Highlights

• Last forbidden Kingdon of Nepal, Lo-Manthang.
• Visit Muktinath, a sacred place for both Buddhist and Hindu people.
• This trek is also for monsoon season, as it is located in the rain shadow.
• The chain of Himalayas including Annapurna Range, Thorung Peak, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, and many more.
• Experience the holiness of Tibetan-influenced people, Gompas, chortens, and fluttering prayer flags during the walk.
• Isolated trails with barren landscapes.
• Remote trans-Himalayan region of Nepal.

About The Trip

Upper Mustang Trek (formerly the Lo Kingdom) is the top part of the Mustang District located in Nepal. This region was a restricted kingdom until 1992 which makes Upper Mustang preserved regions. This region remains preserved and relatively isolated from the outside world. The lower area of mustang is populated with Thakali peoples and the upper part is populated with Tibetan-influenced people. This trek is renowned for barren land and cliff-faced landscapes. The beauty of this trek is the combination of both culture and geography of the Upper Mustang.

Overview

Upper Mustang is a place that is different than others in Nepal. Despite bordering the famous trekking regions, this region sits a world apart thanks to the dramatic semi-arid landscape. You will also get a chance for cultural exploration in this hidden kingdom. But nowadays roads plow right over once where trekking trails are located. But those who want a truly rewarding journey, you can return via the challenging but road-less eastern route.

The remote trans-Himalayan area has a distinct Tibetan feel, both in its culture and people and the tree-less landscape with high cliffs and unusual formation of colorful rocks. You will be amazed to see the caves, monasteries, rock paintings, and gompas. There is no doubt that this trek has unique beauty and glamor that no other trek can provide. It is a rare gem to the people who are seeking the mythical narratives of this region. Besides, it unfolds up-close views of magnificent mountains such as Annapurna. Dhaulagiri ranges, Nilgiri Himal, and many more. 

Upper Mustang Trek presents a great opportunity to understand the see the life of the authentic mountain people in their natural state. In Lo-Manthang itself you will see Namgyal Gompa, King’s palace which brings a further cultural understanding of the area. As you walk for a few hours from Lo-Manthang you will be able to see Gyakar, a famous Gompa with great significance. This gompa is over 1200 years old and dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. These gompas are decorated with wall painting and according to local if you make wish here, it will come true. 

There’s an alternative for a jeep ride to Upper Mustang, in case you want a jeep tour instead of walking. Besides, the place is well-known for the Tiji festival that takes place either in May or June. If you decide to visit the area during this time, then you can take part in the Tiji festival by adding a few extra days. However, you can also book a separate trek, Mustang Tiji Festival Trek, to experience the unique festival rituals.

Upper Mustang Trek Route

The Upper Mustang Trek route kicks off in Jomsom and trek to reach Kagbeni, a short walk from Jomsom. The landscape is dry and barren, with rock hills with puzzling high caves and rock paintings. Enter Lo Manthang, which is surrounded by a high stone fence, the seat of the King of Lo until lately when Nepal. Witness into Namgyal Gompa and the King’s palace within this walled city. Also, visit a few hours away, Gyakar with its famous monastery, Ghar Gompa, which is over 1,200 years old. 

After leaving this excellent village, we will go ahead to Yara. Today we will cross the Dhi La Pass (3,400 m) and join Yara after 7-8 hours of trek. The next day, we will hike toward Luri Gumba. Then head towards the riverbed of Dhechyang Khola to Tangge. We will then cross the river and reach Tangge village. The next day we then travel Chussang, through the challenging trial of various small passes. We will then trek to Muktinath from Chussang, which takes around 5-6 hours of trek. Our trek will ends after we will be back to Jomsom, return to Pokhara, and then Kathmandu.

Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty

Upper Mustang Trek has a moderate style trek and in some parts, there is a challenging part too. However, trek to Upper Mustang is absolutely doable if you are physically fit and eager to explore the trans-Himalayan landscape. However, some parts of the trial are challenging because it is a narrow lane and requires walking the paths created on the sides of the cliffs. The trail over the gorge of Kali Gandaki is one of the complicated areas on the entire trip.

