Guest Requirements to Participate in Upper Mustang Trek
→High altitude exposure: On this 16-day Upper Mustang trek, you will reach elevations up to 3,840 meters, where altitude sickness can affect travellers. Check the difficulty factor below to understand the risk before heading for the trip.
→Age Requirements: Even though there is no age restriction, this trek is best suited for adults aged 18 and over.
→Experience: Upper Mustang is not an introductory trek. To participate in this trek, you must be comfortable with multi-day trekking, high-altitude exposure, and accustomed to walking for 6-8 hours a day on steep, uneven, and rocky trails.
→Fitness Criteria: You must arrive in Nepal with a high level of physical fitness built over months to join this trek.
→Health conditions: Before booking the trip, make sure you check your health conditions and inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions, especially those related to the heart, lungs, or blood pressure. If you have severe health conditions, this trek is not for you.
→Travel insurance: You will not be permitted to join the trek with High Route Adventure without providing proof of insurance.
→Mustang weather: If you are interested in arid, otherworldly landscapes, the Upper Mustang Trek is a perfect destination for you. Upper Mustang lies in the Himalayan rain shadow. Trekking is possible during the spring (March–May), autumn (September–November), and monsoon (June–August).
Notes
Mustang Trekking Route, Altitude & Distance
- Mustang Trekking Route: The Mustang trekking route takes you through Nepal’s most rugged, remote, yet beautiful landscapes of the Upper Mustang region, known as “Last Forbidden Kingdom”. Your journey starts from Kathmandu to Pokhara by Tourist bus, and then a flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. Then from Jomsom you will trek through beautiful villages like Kagbeni, Chele, Syangboche, and Ghami before reaching the walled city of Lo Manthang.
- Mustang Trekking Altitude: Your starting point of Upper Mustang Trek is from Jomsom, which is situated at an altitude of 2,743 m (8,999 ft). You will pass through several small mountain passes, such as the Dejong La Pass (3,660 m), the Syangmochen La Pass(3,800 m), the Nyi La Pass(4,010 m), and the Muila Bhanjyang Pass(4,170 m), during the trek. Finally, you will reach Lo Manthang situated at an altitude of 3,840 meters (12,598 feet), which is also the highest altitude of the trek.
- Distance: The total trekking distance for Upper Mustang covers around 125 to 160 kilometers. The exact duration depends upon itinerary days and side trips involved in the trek.
Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty: What To Expect
- Level: Moderate to Challenging
- Max Elevation: 3,840 meters at Lo Manthang
- Average Daily Trekking: 5–7 hours
- Terrain: Arid desert trails, rocky paths, steep ascents/descents, and river crossings
Assessment by Difficulty Factors:
- Altitude: Upper Mustang Trek takes you to the high altitude where the chances of catching altitude sickness remain high when you do rapid ascent and do not follow the acclimatization plan. If you catch altitude sickness, you need to return to a lower altitude without reaching the Lo Manthan.
- Weather & Climate: The region lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, resulting in a dry, cold desert environment. Temperature fluctuates drastically. You should prepare for the cold and chilly temperatures at night and early morning.
- Terrain & Trail Conditions: Expect rugged, uneven trails with sections of scree, loose rock, and exposed paths. While no technical climbing is involved, endurance and surefootedness are crucial.
- Isolation: Upper Mustang is remote, with limited access to medical facilities and communications. Rescue or evacuation, if needed, can be complex and time-consuming.
Essential Preparation Tips For Upper Mustang Trek
- Physical Fitness: Try to maintain your physical fitness at least 2-3 months in advance by participating in exercises or activities that build leg strength and endurance. Also, practise walking on uneven terrain to improve balance and coordination.
- Acclimatization Strategy: Learn early symptoms of altitude sickness and its preventive measures. Follow the standard itinerary, which has proper acclimatization days. Avoid shortcuts and walk at your own pace during the trek.
- Packing Essentials: Invest in high-quality trekking boots and clothing, and pack all the essential things required for this trek.
- Permits & Logistics: Obtain all the required permits with the help of the tour agency. Book flights to and from Jomsom (domestic flights from Pokhara) well in advance, as weather disruptions are common.
- Manage the budget: In addition to the package cost, set aside some money for extra personal expenses such as tips, meals in Kathmandu, souvenirs, and other personal items.
Best Time To Visit Upper Mustang
The Best time for the Upper Mustang trek is during the pre-monsoon (spring) and post-monsoon (autumn) seasons. During this season weather is most favorable, with uninterrupted mountain views and optimal trekking conditions.
Spring Season: March to May (Recommended: April – May)
- Weather: Mild and gradually warming days with cool nights.
