Upper Mustang Trek Guide

The Upper Mustang Trek brings you to the intriguing former kingdom of Mustang in northwest Nepal's lonely, parched trans-Himalayan region. The moderate to the strenuous difficulty of this trek is most renowned for its rich history, culture, breathtaking mountain vistas, and dramatic environment that is reminiscent of Tibet's northern border.

Up until 2008, when Nepal has proclaimed a republic, the monarchs ruled over Upper Mustang for a considerable amount of time. While Lower Mustang first became a tourist destination in the 1970s, Upper Mustang remained off-limits, earning the nickname "The Forbidden Kingdom of Lo". In 1992, tourism was finally launched there. The rich Tibetan Buddhist, Thakali, and Bon cultures have been protected and preserved by Upper Mustang's designation as a restricted area.

Lo Manthang is the name of Upper Mustang's walled medieval capital. When entering the capital from the town gate, one is greeted by a scene of winding lanes and long walls covered in exquisite prayer wheels. And it's amazing to see herds of farming animals in the valleys.

The four-story royal palace at Lo Manthang is an example of extravagant architecture.  And the stunning monasteries like the 15th-century Thugchen Gompa or the actual city wall. To further understand the heritage, you must visit the Amchi Museum and School. You will see how history is transmitted from one generation to the next. A short walk will lead you to a small monastery and a century-old cave home perched high in the rocks.

It has made significant strides recently in terms of the number of visitors. Now there are multistory tea houses where there used to be only campsites. Nowadays, traveling to Upper Mustang is much easier than in the past years because of motorable road connectivity. Upper Mustang can be reached on foot, by bike, by jeep tour, or by combining a tour and a trek. Visitors from all over the world swarm to this area, which is covered in sand and frozen in time. The vistas of the mountain ranges, the Kali Gandaki, the deepest valley and canyon in the world, the dramatic rock formations, the vast plateaus, the distinct culture, traditions, and way of life, as well as the trek's seclusion, maybe what attracts so many backpackers to Upper Mustang.

This comprehensive guide to the Upper Mustang Trek aims to provide useful insights into the realities, expectations, and preparation needed for the journey. Before you board your upcoming trip for the trek to Upper Mustang Nepal, review the facts, cost, permits, the ideal time of year, the itinerary, and more.

Trip Facts

Primary Activity: Sightseeing/Trekking

Duration: 15-16 days

Trip Starts / Ends: Kathmandu or Pokhara

Max altitude: 3840m/12597ft

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Meals: Available in local lodges

Accommodation/Room: Hotel/Teahouse/ Homestay

Transportation: Private Car/Tourist Bus/Flight

Route: Kathmandu, Pokhara, Jomsom, Kaghbeni, Ghami, Lo Manthang, Drakmar, Ghiling, Chhuksang, Jomsom, Pokhara, Kathmandu

Best Season:  mid-February to the end of November

Trip highlights

• Experience the Mustang’s distinctive, semi-arid, and arid landscape.
• Views of the mountains Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri.
• Examine the way of life of the Tibetan Buddhists and members of the Thakali ethnic group who live in the villages of Mustang and Upper Mustang.
• Observe the medieval caves constructed in the high rocks along the route by the early settlers of the Kali Gandaki Valley.
• See the Tsarang Goempa Monastery, which dates back to 500 years.
• Visit the Jampa Lhakhang, Tubchen, Chode, and Choprang Goempa monasteries in Lo Manthang, which date back to the fifteenth century.
• Visit Muktinath, a sacred Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage place.
• Get the chance to experience the Tiji festival in Lo Manthang in May/early June.

Permit and Fees

As Upper Mustang is listed as a restricted area in Nepal as it has a border with Tibet (China), entry requires a permit. A Restricted Area Permit is necessary for foreign visitors in order to maintain and conserve its cultures and traditions. Additionally, a permit is needed for the trek because it traverses the Annapurna Conservation Area.

A least two trekkers accompanied by a Nepali guide with a valid license issued by the Nepal Government are required for a permit. You cannot go on this trek independently.

