Upper Mustang Trek (3810 m)

Geography

What shapes Upper Mustang geography is its place in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The result is that it gets very little rainfall, making it one of Nepal’s driest regions. It is high altitude desert terrain with scoured cliffs and high cliffs and deep canyons cut by the most abraded features of wind and time.

The trek runs along the Kali Gandaki River whose gorge, cut by the river between Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, is the deepest in the world. There’s plenty of Shaligram fossils here which are considered sacred to Hindus and evidence that this region was underwater millions of years ago.

Mostly barren arid land, rocky plateaus and near steep ridges, but very small patches of farmland around villages. Where irrigation is possible, locals grow barley, buckwheat and apples. To face the rough climate, these villages are built on terraced slopes; and the houses are of mudbrick.

At 3,840 meters, it sits surrounded by barren hills and distant snow capped peaks. Dhakmar is red cliffs of grey desert with a surreal contrast. Millions of years ago, the geology that gave shape to the region forced the Kali Gandaki Valley to be a sea bed, making the area once underwater.

Due to the influence of the Tibetan Plateau, Mustang is cold and dry with the strong winds that play a role in shaping your landscape. There is little vegetation and no rainfall and small patches of barley fields and apple orchards are found around villages.

The trek is a crossing of different high passes which includes Taklam La (3,624m), Dajori La (3,735m), Lo La (3,950m) and others is a thrilling landscape of Mustang. Erosion is constantly changing the land which produces the strikingly steep cliffs and deep gorges.

Muktinath

One of Nepal’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, Muktinath fetches Hindu and Buddhists pilgrims in search of spiritual freedom at 3,710 meters. Though the Upper Mustang Trek itinerary doesn’t usually include Muktinath, trekkers can always take a deviation to indulge in this added excitement and visit the temple on Day 15 during the route from Chhusang back to Jomsom.

From the Sanskrit word Mukti, meaning liberation and Nath, a lord, Muktinath represents the Lord of Liberation. It is one of the eighty eight Divya Desams, sacred temples, dedicated to Vishnu that grant moksha (freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth) for Hindus. 

The complex contains 108 water spouts (Mukti Dhara) for the bath of pilgrims for the purpose of cleansing of sins, two sacred ponds (Mukti Kunda and Saraswati Kunda) for rituals of purification.

Muktinath is known among Buddhists as Chumig Gyatsa, ‘Hundred Waters’ and this one of 24 Tantric places where Guru Rinpoche meditated. Tibetan Buddhists associate the temple with the Bodhisattva one Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion and believe that visit to Muktinath brings spiritual awakening and karmic purification.

The most remarkable feature is in fact eternal flame (Jwala Mai) which has burned for centuries because of the underground emission of natural gas. With its pagoda style of temple, prayer wheels, mani walls and chortens it is adorned with a spiritual significance mixture of Hindu and Buddhist tradition.

Besides that, Muktinath is known for its Shaligram fossil fishes which lie along the shore of the Kali Gandaki River and are considered by Hindus as holy manifestations of Vishnu. Whether coming for the blessings of the gods or to marvel at the geological wonders of the region, Muktinath offers up a spiritual, historical and cultural destination of resonance for all those who make a pilgrimage there.

Lo Manthang The Kingdom of the Himalayas

That grand walled city, of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang, stands at 3,840 meters preserving the glory of the ancient Kingdom of Lo. Day 10 takes us from Charang to Lo Manthang over the Lo La Pass (3,950m) from where you can enjoy the first wide view of the town.

Lo Manthang is so named, because it was the capital of the Lo Kingdom which flourished from the 15th century until its unification with Nepal in 1789. Strategically situated on the Salt Route, an ancient trade road linking Tibet and Nepal, the city was at the heart of the Tibetan trade network and a major centre for religion and Tibetan culture.

Inside its mud brick walls, Lo Manthang still retains its medieval distinction with narrow alleyways, traditional style houses and old monasteries. To the center of the city goes the Royal Palace built in the 15th century and to be seen as a symbol of Lo king’s rule. Thupchen Gompa standing atop the city with its intricate murals and sacred relics is but one of four monasteries in the city.

