Upper Mustang Trek

The Myth of Mustang

Your journey on our Upper Mustang Trek is riddled with mysterious adventure as the saga of the Second Buddha, Guru Rinpoche, unfolds before you. Journey deep into the Himalayas and discover a remote land draped with faded prayer flags and the story of a leader who changed the course of history over 1,200 years ago.


Explore Upper Mustang with TEP

Trip Highlights

Visit Yangleshö Cave, nestled amidst the rugged landscapes of Upper Mustang. This sacred cave holds profound significance in Tibetan Buddhism and offers a serene sanctuary for meditation and reflection.

Take in a birds-eye view of Kali Gandaki gorge and the towering summits of Annapurna (26,502’) and Dhaulagiri (26,811’) on a flight to Jomsom. On your Upper Mustang Trek, descend beneath a palette of blue sky and red fluted pinnacles to Dhakmar where legend has it the cliffs, etched in crimson, were stained by the blood of a demon slain by Guru Rinpoche.

Your trek to Ghana begins from Jomsom following the ancient trade routes that once connected Nepal with Tibet. Traverse diverse landscapes, from arid desert-like terrain adorned with colorful prayer flags to lush green valleys framed by snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.

Experience the warm hospitality of the local Thakali and Tibetan communities as you pass through quaint villages along the way. Engage with villagers, visit local monasteries, and witness daily life that remains deeply rooted in age-old customs and practices.

Let’s Plan Your Trip Today:


TRIP COST

From $4,275 USD per person

*More info. on pricing

The price above includes:
Mustang Restricted Area Permit (Required): $500
Everest Mountain Flight (Optional): $350
Single Supplement: $500
Forced Single Supplement: $250


More questions? Read more about pricing here

Start dates

We conduct this Upper Mustang Trek for private individuals and groups only.

To inquire about a custom date,
please contact us!

Duration

Starts at 12 Days / 11 Nights 

(hiking is 4 days)

Accommodations

Relax in comfort

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate*

12 Day / 11 Night Trip Daily Overview

Sample Trip Itinerary

Custom trip itineraries are available for any size group. Please contact us for a complete detailed itinerary.

Want more information? Download a detailed itinerary.

Itineraries include detailed descriptions of each day, tips on travel arrangements, regional highlights, and more. It’s the perfect resource to help you choose!

Request Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

Enjoy a warm welcome and bit of exploration in Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant and historic capital city. During dinner we will be joined by a special guest who introduces the legend of Guru Rinpoche.

Accommodations: Hotel Marshyangdi or Shangri-La Hotel and Resort

Day 2: Pharping and Kathmandu

Today, pay homage to the holy ground of Guru Rinpoche’s spiritual development in Pharping at the Yanglesho and Asura Caves. More grandiose sacred sites offer contrast upon return to Kathmandu before a free evening to explore the colorful tastes and scenes of this lively capital.

Accommodations: Hotel Marshyangdi or Shangri-La Hotel and Resort

Day 3: Travel to Pokhara

Hop between the verdant villages perched on the banks of the Trishuli and Marshyangdi rivers as you make your way to the resort town of Pokhara. This afternoon, spend some time wandering the lakeside shops and island-temple before we meet to discuss our departure for Upper Mustang tomorrow.

Accommodations: Hotel Barahi

Day 4: Pokhara to Jomsom

Our journey to Upper Mustang continues on a full day’s drive that takes us past two of the world’s highest peaks. The Annapurna massif fills the horizon line as we drive along the Kali Gandaki River to the beginning of our Upper Mustang Trek up to the village of Chusang and our campsite for the evening.

Accommodations: Tea house

Landscape view of the mountains of Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

Day 5: Jomsom to Samar

Today’s trek takes us over three mountain passes where we experience the effort it takes to cross this challenging terrain and are rewarded with the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas. Shrines and prayer flags remind us all the while of the resolve pilgrims have to uphold spiritual discipline, even in these isolated realms.

Accommodations: Tea house

Day 6: Samar to Syangboche, with Chungsi Cave

Juniper trees, lilting streams and cool caverns keep us refreshed today as we make our way through pasturelands and medieval villages to the Rangjong Cave. In Chele this evening, your guides regale you with stories of the Upper Mustang, while you dine on spinach momo and hot apple pie.

Accommodations: Lodge

Day 7: Syangboche to Kagbeni

A full-morning trek finds us retracing our steps back to the yawning chasm of Kali Gandaki gorge where we’ll land again in the quiet village of Chusang. After lunch, we drive to Jomsom passing Dhaulagiri, the 7th highest summit in the world towering at a lofty 26,795 feet.

Today’s hike is approximately 10 miles / 16 kilometers.

