Upper Mustang Trek 15 Days

The Upper Mustang Trek with Everest Destiny Treks takes you deep into the restricted region of Upper Mustang—a high-altitude desert once known as the Kingdom of Lo. This trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a short mountain flight to Jomsom, the administrative hub of Mustang. From there, the journey follows the Kali Gandaki River through arid valleys, wind-eroded cliffs, and centuries-old villages.

The trail passes through culturally rich settlements like Kagbeni, Chele, and Syangboche before reaching the dramatic red canyons near Ghami and Tsarang. The route leads to Lo Manthang, the ancient walled capital, known for its monasteries, royal palace, and Tibetan-style homes. Along the way, trekkers walk through unique terrain shaped by harsh winds and see sky caves carved into cliffs that date back thousands of years.

Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, making it a great destination even during the monsoon months. The region is home to the Lopa people, whose culture, language, and customs are closely tied to Tibetan Buddhism. The trek offers close-up views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, as well as opportunities to walk through quiet villages where daily life continues much as it has for generations.

This is a lodge-to-lodge trek that combines dramatic Himalayan landscapes with the preserved traditions of a once-forbidden kingdom.

We suggest carrying essential clothing and gear for your trek. While you may have personal preferences, below is a basic packing guide. Porters will carry your baggage, but weight per trekker should not exceed 9 kg. You may store excess luggage at Everest Destiny Trek at no charge during the trek. Since one porter carries baggage for two trekkers, we recommend packing shared duffle bags of at least 60 liters capacity.

Head:

• Sun hat with wide brim
  
• Warm beanie for cold weather
  
• Neck gaiter or buff for sun protection and warmth
  
• Lightweight headlamp with adjustable light settings
  
• High SPF sunscreen
  
• Lip balm containing SPF
  
• UV-protected sunglasses
  
• Facial cleansing wipes

Upper Body:

• Quick-dry t-shirts (short and long sleeves)
  
• Thermal base layers for cold conditions
  
• Fleece jacket and insulated down jacket
  
• Lightweight puffy jacket for extra insulation
  
• Waterproof and windproof outer jacket (such as Gore-Tex)
  
• Rain jacket
  
• Breathable, lightweight long-sleeve shirt
  
• Four pairs of polypropylene underwear

Hands:

• Warm insulated gloves or mittens
  
• Waterproof gloves for wet weather

Lower Body:

• Quick-drying pants or trousers (convertible or full length)
  
• Insulated pants for colder temperatures
  
• Lightweight cotton trousers
  
• Thermal leggings or long underwear for warmth
  
• Two pairs of thermal trekking pants

Feet:

• Four pairs of thick wool or synthetic moisture-wicking socks
  
• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with ankle support and good grip (broken in)
  
• Sandals for camp use or crossing streams
  
• Gaiters to protect against mud, water, and debris
  
• Crampons or spikes

Toiletries:

• Eco-friendly bar soap
  
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
  
• Medium-sized towel for drying
  
• Sanitizing wipes or hand sanitizer
  
• Toilet paper in a sealed Ziplock bag
  
• Feminine hygiene products
  
• Travel-sized shampoo
  
• Nail clipper
  
• Small mirror

Backpacks:

• Large duffle bag (60+ liters) for porters (one bag shared between two trekkers)
  
• Personal daypack or backpack (20-30 liters)

Accessories:

• Collapsible and lightweight trekking poles
  
• Water bottle or hydration bladder with at least 2 liters capacity (preferably insulated)
  
• Water purification method (tablets, filter, or UV purifier)
  
• Sleeping bag rated for -10 to -15 degrees Celsius

Extra Items:

• Camera or smartphone with extra batteries and memory cards
  
• Spare batteries or power bank for charging electronics
  
• Two-pin plug adapter
  
• Basic first aid kit (band-aids, antiseptics, painkillers, Diamox)
  
• Necessary personal medications (inhalers, allergy medicine, etc.)
  
• Passport-sized photos
  
• Copies of your passport
  
• Notebook and pen
  
• Binoculars
  
• Swiss army knife or multi-tool with scissors and can opener

You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, where our representative will greet you. On the day the trek begins, around 7 am, we travel by tourist bus from Kathmandu to Pokhara.

We recommend arriving in Kathmandu by 3 pm at least one day before the trek starts to allow time for last-minute preparations.

Airport Pickup and Drop-off
We offer free pick-up and drop-off services at Kathmandu’s TIA. Upon your arrival, our representative will be waiting at the arrival gate holding a sign with your name. You will be transferred to your hotel in a private vehicle. Similarly, at the end of your trip, our team will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport.

