Side by side
| Upper Mustang Trek | Makalu Base Camp Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 12 | 18 |
| Highest point | 4,010 m | 4,870 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Strenuous |
| Total distance | 155 km | 145 km |
| Best months | March to October | March to May and October to November |
| Typical cost | $2,500 to $4,500 | $1,450 to $2,200 |
| Starts from | Jomsom (2,720 m) via flight from Pokhara or drive from Pokhara | Num (via Tumlingtar flight and jeep) |
| 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 Makalu Base Camp Trek if
The Makalu Base Camp trek is an 18 day wilderness route in eastern Nepal leading into Makalu Barun National Park to the base of Mount Makalu at 4,870 m. Trekkers journey from subtropical cloud forests over rugged Shipton La pass into the dramatic sheer granite amphitheatre of Barun Valley.
Demanding high-altitude crossing of Shipton La at 4,210 m with steep climbs and descents. The upper Barun valley is remote with simple teahouses and unpredictable mountain weather.
