Hotel · Mustang
Where to Stay in Mustang
Accommodation by area — Jomsom, Kagbeni, Marpha and Muktinath in Lower Mustang, plus simple teahouse lodges in restricted Upper Mustang.
The short answer: base yourself in Jomsom in Lower Mustang for the widest choice of rooms, then pick a village to match your trip — atmospheric Kagbeni, apple-orchard Marpha, or pilgrim-town Muktinath. Upper Mustang is a restricted area with only simple teahouse lodges, and you must travel there through a registered agency. We do not list individual hotels, prices or ratings, since they change constantly — use this guide to choose an area and a style.
Lower Mustang (ACAP + TIMS only)
Lower Mustang needs only the standard Annapurna (ACAP) permit and a TIMS card — no special permit. See Mustang permits and access before you go.
Jomsom
Jomsom (≈2,720m) is the hub — the airstrip with flights from Pokhara, the jeep stand and the widest range of accommodation, from basic guesthouses to a few comfortable hotels. Expect roughly US$8–20 for a guesthouse room and more for the smarter hotels; check current rates.
Kagbeni
Kagbeni is an atmospheric medieval village at the gateway to Upper Mustang, where the trail north turns into restricted territory. A handful of characterful lodges sit among the mud-brick alleys — a memorable, if simpler, place to overnight.
Marpha
Marpha is the whitewashed Thakali village famous for its apple orchards and apple brandy. Its flagstone main street has some of the most charming lodges in the valley, many run as family guesthouses.
Muktinath / Ranipauwa
The pilgrim settlement of Ranipauwa, just below the Muktinath temple, has simple lodges geared to pilgrims and trekkers. Rooms are basic but plentiful, and it makes a practical overnight before the temple visit.
Upper Mustang (restricted area)
North of Kagbeni you enter the restricted zone. You need a restricted-area permit (around US$500 for ten days), a registered guide, and a minimum of two trekkers booked through a registered agency — full figures are in the Upper Mustang permit and cost guide.
Accommodation here is simple teahouse-style guesthouses in Lo Manthang, the walled capital, and in trail villages such as Chele, Syangboche, Ghami and Tsarang. Rooms are basic and nights are cold, so bring a warm bag — and your agency normally books the lodges as part of the trek.
Good to know
- Bring cash: ATMs are unreliable beyond Jomsom; carry enough rupees for the whole trip.
- Pack warm: Nights are cold across Mustang and heating in rooms is minimal.
- Plan the budget: Pair this with where to stay in Nepal by budget for the bigger picture.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best base for staying in Mustang?+
Jomsom is the practical hub, with the airstrip, jeep stand and the widest range of rooms, from simple guesthouses to a few comfortable hotels. From there you can day-trip or stage onward to Kagbeni, Marpha and Muktinath, all of which have lodges of their own.
Do you need a special permit to stay in Upper Mustang?+
Yes. Upper Mustang is a restricted area: you need a restricted-area permit costing around US$500 for ten days, a registered guide, and a minimum of two trekkers booked through a registered agency. Lower Mustang only needs the standard Annapurna (ACAP) permit and TIMS card.
What is accommodation like in Upper Mustang?+
Beyond Kagbeni it is simple teahouse-style guesthouses in Lo Manthang and trail villages such as Chele, Syangboche, Ghami and Tsarang. Rooms are basic and nights are cold, so pack warm. Your agency normally arranges the lodges as part of the trek.
How much do Mustang lodges cost?+
In Lower Mustang a guesthouse room is roughly US$8 to US$20, with a few smarter hotels in Jomsom going higher, while most of your spend goes on meals and hot showers. Prices shift year to year, so treat these as a rough guide and check current rates.
