-
Tiji festival in Lomanthang -
walled city of Lomanthang -
Overview of Annapurna from Mustang
Upper Mustang Trek
Trip cost1880 USD Book this Trip
Trip Duration 18 Days
Destination Nepal
Trip Grade Moderate
Activity Trekking
Transportation By Air
Accomodation Lodge to lodge
Meals Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Max. Altitude 3,900 m
Even though the hidden kingdom of Mustang is linked by a dirt road, it is still worth trekking there. Take the most thrilling Himalayan flight to Jomsom through the valley wedged between two 8000 m peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna and then trek to the earthen walled city of Lo Manthang. Explore the most intact medieval Tibet and then trek back following the route on the eastern bank of Kali Gandaki River.
Mustang at a glance
Mustang is a hidden Shangri-La of Nepalese Himalayas that was restricted until 1992 following the Tibetan resistance movement that vastly used territory of Mustang. Nestled among the high Himalayan peaks, the devout Buddhist kingdom of Mustang always accepted to be vassals of others to avoid violence. Artifacts and paintings found in caves carved out on the cliffs, fort and palace ruins and its antique monasteries make Mustang’s history mysterious. Undisturbed Himalayan Buddhism, intact Tibetan culture and alpine landscape make it ‘The lost Tibetan Kingdom’, politically in Nepal.
Upper Mustang Trek
Our Mustang trek starts with one of the most spectacular flights through the Kaligandaki valley wedged between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. The trail follows trans-Himalayan salt trading route through deep gorges to the earthen walled city of Lo. We come across charming villages, fort ruins and occult monasteries dating back to as early as the 8th century. Walk past the honeycomb sky caves hewn in the cliffs and visit the bizarre walled city of Lo before trekking back through the wild northeastern arid mountains.
Join the trek for Tiji Festival 14 - 16 May 2026
The walled city of Mustang celebrates the enigmatic mask dancing festival of Tiji in May. 'Tiji' means the prayers for world peace in the Tibetan language. Huge 400 years old Thangka of Guru Rinpoche is unfurled to make the background of a medieval stage inside the walled city where the monks of Chhyode monastery perform lively mask dances for three days. The main monk who personifies the Dorje Sonam, the killer of demons, performs dances on the third or the last day.
Guranteed Departure !
Tiji Festival Tour 2026
Trip Highlights
- One of the most scenic and culturally rich treks in the trans-Himalayan region behind Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs.
- Experience the lost Tibetan kingdom with unspoiled Tibetan culture and landscape.
- Explore the highly spiritual Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, honeycomb caves and the medieval walled city of Lo Mangtang.
- Cultural immersion experience of intact Tibetan Buddhist lifestyle and trans-Himalayan village life.
- Traverse the Himalayas from its lush southern slopes to the arid alpine desert of trans-Himalayas within a short time.
- Detour of lake city Pokhara, charming Thakali villages and the popular pilgrimage site Muktinath.
Outline Day to Day Itinerary:
- Day 01:Arrive Kathmandu
- Day 02:Sightseeing and preparation for the trip
- Day 03:Fly to Pokhara | Pokhara Sightseeing
- Day 04:Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni
- Day 05:Trek to Chele (3,050m/10,035ft)
- Day 06:Trek to Eklo Bhatti (3,820m/12,568ft)
- Day 07:Trek to Ghame (3,520m/11,581ft)
- Day 08:Trek to Tsarang (3,500 m/11,515ft)
- Day 09:Trek to Lomanthang (3,700 m/12,173ft)
- Day 10:Explore the higher reaches of Upper Mustang
- Day 11:Trek to Yara village (3,838m/12,550 feet) | 6 hrs
- Day 12:Visit Luri Gompa & back to Yara village | 7 hrs
- Day 13:Trek to Tangbe (3,240m/10,595 feet) | 6 hrs
- Day 14:Tangbe to Tetang (2,970m/9,744 feet) | 7 hrs
- Day 15:Tetang to Jomsom (2,720m/8,894 feet), 7 hrs
- Day 16:Fly back to Pokhara
- Day 17:Fly back to Kathmandu
- Day 18:Final departure
Detail Itinerary
- Day 01:Arrive Kathmandu We will pick you up from the Kathmandu airport and take you to the hotel in the downtown Kathmandu.
