Side by side
| Pikey Peak Trek | Upper Mustang Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 6 | 12 |
| Highest point | 4,065 m | 4,010 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | |
| Total distance | 100 km | 155 km |
| Best months | March to May and October to December | March to October |
| Typical cost | $1,000 to $2,000 | $2,500 to $4,500 |
| Starts from | Dhap or Phaplu | Jomsom (2,720 m) via flight from Pokhara or drive from Pokhara |
| Permits | 1 | 2 |
Choose the Pikey Peak Trek if
The Pikey Peak Trek is a short, low-altitude route in the lower Solukhumbu region. It offers some of the best panoramic views of the Mount Everest range without the need for long acclimatization. The trail passes through authentic Sherpa villages, quiet monasteries, and lush rhododendron forests.
Requires a good level of physical fitness.
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.
