Live Chat Support

Upper Mustang Circuit trek

Upper Mustang Circuit trek - Upper Mustang Lomanthang Trekking Nepal

Trip highlights

Experience real Lobos culture, large numbers of ancient monasteries with primitive monuments and the Kaligandaki valley (the deepest valley in the world). The mystifying landscapes of Mustang, alpine lakes, glaciers, mountain views and the Damodar Kunda lake will be remembered for long. Also, you will be able to observe various kinds of fossils, visit the Holy Muktinath Temple, together with picturesque villages including Lo-Manthang, Charang, Ghami village.

The Upper Mustang Circuit Trek is one of the most fascinating, exciting treks in all of Nepal due to its remote location, out of this world landscape, and vibrant culture. This scenic trek offers diverse landscape from the deepest gorge of Kaligandaki to the high altitude region of Lomangthang valley full of barren tree-less landscape and rocky trail, surrounded by the beautiful snow capped peaks of Mt. Niliguri, Mt. Annapurna, and Mt. Dhalaguri.

This trek is the only one of its kind in the whole entire world. This trip provides insight into the unique culture of the Lobos, who have been isolated for thousands of years, and their marvelous cave homes and monasteries. For those looking for a unique off the beaten track adventure and  love a good challenge, then this trek is for you. High Himalayan Trekking and Expedition will design an itinerary and program for the Upper Mustang Circuit Trek according to an individual clients’ interest throughout the year.

All our trips are tailor made trips with personalized services. Please let us know the number of participants in your group, your choice of hotels and amendments in our itinerary, if any, so that we can quote you the price.

Trip facts

Duration: 23 Days

Grade: Strenuous

Price: $2025 USD

Destination: Jomsom, Kagbeni, Lo Manthang, yara, Damo Darkunda, Muktinath, Pokhara

Min. Group Size: 2

Best Season: April, May, August, September, October, November

Max. Altitude: 5,200m

Special Interest: Culture, Spirituality, Lifestyle, adventure, Environmental education, Ethnic People, Festivals, Hiking, History, Life style, Nature cruises, Photography, Tradition, Trekking, architecture, culture, exploration, senior tours, single tour, villages, wildlife

Starting Point: kathmandu

Ending Point: Kathmandu

Average Hiking: 6-7 hrs/day

Geography: Countryside, Forests, Mid hills, Mountains, Rivers, Towns, cold places, cultural city, valleys, unique culture, villages

Min. Altitude: 850m

Altitude profile

Day-by-day altitudes on the Upper Mustang Circuit trek:

Climate profile

Which climate should you expect on Upper Mustang Circuit trek? Discover the day-by-day minimum and maximum temperature for

Detailed itinerary

Day 01 :Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 02 :Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Permit and other documentation process

Day 03 :Drive (7 hrs) or flight (30 min) to Pokhara

Day 04 :Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,713m) then trek to Kagbeni (2,800m) - 3 hrs

Day 05 :Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,060m) - 6 hrs

Day 06 :Trek from Chele to Syangbochen (3,800m) - 6 hrs

Day 07 :Trek from Syangbochen to Ghami (3,520m) -5 hrs

Day 08 :Trek from Ghami to Tsarang / Charang (3,560m) - 5 hrs

Day 09 :Trek from Charang to Lo-Manthang (3,810m) - 5 hrs

Day 10 :Explore around Lo-Mangthang (3,810m)

Day 11 :Trek from Lo-Manthang to Yara (3,650m) - 6 hrs

Day 12 :Trek from Yara to Bas Khola (4,665m) - 6 hrs

Day 13 :Trek from Bas Khola to Damodar Kund Lake (5,200m) - 6 hrs

Day 14 :Trek from Damodar Kunda to Ghechung Khola (5,000m) - 6 hrs

Day 15 :Trek from Ghechung Khola to Tange (3,200m) - 6 hrs

Day 16 :Trek from Tange to Tetang (2,970m) - 6 hrs

Day 17 :Trek from Tetang to Muktinath (3,800m) - 7 hrs

Day 18 :Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom (2,713m) - 5 hrs

Day 19 :Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (850m) 25 min

Day 20 :Driving back in tourist bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu (1,350m)

Day 21 :Sightseeing in Kathmandu : Boudhanath, Pashupatinath & Bhaktapur

Day 22 :Leisure day in Kathmandu

Day 23 :Drive to airport for return flight or next plan

If above trip itinerary that doesn't suit to your holiday schedule or you wish to modify the itinerary or combines with any travel plans, then please let us know and we'll be happy to create a tailor made itinerary, designed especially for you.

