16 Days Upper Mustang Trek

Why Is Mustang Called the “Last Forbidden Kingdom” of Nepal?

Mustang was once an independent Himalayan kingdom known as the Kingdom of Lo, which was ruled by its own monarchs and closed to outsiders. Due to its proximity to the Tibetan border and the influence of Tibetan Buddhist culture, the region remained restricted for centuries. In 1992, the Mustang was officially opened for foreign trekkers, and even today, it still requires a special permit to enter. Due to this prolonged period of isolation, Mustang was called Nepal’s “Last Forbidden Kingdom”.

The most well-known figure from Mustang’s royal past is King Jigme Palbar Bista, who ruled until 2008, when Nepal became a republic, and the monarchy was dissolved. Despite these political changes, life in Mustang has changed very little. Its stone-walled city of Lo-Manthang, ancient monasteries, sky caves, and Tibetan-influenced language and customs weren’t changed by modern development. Even today, visiting Mustang feels like stepping into a Himalayan museum.

What Is Life Like in the Upper Mustang Region?

Life in the Upper Mustang trek is influenced by Tibetan tradition, and the people are adapted to the high-altitude environment. Locals spend their lives through subsistence farming and animal herding, as well as growing crops such as barley, buckwheat, and potatoes on dry, terraced fields. Many families also raise yaks, goats, and sheep, which provide wool, meat, and dairy. With limited modern infrastructure, some remote villages still lack reliable electricity, roads, or internet access. People trade goods with Tibet and nearby towns by walking long distances with pack animals.

Despite the tough terrain, the community deeply follows Tibetan Buddhist culture. You’ll see many walls, spinning prayer wheels, and colorful prayer flags near every village. Lo-Manthang, the walled capital, is the spiritual center of the region. Every year, people celebrate the Tiji festival with masked dance, keeping their rituals alive. Locals are accustomed to dry weather and isolation, but factors such as climate change, youth migration to cities, and increasing tourism are slowly changing the way of life in this ancient Himalayan kingdom.

What to Expect from the Upper Mustang Trek Challenge

The Upper Mustang trek is a moderately challenging journey through a high-altitude, desert-like region in Nepal. You may encounter thin air above 4,000 m, strong afternoon winds, limited water sources, and dusty jeep roads during the journey. Therefore, physical fitness and early preparation are important.

Desert-Like Landscape of the Trans-Himalayan Region

The Upper Mustang trek in Nepal lies in the Trans-Himalayan zone, which makes it feel like trekking through a Himalayan desert. The trails are dusty, dry, and barren with minimal greenery. Unlike a forested trek, here you’ll walk through the exposed terrain where the sun makes it difficult to walk during the day. These dry landscapes can cause problems such as dehydration, cracked skin, and fatigue. Proper preparation is important for this trek.

Strong Afternoon Winds around Kagbeni and Lo-Manthang

The Upper Mustang trek is infamous for its strong afternoon winds between Kagbeni and Lo-Manthang, sometimes near Muktinath as well. The wind often picks up after 11 AM, turning the open valley into a wind tunnel. These gusts can kick up dust, reduce visibility, and even make walking difficult on ridge trails. This is why it’s best to start the trek early in the morning and finish before noon: wind speeds increase as the day progresses.

High Passes Like Marang La (4,230 m)

While the trek isn’t technical, crossing high passes such as Marang La (4,230 m), Yamda La (3,850 m), and Nyi La (4,010 m) can be physically demanding, especially on steep uphill paths, in dry air, and over rocky terrain. These passes are among the highest points on the Upper Mustang route and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and hills. But they also require healthy lungs and slow pacing. The air gets thinner as you go higher, and the climb can be long and tiring. There are not many teahouses between these passes, so you have to carry water and snacks for the entire walk.

Barren Trails with Long Distances Between Villages

Unlike popular trails, where you find villages every 1-2 hours, Upper Mustang has long, dry paths between Dhakmar and Charang, or Chele and Syangboche, with no rest stops or shade. This means you’ll walk for hours without teahouses, which requires physical stamina and mental patience in the open sun.