- Day 02:Sightseeing and preparation for the trip We will get our final permit and have a trip briefing and check equipment accordingly. Walk with guide around old Kathmandu and also visit Swyambhunath Stupa to get familiar with local customs.
- Day 03:Fly to Pokhara | Pokhara Sightseeing The 25 minutes flight to Pokhara is an opportunity to have overview of the Himalayan ranges of Langtang, Manaslu and Annapurna. Check in the hotel and later we will visit International mountain museum and Tibetan Refugee camp. In the evening take a boat across Phewa Lake and hike one hour to the World peace pagoda. Enjoy the evening view of Pokhara valley with Annapurna in the background and drive back to hotel.
- Day 04:Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni Take an early morning flight to Jomsom (2,705m/8,900ft), the administrative centre for the Mustang district of Nepal. En-route we fly between Annapurna I (8,055m / 26,500ft) and Dhaulagiri (8,146m/26,800ft). We will meet our porters in Jomsom and trek 8km (4hrs) to Kagbeni, which is situated at the confluence of the Jhong Khola (river) and the Kali Gandaki River.
- Day 05:Trek to Chele (3,050m/10,035ft) The trek to Chele is 18km (7 hrs) from Kagbeni, where we head north along the Kali Gandaki River. The trail goes up and down for two hrs to avoid the many river crossings, and then climbs steeply to a plateau avoiding a vertical-walled bluff ahead. From here it is a gradual climb to Tangbe (4 hrs). The trail climbs to 3,100m/10,199ft and then drops steeply to the banks of the Kali Gandaki. We will walk along the river bed crossing to the western bank before making a small climb to Chele.
- Day 06:Trek to Eklo Bhatti (3,820m/12,568ft) The trail climbs to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, Nilgiri and Damodar Danda. It then descends a little to the village of Samar, altogether three hrs from Chele. Between Samar and Geling the trail remains over 3,700m/12,173ft, so the group should be well acclimatized to camp in between. The first campsite arrives after two hrs of climbing (mostly gradual), but only provides camping for a few tents. Another campground with nicer prospects is just one hour further.
- Day 07:Trek to Ghame (3,520m/11,581ft) The trail gently climbs to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) passing teahouses, chortens and Tibetan-influenced villages, and crosses over a few other passes. The longer climb will be to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) after lunch, the trail then steeply descends to Ghame.
- Day 08:Trek to Tsarang (3,500 m/11,515ft) This is an easy trekking day of 11km (4 hrs) to Tsarang. After crossing Ghame Khola below Ghame, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long mani wall. From the end of the wall the trail heads east to Tsarang, gradually climbing and then descending.
- Day 09:Trek to Lomanthang (3,700 m/12,173ft) The 13km (5 hrs) trek to Lomangthang hosts magnificent views of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Tsarang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lomanthang Valley. While descending to Lomangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border.
- Day 10:Explore the higher reaches of Upper Mustang Explore the eastern valleys and the Nyphu and Gharphu Monasteries before returning to Lomangthang. This trip is 12km (5-6 hrs) round trip.
- Day 11:Trek to Yara village (3,838m/12,550 feet) | 6 hrs Trek to Yara village (3,838m/12,550 feet) | 6 hrs
- Day 12:Visit Luri Gompa & back to Yara village | 7 hrs Visit Luri Gompa & back to Yara village | 7 hrs
- Day 13:Trek to Tangbe (3,240m/10,595 feet) | 6 hrs Trek to Tangbe (3,240m/10,595 feet) | 6 hrs
- Day 14:Tangbe to Tetang (2,970m/9,744 feet) | 7 hrs Tangbe to Tetang (2,970m/9,744 feet) | 7 hrs
- Day 15:Tetang to Jomsom (2,720m/8,894 feet), 7 hrs Tetang to Jomsom (2,720m/8,894 feet), 7 hrs
- Day 16:Fly back to Pokhara If the weather permits, we will arrive Pokhara early in the morning. You can just relax or explore around the Lake city of Pokhara. The flight is only 18 mints but we need this day in Pokhara in case the flight get cancelled.