Accommodation Details

This 15-day trek includes 12 nights staying in lodges throughout the trekking route and two nights in a hotel in Pokhara. You will stay in the best available lodges, with 10 nights in rooms with attached bathrooms at Kagbeni, Jomsom, Syangboche, Ghami (2 nights), Tsarang, Lo Manthang (2 nights), Chhusang, and Muktinath. Two nights will be in standard twin-sharing rooms at Samar and Chele.

In Pokhara, you will stay 2 nights in a hotel with attached bathrooms, TV, 24-hour hot water, electricity, and laundry services.

Please note, two nights in Kathmandu (before and after the trek) are not included in the package. Kathmandu offers a wide range of hotels catering to all budgets.

Note: Lunch and dinner in Pokhara are not included.
Hot showers and Wi-Fi at lodges or teahouses may be available for an additional charge.

Meals

Proper nutrition is important at high altitudes. We provide nutritious, tasty, and hygienic meals in hotels and lodges along the trek, though options narrow as the elevation increases.

This package includes 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 13 dinners.

Popular menu items include:

• Breakfasts: Oatmeal, corn flakes, French toast with jam, butter, cheese, honey, Tibetan bread or chapati, local tsampa porridge, eggs, pancakes, muesli, breads, fruits, vegetables, hot drinks (tea, coffee, hot chocolate).

• Lunches: Dhal, bhat & tarkari (lentils, rice, vegetables), Tibetan bread, soups, Sherpa stew, steaks, sandwiches, momos (dumplings), macaroni dishes, tenduk, spaghetti noodles, thukpa, pasta, vegetable curry, potatoes, salads, pizza, snacks (papad, prawn), desserts (rice pudding, apple pie).

• Dinners: Similar to lunches, with the addition of Korean ramen, hard drinks, and steak options.

We recommend fresh vegetables and hot liquids such as lemon, green tea, ginger tea, and garlic soup at higher elevations.

While non-vegetarian dishes are available, we advise caution due to meat quality concerns. We also suggest limiting dairy, alcohol, caffeine, and hot chocolate during the trek.

Note: Lunch and dinner in Pokhara before flying to Jomsom are not included.
All personal expenses like alcoholic drinks, hot/cold beverages, and other extras at lodges or cafes are not covered in the package.

Weather plays a key role when planning a trek to Upper Mustang. People trek here throughout the year, but certain seasons offer easier and more comfortable conditions. For the best mix of weather and views, summer and autumn are the preferred times. In winter, many locals leave Upper Mustang due to cold temperatures and snow.

March to May (Spring)
Spring attracts many mountain lovers and trekkers to Upper Mustang. The climate is mild with daytime temperatures ranging from 16°C to 22°C (61°F to 72°F). Nights can be cold, often dropping below 0°C (32°F).

June to August (Summer)
While summer coincides with the monsoon season in most parts of Nepal, Upper Mustang remains dry, making it an excellent time to trek. Temperatures during summer range from 16°C to 25°C (61°F to 77°F), with nights between -3°C and 0°C (27°F to 32°F). In August, locals celebrate the famous horse festival during the full moon.

September to November (Autumn)
Autumn offers clear skies and fantastic mountain views, although afternoons can be windy. Daytime temperatures range from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F), while nights get colder, between -8°C and -4°C (18°F to 24°F).

December to February (Winter)
By December, the trekking season winds down. Most villagers leave Upper Mustang to escape the cold, and many lodges close. Snow covers the trails, making trekking difficult or impossible.

Each day brings a new trekking adventure. You’ll take in the views, capture photos, and visit local villages along the way. Our experienced and friendly guides will accompany you throughout the trek, sharing insights about the places you pass.

Our team includes porters who carry your luggage, but you should carry a small daypack with essentials and valuables.

Your day usually starts with a hot cup of tea or coffee early in the morning. After a good breakfast, the trek begins around 7 to 8 AM, depending on the day’s distance and terrain.

Around midday, after trekking 3 to 4 hours, we stop for lunch along the trail. Then, we rest for about an hour before continuing with a shorter afternoon walk of 2 to 3 hours. When we reach the lodge or tea house for the night, you can have snacks and explore the nearby area before dark.

Dinner is served between 6 and 7 PM. After dinner, there’s time for chatting and sharing the day’s experiences. Your guide will give a briefing about the next day’s plan. Later, you can relax by reading, watching mountaineering videos, or playing games like cards or Monopoly. Many guests also enjoy learning simple Nepali words from our crew.

All foreign nationals except Indian citizens need a visa to enter Nepal. Most travelers receive their visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. To apply, you must have a passport valid for at least six months and a passport-size photo.

The current visa fee is USD 50 for 30 days, payable in cash at the airport.

Citizens of China and other SAARC countries are eligible for a free visa.

However, nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan may not get a visa on arrival. If you are from any of these countries, please contact your local Nepalese embassy before traveling.

Visa rules can change without notice. For the latest updates, visit Nepal Immigration Office.