Tibetan Buddhism has a deep presence in Lo Manthang and scattered through are prayer wheels, mani walls and chortens. But, one of the most important events is the annual Tiji Festival, bearing masked dances and rituals which is supposed to drive away evil spirits and bring prosperity.

Mystical it is indeed, the cliffs surrounding the city are red, the canyons are deep and hidden inside cave monasteries hide a part of the city. Enjoy the bold views of the Himalayas, explore its cultural heritage, religious significance or experience its breathtaking scenery while strolling through Lo Manthang, a living museum of Tibetan traditions.

Best time for Upper Mustang trek

Upper Mustang has a cold desert climate and is dry, windy and with wide temperature fluctuations between day and night. It is one of Nepal’s driest regions because it’s in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges and receiving little rainfall. 

The land is plateaus of rock and gorges deep and cliffs high, all wind and time worn. A river, the Kali Gandaki, runs through the valley to create the world’s deepest gorge. Mustang used to be under sea millions of years ago, the fossilized seabeds and Shaligram stones along the river prove.

Wind also causes problems too, afternoon winds, particularly in Jomsom and the Kali Gandaki Valley, make progress there difficult and the early morning is the best time for treks. In even the warmer months nights are freezing so proper layering is required. There are few water sources for Mustang, so trekkers need to carry water for drinking daily. 

Mustang’s high altitude desert terrain lacks vegetation, but there is plenty of contrast in the landscape with Mustang’s red cliffs of Dhakmar, Mustang’s longest mani wall in Ghami and ancient cave monasteries in Chhoser. By learning about those weather patterns and geographical difficulties, trekking is ready for one of Nepal’s most amazing and challenging undertakings.

What season is the best? Month by Month breakdown

Upper Mustang is the coldest in January. Daytime temperatures fall between 5°C till 10°C and nights reach -10°C and below. Higher places will experience snowfall and will be tough to trek. Extra preparation is necessary when strong winds and icy trails make many tea houses close for the season.

It stays cold in February, but is a little bit warmer than January. During the day it is 6°C to 12°C and in the evening -8°C and -5°C. It might still be snowing on high passes, trekking, under such circumstances, being difficult.

Spring starts in March. Daytime temperatures are 14°C to 20°C and nights are a frosty -7°C to -1°C. The landscape is a barren one, but the skies are clear, the wildflowers bloom, adding color. One of the best months of the year to trek is this.

Stable weather and mild temperatures come in April. It is cool, with daytime highs of 16°C to 22°C and night time lows of -5°C and 2°C. Trekking is comfortable on dry trails and May is the month for the famous Tiji Festival.

It’s warm in May but windy. Temperatures during the day are between 18°C to 24°C and between 0°C to 5°C during nights. Strong afternoon winds also make trekking difficult.

Upper Mustang is the warmest in June. The temperatures at the daytime averages to 20°C to 25°C, while the nights range from 5°C to 10°C. And dust storms are common, with strong afternoon winds making visibility difficult.

Mustang stays mostly dry, but it’s part of the monsoon season in July. During the day the temperatures are from 18°C to 23°C, nights are from 8°C to 12°C. Trekking can be uncomfortable with dust storms.

The weather is generally warm and dry like July to August. On sunny days daytime highs will be in the 20°C and nights 1°C to 15°C.

From September, this is the best trekking season. Temperatures during the day are between 15°C and 22°C dropping to 2°C and 8°C at night. The Himalayas are gorgeous as the skies are clear.

Trekking is most stable in October. Temperatures at daytime vary from 12°C to 20°C and from 0°C to 6°C at night. The trails are all in top condition and the cultural atmosphere is alive.

Colder temperatures are in November. Daytime highs are generally 10°C to 15°C, but nights will fall to -5°C to 0°C. Late November may also bring snowfall that makes high passes difficult.

It’s cold and harsh in December. Daytime temperatures fall between 5°C till 10°C and nights reach -10°C and below. Trekking is made difficult by snowfall and strong winds.