Road Construction and Jeep Traffic from Kagbeni to Lo-Manthang

Ongoing road construction and increased jeep traffic have altered parts of the Upper Mustang trekking route. While the road has improved transportation for locals, it also brings dust, noise, and crowds. Places like Chele, Syangboche, Ghami, and Charang are mostly affected by them. You have to walk alongside or on jeep tracks, which can be disturbing and physically challenging due to poor road conditions and dust. Therefore, you should start the trek early and wear a mask or scarf to avoid these problems.

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness during the Mustang Trek?

Altitude sickness can affect anyone above 2,500 meters, and since the Upper Mustang trek reaches elevations over 4,000 meters, it is important to take precautions. The first rule is proper acclimatization- avoid rushing your trek. Walk slowly and steadily, and take rest days as needed to adjust your body to the thin air. Drink 3 to 4 liters of water daily to help keep your body hydrated, improve oxygen flow, and reduce the risk of headaches, dizziness, or fatigue.

Avoid alcohol and smoking during the trek because they reduce your body’s ability to adapt to high altitude. Eat light but energy-rich foods and keep yourself warm, as cold can increase stress on your body at elevation. If you notice symptoms like nausea, severe headaches, or shortness of breath, don’t ignore them – descend immediately and seek medical help. You can also carry Diamox (acetazolamide) after consulting a doctor, which can help to prevent AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). If you want a similar adventure without going too high, then try the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, which reaches a maximum elevation of only 2,874 meters. 

A Typical Day on the Upper Mustang Trek

• Early Morning

Your day on the Upper Mustang trek begins early, usually around 6:00 AM. The mountain air is cool and fresh, perfect for packing up and enjoying a breakfast like Tibetan bread, eggs, and tea or coffee. As the sun rises, the distant peaks, such as Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri, glow. By 7:00 -7:30 AM, you’re on the trail, walking across the valleys, cliffs, and riverbanks before the sunsets. The early hours are best for trekking due to lower dust levels, cooler temperatures, and wide-open views of the Mustang region.

• Midday

Around midday, usually between 11:30 AM and 12:20 PM, you’ll stay in a village or small settlement for lunch. You will take a short rest and have a healthy lunch, such as Dal Bhat (lentils, rice, and vegetables), which provides the energy needed for the upcoming trekking hours. You might take this break in places like Samar, Geling, or Dhankar. Trekkers usually relax here for about an hour, refill their water, and enjoy the village life of Mustang before starting the next trekking part of the day.

• Evening

By 3:00 to 4:00 PM, you’ll reach your overnight stop. After checking into a teahouse or lodge, you can change clothes, take a short walk, or simply relax with tea while watching the beauty of nature. Dinner is served between 6:00 and 7:00 PM and includes freshly cooked dishes such as noodles, rice, soups, or local yak dishes. After lunch, most of the trekkers head to bed early to rest for another day on Mustang’s ancient trail.   

Permits Needed for Upper Mustang Trekking

To trek the Upper Mustang region, you need two special permits: the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which are issued by the Nepal government. You can buy these permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara through a registered trekking agency. The RAP is mandatory and can only be issued by agencies, not to individual trekkers. Here’s a table showing the permit costs for different nationalities.

Our agency, My EverestTrip, arranges all necessary permits, so you can relax and enjoy the Upper Mustang adventure without any hassle. Choose our Upper Mustang trek package and enjoy your expedition.

Alternative Option by Upper Mustang Overland Tour

If you want to experience the beauty of Upper Mustang without trekking a long distance, the Upper Mustang Overland Tour is a perfect choice. This jeep-based journey takes you into the forbidden kingdom, passing through scenic off-road trails, ancient villages, and Himalayan valleys, without requiring any physical trekking. You’ll reach places like Lo-Manthang (3,840 m), Chhoser’s Sky Cave, Muktinath temple, and Ghar Gompa, all while traveling in comfort. The overland route follows the Kali Gandaki River, crosses high passes such as Marang La (4,230 m), and offers panoramic views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna.

