An Ultimate Guide To Upper Mustang Trek
One of Nepal’s most well-liked trekking routes, Upper Mustang is located in the Dhaulagiri Zone. Mustang remained secluded for hundreds of years as Nepal’s final forbidden kingdom. In 1992, treks and trips into the higher Mustang area were initiated.
Nepal’s Upper Mustang region is an important place both geographically and mythologically. It is located in a forbidden area for trekking. Mustang is home to the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Lomanthang.
Trekking to Upper Mustang offers breathtaking views of the Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, and Manaslu mountain ranges. The walk is regarded as difficult because of the height and dry atmosphere.
Although prior trekking experience would be beneficial, neither technical expertise nor expertise is required. It is necessary to navigate both steep descents and high passes. From June to September, during the monsoon, you can complete the trek without worrying about rain or muddy paths.
However, spring and autumn are the greatest seasons for the Upper Mustang Trek because of the better weather.
Table of Contents
Why Upper Mustang Trek?
There is nowhere in Nepal like Upper Mustang. It is a dry river valley in the Himalayan rain shadow, close to the Annapurna Circuit. Though it borders Tibet, it remains sealed off from the rest of Nepal.
Every corner of the Mustang Trek offers you amazing views. The Upper Mustang tour transports you to the surrounding Tibetan plateaus for exploration. On this journey, each settlement has a distinct history from the others.
This moderate trip provides an excellent balance of physical difficulty and adventure. Many uncommon species of plants, animals, and birds can be found in Upper Mustang’s rich biodiversity.
Along the way, one will come across historic monasteries, Chortens, and caves filled with sacred items. You get to immerse yourself fully in this paradise. Another attraction in Upper Mustang is Lo-Manthang, which is located at the highest point of the region and is known as the capital.
Major Attractions of Upper Mustang Trek
The following is a list of the Upper Mustang trek’s main best parts, among countless others:
- Gorgeous lakes, waterfalls, canyons, glaciers, and yak pastures.
- Discover the intriguing monasteries scattered throughout Upper Mustang.
- After touring the king’s palace, immerse yourself in Lo Manthang in the past.
- Captivating vistas of the mountain ranges Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other mountains.
- Wander through the unspoiled area and take in the breathtaking scenery while feeling at ease and content.
- Observe the customs and way of life of the nearby Tibetan population.
- An additional popular attraction in Upper Mustang is a Tibetan horseback ride.
- Wandering through several Gompas, chortens, prayer flags in the air, and caverns gives one a spiritual sense.
Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary Outline
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport, and transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Pokhara (7/8 hours).
Day 04: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2700m) and trek to Kagbeni (2858m) – 4 Hours.
Day 05: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3050m) – 6 Hours.
Day 06: Trek from Chele to Syangboche (3475m) – 7 Hours.
Day 07: Trek from Syangboche to Ghaymi (3520m) – 6 Hours.
Day 08: Trek from Ghaymi to Charang (3500m) — 5 Hours.
Day 09: Trek from Charang to Lo-Manthang (3700m) – 6 Hours.
Day 10: Acclimatization at Lo-Manthang.
Day 11: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Drakmar (3810m) – 7 Hours.
Day 12: Trek from Drakmar to Ghiling (3806m) – 6 Hours.
Day 13: Trek from Ghiling to Chhuksang (3050m) – 6 Hours.
Day 14: Trek from Chhuksang to Jomsom (2700m) – 7 Hours.
Day 15: Fly back to Pokhara.
Day 16: Drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 17: Final Departure.
Best Season for Upper Mustang Trek
When making the decision to venture to Upper Mustang, the weather is crucial. Selecting the ideal time for your visit can be crucial since the local climate and seasons can have a significant impact on your experience.
The best seasons for trekking in Mustang are spring and fall. These excursions are the greatest during these seasons if you want comfort and scenery. Here is a discussion of the many seasons and weather you might expect when visiting:
Spring (March to May):
Travel enthusiasts and mountain lovers go to Upper Mustang in the spring for their treks. With the Himalayan peaks covered in snow, verdant pastures, and blossoming flowers, this season is ideal for the Upper Mustang Trek.
The area is covered in verdant vegetation and blooms in the spring, such as junipers and rhododendrons. The average daily temperature ranges from 15°C to 20°C, with a decrease to approximately 5°C in the evening.
Travelers from all over the world come to Lo-Manthang to celebrate the Teji festival alongside the locals.
Summer/Monsoon (June to August):
In contrast to other trekking regions in Nepal, monsoon season is thought to be the optimum time to go upper Mustang trekking. Throughout the year, there is extremely little precipitation.
