Lo manthang , The forbidden kingdom of Nepal
The different views of upper mustang
” Do you know that Upper Mustang is called the “Forbidden Kingdom” because it was closed to visitors until 1992!”
Before when Nepal was divided into many kingdoms, Upper mustang was one of them and since it was not allowed to visit for visitors for some time. It became popular with the name ” The Forbidden Kingdom”. This amazing desert region in Nepal is one of the coolest places on Earth for a biking adventure. It’s hidden behind huge mountains called Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. It still has Tibetan Buddhist culture that hasn’t changed in hundreds of years. The dry roads makes the adventurous going through the tunnels of the plateaus and rivers.
Amazing Desert Landscape: Upper Mustang looks like a desert with red and brown cliffs, dusty trails and plain land. It’s like riding on another planet! The area is dry because big mountains block rain clouds. there are manay Tibetian plateaus. It feeels like you are walking through the massive plateaus. you will be riding through the rivers, uphill and downhill and side by side with the rivers.
Ancient Culture: The villages are built in traditional Tibetan style. White houses and ancient monasteries that are over 600 years old. People here still follow old Buddhist traditions that haven’t changed in centuries. You will see elderly with traditional dresses walking on the street. you can also experience the old palace still standing.
Incredible Mountain Views: You’ll ride pass through dramatic red cliffs, mysterious caves carved into mountains, and ancient walled cities. Plus, you’ll see massive snow-covered mountains all around you, including some of the world’s highest peaks!
Open All Year: Unlike most mountain areas in Nepal, Upper Mustang stays dry even during the rainy season (monsoon). This means you can visit almost any time of year!
Detailed 10-Day Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary (2026)
Here’s a comprehensive, day-by-day itinerary for the classic Upper Mustang Trek from Jomsom to Lo Manthang and back. This is the most popular route, taking 10 active trekking days (plus travel days). Perfect for your Road to Himalaya clients seeking Himalayan trekking Nepal and cultural immersion.
Trip Overview
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Duration: 10 trekking days (14-16 days total with travel)
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Starting/Ending Point: Jomsom (2,715m)
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Highest Point: Lo La Pass (3,950m)
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Difficulty: Moderate (daily walks 5-7 hours)
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Best Season: March-May, September-November
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Permits Required: RAP ($500/10 days), ACAP ($30), TIMS ($20)​
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 0: Travel to Jomsom
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Route: Fly Kathmandu → Pokhara (25 min) → Fly Pokhara → Jomsom (30 min, morning flight)
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Altitude: 2,715m (Jomsom)
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Accommodation: Teahouse/guesthouse
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Highlights: Aerial views of Annapurna & Dhaulagiri
Day 1: Jomsom → Kagbeni (3-4 hrs, 10.7 km)
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Altitude: 2,800m
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Route: Follow Kali Gandaki Valley along gravel path, cross suspension bridge
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Highlights: Gateway to Upper Mustang, RAP checkpoint at Kagbeni, medieval village with gompa
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Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 2: Kagbeni → Chele (5 hrs, 15.3 km)
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Altitude: 3,050m
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Route: Steep climb out of Kagbeni, pass Tangbe village, enter restricted area
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Highlights: First views of Upper Mustang’s barren landscapes, high-altitude trekking begins
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Accommodation: Basic teahouse
Day 3: Chele → Syangmochen/Geling (5-6 hrs)
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Altitude: 3,400m (Geling) / 3,800m (Syangmochen)
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Route: Taklam La Pass (3,630m), Dajori La Pass (3,730m), descend through juniper forests
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Highlights: Rang Byung Cave (stalactite chorten), barley fields, first authentic Mustang villages
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Accommodation: Teahouse in Geling
Day 4: Geling/Syangmochen → Tsarang (5-6 hrs)
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Altitude: 3,620m
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Route: Nyi La Pass (4,010m), dramatic ridge walking, long mani walls
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Highlights: Views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang; Tsarang Monastery (oldest in Mustang)
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Accommodation: Monastery guesthouse
Day 5: Tsarang → Lo Manthang (4-5 hrs)
