Side by side
| Nar Phu Valley Trek | Upper Mustang Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 10 | 12 |
| Highest point | 5,320 m | 4,010 m |
| Difficulty | Strenuous | Moderate |
| Total distance | 115 km | 155 km |
| Best months | March to May and September to November | March to October |
| Typical cost | $1,100 to $1,850 | $2,500 to $4,500 |
| Starts from | Koto (near Chame) | Jomsom (2,720 m) via flight from Pokhara or drive from Pokhara |
| Permits | 2 | 2 |
Choose the Nar Phu Valley Trek if
The Nar Phu Valley trek is a 10 day restricted route north of the Annapurna Circuit reaching 5,320 m at Kang La Pass. It leads into medieval stone hamlets, ancient monasteries, and dramatic trans-Himalayan gorges near the Tibetan border, requiring special permits and a registered guide.
Remote trails chiseled out of vertical canyon cliffs, sustained altitude in Phu village, and an early morning pass crossing over Kang La at 5,320 m.
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.
