Upper Mustang Trek

Your Upper Mustang expedition begins with arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1,400m). Our representative meets you outside the terminal and transfers you by private vehicle to your hotel in the Thamel district, a 30-minute drive through the bustling capital. After settling in, join your trek leader for a comprehensive briefing covering the 12-day itinerary, restricted area permit protocols, and the unique demands of trekking in Nepal's rain shadow desert. Upper Mustang was known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, sealed off from foreign visitors until 1992 to preserve its ancient Tibetan Buddhist heritage. Your guide will explain the cultural etiquette required in this deeply traditional region, where villagers still follow customs unchanged for centuries and the former king of Lo retains considerable local influence. The briefing also covers the $500 restricted area permit that grants access for 10 days beyond the checkpoint at Kagbeni. Use this day to recover from your international flight, verify your gear, and ensure your daypack is ready with sunscreen, lip balm, a windproof layer, and a buff or scarf for the dust and wind you will encounter in the Mustang corridor. Kathmandu's narrow lanes reward an evening stroll past Boudhanath Stupa or the golden pagodas of Durbar Square.