Accommodations: Lodge

Day 8: Kagbeni to Marpha

This morning we will drive to Jomsom (approximately 2 hours), then begin our hike to Marpha. We will be on the inner village road (gravel) with very few vehicles. We will be hiking along the Kali Gandaki River, then stopping for lunch at Thinigaun. Eventually we will arrive a the Tibetan Refugee Camp in Marpha.

Accommodations: Lodge

Day 9: Marpha to Pokhara

Today, make the beautiful return drive from Jomsom to Pokhara. This ride will take about 8 to 9 hours.

Accommodations: Hotel Barahi

Day 10: Return to Kathmandu

After breakfast, say goodbye to the lake city of Pokhara and start the drive Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, the rest of your day is free.

Accommodations: Hotel Marshyangdi or Shangri-La Hotel and Resort

Day 11: Explore Kathmandu

You’ll start your day be setting out for the agricultural villages of Bungamati and Khokana on the outskirts of Kathmandu. We’ll return to the city by noon and explore Kathmandu’s greatest landmarks, including prayer-flag laden Boudhanath, and a great stupa Guru Rinpoche swore he’d rebuild should it ever topple.

Accommodations: Hotel Marshyangdi or Shangri-La Hotel and Resort

Day 12: Final Day in Nepal

It’s time to say farewell to Nepal and its amazing people, mountains, and nature. On your way home, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure to this wonderful country. Until the next time!

Accommodations: N/A

Create your OWN Unique Experience

Customizing Your Upper Mustang Trek

Choose from our collection of carefully-crafted adventures, with room to adjust various elements to your liking. Prefer more time exploring Kathmandu, Nepal’s historic capital? An extra day or two enjoying the resort town of Pokhara? Looking to travel on a particular date? No problem. We’ll weave your interests and time frame to create the perfect itinerary for you and your group. When you travel with TEP, we take care of every detail to ensure an extraordinary trip. Click the options below to learn more:

With The Explorer’s Passage, you can choose between a variety of additional activity options in Kathmandu:

  • Day hikes to Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park or Nagarjun Forest Reserve.
  • Short treks to places like Nagarkot or Kakani for panoramic views of the Himalayas.
  • Mountain Biking through the Kathmandu Valley countryside or on trails near Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
  • Cooking Classes: Learn to cook Nepali cuisine with a local chef.
  • Thangka Painting Workshops: Take a workshop to learn the traditional art of Thangka painting.
  • Yoga and Meditation Retreats: Join a retreat in Kathmandu or nearby areas like Kopan Monastery.
  • Bhaktapur: Explore this ancient city known for its well-preserved heritage and architecture.
  • Changu Narayan: Visit the oldest Hindu temple in the Kathmandu Valley.

While in/around Nepal, you can choose to add on one or several of the following:

  • Everest Base Camp Trek: A classic trek offering stunning views of Everest and the Khumbu region.
  • Lumbini: Birthplace of Lord Buddha, featuring ancient temples, monasteries, and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • White Water Rafting:  Experience thrilling rapids on rivers like the Trishuli, Seti, and Bhote Koshi.
  • Chitwan National Park: Explore the jungle on elephant-back safaris, jeep tours, or canoe rides to spot rhinos, tigers, and exotic bird species.
  • Bardia National Park: A remote and less-visited park offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Everest Experience Flight: Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu for close-up views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks.

In addition to their time in Nepal, many travelers choose to add in other destinations to their trips, including (but not limited to) some of the following:

  • India
  • Bhutan
  • Mongolia
  • Cambodia
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Japan

Contact us today to get started customizing your dream trip to Nepal!

Hear what travelers are saying:

5-Star Review Average on TripAdvisor! Read More >
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
Just book with these guys, they are the best and I work in the industry! Had an amazing trip with Explorers Passage. Everyone from the start was so friendly and courteous and this got even better when we arrived in Chile. Guides, drivers and hotel staff were out of the world.
Couple this with the stunning scenery and it’s one of my top vacation ever!”
– Richard B.
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
“Explorer’s Passage made our W trek adventure not only possible but seamless and amazing. It was clear from the start that they had thought of everything – from the transfers to tickets to gear. We were very prepared from all their detailed checklists and training guide. And we knew what to expect from all our pre-trip calls and emails. The level of detail in all they do is remarkable. We were able to enjoy the adventure that much more because we had so much trust in their guidance as well as execution of all those details.”
– Kate W.
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
“My wife and I just got back from Patagonia after completing the W Trek that Explorers Passage had arranged for us. From our first contact with Jeff Bonaldi to our last transfer, our experience was stellar. Jeff guided us through the rather complicated logistics and was very responsive to concerns before and during the adventure. His focus was always on how to make the adventure memorable not on the bottom line for his company. I rarely write reviews but felt compelled to do so because our experience was beyond 5 stars.”
– Steve B.
relax in comfort and luxury

