SnapTrip
ModerateMustang, Nepal
Upper Mustang Trek
A restricted zone trekking through the ancient Kingdom of Lo — Tibetan plateau landscape, medieval monasteries, and a culture unchanged for centuries.
Quick Answer
The Upper Mustang trek takes 10–14 days, reaches a maximum altitude of 4,200m, and costs $1800–$3000 total (permits included). It is rated moderate and best done in spring or summer.
Duration
10–14
days
Max Altitude
4,200m
13,780 ft
Total Cost
$1800–$3000
USD per person
Best Seasons
spring
summer
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Trek Highlights
- Lo Manthang walled city
- Tibetan culture and monasteries
- Unique desert landscape
- Ancient cave dwellings
- Tiji Festival (May)
Permits & Documents Required
Restricted Area Permit
$500 for first 10 days, $50/day afterSpecial restricted area permit — must be arranged through a registered agency
Department of Immigration, Kathmandu (via agency)Processing: 3-5 business days
ACAP Permit
$30 (Foreigner)Annapurna Conservation Area permit
ACAP office in Pokhara or KathmanduProcessing: Same day
TIMS Card
$20Trekkers' Information Management System card
Nepal Tourism BoardProcessing: Same day
Tip: Get your TIMS card and permits from the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu or Pokhara before starting your trek. Bring passport-sized photos and a copy of your passport.
Complete Equipment Checklist
🧥Clothing(11 items)
- Moisture-wicking base layers
- Fleece mid-layer jacket
- Waterproof shell jacket
- Trekking trousers (zip-off)
- Thermal underwear
- Warm hat & sun hat
- Gloves (liner + insulated)
- Wool/synthetic hiking socks (4+ pairs)
- Gaiters
- Light down jacket
- Comfortable trekking boots (broken in)
🎒Gear(6 items)
- 60–70L trekking backpack
- Sleeping bag (-10C rated)
- Trekking poles (collapsible)
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Water bottles (2× 1L)
- Waterproof stuff sacks
🩺Essentials(7 items)
- Passport + permit photocopies
- First aid kit
- Diamox (altitude sickness prevention)
- Sunscreen SPF50+ & lip balm
- Water purification tablets
- Snacks (energy bars, trail mix)
- Cash in NPR (ATMs unreliable on trail)
📷Optional(7 items)
- Kindle / book
- Playing cards
- Binoculars
- Journal & pen
- Portable charger (10000mAh+)
- Camera
- Lightweight tripod
Required Permits
- •Restricted Area Permit ($500/10 days)
- •ACAP Permit ($30)
Requirements
FitnessAverage fitness
Difficultymoderate
Acclimatization1 day
Max altitude4,200m (13,780 ft)
🤔
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