12 Days Upper Mustang trek from Pokhara

The Upper Mustang Trek is rated moderate and suitable for trekkers with basic fitness and past trekking experience. Although it is not as high as places like Everest Base Camp or Manaslu, it also has its own challenges because of the arid terrain, high desert, and remote location.

Trail Conditions

In general, the trails in the upper Mustang are well marked, but have different levels of difficulty depending on the part:

• Stony and rough walks that have to be treaded.
  Thin ridges and plateaus of the deserts, which may be subjected to powerful winds.
• Several crossings of rivers and suspension bridges.
  Sharp uphills and downhills in some of the areas along passes such as Nyi La and Ghami La.
• Trekkers are expected to be good at traversing rough ground, as there are places without protective ridges that require careful balance and footing.

Daily Walking and Duration

• Hiking takes 4-5 hours a day, which is not very strenuous even for ordinary people.
• Some of the walks take more days, up to 6/7 hours, especially when heading to Lo Manthang or the high crossing.
• The speed gives time to appreciate the landscape, visit villages and get used to the place.

Altitude

The trek reaches its highest point at 3,820 meters in Lo Manthang. This is not high enough to cause serious altitude-associated effects (such as high-altitude headaches, fatigue, and dyspnea); however, without proper acclimatization, trekkers can have some mild symptoms associated with high altitude. These risks are reduced through gradual ascending and rest days.

Physical Challenges

• Needs strength to withstand several days of walking on a rough surface.
• Requires leg strength to climb uphills and descend downhills.
• Balance and stability in the core are necessary to navigate the rocky ridges and desert trails.    Trekkers must also be willing to walk long distances (several hours a day) with a backpack on, and they may need to be exposed to wind, dust, and sun.

To have a safe, enjoyable experience, it is important to be well prepared. This incorporates both physical training and mental preparation.

Physical Preparation

• Cardiovascular exercise: Running, brisk walking, cycling or climbing stairs to develop stamina to walk over long distances every day.
• Strength training: Pay attention to the legs, core, and back to overcome hilly and downhill terrain, and to carry a backpack. Squats, lunges, planks, and step-ups are highly recommended exercises.
• Practice hikes: Use a loaded backpack when climbing stairs or local hills to simulate real trekking conditions. Increase the distance and height gradually to enhance endurance.

Mental Preparation

• Be ready to be isolated in primitive villages and have few modern conveniences.
• Lower the standards of dusty paths, limited services, and dry ground, which may be psychologically difficult for novice trekkers.
• Get flexible and patient, and of course since due to wind or unpredictable weather, a flight to Jomsom or back can be postponed.
• Learn to think positively, since the journey will have long stretches with no people, which will require self-motivation and a strong sense of self.

During the Upper Mustang trek, food and drinking water are important elements for a comfortable trek. Tea houses and lodges do offer different types of food along the route of Upper Mustang. The teahouses offer various Nepali dishes and Tibetan food, including Thukpa, momos, tsampa (roasted barley flour), and dal bhat. These dishes are typical Nepali foods you can find anywhere. You can get many breakfast options too. Porridge, pancakes, boiled eggs, and tea biscuits are examples. As you walk towards higher altitudes, food becomes a little more expensive because there is a poor transportation system and limited food supplies. A few lodges may offer limited meal options. However, trekkers are advised to avoid meat for digestion at high altitudes.

Drinking water is another important element for the Upper Mustang trek. Some teahouses sell mineral water but it gets expensive as you walk at higher altitudes due to a lack of transportation services. For a more budget-friendly option, you can use reusable bottles or tap water with purification tablets or filters. Some teahouses and lodges offer boiling water for a low cost, which is safer than tap water. Staying hydrated is very important to prevent higher altitude sickness. Whether trekkers are hiking high altitudes or low altitudes, they must drink at least 3-4 liters of water every day.

Food and water are also available in Upper Mustang, but prices can be high. So, it is better to carry energy bars, snacks, water and extra food products during the trek.

