Upper Mustang Trek – 15 Days

Useful Information

When is the best time for the Upper Mustang Trek?

The best times to trek in Upper Mustang are from September to November and from March to May. This is the best time because there are perfect weather conditions for trekking. Therefore, reducing the risks related to trekking, particularly during rough weather. Here is detailed information about the best season.

• Autumn (September, October, and November)

Autumn season offers mild temperatures and sunny days, followed by cold evenings. Daytime temperatures are around 15 to 20°C. However, it will be colder if you go more than 5000 meters higher into the mountains. During the autumn season, you are able to see the clear weather with magical mountain views.

• Spring (March, April, and May)

The spring season starts from early March and ends in May. It is an ideal season for the Upper Mustang trek. Also, warm temperatures range between 20 and 25°C and cold at night, particularly in the higher mountains. During the spring season, the weather is normal and you can see the Himalayan vistas as well as along the journey. You can enjoy the blooming flora, which makes the journey more enjoyable.

• Monsoon/Summer (June, July, and August)

The summer period is the rainy season in Nepal. We do not recommend trekking through most of Nepal's regions, mainly due to heavy rains, landslides, and flooding. The main issue is the rain, slippery trails in the low altitudes.

• Winter (December, January, and February)

Winter trekking is possible in the Upper Mustang trek, but it might be risky because of the snowfall season. The trekking route can be blocked by snow and ice. Therefore, we do not encourage this trip during the winter period.

About the Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang is rich in culture and art. The trek is situated in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of the desert and numerous different mountains. It provides an opportunity to learn about the history of the various kingdoms of Mustang. history of Buddhist kingdoms. You can also discover the walled cities, with a 2472 ft. Length and 26 ft. Height, established in 1380 AD. Surprisingly, there has been little change in appearance from that period. There is only one entrance gate located to the east of the township. The walled city comprises 180 mud houses.

Most of the local people are involved in agriculture and animal husbandry. The local people also engage in seasonal trade with the southern parts of Nepal and northern India as well ,as barter trade with neighboring Tibet for household income. Since 1992, people have started to consider tourism as a new source of income.

Top 8 most essential tips for the Upper Mustang Trek

- Do acclimatization and stay hydrated during the trek.
- Carry energy bars, chocolate bars, snacks, biscuits, and dry fruits.
- Take extra camera batteries, a solar charger, and a power bank.
- Carry enough NPR Cash for personal expenses.
- Buy a purification tablet or a filtering water pump for safe drinking water.
- Do training in your Home Country before coming to Nepal for an adventure journey.
- Pack your trekking gear with only essential items.
- Start your trek early in the morning to reach your destinations on time.

Accommodation in the Upper Mustang trek

Teahouses and lodges are available along the trek route. Located in ideal resting points along the route. Most teahouses offer twin-sharing rooms or dormitory-style rooms. The toilets and bathrooms are shared. They can be either Western-style or squat-style.

Meals during the Trek

Along the journey to Mustang, you will get numerous teahouses/lodges, where meals are available. They have a menu system, which includes a variety of Nepalese, European, Chinese, and Indian cuisines. However, you can choose your preferred meals. The menu is typically wider in the low-altitude areas. It will get shorter as you travel to the higher-elevation regions. The meals are hygienic and fresh, but they're not comparable to cities. They are ordinarily homemade-style foods. Here are some meal items during the journey.

• Breakfast Items: Muesli, Oat Porridge, Apple and Banana Pancake, Tibetan Bread, Toast with Jam/Honey, and Chapatti with fried eggs.
• Lunch Items: During lunch period, you can have quick items like: Noodle soup, Dal Bhat, Macaroni, fried rice, Chowmein, Thukpa, fried potatoes, etc.
• Dinner Items: Dal Bhat tarkari, Noodle Soup, Chicken soup, Mo: Mo, Pizza, fried rice, Pasta, Macaroni, Spaghetti.

Please note: We provide hot and soft drinks during the trek, which are not included in the package trip. It is an additional cost.

A hot shower is available on the Upper Mustang trek

Usually, showers have cold water, but you will have to pay extra for a hot shower, which may cost around $3 or $5, depending on the teahouses and lodges. They charge you because they also pay for the transportation cost of gas and other equipment. These supplies are transported from nearby towns.

Cultural Heritage site of Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang is a treasure trove of cultural heritage sites, offering a glimpse into the ancient Buddhist traditions.  As you explore the region, you'll encounter various monasteries featuring beautiful paintings that depict Buddhist gods and intricate mandalas. Additionally, the Tiji festival, held annually in Lo-Manthang, is a must-see cultural event that features vibrant dances and rituals performed by the local community.

Why choose the Upper Mustang Trek?

The Upper Mustang Trekking is perfect for trekkers who have 18 to 20 days holidays in Nepal and want to experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Mustang region.

Outstanding views: The views of Mount Dhaulagiri, Tukche Peak, Dhampus Peak, Nilgiri Himal, Thorong Peak and Tibet Peaks etc.

Cultural in the Mustang: You can interact with Gurung and Tibetan communities and visit cultural heritage and ancient Buddhist monasteries, typical villages and Cave.

High-elevation: This is long distance but low altitude trek in the Mustang region trekking. The Upper Mustang Trek is suited at 3730 meters above the sea level.

Comfortable Lodges: During the trek, you'll get comfortable accommodation facilities are available in the Jomsom, Kagbeni, Chele, Ghami, Tsrang, and Lo-Manathang village.

Expenses in trek

• Transportation (Bus, flight, car)
• Trekking permit (TIMS, entry permit)
• Food
• Staff(guide, porters, Sherpa)
• Trekking equipment
• Lodge accommodation
• Insurance for staff
• First aid
• Navigation items/staff item
• (Salary/wages) for staff
• Admid
• Tax/vat

Is the Upper Mustnag Trek Difficulty?

The Upper Mustang Trek reaches an altitude of 3840m (12598ft) above sea level. It is considered a moderate trek. Altitude sickness is possible, but proper acclimatization minimizes the risk. Our professional guides and porters can assist and manage it for you. Despite these challenges, the Upper Mustang trek is not more difficult as other treks. Most people can trek through it comfortably.

Local Trekking Guides and Porters Team for the Upper Mustang Trek

We provide you with a professional local trekking guides and porters team for the upper Mustang Trek. Though, Our local guides are experts with insight into the culture, history and environment. A porter will carry your heavy luggage. Our guides prioritize your safety throughout the trek. During the journey, our Guide arranged the best accommodation and meals.

Physical fitness is required for the Upper Mustang trek

The Upper Mustang trek is a moderate trek with Fewer difficulties for trekkers. Trekkers can easily enjoy Breathtaking views of a desert-like landscape, numerous mountains, various stone arts with different colors, holes in walls, many old Gompas, and various cultural and living activities of local people. Therefore, while there is no strict requirement for high physical fitness, people can generally trek here without any issues.

Safety and Security in upper Mustang trek

Nepal is a very safe country. Nepal has a Tourist Police unit that assists visitors when needed. Additionally, there is a rescue team available. In case, trekkers are injured. Therefore, you should be cautious with your personal belongings, important documents, and jewelry. There might be a chance of forgetting them anywhere.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for any high-altitude trekking journey in the Mustang Region. The travel insurance should cover injuries, accidents, and other related expenses. Therefore, travel insurance is a crucial component of the Mustang Trek.

Nepal Visa Services

For Nepal visa services, arrival visas are available at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal. If you can easily obtain an arrival visa, you will need an original passport with at least six months of validity, passport-sized photos, and the visa fee. For more detailed information, please visit: https://www.immigration.gov.np/

On-arrival Visa fees

USD 30 – 15 Days
USD 50- 30 Days
USD 125 – 90 Days

Responsible Travel Company

Himalayan Local Guide Pvt. Ltd is one of the best tour and trekking companies in Nepal. We organize the 15-day Upper Mustang Trek with an effort on eco-friendly and ethnically respectful observations. Our Best guides ensure safety while upholding no-suggestion ethics to protect delicate environments and support local communities.  

Upper Mustang Trek Booking Process

For the Upper Mustang trek booking process. You must provide a copy of your passport, a passport-size photo through WhatsApp or via email, and a 20% advance deposit. The advance payment can be made via through the online booking, bank transfer, or via Western Union Money Transfer. The rest of the payment you can make when you arrive in Kathmandu. But cash would be great.

How much cash do I need to take for the Upper Mustang trek? 

There is no need to take too much cash. We recommend carrying approximately USD 15–25 per day for personal expenses. It will cover your expenses such as hot showers, charging your mobile, laptop, camera, boiled water, and more.

Tipping Culture in Nepal

Normally, when we go to a restaurant, we give a 10% tip on the bill. Tipping your guide, porter, and other staff is common depending on the length of the trek. The amount you tips depends on your satisfaction and how happy you are with their services.

TREKKING EQUIPMENT LIST FOR MUSTANG TREK

Body Clothing

• Sleeping Bag
• Down Jacket
• three pairs of trekking T-shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Thermal Shirt for Colder place
• Fleece Jacket
• Warm wool Sweaters
• Waterproof and windproof Jacket
• Cotton Trekking pants with folding
• Waterproof and windproof pants

Head and Face

• Sun Hat
• Wool or fleece hat
• Headlamp
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen 50
• Face wipes and towel

List of Footwear

• Trekking Boots
• 3–4 pairs of preferably cotton socks
• Crampon
• one pair of extra sports shoes

Necessary Gear

• Gaiters just in case snow
• Gloves and Thick Gloves
• 40–50L rucksack
• Waterproof Bag Cover
• Rain Coat
• Trekking Pole (if you needed)
• Laundry Soap
• Shampoo
• Toothbrush
• Toilet papers
• Water purification tablets
• Bottle for drinking water
• Pen and Note Book
• Notebook and guidebook
• Camera
• Battery charger
• Memory card
• Cell Phone and Charger
• Wallet
• Altimeter and playing cards

First aid kit

• Diamox
• Cotton bandages
• Paracetamol
• Painkillers
• Loperamide to control diarrhea (just in case).
• Water purification tablets
• Lozenges
• Elastic bandages
• Thermometer
• Moleskin and sling.