The Upper Mustang Trek Nepal begins in Pokhara and leads into the remote Mustang region. Flying to Jomsom, the route passes Kagbeni, Chele, Ghami, and Lo Manthang, revealing ancient villages, dramatic cliffs, and Tibetan-influenced culture. The journey continues through the barren landscapes of Upper Mustang, rewarding trekkers with panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other Himalayan peaks. Far from Nepal’s busier trails, this trek combines spectacular mountain landscapes, ancient heritage, and unforgettable Himalayan experiences with Monkvana.
ℹ️ Price Information
The displayed price is per person, based on a typical group size of 5–8 travellers. The final price may vary depending on your selected departure date and group size. Please see the Scheduled Departures & Group Discounts section below for available departure dates and applicable group rates.
Trip Overview
The Upper Mustang Trek Nepal is an extraordinary journey into the remote Mustang region of Nepal, combining dramatic Himalayan landscapes, ancient Tibetan-influenced culture, historic monasteries, traditional villages, and the remarkable desert-like scenery of the Himalayan rain shadow. Often known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, Upper Mustang preserves a distinctive cultural heritage shaped by centuries of Tibetan Buddhist traditions, ancient settlements, cliffside caves, and isolated mountain communities. This extended trekking adventure goes beyond the classic route to Lo Manthang, continuing through Yara, Tangge, Tetang, and Muktinath before returning to Jomsom.
The journey begins in Kathmandu with a private airport transfer before travelling to Pokhara, including an exciting Trishuli River rafting experience along the way. From Pokhara, a scenic flight takes you to Jomsom, the gateway to Mustang, where the trek begins through the Kali Gandaki Valley towards Kagbeni. From this ancient settlement, the trail enters the restricted Upper Mustang area and gradually transforms from river valleys and cultivated land into dry plateaus, colourful cliffs, deep canyons, rocky landscapes, and windswept Himalayan terrain.
Jomsom, Kagbeni and the Gateway to Upper Mustang
The trek starts in Jomsom, a historic trading centre in the Mustang region and an important gateway to the upper valleys. From Jomsom, the trail follows the Kali Gandaki River towards Kagbeni, one of the most atmospheric settlements in the region. Its narrow lanes, traditional mud-brick houses, Buddhist prayer wheels, chortens, and ancient monastery provide an impressive introduction to the distinctive culture and architecture of Mustang.
From Kagbeni, the route enters the restricted Upper Mustang area and continues towards Chele. The landscape becomes increasingly dry and dramatic as the trail climbs through barren hills and rocky valleys. Along the way, the trek reaches Chungsi Cave, an important cultural and spiritual site associated with Buddhist heritage, before continuing towards Syangboche.
Syangboche, Nyi La and the Ghami Valley
From Syangboche, the trail crosses the high mountain terrain towards Ghami, passing over Nyi La Pass (approx. 4,010 m / 13,156 ft). This section offers spectacular views across the barren Himalayan landscape, with colourful cliffs, exposed rock formations, and expansive valleys characteristic of Upper Mustang.
The trail then continues from Ghami towards Tsarang via Dhakmar, one of the most visually striking sections of the trek. Dhakmar is famous for its dramatic red cliffs and rock formations, creating a remarkable contrast with the surrounding dry mountain landscape. As the trail approaches Tsarang, trekkers encounter traditional villages, mani walls, chortens, and ancient Buddhist structures that reflect the region’s strong Tibetan cultural influence.
Ghar Gumba, Chogo La and Lo Manthang
From Tsarang, the route continues towards Lo Manthang, stopping at Ghar Gumba, one of the important ancient monasteries of Upper Mustang. The trail then crosses Chogo La (approx. 4,280 m / 14,042 ft) before reaching the historic walled city of Lo Manthang.
