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Upper mustang valley
Also known as: Forbidden kingdom / Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal
Upper Mustang Valley, also known as the "Forbidden Kingdom," is a trek that takes you on a journey through a mysterious land that has remained untouched for centuries. Located in the heart of the Himalayas, the valley offers a surreal experience with its stunning landscapes, rugged mountains, and ancient Buddhist culture. The trek takes you through hidden caves, medieval monasteries, and quaint villages that provide a glimpse into the history and culture of the region. The Mustang region is unique due to its status as a formerly independent kingdom and the presence of an ancient salt trading route that has been in use for over a thousand years. The trail is also home to some of the most spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. This trek is an adventure of a lifetime that offers an unparalleled cultural and natural experience that will leave you breathless and yearning for more.
Table of contents
GuidesPictures
Itinerary
Route
Difficulty
Weather
Gear
Services
Accommodation
Permits
Access
Videos
Variations
FAQs
Links
Similar
Distances
- 12 - 24 days, 160 km, +3,600 m, 4,320 m high point
- daily: 4 - 7 hours, 10 - 20 km, +300 - 700 m gain
Route
- out and back
- starting in Jomsom
- ending in Jomson
Cost
- $1,500 solo
- $1,589 - $2,300 guided
When to go
- March to May
- September to November
Permits
- 3 permits are needed
- costing around $73 total
Guide mandatory?
- no
- Mandatory to hire at least one registered guide.
Accommodation
Teahouses/Lodges, Camping, HomestaysGuide links
| Guide | Info | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Eco Holidays Nepal | more info | $1,965 |
| Gude in Himalaya | more info | $1,799 |
| Hi Himalaya Nepal | more info | $2,300 |
| Nepal Mother House Treks & Expedition | more info | $1,620 |
| Wilderness Excursion | more info | $1,589 |
| Mountain Monarch | more info | $2,150 |
The Upper Mustang Valley trek takes you to the hidden kingdom of Mustang, a remote and culturally rich region in Nepal. Explore ancient caves, monasteries, and unique Tibetan-influenced culture.
Day 1
Fly to Pokhara, Drive to Jomsom, and Trek to Kagbeni (2,800 m)
Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then another flight to Jomsom. From Jomsom, start trekking towards Kagbeni, a beautiful village at the entry point of Upper Mustang.
Day 2
Trek to Chele (3,050 m)
Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hours
Enter the restricted area of Upper Mustang and trek to Chele. Pass through the picturesque village of Tangbe and cross the Kali Gandaki River.
Day 3
Trek to Syanboche (3,475 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hours
Continue trekking through arid landscapes, crossing several passes and enjoying panoramic views of the Mustang region. Reach Syanboche and spend the night.
Day 4
Trek to Ghemi (3,520 m)
Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hours
Trek through a scenic trail, passing through ancient caves and monasteries. Enjoy the unique landscapes of Upper Mustang. Reach Ghemi and rest for the night.
Day 5
Trek to Tsarang (3,560 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hours
Continue the trek and visit the beautiful village of Dhakmar. Explore ancient monasteries and witness the unique Tibetan culture. Reach Tsarang and spend the night.
Day 6
Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840 m)
Distance: 8 kmTime trekking / climbing: 4 hours
Trek to the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of Mustang. Explore the King's Palace, monasteries, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Day 7
Exploration Day in Lo Manthang (3,840 m)
Spend a day exploring the fascinating city of Lo Manthang. Visit monasteries, interact with the local people, and experience the traditional Mustang way of life.
Day 8
Trek to Drakmar (3,820 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hours
Begin the return journey and trek to Drakmar. Enjoy the scenic landscapes and pass through villages and farmlands. Reach Drakmar and spend the night.
Day 9
Trek to Ghiling (3,570 m)
Distance: 10 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hours
Continue trekking through picturesque valleys and cross several passes. Enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayas and reach Ghiling for an overnight stay.
Day 10
Trek to Chhuksang (2,980 m)
Distance: 12 kmTime trekking / climbing: 5 hours
Trek back to Chhuksang, retracing the trail through beautiful landscapes. Pass through charming villages and enjoy the final views of the Mustang region.
Day 11
Trek to Jomsom (2,720 m)
Distance: 14 kmTime trekking / climbing: 6 hours
Continue the descent and trek back to Jomsom. Enjoy the last day of the trek and celebrate the completion of the Upper Mustang adventure.
Day 12
Fly to Pokhara and Kathmandu
Take a morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara. From Pokhara, catch a flight or drive back to Kathmandu. Reflect on the amazing experiences of the Upper Mustang trek.
The trek is 6 / 10, based on the below factors:
Terrain & route condition 6 / 10
Treks that involve rugged or uneven terrain, such as rocky paths, scree slopes, or dense forests, may require more technical skills or physical effort.
Altitude / Elevation 8 / 10
Considering the maximum altitude reached during the trek. Higher altitudes can present challenges like thin air, low oxygen levels, and potential altitude sickness.
Distance 6 / 10
The total distance of the trek. Longer treks generally require more endurance and physical fitness.
Elevation gain 7 / 10
Total elevation gain throughout the trek. Treks with significant altitude changes can be more challenging, especially if they involve steep ascents or descents.
Technical difficulty 4 / 10
Some treks may require basic technical skills like river crossings, using ropes, or scrambling over rocks.