Summer is the best time to see the abundance of wildlife and rivers in the Upper Mustang. Summertime temperatures vary from 16 to 25°C. The temperature at night is between -3 and 0°C.
The lower Mustang area offers breathtaking views of flowers and foliage from June to August. However, the area is very calm at this time of year, which makes it a great time to travel.
Fall/Autumn (September to November):
The autumn is a great time to visit Nepal’s Himalayan region. Every visitor is treated to breathtaking views of hills, mountains, and other scenic environments. Clear skies, stunning scenery, and perfect temperatures in the autumn are similar to those of spring.
At night, the temperature can drop as low as 5°C, and during the day, it stays around 20°C. The autumn season is sometimes referred to as the “season of festivals,” and it encompasses numerous celebrations including Dashain and Tihar.
Winter (December to February):
Upper Mustang experiences bitterly cold temperatures and a lot of snowfall throughout the winter months. For your safety, a few of the short peak climbs and high passes can still be closed.
The lodges are closed since the inhabitants will relocate to avoid the cold. It can be as cold as minus 10 degrees Celsius in the upper Mustang during the winter.
Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty
The trek to Upper Mustang requires careful planning and packing because it is a somewhat difficult climb. The difficulty level of the Upper Mustang Trek is rated as moderate to severe. The trail winds through isolated locations, high-altitude passes, and desolate terrain.
It is recommended that an intermediate hiker with a respectable level of physical fitness take on the Upper Mustang Trek. It’s a strenuous trek with long walking days, rocky and uneven terrain, and steep ascents and descents.
Physical toughness, mental fortitude, and high-altitude acclimatization are required for the Upper Mustang Trek. One of the trickier and more difficult things is altitude sickness. Additionally, trekking may be uncomfortable at times because of the high altitude, dry air, and strong winds.
The length of the walk and the isolated setting can also make things more difficult. During these journeys, hydration, acclimatization, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are essential for managing altitude sickness.
Trekking Permits for the Upper Mustang Trek
You can reach an elevation of more than 3,500 meters in the Nepalese Himalayas by hiking the Upper Mustang trail. Even though foreign visitors are now permitted, they still need to get expensive, specialised entry permits from the Nepali government.
Two kinds of permits are required to participate in the Upper Mustang Trek. The Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) are two of the necessary permissions for the Upper Mustang Trek.
You can access the Upper Mustang’s restricted area with the Restricted Area Permit (RAP). In order to receive this authorization, the group must consist of a minimum of two members. The process of obtaining it needs to be completed by an authorized trekking agency.
An Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) is necessary for any trekking route that crosses within the Annapurna Conservation Area’s protected territory. Trekkers are free to stay in the ACAP region for as long as they choose after receiving an ACAP
Both the ACAP counter in Pokhara and the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu are responsible for issuing it. The necessary paperwork includes a completed form with your information, your itinerary, your visa, a passport-size photo, and a copy of your passport that is still valid after at least six months.
Hire Guide and Porter for Upper Mustang Trek
It is not possible to visit the restricted region without a special permit, porter, or guide. Hiring a guide from a government-registered trekking organization is mandatory. Travel with an experienced, knowledgeable guide if you want to fully explore the area.
In addition to having excellent communication skills and situational awareness, local guides are knowledgeable about the hike route. The guide offers details on the environment, local way of life, villages, vegetation, and fauna, as well as the Himalayas.
Throughout your walk, porters may work five to ten hours a day and carry up to thirty kilograms of weight. The cost of hiring porters and guides also varies based on the length of the walk and the type of activities.
Numerous organizations can offer you porters and guides who are competent and well-trained. Typically, the arrangements for your guide and porter are handled by your travel agency.
Food During Upper Mustang Trek
The success and overall satisfaction of the Upper Mustang Trek are significantly influenced by food. It’s crucial to be aware of the dining options before visiting this kingdom. You may sample typical Nepali cuisines, such as Tarkari, Bhaat, and Dal.
You may enjoy both Western-style cuisine and a wide variety of wonderful Nepalese cuisine. There’s bread, eggs, bread toasts, oatmeal, muesli, and hot beverages like tea and coffee for breakfast. For snacks throughout this hike, you can bring protein bars, chocolate bars, dry fruits, and other items.
The menu offers a variety of other options, including sandwiches, pasta, noodles, and dumplings. Due to the region’s comparatively high rate of potato farming, potatoes are quite well-known and easily accessible.
On higher paths, they are less common, but they still have pizza, momo, and noodles on the menu. Dinner selections include steaks, chapati, macaroni, spaghetti, a variety of soups, and momos (dumplings).
