Upper Mustang
A journey into Nepal's forbidden Tibetan kingdom — a high desert of red rock canyons, cave monasteries and the walled city of Lo Manthang. The restricted-area permit keeps numbers low and the culture remarkably intact. Ideal in monsoon when the rest of Nepal is wet.
Difficulty: Moderate. Typical duration: 10–14 days. Best season: Summer (Jun–Sep), also May & October.
Mostly above 3,500m, with Lo Manthang at ~3,800m. Acclimatize gradually from Jomsom/Kagbeni.
Moderate fitness — the trek is high but not extreme; altitude is the main challenge.
Upper Mustang Restricted Area permit + ACAP + current TIMS requirements; Upper Mustang is listed by Nepal Tourism Board among routes requiring a licensed trekking guide
Altitude is high throughout — acclimatize gradually from Kagbeni. The restricted-area permit and a guide are mandatory; arrange through a registered agency. Jeep roads are rough; carry buffer days for weather and Jomsom flight delays.
Upper Mustang is one of Nepal's more expensive treks due to the high restricted-area permit fee (per person per week) and the mandatory guide. Flights to Jomsom add cost. Travel is often organized as a group jeep/trek. Treat figures as guidance only.