The colourful land of Mustang is literally a paradise for mankind. Gracefully placed in the western-north section of the country, the Upper Mustang trek is among the best treks of Nepal in the Mustang region. This ancient forbidden kingdom’s culture and history are hidden from the entire world. Brave, adventurous souls have yet to discover the wonders. The region is a marvel of natural and cultural wonders.
Mustang lies beyond the Himalayas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. This district has two regions- Lower and Upper Mustang. While the lower Mustang is very busy and vibrant, the Upper region of the Mustang is still a restricted region. So, to visit around the “Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal”, you will need to obtain a special permit.
The total distance to reach Upper Mustang is around 700 km (435 miles) from Kathmandu. The trek itself covers about 66.6 km (41.4 miles) from Jomsom to Upper Mustang, while the drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back covers 402 km (250 miles).
The region, which was once a part of the ancient Kingdom of Lo, even today, the daily life, language, and traditions are deeply influenced by Tibetan culture.
This semi-arid desert-like landscape of Upper Mustang is popular for its rugged cliffs, deep canyons, and ancient caves carved into rock faces.
Additionally, trekkers can enjoy the dramatic scenery of the trans-Himalayan plateau. Here, trekkers can explore barren cliffs colored in crimson, pass through ancient villages, centuries-old monasteries, and chortens adorned with prayer flags.
Upper Mustang, the most preserved land in the world, has been walled and protected for centuries. It was built in 1380 AD by Ame Pal, and his descendants are still regarded as the king of the land. He built the 2472 feet long and 26 feet high surrounding Lo Manthang, the capital of Mustang, and guided the city for centuries. The wooden gate at the east is the only access to the village that was so heavily guarded in the past.
Mustang is in Nepal’s northern central region, bordering Tibet. It is divided into Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang and lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area. North of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Mustang is a remote and isolated part of Nepal, often called a “Hidden Kingdom.”
With its immense beauty, the small town of Jomsom (the headquarters of Mustang) attracts thousands of tourists every year. There are beautiful villages and valleys you can visit during the trek to the Upper Mustang. Each one of them is equally mesmerizing and unique.
Upper Mustang was the last kingdom-ruled state of Nepal. People’s lives revolved around Tibetan Buddhism, which is known as a Bon religion. Tibet has influenced even their language. These followers of the Buddhist sage Guru Rinpoche have built many beautiful monasteries and colourful rotating wheels in the entire region.
The annual Tiji festival, Horse race, Lhosar, and many other celebrations can also be observed nearby. The upper Mustang trek itinerary has so many wonders to uncover. The upper Mustang tour commences when you get to Pokhara. You can drive or fly to Jomsom from Pokhara and then start the trek to Kagbeni.
From Chele, we will continue to villages such as Syangboche, Ghami, and Charang before getting to Lo Manthang. Here, we will spend an additional day exploring the exceptional beauty of the Upper Mustang. Then, we walk down the Dhamkar and Syangbochen. The final trek day to Jomsom from Chhusang brings us back to Pokhara.
Obviously, we can take an additional day to witness the many natural wonders of Pokhara Valley before getting back to Kathmandu.
Upper Mustang Valley Trek is a secluded trekking route in Nepal. The semi-arid vegetation of the region is considered a desert ecosystem in Nepal. The wildlife in this arid upper region of the Mustang varies from that in the lower Mustang region.
Upper Mustang is a popular tourist destination for its stunning landscapes. The region is defined by its rugged, wind-eroded cliffs in striking shades of orange, brown, and red. The desert situated in the high altitudes of Mustang and the deep Kali Gandaki gorges make the region more vibrant.
Himalayan peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri in the background, an arid ecosystem, isolated beauty, and the sacred Muktinath temple offer its visitors the memory of a lifetime.
Though the region has barren landscapes, you can see a unique and wide array of wildlife in Upper Mustang. Snow leopards, Himalayan blue sheep, lynx, brown bear, Tibetan wild ass, Tibetan argali, and scarce species of birds like the griffon vulture.
