The Upper Mustang Trek is a 13-day guided journey into Nepal's restricted Trans-Himalayan kingdom, ending at the medieval walled city of Lo Manthang (3,840 m / 12,598 ft).
Upper Mustang located in the northern region of Gandaki Province is known for its exquisite arid landscapes and Tibetan culture in the valley surrounded by dry hills and mountains. The region of Upper Mustang was closed to the outer world until 1992 AD. Once the Forbidden Kingdom was opened to foreigners, it attracted many people to trek, research, and learn Tibetan traditions contributing to its economy directly or indirectly.
Upper Mustang, also called the “Kingdom of Lo” consists of rich culture and tradition. Since it is bordered by Tibet, Its religious and cultural practices are directly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. In the Kingdom of Lo, a Tibetan language called Loke is spoken. However, due to exposure to other languages such as Nepali and English, they are also spoken by the new generations.
Photo: Red Cliff and Chele village by the bank of ancient fossilized Kali Gandaki River.
Villages like Lo Manthang, Ghami, Tsarang, and Thinggar are like an oasis in the arid landscapes of Upper Mustang. Villages consist of many Buddhist Monasteries, Mani Walls, and Gumba. Upper Mustang celebrates festivals like the Teji Festival in May, the Yartung Festival in August, and Loshar. Lo Manthang also called “walled city” is a popular tourist destination for visitors. To this day, the people of Upper Mustang are preserving their native culture and traditions.
Over the past few years, trekking to Upper Mustang has been one of the popular choices for trekkers. Due to its distinctive desert landscapes, Tibetan Buddhist culture, caves on red-stained dry hills, and ancient villages, people love the Upper Mustang trek. Also, the trail to Upper Mustang is beginner-friendly with sufficient accommodations.
Trekking to Upper Mustang is best during the Spring and Autumn seasons. You will get a clear view of the sky, sight of mountain peaks, and comparatively warm weather during the day.
These seasons are best to immerse yourself in the Tibetan culture through the Tiji festival in May and the Yartung festival in August. Winter can be harsh, dry, and snowy. Below is detailed information regarding the best seasons for Upper Mustang trekking.
Spring is the busiest season in Nepal. Spring fits best for trekkers in everything from weather to scenery but it might be difficult to manage accommodation, due to it being the peak season. Spring starts in March and lasts till May in Nepal. Spring brings a comparatively warm climate, clear blue sky, ice melting, and clear views of the mountain peaks.
You will get the sight of green fields in the villages. Temperature can reach 15°C to 20°C while night can be 5°C. Don’t miss the colorful Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang which falls in May. Also, this is a suitable time to explore alternative routes in the Upper Mustang trek.
Upper Mustang is the only region where trekking is possible in Summer. Upper Mustang Trek falls in the Himalayas' air shadow therefore there is little rain or no rain. Summer brings monsoon rains along with it so, it is difficult to trek other trails like Annapurna Circuit Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek in Summer.
Summer trails allow indulging walks in peaceful landscapes as few people trek during Summer. The climate is cool and windy. At day, temperature reaches from 20°C to 25°C. At night, the temperature reaches around 10°C. Flight to Jomsom can be interrupted due to rain and fog in the lower region but the Upper Mustang Trekking will surprise you with beautiful scenery as soon as you step into Upper Mustang. If you trek during Summer, don’t miss the Yartung Festival in August.
Autumn season is another busiest season where trekking trails are filled with trekkers. Upper Mustang trek remains no expectation. The climate is dry and warm. The sky is clear and blue.
You get the beautiful sight of mountain peaks. At day, temperature reaches around 20°C and 5°C at night. There are sufficient teahouses along the trails but many teahouses get closed by late November. Locals start moving to lower regions to escape the cold of the winter.
The winter season starts from December to February. Upper Mustang gets extremely cold and heavy snowfall during winter. Snow covers the trails making it difficult to walk. Temperature drops below -20°C. However, the sight of bright snow adds beauty to the Valley of Upper Mustang. Winter is the least preferred trekking Upper Mustang because there are no teahouses and lodges open.
The same follows for other trekking routes like Khopra Ridge Trek and Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. However, with proper trekking gear, tents, food supplies, and sleeping bags, trekking can be full of thrill.
Climate & Season Summary
Trekking to the Upper Mustang without necessary permits is restricted, and punishable by law. It requires a special permit and follows regulations directed by authorities to lower the security, cultural, and environmental risks in the Kingdom of Lo. Below are the permits needed before entering the Upper Mustang.
This 13-days Upper Mustang trek itinerary takes you through unique landscapes, ancient Buddhist Tibetan cultures, Himalayan peaks, and caves in the red-stained dry hills of the Mustang Valley. Walking through Mountian pass routes, Mani walls, monasteries, and Buddhist Gumba is a spiritual walk into the Tibetan plateau. You will reach ancient Lo Manthnahg; a walled city, trekking through ancient Buddhist villages like Tsarang, and Ghami in your Upper Mustang trek itinerary. The Upper Mustang trekking map can be very useful as well while trekking to Upper Mustang.
