The Upper Mustang Trek 8 Days — also called the Lo Manthang Trek — carries you deep behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges into Nepal’s last Tibetan Buddhist kingdom, a high-altitude desert of ochre cliffs and centuries-old walled villages that only opened to outside visitors in 1992. This guide covers the full itinerary and the current Upper Mustang Permit requirements. It also breaks down the Upper Mustang Trek Cost, and explains both the driving and Pokhara to Jomsom Flight options available on Day 1 and Day 8.
Upper Mustang Trek 8 Days: Trip Overview
- Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days
- Trip Style: Combination of driving and trekking
- Max Altitude: Lo-Manthang, approx. 3,840 m
- Region: Upper Mustang (Restricted Area), Annapurna Conservation Area
- Best Season: March–June and September–November
- Group Size: Solo travelers welcome (no minimum group size required)
- Accommodation: Guesthouses / teahouses
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner on trek
- Starts / Ends: Pokhara / Pokhara
Lo Mantang Trek Highlights
- Enter Nepal’s last forbidden kingdom, opened to travelers only since 1992
- Walk the wind-swept trails between whitewashed villages, chortens, and cave dwellings
- Explore the walled city of Lo-Manthang and its centuries-old royal palace
- Visit the sacred cave monasteries of Choser, including Jhong Cave and the Garphu and Niphu gompas
- See the dramatic red cliffs of Dhakmar and the ancient artwork inside Ghar Gompa
- Choose to fly the Pokhara to Jomsom Flight or drive on both the first and last day, so you can trade travel time for extra rest or scenery as you prefer.
- Stay in traditional Tibetan-influenced guesthouses run by local families
Upper Mustang Trek 8 Days: Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Pokhara to Kagbeni
Option A – Drive: Approx. 7–8 hrs
Leave Pokhara early and follow the Kali Gandaki Valley through Beni, Tatopani, Ghasa, Kalopani, and Marpha. The Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges rise on either side for most of the drive.
Option B – Pokhara to Jomsom Flight + Drive: Approx. 20-min flight + 30–45 min jeep/taxi
Take the Pokhara to Jomsom Flight, one of the most dramatic mountain flights in Nepal. Then continue by jeep or taxi to Kagbeni. This option saves most of a day of driving, but it’s weather-dependent. Jomsom flights operate only in the early morning, before winds pick up in the valley, and delays or cancellations are common. It’s worth keeping a buffer day in your plans if you choose to fly.
Whichever way you arrive, spend the afternoon wandering Kagbeni’s narrow medieval alleys and its old monastery. The barren, otherworldly landscape here marks the gateway to Upper Mustang.
Overnight: Kagbeni
Day 2: Kagbeni to Samar
Trek: Approx. 6–7 hrs
The trail climbs out of Kagbeni and past Tangbe and Chhusang, villages of whitewashed stone houses set against sheer cliffs. You’ll cross the Kali Gandaki riverbed here, the official entry point into the restricted Upper Mustang region. From there, the trail reaches Samar, a small Tibetan-influenced settlement surrounded by stark, layered mountainsides.
Overnight: Samar
Day 3: Samar to Ghami
Trek: Approx. 6–7 hrs
Today’s trail crosses some of Mustang’s most striking scenery — eroded cliffs, deep canyons, and wide open valleys. If time, road conditions, and group pace allow, you can detour to Chungsi Cave. From there, continue through the villages of Syangboche and Ghiling. The trail then drops through barren badlands toward Ghami. Here you can explore the village’s long mani wall and walk through its terraced apple orchards. If there’s time before dusk, you can also visit the ruins of Ghami’s old royal palace.
Overnight: Ghami
Day 4: Ghami to Tsarang
Trek: Approx. 6–7 hrs
After a last look around Ghami, the trail continues to Dhakmar. This village is known for the deep red cliffs that rise dramatically above it. From there you’ll reach Ghar Gompa, one of the oldest monasteries in Mustang. It’s home to faded but still vivid Buddhist murals and a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. The day ends in Tsarang, a historic village with its own five-story palace ruins and monastery. Both are worth a visit if time and energy allow.
