Upper Mustang Trek

How difficult is Upper Mustang trek?

The Upper Mustang is a delightful adventurous journey for the trekkers. It is considered a moderate to strenuous trek. This is not easy to conquer.

The high altitude and long day walks make it challenging. You can make it easier by preparing in advance. The visitors should be ready to face the steep ascents and descents, rough terrain, and rocky terrains.

The region is dry and windy landscape that means there could be the water scarcity and weather changed drastically. The trail is rocky and uneven that means trekker posses lots of stamina and strength.

The average Upper Mustang trek runs around 14 days. You will have to walk 6-7 hours daily. Further, if the trek reaches above 4,000 meters, there is a potential chance of altitude sickness.

While the trekkers must have a good level of fitness to enjoy and accomplish the trek.

What is the beauty & expectation of Upper Mustang Trek?

The Upper Mustang trek is admired for its beauty, elegance and vibrant stark. The journey provides you with a glimpse of Tibetan Buddhist Culture and the historical significance of the “Forbidden Kingdom”.

The 14 days tour offers you diverse landscapes that include dessert like terrains, deep gorges, rocky cliffs and gigantic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.

It also appraises and features the ancient caves, religious monasteries and elegant, varied city of Lo Manthang.

Throughout the trek, you may also encounter blue sheep, leopards and other animals.

The trek allows you to socialize and familiar with local people who are primarily of the Tibetan ascents. You will also experience their customs, cultures traditions and appetizing cuisine throughout the journey.

Is Upper Mustang Trek Possible for the beginner’s?

The Upper Mustang trek is considered as moderate to difficult trek. It is possible for the beginners with good health, proper preparation and guidance. One should be physically and mentally prepared before commencing the journey.

If you are a beginner and passionate about trekking and travelling, then nothing can stop you. This is a remarkable trek that gives you unforgettable memories.

The 14 day trek involves taking your steps at higher altitudes by following the rough and dry terrains. Further, there can be some steep ascents and descents.

With sufficient training and proper rest, a beginner’s easily accomplish this journey.

The trekker’s involves in cardiovascular exercise, jogging, running, swimming and other activities at least 5-6 weeks before the trip. This all energizes your strength and boosts your stamina during the trek.

Preparations of Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang is challenging but equally rewarding. It’s a delightful that provides you flawless and distinctive memories.

To accomplish the rewarding Upper Mustang trek, you need to invest in physical exercise, cardiovascular training, and other activities before the journey.

You better start all your activities and training 5-6 weeks before the trek commenced. During the trek, you have to cover the higher altitudes and long hours of walking. You better carry a bag pack for 2-3 hours in the morning and evening. It helps you to build endurance, energy and stamina during the trek.

Throughout the trek, you have to maintain proper hydration to prevent from the altitude sickness. Make sure you have all the training equipment and set all your gear and equipments before the trek. In addition, Travel insurance is extremely significant during the trekking.

 (Note: Avoid trekking if you have any severe health issues.)

 Useful Information for the Upper Mustang Trek

Best Season for the Upper Mustang Trek

Usually Nepal has 4 seasons – Spring, Autumn, Monsoon and Winter. Here we’ll illustrate which season is ideal and the reason.  

Spring (March to May) – The Spring is the peak season for the Upper Mustang trek. During this time, there is a mild temperature everywhere in the region. Furthermore, you’ll have heavenly by seeing the blooming landscapes and mountains. While vibrant color of rhododendrons and other flora & fauna makes your journey more magical. Furthermore, you’ll capture all the magnificent memories in your camera.

Autumn (Sep – Nov) – The Autumn is the promising time for the Upper Mustang trek. The weather becomes clear. Furthermore, you’ll get the clear visibility during your journey.

After the monsoon, the airs becomes more fresh, clear skies, and elegant scenery during the trekking. During this time the temperature low as 5°C at night and remains about 20°C.

