The Upper Mustang trek is the inevitable pathway to the puzzling space of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, likewise named as Lo. When prohibited and remote from the remainder of the world for a considerable length of time, Upper Mustang remains the best fascination for its quiet excellence these days. The Upper Mustang territory had the option to develop inside its very own trademark culture and rich customs firmly attached to Tibet. This moderate, lesser-realized trek goes through probably the driest locale of Nepal and gives dazzling mountain landscape. Upper Mustang trekking in Nepal was definitively opened in 1992. Particularly compelled amounts of trekkers are simply allowed each year. Thusly to verify and spare the close by Tibetan custom and fragile condition.
Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang Trekking is the trekking route passed in district number four in Dhaulagiri Zone of northern Nepal. This area covers the zone area of 3,573 kilometer square, with population 13,452 (according to the census-2011) and headquarter, Jomsom. Colt is an old disallowed kingdom, outlined by the Tibetan level and secured by a part of the world's tallest zeniths, including 8000 meters tall Mount Annapurna and Mount Dhaulagiri. Jomsom, headquarter of Mustang, is the focal point of having the airport (plane terminal) since 1962. In 1992, the steed was opened for western movement business from when it transformed into the essential traveler segment point. Another critical interest of Mustang area in the midst of Upper Mustang Trek is the Tiji Festival affected by Tibetan Buddhism.
Upper Mustang trek spreads out the incredible unlawful kingdom's wonders and completely dry valleys, broke down gorges, and yak marches. Also, the splendidly painted mud-square houses next to the great heap of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri ranges fascinates its visitors. The prayer walls and four-storied mansions of Lo-Manthang and unique family culture of Mustang are of innumerable interest. All kin of a Mustang family gets hooked to a young girl, which is extremely astounding for a pariah (unknowns). People of Mustang are in like manner entitled ‘Lobos’. They have their own Tribe-pioneer called Jigme Palbar Bista. Hence, in order to guarantee the standard culture of Mustang Kingdom of Nepal, Nepal government issues a special permit (Restricted area permit) for visiting there.
Upper Mustang trekking is the most desired among the best treks done even in monsoon (summer) season in Nepal. In this way it lays in the deluge shadow, north of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, completely protected from the tempest. This piece of the world, Upper Mustang gives a glance at a considerable number of year-old culture and custom as the area is presented faultless by the residing individuals. The best piece of adaptability of doing this trek in the tempest and other seasons is that the town is stacked with neighborhood people involved at their works. In addition, the whole territory is in bloom which makes it an exceptional standout from the breeze deteriorated sloppy landscape, red feigns and snowcapped mountains in the background; that is the remarkable panorama.
Kathmandu -> Jomsom -> Kagbeni -> Chele -> Syangbochen -> Ghyami -> Charang -> Lo-Manthang -> Drakmar -> Ghiling -> Chhuksang -> Jomsom -> Pokhara -> Kathmandu
There is no doubt that Upper Mustang Trekking is the unique destination in Nepal. It is the medieval walled kingdom of Lo-Manthang with lots of natural, cultural and historic excellence. We follow the above-mentioned path for Upper Mustang Trekking in Nepal. Looking over the time period to reach these places, walking hours endure about 3 to 6 hours per day. The flight is also integrated into this trekking journey. The two-terminal hubs are Pokhara and Jomsom, and it takes around 20 minutes to cover the flight distance between these two places.
Yes, of course, anyone of good physical endurance can join this trek. There can be the need for walking around 3 to 6 hours per day, to the heights up to 4500 meters. So, one needs to be able to accomplish these heights and rough trails, no matter what age group you are on.
Upper Mustang is the last-forbidden Kingdom, hailed in Nepal. There is the requirement of two permits to enter this region and perform the trekking journey. One is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and another is Restricted Area Permit (RAP). Permit to Upper Mustang is the most expensive permit where you have to pay USD 500 per person. For the first 10 days US$ 500 per person and after 10 days US$ 50 per day per person, or equivalent convertible foreign currency.
There is the need of at least two trekkers to perform this trekking at a time; it means that two different permits are to be issued at a time. If one wants to have a solo trek to Upper Mustang, then it becomes possible only if they buy two permits. Likewise, we recommend to have dual trekking or with more number of people. If not, hiring a guide and moving with them is suggested.
