Side by side
| Upper Mustang Trek | Gokyo Ri Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 12 | 12 |
| Highest point | 4,010 m | 5,357 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | |
| Total distance | 155 km | 100 km |
| Best months | March to October | March to May and October to December |
| Typical cost | $2,500 to $4,500 | $1,000 to $2,000 |
| Starts from | Jomsom (2,720 m) via flight from Pokhara or drive from Pokhara | Lukla |
| Permits | 2 | 2 |
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.
Choose the Gokyo Ri Trek if
The Gokyo Ri Trek is a spectacular alternative to Everest Base Camp, leading you up the tranquil Dudh Kosi valley to a series of turquoise glacial lakes. The ascent of Gokyo Ri offers breathtaking panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, making it a visual masterpiece.
Requires a good level of physical fitness.