The normal waking hours for the Upper Mustang trek is around 6 to 7 hours. The trip duration will be usually 18 days. However, you can make the trek shorter or longer according to your preference. Walking in the high latitude will be more demanding than in the lower part. So you need to be well prepared in terms of both fitness and mind.

Fast blowing wind during April and May will get challenging to the people moving in their journey. Some people may endure a new experience, but we recommend you to wear two or three layers of cloth. Upper Mustang Trek lies in the rain shadow of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massif. So this trek will be best even in monsoon weather.

Best Season for Upper Mustang Trek

Choosing the best time for Upper Mustang offers spectacular views and scenery and clear mountains with blooming forests. The best season to trek Upper Mustang is during spring and autumn, as the sky and the mountains are crystal clear and offer the most breathtaking sunrise and sunset views.

Upper Mustang Trek in Spring Season

The Spring season falls from March to May and is also the best season to trek Upper Mustang. The trials will be full of adventure lovers, and this is the best time to see a magnificent and clear picture of the Himalayas and beautiful nature. The weather during spring is pleasant with a clear glimpse of the Himalayas. During the spring season, the forest is decorated with many colorful rhododendrons and the chirping sound of birds. Also, spring also witnessed one of the biggest festivals of Upper Mustang called the Tiji festival.

During this season the average temperature is about 16 to 22 degrees Celsius in the daytime. The nighttime temperature ranges from – 5 to 2 degrees Celsius. This is a suitable temperature and makes your trekking less difficult.

Upper Mustang Trek in Summer Season

The Summer season falls from June to August is also the best season to trek Upper Mustang because this region lies in a rain shadow area. You will experience less rain so you can enjoy the dry and moderate weather during this month. This season will be one of the auspicious occasions to trek in the Upper Mustang. Hot days may be annoying, but overall it is a good time for trekking.

The average temperature during daytime ranges from 13 to 20 degrees Celsius. While the temperature at night drops to minus 3 to 0 degrees Celsius.

Upper Mustang Trek in Autumn Season

The Autumn season falls from September to November which is also the best season to trek Upper Mustang Trek. This season offers excellent clarity of the landscape. This season is excellent, as you will notice clear blue skies with a crystal clear panorama of the Trans Himalayas. On a clear day, you will witness the Annapurna range along with Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Nilgiri.

The temperature changes from 12 to 20 degrees Celsius during the day and -6 to -1 degrees Celsius at night. Since you will be indoors in the morning and night it won’t be an obstacle.

Upper Mustang Trek in Winter Season

The Winter season in Upper Mustang falls from December to February and this season will not be soo favorable. Trekking in this season inf Mustang would be challenging. Trekking without proper gear and equipment could be quite challenging.

The average temperature is about 0 to 5 degrees Celsius at day and -25 to -20 degrees Celsius at night. During this season Upper Mustang experiences heavy snowfall.

Upper Mustang Trek Cost

The price of Upper Mustang Trek varies according to the service, the itinerary, or even unexpected scenarios that might happen. Usually, for 157to 18 days, you will need around USD 2045 to 2125.pp  The package includes lodging,all the ground transportation as per itinerary, pokhara-Jomsom-pokhara Domestic flight with the guide,kathmandu-pokhara-kathmandu tourist bus, upper mustang entrance fees, guides, porters,Insurance,meals, 2 nigt Room in kathmndu and 2 Night in pokhara on BB basis, three times food during your trek According to the Avilable menu choice ae well as tea,coffee etc.   The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek cost also depends upon whether you are traveling single or in a group.

Upper Mustang Trek Permit

Everyone entering the Upper Mustang needs a special permit and Annapurna Conservation Area entry fee. Entering the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) requires USD 20 per person for a single entry and is valid as long as the trek takes.

In addition, if someone is thinking to visit Upper Mustang (from Kagbeni), it requires a special permit for a restricted area. The cost of the special permit is USD 500 per person for 10 days. If you plan to stay more than 10 days, you have to pay USD 50 per day additional. You do not need a Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) card as a special permit is enough.