The Upper Mustang trek is moderately challenging and involves risks such as altitude sickness and other unexpected situations. Therefore, having travel insurance is mandatory.

All trekkers must provide Everest Destiny Treks with a copy of their comprehensive travel insurance policy. This insurance must cover medical emergencies and emergency evacuation, including helicopter rescue at high altitudes.

We can suggest trusted insurance providers based on feedback from our previous clients, but please note we do not sell insurance ourselves. Make sure to send your insurance details within one week of booking your trek.

Before buying insurance, confirm directly with the provider that helicopter rescue and evacuation coverage is included up to at least 4000 meters, rather than relying solely on their website information.

On your Upper Mustang Trek, you will be accompanied by our skilled and experienced guides and Sherpas. For every two trekkers, we provide a porter to carry luggage, with a maximum combined load of 18 kg per porter. For groups of more than 11 trekkers, an assistant guide will also join the team.

Our crew members come from remote Himalayan communities, giving them exceptional physical endurance at high altitudes. We value every member of our team and ensure they receive fair wages, proper insurance, adequate clothing, food, and comfortable lodging throughout the trek. Medical care is provided promptly if any guide or porter falls ill or gets injured.

We believe happy staff lead to happy trekkers, so we focus on their well-being. Our guides have:

• Completed thorough wilderness first aid training

• Obtained government-authorized trekking guide certification

• Fluency in English and other major languages

• Training in conservation and biodiversity

• Experience in rock climbing

Visa
All foreign nationals except Indian citizens require a visa to enter Nepal. Most visitors can conveniently obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or at border immigration checkpoints. To apply for a visa on arrival, you must have a passport valid for at least six months, one passport-sized photo, and the visa fee which depends on your planned stay duration. Currently, the fee for a 30-day visa is approximately USD 50. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official website at www.immigration.gov.np.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for the Manaslu trek. Your insurance policy must cover medical emergencies and evacuation costs, including helicopter rescue at high altitudes up to 5,500 meters. This ensures your safety during any unforeseen incidents.

Currency Exchange
Nepalese Rupees (NPR) are the official currency in Nepal, with the exchange rate roughly 1 USD = 133 NPR. We recommend exchanging your money at authorized exchange centers in Kathmandu’s Thamel area, where you’ll find better rates and reliable service. While ATMs are available in Kathmandu, they may charge withdrawal fees and have limits. It’s best to bring fresh, crisp notes, as worn or damaged currency is often rejected by banks and exchange offices in Nepal.

Extra Expenses
Although most trekking costs are covered in your package, you should budget extra money for additional personal expenses such as hot beverages (tea, coffee), cold drinks, alcoholic beverages, extra meal items, device charging fees, Wi-Fi access, souvenirs, and tipping guides or porters. Also, plan for your expenses during your stay in Kathmandu before and after the trek.

Safety

Your safety and security are our top priorities. We take every precaution to ensure a safe trekking experience. During the trek, our team will carry all essential gear, equipment, and fully stocked first aid kits.

Our trek leaders and guides have completed extensive wilderness first aid training and are well-prepared to handle emergencies. If a trekker becomes ill, the trek leader has the authority to decide whether the group should continue or descend immediately for the trekker’s safety.

Additionally, we hike together as a group to provide support and ensure everyone’s well-being throughout the journey.

Trip Grade: Fitness level, Medical, and Health

This trek is moderate in difficulty. You’ll typically be hiking 4 to 7 hours a day, with regular breaks to take in the incredible mountain scenery. While previous hiking experience helps, no technical skills are needed. If you can comfortably walk 5 to 6 hours daily carrying a light daypack, this trek is suitable for you.

You should be reasonably fit and ready for long days on the trail. Trekking at high altitude requires more physical effort than lower-altitude hikes.

To prepare, it’s a good idea to build your stamina with regular jogging or exercise for a few weeks before the trek. The fitter you are, the more you’ll enjoy the journey.

To join the Upper Mustang trek, you should be in good health and have a positive mindset, confidence, and strong determination. If you have any sensitive medical conditions like heart, lung, or blood issues, please let us know before booking.

Private Treks

We organize private group treks and can accommodate groups of any size. For groups of twelve or more, we assign an assistant guide to ensure smooth coordination. Each trekking team will have a guide and porters as needed to support your journey comfortably.

How much luggage can I bring to the trek?

Each trekker can carry a maximum of 9 kg of luggage, with one porter carrying the combined load of two trekkers (up to 18 kg). For solo trekkers requiring a dedicated porter, additional charges apply. You should carry a small daypack with essential items for daily use. Extra luggage can be stored safely at our office in Kathmandu free of charge.

Acclimatization

Your trek includes a full rest day in Lo Manthang to help your body adjust to the high altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. While altitude sickness can be avoided, ignoring symptoms can be dangerous.

