Upper Mustang Restricted Area Trek
One of the most interesting and culturally rich Himalayan adventures in Nepal is the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Trek. Upper Mustang is in the rain-shadow area beyond the Annapurna range. It has dramatic desert landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, monasteries dating back centuries, and the famous walled city of Lo Manthang. This area is less crowded and better preserved than other popular treks in Nepal because you need a special restricted-area permit to visit it.
This complete guide for the Upper Mustang trek in Nepal includes information on the route, the cost of permits, the level of difficulty, the best time to go, and important travel tips.
A look at the Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang is in Nepal’s Trans-Himalayan region, close to the border with Tibet. This hidden valley was once known as the Kingdom of Lo. It was closed to foreign trekkers until 1992. Today, it is one of the most interesting treks in Nepal that you can’t do.
Highlights of the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Trek
- Explore the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang
- Get a taste of real Tibetan Buddhist culture
- Visit many old and historical monasteries that are hundreds of years old.
- Walk through the dramatic deserts of the Himalayas.
- Find out about Mustang’s mysterious sky caves.
- Explore the colourful Tiji Festival, which is a seasonal highlight.
Itinerary for the Upper Mustang Trek (10–16 Days)
We will have to drive or fly to Pokhara and stay one night there, a popular tourist city of Nepal. Next morning, a beautiful flight or drive to Jomsom. From there, you hike through Kagbeni, Chele, Ghami, Tsarang, Lo Manthang, and back to Jomsom
This trek at a moderate altitude goes up slowly, which makes it easier to get used to the altitude than high Himalayan trips.
Upper Mustang Trek Cost Breakdown
The cost always depends on the duration of days, group size, and the types of services included. Himalaya Darshan Treks offer the Upper Mustang Trek costs $1,800 per person for 15 days full board package. The total package usually covers upper mustang restricted area permit (which cost is USD 50 per person per day), RAP and ACAP permits, guide fees, accommodation in kathmandu and during the trek, 3 meals during the trek, transportation (flight or jeep to Jomsom), Since Upper Mustang is a remote and restricted region, the trek cost is higher than other popular treks in Nepal, but it offers a unique cultural and desert Himalayan experience worth the investment.
Upper Mustang Restricted Area Trek Permit New Cost
The Government of Nepal changed the old USD 500 flat-fee permit system for Upper Mustang in November 2025. They made it a new, flexible daily rate system. Before, trekkers had to pay for 10 days, no matter how long they stayed. The new policy, which was made possible by changes to Nepal’s Immigration Regulations, aims to promote tourism in restricted areas by making the permit system easier and cheaper for tourists to use.
The old permit cost: Upper Mustang Trek Permit cost is USD 500 per person (for the first 10 days). Additionally, there is a charge of USD 50 per person for each day beyond the initial 10 days.
New Permit Cost for Upper Mustang Trek
New Updated: Upper Mustang Trek Permit cost is USD 50 per person, per day (there are no minimum and maximum day limits. (Minimum 10 days is not mandatory according to the new rules of the Upper Mustang trek permit cost)
Required Documents to get Upper Mustang Trek Permit
- Your original passport and Nepal entry visa (After you arrive in Nepal)
- At least 2 people in your group
- Itinerary details and your passport-size photo
- Your Guide for Upper Mustang trek and agency details (Himalaya Darshan Treks do this)
Necessary Permit to Visit Upper Mustang Restricted Area Trek
- Upper Mustang Restrected Area Permit (RAP)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
These rules help protect Mustang’s delicate environment and one-of-a-kind culture.
Best Time for Upper Mustang Trek
One major advantage of trekking in Upper Mustang is that it lies in a rain-shadow zone, meaning it receives very little monsoon rainfall.
Best Seasons:
- Spring (March–May): Mild weather, Tiji Festival season
- Summer/Monsoon (June–August): Ideal due to dry landscape
- Autumn (September–November): Clear mountain views
- Winter can be very cold, and many locals migrate to lower areas.
How hard is the Upper Mustang Trek?
People think that the Upper Mustang trek is moderately hard. The trails are dry and windy, but they aren’t very steep. Lo Manthang, which is 3,840 meters high, is the highest point. This makes it less likely that you’ll get severe altitude sickness than on other Himalayan treks.