• Upper Mustang Trek Permit cost USD 500.00 per person for the first 10 days. But if you spend longer than that you need an extra USD 50.00 each extra day per person.
• ACAP(Annapurna Conservation Area Project) Permit is also required that costs NPR. 3000.00 per person (approx. USD 30). For SAARC nationals, ACAP permit costs Nrs.1500 (about US $15)
• TIMS card is not required for this trek.

Three passport-sized pictures, the number from your travel insurance policy, a copy of your passport, and details about your daily itinerary are all necessary paperwork. All arrangements will be made by your trekking agency.

The permits are non-refundable, non-transferable and valid for only a single entry. Children under the age of 10 are not obliged to pay an entrance fee. Additionally, make sure you always have both permits on you and present them at the appropriate checkpoints. The Chele checkpoint, which serves as the entrance to Upper Mustang, will inspect the permit.

Upper Mustang Trek cost

Due to its remoteness and the high cost of the restricted area permit, the Upper Mustang trek is often more expensive than other trekking locations in Nepal.

The general price per person for the Upper Mustang Trek ranges from US$1700 to US$2500. It might differ in terms of transportation (by land and by air), lodging and food quality, the absence of group members, the availability of guides and porters, and other factors.

These packages typically include a two-way domestic flight (Pokhara-Jomsom-Pokhara), ground transportation, lodging, meals while trekking, permits, guide and porter facilities with their insurance, lodging, and food. However, personal interest charges like a hot shower, an extra porter, bar tabs, snacks, internet, bottled water, travel insurance, etc. are not included in the package.

Itinerary suggestion

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft)

Day 02: Trek preparation/leisure day

Day 03: Drive or fly to Pokhara (910 m/2,986 ft)

Day 04: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2,858m/9,375ft), 25min flight and 3-4 hrs trek

Day 05: Trek to Chele (3,050m/10,004ft) 5-6 hrs

Day 06: Trek to Gelling (3,570m/11,200ft) 6-7 hrs

Day 07: Trek to Tsarang (3,575/11,750ft) 6-7 hrs

Day 08: Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840m/12,800ft) 4-5 hrs

Day 09: Lo Manthang: Rest and exploration day

Day 10: Trek to Drakmar (3,810 m/12,500ft) 6-7 hrs

Day 11: Trek to Shyangmochen (3,806m/12,484ft) 5-6 hrs

Day 12: Trek to Chhuksang (3,050m/10,004ft) 5-6 hrs

Day 13: Trek to Jomsom (2,700/8,856ft) 6-7 hrs

Day 14: Fly back to Pokhara (910m/2,986ft) 25min 

Day 15: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft) 

Day 16: Final Departure

Upper Mustang Trek difficulty

The difficulty level for the Upper Mustang Trek ranges from moderate to strenuous. At the PA pass, you will reach the highest point of the climb at 4,210m/13,517ft. This trek has a lower chance to have severe altitude sickness as the maximum altitude is not much high likewise the Everest Base Camp. There are 10 hiking days in the typical 16-day expedition. On a typical trekking day, you will hike for 5 to 6 hours. On some days, you could have to walk for a minimum of 3 hours and a maximum of 9 hours. Due to the snow and bulky winter clothing, the difficulty level is especially increased if you go during the winter. So, the best time to travel is in the spring, fall, and monsoon seasons. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes during strong winds because the trekking route is very dusty and parched.

Overall, it is a walk appropriate for both experienced and novice hikers. Prior to starting the walk, you do need to have done some preparation. A month before the expedition, you might start engaging in regular exercise like jogging, swimming, and hiking to build your stamina and physique. It would also be preferable to cut off drinking alcohol and smoking both before and during the trip.

Best time for Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang is situated under a rain shadow area, thus, this trek is doable during the monsoon too. The ideal time of year for this hike is from mid-February to the end of November. Due to the intense cold and large snowfalls, trekking is not recommended in December and January.

