Upper Mustang Trek Cost Overview
The cost of Upper Mustang Trekking can vary widely based on many things. It can be influenced by trekking style, your preferred season and how the journey is organized. Here’s a general pricing breakdown to help you set expectations:
Budget Trek: The Upper Mustang Trek cost for the economical package is around US$ 1,700 to US$ 2,000. In this trek, you will share the cost with a group and choose basic teahouses for accommodation along the route.
- You will share guide/porter services
- Budget lodging option with minimal comfort
- Overland transport (instead of flights)
Mid-Range/ Standard Trek: The price of the Upper Mustang Trek for the mid–range packages is typically around US$ 2,000 to US$ 2,500. This is the common price range for the trekkers who are seeking a comfortable yet authentic experience.
- Private guide and porter service
- Decent teahouse accommodation and full meal plans
- Flight between Pokhara and Jomsom
- Hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara (before and after trek)
Luxury Trek: The Upper Mustang Trek cost for the luxury package exceeds the US$ 2,500 margin. In this type of trekking, you have full flexibility to determine how you want your adventure to shape like. This is ideal for the adventurers who are seeking extra comfort and convenience throughout the trek.
The pricing will mostly depend on what kind of service you want to include. Similarly, trek length, accommodation option, transport mode, additional amenities, etc, will majorly influence the pricing of Upper Mustang Trek.
- Premium lodges or camping setups
- High-end hotels in both Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Extra staff for the trek
- Chartered transport or helicopter flight options
- Cultural experience with a custom itinerary extension
What Does the Price of Upper Mustang Trek Include?
Remember that when you are paying for an Upper Mustang trek, it is not just about the guide, food and accommodation overhead. You are also investing in a highly regulated journey into a culturally sensitive region. Make note that this region has limited infrastructure, strict permits and challenging logistics.
So, every dollar of your Upper Mustang Trek cost contributes to permits, transportation, accommodation, meals, staff and the essential support system. Below is the comprehensive breakdown of what the package of Upper Mustang Trek generally covers for.
Permit Fees— Legal Entry to Forbidden Kingdom
The permit cost of Upper Mustang Trek is one of the largest fixed costs on this journey. And, it is mandatory for all trekkers. Trekkers will need to collect the following permits:
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang— US$ 500 per person
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)— US$ 30 per person
The RAP Permit for Upper Mustang is required for the journey north of Kagbeni (2,800 meters). It is valid for 10 days and beyond this period, each additional day will cost US$ 50. This permit is only issued to government-registered trekking agencies.
Solo trekking is not allowed; you need to have at least one companion with you and a licensed guide. Marvel Agency will handle all the logistics, but this price is non-negotiable (roughly covers 25 to 30% of the total trip cost).
As for ACAP, it is required for trekking through the Annapurna region, including the trailhead area between the Jomsom and Kagbeni regions. This permit fee goes toward conservation efforts and maintenance of trekking infrastructure in the region.
Transportation
This expense head is mostly covered by the Upper Mustang Trek price of the package. Traveling to and within Mustang requires several legs of transport.
- Transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara: To reach the starting point of this trek you will need to travel to Pokhara. There are two transportation options that you can employ for this stretch.
- Tourist Bus— Generally costs around US$ 10 to US$ 25 per person (it takes around 7 to 8 hours to reach Pokhara from Kathmandu)
- Domestic Flight— US$ 100 to US$ 125 per person on a one-way trip (total flight duration is about 25 minutes)
- Pokhara to Jomsom Round-Trip Flight: It is possible to take flights on the Pokhara to Jomsom route for comfort and efficiency. However, the flight is weather-dependent and often delayed or rescheduled.
- Flight Option— The flight on a one-way route costs US$ 120 to US$ 140 per person and with a return ticket, it is about US$ 250 to US$ 280 per person. Flights normally last 15 to 20 minutes on this route.
- Alternative Jeep Rides— You can take a flight alternative jeep to reach your destination. The drive usually lasts around 8 to 10 hours. Although it is a cheaper option, it can be exhausting on dusty and bumpy roads.
- Local Ground Transfer: You will also need to account for airport pickups, drop-offs and transfer between the trail point and accomodation in both Pokhara and Kathmandu. Typically, the Upper Mustang Trek cost of package handles all the necessary transportation within the itinerary framework (normally around US$ 30 to US$ 50 per person).
