Luxuries or semi luxurious looking drinks (such as different items of Coffees or bar items, cold drinks etc) are not included,
Nepali assistant is provided in the team. His main job is to look after the accommodation, and meals,
Full board only on trek, NOT in the cities. On the trek this kind of arrangement is a better for a number of reasons like the meals are to be ordered previously as per the number of people in the team and are prepared with limited time and arrangements. But in the cities there are multiple choices… you could order your meals easily. In Bandipur, still the meal (except daily breakfast) is not included in the price, but the well-stocked restaurant located within the hotel you stay can prepare your meals taking individual orders without any problem.
Upper Mustang trek permit (special trekking permit cost of US $ 50/person/day) and Annapurna Conservation Area entry tickets

What's Not Included

Cold drinks, bar bills, warm clothes, hiking poles, photo gears, etc.
Meals (other than breakfast & welcome dinner) during Kathmandu, Bandipur, Pokhara stay,
Travel insurance,
Native Language speaking Guide (TL) and his/her Upper Mustang entry permit fee US $ 500,
Extra or repeat visit as well as if any member separates the team (his/her accommodation, meals all extra – but a porter or an assistant if needed can be accompanied),
Boiled water, laundry, travel insurance, medicines, medical assistances (from professionals like doctors), tipping to the guide, driver etc., personal porter, Nepal visa fee, international flight tickets, city tour guide, city tour entrance tickets, etc. are not including in the above cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

To enter Upper Mustang, foreign trekkers require two mandatory permits:

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – USD 50 per person per day inside the restricted area.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – Required because the trekking route passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area before entering Upper Mustang.

Following the March 2026 revision by the Government of Nepal, the previous fixed permit fee of USD 500 for the first 10 days has been replaced by a flexible daily permit system. Trekkers now pay only for the actual number of days spent inside the restricted area, making it easier to customize shorter or longer itineraries.

All permits are arranged through a registered Nepali trekking company such as Alpine Exodus. Your licensed guide will carry the necessary documentation, and permits are checked at several checkpoints, including Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang.