Upper Mustang Trek

Explore the Full Guides

Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The landscape is dry and exposed, with deep valleys, cliffs, and villages shaped by Tibetan Buddhist culture. It is also a restricted area, so permits, transport, and guide arrangements need to be sorted before the trek. These guides cover the practical details that matter for planning the trip.

How do I train for the Upper Mustang Trek?

The walking is not technical, but you should be ready for dry, rocky trails, steady climbs, and long descents. Altitude, strong afternoon winds, and the lack of shade can make the walking harder than the distance suggests. Start 6 to 8 weeks before departure with hill walks, stairs, and regular leg exercises. Add a few longer weekend hikes so you are used to spending most of the day walking.

Fitness & Training Guide

Prep window: 6 to 8 weeks before departure
Weekly focus: Hill walks, stairs, and longer hikes
Strength work: Squats, lunges, step-ups, and core exercises 2 to 3 times a week
Endurance goal: Build up to full hiking days with sustained climbs and descents

Travel Insurance

Check that your policy covers medical treatment and helicopter evacuation in Upper Mustang, including trekking in a restricted area.

Nepal Visa Guide

How visa on arrival works at Kathmandu airport, including the documents, fees, and arrival process.

Permit Rules

Upper Mustang requires a restricted area permit in addition to the Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit. Find out what is required and how the permits are arranged.

Weather by Month

How temperature, wind, rain, snow, and visibility change through the year, and why afternoon wind is an important part of trekking in Mustang.

Lo Manthang Guide

What to see inside the walled city, including the monasteries, old buildings, and nearby villages.

Extra Costs & Tipping

Other expenses to plan for, including food, accommodation, transport, permits, charging, and guide and porter tips.

Solo Travel Guide

The current guide and permit requirements for travelling in Upper Mustang, plus what to consider when arranging the trek without a group.

Upper Mustang Trek: Complete Guide

The trek follows the Kali Gandaki Valley north from Jomsom toward the Tibetan Plateau. The route passes through Kagbeni, Chele, Syangboche, Ghami, and Tsarang before reaching Lo Manthang, the historic walled city and former capital of Mustang. After exploring Lo Manthang and the surrounding villages, the route returns south through the Mustang valleys to Jomsom. The full guide covers the itinerary, best time to trek, difficulty, altitude, permits, transport, Lo Manthang, local culture, food, accommodation, gear, and cost.

★★★★★

verified reviews

Fantastic Experience

Mountain World Treks are the best. I have just finished my third trek with Sali and the team, this time to Upper Mustang. Accommodation, food and organisation was wonderful. The trek was completely different to the others I have completed – EBC and ABC. Everything went like clockwork and I wouldn’t hesitate to use Sali and Mountain World Treks again.

Janelle

Brisbane Region, Australia

something unexpected

Upper Mustang was completely different from what I had imagined. I expected mountains, but I didn’t expect this kind of landscape. It almost like a desert. The first few days I was taking photos of everything because every corner looked snew. By the time we reached Lo Manthang I had stopped taking my camera out every five minutes and was just enjoying walking around. The villages were my favorite part. We met some very friendly local people and stayed in simple lodges where dinner was usually the best part of the evening. Not a luxury trip at all, but that wasn’t why I came here.

Leong Jun

Singapore

Second trek with mountain world treks

Me and my friend recently completed a trek to the restricted Upper Mustang region of Nepal. we had a really good time. This was actually my second trek in Nepal with Mountain World Treks. Both times I used the company, everything was well arranged and we didn’t have to worry much about the planning. The whole trip went smoothly, from the start of the trek to the end. Upper Mustang is a very different part of Nepal and I really enjoyed the landscapes. I’m glad I decided to come back to Nepal and do another trek with the same company.

Thanks to my guide Dinesh for looking after me throughout the trek and the Mountain World Treks team for organising everything. I would definitely use them again for my next trip to Nepal.

Pauline

Melbourne, Australia