Trekking · Mustang
The Upper Mustang Trek
The restricted-area trek to the walled city of Lo Manthang — special permit, registered guide and 10–14 days in the high desert.
The Upper Mustang trek leads into a restricted, Tibetan-influenced desert behind the Annapurnas, ending at the walled city of Lo Manthang — a former capital of an old Buddhist kingdom. It is one of Nepal's most atmospheric and culturally rich routes, and one of the few you can walk through the monsoon.
The short answer
This is a restricted-area trek: you need a special permit (around US$500 for ten days — confirm the current fee), the standard Annapurna permit, and you must travel with a registered agency and licensed guide. The classic route runs 10–14 days, typically staged from Jomsom, climbing through ochre canyons and cliff-cut villages to Lo Manthang. The rain-shadow climate keeps it dry, so the season stretches from March to November.
Sort the paperwork before you go — see our overview of Nepal trekking permits.
Route and logistics
- Getting in: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom or drive up the Kali Gandaki, then start walking from Kagbeni at the restricted-area checkpoint.
- The walk: Days climb and drop through bare, wind-carved valleys and villages such as Chele, Geling and Ghami, with painted chortens and cave monasteries along the way to Lo Manthang.
- Teahouses: Simple lodges and homestays line the route; conditions are basic but improving, and nights are cold at altitude.
Permits, guides and how to plan
You cannot trek Upper Mustang independently — permits are issued only to groups arranged through a registered agency, with a licensed guide. Build the trek around the wider picture using our Nepal trekking guide, and pair it with a stop at the medieval village of Kagbeni and the sacred temple at Muktinath on the way in or out.
Frequently asked questions
How many days is the Upper Mustang trek?+
Most itineraries run 10 to 14 days, usually counted from Jomsom in and out, with several days exploring Lo Manthang and the surrounding cave monasteries. Using jeeps for part of the route can shorten it, but the classic walking trek sits firmly in that range.
Do you need a permit for Upper Mustang?+
Yes. Upper Mustang is a restricted area, so you need a special permit on top of the standard Annapurna Conservation Area permit. The special permit costs roughly US$500 for ten days — confirm the current fee before you travel — and you cannot trek there independently.
Can you trek Upper Mustang without a guide?+
No. As a restricted area, Upper Mustang requires you to travel with a registered agency and a licensed guide, and permits are issued only to groups of two or more arranged through an agency. Solo, independent trekking is not permitted in the region.
When is the best time to trek Upper Mustang?+
Because Mustang lies in the Himalayan rain shadow, it stays dry through the summer monsoon, so the season runs roughly March to November. May and the autumn months give the most settled weather, and the Tiji festival in spring at Lo Manthang is a particular draw.
