Upper Mustang Trek Distance: Complete Route, Distance and Duration Guide

Where is Upper Mustang?

Upper Mustang is a remote region of northern Nepal, located in Mustang District of the Gandaki Province. It is located in the northern two-thirds of the district and shares a border with the Chinese autonomous region of Tibet.This area is part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, to the north of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges.

Because of its location behind the Himalayas, Upper Mustang is a part of Nepal's rain shadow area. It gets very little rainfall and has a dry desert climate. The land is filled with colorful rock formations, deep gorges, and Tibetan-style villages.

Upper Mustang has been called the "Last Forbidden Kingdom". The Nepalese government did not allow foreigners to visit there for several decades. It wasn't until 1992 that the region was opened to tourists, which helped to retain its traditional Tibetan culture and way of life. Up to this day, the region is closely associated with Tibetan Buddhism, and many local people continue to follow traditional practices.

How Long is the Upper Mustang Trek ? Total Distance and Duration Explained

The total distance of the trek is approximately 125 to 160 kilometers (78 to 100 miles). Depending on the route you follow and whether you make side trips or not, such as visiting the caves at Chhoser or Ghar Gompa. Trekkers typically trek around 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 9 miles) daily. This makes the trek moderately challenging, especially because of the high altitude.

The trek begins most commonly at Jomsom, a mountain village to which you can travel by air from Pokhara. From there, the path takes you through nice Himalayan villages including Kagbeni, Chele, Ghiling, Ghami, and Tsarang. The ultimate goal is Lo Manthang, an ancient walled city and cultural hub of Upper Mustang. Some trekkers also travel further north along the Tibetan border or use alternate return paths, which will add an additional few kilometers to the Upper Mustang travel length.

The trek typically takes 10 to 14 days to complete. This is the period of time spent hiking to Lo Manthang, taking a break or exploring the surroundings, and then heading back to Jomsom. The duration of days will differ based on your walking pace, fitness level, and the time spent exploring the villages and cultural sites. While some may go for jeep-assisted treks, doing so reduces the authentic trekking experience.

While the Trek is not a long as Annapurna Circuit or Everest Base Camp trek, it is done at high altitudes often above 3,500 meters, sometimes even more than 4,200 meters. Therefore, you must slow down. Going slowly acclimatizes you to the height and enables you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and Tibetan-infused culture.

Why is our 14 day Upper Mustang Trek perfect for trekkers? 

Our 14-day Trek offers a comfortable combination of culture, nature, and adventure. Our team at Himalayan Recreation plans the itinerary in a way that you will have ample time to acclimatize to the high altitude, and we make each day's trek easy enough for people with average fitness level. Covering the Upper Mustang travel distance of two weeks you will witness the old city of Lo Manthang, experience close-in traditional Tibetan culture, and hike through landscapes which change from green valley’s into dry arid landscapes. We take care of everything from permits, transportation, guides, food, and accommodation. Our experienced staff is concerned about your safety and well-being at every moment. Having flexible travel days and a responsive support staff, this trek gives you the ability to explore a hidden region of Nepal without worrying or stress. 

Upper Mustang Trek distance from Major Cities in Nepal 

Kathmandu to Upper Mustang Distance (Lo Manthang)

To reach Lo Manthang from Kathmandu, you need to travel around 462 kilometers. Most of the travelers follow the route: Kathmandu to Pokhara to Beni to Jomsom to Lo Manthang.

Your trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, a distance of 200 kilometers along a well maintained road. From Pokhara, you move on to Beni, a further 96 kilometers along generally good roads. Beyond Beni, the road becomes rougher as you continue driving into Mustang. The road between Beni and Jomsom is some 76 kilometers and the road gets worse here and becomes dusty. The last 90 kilometers, from Jomsom to Lo Manthang, is on a difficult off-road trail in rough mountainous terrain.

Additionally, if you would like to shorten the traveling time and skip the lengthy road trip, you can also travel half of the journey by flight. There is a daily 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and from Pokhara, you can again take a short flight to Jomsom. From Jomsom, you can begin your trek or ride a jeep to Lo Manthang.