Accommodation and Acclimatization on the Upper Mustang trek

Accommodation along the Upper Mustang trail mainly consists of well-maintained tea houses offering private or twin-sharing rooms with simple yet comfortable facilities. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, trekkers stay in quality 3 to 4-star hotels that provide comfort and modern amenities. In Jomsom, travelers may upgrade to a 4-star hotel for an additional USD 40 to 60 per room, while in Lo Manthang, limited luxury lodge options are available at an extra cost of approximately USD 120 per room, providing better heating, superior dining, and enhanced comfort.

For acclimatization, to avoid altitude sickness, you need to stay one day and one night in Lo Manthang. Trekkers have to trek for 12 days, which requires proper acclimation, even though the trek is not as tough as the Everest Base Camp. Your body needs to adjust to low levels of oxygen by taking rest and staying hydrated. Some trekkers like to go on short hikes to acclimate their bodies to the altitude and stay flexible during the trek. You should plan procedures with proper knowledge of altitude sickness symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, and nausea, for a safer, more adventurous journey to Upper Mustang.

There is a power shortage in remote areas of Upper Mustang. Most of the village has a limited electricity supply, generated by small hydropower sources and solar panels. Power supplies vary from place to place. At higher altitudes, electricity is very limited because the infrastructure is limited. Trekkers may have to pay extra for electricity services, such as phone charging; some teahouses provide charging stations for electronic devices. Trekkers are advised to carry their own power banks or solar chargers at all times as a power source for cameras and phones. It is difficult to find power access during this trek. Places like Kagbeni, Tsarang, and Lo Manthang have a chance to have electricity, unlike other places along the trekking route.

In Upper Mustang, internet services have improved over the past few years. It would be better if you bought a local SIM card with a data package. It will be beneficial to have internet access via mobile networks such as NTC and Ncell, as some locations have good network coverage, but most remote villages have poor, unstable network coverage. However, internet connections are more stable than in other areas of Lo Manthang. Along the journey, some teahouses and lodges do offer wifi for a fee, but the signal can be unstable, especially during bad weather.

Altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) is the feeling found when your body cannot adapt to the reduced oxygen level in the higher altitudes. It is among the greatest health concerns on excursions such as the Everest Base Camp -Chola Pass -Gokyo route, where the altitudes may go up to 5,000 meters. The disease may manifest itself as a mild symptom or a life-threatening disease unless it is diagnosed and treated adequately.

Symptoms

• Mild AMS: Headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, anorexia, insomnia. These symptoms occur above 2500-3000 m and are usually relieved by rest, hydration and slower ascent.
• Severe AMS (High-Altitude Cerebral or Pulmonary Edema): Continuous vomiting, confusion, dyspnea even at rest, tachycardia, and edema of the hands, feet or face. Severe AMS is an emergency and needs to be addressed immediately.

Prevention

Prevention of altitude sickness is much about time, hydration and diet. Key strategies include:

• Slow ascendancy: Adhere to the principle of climbing up high and sleeping down low; do not go higher than 300-500 meters every night after 3000 meters. Rest days or acclimatization halts in strategic spots, which include Namche Bazaar, Dingboche and Gokyo.
• Hydration: Consume 3-4 liters of water each day. Symptoms of altitude are aggravated by dehydration. Excess alcohol and caffeine should be avoided because they dehydrate and disrupt sleep.
• Diet: Small, regular meals with a high carbohydrate level are recommended to keep the energy level high and help with acclimatization. One should avoid heavy meals that are greasy.
• Physical pacing: Do not rush to climb speedily; maintain a constant moderate rhythm. Slow walking also assists the body in adapting and minimizes the chances of AMS.

Medication and Emergency Measures:

• Acetazolamide (Diamox) can be used either to prevent or cure AMS by a doctor. It acts by assisting the body to acclimatize quickly, although it must be administered under the care of a doctor.
• Dexamethasone may be administered in case of severe cerebral symptoms, again under medical supervision.
• Oxygen therapy: Portable Oxygen could be used during emergency situations, particularly in high camps.

The most appropriate treatment of severe AMS is immediate descent. Symptoms can be radically improved even several hundred meters down.

Further Advice to Trekkers:

• Keep track of your health and be mindful of the minor symptoms. Shortness of breath, fatigue, or headache should not be excluded.
• When in low altitudes, sleep. It is advisable not to climb right after an activity without taking a break.
• Hike under the supervision of a guide or other people who are already familiar with the route and the difficulties in altitude. High altitude solo trekking is dangerous.

