Across Upper Mustang to Muktinath Trek
- 15 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (March to May) & Autumn (September to November)
We traverse the high arid trails of Upper Mustang from Lo-Manthang through Yara and Tangya down to Muktinath.
At a glance
Trip overview
Our Across the Mustang Trek is designed for experienced hikers seeking a remote and arid landscape that mirrors the Tibetan plateau. We combine strategic vehicle transfers with rugged foot trails to cross the rain-shadow territory of Upper Mustang efficiently, minimizing dusty road walking while keeping the physical challenge intact. We begin by leaving the lower hills behind, journeying deep into a region that remained closed to outsiders until 1992.
We designed this route to suit trekkers comfortable with long hours on dry, exposed trails and daily ascents across high passes. Our path leads us through walled settlements, ancient cave complexes, and monastic sites such as Ghar Gompa and Luri Gompa, before descending toward the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath. Throughout the route, we witness the resilient culture of the Lo-Pa people, whose traditions remain deeply tied to Tibetan Buddhism.
Because we operate in a rain-shadow zone behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, the weather remains dry even during summer months, though wind and dust are constant factors. We maintain a steady pace with built-in acclimatisation to handle elevations reaching up to 4210 m safely. Our lead guides handle all logistics, permits, and teahouse arrangements, allowing our teams to focus entirely on the stark landscapes and historic villages of the northern borderlands.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Walled City of Lo-Manthang
We explore the ancient 14th-century capital, visiting the royal palace and centuries-old monasteries.
Luri Gompa Cliff Monastery
We hike to this remote cave sanctuary perched high on a sandstone cliff above Yara.
Rain-Shadow Landscapes
We traverse barren canyons, wind-sculpted sand castles, and arid plateaus reminiscent of Tibet.
Apple Orchards of Marpha
We walk through the white-washed alleys of Marpha and sample local apple brandy and cider.
Muktinath Temple Complex
We visit the sacred pilgrimage site where 108 stone spouts flow with spring water.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our airport representative meets our team at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers us to our hotel in Kathmandu for check-in and briefing.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Cultural Tour
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Cultural Tour
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day touring historic cultural sites across the Kathmandu Valley, including Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square, while final trekking preparations are completed.
Day 3
Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We board our morning transport for the long overland journey to Pokhara, following the Trishuli River through green terraced hills before checking in near Fewa Lake.
Day 4
Pokhara to Marpha
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Pokhara to Marpha
Meals: B / L / D
We drive past the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, arriving at the stone-paved village of Marpha to explore its traditional alleys and apple orchards.
Day 5
Marpha to Ghami
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Marpha to Ghami
Meals: B / L / D
We continue our vehicle journey north into the Mustang region, passing through barren canyon landscapes and stopping to view ancient chortens before reaching Ghami.
Day 6
Ghami to Lo-Manthang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Ghami to Lo-Manthang
Meals: B / L / D
We drive across high desert plateaus toward the walled capital of Lo-Manthang, stopping along the way to tour the historic Ghar Gompa.
Day 7
Lo-Manthang and Chosar Cave Excursion
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Lo-Manthang and Chosar Cave Excursion
Meals: B / L / D
We spend our day exploring the alleys, temples, and royal palace of Lo-Manthang, followed by a short afternoon excursion to the multi-tiered vertical dwellings of Chosar Cave.
Day 8
Lo-Manthang to Yara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Lo-Manthang to Yara
Meals: B / L / D
We bid farewell to the capital and begin our trek on foot, crossing suspension bridges and descending through Dhi village before climbing to Yara.
Day 9
Yara to Luri Gompa and Return
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Yara to Luri Gompa and Return
Meals: B / L / D
We undertake a challenging round-trip hike from Yara up a steep canyon wall to visit the remote cave paintings and chortens of Luri Gompa.
Day 10
Yara to Tangya
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Yara to Tangya
Meals: B / L / D
We descend toward the Dhechaeng Khola stream bed, cross glacial meltwater channels, and ascend through dry eroded ridges to reach the isolated settlement of Tangya.
Day 11
Tangya to Tetang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Tangya to Tetang
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail stretches across long, waterless stretches of high desert terrain, climbing steadily before dropping into the sheltered stone village of Tetang.
Day 12
Tetang to Muktinath
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Tetang to Muktinath
Meals: B / L / D
We make our final high-altitude push across the pass toward Muktinath, arriving at the sacred temple precinct where Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims gather.
