Upper mustang Trekking Blog | Permit | Difficulty 2025,2026
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the mystical landscapes of Upper Mustang with Himalayan Asia Treks. Our Upper Mustang Trekking Blog is your ultimate guide to exploring this hidden gem of the Himalayas. Discover the rich cultural heritage, ancient monasteries, and breathtaking vistas that await you in this remote region of Nepal. Navigate through rugged terrain and picturesque villages while immersing yourself in the unique traditions of the local Lo people. With detailed information on permits, difficulty levels, and essential tips, we ensure that your trekking experience in Upper Mustang is both safe and rewarding. Whether you're planning your adventure for 2025, or 2026, let Himalayan Asia Treks be your trusted companion every step of the way.
Upper Mustang History: Upper Mustang is opened in 1992 for foreigners and is known as the Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang. Upper Mustang gives you an image of the medieval age, mud-walled towns and monasteries covered in original fresco. Upper Mustang, located on the North of the Annapurna, this rugged ancient kingdom hides picturesque villages, sacred monasteries, and rich cultural heritage.
There are many caves around Upper Mustang, such as Nyphu, Yara, Chossar, Tange, and Drakmar. Choose Cave was founded in 800 BC, with more than forty chambers. Anthropologists found 13th-century paintings and manuscripts executed in silver and gold in the Mahzhong cave. In addition, we can discover frescoes painted by Newari artists in the 12th century.
Upper Mustang Trek difficulty
This Upper Mustang Trek features a not-difficulty grade. It's moderate level if you follow the regular classic trekking route of the Upper Mustang. This Trek is often not a relaxing and straightforward trek because it's an average-level trek. Counting on many factors, trek grades are transparent. If you follow a different route exit from Lo Manthang, it'd be difficult grade level. These different exit trekking routes are mainly Lo Manthang to Upper Dolpo Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, and Damodar Kunda lake.
There are no standards set for significant the problem grade for a trek, so you'll expect a moderate level, and you'll also select whether of the Mustang Valley. May to September is that the best time to go to the Upper Mustang. The problem level is subjective to the individual's skills, so you've got to hitch with resisted trekking company to arrange everything.
Here are four essential things For the Upper Mustang Trek
Hiking
This Upper Mustang trek is moderate level, so walking distance is per day on average four to seven hours. The total trip duration is around eleven days from Jomsom to Jomsom, and a few rest days are included during this itinerary as exploration day is about in Lo Manthang. So 16 days Upper Mustang trek is suitable for all kinds of trekkers have a family as well-child too. If you cannot hike in Upper Mustang Trek, there is road access to hire a Jeep and finish your Upper Mustang Trek.
Altitude
The highest point of this Upper Mustang Trek is 4200m. Max elevation for the moderate level trek is about below 5000 m from sea level. So you won't walk even above 4500m in height during this Upper Mustang Trek. The maximum size for Overnight stays is going to be around 3800m someday and Lo Manthang.
Terrain
This Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate-grade trek, so it mostly follows the well-marked trekking trail. There's a motor road available, but we'll fancy your regular trekking route. Also, daily ascent and descent trek should be expected thereon area. You'll come across many villages, mani walls, barley and potato fields, and Buddhist stupas with prayer flags. You'll also see across animals pasture lands and herds of animals with their herders. If you're looking extra challenge route there, you'll ask your guide, and the guide fancies you thru off the beaten trail.
Remoteness
This upper mustang trek is increasing in popularity. It had been a foreign trekking route, but remoteness isn't an excessive amount of facilities. There are tea-house accommodation and wifi, mobile network communication facilities. Well, every day we are spending an evening in a local village.
Upper Mustang Trekking Permit:
Everyone entering the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) area requires an entry permit which costs $20 per person for one entry into the world but is valid for as long because the Trek takes.
There is no restriction on the length of your time an individual can stay within the ACAP area. Additionally, if someone goes into Upper Mustang (from Kagbeni onwards), they require a RAP (Restricted Area Permit). This Upper Mustang Trek costs $500 per person for ten days. If longer is needed, a further $50 per day is charged.
If you are planning to Trek to Upper Mustang, you have to issue a Special permit by Nepal Immigration showing your original passport and Nepal visa.
- Mustang restricted permit all nationalities including Indian/ SAARC: US$ 500 per person for the ten days and USD 50 per additional extra day.
