Upper Mustang Trek is located behind the white Himalaya of Nepal. In this trip, you will be trekking to the forbidden kingdom of Nepal. Upper Mustang is connected with Tibetan plateau in the hidden kingdom of Nepal Himalaya.
People and their lifestyle, culture, tradition, caves seen along the trekking trail is different than rest of Nepal. The surrounding of upper mustang region gives plenty of resemblance to Tibet in your trekking to Upper Mustang.
Daily life of people living in upper mustang region is simple, unique and interesting for trekkers. Cattle herd in the afternoon, yaks grazing in the field, horses riding and mules carrying supplies up and down the trekking trails adds different flavor in your upper mustang trekking.
This part of Nepal is geologically located in the Tibetan Plato. Completely deserted area within Nepal Himalaya – serve you taste of Tibetan Landscape.
Difference in between Upper Mustang Trekking vs. Upper Dolpo trek
- Physical Requirements/ Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty
Upper Mustang trekking is somehow similar to Upper dolpo trek in many ways. Landscape, people, culture and tradition of people from Upper region of Dolpo and Upper mustang are similar. In history – during the 6th to 8th century, Upper Dolpo used to be a part of the kingdom of Lho. The Kingdom of Lho used to have its palace at Lo Manthang village. During then, Upper Dolpo was captured by the King of Lho.
This historical proof alone is enough to prove; why upper mustang and upper dolpo are similar?
Both of them are in rain shadow zones of Nepal Himalaya.
There are very few differences between Upper Mustang trek and Upper Dolpo trekking.
Firstly Upper dolpo trekking has very high passes and it is physically demanding trekking in Nepal. Whereas, Upper mustang is an easy trekking in Nepal. Most of the trail in Upper Mustang trek is leveled.
Altitude of the Upper Mustang Trekking does not rise and fall quickly. It has a constant increase on ascend and similar in descent. In case of Upper Dolpo trek, there are two high passes in route. Trekking to Upper Dolpo involves a high pass trek over:- Saldang La pass (4,785m) and Jeng La pass (4,369m). Whereas; highest altitude on trekking to upper mustang is 3840m.
One of the major differences between Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo is trekking is quality of accommodation along the trekking trail.
Upper Mustang trek is a tea house trekking; whereas Upper Dolpo trekking is mixed with Camping trek and home stays. The development of motor-able has made Upper mustang jeep tour possible. But in Upper dolpo there is no road and use of jeeps is not an options.
Upper Mustang has good roads for Jeeps. If trekkers need to be reschedule, it is not an issue. However the upper mustang trekking trail is in the alternative routes. In contrast, Upper Dolpo trek is a remote trekking with no road facility.
Upper mustang starts from 2600 meters and does trek you above 3840m above the sea level. In a day trekking of upper mustang, you need to walk 5 to 7 hours on average. This means, Upper mustang trekking is mostly flat terrain walk. Upper mustang trek is less challenging but outstandingly beautiful.
- Beauty of Upper Mustang Trek
In comparison to the rest of the trekking destinations in Nepal, Upper Mustang Trekking is completely different. From many perspectives, this trek is different type of trekking in Nepal Himalaya. Geographically, Upper Mustang lies near to Tibet. It is a part of the Tibetan plate in Nepal. Mountains of this region are similar to Tibetan dry mountains.
Unlike the trail of Everest base camp, Annapurna Base camp and Langtang valley; Upper mustang has no jungle. But the dry landscape with brown mountains looks awesome. It is a desert in the Himalaya.
But still, interestingly Upper mustang trekking also serves the beauty of snow-capped mountains. You can see Mt Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri mountain range, Annapurna mountain range, to the far end.
This combined view of dry landscape in contrast to White Mountain is an admiring view. Upper mustang trek is not comparable with the beautiful trail of Everest or the famous Annauprna base camp trek.
Landscape is different and also the people we see en route to the upper mustang trek are different. Sherpa’s of Everest are also Tibetans. But People from Upper Mustang have very recent history to prove themselves in relation to their Tibetan ancestors.
Also because of the isolated geological boundary, Upper mustang is still untouched. The culture and tradition of the region is still preserved to its purity.
Are you looking for other trips than Upper Mustang Trekking?
