Mustang Trek

The Mustang Trek offers a rare chance to explore Nepal’s high-altitude desert, where Tibetan culture flourishes against a backdrop of windswept valleys, sacred caves, and ancient monasteries. Situated in the dry rain shadow region behind the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains, Mustang offers two unique trekking experiences—Lower Mustang and Upper Mustang—each showcasing its own special culture, landscapes, and adventure challenges.

Lower Mustang is one of Nepal’s most accessible trekking destinations and has gained popularity for its scenic beauty, cultural landmarks, and comfortable trekking conditions. Thanks to motorable roads, Lower Mustang is now well-connected, allowing trekkers to combine driving and walking in what is commonly referred to as a hybrid trek. This blend of transportation and trail walking makes it a perfect choice for families, senior citizens, or those on a tighter schedule. The route passes through vibrant towns and culturally rich villages such as Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs, Jomsom, the windy gateway town to Mustang, and Marpha, renowned for its apple orchards and traditional whitewashed homes. Further along, Lete and Tukuche offer dramatic mountain views, especially of the Dhaulagiri range. A major highlight of the Lower Mustang trek is Muktinath Temple (3,800m), a holy place respected by both Hindus and Buddhists. Close to it is Kagbeni (2,804m), an old village that acts as the entry point to Upper Mustang and is known for its ancient houses, peaceful vibe, and religious importance. The trail also winds along the edge of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world and the source of the sacred Shaligram stones, found only in this region.

While Lower Mustang is more relaxed, Upper Mustang takes you into the heart of the ancient Kingdom of Lo, a remote and culturally preserved area that remained restricted to foreign visitors until 1992. Entry into Upper Mustang requires a special restricted area permit, making it an exclusive trekking destination for those seeking something beyond the ordinary. This part of the trek leads you through dramatic barren landscapes, multi-colored cliffs, and high desert plateaus dotted with ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, and chhortens. The centerpiece of Upper Mustang is the walled city of Lo-Manthang (3,840m), once the capital of the Mustang Kingdom, where centuries-old royal palaces, mud-brick homes, and sacred monasteries still preserve a lifestyle unchanged for generations. Trekkers can also explore the mysterious Chhoser Cave Monasteries, once used for meditation and burial rituals, as well as the ancient Ghar Gompa, which is linked to the legendary Guru Rinpoche. The villages of Yara and Tangge offer insight into the resilience of Mustang’s people, with their remote and strikingly beautiful settings.

Mustang is one of the few trekking regions in Nepal where modern comfort and ancient culture coexist. While Upper Mustang offers a raw and remote experience, the Lower Mustang Trek provides luxury lodges, road access, and customizable itineraries. Whether you choose to trek entirely on foot, drive and hike on a hybrid trek, or opt for a pilgrimage tour to Muktinath, the Mustang region offers a rich cultural experience, breathtaking views of the Himalayas, and an adventure you'll remember for a lifetime.

For travelers seeking the most culturally rich and scenically dramatic trekking in Nepal—without extreme altitudes or crowds—the Mustang Trek stands out as a perfect destination. Adventure High Pass offers expertly guided Mustang trekking packages with flexible options, special permit handling, and custom itineraries to match your needs. From spiritual exploration to photographic landscapes and high desert trekking, Mustang welcomes you to step into Nepal’s mystical Himalayan corridor.