Packing list

Category	Items
Tops	Base layers, fleece jacket, insulated jacket, waterproof jacket, long-sleeve shirts, short-sleeve shirts
Bottoms	Hiking pants, thermal trousers, waterproof pants, lightweight trekking shorts
Footwear	Trekking boots, wool socks, cotton socks, sandals for tea houses
Headgear	Woolen hat, sun hat, neck gaiter, sunglasses with UV protection
Gloves	Lightweight gloves, insulated gloves, waterproof gloves
Sleeping Gear	Sub-zero sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, inflatable pillow
Backpacks	Daypack for essentials, duffel bag for porters, dry bags for clothes
Trekking Gear	Trekking poles, headlamp with batteries, gaiters, emergency whistle
Water & Food	Reusable water bottles, hydration pack, water purification tablets, energy bars, electrolyte powder, dried fruits
Toiletries	Biodegradable soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products
Miscellaneous	Passport, trekking permits, power bank, notebook, pen, map, guidebook, sewing kit, multi-tool knife, extra batteries

How Difficult is the Upper Mustang Trek?

Upper Mustang trek is of moderate to difficult grade mostly because of high altitude desert terrain, low lying windy zone and long hours of trekking. Though technically non challenging, the trek is steep, the weather can be unpredictable and trekkers must be prepared for altitude sickness. 

Oxygen levels reduce and so, altitude sickness may occur in climbs going up to 4,200 meters. If trekkers ascend too quickly without proper acclimatization symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and nausea can occur. Several highest points require gradual acclimatisation to avoid complications at altitude.

Mustang’s landscape lacks the lush trails of the Annapurna Circuit, dry, rugged and windswept, it appeared to be a more Tibetan Plateau. Unlike urban adventures, trekkers navigate steep ascents and descents from rocky ridges, barren plateaus and deep gorges. 

Daily trekking time approximates 5 to 7 hours of good stamina and endurance. In the rain shadow of the Himalayas, Upper Mustang receives very little rainfall but daily afternoon winds and dust storms. 

The winds can be fierce, making trekking from Jomsom or up the Kali Gandaki valley hard work, with less visibility and more fatigue. Months of the cold winter (December to February) are very extreme, while summer months (June to August) are very extreme too though there are no monsoon rains.

Upper Mustang Trek can have its challenges, but it is doable as a trek for anyone who’s average fits. No technical mountaineering skills are required but long walking hours and adaptation to altitude and endurance are needed. Proper preparation should allow trekkers to complete the journey.

Physical Preparation for the Upper Mustang Trek

High Altitude terrain, strong wind and long trekking hours makes the Upper Mustang Trek challenging for a strong physique. Though technically non challenging, the trek is steep, the weather can be unpredictable and trekkers must be prepared for altitude sickness.

To accomplish a 5 to 7 hour daily trek across rugged landscape, it is imperative that trekkers build cardiovascular endurance. Running, cycling, and swimming are all good activities which strengthen the heart and lungs so that you will take in the better amount of oxygen when you are at high altitudes. 

Along with a great cardio endurance system, leg strength is also needed for trekking those steep inclines and paths covered in rock. Squats, stair climbing and lunges boost muscle endurance and make those long trekking days a little easier.

The treks have a maximum altitude of 4,200 meters and good acclimatization is essential to avoid altitude sickness. Anybody wanting to go trekking should spend time at moderate altitudes before the trek, keep hydrated and maintain a steady pace so the body adapts slowly to lower oxygen levels. Trekkers should also master breathing techniques to keep an eye on oxygen taken in and prevent their persistence.

This is where comfort comes from when going trekking. By doing yoga and stretching exercises, we increase mobility and decrease risk of muscle straining and joint pain. A strong core is equally as important as a strong ‘core’ of hikers, as a strong core will stabilize posture and help prevent lower back pain at the end of a long hike.

As important is the mental preparation. It’s mentally draining working in remote landscapes, in barren terrain, with strong winds. While, meditation, visualization and toughening themselves up with gradual exposure to challenging hikes, develop their mental resilience and stay focused and motivated trekkers.