We can organize this activity anytime. We recommend going during April, May, August, September, October, November. However, going during 23 is disrecommended. You can also join another group for the following fixed departure dates:

Start End Price
27.03.2024 18.04.2024$2025 USD Book
02.04.2024 24.04.2024$2025 USD Book
08.04.2024 30.04.2024$2025 USD Book
21.04.2024 13.05.2024$2025 USD Book
27.04.2024 19.05.2024$2025 USD Book
03.05.2024 25.05.2024$2025 USD Book
09.05.2024 31.05.2024$2025 USD Book
15.05.2024 06.06.2024$2025 USD Book

Entry fees must be paid to enter the 20 Protected Areas in Nepal that have been divided into National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, Conservation Areas and Hunting Reserve. One must also obtain hunting license to hunt in the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. Please note that Dhorpatan is the only protected area where hunting is licensed.

Trekking permit is required, to trek in any part of Nepal. Visa is only valid for the towns and the places reachable by road. All trekkers require a trekking permit to visit Nepal’s interior regions, which are not connected by highways. Recently the Annapurna, Langtang and Everest region and few others regions have been declared permit free areas though National Park or Conservation Area fees are required.

We help trekkers to issue their trekking permits, national park, conservation and heritage sights entrances permits from Kathmandu(whole region) or from Pokhara (Annapurna region only).

Trekking permit fees

Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS)
Trekkers must acquire Trekkers’ Information Management Systems (TIMS) Card before the onset of their trek. TIMS Card has been mandatory to control illegal trekking operations and ensure the safety and security of the trekkers in the general trekking areas. TIMS Card helps to store the database of trekkers and records their whereabouts for safety reasons. Fees, passport copy, and a passport sized photograph are required to obtain TIMS Card from theTourist Service Center, Bhrikutimandap, and Trekking Agencies’ Association Nepal (TAAN) Office in Maligaon and Government registered trekking companies in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Each visitor who goes trekking through a trekking company must pay $10 USD and each free individual trekker (FIT) must pay $20 USD per trekking route per person per entry in equivalent Nepali Rupees only. Part of the collection will go into maintaining the trekkers’ database and the rescue of trekkers in need of emergency services.

Apart from this, the following extra trekking permits are required for some regions:

Lower Dolpo
Kanchenjunga
Gaurishankar
Lamabagar
$10 USD/person/week
Manaslu Dec-Aug: $50 USD/person for one week + $7 USD/person for each extra day
Sep-Nov: $70 USD/person for one week + $10 USD/person for each extra day
Humla
Simikot
Yari
$50 USD/person for one week + $7 USD/person for each extra day
Upper Mustang
Upper Dolpo
$500 USD/person for 10 days + $50 USD/person for each extra day

Chekampar
Chunchet of Gorkha District
Sirdibas, Lhokpa, Chumling, 
Chekampar, Nile, Chule

Dec-Aug: $25 USD/person for 8 days + $7 USD/person for each extra day
Sep-Nov: $35 USD/person for 8 days + $10 USD/person for each extra day

Entrance permits fees for National parks and Conservations areas

Trekking through national park or conservation areas require an entry permits.

Visitors entry fees

  Foreigners SAARC Nepalese
Makalu-Barun national park
Sagarmatha national park
Langtang national park
Rara national park
Shey Phoksundo national park
Khaptad national park
Rs. 3,000/person +13% VAT Rs. 1'500/person + 13%VAT free 
Bardia National Park
Parsa Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Toppi Wildlife Reserve
Rs. 1,000/person Rs. 500/person Rs. 50/person
Chitwan National Park Rs. 1,500/person Rs. 500/person Rs. 100/person
All Conservation Areas Rs. 2,000/person Rs. 200/person free

Jungle drives / vehicle entry fees

  Car Jeep Van Chopper
Chitwan National Park Rs. 2,000/day Rs. 4,000/day Rs. 5,000/day Rs. 5,000/landing
Parsa, Shuklaphanta
Koshi Tappu wildlife reserve
Rs. 1,000/day Rs. 2,000/day Rs. 3,000/day Rs. 5,000/landing

Entry Permits are available at the following locations

  • Kathmandu: Tourism board office Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu (for all conservation and national park area of Nepal)

  • Pokhara: Nepal Tourism Board (for Annapurna only)

Note: Entrance fee not required for children under 10 years of age. This entry permit is valid for one Conservation Area or national park area. Trekkers visiting both the Conservation Areas will require obtaining individual Entry Permits for each Conservation Area or national park area. Two passport size photographs are required while applying for each Entry. 

