Upper Mustang Trek- Ancient Tibetan Kingdom Of Lo Manthang
Upper Mustang Trek offers trekkers with the journey of traversing the historic salt caravan route, once vital for trade between Mustang and Tibet leading to the pinnacle of Upper Mustang, the ancient capital of Lo Manthang. Upper Mustang trekking route lies in north of Annapurna range of Nepal bordering Tibet. Upper Mustang trekking trail also lies in the rain shadow region of the Himalayas creating a unique and dramatic desert landscape throughout the trek.
The Upper mustang historical trek provides you with the majestic sight of Lo Manthang's fortified capital from the lofty Lo-La pass where the towering white-washed walls stand in stark contrast against the stark landscape along with views of towering mountains like Mount Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, Nilgiri range, Tukuche peak and so on, evoking a sense of awe. Step through the off the beaten path and town gate into a world of wonder, where narrow alleyways beckon, adorned with hidden chortens and intricate prayer wheels lining the walls. Witness the pastoral charm as herds of livestock meander through the ancient streets, returning from the fields to seek shelter within the city walls. Discover the allure of Lo Manthang's landmarks, including the regal palace and venerable monasteries like the 15th-century Thugchen Gompa. Trekking in upper mustang with Attentive Holiday Tours culturally immerses you in the rich tradition of Tibetan Buddhism practiced by the locals of Lo Manthang.
The Upper Mustang Trek best time is during spring and autumn seasons as other trekking in Nepal. These seasons provide trekkers with the best overall condition for trekking such as favourable weather, terrain and landscape and excellent views. Upper mustang trekking during spring from March to May offers vibrant, colorful trails wirth wildflowers and Rhododendrons adding scenic beauty. The pleasant spring days provides you with mild temperatures. And in the autumn season from September to November, the days get sunnier and brighter with temperature becoming moderate. The weather becomes very stable with dry trails and you get the best crystalp-clear views of the Himalayas which is perfect for photography. The best time for the Upper Mustang trek also features festivals like Dashain, Tihar and Tiji festival which adds into the Upper mustang trek cultural insights.
Upper Mustang Trek package is a moderately challenging trek into the rain shadow region of northwestern Nepal bordering Tibet in the Annapurna region. Upper Mustang trek difficulty is considered moderate in contrast to other difficult treks like the Upper Dolpo Trek. Upper Mustang Trek duration is of 14 to 17 days which is a longer trekking itinerary taking you to desert like dry and rocky terrain of the rain shadow valley of Mustang. You need to hike for 5 to 7 hours daily along dry, rocky and barren terrain which is dramatic like the desert which takes you to the Upper Mustang trek maximum altitude of 3,800 meters near Lo Manthang. Trekking in Upper Mustang exposes you to lower elevations compared to the Everest Base Camp trek. Since the trek lies under the 4,000 meter elevation the Upper Mustang Trek altitude sickness has a lower risk compared to the Dolpo Circuit Trek.
The Upper Mustang Trekking route lies under the protected region of the Annapurna conservation area and is also listed as a restricted area beyond Kagbeni which ultimately requires you to trek with Upper Mustang trekking guide and porter. Solo trek in Upper Mustang is strictly prohibited and trekking with licensed trekking guide and porter is mandatory due to its restricted area status. You should always hire a licensed trekking guide through a government registered trekking company here in Nepal for your safety and overall experience. Due to the status of the trekking trail as restricted and protected region, you are required Upper Mustang trek special permits for your legal trekking experience in the Kingdom of Lo. The Upper Mustang trek permits are the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the TIMS card. Upper Mustang trek permit cost is annually fixed for the whole year unlike the Manaslu restricred area permit (MRAP).
Trekking in upper Mustang features teahouse accommodation as the region is fairly remote, historic and restricted. Upper Mustang trek accommodation mainly consists of basic teahouses and local lodges throughout the trekking route. However, near Kagbeni and Lo Manthang the two famous stops in this trek, you can find standard and luxurious hotels. The teahouses are cozy, comfortable and hospitable with warm and rich traditions of the local people. You are offered with hearty and energy filled foods such as local and Nepali meals like Daal Bhat, Butter Tea, Thukpa as well as western meals like noodles, eggs, breads, sandwiches and so on.