Accommodation Along the Way
The accommodation experience during the Upper Mustang Trek varies depending on the package level. During the exploration of the Forbidden Kingdom of Lho, you will rest at teahouses or lodges. They have basic but cozy rooms and often come with shared bathrooms and minimal heating options.
The cost of accommodation at teahouses ranges about US$ 10 to US$ 15 per night in the lower region. However, at the higher and remote villages like Lo Manthang or Dhakmar, they range about US$ 20 to US$ 30.
Teahouses in higher or more isolated regions charge extra for hot showers, charging phones and Wi-Fi. As for before and after the trek, you will stay at mid-range hotels (typically 2 to 3 stars) with a standard package. The nightly value comes around to be US$ 25 to US$ 40.
The luxury trekkers will stay at a 5-star or boutique heritage hotel, which offers an added layer of comfort. The price for such a luxury establishment can easily range from US$ 70 to US$ 150 per night.
Meals- Energy for Every Step along the Way
All meals are a standard inclusion of the trekking portion. The package covers full board meals throughout the trek. You will eat your meals at teahouses, which have a heated dining hall. There are several options to choose from as the menus normally include local dishes, Western options and other Tibetan or Indian delicacies.
For breakfast, Tibetan Bread, Tsampa Porridge, Pancake, Eggs, Tea/Coffee are standard options. Lunch and dinner include diversified options like Dal Bhat, Momo, Chowmein (Noodles), Pasta, Pizza, Thukpa, Yak Steak, Soup, Fries, etc.
If not bundled, the normal breakfast costs around US$ 4 to US$ 6. Lunch and dinner are about US$ 5 to US$ 8. As for water and other beverage options, they can range from US$ 1.5 to US$ 5, depending on the altitude.
Guide and Porter Services- Your Support System
Guide and porters are valuable members of your trekking journey. Guides take care of navigation, cultural interpretation, logistics and handle emergency support. All-inclusive Upper Mustang Trek cost includes the expenses of the guide’s wage, meals, lodging, insurance and permits.
The daily wage of an experienced guide is around US$ 25 to US$ 35. Likewise, porters carry the heavy gear so you don’t have to deal with fatigue during your trip. They are the soul of the journey, especially at higher altitudes and during long trekking days.
Normally, a porter will carry about 20 to 25 kg of luggage. Typically, one porter is shared among two trekkers. If you have an extensive set of packing, you can hire an additional porter by paying an extra fee. The Daily wage for the porter is around US$ 18 to US$ 25 per day.
Other Standard Package Inclusions
Besides these crucial factors of the Upper Mustang Trek pricing, there are a few other package inclusions. When trekking with a reputed agency like Marvel Adventure, they will offer a trekking map and guidebook free of cost.
Some agencies also provide standard trekking gear like Duffel Bag, Backpack, Down Jacket, Sleeping and Hiking Poles. But you need to return them after completing the trek. You may also have to pay a little cost for their maintenance and cleaning.
An extensive set of First Aid Kit will be carried by your guide during the trek. The kit has general medications and all essential items for emergency preparedness. On top of that, agency overhead, tax and service charges are also part of package pricing.
Unlike other countries, you don’t need to pay for tax and VAT separately while trekking in Nepal. Every government expense is accounted for and service charges are included as well. But, if you ever come across a cheap package than a standard margin, make sure to check all the inclusions. Such packages may have hidden costs, or they might have skipped a few of the inclusion factors.
What’s Not Included in the Cost?
Even the most comprehensive Upper Mustang Trek packages come with their limits. Certain aspects of the Upper Mustang Trek cost fall outside the scope of your agency’s coverage. The reason behind it is usually that they are highly personal expenses, variable, or best if arranged individually.
Being aware of these non-included costs of your package helps you to avoid a budget overrun during the trek and plan like a pro. Let’s explore what’s not included in depth and what it could cost you in actual terms.
International Flights— Getting to Nepal Is Up to You
No trekking agency in Nepal covers your international airfare. You will have to take care of expenses for getting yourself to Kathmandu (TIA). Depending on where you are from, this can be one of the biggest upfront expenses.
The prices for airfare vary depending on the booking window, airline and season. If you are flying during the peak season and major holiday season, you should expect inflated rates. To make a budget-conscious decision, you should book a few months in advance. Using fare trackers like Skyscanner or Google Flights will help you find the best deals.