Altitude Sickness and Preparation for the Upper Mustang Trek

Altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness AMS is a common problem for trekkers travelling above 2,500 meters altitude which Upper Mustang climbs up to a maximum of 4,200 meters. Headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue and shortness of breath can, if not managed seriously, become high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE).

The best remedy to avoid altitude sickness is slow acclimatization. Those who settle on being trekkers should climb gradually so their bodies can accommodate lower oxygen. As a general rule, you don’t want to gain more than 500 meters altitude per day and take rest days at higher elevations. The body needs to adapt and predicating on water is crucial, drink three to four liters of water a day.

Physical preparation is of extreme importance in altitude adaptation. Running, cycling, swimming are cardiovascular exercises that improve efficiency of oxygen and strength training builds the endurance required of the long trekking hours. Use of breathing techniques can also control how and how much you breathe at high altitudes.

There are some pre trek diet and lifestyle adjustments you can make to assist with the climb. Consuming high carb meals should help you to keep sustained energy and avoiding alcohol and caffeine before during the trek will stop you from becoming dehydrated. Some trekkers do take Diamox (Acetazolamide, a medication which speeds up acclimatization) under medical supervision.

Early symptoms should be recognized and acted upon promptly. The best remedy to altitude sickness is to go down immediately. Always be prepared for emergencies by carrying a bottle of altitude sickness medication, oxygen support and a first–aid kit.

Upper Mustang Trek Permit Costs for Nepalese, SAARC Nationals, and Foreigners

Due to its restricted area status the Upper Mustang Trek also requires special permits to travel into the area, in order to help maintain the unique culture and environment. Permit costs differ by nationality, as of 2025.

Foreign Nationals:

• Restricted Area Permit: Pricing is $500 per person for the first 10 days and then $50 per extra day.
• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): At $30 per person.

SAARC Nationals (India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Pakistan and Afghanistan)

• Restricted Area Permit: For $100 per person ten days including, $10 per day over.
• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): $8 per person.

Nepalese Citizens:

• Restricted Area Permit: NPR 1,000 per person.
• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): NPR 100 per person.

Trekking alone is strictly not allowed. All trekkers must go with at least two people with a licensed guide.

Why is Solo Trekking Prohibited in the Upper Mustang?

Due to the restricted area status of Upper Mustang, solo trekking is strictly forbidden and guarantees safety, cultural preservation and environmental protection. This regulation is imposed by the Nepalese government for security, the responsible tourism and integrity of Mustang’s ancient heritage.

Border security is one of the main reasons for that restriction. Being a sensitive region, Upper Mustang shares a close border with Tibet. To stop illegal crossings and illegal acts, the government compels all travelers to use only registered trekking agencies and with a registered guide.

Another important bit is safety. Upper Mustang is remote, rugged terrain with few inhabitants, little infrastructure and poor emergency services. It’s high altitude desert trekking and you’re basically solo and face strong winds, unpredictable weather and altitude sickness. Guides are necessary in case you want to navigate properly, to get automatic emergency assistance and to adapt to such conditions.

The trekking regulations also have a cultural function. Ancient monasteries, cave settlements and Tibetan tradition left untouched for centuries makes Mustang its home. Solo trekking is restricted in order to control tourism impact, in an effort not to allow access to sacred sites not authorized and to allow for visitors to respect local customs.

Moreover, these regulations also are reinforced in the permit system. By doing this, every visitor abides by local laws and follows Mustang’s sustainable tourism model. 

Solo trekking is allowed in Lower Mustang, but to protect its unique culture, its fragile environment and its historical significance you need a guide in Upper Mustang. Nepal’s last forbidden kingdom can only be visited by trekkers who are in groups of at least two and must travel with a licensed guide.

Why is Upper Mustang a Restricted Area?

Being located in close proximity to the Tibet/China border, Upper Mustang constitutes a restricted area because of historical, cultural, environmental and security reasons. Because Nepal’s Tibetan heritage is ancient, its ecosystem fragile and its geopolitical stability tenuous, the government has strict regulations in place to protect them.