Trip Accommodations

5 Star Accommodations

Hotel Shambala | Kathmandu, Nepal

Hotel Shambala is a Tibetan themed boutique hotel in Kathmandu offering the best in modern amenities with traditional Nepalese hospitality. The hotel’s decor features items that have been sourced locally to support and highlight the craftsmanship of local artisans including hand-knotted Tibetan rugs, hand-embroidered furnishings, thanka paintings and custom hand-made furniture. The hotel also has a roof-top infinity swimming pool with some of the best views of the city and a world class spa. Hotel Shambala is easily one of the best hotels the city has to offer.

Hotel Shambala website

Hotel Barahi | Pokhara, Nepal

Experience Nepali hospitality at its finest with Hotel Barahi Hospitality & Leisure, where exceptional service and stylish comfort come together to offer guests an unparalleled experience in Nepal. At Barahi, every detail is meticulously crafted to ensure a memorable stay, whether you’re enjoying the serene ambiance of our luxurious accommodations or indulging in gourmet dining at our in-house restaurants. Our dedicated staff, renowned for their warm and attentive service, are committed to providing personalized care that makes every guest feel like a cherished part of the Barahi family.

Hotel Barahi website

4 Star Accommodations

Shangri-La Hotel and Resort | Kathmandu, Nepal

At Shangri-La Resorts, we host people to the colourful joys of life and enrich the Mind, Body and Soul. With our warm-hearted and dedicated people, meticulous programming, holistic spa treatments, nourishing cuisine, and unique locations, guests will depart from their stay at Shangri-La Resorts feeling more enriched than when they arrived. You will surely enjoy your stay at the Shangri-La Hotel and Resort.

Shangri-La Hotel and Resort website

Atithi Resort & Spa | Pokhara, Nepal

Nestled amidst the lush forests, snowcapped mountains, and pristine lakes of Pokhara, the Atithi Resort & Spa offers a luxurious combination of local culture, modern architecture, and high-end amenities. Relax in a private jacuzzi, take a dip in a waterfall-laden pool, or indulge in a hot-stone massage at the Arogya Spa before walking to an array of nearby shops and restaurants. Atithi, Nepalese for “guest,” takes service seriously; rest assured, you will be exceptionally cared for throughout your stay.

Atithi Resort website

3.5 Star Accommodations

Hotel Marshyangdi | Kathmandu, Nepal

Hotel Marshyangdi, located in the attractive Thamel
District and close to many city attractions, is owned
and operated by a family from Manang, a mountainous region of Nepal (Marshyangdi means ‘raging river’ in the local Manangi dialect). All rooms are air conditioned with en-suite bathrooms and internet available. The property also features a
relaxing courtyard restaurant, a bar, and a café.
Breakfasts at the hotel are included during your stay.

Hotel Marshyangdi website

During the trekking portion of the adventure, the accommodations will be in tea houses that offer dormitory-style rooms with single and double bunk beds, comparable to many other mountain lodges/huts in other parts of the world.

The tea houses are typically equipped with running cold water and shared bathrooms in a separate section. At most of them, there are propane-fueled hot showers available to use for a small fee. It is usually possible to charge personal electronic devices in the common/dining areas, however they also charge a small fee for this.

we’re always happy to help

Frequently Asked Questions

Travelers need both the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang. These can be obtained through registered trekking agencies in Nepal.

The best time for the Upper Mustang trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is generally clear and stable.

The trek reaches altitudes above 3,000 meters, with some passes exceeding 4,000 meters. Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary to help trekkers adjust to higher altitudes gradually.

Accommodations in Upper Mustang ranges from basic tea houses to more comfortable guesthouses in larger villages like Lo Manthang. Facilities may be more basic compared to other trekking regions.

Upper Mustang is renowned for its Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, and traditional mud-brick villages. Highlights include the walled city of Lo Manthang, monasteries like Thubchen and Champa Lhakhang, and cave complexes.

The trek typically starts with a vehicle transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a jeep ride to Jomsom.

Local tea houses and guesthouses offer basic meals such as dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, and Tibetan bread. It’s advisable to carry some snacks and energy bars as well.

Trekkers should be prepared for remote and rugged terrain, variable weather conditions, and basic medical facilities. It’s essential to trek with a reputable guide or agency who can provide support in case of emergencies.

we’re Here every step of the way

Trip Support

Upper mustang trIP Support

There is no other operator in the travel industry that will provide the same level of personal attention to your travel experience.


More Trip Inspiration:

We look forward to helping you plan your next big adventure!