- Temperature: Ranges from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) during the day, dropping to 0°C at night at higher elevations.
- Visibility: Excellent. Clear skies reveal panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
- Landscape: The barren cliffs and canyons come alive with blooming apricot and apple blossoms in the lower valleys.
- Cultural Highlights: This season coincides with the vibrant Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang (usually in May), a three-day celebration filled with masked dances and traditional rituals – a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.
Best for: Festival lovers, photographers, and those seeking pleasant temperatures and clear skies.
Autumn Season: Late September to November (Recommended: October – Early November)
- Weather: Stable, dry, and sunny with minimal precipitation.
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F), with colder nights as altitude increases.
- Visibility: Crisp and panoramic – post-monsoon air clarity makes mountain views exceptionally sharp.
- Trail Conditions: Ideal for long daily hikes.
- Crowds: Less crowded than the Annapurna Circuit, though permits are limited to preserve the region's ecology and culture.
Best for: Serious trekkers, solitude seekers, and photographers capturing golden light on dramatic canyons.
Upper Mustang in Monsoon or Winter
- Monsoon (June – August): Not recommended. While Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow and receives minimal rainfall, trails may become slippery, and flights to Jomsom can be frequently canceled due to unstable weather in the region.
- Winter (December – February): Extremely cold, especially at night, with temperatures plunging below -10°C (14°F). High winds and snow at higher passes make trekking challenging and potentially dangerous. Only experienced winter trekkers with proper gear should consider this season.
Upper Mustang Average Weather & Temperature
| Season |
Weather |
Temperature Range |
| Spring(March to May) |
-Clear skies-Blooming landscapes-Best for trekking |
12°C to 20°C (Day), -5°C to 0°C (Night) |
| Summer/Monsoon(June to August) |
-Dry weather (rain shadow area) -Warm days |
15°C to 25°C (Day), 0°C to 5°C (Night) |
| Autumn(September to November) |
-Clear and stable weather-Stunning mountain views |
10°C to 18°C (Day), -5°C to 0°C (Night) |
| Winter(December to February) |
-Cold and harsh-Heavy snowfall in some areas |
0°C to 5°C (Day), -15°C to -5°C (Night) |
Continue reading: Best Time For Upper Mustang Trek
Optional Upper Mustang Jeep Tour
For those who want to avoid a multiday strenuous trek in the Mustang Region, High Route Adventure also offers the 10-Day Upper Mustang Jeep Tour. This tour is best for those who are physically unable to trek or those who want to explore the stunning landscapes of Upper Mustang comfortably by vehicle( 4*4 Jeep).
For the Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Itinerary and Cost, check here: Upper Mustang Jeep Tour Package
Upper Mustang Trek Permit
Nepal's Department of Immigration switched to a flat $50 per person per day system in late 2025. These are the main entry permits required on the trek to Upper Mustang. The permits are important to ensure and safeguard all trekkers, especially for individual or solo trekkers. If trekkers get lost, this will aid in tracking them.
| Permit Type |
Cost |
| Restricted Area Permit |
- USD 50 per day |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit |
- NPR 3,000 for a foreign citizen
- NPR 100 for Nepalese citizen |
To get the permits, you need to provide the following documents and information:
- Copy of your passport
- 2 Passport-sized photos
- At least two people need to get the special permit
- Dates when your trek starts and ends
- Itinerary/route
- Entry and exit points
- Emergency Contact Information (local and home country)
- Travel Insurance Detail
Note: When you book the Upper Mustang Trek Package with High Route Adventure with us, we will handle all the permits for you, and the cost will be included in the trekking package.
Hotel in Upper Mustang
| Category |
Hotels/Lodges |
Location |
Features |
| Low Budget |
Hotel Grand Shambala |
Lo Manthang |
- Basic rooms
- Local food
- Warm hospitality |
|
Hotel Nirvana |
Kagbeni |
- Simple
- Stay clean
- Affordable meals |
|
Mona Lisa Guesthouse |
Jomsom |
- Basic amenities
- Cozy atmosphere |
| Medium Budget |
Royal Mustang Hotel |
Lo Manthang |
- Comfortable rooms
-Traditional design |
|
Red House Lodge |
Kagbeni |
-Well-maintained
- Hot showers
- Good service |
|
Om’s Home |
Jomsom |
- Cozy rooms
- Good restaurant
- Hot water |
| Luxury |
Jomsom Mountain Resort |
Kagbeni |
- Deluxe rooms
- Airport shuttle
- Fine dining |
|
Mystic Mountain Hotel & Resort |
Jomsom |
- High-end service
- Beautiful mountain views |
Note: When you book a package with High Route Adventure, we provide comfortable 3-star hotel accommodations as part of the service. However, if you prefer a more premium and luxurious stay, we can upgrade your booking at an additional cost. This includes options like private attached rooms, luxury hotel facilities, and more-just let us know your preference!
Accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara: 3-Star Elegance
Your journey of the Upper Mustang trek starts with stays at comfortable 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara. We will choose hotels that are best for their outstanding service, cleanliness, and convenience.
These hotels offer:
- Spacious, well-maintained rooms with modern amenities.
- Attached Bathroom
- 24/7 hot water, complimentary breakfast, and on-site dining.
- Strategic locations for easy access to cultural landmarks, trekking offices, and departure points.
- Free Wifi, Charging and hot shower
Accommodation in Upper Mustang Trek: Tea Houses and Mountain Lodges
You’ll stay in pre-booked tea houses and mountain lodges, which are hand-picked by High Route Adventure during the Upper Mustang Trek. These places are carefully inspected by our team for safety, hygiene, and guest satisfaction. Trekkers love these traditional inns for their warm hospitality and authentic local charm.
This tea house/mountain lodge offers:
- Rooms: Twin-sharing rooms with blankets, pillows, bedsheets, and mattresses provided.
- Bathroom: Mostly squat-style toilets.
- Wi-Fi: Paid service (NPR 300–500 per night).
- Charging: Paid charging facilities (NPR 200–300 per hour).
- Hot Shower: Limited availability and paid service (NPR 300–500 per use).
Meals Served on Upper Mustang Trek
There are a variety of restaurants in Kathmandu, and Pokhara offers a wide range of dining options serving Nepali, Chinese, Korean, Indian, Continental, and international cuisines. You can visit according to your budget. In the tea house/mountain lodge, three meals will be arranged by High Route Adventure. The food items are limited in the tea house. Mostly, you can expect Nepali dishes and very few international dishes here. You can choose the veg and non-veg options from the menu.
Here are the common everyday meal items you can expect on the tea house menu:
Breakfast Options
- Porridge / oats with honey
- Eggs (boiled, fried, omelette)
- Pancakes (plain or buckwheat)
- Tibetan bread with jam or butter
- Cornflakes with milk
- Chapati with honey or peanut butter
- Tsampa porridge (local)
Lunch & Dinner Options
- Dal Bhat (recommended daily)
- Fried rice with vegetables or egg
- Noodle soup / Thukpa
- Pasta or spaghetti (basic, available in larger villages)
- Vegetable or egg curry with rice
- Momos (steamed or fried)
- Potato dishes — boiled, fried or mashed (potatoes grow locally in Mustang)
- Instant noodles (Wai Wai / Maggi — available everywhere as a backup)
- Pizza (basic, available in Jomsom, Kagbeni and Lo Manthang only)
Drinks
- Butter Tea (Po Cha)
- Sweet Milk Tea (Chiya)
- Mustang Apple Wine / Brandy
- Tongba(Millet-based hot fermented drink )
- Raksi(Traditional distilled grain spirit)
What to Know Before You Eat
- Carry energy snacks: chocolate, nuts, energy bars and dried fruit for long trail days between villages where no tea houses exist.
- Water: Boil, filter, or use purification tablets for water. While bottled water is available, it can be expensive in Upper Mustang. It's advisable to bring a good filter bottle.
- Vegetarian-friendly: the trek is very vegetarian-friendly. Meat (especially chicken) is carried in from lower areas and not always fresh; yak meat is the safer local option.
- Marpha to Jomsom: this stretch has the best food variety, including fresh apple products. Stock up on snacks here before heading north.
- Lo Manthang: has the widest menu in the upper region. Enjoy it; villages beyond have very basic options.
- Costs: Meal costs are higher than those on typical trekking routes in Nepal due to the remote supply chain. Budget about USD 4 to 8 per meal at teahouses for additional meals, drinks, and water.
Altitude Sickness & Acclimatization Plan On Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang takes you to high altitudes up to 3,840m (12,598 ft). While heading to such an altitude, some trekkers might face the symptoms of altitude sickness(dizziness and mild headache). These early symptoms of AMS are treatable with care, rest, and simply descending to lower places. However, if we neglect these early symptoms, it can result in HACE and HAPE, which can be life-threatening.
Let's understand the mild symptoms of altitude sickness(AMS):
- Mild Headache
- Gastrointestinal Changes
- Feeling tired or weak even during rest
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Mild shortness of breath during physical activities
Here are some of the essential tips on how to prevent altitude sickness during the Upper Mustang Trek:
- Walk at your own pace; there is no prize for if you trek fast.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking, as it can trigger altitude sickness.
