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Everything you need to know about Upper Mustang Trek
Welcome to the breathtaking Upper Mustang Trek, a hidden gem in the heart of the Himalayas. Known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom,” this remote region remained closed to trekkers until 1992. With limited access, Upper Mustang has preserved its rich Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and unique cave dwellings. The journey through this mystical land offers an unforgettable experience, where every step takes you deeper into a world untouched by time.
As you trek through this remarkable landscape, you will witness stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri. The towering cliffs, rugged trails, and breathtaking valleys create a dramatic setting. The villagers, whose way of life reflects centuries of tradition, will extend their warm hospitality to you along the journey. Immersion in a culture that hasn’t changed in centuries is just as important as the scenery on this journey.
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The Hidden Wonders of Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang is a place of unparalleled beauty and cultural richness. As you traverse through its rugged terrain, you’ll be captivated by the sheer grandeur of the towering Himalayan peaks, including the iconic Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri ranges. The region’s distinct landscape, characterized by deep gorges, wind-swept cliffs, and barren plateaus, creates a surreal atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world.
Beyond its natural wonders, Upper Mustang is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The region was once a part of the ancient Tibetan Kingdom and still retains its unique Tibetan Buddhist traditions. As you explore the numerous monasteries and ancient caves adorned with intricate murals and religious artifacts, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the spiritual significance of this sacred land.
Trekking in Upper Mustang
Venturing on a Upper Mustang Trek is not just a physical journey; it’s an experience that will challenge and transform you. The trek takes you through remote villages, where you can witness the daily lives of the resilient Mustangi people. Their warm smiles and genuine hospitality will leave a lasting impression on your heart.
Upper Mustang Trek
14 Days
Trekking
USD 1,599 per person
Upper Mustang Jeep Tour
11 Days
Trekking
USD 1,499 per person
The trail is a mix of challenging ascents, thrilling descents, and breathtaking panoramas. You’ll cross high mountain passes, such as the Lo La Pass and the Dhi La Pass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. The highlight of the trek is undoubtedly the visit to the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. Stepping through its ancient gates feels like stepping back in time as you wander through its narrow alleyways and explore the royal palace and monasteries.
Planning Your Upper Mustang Trek
Before starting your Upper Mustang trek, careful planning is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. First and foremost, you’ll need to obtain the necessary permits and adhere to the regulations set by the Nepalese government. Upper Mustang is a restricted area, and a special permit is required. Additionally, you’ll need to hire a licensed guide and trek with a registered trekking agency to ensure your safety and support the local economy.
Choosing the right time to visit Upper Mustang is crucial. The region experiences a harsh climate, with extreme temperatures and strong winds. The best time to trek in Upper Mustang is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is relatively stable and the skies are clear, offering unobstructed views of the majestic mountains.
Permits and Regulations for Upper Mustang Trek
To trek in the Upper Mustang, you’ll need to obtain two permits: the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Restricted Area Permit (RAP). The ACAP costs USD 30 per person, and the RAP costs USD 500 per person for the first ten days and USD 50 for each additional day. These permits can be obtained through a registered trekking agency or the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu.
It’s important to note that trekking in the Upper Mustang is not allowed as an independent trekker. You must hire a licensed guide and trek with a registered agency. This regulation is in place to ensure your safety and preserve the delicate ecosystem of the region.
Best Time to Visit Upper Mustang
The best time to visit Upper Mustang is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these months, the weather is relatively stable, with mild temperatures and clear skies. The spring season offers the added beauty of blooming rhododendrons and other wildflowers, while autumn provides stunning views of the mountains against a backdrop of vibrant fall colors.
Unlike other commercial treks in Nepal like Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek, Upper Mustang Trek can be done in the summer months too. Being in a rain-shadow area, Mustang region does not receive as much rainfall as other areas. If you are planning Upper Mustang Trek in summer months (June-August), it can be doable given the weather forecast is in your favor. The winter months (December to February) are extremely cold, with temperatures dropping well below freezing, making trekking conditions challenging.
