OVERVIEW
Upper Mustang Trek is a breathtaking trekking adventure through the magical landscapes and Tibetan way of life. It is a gateway to the mysterious world of Lo Manthang, the hidden Buddhist kingdom. Lying in the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range, Upper Mustang, at the average altitude of 4000m, has a diverse range of rare landscapes with cliffs and rock formations. Earning the title of the Last Forbidden Kingdom, Upper Mustang was a limited demilitarized zone until 1992, making it one of the world’s best-protected areas. In contrast to other trekking destinations, you must obtain a special permit to enter the area. Foreign travelers were first allowed to visit Nepal in 1992.
The Upper Mustang trek starts in Jomsom and proceeds upstream until Kagbeni. This fascinating journey includes exploring caves, steep gorges, rock paintings, and panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other mountains. The tour concludes with a visit to Upper Mustang’s confined territory Lo Manthang. As an isolated society that has remained untouched for centuries, this trek emphasizes the cultural exploration of several ancient monasteries and long-lasting Buddhist Mandalas dating back to the fourteenth century.
With steep slopes and altitude concerns, this trek is moderately difficult. The dry air in Upper Mustang magnifies altitude sickness, making it a potential risk for any trekker. Trekkers can enjoy this trek during the monsoon season (June – September) with clear days and dry weather. Planning ahead of time and integrating moderate workouts with lots of cardio before the climb can make the moderately challenging uphill hike more accessible.
EXPLORING THE ROAD TO UPPER MUSTANG
Upper Mustang, a mystical and remote region in Nepal, calls out to adventurous souls with its ancient culture, rugged landscapes, and captivating history. The journey to this remote region is an adventure in itself.
Starting from Pokhara, the quickest way to reach Jomsom is by flight, which takes less than half an hour. This flight takes you soaring through the deep Kali Gandaki Gorge, surrounded by the rainshadow of the Himalayan range. However, flights are often canceled or delayed due to unpredictable weather conditions, and early morning flights are recommended to avoid strong winds later in the day.
If flights are unavailable or canceled, the overland route is an alternative, though it requires preparation for a long, uncomfortable journey. The 96-mile (155-kilometer) road from Pokhara to Jomsom is often unsealed and in poor condition due to landslides. Private vehicles offer a more comfortable option, while buses and shared buses are slower and less safe.
From Jomsom, many trekkers choose to reach Upper Mustang (Lo Manthang) on foot, a journey that takes approximately five days, excluding the return trek. This route is chosen for the authentic experience it offers. The trail from Jomsom to Lo Manthang takes you through a landscape, unlike most other parts of Nepal, as it receives little to no rain. Your destination, the ancient walled town of Lo Manthang, awaits you, wrapped in sand and frozen in time. This journey to Upper Mustang is indeed a tale of adventure.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL OF UPPER MUSTANG TREK
Despite the seclusion and remoteness of the Upper Mustang trek, the region’s hiking trails are not demanding. Because you’ll be strolling along the trail that leads right to the gorge’s deepest point, the Kali Gandaki gorge path is one of the most demanding and stressful aspects of the entire journey. This trek takes roughly 17 days or less.
Though the Upper Mustang trek is always done below 4000 meters, acute mountain sickness is possible due to the constant high-altitude pressure. Nevertheless, the likelihood of severe complications is low. Trekkers must cross high passes and descend steep slopes. It is not necessary to have exceptional fitness levels or prior hiking expertise.
However, training for the trek a few months ahead of time improves your stamina, which can benefit you on the walk by reducing shortness of breath and weariness. With an average walking time of roughly 6 to 7 each day, it is estimated the trek will be moderately challenging.
BEST SEASON TO TRAVEL UPPER MUSTANG
Spring (April to May) is the ideal time to start trekking in Upper Mustang to unleash its unique attraction. The weather is warm and pleasant, making long treks delightful. Because of the clear skies, the trekkers can view the spectacular Himalayas. During this season, trekkers even get a chance to see Mustang’s most significant and most colorful event, the Tiji Festival.
Located in the rain shadow zone, Upper Mustang is dry for most of the year. Thus, trekking is also possible during the monsoon season(June – September) without the fear of rain and muddy trails. Winter trekking is not recommended because the snow is deep, and the weather is bitterly cold. Many teahouses and restaurants are closed during winter as most locals descend to the south to escape the frizzy snow and the crisp weather.
COSTS AND PERMITS FOR UPPER MUSTANG TREK
Upper Mustang is a Restricted Area since it is so close to the Tibetan border. All trekkers entering the Upper Mustang must obtain a USD500 per person Restricted Area Permit (RAP) valid for ten days. After that, the extended stay will cost USD50. This RAP is suitable from when you leave Kagbeni until you re-enter Kagbeni. Each trekker must also acquire the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), which costs USD20 per person. Trekkers who do not have a guide with a valid license granted by the Nepalese government are not allowed. Because the Upper Mustang expedition is too challenging to complete on your own, single permits are not issued. As a result, at least two trekkers traveling with an authorized trekking company are required to obtain the permit.
The price of the Upper Mustang trek varies depending on the services you select. A shared room is less expensive than a single, double, or triple bedroom. So the cost of your accommodation is determined by the type of rooms you select for yourself. Because it is harder to get things to higher altitudes on this journey, the cost of food and lodging may be higher. On the Upper Mustang journey, meals cost between USD5 to USD20 per person. Trekking to the Mustang region could be demanding due to the trip’s entire length of 17 days. Hiring a porter is thus recommended. You can hire a porter for roughly USD20 to USD25 per day.
ACCOMMODATION DURING UPPER MUSTANG TREK
Along the entire trek in Upper Mustang, the trail is studded with friendly and welcoming teahouses. While the location is primarily barren, the trekking trail is lined with tea houses and lodges, giving the trekkers housing and other basic amenities.
Most tea houses offer clean and sanitary shared rooms or separate rooms, depending on your preference. In several settlements along the way, you’ll discover places to eat and drink. However, many trekkers opt to camp as well. Camping is mainly observed in restricted areas, where there aren’t adequate facilities to accommodate many people.
