17 days
3840m
2 - 10
Moderate
Spring / Autumn
Starts in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Tea Houses & Lodges
The Mustang Trek is a journey back in time.
Located in the ancient Kingdom of Lo, north of the Annapurna range and close to the Tibetan border, Mustang offers a landscape unlike anywhere else in Nepal: high-altitude desert, wind-carved canyons, ancient caves, and a Tibetan culture preserved for centuries.
Until 1992, Mustang was closed to outsiders. Even today, it remains one of the most mystical, cultural, and peaceful trekking regions in the Himalayas.
This is not a summit trek.
It is a trek of history, spirituality, and contemplation.
Arrival in Nepal. Meet & greet at the airport and private transfer to the hotel. First contact with the capital.
Full preparation day including detailed trek briefing, equipment check and rental assistance if needed, Kathmandu city tour by private
vehicle (entrance fees not included), and welcome dinner with the local team.
• Flight: approx. 25 minutes
• Jeep / private vehicle: approx. 6–7 hours
Transfer to Pokhara, gateway to the Annapurna region.
Due to weather conditions or flight availability, the journey may be done by road using a private jeep.
Overnight in Pokhara.
Duration:
• Flight: approx. 20 minutes
• 4x4 jeep (if flight is canceled): approx. 8–9 hours
• Trekking: 3–4 hours
Scenic flight into Mustang and start of the trek to Kagbeni, the historic gateway to Upper Mustang.
Official entry into Upper Mustang. Walk through dramatic canyons and increasingly arid landscapes.
Cross gentle mountain passes and traditional villages with strong Tibetan influence.
One of the most scenic days, surrounded by chortens, red cliffs, and vast desert valleys.
Cultural route passing ancient monasteries and long mani walls to the important village of Tsarang.
Arrival at Lo Manthang, the walled capital of the former Forbidden Kingdom. A truly special day.
Full day to explore monasteries, the royal palace, ancient caves, and nearby villages. Mustang at its purest.
Trekking:
Departure from the capital via quieter trails, crossing striking red rock landscapes and unique formations.
Gentle descent through traditional villages and terraced agricultural land.
The valley opens as we descend through wide landscapes and ancient caravan routes.
Final trekking day following the Kali Gandaki Valley to Jomsom.
Return by scenic flights (weather permitting) back to Kathmandu.
Extra buffer day in case of weather delays or for rest, sightseeing, and shopping.
Private transfer to the international airport and end of the journey.
✈️ International flights
🛂 Nepal entry visa
🛡 Travel insurance including helicopter rescue
🍽 Meals not specified in Kathmandu and Pokhara
🚿 Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging in lodges
🥤 Additional drinks
🎒 Personal trekking equipment
💰 Tips for guides, porters, and staff
📦 Any service not mentioned under “What’s Included”
🚐 Transportation & logistics
• Airport transfers in Kathmandu
• Kathmandu – Pokhara transport (flight or jeep)
• Pokhara – Jomsom transport (flight or jeep)
• All ground transportation during the trek
🏨 Accommodation
• 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu
• Hotel in Pokhara
• Mountain tea houses during the trek
🍽 Meals
Full board during the trekking days
(breakfast, lunch, dinner).
🎉 Special meals
• Welcome dinner in Kathmandu
• Farewell dinner at the end of the trek
💧 Hydration
1 liter of drinking water per person per trekking day.
🧭 Professional mountain team
Certified trekking guide and experienced porters.
✔ 1 porter for every 2 trekkers
✔ Maximum load 15 kg per person
🎟 Permits
• Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
🩺 Health & Safety
First aid kit and safety protocols during the trek.
✔ Staff salary, insurance, accommodation, and transport included.
Difficulty level
The Upper Mustang Trek is considered a moderate Himalayan trek suitable for participants with good physical fitness.
No technical climbing skills are required. Trekkers should be comfortable hiking 5–7 hours per day on mountain trails and dry Himalayan terrain.
Although the altitude is moderate, the dry climate, wind exposure, and consecutive trekking days can increase the overall physical demand of the trek.
Altitude Awareness
This trek reaches elevations of around 3,800 m at Lo Manthang.
The itinerary follows a gradual ascent with guidance on proper hydration, steady pacing, and adequate rest.
Our experienced Sherpa guides monitor trekkers throughout the journey to ensure comfort, safety, and proper adaptation to altitude.
Guide & Sherpa support
All treks are led by certified local guides and experienced Sherpa teams who manage the route, daily logistics, and safety throughout the journey. Their deep knowledge of the terrain, weather patterns, and mountain conditions ensures a safe and authentic Himalayan trekking experience.
Packing list
Below is a recommended packing list for trekking in the Himalayas. Weather conditions in the mountains
can change quickly, so we recommend bringing layered clothing suitable for warm daytime temperatures
as well as cold mornings and evenings.