Explore the enigmatic realm of Upper Mustang region with our captivating Upper Mustang trekking itinerary of 17 days, unveiling the mystique of the ancient Buddhist kingdom known as Lo. Nestled within the rugged terrain, Lo boasts a rich heritage intricately entwined with Tibetan culture, language, and geography, harkening back to its roots in the Tibetan empire. Join us at Attentive Holiday Tours on an excursion through this ancient and magical Mustang trekking destination as we also provide valuable information about the Upper Mustang trek packing list as well as the Upper Mustang trek safety tips.
Pack your bags today for journeying to the Upper Mustang trekking region with Attentive Holiday Tours for an unforgettable experience of the Mustang Tour 2026. Trek in the Upper Mustang restricted area, through ancient monasteries, discover hidden caves, pass by the longest Mani Wall and spend the night at the capital Lo Mangthang all within the Upper Mustang trek package of 17 days.
Upper Mustang Trek Highlights
- Experience a guided tour of Kathmandu's most famous landmarks.
- Take in the scenic beauty on a journey from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back.
- Embark on a trek through the historic Kingdom of Lomanthang.
- Discover numerous ancient caves.
- Traverse several low-altitude mountain passes.
- Marvel at the breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna Himalayas.
- Explore hidden and ancient monasteries and palace ruins
- Immerse yourself in the rich local culture through various village tours
Upper Mustang Trek Best Time
Similar to every other Trekking in Nepal, the best season for Upper Mustang Trek is during the seasons of Spring and Autumn as these seasons provide you with the most favourable conditions, weather and experience into the high altitude regions.
During the spring season from March to May you can experience vibrant and colorful trails as wildflowers and Rhododendrons bloom. You can trek on pleasant days of spring providing you with temperatures of 15°C to 20°C and the colorful scenery which adds beauty to the entire trail. You can also witness the festival of Tiji during spring which adds to the Upper Mustang Trek cultural insights.
The autumn season from September to November comes with crisp visibility since the monsoon rain clears the environment from dust and haze. The days get sunnier and brighter and the temperature becomes moderate. The weather becomes very stable with dry trails. You get the best views of the Himalayas during Autumn which is the Upper Mustang Trek best time. This season is best for visibility and photography. The temperature normally ranges from 10°C to 18°C during autumn. You can also witness Dashain and Tihar which are the two biggest festivals of Nepal during October.
How Difficult Is Upper Mustang Trekking?
The Upper Mustang Trek is of moderate difficulty. It involves trekking in the rugged high altitude terrains of the rain shadow region in the Annapurna region. Throughout the trek to Lo-Manthang, you hike for 5 to 7 hours every day through rocky, dusty, exposed trails with steep ascents and descents along with some gradual paths. Upper Mustang trek is of longer trekking duration of 14 to 17 days unlike the shorter Annapurna base camp trek requiring you to hike through steeper ascents and descents. The trek reaches its maximum altitude at Lo Manthang at the elevation of around 3,800 meters from sea level which has lower risk of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Upper Mustang Trek difficulty is of moderate grade requiring you to trek in the restricted area of Mustang rain shadow valley.
What Are The Permits Required In Upper Mustang Trek?
The Upper Mustang Trekking route lies in the Annapurna Conservation Area and also is listed as a restricted area from Kagbeni and onwards. Hence you required the following Upper Mustang trek special permits for trekking in the Kingdom of Lo.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
This permit provides you entry into the protected region of the Annapurna Conservation Area. This permit directly supports the preservation of biodiversity and local development in the trails of Annapurna. The ACAP will cost you NPR 3,000 per person.
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
This permit allows legal entry into the restricted area of the upper Mustang route from Kagbeni and above. It costs USD 500 per person for the first 10 days in the restricted area. Additionally if you stay for more than 10 days, then you are required to pay USD 50 per extra day as an extra charge.
TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card
The TIMS ( Trekker’s Information Management System ) card is another permit required in the Upper Mustang Trekking. You can get the TIMS card in Kathmandu or Pokhara which costs you NPR 2,000 per person and is used for safety tracking.
Upper Mustang Trekking Guide And Porter
The Upper Mustang Trekking trail lies under a protected region of the Annapurna conservation area and is also listed as a restricted area beyond Kagbeni. Hence, Upper Mustang trekking guide and porter are mandatory due to its restricted area status. You cannot do the Upper Mustang solo trek as it is a restricted area requiring at least 2 people to even issue the restricted area permit (RAP). You can hire a licensed trekking guide through us, a government registered trekking company here in Nepal for your safety and overall experience. A licensed trekking guide and porter will enhance your experience during the trek as they break the language barrier, instill knowledge in you about the culture and history of the local people as well as navigate you safely throughout the entire hike. Porters will make your life easy during your hike through the rocky and rugged terrain of the rain shadow with deep ascents and descents as they carry your heavy baggage of gears, equipment and clothing ensuring you have a smooth and memorable experience. The cost of hiring a licensed guide is around USD 25 to 30 and for porters is USD 20 to 25 per day.
At Attentive Holiday Tours, a registered trekking company in Nepal with 15 + years of experience, we will provide you with a team of licensed, experienced and reliable licensed guides and porters who are local to the area so your experience can be authentic and which also gives back to the community for your Upper Mustang Trek.
Upper Mustang Trek Accommodation And Food
Upper Mustang trek accommodation mainly consists of basic and local teahouses and lodges. Since the region is a remote trekking area the facilities are basic but clean and comfy. During your stay at the teahouses which are family run, you have a common dining area with a stove for warmth and socialization and also offers authentic cultural immersion experience into the daily life of the Lo people who follow Tibetan Buddhism. You can find standard and a bit luxurious hotels in the more developed town or area during the trekking route in Kagbeni and Lo Manthang with proper facilities and amenities. In the teahouse you can find hot water, Wi-Fi and charging but it mostly comes with an extra charge. Trekking in Upper Mustang offers you food which is simple, hearty and made to fuel long days of walking in a high-altitude desert environment. Most teahouses and lodges provide Nepali and Tibetan food that is meant to give you energy, warmth, and comfort after a long day on the trails such as Daal, Bhat, Thukpa and in bigger villages you can find meals such as Noodles, Pasta, Eggs, Butter tea, Sandwiches and so on.
What Is The Risk Of Altitude Sickness In Upper Mustang Trek?
The risk of altitude sickness in Upper Mustang Trek is lower as the elevation gain is not that extreme compared to during Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. The highest point in your trek in the Upper Mustang region takes you to around 3,800 meters elevation at Lo-Manthang, the Kingdom of Lo. Upper Mustang trek altitude sickness is of low probability, making it one of the safest high-altitude treks in Annapurna region of Nepal due to abundant rest and acclimatization days.
The risk of altitude sickness is minimal but not completely zero. In case you aren’t well rested with enough hydration and food as fuel for your body, you will feel nausea, vomiting, dizziness, loss of appetite which are symptoms of altitude sickness. The key to minimizing the risk of altitude sickness is following proper diet and hydration and ensuring that your body is well rested with proper acclimatization. Gradual ascend is also very important as your pacing also plays an important role in minimizing the risk of altitude sickness in Upper Mustang trekking.
Why Choose Upper Mustang Trek With Attentive Holiday Tours ?
Embark on Upper Mustang Trek this 2026-2027 season on the journey to the rain shadow region of Nepal behind the Himalayan massif to the Kingdom of Lo with Attentive Holiday Tours and Travel. We at Attentive Holiday Tours and travel have been providing service for the last 15 years, excelling in showcasing the heaven Nepal truly is. We are officially registered with the Department of Tourism Ministry, government of Nepal, affiliated to Tourism Organizations. Experience unfiltered and raw Himalayan wilderness, ancient caves, Tibetan Buddhism culture, ancient and hidden monasteries along with palace ruins with our customizable Upper Mustang trek itinerary.