During Upper Mustang Trekking, there is the requirement of walking for around 3 to 6 hours per day. This time excludes the time for lunch. It is the estimated time for walking, but the walking pace of the trekkers and the resting time (in the midst of trekking), may also contribute to lowering and increasing the time period. We wake up early in the morning, have breakfast and start walking. It is to reach the destination (of the day) at the time and reconnoiter around the place for added time.
Nepal circles four major seasons; i.e. winter, autumn, monsoon, and spring. Heading for Upper Mustang Trekking is best in autumn (September, October, and November), monsoon (June, July, and August) and spring seasons (March, April, and May). Autumn and spring seasons are the best time to visit any trekking destinations of Nepal. It is because, the clear skies, light breezes, blossoming flowers, and colorful landscapes are liked by all. When it comes to Monsoon season, it is also the best time for Upper Mustang trekking. Mustang is the rain-shaded region of Nepal, and it receives tend-to-no rainfall, and the sights also occur mesmerizing of all time.
In some tea houses and lodges, there might be the availability of hot showers and charging. But it is not sure. So, it is better to carry extra batteries, or power banks amid the trail. Hot showers are organized with fire chimney, solar panels, or liquid petroleum in this arena. Proper sunlight remains an actual source for it. Hence, hot shower facilities may or may not be presented in the lodges and tea houses, which is questionable.
Tiji is the most important festival celebrated in Upper Mustang. Tibetan Buddhism followers celebrate this festival the most. It is celebrated for 3 days. “Tiji” is named for “Tempa Chirim”, which means “Prayer for World Peace”. This festival is celebrated to cherish the victory of “Dorji Sonam” (One of Lord Buddha’s Incarnation) over “Man Tam Ru” (the merciless evil nurturing over living creatures and instigating storms). The monks “Choede” celebrate this festival with ethnic dance “Tsa Ccham” on the first day, “Nga Ccham” on the second day, and “Rha Ccham” on the third day. It is performed in the belief of eradicating village from bad and evil vibes and spirits. It falls on the month of May, hence it is a perfect time to celebrate this festival and explore around the Upper Mustang arena.
During Upper Mustang Trekking, trekkers hail upward to the height of 4000 meters (and somewhere to 4500 meters). The trekking up to 5000 meters is marked as a moderate level of trekking. The altitude sickness such as AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) is probably not common in such height. But, prevention can be always done, with carrying AMS cure in first aid kit.
Nepal Trek Adventure and Expedition delivers a splendid proposal of traveling through this beautiful trekking route, Upper Mustang Trek. All the itineraries that we provide are customizable and these packages are in cost limit i.e. Upper Mustang Trek packages are provided in the cheaper and beatable cost. So, you can count on our flexibility and prepare your outing in Nepal with a lot more fun in a more efficient and memorial way. Book the Upper Mustang trip with us and cherish your splendid days in Nepal.
Biond and his team were the most honest, professional, kind and the best service you can get all over Nepal. They all know the area very well and the guides have great English. From my experience Dhana, my guide, was knew everything and everyone, and most important he was very responsible!! I truly recommend the agency!!
I had such a wonderful time trekking with this agency a big should out to my Nepalese brother Dhana, he was my tour guide for the trek, fantastic, he was full of local knowledge and was always there to put a smile on our faces. I was solo as were all the other trekkers in our group they all came together through this agency. I ended up making life long friends from this experience. The trek itself was unbelievable, to be this close to one of mother natures greats gifts was truly spectacular, i take with me the memories and the smiles of the locals as we passed through their towns, ate with them, slept with them and had a warming experience that has touched me forever. Highly recommend NTAE they were great, staff in the office, friendly and helpful and the guides were excellent! Once in a life time opportunity, well worth the trek!
We had Shiva for 35 days my son 2 ½ years my wife, trekking to Manang and Buck. I really enjoyed the upper passing highly recommended. We stayed with his family for 5 days. this was amazing they live up in the hinterland we ate and drank all home products made and grown on small farm Shiva was very willing to stay where he wanted trustworthy and looked after us very well and Angelo, highly recommended for families one note the price of transport some hotels did not feed him well as his benefit to taking you to his recommended hotels if you want any info email on EARTHDREAMS2000@yahoo.com. Thanks, Shiva from us all.