The ideal group size for the Upper Mustang trek is 2 to 6 people. The trekking, transportation, and personal preferences depend upon the size of the group for the Upper Mustang trek. A smaller group of people will be easier for lodging arrangements and meal easier. It also makes it easier to communicate with porters and guides; it also improves acclimatization. A large group will be harder to manage; splitting the money might cost less, but it will be more difficult to manage lodges, guides, and porters in a remote area. Solo trekking is not allowed without the authorities’ permission.

It is strongly advisable to hire a guide and porter for the Upper Mustang Trek, particularly because it is small and remote. The services offered include Taan-qualified guides and porters who have been trained in navigation, first aid, and the local culture. Guides handle permits and cultural knowledge, assist in finding historical and religious sites, and ensure safe travel in the rugged landscape.

Porters are equipped with large backpacks, which help reduce the physical challenges, allowing trekkers to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery. They are accustomed to working on rocky paths, desert plateaus, and narrow ridges, and they are safe and efficient. An average guide costs between 35-50 each day, and a porter 25-35 each day, including food and board. The benefit of employing locals is that, besides an improved trekking experience, the practice also boosts Mustang’s economy, not to mention that it gives trekkers a safer, more culturally enriching experience.

Reaching Upper Mustang is an adventure in itself, offering a blend of dramatic landscapes, remote mountain roads, and scenic flights. Travelers can access Jomsom or Kagbeni by bus, jeep, or flight, depending on budget, comfort, and time constraints.

Bus to Jomsom

Taking a bus to Jomsom is a budget-friendly way to reach the Upper Mustang region. Typically, you start with a bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes around 6 to 8 hours, followed by a bus from Pokhara to Jomsom via the Pokhara–Beni–Marpha–Jomsom route, taking approximately 9 to 11 hours. The total overland journey is roughly 15 to 20 hours, depending on road conditions and stops. This option offers scenic views of rivers, cliffs, and the Himalayan foothills while giving travelers a chance to experience local life. However, the roads can be rough and bumpy, which may make the ride tiring before starting the trek. Seasonal factors like the monsoon or winter can also affect bus availability.

Luxury Bus Kathmandu to Pokhara and Back

For a more comfortable overland option, luxury tourist buses operate between Kathmandu and Pokhara. These buses feature sofa seats, free water, Wi-Fi, blankets, cookies, and tea or coffee. Two stops are made for breakfast and lunch, approximately 25 and 40 minutes each. The journey takes around 6 to 8 hours, covering the distance between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and costs about $20 USD per person per trip. Buses depart early morning at 7 am and in the evening at 8 pm from both Kathmandu and Pokhara, providing flexibility for travelers.

Normal Tourist Bus Kathmandu to Pokhara and Back Normal tourist buses are also available for budget-conscious travelers between Kathmandu and Pokhara. These buses make two stops for breakfast and lunch, each around 30 minutes, and provide water during the trip. Departures are typically at 7 am and 7 pm from both Kathmandu and Pokhara. The cost per person is approximately $10 USD, and while the amenities are simpler than those of luxury buses, this remains a reliable and economical way to travel before continuing on to Jomsom or other Mustang access points.

Jeep to Kagbeni

Hiring a jeep to Kagbeni offers a faster, more flexible way to begin the Upper Mustang trek. Private jeeps can be arranged from Pokhara or Jomsom, taking approximately 8 to 10 hours depending on road conditions. Kagbeni is a popular starting point for trekkers heading into Mustang. Jeep travel is more comfortable than bus travel and allows scenic stops along the way, such as at Marpha village. The drawbacks include higher cost, rough road conditions, and weather-dependent availability.

Flight to Jomsom and Back

Flying to Jomsom is the fastest and most convenient way to reach the Mustang region. Flights from Kathmandu to Jomsom take around 30 to 40 minutes, with return flights taking a similar duration. Early morning departures are recommended due to wind conditions that can cause delays or cancellations later in the day. This option saves significant time and energy, making it ideal for trekkers with limited days. Limitations include higher costs, limited seat availability during peak trekking seasons, and reliance on weather conditions.

