The most fascinating trans-Himalayan Experience.
Past the tallest Himalayan peaks of Annapurna Range, along the northern border with Tibet, lies Upper Mustang, a high-altitude desert in Gandaki Pradesh featuring multi-colored gorges, lush oases, ancient caves, fossils of ammonites (Saligram) that lived between 400 million and 65 million years ago, enchanting gompas, prayer flags, and striking red fortified monasteries.
Mustang refers to the arid, Tibet-like region at the northern end of the Kali Gandaki, known to its residents as Lo. The early history of Lo is shrouded in legend, myth, and mystery, but records of events in Lo date back to the 8th century. The landscape resembles the Tibetan plateau, characterized by endless expanses of yellow and gray rolling hills eroded by the wind. The lower part of Upper Mustang features red-fluted cliffs made of tiny round stones cemented together by mud. Villages are several hours apart and appear in the distance almost like mirages; during the summer, green oases emerge in the desert-like landscape after the crops are planted.
The Upper Mustang trek in Nepal provides a unique trans-Himalayan experience. It leads to the "Last Forbidden Kingdom" of Lo Manthang and entails a journey through a semi-arid desert landscape with striking rock formations, deep ravines, and snow-capped peaks. You'll experience the rich Tibetan Buddhist culture of the region, with monasteries, prayer flags, and whitewashed settlements.
The Upper Mustang Trek explores the hidden world of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Mustang. It doesn't get much more remote than this. Due to its inaccessibility, Mustang has long been shielded from mass tourism and is now recognized as the last bastion of traditional Tibetan culture. Situated far from the more populated areas and in the heart of the wilderness, trekking the Upper Mustang reveals one of the most fascinating regions of the Himalayas, enriched by a long, rich, and complex history.
The trek usually starts with a flight or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and sometimes to Jomsom. It then follows a trek to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang. The trail goes along the Kali Gandaki River valley, passing through villages like Chele, Syangboche, Ghami, and Tarang before reaching Lo Manthang.
The Upper Mustang trekking route is a part of a restricted area. Mustang maintained its separate principality status until 1951. After opening to foreigners in 1992, this beautiful place quickly gained popularity among tourists, leading to organized treks visiting the region. However, visitor numbers remain limited, averaging fewer than 1,000 per year. In this way, solo trekking is not allowed. You must have at least two (2) people in a group and obtain permits through Nepal's registered trekking company. A special license is required for the Upper Mustang. It costs around USD 500 for 10 days and USD 50 for each additional day if needed. You'll also need an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit and a Trekking Information Management System (TIMS). The overall cost of the trek can range from USD 1800 for standard trekking to USD 3600 for jeep tours per person.
Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate-level trek in the Annapurna Range of the Himalayas. While remote and secluded, the trekking trails in this area are not challenging. The path is typically broad and spacious enough for vehicles to pass through.
Trail Mania Trekking (TMT) offers all-inclusive standard trekking and jeep tour packages in the Upper Mustang Region, Nepal's most unique trekking region. Depending on your accommodation type, our packages can provide a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway. Leave the planning to us; we’ll cover all the details to ensure your dream trip becomes a reality. You can relax and focus on creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.
Suppose you have time to stay in Nepal a little longer after trekking. In that case, we can arrange additional excursions such as a Chitwan jungle safari tour, a Lumbini, Pokhara, Nagarkot tour, or rafting. If your itinerary does not include visiting Kathmandu's UNESCO World Heritage sites, we can arrange a sightseeing tour before or after your trekking experience.