Pokhara to Upper Mustang Distance 

To go to Lo Manthang from Pokhara, you will need to drive about 220 kilometers. The ride from Pokhara to Jomsom takes around 159 kilometers and 6 to 7 hours. You can also travel by air from Pokhara to Jomsom in 25 minutes, which is a lot quicker and spares you the long, bumpy roads.

From Jomsom, you have two options: either take a jeep or begin trekking the final 61 kilometers to Lo Manthang. Most trekkers spend several days hiking through traditional villages and high-altitude desert landscapes. Choosing Pokhara as your starting point offers flexibility, whether you choose to travel by road, flight, or on foot. 

Trekking Distance within Upper Mustang

The typical Upper Mustang trekking route distance from Jomsom to Lo Manthang and back is around 125 kilometers (77.6 miles).The original Mustang Trek follows the popular route that passes through Kagbeni, Chele, Syangboche, Ghami, and Tsarang to reach Lo Manthang. Most trekkers complete the trek in 10 to 12 days by walking approximately 4 to 6 hours every day. The hike is of moderate difficulty, and the elevation will affect how long you walk each day and how easily you do it.

Daily Distance Breakdown of the Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary

We made this 14-day Upper Mustang Trek distance breakdown to show how far you walk each day and how long it takes. The walking hours are based on an average pace, but your time may vary depending on how fast you hike.

Upper Mustang Trek Alternative Routes and Road Access Options

Alternative Trekking Trails in Upper Mustang 

The majority of trekkers now take alternative routes in Upper Mustang to avoid the new road and enjoy a more peaceful, traditional trekking experience. These routes take you on higher trails, hidden villages, and sacred sites that are inaccessible by jeep.

Eastern Route Distance: Samar to Ghami via Chungsi Cave

One popular alternative is the eastern trail through Samar and Chungsi Cave. After reaching the village of Samar from here, trekkers can take a trail leading to Chungsi Cave, an important religious site linked to Guru Rinpoche. The trail continues through the villages of Geling, Ghiling, and Dhakmar. Dhakmar is known for its red cliffs. This route avoids the main road and joins the standard trail near Ghami or Charang. It takes around 2 to 3 days to complete this section.

Western Circuit Distance: Lo Manthang to Chhusang via Luri Gompa

This trail starts from Lo Manthang and goes southeast toward Yara and Tangbe villages. Along the way, trekkers visit Luri Gompa, a cave monastery with old paintings and religious structures. The route is less crowded and offers an alternative path through the southern part of Upper Mustang. Trekkers usually rejoin the main trail at Chhusang. This circuit takes about 3 to 4 days.

Northern Extension Distance: Lo Manthang to Damodar Kunda

This route extends north from Lo Manthang to Damodar Kunda, a group of lakes considered sacred. The trail reaches elevations above 5,000 meters. It passes through open valleys near the Tibetan border. A separate permit is needed to enter this area. The round trip to and from Damodar Kunda takes around 4 to 5 days.

Upper Mustang Road Distance: Jomsom to Lo Manthang by Jeep

You can now travel by jeep from Jomsom to Lo Manthang, which is about 120 kilometers and takes 8 to 11 hours. This helps reduce trekking time for those with limited days.

There’s also a jeep route from Pokhara to Lo Manthang, but the road is rough and dusty. Most travelers use jeeps from Jomsom to Kagbeni or Kagbeni to Lo Manthang to skip some walking and shorten the trek.

When is the Best Time to Do the Upper Mustang Trek? 

The best time for trekking Upper Mustang is between March and November, with the best months being May to October. Unlike the rest of Nepal, Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas and gets very little rain; almost none even in the monsoon months. This makes it a great trekking area even in June, July, and August while other trails like Everest or Annapurna will be muddy or not accessible.

Spring (March to May) provides crisp weather, good temperatures, and sunny alpine flowers. It is a lovely season to trek, especially for warm-day likers and open views of the mountains. Summer/Monsoon (June to August) is also suitable for Upper Mustang. Since it's a dry season, you have the opportunity to enjoy epic scenery and fewer humans on the path. The Tiji Festival, a popular cultural festival in Lo Manthang, usually falls in May, and is an attraction to most trekkers.

