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Green Pastures

Trekking & Adventures

Upper Mustang

Mustang · Moderate

Upper Mustang

A desert-Himalaya cultural expedition with Tibetan heritage, monasteries, and remarkable highland landscapes.

Route planning map

Explore the route before you commit to it.

Switch between topographic context, overall route shape, and stage-by-stage stops so you can see how the trek unfolds in real terms, not just as a line between famous names.

Route map

Upper Mustang

Loading route map

Drawing the topographic base, route line, and stage markers for this itinerary.

Map view

Terrain mode shows how the walking line sits between valleys, ridges, villages, and key access points.

Journey so far

You are at the trailhead in Jomsom, right at the beginning of the mapped route.

Still ahead

Roughly 57 km remain to Lo Manthang, with 4 more stages still to come.

What this stop is like

Air or jeep gateway into Mustang with immediate dry-country energy. It opens the route and sets up the next move toward Kagbeni.

Route read

Jomsom to Lo Manthang

5 mapped stages, about 57 km on the visible line, showing where the trek leaves road access and moves into higher mountain terrain.

Trailhead

Jomsom

Current focus

Jomsom

Finish

Lo Manthang

Current leg

Jomsom sets the opening tone

7 km of visible movement around the selected stage, showing whether this is a road-assisted transition, an overnight anchor, or a more demanding mountain section.

Next shift

Kagbeni

Jomsom leads toward Kagbeni, where the route changes again in altitude, scenery, or logistics.

Duration

14 days

Max altitude

4,230m

Best seasons

May-Oct

Starting rate

$3,350+

Route highlights

Monsoon-friendly due to rain shadow
Culture-heavy route for custom private travel
Excellent jeep + trek hybrid option
High visual differentiation versus classic routes

Prep notes

Permit costs are materially higher
Ideal for photographers and culturally curious travelers
Dry conditions mean sun, lip, and dust protection matter

Local partner insight

Extra route detail from our local trekking partner.

The notes below show what is commonly included, how the days are staged, and where pricing can change.

Partner-published rates are reference points. Final pricing depends on dates, group size, route choices, hotels, and transport.

Partner notes

The hidden kingdom above the tree line, the vast barren landscape of the Upper Mustang region, dotted with ancient forts, walled medieval villages and monasteries rich in Buddhist art, offers its visitors a fascinating glimpse into this remote enclave of Tibetan Culture. A deliberate policy of cultural and environmental preservation has meant that Mustang remains one of the world's most special trekking destinations. Entry is limited and special trekking permits are required. 10 to 15 days should be allowed for Upper Mustang and it may also be combined with the Jomsom trek. A reasonable fitness level is required. We organise tea house treks.

The Upper Mustang region has ancient forts, walled medieval villages and monasteries rich in Buddhist art. Exclusive entry and trekking permit required.

Itinerary preview

Day 7

...

Lo-Manthang (exploration day)

Lo-Manthang means the “plains of prayer.” The city is a walled fortress of old times with houses tightly packed behind the walls, and a maze of narrow alleys to explore. The king’s palace, in which he still resides, is easily noticeable, as it is the largest residence in Lo-Manthang. It is also possible to visit 3 monasteries – the Chamba Lakhang which houses the massive 45 foot statue of Maitreya (the future Buddha), the Thugchen Lakhang with several large images of Sakyamuki, Avolokitsevara and Maitreya and Chodi of the Sakya Sect which has several monks in residence and offers us the chance to join in prayer and chanting. Half way to the King’s summer palace in Namgyal, is the Namgyal Monastery. It is the largest monastery in Mustang and is perched on a hillside above the village. Its massive walls are painted in scripts of grey, white and yellow. There is a large courtyard surrounded by galleries and the main hall contains a large altar with splendid statues, images and Thankas hanging from the pillars. Lo-Manthang has a post office, health post; police check post and radio communication with Jomsom and Kathamndu.

Day 6

5 hrs10 kms110m ascent

Tsarang (3650m) – Lo-Manthang (3760m)

After our initial descent, the trail follows a gentle but continuous climb with increasingly beautiful views. High sandstone cliffs with numerous caves flank our east and the Mustang Himal peaks are visible stretching towards Tibet. From the Lo-Manthang Pass (3950m) we first see the village of Namgyal, and then Lo-Manthang itself, the only walled village on this route. It contains the Royal Palace of the King of Mustang and will be our base camp for the next 3 nights. Hiking hours: 5

Day 5

6 hrs11 kms160m ascent

Ghami (3490m) – Tsarang (Charang) (3650m)

We cross the river on the other side of Ghami village. There is a hospital following 300m long Mani wall. The Mani wall is the longest in Upper Mustang and is said to be the intestine of the demon killed by Padmasambhav (Guru Rimpoche). Tsarang (3650m), a Dzong which formerly housed a king of the region. Tsarang is situated on the edge of a beautiful cliff. The name Tsarang has been derived from the Tibetan word Chaptrun meaning cook’s crest. The crest being the narrow rocky ridge upon which the Castle stands. There is a Monastery which was built in 1385AD and a 5 storied Palace built in 1378AD. The Palace has 108 volumes of Kangyur Text engraved in Gold. Hiking hours: 6

Day 3

6 hrs10 kms870m ascent

Chaile (3050m) – Syanboche (3920m)

We climb until we reach the Chotare Lopcha Pass (3625 m) where it offers a good view towards Samar, the Kali Gandaki Valley and snow-capped peaks in the distance. We then follow the contour of the mountain to Samar (3700 m) named after the red outcrop of rocks. We stop for lunch at Samar. Then we take the lower route to visit Chunsi cave red painted monastery, which is an impressive and worth to visit. This is Rangchyung Chorten, one of the most sacred places in Mustang. Sometime it is possible to see the rare blue mountain sheep in this area. Our today’s destination is Syanboche (3920 m). Hiking hours: 6.