Overnight: Tsarang
Day 5: Tsarang to Lo-Manthang
Trek: Approx. 3–4 hrs
The shortest walking day of the trek, which leaves time to explore before heading out. Take a last look at Tsarang’s old palace and its ceremonial chorten gate. Then follow an open, scenic trail toward Lo-Manthang. This short walking day is often considered the most memorable stretch of the Lo Manthang Trek, since it ends inside the walled city itself. Once there, you can visit the Jampa, Thubchen, and Choede monasteries, plus the small Choede Museum. If time allows, add a stop at the King’s Palace in the city center.
Overnight: Lo-Manthang
Day 6: Lo-Manthang and Choser Valley
Full-day exploration: Approx. 7 hrs
This full day is one of the highlights of the Lo Manthang Trek, giving you time to explore the area around Lo-Manthang before heading out to the Choser valley. Here you’ll find the Garphu and Niphu monasteries and Jhong Cave, one of the region’s remarkable multi-story cave complexes. Local tradition holds that these caves once served as homes, meditation chambers, and storage spaces for the valley’s early inhabitants. You’ll return to Lo-Manthang for a second night.
Note: Travellers with extra time can extend their stay to visit further sites such as Konchokling, Rinchenling, and Phuntsokling monasteries on separate days.
Overnight: Lo-Manthang
Day 7: Lo-Manthang to Marpha
Drive: Approx. 7–8 hrs
Take a final look at Lo-Manthang and the dramatic Upper Mustang landscape. Then drive back down toward Kagbeni and on through Jomsom, retracing the Kali Gandaki Valley. The route passes through traditional Thakali villages before arriving in Marpha. This orchard town is known for its stone-paved lanes, apple orchards, and locally distilled apple brandy.
Overnight: Marpha
Day 8: Marpha to Pokhara
Option A – Drive: Approx. 6–7 hrs
Spend the morning exploring Marpha’s village lanes. Then drive back through Thakali villages, watching the landscape shift from Mustang’s arid highlands to the green hills of western Nepal, before arriving in Pokhara by evening.
Option B – Drive + Flight: Approx. 20–30 min drive to Jomsom + 20-min flight
For those short on time, a quick drive from Marpha to Jomsom connects with a return Pokhara to Jomsom Flight, flown in the opposite direction from Day 1. This trades most of a day’s drive for a 20-minute flight. As with the Day 1 flight, this option is subject to weather and early-morning departure windows. It’s best to keep your schedule flexible if you choose it.
Upper Mustang Permit Requirements
Upper Mustang is a restricted area, so independent trekking isn’t allowed. You’ll need to travel with a licensed guide, and you’ll need two permits: the Upper Mustang Permit (Restricted Area Permit) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
The Nepal government sets permit fees, and they do change from time to time. We always confirm the current rate with you before booking, rather than quoting an outdated figure.
Best Time to Trek Upper Mustang
Because it sits in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Upper Mustang is trekkable even during the monsoon (June–August). Most other regions in Nepal see heavy rain during these months. March to June and September to November offer the clearest mountain views. These months also bring the most stable flying conditions if you choose the flight option.
Accommodation & Meals
You’ll stay in local guesthouses and teahouses throughout, most run by families from the villages you pass through. Rooms are simple — typically twin-share, with shared bathrooms in the more remote villages. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included and served at your guesthouse each day.
Lo Manthang Trek Difficulty
This Upper Mustang Trek 8 Days is rated a moderate difficulty trek. Daily walking ranges from 3 to 7 hours on well-established trails, with no technical climbing involved. The maximum altitude, at Lo-Manthang (~3,840 m), stays well below the range where altitude sickness becomes a major concern. That said, some prior hiking experience and a reasonable fitness level are recommended, particularly for the longer 6–7 hour walking days.
Upper Mustang Trek Cost
The Upper Mustang Trek Cost depends mainly on your group size, the season you travel, and whether you choose to fly or drive on Day 1 and Day 8. Contact us directly for the latest Upper Mustang Trek Cost for your travel dates.
