Side by side
| Upper Mustang Trek | Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek | |
|---|---|---|
| Days | 12 | 22 |
| Highest point | 4,010 m | 5,143 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Strenuous |
| Total distance | 155 km | 225 km |
| Best months | March to October | March to May and October to November |
| Typical cost | $2,500 to $4,500 | $2,500 to $4,500 |
| Starts from | Jomsom (2,720 m) via flight from Pokhara or drive from Pokhara | Taplejung (1,820 m) — via flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar then to Taplejung, or overland |
| 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 Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek if
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a 20 to 25 day challenging remote trek in far-eastern Nepal, approaching the third highest mountain in the world (8,586 m) from both north and south base camps. It requires a restricted area permit, a licensed guide, and significant logistical preparation. The reward is some of the most pristine wilderness and authentic cultural encounters in all of the Himalaya.
One of the most demanding teahouse treks in Nepal due to the remoteness, altitude, duration, and the physical demand of the full north-to-south traverse. Not recommended for first-time Himalayan trekkers.
