What to Eat and Where to Stay In Upper Mustang Trek?

The Upper Mustang Trek is like no other trek in Nepal. This trek takes the trekkers to one of the Annapurna region’s most secluded and unique terrains. The region, which was not accessible to foreign trekkers until 1992, was opened for its admirers. Upper Mustang, also known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal, is known for its unique, ancient Tibetan-influenced culture and Upper Mustang Trek food and accommodation.

Amidst breathtaking desert-like landscapes, the region is known for cozy, authentic local hospitality, which is reflected by the food and accommodation they offer.

They offer simple yet hearty meals, providing energy for the trek. By evening, you must be tired from a long walking day; then, trekkers get to sleep in a comfortable teahouse. On some occasions, you might be able to spend the night in a comfortable, luxury guesthouse or adventurous camping.

This guide, prepared by our expert team, explains everything that you need to know about traditional Tibetan delicacies.

Upper Mustang Trek Food

The food in Upper Mustang Trek is highly influenced by Tibetan and Nepali cuisine. Trekkers have a variety of food options to choose from, including a few Western dishes.

However, we suggest you have local dishes; Dal Bhat is a good option. Dal Bhat provides adequate energy and warmth for the high-altitude trek. Other foods that we suggest you have while on trek are:

• Mo: Mo (Tibetan dumplings)
• Thukpa (Noodle soup with different veg and non-veg ingredients)
• Tsampa (roasted barley flour)
• Dal Bhat (rice with black lentil soup)
• Dhindo (buckwheat pancake)
• Yak meat and cheese (we do not recommend having meat at high altitudes as they do not have a proper refrigeration system)
• Tongba (local alcohol made by fermenting barley)

What to Expect in Upper Mustang Trek Food Menu

Here are some food options that you can expect on the menu.

 Breakfast Food Menu

• Tea/Coffee/Ginger tea/ Butter tea
• Tibetan bread with yak cheese, jam or butter
• Roti and chapati
• Tsampa
• Porridge
• Muesli, corn flex
• Egg items
• Potato items, etc.

Lunch Food Menu

• Dal Bhat
• Dhindo
• Noodle
• Mo: Mo
• Chowmin
• Fried rice
• Pizza
• Pasta, etc.

Dinner Food Menu

• Dal Bhat
• Noodle soup, veg and non-veg soup
• Pasta
• Fried rice
• Potato curry
• Rice pudding, etc.

Upper Mustang Trek Accommodation

There are different accommodation options on this trek. Nevertheless, the overall accommodation during the trek is basic teahouses and some good lodges in major villages like Kagbeni, Samar, Ghami, Charang, Lo Manthang, and Muktinath. However, they might not be as standard as Western standards.

These teahouses are basic yet charming. Local family-run teahouse welcomes each visitor with warm hospitality, tradition, and architecture.

Here are some of the services that trekkers can expect at the teahouses and lodges on the Upper Mustang trek route.

Room

The rooms are normally shared; for private accommodation, you need to make an advance booking. These rooms are usually furnished with a bed to sleep on, a thick blanket and pillow, and an Indian-style shared bathroom. Likewise, the dining hall is heated with a wood-burning stove (Bukhari), a cozy place for social hubs in the evening.

Electricity and Charging

Electricity is available in most of the trek routes. Besides the electricity from the main power grid, some of the teahouses have solar power. So, you do not have to worry about electricity and charging your electronics.

Wi-Fi/Internet

There are Wi-Fi and internet services available throughout the trek route. So you do not have to worry about staying connected or missing out on any updates. However, the internet speed might be slow in some villages, especially around evening, due to more connections.

Nonetheless, we recommend you forget about Wi-Fi, and enjoy the moment, and soak yourself in the beauty of Upper Mustang.

Hot Shower

Most of the teahouses en route have gas heated. Although a hot shower after a dusty trekking day is a luxury, however, we do not recommend having a shower in higher elevations as you might catch a cold.

Accommodation in Lo Manthang – basic or luxury?

Trekkers can stay in basic teahouses or luxury hotels in Lo Manthang. Accommodation in Lo Manthang provides all sorts of modern facilities.

The rooms are accommodated with AC, an attached Western-style bathroom with a hot shower, a comfortable bed, Wi-Fi, an in-room charging plug, etc. Likewise, you can order anything from the food menu. Or, if you have a big group, we can organize a buffet dinner and breakfast too.

Typically, the Lo Manthang accommodation can cost around $15-$50; the cost might go higher during festivals and peak seasons (spring and autumn).

Upper Mustang Trek Camping

The Upper Mustang Trek is a complete teahouse trek. This means you get to stay in a comfortable teahouse and eat the delicious foods they prepare.

However, for those looking for more adventure, camping is an option. Camping trek is comparatively challenging and expensive.

There are different options for Upper Mustang Camping. Let’s see through each one of them:

For complete wild camping, trekkers must carry all the food and camping gear for the trek. Then, in designated areas between villages, they can set up their camp in the wilderness and eat and sleep under billions of twinkling stars.

Teahouse Camping

It is one of the best options for camping in Upper Mustang Trek. Most of the teahouse has camping space allocated for camping. Then, you can either choose to camp outside the teahouse, eat and do different recreational activities or sleep in a comfortable bed in the teahouse. Or, you can ask the teahouse owner, in advance, to set up a camp outside, dine in a teahouse and sleep in the camping tents.

You also have an option to both eat and sleep in tents, but same, you need to inform the teahouse owner in advance. Further, you can set up your own camps or request that the teahouse arrange one.

Luxury Camping

A popular camping option in Mustang, luxury camping includes all the Upper Mustang Trek food and accommodation. It consists of a spacious tent with beds, a private dining tent, and even portable toilets.

This kind of camping trek is perfect for those looking for additional adventure with comfort, though it is quite expensive.

Note: All camping treks in the Upper Mustang region require a guide and porters.

Luxury Mountain Accommodation Experience in Lo Manthang

For trekkers looking for a luxurious mountain accommodation experience in Lo Manthang, there are some luxurious accommodations. These accommodations offer premium facilities, with personalized services and private cultural performances.

In addition to luxury accommodations in Lo Manthang, trekkers can enjoy luxury accommodations in Charang, Muktinath, Jomsom, Kathmandu, and Pokhara.

Book Your Upper Mustang Trek With Himalayan Masters

We, Himalayan Masters, are a team of highly experienced and professional individuals. With our stellar 5-star ratings on TripAdvisor and Google Reviews, we have a good reputation in the trekking field. We provide a well-organized treks in different regions of Nepal. Rest assured, you are safe in our hands.

For a memorable and adventurous trek in an arid, remote route with stunning panoramic mountain views, book your Upper Mustang Trek with Himalayan Masters.

You can contact us at our email address at [email protected] or WhatsApp us at +977-9823636377.