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit) NPR 3000
- TIMS for NPR.2000
Main Attraction in Upper Mustang:
Lo Manthang :
Lo Manthang was founded in 1380 by Ame Pal, who has constructed the city wall and any of the still-standing structures. The main attraction of Upper Mustang Trek is Lo Manthang, the remaining wall city in Nepal, and Chortens of Lo Manthang house relics of the Buddha. Royal Palace is four stores and made by King Jigme Dorje Dradul in 1440.
Monasteries in Lo Manthang:
- Red Walled Jampa
- Ngorchen Kunga Sangpo
- Tungsten Lhakhang
- Chopra Sakya Pa monastery
- Choice Monastery
People in Upper Mustang:
Baragaunle People: These people live south of the upper Mustang and north of the Thakali people, whose names are Kagbeni and Muktinath. Their house is similar to Upper Mustang people built by mud and poorly ventilated. Their clothing is the same as Upper Mustang people, Tibetan style and often brightly colored. The Baragaun village's people follow Tibetan Buddhism with some Bon influences.
Lopa People: The Lopa people of Mustang live in mud-brick homes that are whitewashed outside and decorated on the inside, much like Tibetan homes. The Lopa People traditionally traded with Tibet, but the Thakalis to the south were granted a monopoly on the salt trade in the mid of eighteenth-century. They follow Tibetan Buddhism and marriages by parental agreement and capture and elopement.
Teeji Festival:
The Teeji/Tiji Festival comes from the words Ten Che: meaning the hope of Buddha Dharma, and the celebrated three-day ritual known as The Chasing of the Demons. Teeji Festival focuses on a local myth that tells of a deity named Dorje Jono who must battle against his demon father Dorje Sonnu to save the Kingdom of Mustang from destruction. The demon father wreaked considerable destruction on the kingdom by creating a shortage of drinking water, which causes all sorts of disasters, including famine and animals. Dorje Jono beats the demon and banishes him from the land, and saves the communities. They perform mask dances and praying. If you want to experience Teeji Festival and let me know about a fixed date, please book the Tiji Festival Trek through a local company in Nepal asking date of the Tiji festival.
Short Itinerary of Upper Mustang Trek:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m/6 hrs)
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom (2,700m) and trek to Kagbeni (2,810m/ 3 hrs trek
Day 05: Trek to Chele (3,050m/6 hrs)
Day 06: Trek to Syanbochen (3,475m/6 hrs)
Day 07: Trek to Ghami (3,520m/6hrs)
Day 08: Trek to Tsarang (3,620m/6 hrs)
Day 09: Trek to Lo-Manthang (3,730m/4 hrs)
Day 10: Explore Lo Manthang/ Acclimatization
Day 11: Trek to Drakmar (3810 m/7 hrs)
Day 12: Trek to Ghiling (3,806m /6 hrs )
Day 13: Trek to Chhuksang (3050m/ 6 hrs)
Day 14: Trek to Jomsom (2,700m/ 7 hrs)
Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara
Day 16: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
Day 17: Final departure.
Upper Mustang Trek Cost
Upper Mustang Trek cost is from USD 1700 to USD 2700 per person. Various companies offer varying prices for the Upper Mustang Trek package, counting on the services they supply. The Upper Mustang trekking permit is dear, so that travel costs are considerably above elsewhere. Therefore, the upper Mustang Group Trek cost is cheap than the overhead cost.
The cost of trekking tours depends on the time you start and the way you get there. When you're trying to find a budget trip in Mustang, try the Lower Mustang trek. Private Upper Mustang trekking is extremely expensive but highly recommended for a lifetime experience.
Upper Mustang Trek by Jeep
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
Day02: Kathmandu City Tour and trek preparation.
Day 03: Fly to Pokhara.
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom and Hike to Dhumba Lake.
Day 05: Fly to Lo-Manthang
Day 06: Explore Lomanthang.
Day 07: Hike to Jong Cave
Day 08: Drive to Jomsom.
Day 09: Fly to Kathmandu via Pokhara.
Day 10: Departure.
Company Profile
Himalayan Asia Treks and Expedition P Ltd is an ideal partner for trekking Packages in Nepal/Nepal Tour Packages or any other tourism activities in Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet. The company was established in 2004 AD by individuals who have spent an entire life working as guides, mountaineers, and trekkers. One of the best things about us is that we focus on client satisfaction. And to achieve that, we even allow our clients to make changes to the itinerary. So if you're planning to go on the Nepal Trekking Packages/Nepal Tour Packages, and are looking for a travel service provider, make sure to choose Himalayan Asia Treks and Expedition P Ltd. The one sure thing is, with us beside you. You can get the best out of the Nepal Trekking Packages/Nepal Tour Packages, including Bhutan and Tibet.
