Upper Mustang is a unique trekking region in Nepal that embraces ancient Tibetan culture and Bon religion. A special permit is required to trek in the region which is different than TIMS card.
Trek into the medieval walled capital city of Lo Manthang and visit fortress-like monasteries that display exquisite works of art. The trek also allows you to witness a sky burial and smile at shaved-headed children wearing maroon robes.
Trekking Route
Upper Mustang is a rugged terrain and the trek can be difficult. The altitude changes can cause symptoms like mountain sickness so it’s important to choose an itinerary with proper acclimatization days and gradual ascents daily. You can also take medication like Diamox to reduce the risk of this.
The mystical walled kingdom of Lo Manthang is the highlight of this trek. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will expose you to the Tibetan Buddhist culture and beautiful vistas of Nepal’s Himalayas. There are many other attractions to discover as well like historic caves, fluttering prayer flags, and the highest valley in the world, Kaligandaki River Gorge.
The trek starts in Jomsom, which is a scenic flight away from Pokhara. It is a 20 to 25-minute journey, which will provide breathtaking views of the mountains in the Annapurna region, the Kali Gandaki gorge and other famous destinations. Then, the trail heads up to Kagbeni from where you can explore the ancient walled city of Lo Manthang.
Permits
The Upper Mustang trek is a restricted trekking zone, and foreigners are required to get special permits before they can make the journey. This is done to preserve the area’s culture and natural environment. To obtain the required permits, trekkers must hire a government-registered trekking agency and be accompanied by a licensed mountain guide.
The cost of this trek can vary greatly depending on the length of your trip and accommodation choices. In addition to the permit costs, you will also need to pay for food, accommodation, transportation, and guides and porters.
The Upper Mustang trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that takes travelers through a vintage kingdom surrounded by arid desert terrain and snowy peaks. The area is home to Buddhist monasteries, prayer walls, and centuries-old chortens. Travelers can interact with the local people and learn about their unique lifestyle and traditions. The heavenly landscape and enchanting culture make the trek a memorable one. However, it is essential to prepare properly for the trek to avoid altitude sickness.
Weather
The best time for Upper Mustang Trek is the local spring season of March, April and May when you can witness the great landscapes and untouched Tibetan culture. The pleasant weather allows you to trek around comfortably and enjoy the view of Himalayan peaks with blooming rhododendrons.
Summer season is also considered a good time to go for the trek as the temperature does not drop too low and it’s easy to walk around. Even though this is the monsoon season, Upper Mustang does not experience heavy rain due to its location in a rain shadow area.
Winter is a bad time to trek in the Upper Mustang region as the whole area goes into hibernation mode with heavy snowfall. The villages and tea houses in the region wear a deserted look during these months as most of the locals migrate to lower regions to avoid the freezing cold. However, if you are adventurous enough and have the proper equipment to survive the cold, then trekking during this period can be quite rewarding.
Accommodation
The Upper Mustang Trek is an adventure into a remote kingdom that has been virtually untouched by modernization. The arid landscape and ancient monasteries will make you feel like you have stepped back in time. The local Thakali people follow Tibetan Buddhism and you will see many chortens, mani walls, and gompas along the trail.
The first night of the trek is spent in Kagbeni, which is a medieval-style village with an enchanting atmosphere. The rest of the trip is spent trekking through a stark landscape and exploring caves and rock paintings. The Kali Gandaki gorge is an impressive sight and a highlight of the trek.
Teahouses are available throughout the trek, and they are generally basic with a communal dining room and rooms with two single beds. If you are doing a full support trek, your guide will arrange the accommodation for you.
