Upper Mustang Trekking
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Trip Facts
- Duration 14 Days
- Trip Difficulty moderate
- Max. Altitude 3800 m
- Start and End Kathmandu - Kathmandu
- Best Time Autumn
- Accommodation Hotel
Trip Highlights
- Explore Kathmandu’s cultural and spiritual heritage at Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath before the beginning of this trek.
- Stroll along the bustling Fewa lakeside under the reflecting views of Annapurna.
- The valley town of Jomsom is a gifted natural immersion.
- Ancient village of Kagbeni offers the cultural retreat to immerse yourself.
- Discover the Kingdom beyond the Himalayas of Lo Manthang’s ancient royal palace.
- Cross the stunning 3950m pass of Nya Li pass over the panoramic views of Mustang’s landscape.
- Visit the 500-year-old Charang monastery and palace that showcases Mustang’s rich history.
- Trek against the striking and awe-inspiring red cliffs and ancient caves, which highlight the geographical beauty.
Overview
Our tranquil journey to the Upper Mustang for 17 days is an immersive journey to Nepal’s remote Himalayan region. This trek is a tranquil blend of rich Tibetan culture and the striking landscapes of northwestern Nepal. We will start this trek with a day of preparations and exploring a few of the UNESCO-listed heritage sites before embarking on the trek. Also, we will have a chance to stroll around Pokhara’s valley and around the Fewa lakeside.
The official start of this trek will be from Jomsom after an enchanting flight from Pokhara. We will trek to Kagbeni and enter the restricted area of the Upper Mustang region. Upper Mustang is decorated with rugged trails, traditional settlements, and culturally vibrant villages. We will pass the Nya Li Pass and reach Lo Manthang, which is an ancient capital of Mustang, also known as the walled capital. We will explore the ancient monasteries and royal palaces of the steep Tibetan Heritage. The trek continues to Drakmar, which is also a traditional village with Tibetan influence. We will descend from there, following the Kali Gandaki River back to Jomsom.
We will then fly back to Pokhara and relax by the lake. We will stroll around the lakeside in the evening and try to immerse ourselves in the local vibes and foods. The trek offers us a rare glimpse into an ancient and restricted valley of Mustang and its preserved cultural heritage. The trek collaborates with the high-altitude landscapes with elevations that reach up to 3950m, which is a steep ascent. With All Nepal Excursions, we blend the cultural heritage with the breathtaking Himalayan scenery. We help you have a fascinating experience on the Upper Mustang trek and others.
Best Seasons for the Upper Mustang Trek
Autumn (September-November)
The season of Autumn provides better weather and bustling trails to Upper Mustang. This season provides clear skies with mild temperatures. We will have a perfect view of the stunning Himalayan views. The weather is particularly dry and stable, which ensures the safe trails along the way. Also, the landscapes will be vibrant post-monsoon. If the time is right, we will have a chance to celebrate the festivals like Tiji, Dashain, and Tihar during the season.
Spring (March-May)
Springs arrive with pleasant weather for the Upper Mustang trek in offering. The temperatures are mild between 10 to 22 degrees, depending on the elevation. With the blooming flora in areas like Jomsom and Pokhara, the season gets decorated. The clear sky will provide the vibrant views of the towering peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. The warmth of the weather provides the ease to cross the paths and pass during the trek. Villages like Kagbeni and Charang will buzz with cultural activity. The festival of Lhosar will be approaching, hence, the buzz will be different.
Why Choose the Upper Mustang Trek?
The trek to Upper Mustang is a uniquely blended culture adventure and unexplored Himalayan scenery. This is a journey to the mystic region of Nepal.
- We have time to immerse ourselves in the Lo Manthang’s ancient monasteries and royal palaces. These places are preserving the centuries-old traditions.
- We will trek through the dramatic deserts, the Himalayan peaks, and the red cliffs. This is a unique experience while being in Nepal.
- We will explore a restricted region, not been seen by many in the past. The trek offers a rare and authentic glimpse of the preserved Himalayan kingdom.
- Enjoy the balanced trek with moderate altitudes without much risk involved. These are ideal for beginners as well.
Main Attraction
The palace of Lo Manthang is the best and prolific attraction. The ancient kingdom stands at an elevation of 3700m and above. The ancient monasteries and vibrant Tibetan Culture immerse us in it.
History
The history of Upper Mustang dates back to the 14th century. This kingdom was influenced by Tibetan culture and remained semi-autonomous. The palace of Lo Manthang and Upper Mustang are legends of a rich past and history.