Level of fitness needed:
- Basic level of fitness
- Walking for 5 to 7 hours every day
- You don’t need any experience climbing mountains.
Driving to Upper Mustang Lo Manthang
Driving to Lo Manthang is a popular alternative to hiking in Upper Mustang. A scenic 4WD jeep tour from Pokhara to Lo Manthang goes through Beni, Tatopani, Jomsom, and Kagbeni before entering the restricted Upper Mustang region. The drive off-road gives you amazing views of the Kali Gandaki valley, the desert, colorful cliffs, and traditional Tibetan-style villages.
Length of Drive: 2-3 days by jeep from Pokhara to Lo Manthang,
but if you have time, you can take more days. It depends on you.
Road conditions: After Kagbeni, the road is rough and dusty (4WD is best)
Why Choose Drive’s Upper Mustang?
- Good for people who don’t have a lot of time
- Not as hard on the body as hiking
- Best during the monsoon (rain-shadow region)
- A nice way to see Lo Manthang and the monasteries nearby
A Lo Manthang jeep tour is great for people who want to see the culture, scenery, and history of Upper Mustang without having to hike for long periods of time.
Culture and Heritage of Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang is often described as a living museum of Tibetan civilization. The region preserves ancient traditions, monasteries, prayer walls, chortens, and whitewashed villages, all untouched by rapid modernization.
Lo Manthang, the former royal capital, features:
- Royal Palace
- Narrow alleys and mud-brick houses
- Ancient monasteries over 600 years old
- The annual Tiji Festival in Mustang is one of Nepal’s most spectacular cultural events, attracting travellers from around the world.
Look into the Tiji Festival.
The Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang is one of Nepal’s most colorful and culturally important Buddhist festivals. It takes place every year in the old walled city of Lo Manthang. This three-day festival is a celebration of good over evil. It includes colorful masked dances, traditional rituals, and sacred ceremonies performed by monks from Chhoede Monastery.
The Tiji Festival is based on Tibetan Buddhist traditions and draws both local devotees and tourists from around the world who want to see real Himalayan culture in the closed-off kingdom of Mustang. People say that this is one of the best times to visit Upper Mustang because you can hike and learn about the culture at the same time.
Why should you go on the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Trek?
- Not as many tourists as Everest and Annapurna Base Camp
- Himalayan scenery that looks like a desert
- A lot of Tibetan Buddhist history and traditions
- Easy to get to, even in the rainy season
- The perfect mix of adventure, culture, and history
Upper Mustang is a great place for trekkers who want to see something other than the usual Himalayan routes. It’s an unforgettable trip into Nepal’s hidden kingdom.
Important Travel Advice:
- Book your trip with a trekking company that is registered. Like Himalaya Darshan Treks.
- Wear clothes that won’t blow away (strong winds in the afternoon are common).
- Bring enough cash because there aren’t many ATMs.
- Respect the monasteries and customs of the area
- We recommend getting travel insurance.
Last Thoughts
In conclusion, the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Trek is more than just a hike; it’s a chance to learn about the culture of one of Nepal’s last preserved Himalayan kingdoms. This trek is unlike any other in Nepal because of the magical caves and monasteries, and the famous Lo Manthang valley.
Upper Mustang should be at the top of your travel list if you want to go on a restricted area trek in Nepal with stunning scenery, real Tibetan culture, and fewer people. You can get in touch with us.
Frequently Asked Question
- Do I need a special permit to go on the Upper Mustang Trek?
Yes, Upper Mustang is a place where you can’t go. A registered trekking agency in Nepal must give trekkers a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
- How much does the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit cost?
The Restricted Area Permit new costs are USD 50 per person, per day (no minimum or maximum days)
- When is the best time to go on the Upper Mustang Trek?
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times of year. Upper Mustang is also a good place to go during the monsoon (June–August) because it is in a rain shadow.
- How hard is the Upper Mustang Trek?
The trek is thought to be moderate. Trekkers walk for 5 to 7 hours every day, and the highest point is Lo Manthang, which is 3,840 meters high.