Upper Mustang Trek

Best Season For Upper Mustang Trek

Nepal has four different seasons: autumn (September-November), winter (December—February), spring (April—May), and summer/monsoon (June–August). Autumn is the best time to go on the Mustang region.

Autumn Season (September to December)

The views during autumn are very clear, and the weather is warm, beautiful, and stable. The temperature ranges between 10°C and 20°C, or slightly lower in higher Upper Mustang altitude.

Further, the sky is clear, excellent view of panoramic view and their surrounding can be seen clearly. The Upper Mustang is generally dry during autumn with a pleasant climate, making autumn the best time to trek in this region.

Winter Season (December to February)

Winters are colder in Upper Mustang. The temperature can drop to -15°C at nights, with daytime temperature about -5°C to 10°C.

The cold and harsh winter makes trekking to the Upper Mustang challenging. The trail to Lo Manthang might be covered with heavy snowfall or dry, but the sky is dry.

Therefore, trekking in winter offers a more remote vibe but a serene scenery. Be well-prepared if you are thinking of trekking in this season.

Spring Season (March to June)

Spring is another excellent time to visit Upper Mustang. Upper Mustang during spring has mild temperatures with clear skies. It presents itself with a clear view of the surroundings and blooming alpine flowers.

The temperature in spring in Upper Mustang ranges between 10°C and 20 °C during the day and about 0°C to 5°C at night.

Summer/Monsoon Season (June to August) 

Although almost all regions of Nepal are affected by monsoon rain, Upper Mustang receives minimal rainfall. The region lies in the shadows of the Himalayas, with southern slopes blocking the southern rain. By the time a rain cloud reaches Upper Mustang, the clouds have already dried up.

Therefore, summer might be warmer in the lower regions of the Mustang, while the upper region of Lo Manthang remains dry and accessible. The temperature could reach as high as 25°C and as low as 5°C, so an Upper Mustang trek in August or throughout summer offers suitable weather conditions and a magnificent view.

Weather Information

The Upper Mustang has a normally arid, high-altitude desert climate throughout the year. However, a few significant weather conditions can be experienced in 4 different seasons.

Autumn and spring are the most favourable seasons to trek in the Upper Mustang region. Especially, the Lo Manthang Mustang in April, May, August, September, October and November are some of the best months to trek in this area.

Autumn is a festive season, and it is the season to go trekking to Lo Manthang. The weather is stable, and the skies are clear, offering the best scenes.

Likewise, spring is another best time to visit the Mustang. You can see alpine flowers blooming here in this season.

In contrast, weather in winter is freezing cold, with nights as cold as negative 15°C. The region might have occasional snowfall, making the train challenging to navigate.

Finally, summer could be moderately warmer. The region receives very little monsoon rainfall, making it arid. Moreover, the Mustang trek is feasible in this season, too.

Mustang Region Nepal Trek Difficulty

The Upper Mustang Trek is considered an easy trek in the Himalayas of Nepal. Although the trek route is rugged, there is not much steep climbing that you need to do.

Altitude

The maximum elevation you will reach during the trek is 4230 meters at Marang (Chogo) La and 3840 meters (12,598 ft) at Lo Manthang. However, the trek to such an altitude is not as intense as Everest Base Camp or Manaslu Circuit Trek.

Having said that, it is essential to acclimatize to the sudden increase or decrease in elevation.

Daily Trekking Hours

On average, you need to trek for approximately 5-7 hours daily, covering around 10 to 15 km. Walking for such a long duration daily might be challenging for some people.

So, you need to walk at a constant pace and do not forget to stop at places for tea time.

Weather

Dry weather, which might be really hot during summer, could upset many. Also, a cold winter with occasional snowfall is surely going to be a challenge if you are trekking in this season.

Remote Terrain

The lower region of Mustang is somewhat busy, especially around Kagbeni and Muktinath. However, the upper region, in Lo Manthang, is not as developed as a trek route to Annapurna Base Camp or Circuit Trek.

So, if you are expecting comfort, high-quality food and accommodation, you might not have it.