Flight to Pokhara & Back to Kathmandu

Flying to Pokhara and continuing overland or by flight to Mustang is another flexible option. Domestic flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara take about 25 minutes, offering scenic views and saving several hours compared to road travel. From Pokhara, travelers can take a bus or jeep to Jomsom or Kagbeni, or catch a connecting flight to Jomsom if schedules allow. This method reduces long road travel from Kathmandu while providing multiple transport choices. Downsides include slightly higher costs, coordination of connections, and potential weather disruptions for mountain flights.

When flights from Pokhara to Jomsom are canceled due to weather, travelers can opt for a private jeep from Pokhara to Jomsom as a reliable alternative. This scenic overland journey covers approximately 160 kilometers, passing through Beni, Tatopani, and Marpha, and offers stunning views of deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, alpine valleys, and traditional Mustang villages. The drive takes around 8 to 10 hours, depending on road and weather conditions, and costs about USD 400 per private jeep for up to 7 people, making it a practical and comfortable backup option during flight disruptions.

Flying is the quickest and most convenient way to reach Upper Mustang, particularly for those with limited time. The short mountain flight from Pokhara to Jomsom covers 68 kilometers in just 20 to 25 minutes, costing approximately USD 125 per person one way. Due to small aircraft size, baggage allowance is limited to 15 kg for check-in luggage and 5 kg for hand carry. Kathmandu to Pokhara flights operate almost every hour, take about 25 minutes, and cost around USD 100 per person one way, with a baggage allowance of 20 kg check-in and 5 kg hand carry. However, flights to Jomsom are highly weather dependent due to strong winds and cloud cover, especially in the afternoon. Most flights operate only in the early morning, and delays or cancellations are common. In such cases, tickets can usually be rescheduled for the next day, or travelers may return to Pokhara by road.

Lo Manthang is the cultural heart of Upper Mustang, where Tibetan Buddhist traditions remain deeply rooted. The most famous celebration is the Tiji Festival, held in May, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil through vibrant masked dances performed by monks in the royal palace courtyard. The Yartung Festival, celebrated in August, features horse racing, archery, and traditional sports, highlighting Mustang’s strong equestrian culture. Losar, the Tibetan New Year, usually observed in February or March, is marked by religious ceremonies, family gatherings, and festive rituals. Throughout the year, local village festivals further enrich the cultural experience, reflecting agricultural cycles and spiritual practices.

Upper Mustang, historically known as the Kingdom of Lo, remained an independent monarchy until its integration into Nepal in 1951. The royal palace in Lo Manthang still stands as a powerful testament to this legacy, and the former king, the Lo Gyalpo, continues to command cultural respect among local communities. The region’s prolonged isolation has preserved its ancient architecture, language, Buddhist traditions, and way of life, making Upper Mustang one of the most culturally authentic destinations in the Himalayas.

Upper Mustang trek is usually safe because the people of this region are known for their kind and friendly nature. There are very few chances of theft and criminal activity. For more safety of trekkers, Trekking is only permitted in restricted areas with permit documents and a registered guide. The guide helps trekkers if any trouble or in emergencies. To avoid any health issues during trekking, you need to have proper acclimatization and drink water to stay hydrated.
You need to carry a first aid box. The weather in the Mustang region is unpredictable so you can carry extra clothes and your required things like an extra power bank, clothes, snacks and toiletries.

The 12-day Mustang trek is a restricted trek in Nepal. You need to have the following permit with you during the trek:

Restricted Area Permit (RAP) – Mandatory for Upper Mustang region beyond Kagbeni

• Fee: US $50 per person per day
• Issued only via a registered trekking agency Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – Required for trekking in the Annapurna Conservation Area
• Fee: NPR 3,000 (~US $30) per person, valid for the entire trek

Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card – Required for safety tracking and rescue purposes

• Usually arranged by your trekking agency

Guide Requirement – Trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide and a minimum of two people per group

Documents Required

• Valid Passport – Minimum 6 months validity from the date of entry
• Nepal Tourist Visa – Available on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or from Nepali embassies abroad
• Passport-sized Photos – Typically 2–4 photos for permit applications
• Trekking Itinerary – Submitted by your registered trekking agency
• Travel Insurance (recommended) – Covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation

Money Exchange

Before starting the trek, it will be better to exchange money. You can easily exchange money in Pokhara because there are very few money exchange services along the upper Mustang trek. You can also exchange your money easily from ATMs or banks. ATMs provide affordable exchange rates for currencies like USD, EUR, and GBP. As many teahouses and lodges do not accept digital payment or foreign currencies, you need to carry Nepalese currencies. It is necessary to have enough NPR cash in hand.

