Upper Mustang Trekking in Nepal  

Upper Mustang trekking is a moderate and a remote routes in the north of Annapurna at an average altitude of 4000 m that combines adventure, culture, and natural beauty, making it a must-do for any trekker enthusiast visiting Nepal. This region is known for its unique landscapes, with its desert like terrain, deep canyons, and towering peaks. The word “Mustang” is derived from Tibetan word which means fertile plain in Nepali. 

Upper Mustang trekking is an exotic tour and one of the most mysterious trek that brings you into the hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom of mustang also called Lo. Moreover, Lo- manthang, chooser cave and Ghar gompa is the major attraction of this trekking. The trail takes you through ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and Buddhist temples, providing insight into the rich culture and history of the upper mustang region. It is also well- known for “Last Forbidden Kingdom” because of its unique landscapes and preserved Tibetan culture.

The inhabitants of mustangs’ mainly celebrate Lhosar, Tiji, Saku Lugka and Duk Chu festivals. They celebrate Tiji festival at Lo- manthang in the middle of May. It lasts for 3 days. Similarly, horse festival or yartung mela known locally marked in the august full moon day lasts for 3 or 4 days starts in Lo- manthang and travels downwards, with horse races, archery, dancing and festivities all the way. The people in upper mustang follow Tibetan Buddhist culture and speak traditional Tibetan Languages. On special occasions, they invite Lamas to perform religious rituals at their home. The township abounds with mani walls, numerous chortens and monasteries.

Permits for Upper Mustang Trekking

It is a restricted area that was opened for trekking in 1992. As it is restricted area, special permits are required to visit this region which can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. 

1 Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)

2 Restricted Area Permit

Travel Insurance 

Any trek in Nepal, including the Upper Mustang Trek, needs travel insurance. The trek includes high-altitude trekking, which may be physically challenging and dangerous. Travel insurance can cover you financially in the event of an accident, a medical emergency, a flight cancellation or delay, or lost or stolen luggage. 

 When buying travel insurance for the Upper Mustang trek, ensure that it covers high- altitude trekking and emergency helicopter evacuation, as these can be expansive without insurance. Depending on your plan, you can also obtain additional coverage of activities like hiking, mountaineering and adventure sports.

Guide and Porter

It’s always suggested to trek with a knowledgeable experienced licensed guide or join a trekking agency to assure safety and utilize your time in a best way. Moreover, according to Nepal tourism board all the trekkers are required to gain services of licensed trekking guide and to acquire (TIMS Cards) through authorized trekking agencies with the government of Nepal.

Significantly, Nepal Holiday Treks and Tours Pvt. Ltd. is a reliable and reputable company registered with the government of Nepal that can provide you helpful, friendly, English speaking with technically competent government authorized license holding guide and porter with their insurance. As they are highly experienced trekking guide prompt in safety performance and always carry essential safety equipments, first aid kids and gear.  

The ideal season for visiting Upper Mustang

Trekking to the Upper Mustang is appropriate in every season but the best time allows you best experience till the end. Generally, the different season will offer you with different topography, wildlife, and encounter.

Autum Season (September- November)

The autum months are the time of the harvesting season with the hours of daylight and the hours of night are the same. The temperatures are mild, the weather is relatively unchanged, the clear skies provide astonishing mountain views, and the day time walking temperature are also the most pleasant overall. However, the high mountains are still cold and lower elevations are warm. Along the trail, you will witness yellow, orange, red, and brown leaves on the trees.

Spring Season (March- May)

It is the pre- monsoon period when nature regenerates its lost beauty. You can explore a wide variety of flowers blooming making colorful hills such as magnolia, Nepalese national flower Rhododendron and other variety of wildflowers in various part of the country. 

Spring is the advantageous season to tackle treks with high passes. The temperature of surrounding begins to rise allowing stronger sunlight and the days grow longer.

 Summer (June- August)

In the context of Nepal, monsoon and summer season are combined. It is blazing hot for the first few weeks and begins to rain by the mid of the season. So, due to the continuous rain showers, the paths are slippery and muddy. Summer is best for adventure seekers and nature lovers. It is a time where wildflowers are in full bloom and the foothills are lush.

Winter (December- February)

Winter is the months for snow fall, icy- cold season of the year, but the lower region trek is entirely enjoyable at this time. However, winters are hard for Upper Mustang trekking, as the local migrate to Pokhara or Kathmandu. So, it is not favourable time to trek.

Notably, high altitude areas above 3000 m will be snowy and very cold, so winter is also great for an easy trek (Ghorepani poon hill trek, Panchase trek, Khopra Dandatrek among others) and hiking such as Annapurna base camp trek, Mardi Himal trek, and Jomsom Muktinath trek.    

 Altitude Sickness

Generally altitude sickness occurs when you travel to a high altitude too quickly. Headache, nausea, tiredness etc are the symptoms occur when your body tries to adjust to the lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes. When it comes to this illness, one should be pro-active and notify the guide as soon as possible.

Fitness/ Experience

Physical fitness level, health, and medical required for upper mustang trekking. The trekking trail of upper mustang is a moderate and adventurous. You will be regularly hiking for around 5 to 6 hours on average depending on the destination. So, this trek is not recommended for trekkers who are suffering from chronic ailments or have heart or lung diseases. It is better to avoid this trip.

However, all the trekkers having an average level of fitness can easily complete this trek. If you have any kind of previous trekking experience or regular exercise it will be an added advantage but not compulsory.

 Foods and lodging

The accommodation in the mountains and remote villages are generally modest and basic. The room, shower and rest rooms are available in a twin- shared basis. The mountain teahouse provides rooms with just a bed, pillow, and blankets but the view is spectacular from the rooms. The standard lodge has two single bedrooms with mattresses, pillow, warm blankets, attached bathrooms and hot water. 

Teashops and lodges usually provide plentiful and delicious foods which suits the preferences of various trekkers such as Nepali foods, Indian, Italian, Tibetan and Continental food. All the foods will be cooked by the local cook by using local vegetables so the taste would be very local. Moreover, you should definitely try some other local foods of Nepal such as Thakali Khana and momo, Dhindo and Gundruk, Sel roti, and Nepalese curd. 

During the trek, we will ensure accommodate you to the best available tea houses with great views, sceneries, and serve with organic, healthy and hygienic foods.