Upper Mustang
Restricted area trek through the former kingdom of Lo. RAP costs $500 for the first 10 days. Two-person minimum.
Overview
The Upper Mustang trek leads into the former Forbidden Kingdom of Lo — a high desert plateau north of the Annapurnas that is geographically and culturally Tibetan. Eroded canyons, ochre cliffs riddled with cave dwellings, ancient monasteries and the walled capital of Lo Manthang make it one of Nepal’s most extraordinary cultural journeys.
It is a restricted area requiring a special permit, a licensed guide and a minimum of two trekkers. Because it sits in the Himalaya’s rain shadow, Upper Mustang is one of the few treks that stays dry and trekkable right through the summer monsoon.
Highlights
- ▸The walled medieval capital of Lo Manthang
- ▸Sky-caves and cliff monasteries of the Kali Gandaki
- ▸Tibetan-Buddhist culture and the Tiji festival (spring)
- ▸Surreal high-desert canyon landscapes
- ▸A rare monsoon-season trekking option (rain shadow)
What's included — from $1,850
- ✓Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit and ACAP
- ✓Government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- ✓Porter support (1 porter per 2 trekkers)
- ✓All teahouse / lodge accommodation on the trail
- ✓Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) while trekking
- ✓All trekking permits and conservation-area fees
- ✓Ground transport between the city and the trailhead
- ✓Guide and porter wages, insurance, meals and lodging
- ✓Government taxes and official paperwork
- ✕International flights to and from Nepal
- ✕Nepal entry visa fee
- ✕Travel and high-altitude rescue insurance (mandatory)
- ✕Personal trekking gear and clothing
- ✕Meals and accommodation in cities / on rest days
- ✕Hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging and bottled water on the trail
- ✕Tips for your guide and porter
- ✕Personal expenses and anything not listed as included
Best time to go
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Upper Mustang trek cost in 2026?
A guided Upper Mustang trek typically costs USD 1,800–2,500 per person. The restricted-area permit alone is USD 500 for the first 10 days (plus USD 50/day after), on top of guide, lodging, meals and ACAP.
Do I need a special permit for Upper Mustang?
Yes. Upper Mustang is a restricted area requiring the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (USD 500 / 10 days) plus the ACAP, a licensed guide and a minimum of two trekkers. Solo trekking is not allowed.
How hard is the Upper Mustang trek?
It is graded Moderate. Altitudes stay around 3,000–4,000 m so altitude sickness is less of a risk than on the base-camp treks, but days are long and the wind and sun on the plateau are intense.
How many days is the Upper Mustang trek?
A typical Upper Mustang trek is 10–14 days. Driving sections via Jomsom can shorten it; walking the full route lengthens it.
When is the best time for Upper Mustang?
Unlike most treks, Upper Mustang is ideal from March to November — including the monsoon months, because it lies in the rain shadow. Spring (for the Tiji festival) and autumn are most popular.
Related treks
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