Nepal Visa Fee
After arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will need to obtain an on-arrival visa at the immigration terminal. Applying for the visa is a simple process, but it's not free. You can choose from several visa options, like:
- Nepal Travel Visa 15 Days— US$ 30
- Nepal Travel Visa 30 Days— US$ 50
- Nepal Travel Visa 90 Days— US$ 125
To find out whether travelers from your country can apply for an on-arrival visa or not, check out this link. If you want to extend your stay in Nepal after your trek, you can get a minimum 15 day extension at US$ 45.
Travel Insurance- Absolutely Mandatory for High-Altitude Treks
Upper Mustang Trek takes place in a restricted zone with high altitudes. You will climb to an altitude of 3,800 meters in this trek. And, there is limited access to medical care in this isolated region. A helicopter evacuation in case of emergency or injury can cost above US$ 4,000.
That’s why agencies require a travel insurance plan that includes:
- High-altitude trekking (minimum 4,000 meters coverage)
- Emergency helicopter evacuation
- Medical and hospital coverage
- Trip interruption, cancellation, or delay protection
The basic insurance plan in Nepal without helicopter coverage will cost around US$ 100 to US$ 150. If you include helicopter coverage in the plan, the cost for the plan will be about US$ 150 to US$ 300.
Personal Expenses
So, take it like this. Anything extra in the remote and high-altitude world of Upper Mustang will cost you. So, don’t expect any free amenities during your stay at the teahouses/lodges. Due to a lack of proper transportation and infrastructural development, transporting goods to higher parts can be quite expensive.
You will notice it first-hand on the pricing of products as you climb higher. The typical add-on charges during this trek are:
Typical Add-On Charges:
- Wi-Fi (where available): US$ 3 to US$ 6 per hours
- Device Charging: US$ 2 to US$ 5 per hour
- Hot Shower (solar or gas option): US$ 3 to US$ 6 per use
- Toilet Paper: Not always free, some teahouses may charge upto US$ 1 per roll
Food and Beverages Extras:
- Mineral Water (normal drinking water is free): US$ 1.50 to US$ 4 (depends on altitude)
- Soft Drinks: US$ 2 to US$ 4 per bottle
- Beer (Tuborg or Everest): US$ 4 to US$ 7
- Choclate/Snacks: Us$ 2 to US$ 5
- Instant Noodles: US$ 2 to US$ 3
Tips for Guides and Porters- Gratitude Matters
Although tipping is not a compulsory practice in Nepal, it is expected and appreciated. Generally, guides and porters in Nepal often work for modest base pay. So, they heavily rely on the tips to sustain their life. Remember, trekking is a seasonal business.
It’s not always guaranteed that guides and porters will get a lot of clients even during peak season. So, your contribution actually supports the local economy, which in the long run comes around as an additional perk for trekkers like you.
Here is a realistic tipping guideline if you are not familiar with the tipping culture in Nepal.
- Tips for Guide: US$ 10 to US$ 15 per day
- Tips for Porter: US$ 5 to US$ 10 per day
You can tip in US$ or Nepali Rupee (NPR). Make sure to tip personally using some words of gratitude. Tipping your helpful companion in an envelope is a respectful way to honor their profession.
Trekking Gear
Well, trekking on the mountain with rugged terrain and varying climatic zones is not possible without a proper set of gear. The trekking agencies don’t always take care of personal trekking gear for you.
In such cases, you can buy or rent the equipment from stores in Kathmandu. The most crucial pieces of equipment for this trek are:
- Trekking boots
- Down jacket
- Sleeping bag
- Thermal base layer
- Trekking poles
- Gloves, hat, sunglasses and others
If you plan on renting these essential items for the trek, you may need to pay around US$ 1.50 to US$ 2 per day. If you are planning a long-term or multiple treks in Nepal, it will be beneficial to invest in your own gear. It will be both economical and comfortable.
Conclusion: Understanding the Real Upper Mustang Trek Cost
The Upper Mustang Trek is not a budget getaway. But it is a pilgrimage into a forgotten land. In this trek, you will get a chance to dive deep into the culture that’s hanging on in defiance of modernity and experience silence in the most profound way.
Upper Mustang Trek cost is not just about the trail. You are paying for the right to enter a kingdom lost in time and to return with something far more valuable than any receipt. This memory of walking where the wind still carries the prayer of ancient monks and the silent tranquility speaks volumes of the Himalayan grandeur will be something that you will treasure forever.
So, plan wisely spend consciously and trek deeply. The cost may be high, but the reward is timeless.