Lo Manthang is the cultural heart of Upper Mustang and the historic capital of the former Kingdom of Mustang. Surrounded by barren mountains and high-altitude valleys, the settlement is renowned for its traditional whitewashed buildings, narrow lanes, ancient monasteries, royal heritage, and Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
A full day is dedicated to exploring Lo Manthang, with visits to ancient monasteries, traditional settlements, and nearby cave areas. The excursion provides an opportunity to experience the distinctive cultural heritage that has developed in this remote Himalayan region over centuries.
Lo Manthang to Yara and Tangge
The adventure continues beyond Lo Manthang towards Yara Gaon, following a quieter and more remote section of the Mustang trekking route. The trail crosses Dhi La Pass (approx. 3,950 m / 12,959 ft) before descending towards Yara. This part of the journey introduces dramatic cliffs, eroded rock formations, dry valleys, and ancient cave settlements that are characteristic of the eastern side of Mustang.
From Yara, the trek continues to Tangge, passing through remote Himalayan landscapes far from the more frequently travelled trails around Lo Manthang. The changing terrain, traditional villages, and isolated mountain environment make this section an important part of the extended Upper Mustang experience.
Tangge, Paa (Paha) Pass and Tetang
The route then continues from Tangge to Tetang, crossing Paha Pass (approx. 4,218 m / 13,839 ft). This demanding section passes through rugged terrain, barren mountain slopes, and remote valleys, offering a strong sense of wilderness and isolation.
After reaching Tetang, the landscape gradually changes as the trail approaches the Muktinath area. The journey continues through the high Himalayan terrain while providing changing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Gyu La, Muktinath and Return to Jomsom
From Tetang, the trail crosses Gyu La Pass (approx. 4,077 m / 13,376 ft) on the way to Muktinath, one of Nepal’s most important pilgrimage destinations. Muktinath is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, making it an important cultural and spiritual destination at the conclusion of the high-altitude trekking section.
From Muktinath, the route continues towards Jomsom via Lupra, following the lower Mustang landscape back towards the Kali Gandaki Valley. The changing scenery provides a final opportunity to appreciate the dramatic contrast between Upper Mustang’s dry highlands and the more developed valleys of Lower Mustang.
Pokhara and Kathmandu
After completing the trek, a scenic flight takes you from Jomsom to Pokhara, where you have time to explore the lakeside city and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere after the trek. A buffer day in Pokhara provides flexibility for weather-related flight delays while also allowing additional time for leisure and sightseeing.
The following day, you fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu and have time to explore the capital. Your journey concludes with a farewell and private airport transfer for your departure from Nepal.
The Upper Mustang Trek Nepal combines remote Himalayan landscapes, ancient Tibetan Buddhist heritage, traditional villages, historic monasteries, dramatic red cliffs, cave settlements, high mountain passes, and the culturally significant destinations of Kagbeni, Ghami, Dhakmar, Tsarang, Lo Manthang, Yara, Tangge, Tetang, and Muktinath. By extending beyond Lo Manthang and continuing through the remote eastern Mustang trails, this route offers a deeper exploration of one of Nepal’s most distinctive Himalayan regions.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the Upper Mustang region, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, barren valleys, and snowy Himalayan peaks
- Discover the historic city of Lo Manthang, known for ancient monasteries, royal heritage, and Tibetan culture
- Cross high mountain passes for breathtaking views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and the vast, remote Mustang landscapes
- Experience authentic Tibetan culture in Lo-Manthang, Kagbeni, Ghami, Tsarang, and traditional highland villages
- Enjoy peaceful trekking through remote trails, ancient settlements, and spectacular landscapes of Upper Mustang
- Visit historic monasteries, caves, chortens, and local villages reflecting Mustang's rich Buddhist legacy
- Walk through rugged desert valleys, rocky cliffs, colorful hills, riverbeds, and striking mountain landscapes
- Explore ancient sky caves and hidden settlements revealing the history and cultural heritage of Upper Mustang
- Combine Himalayan scenery, Tibetan culture, ancient history, and high-altitude adventure on an unforgettable trek


















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