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Upper Mustang

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Upper Mustang

We guide expeditions into Upper Mustang, a remote trans-Himalayan kingdom situated behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Because this arid Tibetan plateau falls entirely within the rain shadow,

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Common questions about Upper Mustang

Direct answers from our Kathmandu expedition leaders and logistics team.

What permits are required for trekking in Upper Mustang?

Because Upper Mustang is a restricted area, you must obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) issued through a registered local agency, which costs USD 500 for the first 10 days. In addition, our team secures the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and registers your TIMS card before departure from Kathmandu or Pokhara.

What is the altitude range of the Upper Mustang trek?

The trek generally ranges from 2,810 metres at Kagbeni up to 3,840 metres at Lo Manthang, with minor side trips reaching slightly higher passes around 4,000 metres. While these elevations are lower than Everest Base Camp, the arid and windy conditions require proper acclimatization, which we factor into our standard itineraries.

When is the best time of year to visit Upper Mustang?

Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs, making it one of the few viable trekking regions during the monsoon months of June to August. However, our primary operating seasons run from March to May for spring blooms and September to November for clear skies and stable temperatures.

How difficult is the main trek to Lo Manthang?

We rate the Upper Mustang trek as moderate to strenuous, primarily due to long walking days covering 10 to 18 km over loose shale, dusty trails, and exposed plateau winds. Previous multi-day hiking experience and good cardiovascular fitness are essential before joining our guided groups.

Are there teahouses and lodges available along the trail?

Yes, standard teahouse accommodation is available in most villages along the route to Lo Manthang, offering twin-share rooms and basic dining areas. While facilities have improved significantly over recent years, we recommend bringing a warm sleeping bag and consulting our gear checklist for remote mountain stays.

How many days does the standard Upper Mustang trek take?

A standard trek from Jomsom to Lo Manthang and back takes approximately 12 to 14 days of actual walking over a distance of roughly 130 km round trip. Our team can also arrange customized itineraries incorporating domestic flights between Pokhara and Jomsom to manage transit times.

Overview

About Upper Mustang

We guide expeditions into Upper Mustang, a remote trans-Himalayan kingdom situated behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs. Because this arid Tibetan plateau falls entirely within the rain shadow, we operate successful treks here even during the monsoon months from June to September. Our routes navigate deep canyon floors and wind-scoured ridges, leading us past ancient cave dwellings and whitewashed chortens that have preserved traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture for centuries. Every traveler requires a restricted area permit, which we secure in advance to ensure entry past Kagbeni into the former kingdom of Lo.

Our itineraries typically commence with a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom before we ascend northward toward the walled capital of Lo Manthang. We cross high windswept passes such as the Nyi La at 4,010 meters, where the landscape opens into vast, ochre-colored expanses framed by snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Spring, spanning March to May, and autumn, running from October to November, offer stable weather and clear visibility for crossing these high plateaus. We maintain small group sizes and employ local guides who understand the logistical demands of this distinct region, ensuring responsible travel through a fragile mountain ecosystem.

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Trips in Upper Mustang

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