Trekking Routes and Itineraries in Upper Mustang
There are several trekking routes and itineraries to choose from in Upper Mustang, depending on the duration and level of difficulty you prefer. The most popular route is the Jomsom to Lo Manthang trek, which takes around 12-14 days to complete. This route offers a perfect balance of stunning landscapes, cultural exploration, and physical challenges.
Another option is the Upper Mustang Circuit trek, which extends the Jomsom to Lo Manthang trek by including the remote villages of Yara, Luri Gompa, and Ghara. This trek takes around 16-18 days and provides a more immersive experience of the region.
Accommodation and Facilities in Upper Mustang
Accommodation and facilities in Upper Mustang are relatively basic, given its remote location. Along the trekking route, you’ll find tea houses and guesthouses that offer simple yet comfortable rooms with shared bathrooms. However, it’s important to note that the availability of amenities such as hot showers and electricity may be limited, especially in the more remote areas. That being said, there are high-end luxury hotels in Tsarang and Lho Manthang which you can choose for a comfortable and lavish stay during your trekking journey.
Incredible experience
Waow!
I booked Upper Mustang Trek in last minute and Harka made this happen seamlessly with some flexibility to the original itinerary.
I had a lot of fun with Surpa, my guide, who took great care of me throughout.
Thanks!
Nar-Phu valley, Annapurna, Poon Hill, Upper Mustang
I first experienced Nepal with Himalaya Trip several years ago and Harka did a wonderful job so I returned and asked him to again organize my trek. I had 33 days to travel outside KTM and despite a cyclone disrupting my first itinerary Harka was able to pivot and made the most of my time in Nepal. The organization and execution was perfect. My guide Sandeep helped execute the original then modified itinerary and did a great job guiding me over a long trek up the Nar-Phu valley and over Kangla pass before snow halted our plans and we redirected to Poon Hill and Upper Mustang in a different direction. I would highly recommend Himalaya Trip to anyone interested in experiencing Nepal.
Harka is the best
We did an awesome trek in the Upper Mustang region with Himalaya Trip with an awesome guide called Dhruba. Harka the owner was kind, replied perfectly by email and the personalised contact was something totally spot on. I would totally recommend him for treks in Nepal, after researching a lot of trekking companies I think the price and quality of the trek are perfect.
Italy, October 2014
Excellent service and a top experience
Excellent service and a top experience! Harka and his team were amazing from airport pick up right through to the actual trek and final departure. I could not recommend them highly enough!!!
UK, October 2014
Excellent Upper Mustang Trek
Harka organised a fantastic trip inot upper mustang for our group and it was well worth it, our porters Deip and Chitra were fantastic, they helped, were very considerate and friendly and the language barrier was not an issue we all got by no problem.
We were on the trek during the major avalanches and when our guide had to go and assist other parties in the “danger zone” the porters bought us down the mountain with no dramas.
once we hit Jomson we then did a few days of the annapurna cuircuit to poon hill and home which meant we got desert, snow and rainforest all in the one visit which was great.
we had done the manaslu circuit 4 years ago with Harka and his team and were totally happy both times with the trek and the service and level of quality provided.
Although this trek was lower altitude it was still an amazing place to visit and I would recommend Himalaya Trip to anyone looking for a real trekking experience with top guys and great locations.
we will be back in a few years to trek again and Harka and his guys will be the comapny we will use.
Cheers
Bryan
Australia, October 2014
11 Day Mustang Trek
I recently completed an 11 day trek through upper Mustang with Himalaya Trip. There were four of us one guide and two porters. It was an amazing trip and I would highly recommend the trek as well as Himalaya Trip. Our plans were a little complicated as we were all meeting in Pokhara, but Harka organized it well and was a joy to work with. I met him beforehand in Kathmandu to finalize all our plans. Given my foggy state due to the time change, I left my credit card there but he found me and got it back to me right away.
Our guide and porters were great. One of our group (my daughter) speaks Nepali fluently, so I don’t know how much that contributed to a sense of being a team. Our trek took place during the recent snowstorm that caused a lot of fatalities at higher elevations. We had one day that was not easy, heavy wet snow, limited visibility, and very cold. If it had continued, I think we would have stayed put. Our guide, Ohm, was great, insisting that one of us, who was very wet and cold, wear his parker and routed us away from the more dangerous portions of the trail.
