1st Oct, 2023

Pokhara to Mustang Distance

- Magnificent Himalayan Treks

Mustang is a remote and fascinating region in the northwestern corner of Nepal, bordering Tibet. It is known for its unique culture, stunning scenery, and ancient Buddhist monasteries. The distance between Pokhara and Upper Mustang is approximately 220 kilometers (137 miles) by road, and 91 kilometers (57 miles) by flight. However, the journey from Pokhara to Mustang is not straightforward, as the roads are winding and mountainous, and the region is located at a high altitude.

How to get to Upper Mustang from Pokhara

There are two main ways to travel from Pokhara to Upper Mustang:

Pokhara to Upper Mustang by Bus

• Take a bus from Hemja to Jomsom, which takes approximately 10 hours and 45 minutes.
• The estimated cost for this option ranges from $18 to $23.

Pokhara to Upper Mustang by Jeep

• Drive from Pokhara to Upper Mustang, which takes approximately 6 hours and 24 minutes.
• The estimated cost for this option ranges from $28 to $45.

Pokhara to Jomsom by Plane

• Fly from Pokhara (PKR) to Jomsom (JMO), which is the quickest option, taking around 20 minutes.
• The estimated cost for this option ranges from $95 to $186.
• The flight between Pokhara (PKR) and Jomsom (JMO) covers a distance of around 69 km and usually takes about 20 minutes.

Flights are operated by Yeti Airlines, and typically these flights are run on the mornings as wind makes the flight difficult in the afternoon. Flight schedules may vary on weekends and holidays, so it's advisable to check in advance.

Pokhara to Upper Mustang Distance

How to start Mustang Trek from Pokhara?

To start the Mustang Trek from Pokhara, here are the main steps you can follow:

1. Arrange Permits
For the Mustang region, specifically the Upper Mustang, you'll need two main permits:
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Since you’ll pass through part of the Annapurna region, this permit is required.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP): Required to enter Upper Mustang, this permit is issued only through registered agencies and is quite costly (typically USD 500 for the first 10 days).
Permits can be arranged in advance through your trekking agency or in Kathmandu/Pokhara.
2. Transportation from Pokhara to Jomsom
Most trekkers fly from Pokhara to Jomsom, which takes around 20 minutes. This saves time and avoids the bumpy road.
Alternatively, you can take a jeep or bus, which involves a scenic but long and rugged journey. It takes about 8–10 hours by road.
3. Starting the Trek from Jomsom
Jomsom serves as the main starting point for the Mustang Trek. From here, you typically trek north toward Kagbeni, which is the gateway to Upper Mustang.
The first leg from Jomsom to Kagbeni is about 3–4 hours on foot, offering views of arid landscapes and the Kali Gandaki River.
4. Trail Overview
From Kagbeni, you’ll head deeper into the Mustang region, passing through villages like Chele, Syanboche, and Tsarang, eventually reaching Lo Manthang.
The Mustang trek typically takes about 10–14 days, depending on your pace and the time spent exploring Lo Manthang.
This journey offers unique Himalayan vistas, Tibetan culture, and a rare view of Nepal's arid, rain-shadow area perfect for adventurous trekkers looking to explore Mustang’s historical, isolated beauty.

Scenic Journey from Pokhara to Upper Mustang

No matter how you choose to travel, the journey from Pokhara to Upper Mustang is a scenic one. The road winds through the foothills of the Himalayas, passing through lush forests, terraced fields, and picturesque villages. As you get closer to Upper Mustang, the landscape becomes more arid and dramatic, with towering mountains and deep canyons. Once you arrive in Upper Mustang, you will be rewarded with stunning scenery, a unique culture, and ancient Buddhist monasteries. Upper Mustang is a restricted area, so you will need to obtain a special permit to visit. However, the permit is well worth the hassle, as Upper Mustang is one of the most beautiful and unique places in Annapurna region Nepal.