The short version
The complete day-by-day Upper Mustang itinerary — from Jomsom through the trans-Himalayan desert to the walled city of Lo Manthang. Altitudes, the restricted permit, and what to expect in the forbidden kingdom.
- The classic itinerary runs 10–12 days, starting with a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom and a trek to Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang.
- Upper Mustang is a restricted area: the special permit costs US$500 for 10 days (plus per-day fees beyond), and you need ACAP, a registered guide, and a group of at least two.
- Graded moderate — altitude (max ~3,840m at Lo Manthang) is manageable, but days are long, dry, windy and exposed.
- Because it lies in the Himalayan rain shadow, it's one of the few regions trekkable through the June–August monsoon.
Into the forbidden kingdom
Upper Mustang — the former Kingdom of Lo — is a trans-Himalayan desert of ochre cliffs, eroded canyons, walled villages, and ancient Tibetan-Buddhist monasteries, culminating in the walled capital of Lo Manthang. Restricted to outsiders until 1992, it remains one of the best-preserved Tibetan cultures on Earth. Here's the classic itinerary.
The itinerary (representative 10–12 days)
Day 1: Fly Pokhara → Jomsom (2,720m), trek to Kagbeni (2,810m), the gateway to Upper Mustang. 3–4 hrs.
Day 2: Kagbeni → Chele (3,050m). Enter the restricted area. 5–6 hrs.
Day 3: Chele → Syangboche → Geling (3,570m). 6–7 hrs.
Day 4: Geling → Tsarang (3,560m) via Nyi La. 5–6 hrs.
Day 5: Tsarang → Lo Manthang (3,840m). 4–5 hrs. The walled capital.
Day 6: Explore Lo Manthang — palace, monasteries (Jampa, Thubchen), and the surrounding caves.
Day 7: Side trip to Chhoser cave monasteries and the sky-caves.
Days 8–10: Return via a varied route (e.g. Drakmar, Ghami) to Jomsom, then fly to Pokhara.
The restricted permit
Upper Mustang is a restricted area requiring a special permit (US$500 for 10 days, with additional per-day fees beyond), plus ACAP. You must trek with a registered guide and in a group of at least two — no solo trekking. Your agency arranges the permits.
Upper Mustang needs a US$500 / 10-day restricted permit plus ACAP, a registered guide, and a group of at least two. There is no legal way to trek it solo or without a permit — your agency arranges it.
Difficulty & altitude
Graded moderate — the altitude (max ~3,840m at Lo Manthang) is manageable, but days are long and the terrain is dry, windy, and exposed, with steady ups and downs across the canyon country. Wind is a daily feature; afternoons are gusty.
Wind is a daily feature of Mustang and afternoons are gusty. Start each day early so you cover the most exposed canyon sections before the wind builds.
The monsoon advantage
Because Upper Mustang lies in the Himalayan rain shadow, it stays relatively dry during the monsoon — making it one of the few trekking regions viable from June to August, as well as in spring and autumn. The famous Tiji festival (spring) is a spectacular time to visit.
Why go
Upper Mustang offers a living medieval Tibetan-Buddhist culture, otherworldly desert landscapes, ancient cave monasteries, and the unique walled city of Lo Manthang — an experience unlike anywhere else in Nepal. See our full Upper Mustang trek guide, the permits hub for the restricted-permit details, and the best treks in Nepal to compare.
How much is the Upper Mustang permit?
The special restricted-area permit costs US$500 for 10 days, with additional per-day fees if you stay longer, plus the ACAP fee. A registered guide and a minimum group of two are also required.
Can I trek Upper Mustang during the monsoon?
Yes. Upper Mustang lies in the Himalayan rain shadow, so it stays relatively dry from June to August — one of the few Nepal regions viable in the monsoon, alongside the standard spring and autumn windows.
Want to time it with the Tiji festival? Contact us to arrange permits, a guide, and your Lo Manthang departure.
Written by
Travel Himalaya Nepal
Pokhara-based, NMA-certified trekking guides. We’ve led 5,000+ treks across the Annapurna and Everest regions since 1998 — every word here comes from the trail. Meet the team →
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