The weather is one of the most important factors to look at when deciding to trek to The Upper Mustang Trek. It is best suitable to trek during the spring, summer and the autumn. During the winters and monsoon, it becomes difficult to trek due to strong winds, storms, and slippery trails.
January – February: This time is the coldest, especially from early January to early February. The temperature can be extremely cold. Though the day time may be warm and admirable with clear skies, the night time would be extremely cold. It would not be suggested to trek during this time.
March – April: This is the best time of the season to trek in the Upper Mustang Trek. The weather is very favorable through the trek. Stunning views of the central Himalayan range will be seen. Temperatures may start increasing from the mid of March and with clear skies, snow mountains will be seen at their best. Many trekkers often succeed their expedition at this time. On the journey, the rhododendron flowers will be blooming at its best with a variety of colors.
May – June: This is also the perfect time for trekking right before the rainfall. Nepal starts its rainfall from the end of June till mid of August. The season of spring and summer makes the trek much more enjoyable.
July – August: The rainfall hits at its peak during this time. It is a good option to go trekking during the monsoon months as the region is in the rain shadow.
September – October: This is also one of the perfect seasons for the Upper Mustang trek. This season is the peak of tourists due to the favorable weather. As the monsoon slowly ends, a perfect trekking climate sets itself. The temperature goes up to 20 degrees in the daytime and falls down to 5 degrees during the night time. This season is when trekkers enjoy trekking the most, with a clear sky, and an amazing view of the mountains. It is highly recommended as it’s the best time for the Upper Mustang trek, usually between mid-Septembers to end. Tourists in this season are also attracted by the main festival of Nepal; Dashain and Tihar.
November – December: As winter slowly begins, snow falls begins and it eventually tough to trek. Nights will start to get colder. Keep in mind that seasonal migration takes place during this time and many residents from Lo Manthang and surrounding areas will move down to lower altitudes for the winter months. November is the busy season as it is the clearest month with sparkling days. The day time temperatures are very stable and constant and due to this, the view of the clear blue sky and the mountain is phenomenal. From December, the temperature starts to get cold and begins to snow.
While on the trek, we will spend nights at local tea houses. All accommodations for this trek will be on twin sharing basis. However, on request, single rooms can also be made available but it costs an additional $ 350 US. But some places in this region do not allow single accommodations.
During our Upper Mustang Trek, we will enjoy typical Nepali food, different ethnic cuisines as well as all types of international cuisine like Tibetan, Continental, Italian, and Indian. You can even enjoy hot chocolates, bread, and drinks of different variety and snacks.
Breakfast of a day will be served at the same tea house or lodge where we spent the night, as per its menu. Lunch will be served on the way to destination and dinner will be served at the tea house where you spend the night. A welcome dinner, a farewell dinner, and breakfasts will be served during our stay in Kathmandu
Every day will be rewarded with a unique experience of trekking, climbing appreciating the landscape, taking photographs and investigating the neighboring towns. During the endeavor, we are joined by experienced, inviting and qualified master Sherpa's sharing data and recorded realities about the spots as we trek. We will likewise be joined by the watchmen who convey our gear. In any case, we will convey our little customary daysack pack of fundamental things. The day begins with an early morning hot cup of tea/espresso. In the wake of gathering our packs and pigging out on a healthy breakfast, we set off on the day's stroll around 7 AM to 8 AM, contingent upon the term and nature of the day's walk. Subsequent to trekking for three to four hours, lunch will be served around late morning on the course to the following goal and we proceed after about an hour of rest. The evening walk is commonly shorter; around a few hours. When we achieve our medium-term hold up/tea house/tent, we nibble on the additional dietary nourishment. We will have available time to investigate close-by spots. Supper is served around 6 PM to 7 PM. After supper and before hitting the sack, we enjoy benevolent discussions and talk about the experience of that day. The undertaking head/guide will brief us about the following day's arrangement. After these instructions, we appreciate onboard recreations like imposing business model, cards and watch accessible mountaineering documentaries. A large portion of the outsiders enjoys light and fun talking in Nepalese language and learning from our team or read books before taking off to Upper Mustang Trek.