Upper Mustang Trek | Discover the Lost Tibetan Kingdom - 16 Days

Duration

16 Days

Activities Alpine Trekking

Difficulty

Moderate Physical training before the tour should begin no later than 2 months before, as you will have a height of 3,000 meters above sea level and more. Hiking is from 6 km daily with an average pace that can be maintained for hours. It is important to have physical fitness & endurance. You will also need the right gear and clothes according to the weather.

Max. altitude

4000m

Best season

March-May, Sep-Nov

Start/End Point

Kathmandu

Accomodation

Tea House

Mountain Range

Dhaulagiri Range

18.75% Off

From ~~$2400~~ $1950

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Overview
Itinerary
Cost
Booking
Reviews

{"time":1731495425930,"blocks":[{"id":"bygDyB3oqX","type":"header","data":{"text":"Upper Mustang Trek Highlights","level":2}},{"id":"k14XGZ7R82","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Lo Manthang: Explore this ancient walled town with royal palaces, monasteries, and traditional\nTibetan homes.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"ro2ftEXJaa","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Kagbeni Village: Start your journey here, known for its narrow streets, historic monastery, and as the\ngateway to Upper Mustang.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"EGl1vF-Whd","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Ancient Monasteries: Visit Thubchen and Ghar Gompa, rich with murals and sacred artifacts.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"D7nSG6Weke","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Kali Gandaki Valley: Trek through a dramatic landscape of cliffs, canyons, and high-altitude desert.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"iNHTwJzGYN","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Tiji Festival: (If in season) Witness this vibrant Buddhist festival with dances and cultural rituals\nin Lo Manthang.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"jHGIMliRJ9","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Mountain Views: Enjoy stunning vistas of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"udj-PW3zAw","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Cave Exploration: Discover mysterious, ancient caves like the multi-level Chhoser Cave near Lo Manthang.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"iyEjWHn6pS","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Tibetan Culture: Experience the unique customs, language, and traditions of the Loba people.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"JPHssuCR7l","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"High-Desert Scenery: Marvel at colorful rock formations and unique landscapes rarely found in other parts of\nNepal.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"OW2oJsOY2o","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Solitude of a Restricted Area: Enjoy a quieter, less crowded trekking experience due to the area’s restricted access.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"zTpdCK8Y0k","type":"header","data":{"text":"Discover the Upper Mustang Trek: A\nJourney into Nepal’s Forbidden Kingdom","level":2}},{"id":"nkC3W4vfrq","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Are you ready to step into a world untouched by\ntime? The&nbsp;Upper Mustang\nTrek&nbsp;is a unique\nexperience that takes you through one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally\nrich regions. Hidden from the outside world until 1992, Upper Mustang offers an\nincredible mix of natural beauty, ancient Tibetan culture, and historical\nsites—all wrapped up in a rugged landscape unlike anywhere else in Nepal.\nHere’s what makes this journey so remarkable, and why you’ll want to lace up\nyour boots for this unforgettable trek."}},{"id":"ZOs6XH_vrG","type":"header","data":{"text":"Lo Manthang: The Mysterious Walled\nKingdom","level":2}},{"id":"NZ8UolHX2c","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Imagine walking through a city frozen in time.\nThat’s&nbsp;Lo Manthang,\nthe ancient walled capital of Upper Mustang. Narrow alleyways, whitewashed\nwalls, and centuries-old monasteries surround you as you explore this cultural\nheart of Upper Mustang. This place feels like a living museum, and it’s easy to\nget lost in its stories:"}},{"id":"qCLybS2jfN","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"King’s Palace&nbsp;– A grand yet humble reminder of the region's royal past.","items":[]},{"content":"Thubchen and Chode Monasteries&nbsp;– Step inside to see intricate murals that date back hundreds\n     of years. Here, Tibetan Buddhist heritage lives on, untouched by the\n     outside world.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"rkxlzGsaSS","type":"header","data":{"text":"Landscapes Like No Other","level":2}},{"id":"UlkaGLBj3l","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The&nbsp;Upper\nMustang region&nbsp;is known\nfor its striking desert-like landscapes, shaped over millennia by the elements.\nYou’ll trek through barren valleys, wind-carved cliffs, and ancient caves, with\ntowering peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri framing the view. The colors of the\nland—reds, ochres, and greys—contrast beautifully with the sky and mountains."}},{"id":"mqpAmw4H70","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Canyons and Cliffs&nbsp;– Marvel at formations that seem to belong on another planet.","items":[]},{"content":"Caves of Chhoser&nbsp;– Some of these caves were used as meditation retreats or homes\n     centuries ago. If you’re up for a climb, exploring them feels like\n     entering another world.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"iG10Hxvfbo","type":"header","data":{"text":"Spiritual Treasures and Monasteries","level":2}},{"id":"b4u_0UEM1X","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"One of the most special parts of&nbsp;trekking in Upper Mustang&nbsp;is connecting with its deep spiritual\nroots. Ancient monasteries dot the landscape, each holding centuries of history\nand devotion."}},{"id":"V5tS6xytUa","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Lo Gekar Monastery&nbsp;– Older than Tibet’s famous Samye Monastery, Lo Gekar is one of\n     the oldest monasteries in Nepal.","items":[]},{"content":"Ghar Gompa&nbsp;– This sacred site has stood for over 1,200 years, and stepping\n     inside feels like touching history itself.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"3NLM1z6jRP","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Take your time in these places. Listen to the\nsilence, look at the intricate murals, and let the tranquility sink in. These\nmonasteries aren’t just tourist spots—they’re living legacies of a spiritual\ntradition."