The area lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, ensuring the protection of its fragile ecosystem. Spotting their elusive species contributes to increasing the level of excitement and adventurous experience.
The inhabitants of Upper Mustang are descendants of Tibet. They live in secluded walled villages, representing the ancient culture and way of life. Lo Manthang upholds cultural significance, with a local king maintaining symbolic significance.
Despite the harsh environment, the people here are friendly, welcoming their visitors with their warm hospitality. Their tight-knit communities remain steeped in ancient customs that a few outsiders might experience. The people living in Mustang Valley are comprised of Thakali, Tibetan, Gurung, Lopa, Sherpa, etc.
The culture of Upper Mustang is influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Tibetan influence can be seen in their ancient monasteries, festivals, and rituals. The Tiji festival (generally falls in May), a colourful celebration featuring prayer chants, dances, and symbolic rituals of good over bad, is a major highlight in this region.
Hundreds of years-old monasteries like Ghar Gompa and the rich oral traditions, such as horse racing, showcase the deep cultural heritage defining life here.
The Tiji festival is one of the most popular celebrations in the Upper Mustang region. Held annually in the month of May, in the walled city of Lo Manthang, this vibrant festival brings the entire Mustang region together.
Locally known as Tenchi, an abbreviation of Tenpa Chirim, meaning “Prayer for World Peace,” the Tiji Festival is a symbol of the triumph of good over evil.
According to the legend of Dorje Jono, a divine being defeated a demon responsible for bringing drought and chaos to the land. So, the festival celebrates the victory and restoration of balance and prosperity.
It’s a three-day celebration where the entire region comes alive with color, music, and energy. People from all the surrounding villages gather at Lo Manthang, sing, dance, pray, and feast together.
Monks perform ancient masked dances that depict the victory. Locals come out in their finest traditional robes, jewelry, and colorful masks.
The square in front of the royal palace becomes the heart of the celebration, filled with chanting, drumbeats, and the blowing of traditional horns.
For visitors, witnessing this spiritual festival is like stepping back into a living legend.
The Tiji festival is held annually according to the Tibetan lunar calendar. Although dates might differ every year, it usually falls in May.
As for 2026, the festival will be celebrated on May 14th, 15th, and 16th. Likewise, for 2027, it will take place on June 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
During these three-day celebrations, monks perform elaborate rituals, sacred dances, prayers, and so on in Lo Manthang’s monasteries.
If you want to align your trek during this time, make sure to book your trip in advance.
The Tiji Festival trek itinerary organized by Himalayan Masters follows the classic Upper Mustang route. Departure dates are carefully designed to match the festival dates each year. You can join a group, or you need to be a group of at least two individuals.
The journey begins in Kathmandu, followed by a scenic drive or flight to Pokhara, and then a flight to Jomsom. From Jomsom, the actual trekking to Lo Manthang starts, passing through several local villages like Kagbeni, Chele, Ghami, and Charang before reaching the walled city of Lo Manthang.
After 3 days of celebration, we trek back the same path to Jomsom, Pokhara, and Kathmandu.
Except for the festival dates, the itinerary remains the same for the Tiji Festival Trek in 2026 and 2027. For trek customization and availability, do contact us.
As soon as you reach Jomsom Airport, you will find yourself in the vicinity of the Annapurna Mountain range. Jomsom lies in the Lower Mustang region. From here, on the 2nd day, our trekking journey will begin.
Each trekking day begins with beautiful mountain views from the teahouse. After having breakfast at around 7 am, you will begin your trek at around 8 am.
Then, you will be walking through stunning views along the desert-like terrain. Along the way, you can visit Gompas and see mani walls and prayer flags. Also, you can explore some of the unique caves on the way.
The caves are carved on the cliffsides, and it is still unknown why they are there. These caves are some of the oldest structures that you can see in Lo Manthang. Once you reach Lo Manthang, you can observe some cultural dances of the ancient royal city.
We will be having lunch in a teahouse on the way from around 11 am to 12 pm. The teahouses welcome their visitors with a satiating lunch, giving enough energy for the latter half of the trek. If required, you can keep some packed lunch.
Finally, you will head towards the final destination for the day, where you will spend your night. You might reach the teahouse at around 4 pm or 5 pm. If you have time, you can visit around. Then, during dinner, at around 8 pm, your guide will discuss the day’s experience and plans for the next day’s trek.
You can share your trekking experiences with each other in a warm and cozy dining hall. You will go to sleep at around 10 pm. Remember to order your breakfast for tomorrow so that it is served on time.
| Day | Route | Sleep Altitude | Distance | Time |
| 01 | Fly/Drive to Pokhara | 822 m/2696 ft. | 201 km/125 mi | 25 min/6 hrs |
| 02 | Fly/Drive to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni | 2800 m/9186 ft. | 169 km/105 mi | 20 min & 3 hrs |
| 03 | Trek to Chele | 3100 m/10170 ft. | 11.2 km/7 mi | 5 hrs |
| 04 | Trek to Syangboche | 3800 m/12467 ft. | 11.5 km/7.1 mi | 5-6 hrs |
| 05 | Trek to Ghami/Ghemi | 3510 m/11515 ft. | 9.3 km/5.1 mi | 5-6 hrs |
| 06 | Trek to Charang/Tsarang | 3560 m/11679 ft. | 10 km/6.2 mi | 4-5 hrs |
| 07 | Trek to Lo Manthang | 3840 m/12598 ft. | 12 km/7.4 mi | 4-5 hrs |
| 08 | Acclimatization Day at Lo Manthang | 3840 m/12598 ft. | – | – |
| 09 | Trek to Dhakmar | 3820 m/12512 ft. | 14.3 km/8.8 mi | 6-7 hrs |
| 10 | Trek to Syangboche | 3800 m/12467 ft. | 15 km/9.3 mi | 6-7 hrs |
| 11 | Trek to Chhusang | 2980 m/9777 ft. | 14.2 km/8.8 mi | 6 hrs |
| 12 | Trek to Muktinath via Gyu La Pass (4077 m) | 3760 m/12336 ft. | 15.6 km/9.7 mi | 7-8 hrs |
| 13 | Drive to Jomsom and Fly/Drive to Pokhara | 822 m/2696 ft. | 173.5 km/107.8 mi | 20 min/8 hrs |
| 14 | Fly/Drive to Kathmandu | 1400 m/4593 ft. | 201 km/125 mi | 25 min/6 hrs |
Flight Route: Kathmandu → Pokhara
Drive Route: Kathmandu → Mugling → Dumre → Pokhara
Beginning Point: Kathmandu (1400 m/4593 ft.)
Ending Point: Pokhara (822 m/2696 ft.)
Lunch: Between routes
Kathmandu to Pokhara Distance: 201 km (125 mi)
Total Descent: 578 meters / 1896.3 ft.
Overnight: Pokhara
You can either drive to Pokhara along the Prithivi highway or fly to the domestic airport of Nepal. The 7 hours of driving in a tourist bus/private car along the Trishuli river bank and lush hills is also going to be fantastic.
If you are driving, probably around 8-9 am, a member from Himalayan Masters will pick you up. Then continue to drive towards Pokhara.
We will be stopping in between for lunch, probably around Malekhu or Kurintar, where you can enjoy freshly cooked local fish, a popular delicacy of the region. Then, again, continue to drive to Pokhara via Mugling, Dumre, and Damauli.
Or, you can fly above the lush green hills and witness the mountain vistas parallel to your eyes from the window seat of your plane. It’s a short 20-25 minutes flight but offers a unique perspective of the terrain.
If you fly to Pokhara, you will have some extra time to boat in Phewa and visit nearby places. It takes around 20 minutes to reach Lakeside, Pokhara, from Pokhara International Airport, 7.4 km (4.6 miles).
In the evening, you can enjoy the nightlife at Lakeside and stay in one of the best hotels in Pokhara.
Note: You can also book our Upper Mustang trek from Pokhara itself. We can also pick you up from any other nearby city in Nepal.
: Not Included
: Hotel
: 25 min flight or 7 hours drive
The Cost includes
Complimentary services from Himalayan Masters
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 to the Mustang region.
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 the higher Upper Mustang altitude.
Further, the sky is clear, and a panoramic view of the surroundings 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.
Winters are colder in Upper Mustang. The temperature can drop to -15°C at night, with daytime temperatures ranging from -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 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.
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.
The Upper Mustang has a normally arid, high-altitude desert climate throughout the year. However, a few significant Upper Mustang weather conditions can be experienced in the 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 good time to visit the Mustang. You can see alpine flowers blooming here in this season.
In contrast, the weather in winter is freezing cold, with nights as cold as -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.
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.
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 the Everest Base Camp or the Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Having said that, it is essential to acclimatize to the sudden increase or decrease in elevation.
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.
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.
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 in Upper Mustang Trek, you might not have it.
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, it 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 the 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 the monsoon or winter if you seek isolation.
Whether you choose an Overland Jeep Tour or a Trek, both offer unique experiences.
The Jeep Tour is ideal for those with limited time or who prioritize comfort over extended walking days. It gives travellers an extra hour to explore key villages and attend the Tiji festival with ease.
On the other hand, the Upper Mustang Tre provides a deeper connection and immersive experience. For about 2 weeks, you can walk the same route, which was once used as a salt trade route.
Furthermore, trekking allows you a chance to engage with the locals closely. Although more challenging and requiring more physical effort than Jeep Tours, trekking rewards travellers with solitude, natural beauty, and authentic cultural encounters.
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, which are more than 1200 years old.
The 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 the Muktinath temple, a pilgrimage site for Nepalese Hindus and Buddhists. People of two different religions consider Muktinath superior to their own 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.
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.
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.
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 accommodations. Over that, hydrating your body is essential, so you must drink at least 4-5 litres of water.
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 at least 2-3 months prior to trekking. You can go for short hikes, run, jog, swim, cycle, or try yoga and meditation for peaceful mental stability.
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.
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.
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, buying travel insurance could be a wise decision. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Here are the essential documents required for booking the Upper Mustang Trek.
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 on 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.
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.
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.
There are no ATM or money exchange services on the trek route. Therefore, remember to exchange adequate cash in Nepali currency in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
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.
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.
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.
The accommodation en route to the Upper Mustang trek is in the teahouses. Around Lower Mustang, you can also find good quality lodges; at 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.
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 combined can cost around $30-$40.
Tea, coffee, roti, bread, lemon ginger tea, veg and non-veg soup, egg items, muesli, corn flex, porridge, apple, pie, pancakes, etc.
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.
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).
Apple pie, banana pie, custard pudding, rice pudding, chocolate roll, sneaker roll, etc.
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.
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 your guide if it is drinkable or not.
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 the NCELL network in some places. The teahouses also have landline service, which you can use for an extra charge as per your usage.
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 might occur during the trek.
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 allow you to gain the 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 habituated to 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.
There are not many alternative trekking routes 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.
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:
The Namgyal Gompa is an ancient gompa in the mountainous region of Mustang. It is approximately a 2-hour 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.
The Samar Palace is another royal palace around Lo Manthang, a 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 the summer royal palace are the major highlights around here.
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.
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.
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.
Nepal is a Shangri-La for travellers, with diverse Upper Mustang Nepal 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.
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 they have a wide variety of wildlife that you can explore.
A visit to Chitwan National Park 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.
If you are asking whether the trek to the land beyond the mountains, decorated with beautiful brown and orange vegetation and a unique culture, is worth it, then the question itself is very wrong.
A unique blend of alluring Upper Mustang Nepal 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.
To book Mustang trekking with Himalayan Masters, you can contact us by any means you find convenient. You can contact us via email, WhatsApp, phone, or visit the office.
Moreover, you can book a 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.
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.
