Trip Detail Information
The ancient caves and monasteries of the Upper Mustang are proof of nature being at its best with equally impressive civilization history. The majestic views of three alluring peaks, Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri, give you the best moment of your life. Determined Kali Gandaki River never stops accompanying you during the trip as you explore extraordinary barren landscapes and steep rocky trails. Further, the ancient kingdom of Lo Manthang opened to foreign travelers only after 1991, which is the prime highlight of the Upper Mustang Trek.
The fantastic combination of natural beauty and exotic culture has positioned this region as one of the must-visit places on earth. The rich natural, cultural and historical heritages of Lo Manthang give any trekker learning opportunities apart from a great travel experience. Being one of the all-time best destinations around the globe Upper Mustang Trek offers you the journey of a lifetime in Nepal. Its extraordinary landscapes, vegetation, and lifestyle keep attracting travelers worldwide.
The amazing people and their unique civilization make Upper Mustang Trek a homely affair. The trek starts from Kagbeni, a religious site in Nepal, and leads to Chuksang, Samar, and the historical Lo Manthang. The best months to travel to Upper Mustang are September, October, and November during Autumn, and March, April, and May during Spring. However, even during other months, trekking can be done considering the weather conditions.
Accommodation in Upper Mustang
There is a good presence of lodges and tea houses during the trek. However, trekkers do have the option of camping as well. They should expect the essential services in the clubs as most of them run with limited resources, considering the essence of the trekking experience in Nepal. The trekkers will have the facility of staying at 3-star hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara while heading towards the Upper Mustang. They will have the opportunity to taste the traditional food along the trail. Apart from food, the local beverages also serve the trekkers a relaxing experience.
Safety Tips
The Upper Mustang trip takes you to a maximum of 4000 meters above sea level as it ends at Lo Manthang (3840 m). Trekkers should ordinarily acclimatize to decrease any chances of mountain sickness significantly. If you are under some medication, you must ensure the medicines are in good stock to cover the trip. The region is mostly dry as it receives very little rainfall. The trekkers should consider eating healthy food during the trek. They should consult the accompanying guides and locals if they need any safety information.
Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty
Upper Mustang Trek is appropriate for all types of trekkers, from youngsters to senior citizens, due to its moderate degree of difficulty. Trekking for more than 6 hours per day through the sandy trails of Mustang will undoubtedly challenge your endurance. No hazardous continuous challenge will exist that requires your vigilance.
Furthermore, altitude sickness is a problem while trekking above 4000 meters. The sandy terrain and the trek area in the rain shadow will undoubtedly require some level of physical conditioning. Maintaining excellent physical and mental health eliminates the need to be apprehensive about the expedition’s completion.
Initially, trekking from the Jomsom trail will allow you to navigate the steep terrain. Furthermore, with its severe cold breeze, the Himalayas trial poses obstacles along with the trek. For this reason, wearing woolen and consuming well will keep you energetic to endure the difficulty. Besides this, it is evident that good health and an excellent physical state are vital for the success of Upper Mustang Trek.
Best Season for Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek will only be something exquisite with the help of ideal weather and the breathtaking clarity of the Himalayas and the surrounding area. Two distinct seasons will significantly aid in making your Upper Mustang Trek beautiful and unique.
Spring Season
There won’t be Rainfall obstructing the scenery of Mustang during this season. However, the Mustang Region’s splendor remains outstanding from March through May. The sands along the trail remain intact, and there won’t be any breeze. Similarly, this season will provide an incredible opportunity to view the majestic Himalayas. In addition, this is the time of year for the renowned mustang celebration, also known as the “Tiji Festival .”Furthermore, this season welcomes Mustang with true natural treasures to delight you, with temperatures ranging from 17 to 22 degrees Celsius.
Autumn Season
The upper mustang trek is likely to be exceptional due to the ideal weather during this post-monsoon season from September to November. Good visibility will be present in the picturesque mountains and communities of the Mustang region. There could be a risk of a strong wind blowing from the western side of the mountain during the afternoon. You may need windproof jackets and eyeglasses to protect yourself from the dust. In addition, your trek will be most enjoyable in the autumn when temperatures are moderate (below 14 degrees Celsius).
Monsoon Season
There is a very low likelihood of precipitation in the Upper Mustang Area from June to August. Since the mountains in the vicinity of Mustang block the wind and the clouds, it won’t rain; also, the region falls under the rain shadow area. As a result, the monsoon season will also be an excellent opportunity to appreciate the surroundings and gorgeous atmosphere of the Mustang Region. It will be around 20 degrees Celsius, so you might want to bring shorts and a hat to make your trek more comfortable.
Winter Season
From the end of November until the onset of December, ascending the upper Mustang will be nearly impossible. It becomes challenging due to the icy wind that blows through the Mustang Valley. Even so, ascending the lower mustang region will be feasible quickly. The monasteries and seasonal festivities will give the Mustang region a great atmosphere this year. The temperature will also dip below freezing, making it difficult to wander the nearby region.
Upper Mustang Trek Route
The excursion begins in Kathmandu, and from there, you can get to Pokhara by taking an air-conditioned bus. From the gorgeous shoreline of Pokhara, you will have a magnificent Himalayan flight to Jomsom in a Twin Otter Aircraft from Pokhara airport. After landing at the Jomsom airport and admiring the magnificent, never-before-seen view of the Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri mountains, you will proceed to Kagbeni by following the Kaligandaki River.
Following ascending to chele from Kagbeni, passing via the passes of Taklom La and Dajori La, and taking in the scenery of Tilicho and the Damodar Danda, you will arrive at the lovely settlement of Syanbochen. Lomanthang greets you as it slowly passes through the numerous settlements of Ghyami and Charang. By exploring local gompas, including Jhumpa Gompa, Thupchen Gompa, and Chhota Gompa, as well as communities like Dhkamar, Ghiling, and Chhuksang, you will eventually arrive in Jomsom. The expedition thus concludes with a twin otter flight back to Pokhara and an AC bus ride back to Kathmandu from Jomsom.
Upper Mustang Jeep Tour
An upper Mustang Jeep Tour is one of the most adventurous excursions ever. Taking the road from Pokhara to Lomanthang, you will see mustang sights such as Muktinath temple, Luri Gompa, Ghar Gompa, Dumba Gharpu cave, and the charming village of Marpha. The expert Nepalese driver of the 4WD jeep will drive you off-road over the challenging terrain and rivers to reach the northern Himalayas. The scenery of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu will never leave you during this expedition.
Stopping along the road to take in the picturesque communities connecting Pokhara and Lomanthang would be a fantastic experience. Starting in Pokhara, this Jeep ride will take you deep into the mountainous villages, through Dhampus Phedi to Beni. In addition, there will be extensive off-road driving from Galeshwor to the Kali Gandaki River’s brink and onto the deepest gorge of the earth before the Jeep ride reaches Mustang Region.
Continuing on the small gravel road from the Gurung’s hamlet below the Mustang Highlands with steep terrain, you will finally reach your destination. The stone castle with various monasteries welcomes you. This tour’s main draw is the off-road jeep ride from the lap of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu Himalayan ranges. This will be a memorable mustang off-road excursion in a jeep full of adventures.