Upper Mustang Trek Guide 2027: Route, Permits, Best Season and Cost

Upper Mustang is a dry, wind-carved region beyond the Himalayan rain shadow, with a Tibetan character. It was closed to outsiders until 1992. The trail leads from Kagbeni to Lo Manthang, the walled capital with its royal palace and temples, passing monasteries, sky caves and cliff dwellings on the way. Our 17-day plan runs from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, with a day to explore Lo Manthang and a different loop back via Dhakmar, Ghiling and Chhusang.

The short version

• Highest point: about 4,200 m (sources give 4,000 to 4,300 m). Lo Manthang is about 3,800 m
• Our trip: 17 days from Kathmandu, about 11 days on the trail, including a day exploring Lo Manthang
• Distance: roughly 150 to 180 km round trip
• Difficulty: moderate. Walking is usually 4 to 7 hours a day; the dry air, wind and cold nights are part of the challenge
• Best seasons: March to May and September to November. Summer is also possible because the region sits in a rain shadow
• Permits: a special restricted-area permit is usually needed, and a licensed guide and at least 2 travellers are normally required
• Our price: from US$2,363 per person, with a 20% deposit to secure the booking

Our 17-day route, day by day

Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (about 1,350 m).

Day 2: Permits and preparation in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Travel to Pokhara (about 820 m).

Day 4: Fly to Jomsom (about 2,720 m), then trek to Kagbeni (about 2,810 m). Kagbeni is the restricted-area gate.

Day 5: Kagbeni to Chele (about 3,050 m).

Day 6: Chele to Syangboche or Geling (about 3,500 m).

Day 7: On to Ghami (about 3,500 m).

Day 8: Ghami to Tsarang (about 3,600 to 3,850 m). Tsarang Dzong is one of the monasteries on the route.

Day 9: Tsarang to Lo Manthang (about 3,800 m). The walled capital, with its royal palace and temples.

Day 10: Exploring Lo Manthang (about 3,800 m). A day for the palace, temples and optional visits to sky caves and cliff dwellings such as Chhoser and Garphu.

Day 11: Lo Manthang to Dhakmar (about 3,800 m).

Day 12: Dhakmar to Ghiling (about 3,550 m).

Day 13: Ghiling to Chhusang (about 3,000 m).

Day 14: Chhusang to Jomsom (about 2,720 m).

Day 15: Fly to Pokhara (about 820 m).

Day 16: Return to Kathmandu (about 1,350 m).

Day 17: Departure.

Altitudes vary by source, so treat them as approximate. Your guide may reorder camps or lodges. The Jomsom flights run in the morning because of afternoon wind and are often delayed, so a spare day is wise before your international flight.

What you will see

Lo Manthang’s royal palace and temples, monasteries such as Ghar Gompa and Tsarang Dzong, sky caves and cliff dwellings, the Kagbeni gate, and a mountain backdrop of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna and Tilicho Peak. The route crosses passes including Yamda La, Nyi La and Chogo La, all at or below about 4,200 m.

How hard is it?

Moderate. Days are dry and often windy, afternoons are strong and nights are cold. Walking is usually 4 to 7 hours a day. Accommodation is hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara and simple guesthouses and lodges on the trail.

Permits you need

You usually need a special restricted-area permit for Upper Mustang, the Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a TIMS card. A licensed guide and at least 2 travellers are normally required. We arrange the permits. Our Nepal trekking permits guide explains each permit in general.

Best time to go

Spring and autumn, March to May and September to November. Summer is also possible, because Upper Mustang is in a rain shadow. The Tiji festival is held in Lo Manthang in spring, and its dates change every year. See our best time to trek in Nepal guide.

What does it cost?

Our 17-day Upper Mustang trek starts from US$2,363 per person, from and to Kathmandu. A 20% deposit secures the booking. Check that your travel insurance covers trekking to the altitude on this trip, medical treatment and helicopter rescue.

Other Himalayan routes

For a longer classic walk, see our Annapurna Circuit guide. For another remote restricted-area route, see the Manaslu Circuit guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need for Upper Mustang?

Our trip takes 17 days from Kathmandu, with about 11 days on the trail, including a day exploring Lo Manthang.

Do I need a special permit?

Yes, a special restricted-area permit is usually needed, with the Annapurna Conservation Area permit and a TIMS card. A licensed guide and at least 2 travellers are normally required. We arrange them.

What if the Jomsom flight is cancelled?

The flight is weather dependent. It runs in the morning because of afternoon wind and is often delayed, so build in a spare day.

What is the weather like?

Days are dry and often windy, afternoons are strong and nights are cold.

When is the Tiji festival?

It is held in Lo Manthang in spring, and its dates change every year.

Ready to plan it? See the Upper Mustang Trek package, or message us on WhatsApp +81 70 2232 4287.