Upper Mustang was a historically independent kingdom closely affiliated with Tibet and, for centuries, an important trade route. One of the last places where Tibetan culture is so pure the monasteries, cave dwellings and centuries old murals remain untouched. To guard against mass tourism destroying its traditions access is tightly controlled, permits are required and trekkers are guided only.

It is restricted and the border security factor is a factor that it plays. The Nepalese government keeps tight control due to its close proximity to Tibet which they don’t want people undertaking illegal activities. The permit system also measures up well on the indicator of border tensions, it ensures that all visitors are tracked and monitored.

Another key reason is the environmental preservation that it creates. Such an arid, high altitude desert landscape is very fragile with few water and very sensitive ecosystems. Without restrictions tourism may result in habitat destruction, pollution and a general degradation of the area’s cultural heritage.

Moreover, the permit system allows the controlling of tourism, limiting the number of trekkers allowed to visit to the region each year only. This approach, one controlled by rangers, will take the edge off the tourists and prevent overcrowding in Mustang and should allow visitors to experience Mustang’s pristine landscapes and spiritual heritage without harming its fragile balance.

Festivals of Upper Mustang: A Celebration of Culture and Spirituality

In May, the Tiji Festival takes place in Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang and marks the win of good against evil. Monks from Chhode Monastery dedicate three days to symbolic dances that tell how Dorje Jono battled demons to restore the world to peace. The practice is strongly linked to Vajrakilaya, where monks must go on a three-month retreat before performing it. The big event on the final day is throwing the Tsampa (barley flour) which signifies pushing out evil.

Summer ends in the region with the August gathering known as the Yartung Festival. The community is most famous for its exciting horse races, where everyone can enjoy seeing how they ride. The festival is held for three days, the first for the king, the second for monks and the third for the villagers. Mustang people come together for archery, folkloric dances and gatherings where everyone shares food.

February or March sees the celebration of Tibetan New Year which the Losar Festival is commonly known by. Gutor Rituals involve families preparing effigies which they burn to free themselves from any bad luck experienced last year. Thubchen Gompa and Jampa Lhakhang organize Dukar ceremonies, where monks basically pray for safety and success. Colorful prayers flags hang from homes, stupas and roofs at this time of year, showing a fresh start.

Apart from the big celebrations, the Upper Mustang area still holds seasonal ceremonial meetings in Ghar Gompa, Luri Gompa and a few other monasteries. During Drubchen, people give butter lamps, burn juniper and recite the texts contained in the Kangyur, supporting the area’s faith. There are orchestrated village-style Archery Festivals, where locals introduce their ancient traditions and team up with musical instruments and performances.

Sustainable Trekking in Upper Mustang: Preserving Culture and Nature

Nepal’s Upper Mustang, once closed to outsiders, is a sensitive habitat that holds a lot of cultural traditions. Since more people are coming to trek in this area, we must use sustainable practices to ensure the ancient monasteries, lovely landscapes and culture here remain unchanged.

A major part of sustainable trekking is helping to protect the environment. The soil and vegetation in the Mustang region at high altitude are especially vulnerable because there is very little water. 

Hikers should pack out everything they bring, avoid any plastics they can do without and choose eco-friendly items for their treks. If you buy refillable bottles and use water purification tablets, you help reduce litter and by staying in local teahouses, you assist the local economy.

Following local cultural practices is a necessary part of living there. Over the years, the people of Mustang’s villages and monasteries have carried on Tibetan Buddhist customs and trekkers should treat those encounters with respect. Keeping dress respectful, asking before snapping photographs of anyone and joining in local ceremonies sensibly support the culture’s traditions.

Local guides and porters are hired for outdoor adventures to help the community. Several trekking firms use guides from elsewhere, but hiring Mustang-born ones helps keep the money spent by tourists in the region. Supporting workers with fairness and good treatment during treks helps make trekking more responsible.
You should pick the right season as well when planning sustainable trekking. March-May and September-November are the best months to trek, helping the environment because the ground is more secure and food is abundant. Not trekking in winter eases the burden on local business people who help visitors.