Upper Mustang Walled City Trek
- 16 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov), with Summer (Jun–Aug) also favorable due to the rain-shadow location.
We trek into the rain shadow of the Himalaya to explore the restricted walled kingdom of Lo Manthang and ancient cliff dwellings.
At a glance
Trip overview
We lead this specialized trek into the arid rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, crossing into the restricted territory of Upper Mustang. Unlike the verdant southern slopes of Nepal, this trans-Himalayan landscape consists of wind-sculpted canyons, eroded sandstone cliffs, and medieval Tibetan settlements that have remained largely isolated for centuries. We follow ancient trading routes along the Kali Gandaki River, where ammonite fossils known as shaligrams are weathered from the riverbanks.
Our route suits experienced walkers who possess a strong tolerance for dry, windy conditions and high-altitude terrain. We traverse high passes and barren plateaus, staying in traditional teahouses managed by local Thakali and Loba communities. Cultural touchstones define every stage of our journey, from whitewashed chortens and prayer walls to active gompas housing centuries-old Buddhist scriptures and intricate murals.
We maintain a deliberate pace to ensure safe acclimatization as elevation profiles push toward 3810 m at Drakmar. Because Upper Mustang lies north of the main Himalayan crest, our team frequently runs these departures during the summer monsoon months when the region remains shielded from heavy southern downpours.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Lo Manthang Walled City
We explore the historic capital, surrounded by mud-brick defensive walls and home to the historic royal palace.
Chhosar Cave Dwellings
We walk to multi-tiered prehistoric cliff caves carved high into the rock face near the Tibetan border.
Ancient Monasteries
We visit sacred sites like Namgyal Monastery and Thupten Shedrup Ling, which anchor local spiritual life.
Kali Gandaki River Gorge
We trace the path of one of the world's deepest river gorges, searching for fossilized shaligram stones.
Rain-Shadow Climate
We take advantage of the Himalayan rain shadow, making this a viable trekking option during the summer months.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our representative meets our team at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers us to our hotel. Later in the evening, our lead guide conducts a formal briefing regarding our permits and route logistics over dinner.
Day 2
Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
We board an early morning tourist bus for the drive along the Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli River westward to Pokhara at 825 m.
Day 3
Pokhara to Kagbeni
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Pokhara to Kagbeni
Meals: B / L / D
Our private jeep picks us up for a rugged drive past Beni and Tatopani, ascending the Kali Gandaki valley floor until we reach the fortress-like village of Kagbeni at 2858 m.
Day 4
Kagbeni to Chele
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Kagbeni to Chele
Meals: B / L / D
We cross police checkpoint formalities to enter the restricted zone, following the eastern bank of the Kali Gandaki riverbed past Tangbe before climbing steadily to Chele at 3050 m.
Day 5
Chele to Syangboche
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Chele to Syangboche
Meals: B / L / D
Today we climb over the Taklam La and Dajori La passes, descending through narrow gorges and past Samle to reach the high pasture settlement of Syangboche at 3475 m.
Day 6
Syangboche to Ghaymi
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Syangboche to Ghaymi
Meals: B / L / D
We traverse wide windswept trails past the massive chorten of Ghami, crossing the Ghami Khola before arriving at the traditional agricultural village of Ghaymi at 3520 m.
Day 7
Ghaymi to Charang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Ghaymi to Charang
Meals: B / L / D
Our route takes us along Nepal's longest mani wall to the Nyi La pass, then descends into the Charang Chu canyon to reach the dzong and red monastery of Charang at 3500 m.
Day 8
Charang to Lo Manthang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Charang to Lo Manthang
Meals: B / L / D
We walk across the windy plateau known as the Wind Valley, catching our first views of the walled capital of Lo Manthang before entering its gates at 3700 m.
Day 9
Acclimatization in Lo Manthang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Acclimatization in Lo Manthang
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day exploring the alleys of the walled city, visiting Jampa Lhakhang and Thubchen Gompa, and making a side excursion to the multi-level cave complex at Chhosar.
Day 10
Lo Manthang to Drakmar
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Lo Manthang to Drakmar
Meals: B / L / D
We leave the capital via a western route, passing ancient chortens and descending past eroded red clay cliffs to reach the isolated settlement of Drakmar at 3810 m.
Day 11
Drakmar to Ghiling
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Drakmar to Ghiling
Meals: B / L / D
We visit the ancient Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in Mustang, before continuing our descent across arid ridges to overnight in Ghiling at 3806 m.