Travel Insurance

Each trekkers are suggested to have travel insurance as the upper Mustang region is remote and does not have any advanced medical facilities. There are only a few health posts which is located in Jomsom and Lo Manthang. Helicopter evacuation may be needed in a situation of serious illness. If the insurance is not done then it can cost you thousands of dollars. you need to carry your insurance information and emergency contact during trekking.

Clothes

• Base layer jacket
• Down jackets
• Sweaters
• Full sleeve t-shirt
• Trekking pants
• Waterproof jacket
• Gloves

Footwear

• Trekking boots
• Socks
• Slippers and comfortable sandals

Sleeping equipment

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad

Accessories

• Trekking poles
• Duffel bag
• Lamp
• Water bottle
• Bag pack(for snacks and sleeping bag)
• Water purification filters or tablets
• Camera
• Suncream and body lotion
• Sunglasses

Personal belongings

• First aid
• Toiletries (brush, soap, toothpaste, face wash)
  snacks(energy drink,chocolate bars,potato chips)
  Cash(NPR) 25-30k NPR
• Power banks
• Extra bags(for carrying extra things)

1. Cancellation by the Guest

• 30 days before departure: Complete reimbursement except for the bank transfer fee.
• 10 days before departure 30% of the entire trip cost is refunded.
• Five days or less before departure there will be a 50% refund.
• There won’t be any additional fees or postponed costs if you have to cancel your trip at the last minute.
• After the trek begins no refund will be made for any reason (e.g., personal illness, injury, or early return).

2. Cancellation by the Company

You have the following options if the trek is canceled due to any events, natural disasters, or political unrest:

• Get a complete reimbursement of the trip price.
• Change your trek to a later date.

3. Cancellations Due to Weather or Flight Delays

• We will try to reschedule your trip at no extra cost. If necessary, your trekking area will be modified.
• If you decide to cancel, you will receive a full refund of 30% of the total cost of your trip, excluding service fees for transportation, hotel reservations, and permits.

4. No-Show Policy

If the guest unexpectedly fails to show up on their stated departure date,
there will be no refund.

5. Travel Insurance Requirement

It is strongly advised to have complete travel insurance that covers medical emergencies,
evacuation costs, lost gears and trip cancellations.

1. Advance Payment & Booking Confirmation

• A 30% down payment of the total trip cost is required to reserve your spot.
• The remaining amount can be paid when you get to Kathmandu.
• Another option is to pay the full amount up front.
  To complete the reservation, you must send:
• The reservation fee
• A digital version of your passport
• Extra information that is needed which contains an emergency contact or travel insurance information.

2. Payment Methods

• We offer a range of payment options for your convenience:
• Online Payment: To make a safe online payment, use the payment gateway on our website.
• Debit/Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, and other payment methods are accepted (a 4% bank service charge applies). Send funds directly to our bank account via bank or wire transfer(Transaction fee).
• Cash or Check: You have an option to pay with cash or a check if you have already arrived in Kathmandu.

3. Final Payment

The remaining 70% of the total cost of the trip must be paid before you leave. You have three
options for payment when you get there: cash, a card, or even a bank transfer.

4. Booking Modifications & Rescheduling

• Please give us at least 30 days’ notice if you must change the date of your trek.
• Depending on the circumstances, date adjustments may be contingent upon availability and additional fees.

5. Travel Insurance Requirement

Every trekker needs to have full coverage travel insurance that covers evacuation, high altitude
medical emergencies, trip cancellations and delays.

6. Last-Minute Booking

You can make a last-minute booking up to 48 hours before departure for the trek. But during peak months like September to November, it may not be available.
It is highly recommended to book in advance to have  availability.