Upper Mustang Trek
माथिल्लो मुस्ताङ यात्रा- Distance
- 180 km
- Duration
- 14–18 days
- Max Elevation
- 4,010 m
- Best Seasons
- March–November (rain-shadow area - drier than rest of Nepal)
Interactive route map with waypoints. Click any marker for elevation, type and overnight notes. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Distance
180 km
Duration
14–18 days
Max Elevation
4,010 m
Start: 2,720 m
Difficulty
Moderate-Strenuous
Round trip
Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang is Nepal's 'Last Forbidden Kingdom' - a restricted-area enclave on the Tibetan Plateau fringe that remained closed to foreigners until 1992. The former Kingdom of Lo retains its 15th-century Tibetan Buddhist culture almost entirely intact: ancient cave monasteries, elaborately painted gompas, and the walled capital of Lo Manthang, founded by Ame Pal in 1380.
Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, receiving only 200–300 mm of rain annually - making it trekable even in Nepal's monsoon months (June–September).
Lo Manthang's walled city contains the Thubchen, Jampa and Chhoede monasteries - all dating to the 15th century - as well as the royal palace of the Mustang Raja (still occupied).
The 2008 Mustang Archaeological Project discovered 50+ cave complexes with human remains, artifacts and murals dating to 1000 BCE–800 CE, reshaping understanding of Tibetan plateau settlement history.
Waypoints & overnight stops
6 waypoints along the Upper Mustang Trek - elevations, types and trekker notes.
| # | Name | Elevation (m) | Type | Overnight | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jomsomजोमसोम | 2,720 | Town | Yes | |
| 2 | Kagbeniकाग्बेनी | 2,810 | Village | Yes | Entry checkpoint for Upper Mustang |
| 3 | Chele | 3,050 | Village | Yes | |
| 4 | Ghami | 3,520 | Village | Yes | |
| 5 | Charang | 3,390 | Village | Yes | |
| 6 | Lo Manthangलो-मन्थाङ | 3,840 | Town | Yes | Walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo (15th century CE) |
Required permits & fees
All trekkers must carry valid permits. Obtain them in Kathmandu or at designated checkpoints before entering the trek zone.
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
USD 500
USD 500 per 10 days; USD 50/day thereafter. Min. 2 people with licensed guide.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
ACAPNPR 3,000
TIMS Card
TIMSNPR 2,000
About TIMS
The Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card is mandatory for all trekkers in Nepal, issued by the Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal (TAAN) or the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Green TIMS (NPR 1,000) for individual trekkers; Blue TIMS (NPR 2,000) for organised group trekkers. Carry valid photo ID and passport copies.
Highlights
Lo Manthang - the walled medieval capital of the former Kingdom of Lo
Ancient cave monasteries and mandalas carved into cliff faces
Tibetan plateau-like landscape: red, white and ochre eroded badlands
Jhong Cave settlement - 2,500-year-old Mesolithic cliff dwellings
Sky burials and living Tibetan Buddhist culture
Tiji Festival (May) - masked dance ritual at Lo Manthang
Flora & fauna
The Upper Mustang Trek passes through ecosystems that support diverse plant and animal life - from subtropical forests to high alpine zones.
Flora
- Tibetan sage (arid)
- Seabuckthorn
- Tamarisk
- Wild rose
- Buckwheat (cultivated)
Fauna
- Tibetan gazelle
- Kiang (wild ass)
- Grey wolf
- Himalayan snowcock
- Saker falcon
More treks you may like
Upper Mustang Trek FAQ
How long is the Upper Mustang Trek?+
The Upper Mustang Trek is approximately 180 km and typically takes 14–18 days to complete.
What permits are required for the Upper Mustang Trek?+
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit: USD 500. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit: NPR 3,000. TIMS Card: NPR 2,000
What is the highest elevation on the Upper Mustang Trek?+
The maximum elevation on the Upper Mustang Trek is 4,010 metres above sea level.
What is the best season for the Upper Mustang Trek?+
The best seasons for the Upper Mustang Trek are March–November (rain-shadow area - drier than rest of Nepal).
Sources & data note
Permit costs, distances and itinerary data are sourced from Nepal Tourism Board, TAAN, and relevant national park authorities. Elevations are measured and may vary slightly by GPS device. Always verify current permit fees with official sources before departure.
- Nepal Tourism Board - MustangNTB ↗
- Mustang Eco-Cultural Tourism ProgrammeNTNC ↗
- Nepal Tourism Board - Trekkingtouristboard.gov.np ↗
- TAAN - Trekking Agencies' Association of NepalTAAN ↗
- DNPWC - Department of National Parks and Wildlife ConservationGovernment of Nepal ↗
- Nepal Immigration DepartmentGovernment of Nepal ↗