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The Best Time to trek Upper Mustang
Spring and fall seasons are ideal for Upper Mustang Trekking.
It’s better to go on hikes in the area during spring (March to May). The weather starts to warm up. Snow starts to melt. The skies are typically clear. The temperatures is mild. And the stunning vistas of the mountains is unreal.
Upper Mustang trekking is also fantastic during the autumn (September to November). The skies are clear. The weather is dry and stable. This season offers breathtaking vistas of the Mountains.
Spring is warmer than autumn. Although it’s not too cold during the day, it can get cool at night, so bring thick clothing. June & July are the rainy season in Nepal. Thus clouds on top of snow capped mountains might not give a great experience to upper mustang trek. But temperature is at its best in June & July months. For your information – it does not rain in Upper mustang.
Below is a suggested itinerary for Upper Mustang Trek. It can be customized as per your need.
Please note! Upper Mustang is a restricted region; therefore, we need your original passport, to arrange for a special permit – prior to your Upper Mustang trip. Saying that, 2nd day in Kathmandu or early arrival on the 1st day is mandatory for upper Mustang Trek. For more Information, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Outline itinerary for Upper Mustang Trek 18 Days
- Day 1 – Arrival
- Day 2 – Special Permit Preparation day
- Day 3 – Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Day 4 – Drive to Jomsom
- Day 5 – Trek to Kagbeni; 5 hours
- Day 6 – Kagbeni to Chele (3100m); 5 hours
- Day 7 – Chele to Syangbochen (3780m); 6 hours
- Day 8- Syangbochen to Ghami (3520m); 7 hours
- Day 9 – Ghami to Charang (3560m); 6 hours
- Day 10 – Charang to Lo Manthang (3840m), Lo was a state of Tibet centuries ago.
- Day 11 – Rest, sightseeing day at Lo Manthang, visit different Monasteries.
- Day 12 – Lo Manthang to Dhakmar (3820m); 7 hours
- Day 13 – Dhakmar to Syangbochen(3780m); 6 hours
- Day 14 – Syangbochen to Chhusang (2980m); 7 hours
- Day 15 – Chhusang to Jomsom(2743m); 6 hours
- Day 16 – Drive Jomsom to Pokhara
- Day 17 – Drive to Kathmandu by Tourist bus.
- Day 18 – Departure
Download Detailed itinerary Upper Mustang Trek 18 Days
Cost of Upper mustang Trekking– Nepalgram Adventure
S.No. | Luxury | All Incl | Service | |
1 | Cost (in USD $) Details | 2650 | 1630 | 1190 |
2 | Licensed Guide | √ | √ | √ |
3 | Accommodation during trek | Standard | Private | × |
4 | Transportation to trek start point | Private | Shared | Shared |
5 | Shower | √ | √ | √ |
6 | Airport/bus terminal Shuttle service | Private | Private | × |
7 | Hotel at KTM/Pokhara | 5 Star | Standard | × |
8 | Food on trek(BLD) | Unlimited Meal | 3 Meal | × |
9 | Desert | From Menu | Fresh Fruit | × |
10 | Soft drink | unlimited | 1 | × |
11 | Porter | Private | Shared | × |
12 | Company Cap & T-shirt | √ | √ | × |
13 | Dawn Jacket & Sleeping – bag to be returned | √ | √ | × |
14 | Hard drink | Local Brand | × | × |
15 | Warm up hike | √ | × | × |
16 | Farewell party/dinner | √ | × | × |
17 | Buffer day for trek | √ | × | × |
18 | Food in the city | × | × | × |
More destination from Nepal
Explore Nepal with us – to the deep in those nook and corners of Nepal Himalaya. Suggestions other than Upper Mustang Trekking.
Annapurna Conservation Area (46 Trips)
Nar Phu Valley (3 Trips)
Annapurna Base Camp (5 Trips)
Thorong La pass (8 Trips)
Tilicho Lake (2 Trips)
Shivapuri National Park (6 Trips)
Are you wondering why this booking tab is under Departure Dates?
Because, after clicking on this tab, you will be directed to wetravel website and before the payment you will be able to select your favorable dates.
For your information – on booking dates availability
- We offer this Upper mustang Trekking all the year around
- All trips are 100% sure to departures on your selected dates, if not departed we refund your money as our agency policy