Upper Mustang Trek, also known as the former kingdom of Lo is a remote and isolated region of the Nepalese Himalayas. Trekking in Mustang region is an amazing experience which takes the trekker to majestic scenery of high mountains like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Mustang Region trek is an easy trek that goes along the bank of the deepest Gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki River and takes you to Lo-Manthang, vast spaces of Kagbeni, sprawling ridge and high mountains which provides you mind blowing unexplainable experience in the Himalayas. The trekkers will encounter the unique and majestic picturesque villages, landscapes, ancient sky caves and monasteries along with a wide range of culture, tradition, lifestyle and heritages that remain unchanged for centuries to present time.
Life in Mustang revolves around tourism, animal husbandry, agriculture and trade. Mustang is a perfect trekking destination for the trekkers who enjoy natural beauties, wish to explore themselves with world-high mountains and love experiencing the diverse culture and lifestyle. The trekkers also get opportunity to explore the hidden kingdom, Lo-Manthang, upper Mustang comprising the northern two-thirds of mustang district of Dhaulagiri zone of Nepal and lower Mustang– Jomsom valley comprising southern third of the district called Thak, popularly known as homeland of Thakali who speaks Thakali languages and have combined culture of Tibetan and Nepalese elements. Apart all, the route trek entails travelling across desert like landscapes, barren ridges, deep canyons, eroded cliffs, pasture lands and moraine valleys.
Table of Contents
Main Highlights Of Upper Mustang Trek
- Get the chance to visit the mesmerizing village i.e Kagbeni Village
- Visit Muktinath Temple the holiest spot for Hindus and Buddhist alike at an elevation of 3800 meters
- A chance to visit the Kali Gandaki River Gorge which is one of the deepest canyon in the world
- Also get a chance to taste the popular local drink alcohol Marpha made from the apples
- Visit the ancient the ancient kingdom of Lo which is surrounded by caves, museum, and Buddhist monasteries
The Most Popular in the Mustang Region
● Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek
The grand Buddhist festival – Tiji is held on Upper Mustang at the beginning of spring. Tiji is derived from two Tibetan words “Ten” and “Che”, which refer to “Hopes of Dharma reigning in all worlds”. Guru Rinpoche all-around Mustang spread this precious message over a thousand years ago. The festival is celebrated by Lo – people of a Mustang that signifies the victory of good over evil. It is also celebrated to hunt demons out of Mustang performing various traditional rituals.
This festival is celebrated for three days. It is a mythological festival that spins around the myth of Dorje Jono who fought against his demon father and protected the Kingdom of Mustang. Town square occupied with locals performing as demons wearing fearsome masks and traditional flamboyant attires in authentic Tibetan music played by the monks.
Upper Mustang Trek during spring welcomes you to the mythical town of walls, which nestles at the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges.
Dates of Tiji Festival in Lomanthang for 2020 starts on 19th May (First Day if Festival), 20th May (Second Day of Festival) & 21st May( Third day of Festival). Festival ends on 21st May 2020 on the Third Day.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1400m.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
Altitude: 1400m. Meal: BLD
Day 03: Drive to Pokhara
Altitude: 823m. Drive: 7-8 hrs drive (200km). Meal: BLD
Day 04: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kegbeni
Altitude: 2858m. Trek: 3-4 hrs. Meal: BLD
Day 05: Trek to Chele
Altitude: 3050m. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD
Day 06: Trek to Geling
Altitude: 3570m. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD
Day 07: Trek to Charang
Altitude: 3520m. Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD
Day 08: Trek to Lo-Manthang
Altitude: 3700m. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD
Day 09: Observation of Tiji Festival at Lomanthang
Altitude: 3700m. Meal: BLD
Day 10: Observation of Tiji Festival at Lomanthang
Altitude: 3700m. Meal: BLD
Day 11: Observation of Tiji Festival at Lomanthang
Altitude: 3700m. Meal: BLD
Day 12: Trek to Dhakmar via Ghar Gompa [3950]
Altitude: 3820m. Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD
Day 13: Trek to Samar
Altitude: 3660m. Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD
Day 14: Trek to Chukusang
Altitude: 2980m. Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD
Day 15: Trek to Muktinath
Altitude: 3800m. Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD
Day 16: Trek to Jomsom
Altitude: 2700m. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD
Day 17: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1400m. Meal: B
Day 18: Depart Kathmandu
Meal: B
● Upper Mustang short Trek
Short Trek to Upper Mustang is a great adventure trip to enter the Trans Himalayan Kingdom following the Kali Gandaki Valley.
Mustang former kingdom of Lo, is a remote and isolated region of the Nepalese Himalayas. Upper Mustang is also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom because It was restricted demilitarized area until 1992 – tourists were not allowed to enter the region. Even today, access is still highly restricted – To enter Upper Mustang, trekkers need special are Permit (500USD, valid for 10 days) as well as be accompanied by an official guide.
Our Short Trek to Upper Mustang is a specially designed itinerary for people who would love to visit mustang region but have limited time duration. On your visit to Upper Mustang you will encounter the unique landscapes, picturesque villages, the ancient sky caves and monasteries along with the culture, lifestyle and heritage that remain unchanged for centuries to this date
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 Arrive Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. Meal: Dinner)
Day 02 Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara valley (Altitude: 823m/2,700ft Flight: 30 minutes Meal: B)
Day 03 Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (Altitude: Jomsom: 2,715m/8,910ft. Kagbeni: 2,858/9,374ft Flight: 20 minutes Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 04 Trek Kagbeni to Chele (Altitude: 3050m/10,004ft Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 05 Trek Chele to Syanbochen (Altitude: 3475m/11,398ft Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 06 Trek Syanbochen to Ghaymi (Altitude: 3520m/11,546ft Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 07 Trek Ghaymi to Charang (Altitude: 3500m/11,480ft Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 08 Trek Charang to Lo-Mangthang (Altitude: 3700m/12,136ft Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 09 Explore the Lo-Mangthang (Altitude: 3700m/12,136ft. Meal: BLD)
Day 10 Drive Lo-Manthang to Jomsom (Altitude: 2,715m/8,910ft. Drive: 7/8 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 11 Fly back to Kathmandu via Pokhara (Altitude: 823m/2,700ft Flight: 20 minutes Meal: BLD)
Day 12 Departure transfer (Altitude: 823m/2,700ft Meal: B)
● Mustang Valley Trek
Upper Mustang Trek is an adventurous as well as wonderful trip to the Trans Himalayan Kingdom following the Kali Gandaki River Valley along off beaten trail towards High land settlement- Lo Manthang.
Upper Mustang trek is a great adventure trek that takes you along the “off beaten path” in the Trans-Himalayan trail and starts with electrifying flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. It is an easy trek that goes along the bank of the deepest gorge of the world, the Kali Gandaki River and takes you to the capital of Mustang, the Lo-Manthang at 3730 m. and is the highest point of this trip.
Entering the Majestic Kingdom Mustang, you will encounter the unique landscapes, picturesque villages, the ancient sky caves and monasteries along with the culture, lifestyle and heritage that remain unchanged for centuries to this dates. The trail was once an important route for crossing the Himalaya between Tibet and Nepal, and many of the old salt caravans passed through Mustang.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival day in Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. Meal: Dinner)
Day 02 Kathmandu sightseeing & trek preparation (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: Breakfast)
Day 03 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Altitude: 823m/2,700ft Drive: 5/6 hrs. Meal: Breakfast)
Day 04 Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2,858/9,374ft) (Altitude: Kagbeni: 2,858/9,374ft Jomsom: 2,715m/8,910ft Flight: 20 minutes Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 05 Kagbeni to Chele (Altitude: 3050m/10,004ft, Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 06 Chele to Syanbochen, (Altitude: 3475m/11,398ft Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 07 Syanbochen to Ghami (Altitude: 3520m/11,546ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 08 Ghami to Charang (Altitude: 3500m/11,480ft Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 09 Charang to Lo-Mangthang (Altitude: 3700m/12,136ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 10 Explore the Lo-Mangthang (Altitude: 3700m/12,136ft. Meal: BLD)
Day 11 Lo-Mangthang to Ghar Gumpa (Altitude: 3950 m/13035 ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 12 Ghar Gumpa to Ghiling (Altitude: 3806m/12,484ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 13 Ghiling to Chele (Altitude: 3050m/10,004ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 14 Chele to Jomsom (Altitude: 2700/8,856ft. Trek: 6-7 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 15 Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (Altitude: 823 m/2691 ft. Flight: 20 minutes Meal: B)
Day 16 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: B/D)
Day 17 Departure from Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: B)
● Jomsom Valley Trek
Jomsom Valley Trek is a short yet beautiful trek in the rain-shadow of Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri, which caters tremendously wonderful highlights; culturally & naturally. The trek begins after a short Trans Himalayan Flight to Jomsom, the Windy City and the home to Thakalis. The trek then traverses through the biggest Apple Orchard of the country, Marpha, which is also the abode to unique tribe Marphalis. The gateway to Upper Mustang, Kagbeni is a cultural village we would admire after Marpha. Throughout the trek, the windswept landscapes of Jomsom and neighboring places blended so well so with colorful hills and sparkling Himalayan peaks will feast your eyes.
The latter half of the trek takes us to the elevated common shrine Muktinath. Muktinath is one of the sacred shrines for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and Bons. The temple above the clouds offers us a pleasant sensation of peacefulness. Then the trek slides down to Jomsom and finally after the fly out journey from Jomsom, the trek ends at Pokhara.
Outline itinerary
Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft. Meal: Dinner)
Day 02: Cultural Tour in Kathmandu city & trek preparation (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: Breakfast)
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (Altitude: 823m/2,700ft Drive: 6/7 hrs. Meal: Breakfast)
Day 04: Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom,Trek to Marpha (Altitude: Marpha: 2650m/8745 ft. Jomsom: 2800m/9240 ft. Flight: 20 minutes Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 05: Trek to Tukuche (Altitude: 2550 m/8415 ft. Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 06: Trek to Kagbeni (Altitude: 2810 m/9273 ft. Trek: 4-5 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 07: Trek to Muktinath (Altitude: 3800m/12540 ft. Trek: 5-6 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 08: Trek to Ekali Bhatti via Lupra (Altitude: 2740 m/9040 ft. Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 09: Trek to Jomsom (Altitude: 2800m/9240 ft. Trek: 3/4 hrs. Meal: BLD)
Day 10: Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara (Altitude: 823m/2,700ft Flight: 20 minutes Meal: Breakfast)
Day 11: Drive back to Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: B/D)
Day 12: Departure from Kathmandu (Altitude: 1350/4428 ft. Meal: B)
What are the Necessary Prerequisites to consider for Upper Mustang Trek?
Necessary Permits Required?
The necessary permits required for trekking to Mustang Region are:
- TIMS card
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit(ACAP)
- Upper Mustang Special Permit
Why Do You Need Permits?
The trekking permits for Mustang Region Trek have their own significance.
The permit helps to maintain the safety and security of the trekkers by keeping the trekker’s record inside the National Park. In case of any emergencies such as earthquakes, landslides, etc. the information can then be gathered to help the authorities help you. Rules and Regulations are also maintained with the help of these permits.
Once you enter the region the Local Area Permit helps to keep a record of the trekkers. This permit allows you to enter the region but must follow the local rules and regulations. The amount gathered from the permit is then used by the local authority for the maintenance of the trails, rest stops and information centers for the travelers.
Necessary Documents for Permit?
You just need your passport details, two photos, and you also need to fill up a short form to obtain the permit. All these fees are payable in local currency only.
Important documents and items:
- Valid passport, 2extra passport size photos, airline tickets
- Separate photocopies of passport, visa form( easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
- Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
- Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines(bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler’s checks, etc.
Necessity of Insurance:
While traveling to Nepal, you are requested to have travel insurance that should cover any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charges, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delays, and cancellations.
Insurance Policy:
Traveling in the Himalayas is full of adventure; hence it is wise to choose a proper insurance policy. While choosing your insurance policy, make sure that it will protect all such unforeseen expenses. You must ensure that the policy you do take provides an adequate level of protection, well familiar with your itinerary and covers you for the activities involved. You must carry proof of insurance (e.g. your insurance certificate) with you on holiday or send us a scanned copy and it must be issued from your homeland.
How much Budget Is Required For Upper Mustang Trek?
Well, the budget estimation depends on what kind of trek one is embarking on and how much of a spender one is. But generally the cost ranges from anywhere around US $1500 to US $3000. It depends on how much one would like to splurge oneself with various extra luxuries as well.
How much do you tip Guides and Porter?
In Nepal tipping is not mandatory but it is expected as major earning or saving funds is the tips for the guide/porter. Tipping is based on the experience you had with your trekking team. It totally depends upon how you felt about the services and overall hospitality that was provided to you so if you are satisfied you can tip them accordingly. Generally, 12-15% of the trip cost is considered ideal for tipping. You can divide the cost amongst the guide and porter as per your level of satisfaction.
How Is Upper Mustang Trek Temperature in October and November?
This is the most popular trek month to visit any region in Nepal. This month is filled with blue skies and freshly vitalized natural vegetation, clear sky and less haze. During this month the average temperature during the day is 15 Degree Celsius and during the night it’s slightly colder as the temperature drops to 7-8 Degree Celsius.
How Is Upper Mustang Trek Temperature From March to May?
The month ranging from March to May are the spring months in Nepal and is another most popular time of the year for undertaking trekking in any regions. The month is full of beautiful wildflowers and splendid views of the snow capped mountains. The average temperature is around 18-22 Degree Celsius during these months at day time and the temperature can drop to chilling levels.
How Is Upper Mustang Trek Temperature From June to August?
These months are known for the tenacious monsoon season in Nepal. During this month due to heavy rainfalls there are many landslides and flight cancellations. On a clear day it’s quite warm during the daytime and makes trekking easier and during the night time it can get quite chilly.
How Is Upper Mustang Trek Temperature in December and January?
These two month signify the winter month in Nepal and are the coldest months. During the daytime, normally the temperature ranges from 7-12 Degree Celsius in the lower regions. But for the mid regions of 2000-4000m the temperatures are slightly lower. During the daytime the temperature normally is 2-8 Degrees Celsius. The nights are much colder than the daytime so warm clothing is a must during these months.
How Is Upper Mustang Trek Temperature in September and February?
These two months are a bit different from other months as during these months one can experience two seasons in a single month.
During September, one can see the last traces of monsoon with short bursts of rain for the first two weeks. As the Mid-September kicks in the monsoon also ends and one can enjoy the autumn season. The temperature during this month ranges from 18-22 degrees celsius in the day as it’s quite warm. And at the high passes such as Thorong La one can experience the temperature of -4degrees celsius.
The early month of February is still a bit chilly and has a hint of winter in it. But by the middle of the month the spring makes it way and the arrival of clear days. One can see the beautiful hillsides immersed with blossoms of various rare flowers. The temperature during daytime is 7-12 degrees celsius and night time the temperature can drop below zero degrees.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness While Trekking In Mustang ?
Altitude sickness is caused by ascending too quickly. It is wise to climb slower to prevent it. As, it is very common on most of the treks and can happen to anybody, irrespective of how old or fit you are or if you have previous trekking experience. So, here are some ways to prevent Altitude Sickness:
- Hydration– Drink plenty of water, it’s very important to stay hydrated.
- Trekking Pace– Walk at your own pace, take your time, don’t go too fast.
- Eat carbs– It’s not often we’re told to eat extra carbohydrates but when you’re at higher altitudes, you need more calories.
- Avoid Alcohol– Alcohol,cigarettes and medications like sleeping pills can make altitude sickness symptoms worse. So, avoid it.
- Medication– Taking acetazolamide(Diamox)two days before the trip and during your trip can help prevent altitude sickness. Acetazolamide is a medication typically used to treat glaucoma. But it is also used to prevent altitude sickness.
How to prepare yourself for Trekking In Mustang Region?
It is very important to be fully prepared before undertaking any trips or going on a long journey.
It is vital for any traveler or trekker to always have a list of important prerequisites with them at all times. Here is the list of things one needs to consider while going on a trek.
Physical Condition and Preparation:
It is very important that one should be of sound health before undertaking any kind of trek. Most treks are suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 6-7 hours a day with a light rucksack. It’s not necessary that the trek is going to be 6-7 hours a day sometimes it might even be 7-8 hours. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in the lower altitudes; however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. If one has past experiences with hiking then that would be an asset but no technical skills are required for this trip. Also, we advise you to consult with your doctor(s) before undertaking the trip.
What Kind Of Accomodation Is Available In Mustang Region Trek?