Roads on the Mustang Trek & How to Avoid

The Upper Mustang trek is a journey into the most remote trek trail with rich cultural experiences. However, after the recent development of motorable roadways, particularly from Jomsom to Lo Manthang, intersects with the traditional trekking route.

The roads have been constructed to connect local villages. However, they might be a letdown for those who seek wilderness. Hence, if you want to avoid these roads, you can hire a guide who knows more remote alternative routes, trek during off-seasons, or trek through cultural villages to compensate for roadways.

As an alternative route, you can trek via the high-altitude route Geling instead of taking lower road areas. Further, instead of the road from Kagbeni to Chele, you can opt for Tangbe and Samar through traditional villages.

Similarly, trekking during the off-season could be the best season. The trek route during peak trekking season, spring and autumn, is crowded with trekkers. Thus, if you are ready for an additional challenge, you can trek during monsoon or winter if you seek isolation.

Upper Mustang Trekking Experience

Upper Mustang is a paradise for adventure seekers and explorers, and there are a few genuine reasons for this. Firstly, Lo Manthang, the centre of Upper Mustang, and its exciting history captivate many tourists. This mountain valley is surrounded by walls on all sides and still has a king (although not legally).

The lifestyle, culture, and practices between these walls are hidden from the world, and only a few get to witness them from a close distance. Slightly far from Lo Manthang, you can see Gyakar and Ghar Gompa, who are more than 1200 years old.

Trek to Upper Mustang is also famous for Tiji and the horse racing festival. Prayer Chants and dances in colourful dresses are the charms of Tiji. This festival is celebrated around May, according to the Tibetan calendar.

Another highlight is obviously Muktinath temple, a pilgrim site for Nepalese Hindus and Buddhists. People of two different religions keep Muktinath at the superiority of their faith. Earlier, believers used to walk for over a month to reach this temple of Muktinath and ask the god for salvation and peace.

Beautifully seated along the colourful high cliffs, the Muktinath visit is a rejuvenating experience. Other attractions are the fascinating forts and monasteries of Kagbeni, hidden caves in the upper Mustang, unique myths inside the four walls of Manthang, and many more.

Trip Grade: Fitness Level, Medical, and Health

Fitness Level

Even though the Upper Mustang Trek is not challenging, it is also not a walk in the park. You will need decent physical fitness. As we need to walk for several hours and cover long distances, you need good stamina.

For that, you can train yourself by having short hikes or doing some cardio training.

Medical

Before embarking on a journey to Lo Manthang or any trek in Nepal, consider consulting with your physician. This could worsen your condition, especially if you are diabetic or expecting a baby. Also, if you have any medical conditions, mention them to your trek guide so that he/she can plan accordingly.

Health

Your health is the prime concern for us. Therefore, we will make sure that you eat healthy and easily digestible foods throughout the trekking expedition and stay in clean and warm accommodation. Over that, hydrating your body is essential, so you must drink at least 4-5 litres of water.

Special Training for Mustang Trek

There is no technical climbing on the trek to Upper Mustang Nepal. The trek route is easy and well-maintained, and it can be completed without any special training. However, it demands determination and some level of bodily well-being.

Although you do not need any special training, you can do some strength-building cardio exercises 1-month prior to trekking. You can go for short hikes or do running or jogging, swimming, cycling, etc., and yoga and meditation for peaceful mental stability.

Altitude Sickness During Mustang Valley Trek

One can experience altitude sickness above 2500 meters (above 8,200 ft). Initial symptoms of altitude sickness are headache, loss of breath, appetite, sleep disturbance, dizziness, and fatigue.

Once you see these early symptoms of altitude sickness, immediately further ascend and acclimatize. If you push any further, the condition might worsen.

However, with proper acclimatization, hydration, and healthy food, it can be avoided easily. Also, the Nepal Mustang trek is not very high-altitude, and we have an acclimatization day in our itinerary, so the chances of getting altitude sickness are low.

Emergency and Evacuation at Nepal Mustang Trek

Nepal Mustang Trek is a moderate-altitude trek and one of the easiest treks in the Himalayas. Therefore, the instances of emergency evacuation or evacuation by helicopter are very low.

Nonetheless, accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. So, we must be careful and prepared for them. Therefore, we recommend that you have travel insurance that covers your medical costs and helicopter evacuation.

Insurance for Mustang Trek

Travel insurance is a precautionary measure whenever you travel in mountainous and rugged terrain. Unexpected accidents, such as falls, altitude sickness, hypothermia (if you are travelling during winter), or head injuries, could occur.

Additionally, in some cases, trip cancellations or interruptions could be covered by travel insurance. So, always read and understand the tour policy.

Therefore, doing travel insurance could be a wise decision. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Upper Mustang Trek Cost

The cost of the Upper Mustang Trek can vary based on several factors. Such as the trekking agency you chose, the season you are travelling in, trek customization, or any additional services like hiring an additional guide and porter, private jeep, or flight.

Depending on all the factors, the Upper Mustang Valley Trek Nepal can cost between $1,500 and $2,000, more or less. With Himalayan Masters, you can go to this trek at the most affordable price of $1,850.

Food: It costs around $10-$15 per meal.

Accommodation: It costs around $5-$10 per night.

Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit

The trip package includes all our meals, accommodation, permits, guide, porter, and transportation costs.

How much cash should I carry for the trek?

There is no specific amount that you should carry for the trek. However, you can carry around $15 to $20 per day for daily expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, drinks, tea, etc.

Since there is no online banking system or ATM service in most of the Nepal Mustang trek, carry enough Nepali currency cash as you need.

ATM on the Mustang Trek Route

The Upper Mustang is a quite remote region. There is no ATM service on the Mustang trek route, so it is essential to carry sufficient Nepali cash. Make sure to get money exchanged before starting the trek.

Money Exchange

There is no ATM or money exchange services on the trek route. Therefore, remember to exchange adequate cash in Nepali currency in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Required Permits for the Mustang Valley Trek

Upper Mustang Nepal is a restricted area. The route to the “forbidden kingdom of Nepa,” Lo Manthang, passes through the Annapurna Conservation Area. So, you need to obtain two permits for trekking around the Mustang Valley along with a TIMS card.

You need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which costs NPR 3,000 per person. Likewise, an Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit costs $500 per person (for the first 10 days) and $50 per person per day beyond 10 days.

Additionally, you will need a TIMS card that costs NPR 2000 per person for foreigners.

You can issue all these permits at Kathmandu yourselves, or we will just arrange them for you.

Packing List for Mustang Nepal Trek

There is no specific packing list for the Upper Mustang Trekking, but you should not miss out on some items for a comfortable and successful trek journey.

Head: Beanie, neck gaiters, ear muff, etc.

Body: Thermal base layer and insulating mid-layer clothes, waterproof and windproof outer layer, down jacket, innerwear, thick trekking pants, wearing t-shirts, etc.

Hands: Thick gloves

Foot: Sturdy, wind and waterproof trekking boots that have ankle support

Other Gears: Backpack, sleeping bag, trekking poles, water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, first-aid kit, water purification tablet, headlamp, sanitary items, camera, extra batteries, power bank, a few medicines, etc.

Accommodation and Food on the Trek Itinerary

The trek route of the Upper Mustang Trek itinerary typically goes through roadways, and some parts follow the actual trekking route. For this reason, the accommodation and food on the route is good enough.

Accommodations on the Trek Route

The accommodation en route to the Upper Mustang trek is on the teahouses. Around Lower Mustang, you can also find good quality lodges; on higher Upper Mustang altitude, the teahouses range from basic to standard quality.

The teahouses serve all kinds of foods from the menu. They also provide neat, warm and comfortable beds and blankets. The rooms are generally shared among trekkers, but private rooms can be arranged if booked in advance and during the off-season.

Wi-Fi, a hot shower, and an attached bathroom are available in some places. You can dine in a warm dining hall with a heating system. There, you can chat with friends or just enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.

Foods on the Route

Trekking the Upper Mustang route offers a wide variety of food options. You can order food according to the menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The foods are generally prepared from homegrown, organic, and seasonal vegetables.

Since the motorable roads are accessible, raw ingredients are supplied from Jomsom, Manang, Mustang, or Pokhara.

Note: Normally, the 3-meal food on the trekking route to the Upper region of Mustang costs $25 to $30. However, accommodation and food cumulative can cost around $30-$40.

Breakfast at the teahouse on Mustang Trip

Tea, coffee, roti, bread, lemon ginger tea, veg and non-veg soup, egg items, muesli, corn flex, porridge, apple, pie, pancakes, etc.

Lunch at the teahouse on Mustang Trip

Dal Bhat (Mustang Thakali Thali) , noodle soup, potato items, roti/chapati, Mo: Mo, local style pizza, chicken and mountain sheep meat, spinach, carrot, onion, etc.

Dinner at the teahouse on Mustang Trip

Dal Bhat (Mustang Thakali Khana Set), noodle soup, potato curry, spinach and other seasonal vegetables, thukpa, thenthuk, Mo: Mo, etc., and Mustang valley wine (occasional).

Desert at the teahouse on Mustang Trip

Apple pie, banana pie, custard pudding, rice pudding, chocolate roll, sneaker roll, etc.

Electricity and Battery Recharge

The whole trek route is developed, so electricity is available in all parts of Mustang. Therefore, you can charge your accessories free of cost in any of the teahouses. Although it might not be possible to get a charging port in your room, you can always charge them at the dining hall or at the reception.

Water During Mustang Trekking

During the trek, bottled mineral water can be bought for around $2-$3 throughout the journey. Also, natural spring water can be easily found and drunk by purifying it with water purification tablets, which Himalayan Masters provides.

Note: Before drinking water from a natural spring, ask with your guide if it is drinkable or not.

Communication on the Mustang Nepal Trekking

The means of communication on the Mustang Nepal Trekking is via Wi-Fi and cellular network. You can get Wi-Fi with decent bandwidth throughout the trek for free. Additionally, you can get good network coverage from an NTC sim card and NCELL network in some places. The teahouses also have landline service, which you can use for an extra charge as per your usage.

Safety and Security on Trekking Mustang Region Nepal

Normally, Nepal is a safe destination to travel to. However, there might be demonstrations, thefts, or heinous crimes. In contrast, trekking in the Mustang region of Nepal is very safe.

The people on the mountain are hospitable and have mutual respect among locals and visitors. Nonetheless, we cannot eliminate the chances of natural threats such as landslides, avalanches, earthquakes, etc. Similarly, health issues or accidents that might occur during the trek.

Porter vs No Porter on Mustang Trip

It is not mandatory to hire a porter. However, having a porter when you are trekking will not only reduce your luggage load, but also it allows you to soak experience of trekking.

Just imagine carrying your 15 to 20 kg backpack and walking for 6 to 7 hours. It is surely going to be burdensome. However, if you do not have heavy luggage and are habitual of walking with it, then not having a porter on the Mustang Trip is no big deal. Additionally, you can also share the porter with other trekkers if you like.

Tips on Hiring a Porter for a Mustang Trip

• A porter can carry up to 26 kg. The less the weight, the easier it is for porters to carry. They will carry a duffle bag specially made for them to carry.
• You can share porter if you do not have much load, under 10-12 kg.
• Porters will only meet you at the teahouse, where you will stay overnight. They will walk faster than you, so carry a day pack to carry your essentials.
• Considering tipping them. The tip you give goes directly to them and their family.

Alternative Trekking Routes

There is not much alternative trekking route to Lo Manthang. The majority of the region has road access. The standard trek route outlined by Himalayan Masters is designed so that you can walk on the trekking trail rather than a motor road.

Geling (Ghiling) and Tangbe are some alternative trek routes that you will be trekking to skip the roadway.

Extending Trip to Nepal

Extending Mustang Valley Trek

You can extend your trekking journey to the upper region of Mustang, the Lo Manthang region, for a few days. Adding additional hikes from Lo Manthang could be an excellent plan to understand the livelihood of Upper Mustang.

Some of the popular hiking destinations in the region are:

Namgyal Gompa

The Namgyal Gompa is an ancient gompa in the mountainous region of Mustang. It is an approximately 2 hours hike from Lo Manthang, which is about 3 km away. The major highlight of the area is a Mustang Gompa in the Himalayas and the proximity to the Tibetan border.

Samar Palace

The Samar Palace is another royal palace around Lo Manthang, different palace from our itinerary. It is situated in the Thinggar village, a local Tibetan village.

The palace is a 5 km (one-way) Mustang hiking that can be reached in 2 hours. The Mustang village view and summer royal palace are the major highlights around here.

Korala Border

The Korala border is a Tibetan border. The total hiking distance to reach and return is around 20 km, which can be covered in 6-7 hours of trekking. There is a Tibetan market where goods are bought and sold. You can visit here if you want to buy souvenirs at a cheap rate.

If you are travelling in a vehicle, it takes 2 hours to reach there and 2 hours to return.

Ghom Cave

The Ghom Cave is a total trek of 14 km, 3 hours to go and 2 hours to return. You can see several small caves (exactly about 55 caves) carved on the mountain cliffs. It is believed that the caves were carved by humans where they used to live in ancient times to avoid cold climates.

Other things that you can see here are a Tibetan monastery and Teshor village. Teshor village is the origin point of the Kali Gandaki River. It is approximately 12 km from Lo Manthang, which is a 3- 4 hours trek.

Dhuk Village

The Dhuk Village in Upper Mustang is an old and remote village near the border of Tibet. It is known for its desert-like landscapes and Tibetan lifestyle.

Extending trips to different parts of Nepal

Nepal is a Shangri-la for travellers, with diverse landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural significance. If you are willing to extend your trip, some of the popular places that you can visit are Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, and Bardiya National Park.

Other recommended destinations are Rara Lake, Gosaikunda Lake, Gorkha, etc.

Trip Extension to National Parks

Chitwan National Park and Bardiya National Park are some of the best national parks that you can visit after completing the trek. However, they are in different locations, but has wide variety of wildlife that you can explore.

Chitwan National Pak visit could be a short side trip which can be done through Mugling (a place between Kathmandu and Pokhara). You can stay at one of the best hotels in Chitwan and get to see a wide range of flora and fauna.

Jungle safaris, jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and a short canoe ride to see rhinos, gharial crocodiles, deer, and many other wildlife are some of the major highlights of Chitwan National Park.

Likewise, Bardiya National Park is another popular tourist destination in Bardiya. It is a less visited national park than Chitwan National Park. Further, tigers, elephants, and a wide variety of birds are some of the major attractions here.

Is the Upper Mustang trek worth it?

If you are asking whether the trek to the land beyond the mountains, decorated with beautiful brown and orange vegetation and unique culture, is worth it, then the question is itself very wrong.

A unique blend of alluring landscapes, rich Tibetan culture, ancient monasteries, and rare wildlife makes Upper Mustang every bit worth it. Due to this, trekkers to Upper Mustang have recommended this as one of the best trekking regions of Nepal, and most of them plan to revisit it. This trek is so worth your time and money. It’s definitely going to be a life-changing experience.

How to Book Mustang Trek

To book Mustang trekking with Himalayan Masters, you can contact us by any means you find convenient. You can contact us via email, WhatsApp, or phone or visit the office.

Moreover, you can book trek through our website by filling out an online form. Then, we will provide you with an itinerary as per your request. Finally, you can make the payment, and you are all set to go on a trek.

Trek briefings can be done online or in person. Once you land in Nepal, we recommend you visit our office in Kathmandu.

Why Choose Himalayan Masters?

Himalayan Masters Adventure and Travel Company is a team of highly experienced and professional individuals. We assure you that your trekking journey is completed successfully and comfortably. We offer one of the most feasible and convenient trek packages at the most affordable price.

Our team is dedicated to helping you before, during, and after the trek. Himalayan Masters is not just a travel company but a family.