Side by side
| Langtang Valley Trek | Upper Mustang Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 8 | 12 |
| Highest point | 4,984 m | 4,010 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate |
| Total distance | 65 km | 155 km |
| Best months | March to May and October to November | March to October |
| Typical cost | $500 to $900 | $2,500 to $4,500 |
| Starts from | Syabrubesi (1,550 m) | Jomsom (2,720 m) via flight from Pokhara or drive from Pokhara |
| Permits | 2 | 2 |
Choose the Langtang Valley Trek if
The Langtang Valley trek is a 7 to 9 day moderate route in the Langtang National Park, north of Kathmandu. It climbs through rhododendron forest to the high yak pastures of Kyanjin Gompa at 3,870 m, with optional side trips to Tserko Ri at 4,984 m. No internal flight is needed, which makes it the most practical short Himalayan trek from Kathmandu.
The valley trail is well-graded and the altitude gain is gradual. Tserko Ri is a genuine high-altitude day hike that demands a careful start and good acclimatisation.
Choose the Upper Mustang Trek if
The Upper Mustang trek is a 10 to 14 day restricted-area trek through the former Kingdom of Lo, a culturally Tibetan enclave north of the Annapurna range. The arid, wind-sculpted landscape of red and white cliffs contains ancient cave monasteries and the walled city of Lo Manthang. Because it lies in the rain shadow north of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, it is one of the few Nepal treks accessible during the monsoon season.
The altitude is not extreme by Himalayan standards. The terrain is mostly good trail with some exposed rocky sections. The challenge is the remoteness, wind, and the bureaucratic requirements.