This tour is best for families, senior travelers, or anyone with limited time. It offers the same cultural beauty, including visits to Tibetan-style monasteries, medieval villages, and local homes. Unlike normal trekking, you can complete the entire trek in 7 to 10 days by choosing an Overland Tour and still witness the raw, untouched beauty of Upper Mustang. With cozy guesthouse stays, local meals, and expert guides, it is one of the adventurous ways to explore the hidden kingdom of Nepal.

Fitness and Training Tips for Trekking Upper Mustang

Training for the Upper Mustang trek is important because you’ll be trekking for several days at high altitude (up to 3,800 m). Good fitness helps prevent fatigue, reduce the riskkness, and help you of altitude sic enjoy the trek comfortably. Start training at least 6-8 weeks before the trek. Focus on physical activities such as uphill walking, stair climbing, hiking with a backpack, squats, lunges, and planks. These help to build leg strength and core stability, which are essential for long days of trekking. 

Cardiovascular (aerobic) training is equally important. Activities like brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, and jump rope improve heart and lung capacity. Aim for 30-60 minutes of cardio, 4-5 times a week. Mental preparation is also important, like meditation, breathing exercises, and visualizing tough treks, which can help you stay calm. Also, practice walking with your trekking boots to get used to real trail conditions. Proper training boosts stamina, confidence, and safety during the Upper Mustang adventure.

How Much Does a Mustang Trek Really Cost?

The total cost of the Upper Mustang trek is $1850 per person. It includes almost everything needed for a safe adventure. The price covers transportation from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then to Jomsom, and vice versa. It also includes accommodations in teahouses and lodges, three meals daily during the trek, services of a licensed guide and porter, restricted area permit, ACAP entry, and Kathmandu and Pokhara sightseeing. It also includes airport transfers and a farewell dinner in Kathmandu to celebrate your journey.

The cost of the Upper Mustang trek is mainly spent on the Restricted Area Permit ($500) and other necessary logistics, such as food, lodging, staff wages, transportation, and proper safety arrangements. Every detail is handled so that you can enjoy the hidden beauty of Mustang. If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, treks like the Everest Panorama View trek and the Tamang Heritage Trail offer unforgettable experiences at a manageable cost.

Choosing the Perfect Time for Your Upper Mustang

The best time for the Upper Mustang Trek is during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). Winter (December to February) is very cold, and some teahouses may be closed. Monsoon (June to August) brings rain and muddy trails in some areas. But Mustang remains drier than other areas because it lies in a rainshadow region. Here’s a detailed look at each season.

Benefits of Booking the Upper Mustang Trek with Us

Choosing to book the Upper Mustang trek with “My EverestTrip” means you’ll get trusted service, expert guidance, and great value for money. We handle all the details from permit to transportation, so you can focus on enjoying the journey. Here are some benefits of choosing our agency.

• Fair and no Hidden Cost: Our full 17-day Upper Mustang trek costs $1850 per person and includes all permits, transport, guide, meals, accommodation, and sightseeing.
• Free Gear Rental Support: Our team members will help you rent high-quality gear like trekking poles, down jackets, or sleeping bags in Kathmandu at a discounted price or even for free, based on availability.
• Customized side trip: If you want to explore the Chhoser sky caves or hidden monasteries like Ghar Gompa during the trek, we can customize the itinerary and trek accordingly.
• Emergency Backup Plan: In case of altitude sickness or injury, we provide 24/7 emergency contact and can arrange quick evacuation support if needed.
• Local Cuisine Experiences: We choose the famous, well-maintained teahouses that serve fresh local meals, including Thakali, Tibetan, and traditional Mustang dishes.
• Photography Guide: If you are fond of photography, our guides can take you to the bestss the Kali Gandaki Valley and around Muktinath Valley to the best sunrise and sunset viewpoints acro.
• Free Pre-Trek Briefing and City Help: We offer a welcome briefing in Kathmandu and assistance with everything, including SIM cards, currency exchange, document management, and more.
• Jeep or Tourist Bus Rebooking Support: If your Pokhara or Jomsom ride is delayed, we assist with quick rebooking or offer alternative options, saving you time and stress.