Adventure on the High Scenic Extension of the Tibetan Plateau on the Ancient Trans-Himalayan Trail
Overview
Mode of Trekking: Hotels and lodges along the route
Trekking Grade: Moderate to adventurous with high-altitude sections
Highest Elevation: Nyi La Pass – 4,010 m
Activities: Cultural sightseeing, scenic drives, flights, and trekking
Region: Remote trans-Himalayan area north of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
Culture: Tibetan-influenced Mustang people and Thakali communities practicing Buddhism
Trekking Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days (Pokhara to Pokhara)
Total Trip Duration: 16 Nights / 17 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
Best Season: April – October (including monsoon, as Upper Mustang lies in a rain shadow zone)
Introduction
The Upper Mustang trek leads you into one of Nepal’s most unique landscapes — a high-altitude desert beyond the main Himalayan range. This remote region lies north of the massive peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, close to the border of Tibet.
Upper Mustang is famous for:
Dramatic eroded cliffs and colorful canyon formations
Ancient monasteries, caves, and traditional Tibetan-style villages
Preserved Bon and Buddhist spiritual traditions
Unique desert-like Himalayan terrain
The region remained closed to foreigners until the late 1980s, which helped preserve its ancient culture, architecture, and lifestyle.
Highlights
- Fabulous views of scenic desert landscapes and snow-capped peaks throughout the trek
- Walk from the deep Kali Gandaki valley into the restricted highland region of Upper Mustang
- Explore traditional Mustang villages rich in Buddhist culture and ancient customs
- Visit the former walled kingdom of Lo Manthang
- Constant Himalayan panoramas from start to finish
- Scenic flights to and from Jomsom with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri