Useful Information About Upper Mustang Trek

Overview of Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang, one of the remote, restricted and isolated regions of the Nepalese Himalaya, offers you unbounded nature. The region, also known as the kingdom of Lo ("arid"), was once an independent kingdom. It is heavily influenced by Tibetan culture and language. This region is attached to the Tibetan border and, centuries ago, belonged to Tibetan rulers. Therefore, trekking to upper Mustang is much like trekking in the highlands of Tibet and China. Upper Mustang is also known as the Himalayan cold desert. An untouched region to the outside world, it provides you with unbelievable moments in your life. This secret region of Nepal is not known by many trekkers, resulting in fewer tourist arrivals.

Where is Upper Mustang Trek located?

The trek to the old kingdom of “Lo” lies in the Mustang district, specifically in Jomsom, the capital of Mustang. This last forbidden kingdom of Nepal opened to foreigners only in 1992. You can closely observe Tibetan settlements near the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. The trek to Upper Mustang is situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet, to the north of beautiful peaks like Dhaulagiri and Annapurna.

What makes the Upper Mustang trek exciting?

One of the most interesting aspects of this trek is the rare opportunity to explore a privileged region, along with the local way of life of the mountain people. Mustang offers barren moonscape lands, wonderful culture, and biological diversity. The Tibetan-influenced culture and traditions are fascinating. Trekking in Upper Mustang also provides breathtaking views of 35 different stunning Himalayan peaks, all of which are over 6,000 meters in height, alongside glaciers and alpine valleys along the trail. You will also have the chance to see the deepest gorge in the world, known as the Kaligandaki Gorge. One cultural curiosity is that in some communities, all the brothers marry a single woman. You will also have the opportunity to visit amazing caves like Mustang Cave and Sky Cave.

What about permits and regulations during the Upper Mustang trek?

According to the policies of the Nepalese government, certain regions are declared restricted and require special permits for trekking. Upper Mustang is one such region, which remains sacred and untouched by the outer world. The primary objective of requiring permits is to protect and preserve historical monuments and monasteries. A permit for Upper Mustang is the most expensive in Nepal, costing USD 500 per person for the first 10 days and USD 50 per person per day thereafter. The region's proximity to the Chinese and Tibetan borders makes permits strictly enforced. At least two trekkers are required for the permit process. Restricted regions such as Tsum Valley, Lark Pass Valley, and Kanchenjunga also require permits. Individual trekkers are not allowed, and you'll need to process your permit through a reliable trekking agency with another trekker.

Is it necessary to have a guide during the trek to Upper Mustang?

The Upper Mustang Trek takes you into the hidden world of the Buddhist kingdom, which shares a border with China and Tibet. Nepalese immigration law requires that tourists be accompanied by a government-authorized guide or porter in restricted areas like this.

Where does the Upper Mustang Trek start?

The trek begins with your arrival in Kathmandu. From there, you'll travel to Pokhara, passing through green valleys, amazing forests, and spectacular mountain views. From Pokhara, you’ll fly to Jomsom, where you'll get a perfect view of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri. The trek then begins with a journey to Kagbeni, a 3-4 hour trek following charming rivers. From Kagbeni, you’ll head to Chele, with a checkpoint for permits, followed by ups and downs along the hill trails. After Chele, you’ll trek through Syanbochen, Ghaymi, and Charang, where you will experience Tibetan settlements, cultural sites, and spectacular views of peaks like Tilicho, Yakawa Kang, Damodar Danda, and others. Your journey culminates in Lo-Mangthang, where you can explore the four-story King’s Palace. Afterward, you'll trek back through Drakmar, Ghiling, and Chhuksang, and fly back to Pokhara from Jomsom, ending the adventure in Kathmandu.

What is the best season for trekking to Upper Mustang?

Nepal has four main seasons: summer, winter, autumn, and spring. The monsoon season is not ideal for trekking due to mud, rain, leeches, and obstructed views. The best trekking seasons are autumn, summer, and spring, when the weather is excellent and the views are magnificent. The Upper Mustang trek is particularly stunning in these seasons, with moderate temperatures and clear skies between March and November. Additionally, the lack of rain during the summer makes it an ideal time for this trek.

The most important festival celebrated in this region?

Teeji is one of the major festivals celebrated by the Tibetan people of this region. The three-day festival, whose name means “Prayer for World Peace,” celebrates the victory of Lord Buddha’s incarnation, Dorjisonam, over the devil Man Tam Ru. The festival typically falls around mid-May and includes unique dances performed by monks from Lo-Mangthang’s Choede Monastery. The dances are believed to purify the village from evil spirits. This festival is known to and experienced by very few people.

Daily Itinerary

• Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara [823m/2,700ft]: 6 hrs drive
• Day 02: Fly to Jomsom & trek to Kagbeni [2,858m/9,375ft]: 20 min flight: 3-4 hrs trek
• Day 03: Kagbeni to Chele [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs
• Day 04: Chele to Syanbochen [3475m/11,398ft]: 6-7 hrs
• Day 05: Syanbochen to Ghaymi [3520m/11,546ft]: 5-6 hrs
• Day 06: Ghaymi to Charang [3500m/11,480ft]: 4-5 hrs
• Day 07: Charang to Lo-Mangthang (3700m/12,136ft): 5-6 hrs
• Day 08: Explore Lo-Mangthang
• Day 09: Lo-Mangthang to Drakmar [3810 m/12,500ft]: 6-7 hrs
• Day 10: Dhakmar to Ghiling [3806m/12,484ft]: 5-6 hrs
• Day 11: Ghiling to Chhuksang [3050m/10,004ft]: 5-6 hrs
• Day 12: Chhuksang to Jomsom [2700/8,856ft]: 6-7 hrs
• Day 13: Fly back to Pokhara
• Day 14: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu
• Day 15: Fly Home: Farewell Friend

Accommodation and meals during Upper Mustang trek

Sunrise Adventure Trek provides services according to guest preferences. Accommodation during the Upper Mustang trek is typically in lodges or guesthouses with twin-bed rooms for group travelers, and private rooms for solo travelers. For meals, you have options including continental, Italian, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. Drinking water can be purchased in mineral bottles or as safe drinking water from the hotels, or you can bring water purification tablets.

Physical fitness for trekking and altitude sickness (AMS)

The Upper Mustang trek is a moderate difficulty trek, suitable for most trekkers with a reasonable level of fitness. On average, trekkers walk 5-7 hours a day, and the trek lasts around 14 days. The highest elevation is around 4500 meters, and altitude sickness (AMS) is generally not a concern below 4000 meters. The trails are well-marked, having served as a salt trading route in ancient times.

Conclusion

Trekking in Upper Mustang takes you into the hidden world of the Tibetan people, allowing you to explore their way of life, unique culture, traditions, and stunning natural landscapes. The trip is filled with spectacular views of the Himalayas, lush green valleys, and rhododendron forests. Every step offers a new experience, and Sunrise Adventure Trek helps make it unforgettable.

Simple Trekking Facts highlighted you need to know about:

Difficulty Grade

Easy to moderate

Best Trekking Seasons

March to May and October to November

Accommodations

Tea house or trekking lodges

Highest Elevation

4230 m

Permits

Compulsory per person