Terms and Conditions

This Entry Permit is valid for single entry only and is nonrefundable, non-transferable. The permit holder can enter the designated places within the Conservation Area or national park.Person entering the Conservation Area shall abide by the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act 2029 B.S. (1973, Nepal) and the Regulations made under this Act.
This Entry Permit must be carried during the entire trip and should be shown if concerned personnel of the Conservation Area want to check it.
Entry permits to these area will be issued only from the entry permit counters. Entry Permits will not issue from any check posts along the routes of those areas. Therefore, all visitors are requested to obtain entry permit before entering those areas.

A typical trekking day
A typical day’s walk lasts from five to seven hours and involves a number of ascents and descents. It is rare to spend much time at the same level. On an organized camping trek, the day is run to a remarkably tight schedule: up at 6 am with a cup of tea, pack the gear before breakfast, start walking at 7 am, stop for lunch around 12 o’clock for about half an hour, start after lunch at noon and stop walking at about 3 pm. The dinner is served around 6.30 pm and followed by a briefing for the next trekking day and then it is time to go to sleep.
Please be aware that this time table may be adjusted according to weather conditions, availability of camp sites, water supply etc.
To ensure you will fully enjoy your trek and make the most of it, we also advise you about the following points which should seriously be taken into account:

Food and Water
Lodges and tea houses are carefully chosen by our staff all along the trek. We will make sure that excellent food will be provided to you and that water is boiled or adequately treated, as this is one of the basic rules for healthy trekking. On a camping trek, your only concern with food is sitting down to eat it! The porters carry all the food along with them and there will be a cook with assistants who can turn out meals of often stunning complexity, like baking a cake

Altitude Sickness
Acclimatization is very important for trekking above 3500m. Our trekking schedules have been carefully designed to maximize your ability to acclimatize safely. We ascend slowly and ensure an adequate number of rest days.

However, it is still possible for mountain sickness and your guide will be watching for symptoms with an experienced eye throughout the trip. These symptoms are commonly headache, nausea, lethargy and sometimes breathlessness. If you or any of the group members display any of these symptoms, we will be able to provide informed advice and ensure a proper course of action.

Money
Everything is included in the price of the trek, except for the purchase of water and soft / hard drinks so we advise you to always carry Nepalese rupees during your trek. The amount to be carried depends on the area and the duration of the trek.

Be a responsible trekker and minimize your impact

  • Although trekking in the Himalayas plays a vital role in the economy of many mountain areas, it also may have a negative impact which has become a major concern.
  • From an ecological point of view, always carry your rubbish with you, drink treated water instead of mineral water in order to reduce the use of plastic bottles.
  • Be respectful of the flora and the fauna.
  • From a human point of view, please respect Nepalese culture and traditions. It is a good thing before leaving for the trek to have a look at the “Do and Don’t” since an inappropriate behavior, though considered normal in Western countries, could severely shock or hurt local people.
  • Do not “steal” pictures and always ask permission from the person before photographing them.
  • Please do not give money or sweets to the children directly on your trip, as this encourages them to beg and may contribute to dental problems. If you would like to give something back, you can assist with our charity work by volunteering or giving a donation.

Travel insurance

Travel Insurance is highly recommended for all of our clients who are travelling to Nepal in the near future. Before you buy Travel Insurance for Nepal, you should make sure that the Insurance policy covers the cost of a rescue helicopter from mountainous or remote regions of the country and covers all extreme activities for your trip such as rafting, expedition, trekking, canyoning etc. If you fall ill or have an accident during your trip in Nepal, the cost can become exorbitant if you lack travel insurance.

Many insurance companies from all over the world are providing travel insurance services at a reasonable cost and if you are travlling in a group, you may be able to get further discounts.
Finally, please always have a printed copy of your insurance policy handy while travelling in Nepal and also, save an e-copy online. If you need more information about travel insurance, please feel free to contact us.

Nepal Visa

Tourist who intends to visit Nepal must hold a valid passport and visa.

You may get your tourist visa in your home country or on arrival. We recommend you to get your tourist visa on arrival as it is very easy. To get your visa on arrival, you must have a valid passport and one passport sized photo with a light background.

Tourist Visa fee for visitors who enter Nepal for the first time in a visa year, from January to December:

  • Multiple entry visa for 15 days US$ 25
  • Multiple entry visa for 30 days US$ 40
  • Multiple entry visa for 90 days US$ 100

You may pay in Euro, Swiss Franc, Pound Sterling, US Dollar, Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Singapore Dollar and Japanese Yen. Credit card, Indian currency and Nepali currency are not accepted as payment of visa fee.