- Day 17:Fly back to Kathmandu Fly back to Kathmandu
- Day 18:Final departure Our represent will pick you up and drop you to the airport for the final departure to your next destination.
Cost Includes
- Trekking package from Pokhara to Pokhara.
- Necessary trekking permits. ACAP, Restricted permit and TIMS
- Pokhara - Jomsom - Pokhara flight
- Trekking with licensed and experienced guide.
- Comfortable Lodge accommodation with three meals a day.
- Down Jacket, Sleeping bag, duffle bag for the trek
Cost Excludes
- Delay and cancellation because of naturl phenomenon. In case of flight cancellation, we can also drive and follow the itinerary. The difference in cost if any is extra.
- Any type of insurances. Rescue and evacuation will be done on your account.
- Bottled drinks and beverages.
- Tea breaks, snacks or anything purchased directly beside three meals included.
Useful Info
Prepare yourself for Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang is difficult in the category. Preparing yourself with regular workout or hiking before coming on a trip helps a lot. Pack properly to adjust the varying weather and understand the culture. Be aware of altitude sickness and plan your itinerary accordingly. Here is some useful information for the best Mustang experience.
Trek difficulty and fitness
Arid landscape, long stretches of steep ups and downs and harsh climate make this trek moderately difficult. The trek is suitable for any physically fit individuals with previous experience of high altitude hiking. Since the trek involves days of walking in high altitude, prepare yourself with regular walks and gradually increase the distance and intensity to continuously increase your stamina.
Weather and temperature
Mustang has dry and arid climate. It is known as cold desert, day time has scorching heat while temperature drops down a lot during the night. Also it is typical to have strong wind during the day. Mustang gets relatively less rain during the summer (monsoon) as it is in rain shadow of the Himalayas. March till May and September till November are the best months to travel. Pack dresses in layers to adjust with fluctuating temperature and wind throughout the day.
Challange of altitude sickness
We suggest trekkers to remain aware about the development of altitude sickness, it is not a serious issue for Upper Mustang trek. The trek starts from around 2,800 m and goes to the altitude of 4,000 m after few days of treks allowing trekkers enough time to acclimatize. Gentle headache, sleep apnea, breathlessness are basic symptoms of acclimatization which will go away after couple of days. If the symptoms get worse, descend to lower altitude and allow a rest day.
Restricted area permits and other formalities
Upper Mustang sharing the border with Tibet comes under a restricted area which requires special restricted area permit (RAP) beside Annapurna conservation area permit (ACAP) and TIMS (Trekking information management system) . RAP is issued by the department of immigration and needs an application from a registered company with a licensed and insured guide. The RAP is issued for a minimum of two people in a group and costs USD 500 / person.
Food and Accommodation
Wide range of accommodations are available in Mustang for most of the night, from basic family run teahouses to luxury hotels. Teahouses are traditional Tibetan style family houses where guests get to interact with local family. Many popular villages along the western bank of Kali Gandaki also have upgraded to comfortable rooms with ensuite bathroom with hot shower and room heating.
With some local Nepalese and Tibetan, basic international cousins are available throughout the trip. Tibetan bread, pancake, cereals and eggs are popular breakfast. Fried rice, noodles and momo are common lunch. You can try Dal Bhat (set of rice, lintel soup and curries) or Chapati bead with curry for dinner. Most of them also have pizza, stake and sizzlers in the menu.
But don't forget to try Tsampa porridge for breakfast and Tibetan butter tea.
Pack some granola bars and your favorite titbits for the journey.
Respect local customs
Mustang is very spiritual place lived by happy people with high moral and kindness.
- Greet all passerby with national greetings 'Namaste' or Tibetan greeting 'Tashi Delek'.
- Always go clockwise around the Mani walls, chortens or a monastery.
- Don't sit on a table.
- You may have to take off your shoes to go inside their private home kitchen and alter.
- Take off hats and shoes before going inside monastery.
- Don't take pictures or record prayers inside the monastery without permission.
- Ask about the entrance tickets before entering a monastery, cave and museum. Most of them have separate small fees.