This 13-Days Upper Mustang Trek package includes your three meals (Brekfast, Lunch, and Dinner), Transportation Cost, Guide Fee, and Upper Mustang Trek permit (ACAP, RAP). However, guide fee is not included in the Upper Mustang trek package. For personaized Upper Mustang Trek itinerary, visit North Nepal Trek's website. Our trekking expert Mohan Raj Bhandari will be happy to design an upper mustang trek itinerary based on your personal intrest.
Trekking to Upper Mustang takes a total of 13 days. The Trek route takes you through the bank of Kali Gandaki River, rugged and sandy paths, and deserted landscapes. You need proper planning and preparation before trekking to the “Forbidden Kingdom”. Below you can get the brief planning of the Upper Mustang itinerary.
To trek Upper Mustang first you need to land at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). After landing you have two options. Either you board a plane to Pokhara or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. It will take 25 min from the flight and around 6 hours on the road. If you love traveling by road, driving is suggested. If you like an aerial view, a flight is recommended. You can choose as per your convenience and preference.
From Pokhara, you can take a quick flight to Jomson, and trek to Kagbeni or drive directly to there. Kagbeni is the gateway to Upper Mustang.
The cost of traveling to the Upper Mustang depends on various factors. There are certain constant payments needed before your trek to Upper Mustang like a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS).
To make your trekking experience memorable and hassle-free you can get the best Upper Mustang trek package from North Nepal Trek. North Nepal Trek provides a full board package that covers your cost for Meals (B/L/D), accommodation, Two-way transportation, and Guide fee. Also, provide you with a half-board package which does not include Lunch and Dinner.
It’s recommended to enter Nepal or any trekking trails like Upper Mustang Trek or Everest Three Pass Trek with proper travel insurance. Make sure that your travel insurance covers the trek up to an altitude of 4,000 m. Similarly, your travel insurance should cover medical expenses, injuries, and insurance for lost or damaged items.
Since this trek route is popular among trekkers, you won’t have any issues with accommodations and food. There are sufficient teahouses and lodges on the trial. One can share a room or live in a separate room.
Photo: Bedroom and dinning hall at the teahouose in Upper Mustang
Regarding food, you can get all kinds of food items. Those places are famous for organic Thakali cuisines which you should never miss during your trek. To make your trek hassle-free you can trek the Upper Mustang with the Trek packages, in which meals are always included in your packages.
Trekking to the Upper Mustang can turn from an easy to a challenging path so, it is recommended to remain fit and flexible. You can do stretching for flexibility. Do climbing, walking, short hikes, and physical activity to improve cardio. To increase the strength of the body do weightlifting.
Upper Mustang trek takes you above an altitude of 3,000 m which means oxygen level decreases as you trek above. You might suffer from Altitude Sickness. To prevent altitude Sickness, practice breathing exercises and acclimatization walk before your trek. Your guide will be equipped with a first aid kit. You can also bring the necessary medicines as well.
Upper Mustang is in the Tibetan plateau bordering Tibet therefore, its culture and tradition are deeply influenced by Tibet. The people of Upper Mustang follow the Tibetan Buddhist religion. Ritual chants, music, and prayers echo around the valley adding spiritual vibes in every step. Lo Manthang Mustang enchants you with its Monasteries, Mani walls, and Buddhist Gumbas.
Strolling around the whitewashed alley of Lo transcends you to the inner world of self-explorations.
From lifestyle to architecture, everything is inspired by the philosophy of Buddha and Tibet in Lo Manthang Mustang Nepal. It’s clearly visible in the Whitewashed houses, intricately designed monasteries, and vibrant festivals like the Teji festival which happens in May. Rituals to ancient Caves on the dry red hills, Buddha reverberates.
Upper Mustang celebrates various local festivals throughout the year. Their cultures, rituals, and traditions are influenced by Tibetan Buddhists. Due to isolation, the people of Mustang can save their ancient festivals and rituals to date. They celebrate Tiji Festival, Yartung Festival, and Loshar.
Tiji festival is an old mask dance festival celebrated in the walled city of Lo Manthang. This 3-days festival in Upper Mustang is celebrated in May. Three days long festival is celebrated with Buddhist rituals and monks performing dances. Monks perform the ritual dance by wearing vibrant masks and dresses in the courtyard of the Royal Palace of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang. Buddhist chantings and music echo all over the valley during the festival. This festival is inspired by Buddhist rituals and Vajrakilaya introduced by Guru Padmasambhava.
Tiji Festival celebrates the win of good over evil. During the three-day celebration, monks act out the cruelty of demons through dancing. This dance is called Socham. On the second day, they perform the Nag-Cham dance with various dances and masks. The 3-day is the grand celebration where all the locals come together to celebrate the Tiji festival with drums and monks chanting.