What’s Included
- Upper Mustang Permit (RAP) and ACAP fees
- Licensed, English-speaking trekking guide
- Accommodation in guesthouses throughout the trek
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Ground transportation as per itinerary (Options A)
What’s Not Included
- The Pokhara to Jomsom Flight (Options B, either direction), if chosen
- Personal travel insurance
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, hot showers, WiFi, battery charging)
- Tips for guide
Upper Mustang Trek 8 Days FAQ
Do I need to be an experienced trekker to do this trip?
No technical climbing skills are needed. The trails are well-established, and daily walking ranges from 3 to 7 hours, so a moderate fitness level is enough for most people.
Can I fly instead of drive on Day 1 and Day 8?
Yes — the Pokhara to Jomsom Flight is available on both Day 1 and Day 8 as an alternative to driving. It’s short and scenic, but weather-dependent, operating only in the early morning. We recommend keeping a spare day in your schedule if you choose to fly.
Is Upper Mustang Trek open to solo travellers?
Yes — solo travellers are welcome on this trek. Upper Mustang is a restricted area, so independent trekking isn’t allowed. You’ll need to travel with a licensed guide, and you’ll need two permits: the Upper Mustang Permit (Restricted Area Permit) and the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
How difficult is it to get the Upper Mustang Trek permit?
A registered trekking agency arranges the Upper Mustang Permit on your behalf. We handle the paperwork once your trip is confirmed — whether you’re traveling solo or in a group.
Is this trek only walking, or is there also a jeep road?
Both. A motor road now runs alongside much of the classic Mustang trail, which is why several days on this itinerary offer a driving option. This itinerary keeps the core trekking days (Days 2–6) on foot to preserve the walking experience, while giving you flexibility on the first and last days. If you’d prefer an entirely walking-based experience, see our Upper Mustang Trek 11 Days, or for a fully jeep-based version, check out the Upper Mustang Trek 5 Days.
What’s the best time of year to go?
March to June and September to November give the clearest views and most reliable flying conditions, though Upper Mustang’s dry, rain-shadowed climate makes it trekkable even during the monsoon months.
Will I have phone or internet access during the trek?
Coverage is limited and inconsistent once you’re past Kagbeni. Some guesthouses offer WiFi for a small fee, but it isn’t guaranteed, particularly in Lo-Manthang and Choser.
Is the Upper Mustang Trek difficult?
No — the Lo Manthang Trek is rated moderate. Walking days range from 3 to 7 hours on established trails, and the route’s motor road option means you can shorten or skip the walking on Day 1 and Day 8 entirely.
What determines the Upper Mustang Trek Cost?
The Upper Mustang Trek Cost depends mainly on your group size, the season you travel, and whether you choose to fly or drive on Day 1 and Day 8.
Ready to experience the Lo Manthang Trek for yourself? [Contact us] to check dates and availability for your Upper Mustang Trek.
Similarly, explore our 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and see why travellers trust Tibetan Encounter for unforgettable experiences across Nepal.
The Upper Mustang Jeep Tour 5 Days offers a rare opportunity to step into one of the last preserved Tibetan Buddhist kingdoms in the world. Best of all, it fits within a short and manageable itinerary. From the ancient walls of Lo Manthang to the apple orchards of Marpha, every day brings a new layer of culture, history, and dramatic Himalayan scenery. Ultimately, whether you’re short on time or simply looking for a more comfortable way to experience Upper Mustang, this trek delivers an unforgettable journey into the heart of the former Kingdom of Lo. If you’re planning more time in Nepal, you might also enjoy our Mardi Himal Trek 7 Days. If you’re looking for other high-altitude adventures in Nepal, our Short ABC Trek is also worth considering.
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Ready to Explore Upper Mustang?
Spaces on this trek are limited, since we run it as a private, small-group experience. Contact us today to check dates and get your personalized Upper Mustang Trek cost. We’ll help you plan every detail, from permits to pickup.