Clothing
• Long■sleeve shirts (2–3)
• Lightweight trekking shirts (1–2)
• Preferably made from merino wool or synthetic fabrics for better moisture control
• Fleece jacket or light insulating layer
• Lightweight down jacket
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Trekking pants (2 pairs) – at least one pair wind■resistant
• Thermal base layer (top and bottom)
• Thermal leggings
• Underwear (3–4 pairs)
• Warm hat or beanie
• Sun hat or cap
• Lightweight gloves
• Warmer gloves for cold mornings or higher altitudes
• Buff or neck gaiter
Footwear
• Trekking boots (already used and comfortable, Gore■Tex recommended)
• Comfortable shoes or sneakers for the lodge
• Trekking socks (3–4 pairs)
• Warm socks (1–2 pairs)
Trekking Gear
• Daypack (25–35 L)
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Sunglasses (UV protection – Category 4 recommended)
• Water bottles (minimum 2 liters)
• Thermal bottle
• Rain cover for backpack• Rain jacket or waterproof shell
• Dry bags or waterproof stuff sacks for protecting gear
Personal Equipment
• Sleeping bag (recommended rating at least -10°C depending on the person)
• Basic personal first aid kit
• Water purification tablets or portable filter
• Sunscreen SPF 50
• Lip balm with sun protection
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes
• Personal toilet paper
• Quick■dry towel
• Small bag for personal waste
Documents & Money
• Passport
• Travel insurance
• Photocopies of passport and important documents
• Cash for the trek (ATMs and card payments are not available in many trekking areas)
Optional
• Camera or phone
• Power bank
• Book or journal
• Snacks or energy bars
Important Notes
• Each participant should carry a daypack with essential personal items during the trek.
• Bring only the necessary equipment to keep your backpack light and comfortable.
Your safety is our top priority throughout the trek. Our itineraries are designed to allow proper acclimatization, and our certified guides monitor participants daily for altitude-related symptoms.
Oximetry monitoring
First aid kit
Emergency oxigen
Travel insurance requiered
Important travel information
Himalayan travel takes place in a dynamic mountain environment where weather and trail conditions may vary. For safety reasons, minor itinerary adjustments may occasionally be necessary. Crest Summit Treks always prioritizes safety, comfort, and the best possible mountain experience.
Most travelers need to obtain a tourist visa to enter Nepal. This visa can be easily obtained upon arrival in the country.
The tourist visa can be arranged:
Travelers may also complete the visa application form online before arrival, which can help speed up the process at the airport.
To obtain a visa on arrival, travelers must complete the immigration form, present a valid passport, and pay the visa fee.
It is recommended to bring US dollars in cash to pay the visa fee.
In some cases, a passport-sized photo may be required, so it is advisable to bring one with you.
Tourist visas are generally issued as multiple-entry visas, allowing travelers to leave and re-enter Nepal during the validity period of the visa.
Indian citizens do not require a visa to enter Nepal. However, they must carry a valid passport or an approved identification document when crossing the border.
Adequate travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining our treks and expeditions.
Travel insurance is not included in the trip price, and each participant is responsible for arranging their own policy before traveling to Nepal.
We strongly recommend that your insurance policy covers:
Helicopter evacuations in the Himalayas can be very expensive, especially in remote areas where road access is limited. For this reason, having proper insurance coverage is essential for your safety and peace of mind.
For most treks in Nepal, we recommend insurance coverage for trekking activities up to at least 4,000–6,000 meters, including emergency helicopter evacuation.
For mountaineering expeditions or peak climbs above 6,000 meters, it is mandatory to have insurance that covers high-altitude mountaineering and rescue operations.
Participants must carefully check that their insurance policy covers the maximum altitude of their chosen trip.
Participants should carry a copy of their insurance policy and emergency contact numbers during the trek or expedition.
Having appropriate insurance provides safety and peace of mind for both participants and the mountain team supporting the expedition.
Tipping is not mandatory but is a common practice in Nepal and a way to show appreciation for the local team supporting your trek or expedition.
Guides, Sherpas and porters work hard to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey in the mountains, assisting with logistics, equipment and support throughout the route.
As a general guideline, many trekkers choose to tip approximately:
Tips are usually given at the end of the trek as a gesture of appreciation for the service provided.
The final amount is always at the discretion of each participant and may vary depending on group size and personal satisfaction with the service.
Each participant should carry a small personal first aid kit with basic medications that may be needed during the trek or expedition.
It is important to bring any personal medication prescribed by your doctor, as well as any specific treatments you normally use.
A personal first aid kit may include, for example:
We recommend consulting your doctor before the trip if you require specific medication for high-altitude activities.
Our mountain team carries a group first aid kit and essential safety equipment, but each participant is responsible for their own personal medication.
Join a carefully crafted trek designed for those seeking silence, vast landscapes, and a deep connection with the mountains.
Our past travelers share the highs, challenges, and unforgettable moments that made their Himalayan journey truly extraordinary.