Day 13
Muktinath to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Muktinath to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We take a morning vehicle transfer down through the Kali Gandaki river valley, returning to the lakeside atmosphere of Pokhara for a relaxed evening.
Day 14
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 14
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We board our return transport back to Kathmandu, enjoying one final evening in the capital to review our journey with our guide team.
Day 15
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 15
Final Departure
Meals: B
Our transport team transfers us from our hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for our international flight home.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop-off in private vehicle
- Twin-share teahouse accommodation on trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trekking days
- Licensed English-speaking lead guide and porter support
- Restricted Area Permit and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- All ground transportation by private vehicle and local transfer
Not included
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa fees
- Travel insurance covering emergency high-altitude helicopter evacuation
- Personal trekking gear and apparel
- Tips for guides and porters
Before you go
Good to know
Altitude & acclimatisation
Our route reaches a maximum elevation of 4210 m. We incorporate gradual ascents and exploration days in Lo-Manthang to help our bodies adjust safely to the thinning air.
Our lead guides monitor every participant daily for early symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness. We carry pulse oximeters and maintain a conservative ascent profile throughout the trek.
Fitness expectations
This trek is graded as moderate to strenuous, requiring consistent daily hiking of five to seven hours across rugged, dry terrain. Steep ascents and loose scree are common.
We recommend starting cardiovascular training, stair climbing, and endurance hikes at least two months prior to departure to ensure you are well-prepared for the physical demands.
Teahouse accommodation
Lodging along the Mustang trail consists of local family-run teahouses offering twin-share rooms with basic wooden beds and foam mattresses. Dining areas are communal and typically heated by a central yak-dung stove.
Hot showers and device-charging facilities are available in most villages for a small extra fee, though amenities become scarcer in the remoter settlements like Yara and Tangya.
Water and hydration
Safe drinking water is available at teahouses in the form of boiled or filtered water, which we purchase along the way. We always carry our own reusable bottles and iodine or chlorine dioxide purification tablets as a backup.
We avoid drinking untreated tap or stream water to prevent gastrointestinal illness during the trek.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy waterproof hiking bootsEssential
Footwear
Must be broken in prior to the trip to prevent blisters on dry trails.
Down jacket rated for sub-zero temperaturesEssential
Clothing
Essential for cold evenings and mornings in Lo-Manthang and Yara.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms for high-altitude nights.
Sleeping bag rated to -15°CEssential
Camping
Teahouse blankets are thin; a warm sleeping bag is required.
UV-protection glacier sunglassesEssential
Safety
High glare from arid sandy soils and bright sunlight requires category 3 or 4 lenses.
Reusable water bottles and purification tabletsEssential
Safety
Crucial for treating local water sources safely.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must include proof of emergency evacuation coverage up to 4500 m.
Trekking polesEssential
Footwear
Helpful for stability on steep, loose descents into canyon bottoms.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
PermitMandatory special permit for entering the restricted northern territory of Upper Mustang.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
PermitRequired conservation area entry permit for trekking through the Annapurna region.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Across the Mustang Trek different from a standard route?
We combine strategic vehicle drives to reach remote trailheads quickly and avoid dusty motor roads, allowing us to hike the most pristine footpaths between Lo-Manthang, Yara, and Muktinath.
Do I need a special permit for Upper Mustang?
Yes, Upper Mustang is a restricted region. We arrange your Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) in advance through our Kathmandu office.
How cold does it get at night in Upper Mustang?
Nighttime temperatures at higher elevations like Lo-Manthang and Yara frequently drop below freezing, especially during spring and autumn shoulder months, requiring a warm down jacket and a rated sleeping bag.
Can we trek in Upper Mustang during the monsoon season?
Yes, Upper Mustang lies in the rain-shadow of the main Himalayan range and receives very little precipitation during the summer monsoon months, making it one of our recommended summer trekking areas.
Are charging and Wi-Fi available in the teahouses?
Most villages have electricity or solar power where you can charge devices for a small hourly fee, though Wi-Fi is intermittent and unreliable in the remoter valleys.
How heavy should my daypack be?
Your daypack should weigh between 5 kg and 7 kg, carrying your water, waterproof layers, sun protection, camera, and personal valuables while your main duffel bag is carried by our porters.
Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.
Book your trip
Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 15 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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