Accommodation During Upper Mustang Trek
Camping or simple lodges are the two options for lodging during the Upper Mustang Trek. Up till Kagbeni, the lodging is pleasant. Regular teahouses with public toilets nearby continue to operate after Kagbeni.
Tea houses and little cottages offer accommodation. Upper Mustang has expensive lodging because of its distant location, high transportation costs, and sparse population. The lodges offer cozy blankets, cozy mattresses, and spotless restrooms.
Throughout the journey, one can come across numerous little tea houses run by neighborhood families. While most teahouses offer shared rooms and toilets, some offer private rooms with attached bathrooms.
Many trekkers stay in these tea houses and other lodgings during the busy season and during the Tiji festivities. As a result, you must reserve your facilities in advance. The majority of teahouses have Wi-Fi that is usually accessible.
Wifi and Internet Access During Upper Mustang Trek
The Wi-Fi, mobile network, and electricity in the area may vary because of its isolated location. Tea shops have free wifi, however, service gets erratic after Jomsom and doesn’t reach Muktinath.
The only places where you can locate teahouses that offer wi-fi for a little cost are the larger communities like Jomsom and Lo Manthang. It is advised that you purchase an NTC Simcard (Namaste) as soon as you arrive in Kathmandu.
Nearly every village has access to 4G internet services provided by Nepal Telecom (NTC). Ncell, a different telecommunications provider, is also growing in Upper Mustang. It would be accurate to state that locations like Jomson district headquarters and Lo-Manthang have high-speed internet access.
Packing List for Upper Mustang Trek
There can be difficulties and cold during the trek to the Nepalese Himalayas. You have to always have items on you that you could require. For your Upper Mustang journey, remember to pack the following necessities:
Clothing:
- Woollen gloves
- Trekking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Trekking pants
- Fleece jackets
- Thermal wears
- Trekking shirts
- Down jacket
- Warm woolen cap
- Windproof jacket
First Aid
- Rehydration salts.
- Water purifying tablets.
- Anti-nauseant medication.
- Mosquito and insect repellent
Others
- Anti-bacterial hand wash
- Nail clippers
- Earplugs
- Sewing-repair kit
- Quick drying towel
- Camera
- Knife
- Toothbrush/paste
- Multi-purpose soap
- Face and body moisturizer
- Tissue/toilet roll
Passport and Visa
When you arrive at the immigration office of the Department of Immigration at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will obtain a tourist visa. Except for Indians, all foreign visitors to Nepal need a valid visa.
Nowadays, travelers have 15 days from the date of their arrival in Nepal to apply for an online visa. The visa application form is available at airports and immigration entrance points, and you should fill it out.
Visa fees must therefore be paid in cash. Visa fees can be expressed as follows:
- USD 25 or the equivalent over a 15-day period in convertible funds.
- USD 40 or the equivalent over a 30-day period in convertible money.
- For 90 days, use $100 USD or an equivalent amount in convertible currencies.
Travel Insurance for Upper Mustang Trek
It can be challenging, but selecting the right travel insurance is essential for trekkers in Nepal. The majority of travel insurance plans will pay for emergency medical evacuation expenses in addition to covering you while trekking.
If something unforeseen occurs while you are away from home, travel insurance can give you peace of mind. Make sure the coverage you select covers helicopter evacuation for you, your crew, and possibly other trekkers as well.
The insurance must provide coverage for mishaps, theft, loss, and injuries, among other things. To find out if your policy covers travel cancellation, check with your insurance provider.
As a result, you should carefully examine the terms and conditions of your insurance, which are offered by various organizations.
Trekking Tips for Upper Mustang Trek
Take into account the following helpful advice to make the most of your Mustang adventure.
- Poor packing simply adds weight to your bag. Thus, it’s critical to go backpacking completely prepared.
- To ensure that your trek is one you will remember for a lifetime, always employ a knowledgeable local guide.
- Remember to create your trekking permits with an authorized local trekking company’s assistance.
- A TIMS card is not required if you are hiking solely in the Upper Mustang area.
- Just as crucial as getting physically ready for a long walk in Nepal’s mountains is mentally preparing yourself.
- Instead of camping, use teahouses.
- For trekkers, Thamel is a haven. Before your excursion, you can get everything you need here.
- It is advisable to bring enough cash for the entire journey because ATM tracks are not visible.
Final Thoughts
Visitors come to Upper Mustang from all over the world for the breathtaking scenery and cultural attractions. You will experience a variety of terrain on the walk that is distinctive to the country. You will undoubtedly remember the area for its tranquillity and natural beauty.
The location is fortunate to have many ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries dating back several centuries, as well as Chortens (Stupa) and other places of pilgrimage. You get to see the traditions and manner of life of the Tibetan community living nearby.
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