Our itinerary is designed to gradually increase altitude so your body can adapt. All guides on the trek have advanced first aid training and experience. They will regularly check your oxygen levels using pulse oximeters.

If you experience any symptoms of altitude sickness, inform your guide immediately. They will suggest necessary precautions or, if needed, recommend descending to lower altitudes.

Your health is our top priority. Remember to pace yourself and drink plenty of water daily. The group leader has the final say on whether to continue or stop the ascent based on everyone’s well-being. Some people are more sensitive to altitude changes, so listen to your body carefully.

Communication

During the trek, you can access the internet at most lodges, though it usually comes with an extra charge. You’ll be able to stay in touch with family and friends while in these lodges. However, as you move to higher altitudes, communication will mainly be by phone.

Our Kathmandu office stays in daily contact with all trek teams through the lead guide to ensure everything runs smoothly. You can buy a local SIM card in Kathmandu, but signal strength may be weak in remote areas.

Extra personal expenses

Everest Destiny Treks is clear about what’s included and excluded in our trekking packages. This package does not cover food and lodging costs in Kathmandu. Also, lunch and dinner in Pokhara before your flight to Jomsom are not included.

You should budget for personal expenses such as visa fees, travel insurance, snacks, drinks, tips for guides and porters, souvenirs, hot showers, phone and battery charging, and bottled water.

We suggest bringing cash in major currencies to exchange into Nepali Rupees in Kathmandu. You can also use credit cards to withdraw cash from ATMs, but keep in mind that your bank might charge extra fees.

Electricity for battery recharge and water

Electricity for charging cameras, mobile phones, and other devices is available at most lodges along the trek but usually comes with a small service fee.

You can buy bottled mineral water from lodges and shops on the way, or refill your water bottle with boiled water available at teahouses. We also recommend using water purification tablets for added safety.

Drinking water directly from rivers, taps, or wells is not advised, as it may not be safe.

Booking and payment process

Everest Destiny Treks is a government-authorized, licensed, and bonded trekking and tour operator with over a decade of experience. We are proud members of the Trekking Agency Association of Nepal (TAAN) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). You can book your trip with us knowing you are in trusted hands.

To confirm your booking, we require a 10% advance payment of the total trip cost. Payments can be made via bank transfer, Western Union, or online through our website.

Within one week of booking, please send us the necessary documents via email — a copy of your passport, passport-sized photos, travel insurance policy, and your arrival and departure flight details.

The remaining balance can be paid after your arrival in Nepal. Payment options include cash, bank transfer, or credit card. We will provide you with detailed payment instructions and available methods upon booking.

Last-minute booking

Booking your trek in advance is always recommended for the best preparation and availability. However, if you’re pressed for time, Everest Destiny Treks can arrange last-minute trips as well. For such bookings, full payment (100% of the trek cost) is required at least 24 hours before the trek starts.

While we strive to organize last-minute trips whenever possible, please understand that delays caused by factors beyond our control — such as bad weather, landslides, or lodge unavailability — cannot be held against us.

Trip extension

Once you complete the Upper Mustang trek, if you have extra time, Everest Destiny Treks can help arrange additional activities. Options include exploring the Kathmandu Valley, going on a Chitwan jungle safari, paragliding, rafting, canoeing, and more. Let us help you make the most of your time in Nepal.

Feedback

After finishing the Upper Mustang trek, Everest Destiny Treks arranges a farewell dinner in Kathmandu. During this gathering, you will receive a trek completion certificate. This is also a great opportunity to share your feedback and thoughts about your journey with us.

Useful Info

The Upper Mustang Trek follows fixed departure dates from Kathmandu and Pokhara, but we are happy to accommodate your schedule. If the set dates don’t work for you, just let us know, and we can arrange the trek at a time that suits you better.

The itinerary provided is a general guide and may change due to factors beyond our control, such as weather conditions, trail accessibility, lodge availability, or government regulations.

While changes are rare, Everest Destiny Treks cannot be held responsible for any delays or consequences arising from such adjustments.

If modifications are needed, the lead guide will discuss options with the group to ensure decisions benefit everyone.

We look forward to guiding you through the stunning landscapes of Upper Mustang!

Farewell Dinner

At the end of your trek, we will host a special farewell dinner in Kathmandu. This is a wonderful occasion to celebrate your achievement, share memorable moments with your trekking group, and enjoy a delicious meal together. Following the dinner, you will receive your trek completion certificate as a token of your accomplishment.

Departure

Our team will arrange your transfer from the hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport, ensuring a hassle-free journey home. Please provide us with your hotel name, room number, and departure time in advance. We look forward to welcoming you back to Nepal for future trekking adventures.

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in Nepali culture and is seen as recognition for good service. However, giving tips is entirely up to you. We recommend tipping your guide and crew as a group at the end of the trek. The amount should correspond to the level of service you feel was provided during your journey.