Tourist visa extension facility:

  • Visa extension fee for the period of 15 days us US$ 30
  • Visa extension fee for the period of more than 15 days US$ 2 per day.
  • Visa can be extended for a maximum period of 150 days in a visa year (January - December) at the Department of Immigration.

No visa required for:

  • Children below 10 yrs.
  • Any foreigner, who has stayed in Nepal up to fifteen (15) days continuously and re-enters Nepal during the same visa year.
  • Any tourist who is entering Nepal for three days or less.

Dos and Donts:

  • A tourist may stay in Nepal up to 150 days in a visa year.
  • A tourist must extend his/her visa before expiry of the visa validity period. A tourist who does not comply with these regulations may be liable of fine and other prosecution as provided in Immigration Act and Rules.
  • A foreigner having obtained tourist visa shall not be allowed to work with or without receiving remuneration.
  • A foreigner shall not be allowed to carry out any work other than that for which purpose s/he has obtained the visa.

Should you have any question regarding visas, please contact us.

Although every guide on your trip carries a comprehensive medical kit, it is advisable to bring a small supply of first aid items for your own personal use. Base your kit on the following list, plus any special medications you may require:

  1. Insect repellent.
  2. Antiseptic cream.
  3. Sun/face cream and lip screen.
  4. Throat lozenges or hard candies.
  5. Anti-diarrhoeal drug
  6. Anti-protozoan. (Flagyl). Ask your doctor.
  7. Antibiotics. A broad-spectrum antibiotic. Please ask your doctor.
  8. Analgesics. Aspirin, Advil or Tylenol - for headaches etc.
  9. Moleskin or Second Skin for blisters.
  10. Diamox. Already discussed.
  11. Re-hydration salts. A small tub of Gatorade powder mix is a good idea.
  12. Multi-vitamin tablets are a good idea.
  13. Iodine-based water purification tablets.

Entrance fees must be paid before touring heritage sites around Kathmandu Valley like Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bauddhanath, Swayambhunath and Changu Narayan Temple. Entrance fees must be paid before touring Lumbini Gardens, the sanctuary of the Mayadevi Temple, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, in Lumbini, Rupandehi. Entrance fees must be paid before touring the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, and museums in Kathmandu Valley. Entrance fees must also be paid before touring local museums in different parts of Nepal.

 

  Foreigners SAARC Nepalese
Narayanhiti Durbar Museum Rs. 500 Rs. 250 Rs. 100
Kathmandu Durbar square Rs. 750 Rs. 150 free
National Museum Chhauni Rs. 200 Rs. 25 Rs. 20
Patan Durbar Square Rs. 500 Rs. 100 free
Patan Museum Rs. 250 Rs. 25 Rs. 10
Patan Golden Temple Rs. 50 Rs. 20 free
Mahabouddha Temple Rs. 50 Rs. 30 free
Bhaktapur Durbar Square Rs. 1,500 Rs. 500 free
National Art Museum, Bhaktapur Rs. 100 Rs. 50 Rs. 20
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) Rs. 200 Rs. 50 free
Bouddhanath Stupa Rs. 250 Rs. 150 free
Pashupatinath Temple Rs. 1,000 Rs. 1,000 free
Changu Narayan Temple Rs. 100 Rs. 25 free
Ethnographic Museum, NTB Rs. 200 Rs. 100 Rs. 30

You should make an appointment to get a check-up with your family doctor and dentist before embarking on your trip. Below is a quick list of frequently needed immunizations. This is only a basic guide and we strongly recommend that you follow the advice given by your doctor.

  • Tetanus: An updated booster shot every 10 years is recommended.
  • Typhoid: This series is now available in pill form and provides 5 years of coverage.
  • Hepatitis (A): The Hepatitis A Vaccine (commonly called Havrix) is highly effective and provides 10 years coverage.
  • Hepatitis (B): The Hepatitis B Vaccine is recommended for long term travelers and those in the health care profession. Twinrix is a combined Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccine.
  • Meningitis A+C: This vaccination is now recommended for Nepal. Each shot provides three years of coverage.
  • Rabies Vaccine: Recommended for long term travelers but optional for tourists.
  • Cholera: The risk of cholera to the foreign traveler or resident in Nepal is still minimal.
  • Yellow Fever: Yellow fever is not a disease risk in Nepal and is only required if arriving from a country where yellow fever is present.
  • Diamox: A number of studies have consistently shown that the controlled taking of Diamox (Acetazolamide) can be effective in reducing some of the symptoms of AMS (acute mountain sickness). We would recommend that you ask your doctor to provide you with a small supply of Diamox (12 x 250mg tablets).