Autumn (September to November) is the best time. Weather is steady, skies are clear, and temperatures are mild; ideal for walking long distances. Winter months (December to February) are cold and severe, and trekking is not recommended during these months.

Permit Requirements for the Upper Mustang Trek and How They Affect Your Trekking Distance

Upper Mustang is a restricted area, so you need special trekking permits to visit. These permits decide where you can go, how long you can stay, and how far you can trek. Below are the permits you need and how they affect your Upper Mustang trek distance and route. 

Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

The trekking requires a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), especially post-Kagbeni. It costs USD 500 for the first 10 days and USD 50 for any additional days. The RAP allows you to trek with an authorized guide in a group.It regulates the distance and route, which is normally between 100 and 130 kilometers from Kagbeni to Lo Manthang. You can only follow designated trails and villages specified in the permit, and any detour or extra miles tends to cost more to the visitors.

Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

To enter places like Jomsom, Kagbeni, and locations south of the restricted zone, one must have an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).It costs NPR 3,000 (around USD 25). While this permit does not limit your proximity, it is necessary for the start of your trek. For example, the Kagbeni to Jomsom route (10-12 km) falls under ACAP, not RAP.

TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System)

The TIMS Card is required for most treks in Nepal and costs USD 10 for a group and USD 20 for an individual. It tracks your trail for security. In Upper Mustang, it is not generally used since the RAP already tracks trekkers. However, you can still use it in other areas within the Annapurna region or when taking alternative trails. 

FAQS 

Can I do the Upper Mustang Trek in less than 10 days?

Yes, it's possible to complete the Trek within less than 10 days. If you do a jeep ride for part of the distance (e.g., Jomsom to Lo Manthang), you can reduce trekking days by significantly. That way, you can focus on the most photogenic or culturally fascinating part of the trek within a condensed time frame. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace, then 10–12 days is ideal.

Do I need a guide for Upper Mustang Trek?

Yes, you will require a guide for the Trek. The region is a controlled one, and official regulations mandate trekkers to trek with an authorized guide. You will also have to trek in two or more numbers of people. Having a guide will help ensure that you follow the correct route, organize the permits, and gain knowledge about the local history and culture.

Can you drive to the Upper mustang?

You can drive halfway to the Mustang. Jomsom to Lo Manthang roads have been built, and jeeps are employed for transportation. Driving is about 8–11 hours from Jomsom to Lo Manthang, but remember that roads may be rough, and the experience may not be as scenic as trekking. The majority of trekkers find it convenient to travel by jeep to cover long distances at a faster pace and then trek in the far flung areas.

How difficult is the Upper Mustang trek in terms of distance?

The Trek is not particularly lengthy in terms of distance, but it generally covers 100–130 kilometers depending on the route you follow. The trek is strenuous mainly because of the high-altitude terrain, especially above 3,800 meters. There are some steep rises and falls to be done in the trek, and there being no vegetation in certain areas can help make the trek more challenging weather-wise, such as high winds and sun exposure.

Can I trek the Upper Mustang Solo?

No, hiking alone is not allowed in Upper Mustang. You must trek with a certified guide from a recognized trekking firm because the region is restricted.Two trekkers are required to obtain permits, and solo trekking is not allowed for safety and regulatory reasons.

Conclusion

Upper Mustang Trek length is approximately 125-160 kilometers for 10-14 days of travel with an excellent tour of one of Nepal's finest areas. You drive on a daily basis 9 -18 kilometers in trekking lengths, although portions of the distance are optional and cut via roadheads. However, trekking the entire Upper Mustang trek distance will bring great satisfaction as you pass through such villages as Kagbeni, Chele, and Lo Manthang.

We at Himalayan Recreation customize the trek to suit your fitness level for the best balance of challenge and comfort. All logistics like permits are managed by our experienced guides if you do the whole trek or combine it with jeep travel. Contact Us to help you start your adventure in this great, culturally rich area today.

Some more Popular treks in Nepal

• Langtang trek - 8 Days
• Mardi Himal trek - 7 Days
• Annapurna Base Camp trek - 10 Days
• Everest Base Camp trek return by Helicopter - 11 Days
• Manaslu Circuit trek - 12 days