Monsoon/Summer (June-August) – The monsoon is also recommended for the Upper Mustang trek. It is located in the rain shadow area and receives very little rainfall even in monsoon season.

The lower region has some rain. However, the upper parts remain arid, dry and windy. Therefore, you may admire the beauty of Upper Mustang in the monsoon as well. However, in the rainy season, sometimes the flight may be cancelled between Pokhara and Jomsom due to low visibility, fog, and bad weather.

Winter – Winter is the avoidable time for the Upper Mustang trek. During this time, the weather becomes very harsh and extremely cold everywhere. The temperature potentially drops -20-25 °C at night. You’ll get the stunning views of landscapes, snow-covered mountains. However, some trails are impassable. Furthermore, the tea houses and lodges are also closed during this time. Therefore, you have to stay in tented camps.

Accommodation – Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang is one of the most rewarding treks in Nepal. The place is admirable for its unique culture, natural attractions and preserved Tibetan culture. During your journey, we’ll provide you with convenient and comfortable accommodation services.

When you stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you’ll have 24-hour room services, laundry, an in-house restaurant, conference rooms, and more. As you move upward, your services turn elegant to basic.

During the journey, you have to stay in the tea house. Here you will twin shares bedroom and bathroom is common. Furthermore, there is a communal dining where you can share your trekking experience with fellow trekkers.

Upper Mustang is not luxurious like ABC or Everest. Sometimes, you have to stay in tented camps. Additionally, a home stay with Tibetans is worth it. You’ll learn about their culture and traditions. 

Availability of food & meals

During the Upper Mustang treks food are readily available. You’ll taste the varieties of cuisines that include Nepalese, Chinese, Indians and Tibetans. Here are the details.

Nepali & Tibetan Cuisine – While trekking in the Mustang region, you should/may try Nepali cuisines Dal, Bhat, Tarkari aka Rice, Lentils & Seasonal Vegetables. Aside from this, you’ll also taste some Tibetan dishes like Tsampa, Tibetan meat, Butter tea, Laping, Balep and Khapse.

• Chatmari
• Juju Dhou
• Sel Roti
• Thupka
• Poori Tarkari
• Rice Pudding & Potato fried

International & Indian Cuisines – When you are in Kathmandu and Pokhara, you may variety of taste options. The more you hike upward; you have the lesser option for the foods.

• Pizza
• Spaghetti
• Sandwich
• Burger
• Chowmeen
• Mo:Mo (Dumplings)
• Pan cake
• Biryani
• Shahi paneer & rice

Other Snacks – Upper Mustang treks take you to the higher altitudes above 4,000. It’s a 14-day journey. To maintain energy and endurance. We advised you the bring energy provider foods that include bars, dark chocolates, protein shake powder, nuts, cashews and other dry fruits.

Importance of Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is necessary when you putting your laps above 2,500 meters. This time you are going for 14 days long strenuous Upper Mustang trek. Therefore, we are highly recommended it.

During the journey, you have to pass through rugged terrain, steeper ascents and descents, long days walking and ultimately high-altitude trekking. To minimize all these hindrances and obstacles, insurance is important for you. Here are some necessary points.

• Emergency evacuations from helicopter in any unconditional circumstances
• Cover all your health expenses
• A complete solution to your finance & budget
• Covers all your money if fight delayed or cancelled
• Manage all your stuffs: baggage’s loss/theft

Permits for the Upper Mustang Trek

To trek in the Upper Mustang region, you need three mandatory permits. Here are the details.

RAP (Restricted Area Permit) – The RAP is required  because Upper Mustang is restricted area. It costs around $500 USD for 10 days and $50 per additional day.

 Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – This permit needs enter in the Annapurna Conservation area which encloses with the Upper Mustang. It costs around $20-25 per person.

TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) – The TIMS card is another permit you need for Upper Mustang. It is valid in all regions of Nepal. There is a tracker in the card that tracks all the trekkers during trekking. It costs around USD 25 for foreigners and $6 for Nepalese.