Additionally, the monsoon season's Tiji festival celebration comes highly recommended. The festival will undoubtedly rank among the Upper Mustang trek's most memorable events.

The best times to travel /trek in many parts of Nepal are during the pre-monsoon/spring season (March to May) and the post-monsoon/autumn season (October to November). However, due to the Tiji festival, Upper Mustang is recommended throughout the monsoon too.

Tiji festival

The Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang celebrates the Tiji, one of Nepal's most well-known and auspicious festivals. The Choedhe Monastery, which is a part of the Sakya branch of Buddhism, is in charge of organizing all of the dances for the Tiji festival.

A Rimpoche is the abbot of the monastery. This monastery is home to about 65 monks from Lo Manthang, Nhenyul, and Chhosyer.

The term "prayer for global peace" (Tempa Chirim) is shortened to Tiji. The Tiji celebration, which is rich in Tibetan traditions, commemorates the victory of Dorjee Sonnu, a manifestation of Lord Buddha, over a demonic creature that bred on humans and produced storms and droughts.

The daily performance tells the epic tale of Dorjee Sonnu in a process that begins with a contemplative dance and culminates in the massive destruction of negativity.

The festival was started more than 300 years ago to commemorate the triumph of good over evil. The festival explores the folklore around Tibetan Buddhist figures Dorje Jono and Padmasambhava Guru Rinpoche. A popular Vajrayana Buddhist deity is Dorje Jono (Vajrakila).

The monks perform a dance known as Tsa Chaam on the first day. It describes how Dorji Sonam, a reborn Buddha, was born to a demon. This demonic entity terrorized the Mustang kingdom and wrecked destruction there. You may see the monks performing the demon's abuse on the Mustang residents.

The demon Dorjee Sonam attempts to return to the realm of the Buddha during the monks' performance of Nga Cham on the second day.

The Rha Chham dance is performed on the third and last day of the festival. In the process, Dorjee Sonam vanquishes the evil spirit and drives him from Mustang.

Accommodation and meals

Upper Mustang Trek is a journey that is accommodated in tea-houses/lodges. Lodges are typically painted white homes composed of stones and mud. These tea-houses are incredibly cozy and have limited rooms. The freshly constructed, multi-story concrete tea houses in Lo Manthang can accommodate a large number of trekkers. The rooms typically include two single beds and little other furniture. It is preferable to put a sleeping bag on top for hygienic reasons.

Only a small percentage of tea-houses have attached facilities; the majorities make use of the shared restrooms. They typically feature squat seats. Bring your own pocket soap and toilet paper because not all lodges have access to them.

In most of the tea-house, showers are similarly communal and not attached. You need to pay around USD 2 for a hot shower. The majority of tea houses rely on solar heating, while some also have gas showers.

There are big tables in the common dining area and numerous tourists share them. The walls are colorfully painted, and the tables have butter lamps and incense. 

Dining options in Upper Mustang and other trekking areas are quite similar; however, you will find various Chinese and Tibetan cuisines along the trail. The food in the Mustang region is generally good but not extravagant like that found in the city’s restaurants.

Due to its prevalence in the Nepali diet, "Dal Bhat," or lentil soup and boiled rice with vegetable curry, is a traditional food served on the trek. Since it satisfies hunger, the endless supper is a favorite among hikers. The price of the meal varies depending upon the place. You can have it for lunch or dinner. For breakfast, you can have western foods including porridge, pancakes, eggs, jam, honey, and more. Try the cuddly Tibetan bread. You should also try the local dish known as Tukpa and Tibetan noodle soup.

There are a lot of beverages and snacks created with apples because the Mustang region is famed for its apple growing. You can test local wine and their renowned apple juice. Due to the cost of transportation, soft drinks are typically double what they are in the city.

You should drink around 3 to 4 liters of water every day. The villages along the route all have public water taps. Carry a water bottle with a filter flask or some pills to purify water instead. Mineral water is available for purchase in roadside shops and tea-houses, but it is expensive—up to USD 4 a liter.

