Trekking through Upper Mustang was one of the best experiences of my life. The landscapes were the most breathtaking I’ve ever seen, and the cultural experience—monasteries, villages, and local traditions—was unforgettable.
My guide, Rammesh, was absolutely amazing. He was knowledgeable, caring, and made the trek feel smooth, safe, and deeply meaningful. I can’t imagine a better guide.
Highly recommended the local operator. we had a great experience on the trek with our excellent guide Babo and porters Raj, Chandra and Tangka. Thay helped us a lot along the journey. They kept encouraging me, without them and my tour partners, i am sure i couldn't accomplished the whole journey nicely.
Mustang area is great, few visitors, beautiful monasteries and great landscapes!
Bhutan is just perfect! I would recommend everyone to try these destinations.
Hidden behind the giant peaks Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, Mustang lies in the southern border of the Tibetan highland and is one of the restricted areas which require a special trekking permit through a registered trekking company to visit.
Mustang trekking consists of treeless deserted scenery, vertical rocky tracks up and down and beautiful views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri, and Mt. Annapurna, including many other peaks such as Tukche peak, Mustang Himal, Tilicho peak, and Arniko Chuli.
The route to Mustang implies traveling through landscapes of arid regions, barren edges, deep gorges, and moraine valleys and eroded rock faces. Also, barley fields and grazing land where sheep are seen grazing and horses are used to carry heaps. The views of the desolate Kali Gandaki Valley, almost infinite spaces surrounding Kagbeni, rambling ridges and elevated mountains offer an amazing experience for adventure lovers.
Trekking in Mustang is really one of the most gratifying experiences you can ever acquire. You will also get a chance to explore the ancient society that has been untouched by modernization for centuries. This Mustang trek can be also referred to as the Rhododendron trek as it takes you to different varieties of rhododendron forests and it looks more beautiful during spring season because of blossoming rhododendrons.
On this trek you will also get to cross Annapurna Circuit's Thorong La Pass (5417m.) where you will enjoy some absolutely stunning high Himalaya scenery over the Kaligandaki valley through the entire Annapurna range, Mukut and Mustang Himal to the West. This trek will also take you to Mesokunda La pass (5315m) which allows you to witness the large Himalayas and the route to this pass is covered by snow almost all the time. You can go for this moderate and strenuous trek during spring, summer and autumn.
We kindly refer to the Day-by-Day itinerary for a detailed itinerary description.
Magnifiques marches dans le Upper Mustang, la bonne saison comme recommande par Rajendra le boss.Soit mi juillet mi aot.
Ven notre guide et Bikram notre porteur ont t trs au point et nous ont permis grce leur gentillesse et leur exprience de dcouvrir cette belle rgion.
Pour notre premier trek a a t impeccable tout point de vue.Un petit got de reviens-y ! Nous vous recommandons vraiment l'quipe de Friends Adventure Team. Clod et didier
The Upper Mustang trek leads you into the hidden kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. The ultimate destination of this trek is Lo-Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. This medieval town is surrounded by a huge wall, and it not only offers its visitors beautiful views of the rugged landscape but also allows them to observe the Tibetan Buddhist culture that has been practiced in this region since many centuries ago.
In and around Lo-Manthang, hikers can discover ancient monasteries, Mani walls, Buddhist shrines, Gompas and Mandalas. Lo used to be a part of the Tibetan empire and you will see houses built in the Tibetan style with white washed walls.
Mustang is an arid, treeless land of monasteries. The best season is March to October, although Upper Mustang is in the rain shadow region of Nepal, meaning trekkers can also visit during the monsoon season. Several years ago, trekking used to be organized as camping or tenting treks. Now, the area is developing simple tea houses.
Upper Mustang Trekking offers a great opportunity to get insights into Trans Himalayan region of Annapurna which is quite similar to Tibetan trans-Himalayan topography. The colorful rock formations with numerous cave dwellings high up the cliffs, impressive chortens and ancient monasteries reflect the culture and traditions of Buddhism. Along with topographical similarities, the local people still follow the centuries old life style and traditions. You get an amazing feeling of isolation while trekking around the deserted lands which also enchants and inspires visitors to this region.
Major attraction and actually an opportunity during our Upper Mustang trek is the walled city of Lo-Manthang palaces. Upper Mustang is known as forbidden kingdom and still sees very few tourists each year. Trek along the land of canyons of the Kali Gandaki River, across the rugged land where people have saved their centuries old culture in Buddhist chortens, small stupas, atop hills, on pathways leading into villages and even inside caves. Tibetan Buddhism and the myths are intertwined threads that are in turn woven into the landscape.
Finally as you reach Lo Manthang, we will also arrange your meeting to King of Mustang, Jigme Parbal Bista in the walled capital Lo Manthang. Yes, Nepal is republic but Mustang even today has a king! The Mustangi locals have their own head of the tribe whom they respect, he is known as Mustangi King. Visit the three red-walled monasteries at the heart of the town; watch the astonishing way of life and family life around the nomadic villages.
The best time to trek around Upper Mustang Trek is from the month of March to November. This trek can be joined even during the monsoon season as Upper Mustang lies in rain-shadow area and receives negligible amount of rainfall. So, except in winter due to extreme cold, this trek to the hidden kingdom is recommended during anytime of the year.
Please refer to the itinerary for day-by-day activities.