Culture
The region is decorated with the cultural vibrance through the ancient gumbas and monasteries. Locals maintain a minimalist traditional lifestyle with the vibrant rituals and art, preserving their unique heritage. The locals are hospitable in their traditional values.
Geography
Upper Mustang’s arid and high-altitude desert landscape features eroded cliffs and deep canyons. The Kali Gandaki River creates a stark and dramatic terrain framed by Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri.
Flora and Fauna
The flora and fauna are not particularly diverse on the trekking trail. Vegetation majorly includes hardy shrubs and grasses. Wildlife features rare Himalayan wildlife like blue sheep and snow leopards.
Difficulty of the Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek isn’t a hard trek to complete. This is a moderately challenging adventure that requires good fitness due to the high altitudes and longer trekking days. This trek is suitable even for everyone who is fit.
- We will trek up to 3950 meters in Nyi La La Pass. This ascent requires acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness.
- We will hike for about 6-7 hours daily, so we need endurance to cover the distance.
- The trail includes steep ascents and a rocky path. We need balanced physical stamina.
- The remote conditions of the trek might require basic trekking gear and adaptability.
Permits Required for the Upper Mustang Trek
| Permit Type | Price |
| Restricted Area Permit (RAP) | US$500 per person for 10 days, US$50 per additional day |
| Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) | US$30 per person (NPR 3,000) for foreigners; NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals |
| Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card | US$10 per person (NPR 2,000) |
Key Notes:
- Permits must be booked through a registered and active trekking agency.
- RAP needs at least two trekkers and a licensed guide.
- ACAP is valid for the entire trek duration with no time restriction.
- All Nepal Excursions will obtain the required permits once the booking is completed.
Altitude Sickness
Altitude
We reach up to 3950 meters during the crossing of Nyi La Pass. This section of the trek requires careful pacing and monitoring during the trek.
Acclimatization
Acclimatization is an important part of successful trekking. During the trek, we have scheduled mild walks of 4-5 hours for some days and have a rest day in Lo Manthang to adapt to the high altitude.
Precaution
To prevent altitude sickness, we have to ascend slowly and stay hydrated. We must avoid alcoholic beverages and monitor the symptoms, like headaches. We need to carry the first aid kit and consult the guides about the symptoms.
Basic Treatment
For mild altitude sickness, we should rest, hydrate, and take medications like Diamox for relief. Serious conditions require immediate actions like descending or emergency evacuation.
Rescue
The rescue in the Upper Mustang section involved an emergency evacuation. Mostly by horse and helicopter from Jomsom. We recommend having travel insurance that covers the recovery of expenses incurred in Helicopter evacuations.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance is very essential for high-altitude trips and treks like this. Travel Insurance helps us to safeguard the unforeseen events. The travel insurance should cover medical emergencies, including altitude sickness and emergency helicopter evacuations. Insurance also provides security for your hard-earned money, so it is essential to carefully check and consult with your travel agent. All Nepal Excursion will help you find the best policy. Proper insurance always saves you a significant amount, so always purchase travel insurance before you leave for a trip to another country.
Food and Accommodations
Food During the Upper Mustang Trek
Food served in Kathmandu and Pokhara will be of ample choices with the Nepali, Indian, Chinese, and continental options on the menu. Even in Jomsom, some restaurants provide a variety of food. During the trek, we will have limited but nutritious choices of food that feature dal, bhat, pasta, and noodle-like food. The food will be hygienic and heartily served by the local teahouses. As we go higher, the options and amenities decrease.
Accommodations During the Upper Mustang Trek
We will stay in the basic teahouses throughout the Upper Mustang trek. The teahouses have the basic facilities available. The rooms typically are twin-sharing with shared bathrooms. Accommodation facilities will be comfortable in Jomsom with private rooms with attached bathrooms available. We recommend that you have a sleeping bag carried with you for more comfortable sleep during the colder nights. Amenities like hot showers and Wi-Fi are not accessible in the remote villages like Lo-Manthang and Chele.
Additional activities
- We can immerse ourselves in Tibetan-Buddhist culture and witness the monks chanting in this spiritual place.
- We explore the vibes of Kathmandu and buy trekking gear, souvenirs, and local handicrafts like prayer flags.
- We can browse Thamel’s bustling streets for Nepali pashminas, trekking supplies, or souvenirs before or after the trek.
- We must visit UNESCO sites like Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple whenever we are free.
- We will engage with locals on our rest days by being engaged in their daily chores and practices.
