Trip Overview
Highlights
- Mysterious hidden kingdom/Last Forbidden Kingdom
- Remote Trans-Himalayan mountain area
- Barren landscapes, deep canyons, moraine valleys
- Panoramic views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and several other peak
Upper Mustang Trek takes us into the far-flung semi-independent Kingdom of Upper Mustang that sits north of Annapurna close to the Tibet border. On this trip, your mind is naturally invigorated with the mysteries & history that blend into the geographical wonders of this once strongly independent mountain kingdom…
Upper Mustang is perched north of Annapurna at a balanced altitude of 4,000m but is geologically and ethnically part of the Tibetan plateau. Our Upper Mustang Trek itinerary has been planned in a unique way that helps you discover lesser-known areas away from the new roadways that have reached this area. We move toward Lo Manthang on the west side of the Kali Gandaki and descend on the less used east side of this valley. We come across valleys that are parched and barren with colourful rock formations where many cave dwellings are seen right up, cut out into the cliffs, inciting the interest of archaeologists and anthropologists who seek to research on the existence of early human inhabitance in these areas. The earliest trekking groups were first allowed into this secret kingdom only in 1992 and we still see fewer backpackers (something like 800 trekkers each year) hit the trails of Upper Mustang Trek which is wonderfully pleasant for those serious trekkers who ‘like the trails all to themselves’; and this also finds the kingdom in a unique league of its own where its ancient Tibetan culture is virtually untouched and not influenced by the contemporary times we live in.
Upper Mustang is remotely enveloped and semi-independent; its capital is hemmed in by a glistening white wall and famously known throughout the world as ‘Lo Manthang’. Upper Mustang traces its roots to Tibet and was a by-way for the salt caravans crossing the Himalaya into Nepal. Mustang became an independent kingdom in 1380 and the present royal family links their ancestry back to this period in time. In the ’60s Mustang’s geography became an ideal layout for a stronghold where Tibetan Khampa guerrillas were trained to fight invading Chinese forces. Highland Expeditions is one outfit that will escort you into this land of wonders for the trip of a lifetime.
Why trek with Highland Expeditions?
At, Highland Expeditions it is our aim to provide a wonderful holiday in our part of the world and ensure that our clients enjoy the holiday as much as possible with minimized risks and the worry-free trip should it be monetary, physical or emotional. All the logistical arrangements required for the trip will be done prior to your arrival providing you with a hassle-free journey and on the trek, you will be led by experienced and medical trained guide/leader with high staff ratio. Considering the safety of our utmost priority, all our group are backed up with Supplementary oxygen system (In high altitude treks), oximeter and medical kit be it a group of 1 participant or 15 participants. On the trek, all meals and accommodation are included too and we provide you with an option of OPEN/CHOICE menu meaning you can choose your meal straight from the menu. Our itineraries are also devised keeping every aspect in mind such as acclimatization, good campsites, real-life experiences etc. We also provide a sleeping bag, down jacket and waterproof duffel bag to each participant. Last but not least, Highland Expeditions has been awarded as a trekking company of the year 2018/19 in Nepal by Travel and Hospitality Awards, USA.
Is this trek for you?
Grade | Moderate |
Physical Rating | 3-4 |
Total Duration | 17N/18 Days |
Trekking Duration | 11N/12 Days |
Maximum Elevation | 3,840m/12,599ft at Lo Manthang |
Duration for treks of this grade stretches up to two (2) weeks. Trails generally go above 4000 meters and on a daily basis, you can expect to be walking for about 5 – 7 hours. The perfect setting of introduction to moderate & challenging trekking in Nepal. Activity level/physical rating is slightly harder than leisure and involves occasional difficult days. Expect ups and downs as well for there will be hills to climb as well and the well-known ‘Nepali flat’ – a little bit up and a little bit down.
Important Note: Your safety is of imperative concern while traveling with Highland Expeditions. Please take care to note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to your safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, since this adventure entails travelling in remote mountainous regions, we cannot guarantee that we will not deviate from it. Weather or health condition of a group member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The trek leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.
Route Profile/Altitude Chart
Trip Itinerary
Dates & Price
Our trips are available on both fixed departure and private group basis.
If you are looking for a group to join this trip please click the Fixed Departures tab for more information on departure dates, availability and price. All our fixed departures are guaranteed to run. Or, if you would like to do this trip alone, or with your friends, families & colleagues in a private group style, please fill out the contact form in Private Group tab and send us your message. We will organize a private trip for you at your preferred dates catering any request you may have.
Mar, 2021
Apr, 2021
May, 2021
Jun, 2021
Jul, 2021
Sep, 2021
Oct, 2021
Nov, 2021
Cost Inclusion
- All meals (B,L,D) on OPEN/CHOICE Menu whilst on trek with tea & coffee.
- Twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu guest house or similar category for 4 nights with breakfast
- Twin sharing accommodation at 3 star hotel in Pokhara for 2 nights
- Internal flights (PKR-Jomsom-PKR)
- All required permits for trek (USD 520)
- Accommodation at clean and cozy teahouses/lodges on trek
- All ground transfers as per mentioned in the itinerary
- Experienced local trek leader with 1:4 assistant guide to client ratio
- Full support crew with 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
- Sightseeing of Kathmandu including guide and entrance fees
- Kathmandu airport transfers and escorts
- All ground transportation as per mentioned in the itinerary on private vehicle
- Comprehensive first aid kit.
- Duffel bag, Sleeping bag with liner and Down Jacket (Sleeping bag and down jacket must be returned after completion of trek)
- Staff insurances and allowances
- Trek completion certificate (Upon request)
Cost Exclusion
- International airfare, Visa and travel insurance
- Meals at Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu or on trek for any reason (Early arrival or delay, Early arrival from trek due to any reason)
- Personal expenses - Drinks & Souvenirs
- Gratuities for staff
Essential Information
Reviews

My friends and I, 3 brave ladies from Malaysia did the Upper Mustang Trek with Highland Expeditions in mid-Oct 2019.
Our guide Kunga and 2 porters were very friendly and very helpful.
We were well-taken care.
This was my first experience of trekking in my lifetime and felt proud for myself that I make it and it’s going to be an unforgettable lifetime memory for me.
Thank you Kunga, Passang and the 2 porters.
Highly customer service oriented agency, Effective and efficient itinerary changes upon client request.