Tiji festivals in Upper Mustang region have now attracted a lot of locals and foreigners in the Lo Manthang due to their vibrant celebrations, folklore, and dancing.
Yartung Festival is another important festival you will encounter while trekking in the Upper Mustang of Nepal. Yartung Festival is a festival of Horse races, dancing, and cultural immersion for 3 days. All the villagers gather together to watch the horse race, sing, dance, and receive blessings from the Lama in August.
This festival offers a sight of horse races among local, and royal participants, and stunning landscapes of Mustang. This festival is celebrated as a farewell to summer in Mustang region. Celebration of Buddha's teaching. Feel a sense of gratitude for all the good things. Offer to Buddha and receive blessing from the seniors. If you happen to trek Upper Mustang in August, Yartung festival offers close exposure to local culture and traditions, harmony, and of course skilled horsemen.
Lhosar is another festival celebrated in the Upper Mustang region which marks New Year according to the Tibetan Lunar calendar. It is a 3-day event where locals visit the houses of one another to receive blessings from the elders.
Lhosar marks the new beginning with hope, health, and good fortune ending the bad old days. During Lhosar, locals perform their dances and sing. It is all about harmony and celebration of life. Festivals like Lhosar play a major role in the protection and promotion of local culture and festivals.
You will be trekking above the altitude of 2000 m. from Sea level. There is a high possibility of getting altitude sickness at the altitude of the Upper Mustang trek if you are a beginner. Below are symptoms and prevention majors during the time of Altitude sickness.
The most important and foremost prevention is to descend. Do not force yourself to climb up the trail of Upper Mustang if you are feeling altitude sickness. Follow the strict instructions of the guide as they are certified and professional in their field. Other informational preventive measures include:
Every trekking route is challenging in its way and the Upper Mustang trek is no exception. It has its own challenges and difficulties. One of the key challenges might be its distance and altitude. It’s located in the northern part of the Annapurna region surrounded by dry hills and arid landscapes. Walking arid desert all day might overwhelm you. Similarly, you might suffer from altitude sickness in the Upper Mustang altitude which is above 3,000 m.
Another challenge could be the availability of accommodation facilities. Teahouses and lodges are found 24/7 during the spring season and autumn seasons. These two seasons have the busiest time full of trekkers. During winter, you might face problems with accommodations as local drops to the lower region of Mustang to prevent extreme cold and heavy snowfall. And rarely do trekkers walk the route of Upper Mustang.
The best way to tackle challenges in remote areas with high altitudes is to take a professional guide with you. This is very important. Similarly, do not climb up if you suffer from breathing problems. Listen to your guide. If you are trekking Upper Mustang in winter, prepare yourself with necessary items such as tents, sufficient food supplies, a sleeping bag, and winter clothes that can withstand extreme cold.
Upper Mustang might prove you wrong if you assume there is no sign of wildlife or flora in the dry landscapes. In fact, it is a habitat for various endangered and rare flora and wildlife. You can wildlife such as Snow leopards, Himalayan blue sheep, Griffon vultures, Lynx. You must be lucky enough to spot them while traveling.
Though Mustang does not have big trees it is filled with medicinal herbs & vegetations such as Jimbu, Kutki, Jatamanshi, and Panchoule. They are considered rare species with medicinal properties often used by locals.
Over time, they are in the verse of extinction due to various reasons. Climate Change being the top contributor. Upper Mustang Trek Blog titled "Climate Change in Upper Mustang, Nepal" will inform about the effect of clomate change in the Mustang region. However, efforts are being made by local authorities for their conservation. Experiments and research work are done to study. Local authority and Local people of Upper Mustang are working collectively. Awareness is being raised. Local authorities are documenting for future use. Preventing wildlife and flora from extinction is the collective effort of people around the world.
The landscape of Upper Mustang is majestic. Vast arid valleys, views of mountain peaks, Caves in reed-stained dry hills, Monasteries, and Locals are the gems of the Upper Mustang trek. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to capture those memories while you are trekking. Here are a few photography tips you can use.
Photo: Jeep road through Dry landscape and Red hills of Upper Mustang region.
Upper Mustang, the city of Lo, will take you on a lifetime adventure in its exquisite landscapes and spiritual journey. As you walk through ancient villages, windy trails, red-stained dry hills, and cheerful local people, the Forbidden Kingdom will give you unforgettable memories of love and inspiration. Upper Mustang is not just a walk but your chance to reflect on your life as you immerse yourself in the life and culture of local people living in the higher regions of deserted terrains.
Yes, hours of walking in the dry trial might tire you. Being surrounded by dry hills might overwhelm you, but remember why you initiated your journey to Upper Mustang? This is your moment to collect memories and tell the story back home. This is your moment to explore and discover.
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