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Altitude: 3,810m
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Route: Lo La Pass (3,950m), descend through gorges to historic walled city
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Highlights: Lo Manthang arrival! Walled capital of former Kingdom of Lo
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Accommodation: Teahouse in Lo Manthang
Day 6: Explore Lo Manthang (Full Day Sightseeing)
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Altitude: 3,810m
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Activities (6-8 hrs):
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Thubchen Gompa (largest prayer wheel in world)
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Jampa Lhakang (14th-century murals)
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King’s Palace, Namgyal Gompa, Tingkhar village
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Local markets, traditional architecture
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Highlights: Cultural heritage Upper Mustang, Tibetan culture Upper Mustang
Day 7: Lo Manthang → Drakmar/Chhoser (5-6 hrs, via Ghar Gompa)
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Altitude: 3,650m (Chhoser)
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Route: Alternative east route, visit Ghar Gompa (8th-century monastery), 3 high passes >4,000m
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Highlights: Sky Caves near Chhoser, marmot habitat, stone pillars
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Accommodation: Teahouse
Day 8: Drakmar/Chhoser → Ghami (5 hrs)
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Altitude: 3,530m
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Route: Descend to Ghami, longest mani wall in Nepal
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Highlights: Traditional Mustang village life, remote villages Mustang
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Accommodation: Teahouse​
Day 9: Ghami → Chele (6-7 hrs, 20.5 km)
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Altitude: 3,050m
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Route: Direct route via Tamagaon (skip Geling), long descent
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Highlights: Final high desert views, easier walking
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Accommodation: Teahouse​
Day 10: Chele → Jomsom (6-7 hrs, 25.8 km)
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Altitude: 2,715m
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Route: Return via Kagbeni along Kali Gandaki Valley
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Highlights: Farewell to Upper Mustang, hot springs in Jomsom possible
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Next: Fly Jomsom → Pokhara → Kathmandu
| Daily Walking | 5-7 hours | Max 25 km |
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| Total Distance | ~120-140 km | Round trip |
| Highest Altitude | 4,010m (Nyi La) | No technical climbs |
| Accommodation | Teahouses (shared rooms, basic facilities) | Solar hot showers available |
| Food | Dal bhat, Tibetan thukpa, local cuisine Mustang | Vegetarian options always available |
| Guides | Local guides Upper Mustang mandatory | French/English speaking available |
Note : The cost break down is standard it may vary according to the personal need and change in itinery.
In Upper Mustang, the silence of the stones speaks louder than words, and every ridge hides a story older than time.
When Should You Go? Best Times to Visit
Best Times (Highly Recommended!)
Spring (March to May)
Perfect weather with clear skies and mild temperatures
Daytime: 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C) – comfortable for riding!
Nighttime: 32°F to 41°F (0°C to 5°C) – cold, but not freezing
The famous Tiji Festival happens in May (May 27-29, 2025) with colorful dances and celebrations
Flowers bloom in the lower areas
Great for taking photos
Fall/Autumn (September to November)
The most popular time to visit with excellent weather
Temperatures similar to spring
Crystal clear views after the rainy season ends
Local harvest celebrations happening
Most stable and predictable weather
Other Times You Can Visit
Summer (June to August)
Upper Mustang stays dry even though it’s monsoon season elsewhere in Nepal!
Warmer during the day: 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C)
Yartung Festival in August with exciting horse races
Note: Flights might get delayed because of weather in other regions
Winter (December to February)
Cold but beautiful with fewer tourists
Daytime: 41°F to 59°F (5°C to 15°C)
Needs warm winter clothes
Some tea houses (small hotels) might be closed
Only for experienced riders who don’t mind the cold
Essential Permits & Requirements
Required Permits
Motorbikes and bicycles do not need permits to enter Upper Mustang, but all travelers require two permits:
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Cost: $500 per person for 10 days (additional $50 per day if extended)
Minimum 2 people required
Must be arranged through a licensed trekking agency
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
Cost: $30 per person for single entry
LIMITED TIME OFFER: Book by Feb 15th → FREE Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour + Airport Transfers!
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