Access to facilities / Remoteness 4 / 10
Based on the availability of support facilities such as accommodation, food, water sources, and emergency services. Treks with limited infrastructure or remote areas can be more challenging due to self-sufficiency requirements. The less support facilities there are the harder the trek.
Climate & weather 7 / 10
How tough are the prevailing weather and climate conditions during the trek. Harsh weather, extreme temperatures, or unpredictable conditions can add to the difficulty.
Upper mustang valley weather
How is the weather on Upper mustang valley, and when is the best time to go.
Upper Mustang is a high-altitude desert region, with dry and cold weather most of the year. The best months for the trek are from March to November, with September to November being the peak season.
The best time to trek Upper mustang valley is in these months:
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
avoid the monsoon season (June to August) and the winter months (December to February) due to the risk of heavy rain and snowfall, respectively
Upper mustang valley Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
Services for Upper Mustang Valley trek include accommodations, food, guides, porters, medical facilities, gear rental, transport, communications, ATMs, and shops.
Accommodation
Basic tea house lodges are available along the trekking route.Food
Meals are available at tea houses along the trekking route, with a variety of options.Guides
Guides are available and typically cost around $25-30 per day. They can provide assistance with navigation, cultural insights, and other information.Porters
Porters are available and typically cost around $20-25 per day. They can help carry your belongings, allowing you to focus on the trek.Medical facilities
Medical facilities are limited along the trekking route. It is recommended to bring your own basic medical kit and be prepared for minor injuries or illnesses.Gear rental
Gear rental is available in Kathmandu and Pokhara. You can rent trekking gear, including sleeping bags and down jackets.Transport
Transport options to the start of the trek include private jeeps, buses, or flights to Pokhara or Jomsom. During the trek, it is mostly on foot.Internet / Phone
Connectivity is limited along the trekking route, with spotty phone signal and little to no wifi. It is recommended to bring a portable charger and download offline maps or resources in advance.ATMs
There are no ATMs along the trekking route. It is recommended to bring enough cash for the entire trip.Shops
There are some shops along the trekking route, selling basic items like snacks, water, and trekking gear.Upper mustang valley Accomodation
What is the accommodation like treking Upper mustang valley
Accommodation on the Upper Mustang valley trek is basic and limited. You can expect to stay in teahouses or lodges along the route.
- Teahouses: These are basic guesthouses with private or shared rooms, depending on availability. They provide basic amenities such as beds, blankets, and simple food. Prices range from $10 to $20 per night.
- Lodges: Lodges are more modern than teahouses, offering private rooms with attached bathrooms and hot showers. They may also have a restaurant serving a wider variety of food. Prices range from $20 to $40 per night.
- Camping: Camping is also an option on this route, but it requires bringing your own gear and a camping permit. Campsites are available at designated areas along the trek.
Upper mustang valley permits
What permits are needed for treking Upper mustang valley
Permits are required for Upper Mustang Valley trek, here's a list of permits needed for this trip.
1. ACAP Permit
- $16.95 (~2,000 in the local currency)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project permit is required for entering the Annapurna region.
- Can be obtained at the ACAP office in Kathmandu or Pokhara or at the entry checkpoint.
2. TIMS Card
- $16.95 (~2,000 in the local currency)
- Trekker's Information Management System card is mandatory for all trekkers.
- Can be obtained at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara or at the entry checkpoint.
3. Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
- $38.17 (~4,500 in the local currency)
- A special permit is required for trekking in the Upper Mustang region.
- Can be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
Upper mustang valley access - getting there
How to get to Upper mustang valley
- By Air: The quickest and most convenient way to reach the starting point of the Upper Mustang Valley trek is to take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a short domestic flight to Jomsom. From Jomsom, it's a 3-4 hour trek to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang.
- By Road: You can also take a bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then continue to Jomsom via Beni, Tatopani, and Ghasa. This is a long and bumpy journey that can take up to 12-14 hours on rough roads.
- By Helicopter: For a more luxurious and scenic option, you can charter a helicopter from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Jomsom. This is a more expensive option, but it offers stunning aerial views of the Mustang region.
- Returning: If you plan to end your trek in Lo Manthang and return to Jomsom, you can either trek back the way you came or take a flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and then back to Kathmandu. If you plan to end your trek in Jomsom, you can either take a flight back to Pokhara or continue your journey by road to Kathmandu.
These are variations on the typical route. Which could be added on; either part way along or at the start / end to extend the trek.
Kagbeni to Muktinath Trek
add 2 - 3 extra days
An extension of the Upper Mustang trek that takes you up to the sacred town of Muktinath, known for its Hindu and Buddhist temples.
Teri La Pass Trek
add 4 - 5 extra days
A challenging extension of the Upper Mustang trek that takes you over the Teri La Pass at 5,595 meters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Damodar Kunda Trek
add 3 - 4 extra days
A side trek from the Upper Mustang route that takes you to the holy Damodar Kunda lake, a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Upper mustang valley questions
What to know about trekking Upper mustang valley
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Upper mustang valley Links
useful websites, Groups and communities
Groups / links with more info on the Upper mustang valley route.
Use facebook groups to find up to date info, plan trips and find trekking buddies.
These treks are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Upper mustang valley trek and provide beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and a sense of adventure.