- Follow the acclimatization days and take enough rest on these days.
- Avoid heavy exercise at high altitude; instead, try yoga or meditation.
- Drink enough water to remain hydrated, as your body loses more water when doing physical activities.
- Eat a balanced diet and fresh meals during the trek.
- Use altitude sickness medicine(Diamox) to prevent altitude sickness.
Note: If you experience the symptoms of altitude sickness, you should immediately inform our trekking guide. Our expert Guide will take care of you as they know how to handle altitude sickness and other high altitude related issue.
Drinking-Water Facilities On Upper Mustang Trek
Trekkers can buy water bottles from the local shops and tea houses where they will stay during the Upper Mustang trek. At high altitudes during the trek, the shops are lacking, so it is best to carry a reusable water bottle with you. In the lower regions, you can buy a water bottle for around 20-50 NPR. But when you reach a high altitude, the price can be double or triple.
Travel and Medical Insurance For Upper Mustang Trek
During the Upper Mustang Trek, even a healthy and physically fit person can get sick, either from past personal medical conditions or other reasons like AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). So, for severe illness, one needs immediate evacuation, and the quickest way to reach a safe place with good medical facilities, like in Pokhara city or Kathmandu. So, before heading for this trip, make sure travel insurance covers:
- Should cover the entire duration of the trip.
- Must include coverage for pre-existing and current medical conditions.
- Should cover emergency rescue services, including evacuation in case of illness or accident.
- Must protect you in unfavorable weather conditions.
- Should remain valid even during peak trekking season.
- Ensure it covers high-altitude illnesses such as AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness).
Note: To obtain restricted area permits in Nepal such as Upper Mustang, Manaslu, and Dolpo, it is mandatory to have travel insurance that includes helicopter evacuation coverage up to at least 6,000 meters. This is a legal requirement and cannot be waived under any circumstances.
Pokhara To Jomsom And Jomsom To Pokhara Flight Information
The flight from Pokhara International Airport (PKR) to Jomsom is a short 20 minutes. Even though it is short, it is one of the most scenic flights in Nepal, where you can enjoy the breathtaking aerial view of Pokhara City, the Annapurna range, the Himalayas, and many more. The airlines that operate Pokhara to Jomsom and Jomsom to Pokhara are Tara Air, Summit Air, and Simrik Air. The flight operates early in the morning from 6:15 am, 7:05 am, 7:55 am, 8:45 am to 9:35 am.
Remember that the Jomsom weather is terrible, and it often gets canceled. We suggest you have extra days in the itinerary for the delay and cancellation of the flight. If the flight is canceled, we will arrange for you to get the Jeep so that you can continue your journey. By Jeep, it will take around 8 hours to reach Pokhara. For detail information click here: Jomsom Flight
Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour
Upper Mustang is the best destination for bike lovers. Every year, thousands of bike lovers from Nepal and other countries join this Motorbike tour from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Instead of trekking, if you are interested in a bike adventure, then you can also do that with High Route Adventure. For the Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour Itinerary and cost, you need to contact us. For more details, check here → Upper Mustang Motorbike Tour
Communication and Connectivity in Upper Mustang
The local telecommunications and internet provider in Nepal, Nepal Telecom (NTC), offers better coverage in Upper Mustang. It has expanded its GSM base stations and telecom towers into the region, enabling 3G and 4G data services in several remote villages of Mustang. Therefore, we request all our travellers to carry the local NTC SIM with them before travelling to Upper Mustang. You can purchase the SIM either from Tribhuvan International Airport(TIA) or from an authorized shop in the city area of Kathmandu or Pokhara, and use it for communication and for mobile internet.
Upper Mustang has Wi-Fi, but due to its remote location and difficult landscape, it works better only in the lower regions. As you reach higher altitudes, the connection becomes slower, and due to weather disruptions or technical issues, it is not always reliable.
To access Wi-Fi in teahouses, you need to pay a small fee of around USD 2–4 per device for one night. In some teahouses, prepaid cards are also available. You need to top up scratch cards to access the network.
Sustainable Travel & Local Culture Tips
- While visiting the Buddhist monastery and cultural sight always walk in a clockwise direction
- Wear appropriate dress that aligns with local customs
- Locals mostly use the Lhowa (Loke), Tibetan, and Nepali languages, so hire a guide who can translate effectively.
- Support the local economy by purchasing from the local teahouse
- Follow the rules and regulations of the Conservation Area and the restricted area.
- Ask for permission before taking photos of locals or inside monasteries.
- Avoid littering; carry all non-biodegradable waste back with you.