Day 12
Ghiling to Chhuksang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Ghiling to Chhuksang
Meals: B / L / D
Our trail drops continuously down through barren hills, retracing parts of our upward route through Tamagaon to reach the confluence and village of Chhuksang at 3050 m.
Day 13
Chhuksang to Kagbeni
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Chhuksang to Kagbeni
Meals: B / L / D
We complete the final leg of our restricted-area walking by descending along the river flats back through Tangbe to check out of the Upper Mustang permit zone at Kagbeni at 2858 m.
Day 14
Kagbeni to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Day 14
Kagbeni to Pokhara
Meals: B / L / D
Our private jeep meets us in Kagbeni for the return overland drive down the Kali Gandaki valley back to the lakeside city of Pokhara.
Day 15
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 15
Pokhara to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We board our morning tourist bus for the highway journey back to Kathmandu, checking into our hotel upon arrival.
Day 16
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 16
Final Departure
Meals: B
Our team transfers us to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle for our international departure flight.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pick up and drop off by private vehicle
- 2-night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- 2-night hotel in Pokhara with breakfast
- Full board meals throughout the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Hot beverages (3 cups per day)
- Both-way private jeep transfers (Pokhara-Kagbeni-Pokhara)
- Government-licensed guide and necessary support staff
- Special Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (USD 500)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit
- Both-way tourist bus tickets (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu)
- Use of down jacket, sleeping bag, and duffle bag during trek
- Seasonal fruits during the trek and emergency medical kit
Not included
- Nepalese visa fee
- International airfare and travel insurance
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Personal expenses such as Wi-Fi, battery recharge, hot showers, and bar bills
- Tips for trekking crews and guides
Before you go
Good to know
Permit regulations
Upper Mustang is a restricted conservation zone requiring a special government permit costing USD 500 per person for the first 10 days, plus an ACAP permit. Solo trekkers are not permitted; our agency must secure these documents through a registered trekking company with a minimum group size of two participants.
Altitude management
Our itinerary reaches a maximum elevation of 3810 m at Drakmar. We maintain a slow, measured daily pace, stay hydrated, and monitor our team members for early signs of acute mountain sickness.
Teahouse accommodation
Lodges along the Mustang trail are basic stone-and-timber structures run by local families. Rooms feature twin beds with foam mattresses, while dining halls are heated by central yak-dung or wood stoves.
Weather and winds
The Upper Mustang valley is notoriously windy, particularly in the afternoons when gale-force gusts sweep north up the Kali Gandaki gorge. We complete our morning walks early to avoid these head winds.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Broken-in boots with good ankle support for rocky and gravel paths.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Provided by our agency; essential for cold evenings at high altitude.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms for cold mornings.
Windproof outer shell jacketEssential
Clothing
Critical for blocking strong afternoon winds on the Mustang plateau.
Sleeping bag rated to -15°CEssential
Camping
Provided by our agency for unheated teahouse rooms.
UV-protection sunglassesEssential
Safety
Essential for intense high-altitude glare and dust.
Water purification tablets or filterEssential
Safety
For treating tap or stream water along the trail.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must cover emergency helicopter evacuation up to 4000 m.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
You bring
Sort these out before you fly.Nepal Tourist Visa
VisaObtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport.
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
PermitMandatory government special permit for entering Upper Mustang north of Kagbeni.
ACAP Entry Permit
PermitAnnapurna Conservation Area Project conservation fee.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Can I do the Upper Mustang trek solo?
No. Upper Mustang is a restricted area, and the immigration department mandates that trekkers must be in a group of at least two people accompanied by a government-licensed guide.
Why is a special permit required for Upper Mustang?
The region was a de facto independent kingdom until 2008 and remains a restricted area to protect its fragile Tibetan culture, fragile desert ecosystem, and historical heritage sites.
What is the highest altitude we reach on this trek?
Our highest elevation point is 3810 m at Drakmar village, though the terrain involves several rolling mountain passes between 3500 m and 3800 m.
Is Upper Mustang a good trek during the summer monsoon?
Yes. Because it lies in the northern rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massifs, it receives very little precipitation during the summer months when the rest of Nepal experiences heavy monsoon rains.
What kind of accommodation is available on the trail?
We stay in local mountain lodges or teahouses run by Tibetan-ethnic families. Rooms are basic with twin beds, and toilets are typically shared.
How do we travel from Kathmandu to the trek starting point?
We take a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a private four-wheel-drive jeep up the Kali Gandaki valley to Kagbeni where the restricted trail begins.
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 16 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
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