One final comment is that they gave us good guidance the day before we flew from Pokhara to Jomsom on how much was appropriate for the porters to carry. They kept us a reasonable weight so as not to overburden the porters. I saw a number of other parties who had completely inappropriate loads being carried by porters (70+ Kg). I was glad that we were not one of them
USA, 2014
18 day trek Upper Mustang and Poonhill Trek
We had a fantastic 18 day trek with Himalaya Trip in March 2015! Everything was very professionally organized and delivered to give us exactly the right balance between adventure and relaxation. Om and Cheetra were fun to travel with looked after us very well. Harka was the quarterback and made sure schedules worked, buses and taxis we’re organized, hotels were booked and airplanes and permits were in order. It was a pleasure to get to know Harka, Om and Cheetra and look forward to ours next visit!
USA, March 2015
It’s advisable to carry a sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures and a good quality trekking tent if you prefer camping. This will ensure you have a comfortable night’s rest, regardless of the availability of accommodation along the trail.
Essential Packing List for Upper Mustang Trek
When packing for your Upper Mustang trek, it’s essential to pack wisely to ensure your comfort and safety throughout the journey. Here’s a list of essential items to include in your backpack:
- Sturdy trekking boots with good ankle support
- Warm layers of clothing, including thermal base layers, fleece jackets, and down jackets
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and pants
- Hats, gloves, and scarves to protect against the cold and wind
- Sunglasses and sunscreen to protect against the strong Himalayan sun
- A good quality sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures
- Trekking poles for added stability and support on uneven terrain
- First aid kit with essential medications and bandages
Safety Tips for Trekking in Upper Mustang
Trekking in Upper Mustang requires proper preparation and adherence to safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind:
- Acclimatize properly by allowing your body time to adjust to the high altitude. Ascend gradually and take regular rest days to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the trek. Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Follow the instructions of your guide and trekking agency at all times. They have the knowledge and experience to ensure your safety.
- Dress in layers to regulate your body temperature and protect against changing weather conditions.
- Be cautious while crossing high mountain passes and narrow trails. Walk slowly and carefully, especially in areas prone to landslides.
Cultural Highlights of Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions. As you explore the region, you’ll encounter numerous monasteries, such as the Thubchen Gompa and the Jampa Gompa, adorned with beautiful murals depicting Buddhist deities and intricate mandalas. The Tiji Festival, held annually in Lo Manthang, is a must-see cultural event that showcases colorful dances and rituals performed by the local community.
Must-Visit Attractions in Upper Mustang
In addition to its cultural highlights, Upper Mustang is home to several must-visit attractions that will leave you in awe. The ancient walled city of Lo Manthang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crown jewel of the region. Its narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and ancient monasteries offer a glimpse into the rich history and architectural beauty of Upper Mustang.
The mysterious caves of Upper Mustang, such as the Ghar Gompa and the Choser Cave, are another fascinating attraction. These caves are believed to have been used as meditation chambers by Buddhist monks centuries ago and are adorned with ancient murals and religious artifacts.
Challenges and Rewards of Trekking in Upper Mustang
Trekking in Upper Mustang presents both challenges and rewards for adventurous souls. The rugged terrain, high altitude, and variable weather conditions require physical endurance and mental resilience. However, the breathtaking landscapes, cultural immersion, and spiritual awakening make every step worth it.
As you conquer the challenges of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, encounters with warm-hearted locals, and a deep connection with nature and yourself. The sense of achievement and the memories forged during your Upper Mustang trek will stay with you for a lifetime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Upper Mustang trek is a journey that will take you through stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and a rich cultural heritage. As you unveil the hidden wonders of Upper Mustang, you’ll experience the true essence of the Himalayas and create memories that will last a lifetime.
So, pack your bags, prepare yourself for an epic trekking adventure, and let the Upper Mustang capture your heart like no other destination can. The Upper Mustang will captivate your heart with its breathtaking views and unique charm, making it a trek like no other. If you ever plan to trek, you can consider us for your next booking.