Electricity and internet facilities in Upper Mustang Trek

Major villages have available electricity facilities. However, there are often power cuts along the Upper Mustang Trail. Some tea-houses supply power from solar panels, which is not always reliable.

Ask the owner of the tea house when they turn on the power, which is typically in the evening so that you can charge your devices while conserving power for the remainder of the day. Carry portable solar panels, power banks, and backup camera batteries as much as you can. Additionally, to conserve battery life, keep your phone in flight mode while on the hike.

In the Upper Mustang trek, internet connectivity is quite sporadic and unpredictable. Most of the tea-houses offer a Wi-Fi facility. But they charge more than USD 1 per hour. The Wi-Fi in hotels in Jomsom is a little better, so you may share your photos on social media and stay connected to your family.

Using a local GSM-operated SIM card, which you may purchase in Kathmandu or Pokhara, is another option for internet connectivity. By acquiring a compatible data pack, you can use mobile data connectivity. The network is inconsistent at higher altitudes, just like the Wi-Fi. So it is recommended to only use the internet when absolutely essential.

Trek safety

Upper Mustang Trek is undoubtedly enjoyable, and the best part is that it is appropriate for people of all ages. The journey involves reaching an alleviation of almost 3900m.

Altitude sickness is uncommon in areas below 4000 meters, although it is always important to be aware of AMS. Acute Mountain Sickness is the phrase used in medicine (AMS).

The oxygen content in the air decreases as elevation rises, making it difficult for the body to adapt. There might be mild symptoms like headaches, exhaustion, and insomnia as well as severe symptoms like fainting, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Symptoms of AMS could appear (rare case) in trekkers when the altitude exceeds 3,000m/9,842ft.

By following the well-designed itinerary and taking an acclimatization day, you can prevent getting altitude sickness. Additionally, take your time getting there. At higher elevations, move slowly to allow your body to adjust to the changes. Consult your doctor before the trip. You can take precautions by taking AMS prevention drug. You can speak with your leader/guide right away if you continue to feel any of the symptoms, and they will assist you. The assistance of an experienced leader/guide makes the trek always safer.

ATM

Jomsom is an administrative headquarter of the Mustang district, banks and ATMs are available there as well. Lo Manthang and Kagbeni have a few private bank branches, but there are no ATMs. Moreover, as there are no money exchanges in the Mustang region, it is a smart idea to carry cash, especially Nepali Rupees (NPR). The tea-houses and the locals prefer NPR than foreign currencies. Paying with CARDs/QR is impossible in the Mustang area. You should know that Upper Mustang is a remote area without much development going on, so they are still behind in such advancements.

In essence, it is better to withdraw Nepalese Rupees back in Kathmandu or Pokhara and carry them throughout the trek rather than relying on ATMs/card payments/QR payments.

Travel Insurance

It is important to have travel insurance coverage for your safety. You must be insured against medical and personal accident risks within your travel period in Nepal.

Your travel insurance must cover you for emergency air ambulance/helicopter rescue services, medical expenses and trip cancellation. While traveling, do carry a policy copy of your travel insurance with you always.

While purchasing travel insurance, be careful to choose a plan with cancellation coverage and insurance coverage for the high-altitude trek up to 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) from a reputable insurance provider. Inform your insurance company of your daily schedule, the highest point reached while hiking, trekking region, emergency contact information, and other pertinent information.

Trip booking tip

A local trekking/travel agency can assist with making reservations for this excursion. These organizations are well-versed in the prerequisites for this expedition. You must travel with a group of at least two people and a certified guide because Upper Mustang is a restricted region.

It is better to go through a company like Amazing Nepal with experience in planning such excursions because you cannot go on this trek independently.

Final say

The Upper Mustang trek is one of the most unique experiences, best suited for both novice and experienced hikers. The comprehensive guide is an effort to inform potential hikers about the necessities before beginning this trek.

Enjoyed reading it? Obtain advice from our team of experts at Amazing Nepal, buy the flight tickets to Kathmandu for the Upper Mustang Trek, and we'll handle the rest.

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Before Travel Trek Safety in Nepal