}},{"id":"IuUPYPCN-R","type":"header","data":{"text":"Experience the Tiji Festival","level":2}},{"id":"kOtTVaQDUZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"If your timing’s right, you could witness the&nbsp;Tiji Festival&nbsp;in Lo Manthang. This three-day\ncelebration is a vibrant explosion of color, music, and tradition, celebrating\nthe victory of good over evil. Locals dress in traditional attire and perform\nsacred dances that have been passed down for generations. It’s a glimpse into\nthe rich spiritual life of the&nbsp;Upper\nMustang region."}},{"id":"hbK0022TC3","type":"header","data":{"text":"What Makes the Upper Mustang Trek\nUnique?","level":2}},{"id":"4kLBdq6qkq","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Unlike other treks in Nepal, the Upper Mustang\ntrek isn’t about lush forests or high mountain passes. It’s about immersing\nyourself in a rugged, untouched landscape and a culture that has remained\nremarkably unchanged for centuries. Here’s what sets it apart:"}},{"id":"4_H2jAQpHy","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Cultural Depth: From Tibetan Buddhist rituals to traditional festivals, every\n     day in Mustang brings you closer to an ancient way of life.","items":[]},{"content":"Desert-Like Terrain: The landscapes here are more similar to the Tibetan Plateau\n     than the lush forests of the Annapurna or Everest regions.","items":[]},{"content":"Historical Significance: Known as the “Forbidden\n     Kingdom,” this region was once part of an independent\n     kingdom, and much of its identity reflects this unique history.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"P-kl7I9lgC","type":"header","data":{"text":"Trekking Routes and Alternatives","level":2}},{"id":"Gc_04O2bh-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"There are multiple routes through&nbsp;Upper Mustang, each\noffering its own unique rewards. While most people take the classic route\nthrough Jomsom, there are alternative paths for those wanting a slightly\ndifferent experience."}},{"id":"hpswO7QtfY","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Classic Route: Begins in Jomsom and follows the Kali Gandaki River into\n     Upper Mustang. Ideal for first-time visitors to Mustang.","items":[]},{"content":"Extended Lo Manthang Trek: For those wanting to explore more remote villages or trek\n     further north toward the Tibetan border.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"fHHw5F0Vvq","type":"header","data":{"text":"A Trek Beyond the Physical","level":2}},{"id":"6f-LHDnFVE","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The&nbsp;Upper\nMustang trek&nbsp;isn’t just\na physical journey; it’s a trip through history, culture, and tradition.\nTrekking in this remote region connects you with the essence of a culture that\nis rare in our modern world. Every step on these ancient paths brings you\ncloser to a timeless world where simplicity, spirituality, and natural beauty\nare deeply intertwined."}},{"id":"h4xPsRsWFG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"If you’re looking for a trek that’s more than a\nphysical challenge, if you crave an adventure rich in history and culture, the&nbsp;Mustang Valley Trek&nbsp;is your answer. So, lace up your\nboots, prepare to explore the&nbsp;Ancient\nMustang Kingdom, and step into one of the last untouched vestiges of\nTibetan culture in Nepal."}},{"id":"i4D6v5nA5q","type":"header","data":{"text":"Why choose Contour\nExpeditions for your Upper Mustang trek?","level":3}},{"id":"wH-voE6JAj","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Certified Experienced Guides: Skilled in high-altitude trekking, culture, and terrain for a richer, safer journey.","items":[]},{"content":"Complimentary Airport Transfers: Free airport pickup and drop-off in a private vehicle for added convenience.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"YJX0KeUdLY","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Pre-Trek Online Briefing: Comprehensive online trip briefing provided upon booking confirmation.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"RVAlhIMapB","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Flexible Itineraries: Tailored options to suit your fitness level and preferences.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"y1uOzb8Qjw","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Seamless Logistics: Coordinated permits, accommodations, and transport for a stress-free experience.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"DI0W7MXxZS","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Secure Luggage Storage: Free storage for extra luggage at Contour Expeditions store.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"uERIJ6CCrI","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Authentic Cultural Engagement: Opportunities for immersion in local culture and meaningful experiences.","items":[]}]}},{"id":"ojPnMQwoKE","type":"nestedList","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Dedicated 24/7 Support: Multi-channel communication (Email, WhatsApp, Facebook, Insta, Viber, Skype, Zoom)","items":[]},{"content":"Easy Booking &amp; Payment Options: Smooth reservation and payment process for your convenience.","items":[]}]}}],"version":"2.30.2"}

Itinerary

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Day 1: Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m)

When you arrive in Kathmandu, a representative will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. After you settle in, enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner where your guide will provide an overview of your trek to Upper Mustang. This is the perfect chance to ask any questions you have about the journey ahead.

2-Star Hotel

Includes standard meals ( Breakfast )

Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu (1,350m) to Pokhara (822m) – 7/8 hours

Start your journey with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. As you leave the city behind, you’ll pass through lush hills and along the Kali Gandaki River. After about 7-8 hours, you’ll reach Pokhara, a peaceful lakeside town and a popular base for trekking in Nepal. Take the afternoon to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead - Trekking in Mustang begins soon!

2-Star Hotel

Includes standard meals ( Breakfast )

Day 3: Flight to Jomsom (2,743m) and Trek to Kagbeni (2,804m) – 3/4 hours

Catch an early flight to Jomsom, the gateway to Upper Mustang. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. From Jomsom, you’ll begin your hike along the Kali Gandaki River, heading towards Kagbeni. This village offers a glimpse of the rich Upper Mustang culture. After a 3-4 hour trek, you’ll arrive in Kagbeni, where Tibetan-style homes and prayer flags fill the landscape.