Given enough notice, your doctor or local health clinic should be able to administer all the above. Two excellent sources of up to date medical advice are: The CIWEC CLINC in Kathmandu, Nepal and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • Hotel accommodations and breakfasts
  • Licensed and trained trekking guides
  • Porters for carrying goods and supplies
  • All accommodation during trek
  • All meals and hot beverages whilst trekking
  • Transportation to and from trailhead
  • All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
  • National Park/Conservation Area entry permit
  • Equipment such as sleeping bag, tents, mattresses
  • Cooking equipment
  • Camp-site charges
  • Insurance, medication, and equipment for staff
  • Coordination of Quick Rescue service (costs covered by your insurance plan)

What is not included

  • International airfares
  • Travel/trekking insurance
  • Excess baggage charges more than 16kg and hand bag more than 5kg in domestic flights
  • Visa fees
  • Airport departure tax
  • Rescue charge
  • Drinks (cold and alcoholic)
  • Expenses of personal nature
  • Permit and liaison officer fee (where applicable)
  • Lunches and dinners whilst not trekking
  • Alternative transportation in case of heavy rain, landslide, strike, road blockade or any other unexpected circumstances.
  • Any other expenses which is not mentioned in included section.

General Trekking Equipment

The equipment and clothing you require depends on where and when you trek. Of course, you will not need the same equipment for going up to the Everest Base Camp in the middle of winter and doing a short, low altitude trek.

  • One backpack to be carried by the porter with a large plastic bag to put inside the backpack in case of rain
  • One light day pack
  • One warm sleeping bag, especially if you camp. In tea houses, there is no heating in the rooms
  • One pair of waterproof broken in trekking shoes
  • Three pairs of socks
  • One rain coat
  • One down-jacket
  • One pair of long pants and one pair of short pants
  • Three T-shirts, long and short sleeves
  • One sweater
  • Three pairs of underwear
  • One bathing suit (there may be hot springs along the trek)
  • One pair of gloves
  • One warm hat / one sun hat
  • One pair of sunglasses, with good eye protection if you intend to climb glaciers
  • And also: head torch with extra batteries, multi-purpose knife, sun block lotion, towel, soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, a large reusable water bottle, purification drops/tablets to treat the water, medicine (band-aids, blister pads, painkillers, stomach pills, anti-diarrhea tablets, antibiotic, sterile plain and crepe bandages, tube of antiseptic cream, decongestants/antihistamines, throat lozenges, paracetamol or aspirin, camera equipment, binoculars, walking stick

Remember that all this equipment can also be bought or rented in Kathmandu

A life changing experience

Matthew, Colin Green and all team England | United Kingdom  |  April 19, 2012

High Himalayan trekking and expedition is a trekking company which I would recommend highly without hesitation.
Our group of 9 ranging in age from 50 to 65 all achieved our principal goal of reaching Upper Mustang. This was only possible due to the professional way that our very qualified guide Hari and his team cared for us, from the acclimatization programmed through to the food and lodging, medical care and general encouragement and support.
High Himalayan trekking and expedition place the safety of their client very highly, they carry a comprehensive medical kit, and all staff are trained in mountain safety and first aid.
A life changing experience made possible by a wonderful trekking company, thanks to Hari and team.
With best wishes

“High Himalayan experience”

Sue Webster | Australia  |  January 30, 2016

"Wonderful Upper Mustang Trek and Langtang Trek with High Himalayan Trekking and Expedition"

I have now done two tours with this company and found Hari and his team to be fantastic. They gave us a true Nepali experience whilst ensuring our needs and safety requirements were met. I recommend them very highly and will travel with them again.
Visited April 2015

Latest news from our blog

Send Inquiry

We are associated with

Ministry of Tourism Nepal Nepal Tourism Board Trekking Agencies' Association of Nepal Nepal Mountaineering Association Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal High Himalayan Community Projects Nepal

High Himalayan Trekking and Expedition (P) Ltd.

Bhagawanbahal Marga,Thamel Kathmandu, Nepal
Managing Director: Mr. Harikrishna Devkota
G.P.O. Box: 9983
Phone: +977 1 4515120
Mobile: +977 98 51031394
Email: highhimalayantreks[at]gmail.com