The accommodation during the trek in Annapurna Region will mostly be in tea houses and it also highly depends upon the routes one takes as well. As some of the less trodden areas of the region may not have as many tea houses as the frequently trekked routes. During most of the journey one will be staying in the teahouses which normally provide facilities such as food,hot showers, WIFI, charging facilities and accommodation. And also it depends upon the remoteness of the area and the availability of transportation in that particular area and also the altitude.
Rooms provided in the teahouses
Generally, the lower region of the Mustang Region has a twin basis room that may or may not have an attached toilet. In case they don’t one needs to share a common toilet. And the bed(s) in the rooms will have a foam mattress, bedsheet, blankets and pillows. If you are looking for a single room then the chances of finding one is better in the lower regions as the further you ascend the limited number of teahouses can be observed and getting a single room is pretty hard.
Toilets and Bathrooms Facilities
If you’re looking for a Western stylized toilets here in the mountains then you can find them only in the lower regions and most of the tea houses have Asian ‘squat’ type toilets. Not all tea houses provided have similar toilet and bathroom facilities as some might have separate systems for toilets and bathrooms. Usually for hot showers most of the tea houses provide you with the facility but know this by hot shower in some tea houses and places it can be a bucket of hot water and mug not the sprinkled one as you might be expecting.
Dining Rooms in the Teahouses
Every teahouse has a dining room for everyone to gather and indulge in satisfying one’s hunger of meals or stories to share with other trekkers. Most of the dining rooms in the tea houses are well heated so it is a great place for relaxing and socializing with other trekkers.
Is Internet/Electricity Available During Mustang Region Trek?
As well, most of the frequently trekked areas have electricity and internet facilities. But one cannot expect it to be similar to the service provided in the more developed areas of Nepal as it is in the mountains and the signals can drop significantly. Most of the teahouses in the frequented routes of this region are able to provide you with basic electricity facilities. But the region also has many less trodden areas where the trekking routes has not been made popular and not many guest houses are available so in those places chances of the availability of internet is pretty rare. Although many development programs have been launched for promoting tourism here as well so the progress is being made but at the moment, not much can be said. There are teahouses and lodges but not as much as in comparison to other regions where trekkers frequently visit so internet and electricity is not available as in other regions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mustang Trek
How far is Kathmandu from Mustang?
Kathmandu and Mustang are 12995 KM (kilometers) and 145.17 meters farther apart according to straight line distance. Kathmandu to Mustang is 8074.8 miles on the basis of miles based distance.
How do you get to Mustang?
From Pokhara, you’ll first need to get to Jomsom in Lower Mustang, and then continue overland to Mustang.
What is Mustang famous for?
Mustang is famous for following reasons:
1.The chance to visit the mesmerizing village i.e Kagbeni Village
2.Visit Muktinath Temple the holiest spot for Hindus and Buddhist alike at an elevation of 3800 meters
3.A chance to visit the Kali Gandaki River Gorge which is one of the deepest canyon in the world
4.Also get a chance to taste the popular local drink alcohol Marpha made from the apples
5.Visit the ancient the ancient kingdom of Lo which is surrounded by caves, museum, and Buddhist monasteries
Why is Upper Mustang restricted?
Upper Mustang was a restricted demilitarized area until 1992 because of its close proximity to Tibet. But the local population still speak Tibetan based languages, follow Tibetan culture and preserve Tibetan culture in their homes as its influence on them has not faded still today.
How do I get to the Upper Mustang?
As Upper Mustang is a restricted area that remains quite a challenge to get to from other parts of Nepal. But, the journey begins from Pokhara, as you’ll first need to get to Jomsom in Lower Mustang, and then continue overland to Upper Mustang.
How hard is the Upper Mustang trek?
This Upper Mustang Trek is moderate level, if you follow the regular classic trekking route of the Upper Mustang. This is not a comfortable and easy trek because it is a moderate level trek.
Mustang Region trek is truly one of the most fascinating and rewarding experiences in Nepal. The trekkers will get an opportunity to experience the close view of primitive society that has remained unaffected and unchanged by modernization for centuries. To experience the multicultural and panorama of spectacular high mountains, different lifestyle and amazing view of natural beauty, Mustang valley trek is worth and must recommend trek of Himalayas in Nepal.
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