Upper Mustang Trek
A journey into a hidden Trans-Himalayan kingdom — the walled medieval city of Lo Manthang with desert canyons and living Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Distance
170 km
Duration
14 days
Elevation Gain
3,000m
Max Elevation
4,010m
Min Elevation
2,720m
Highest Point
Passes near Lo Manthang (~4,010m)
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Season
May-October
Route Type
Point to Point
Permit Required
Yes
Permit Cost
USD 540
Permit Information
Upper Mustang restricted area permit (USD 500 for 10 days, USD 50/day extra), ACAP permit (NPR 3,000), TIMS card. Licensed agency required, minimum 2 persons.
Upper Mustang is Nepal's most remarkable cultural trek, a journey into a hidden Trans-Himalayan kingdom that was closed to foreigners until 1992 and remains restricted today. The walled city of Lo Manthang (3,840m), the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Lo, features whitewashed buildings, ornate Buddhist monasteries, and a royal palace that still houses a ceremonial king.
The landscape is unlike anywhere else in Nepal: arid, wind-swept desert canyons with eroded red and ochre cliffs, yet framed by Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. Ancient sky caves contain burial sites and paintings dating back millennia. The annual Tiji festival in Lo Manthang (usually May) features spectacular Tibetan Buddhist masked dances.
The rain-shadow location behind the Himalayan crest means Upper Mustang receives very little monsoon rain, making it one of the few treks accessible and even ideal during June-August when most treks are closed. The USD 500 restricted area permit keeps visitor numbers low, preserving extraordinary cultural integrity.