Alternative Packages of Upper Mustang trek
We have many Upper Mustang trek packages that you can check here. You can also tailor-made upper Mustang trek itinerary with us. We have opened the booking for Upper Mustang trek 2022 autumn along with advance booking for Upper Mustang trek 2023/2024. For more information about advance booking, you can talk to our travel consultant.
These are some other restricted area trekking packages in Nepal- Manaslu circuit trek, Kanchenjunga circuit trek, Makalu base camp trek, and Upper Dolpo trek. These trekking packages are very strenuous and only recommended for experienced trekkers.
Upper Mustang trek difficulty
Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate trek, however the remoteness of the region makes the journey strenuous. During the trek, you will walk 6 to 7 hours a day, crossing several passes. There will be many landslide-prone areas and steep & rocky paths. Following off beaten tracks, you walk through meadows and gorges. You have to be physically and mentally strong to join Upper Mustang Trekking. As the altitude increases, the air will get thinner, which makes trekking more difficult.
Altitude sickness on Upper Mustang trek
If your body does not acclimatize to the elevation during the Upper Mustang trek Nepal, there are chances of altitude sickness. But do not worry, we have added ample rest days to our Upper Mustang Trek itinerary. Likewise, we have also maintained a steady rise in elevation each day. And our experienced guide will take care of you during the trek.
Below are the symptoms of altitude sickness:
nausea
loss of appetite
headache
insomnia
shortness of breath
Preventive measures:
do not climb more than 500 meters a day
have a rest day after walking every 3 to 4 days
drink plenty of water
no smoking and alcohol
avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours
eat a light but high-calorie diet
Why is the Upper Mustang restricted?
Several reasons have made Upper Mustang a restricted area. Read below to know more in detail about it.
The Upper Mustang trekking area has an open border with Tibet, and to maintain border security & decrease illegal activities between the two countries, the Nepal government has imposed restricted area permits over Upper Mustang.
Upper Mustang has the world's greatest concentration of human-craved cliff caves, which is yet to be explored. Moreover, a priceless ancient treasure has been found under the tunnel cave as well.
As most of the caves are located on high unstable rocks, it is impossible to reach there. The caves that are explored over the years are the homes of people thousands of years ago. Many antiques and old paintings on the crumbling walls are seen in those caves.
Upper Mustang is also home to the most exceptional Uranium on Earth. Moreover, the region also has multiple sources of mine and other elements.
The region has preserved the ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture and raw Himalayan nature. The Lo Manthang is the last Buddhist kingdom of Nepal.
A fossil around 145 to 210 million years old is found in the Upper Mustang. It is called Saligram or Ammonites.
Best time to do trek to Upper Mustang trek
The best time for Upper Mustang Trek is from March to April and October to November, which means spring & autumn. The weather is mostly stable, with bright days and clear views. There will be a little hint of coolness in the mornings and nights. Likewise, you can see numerous species of flowers and vegetation along the way in spring, whereas in autumn, you will be observing the biggest festivals celebrated in Nepal.
Upper Mustang trek in Monsoon during the Tiji festival
May is another great time to go on Upper Mustang Trek 17 Days. The locals of Upper Mustang celebrate their major festival called Tiji in May. The festival lasts for three days, and you can see a very unique & vibrant practice. Likewise, the temperature ranges from 16 to 22 degrees C in May.
One of the best things about trekking in the Upper Mustang is that you can traverse the area in the monsoon as well. Upper Mustang falls under the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Therefore, the region receives almost no rain during the monsoon. You might face heavy rain in the first few days while moving through the lower Mustang, but other than that, monsoon is another great time of the year to go on this trek.
Accommodation during Upper Mustang trek
Upper Mustang trek is a tea house trek. The trail has a good facility of teahouses to accommodate the trekkers. It's a simple accommodation service that comes with shared rooms and common toilets. Make sure to carry a sleeping bag because the blanket given in the tea house will not be enough to keep you warm. Plus, a sleeping bag will make it more comfortable for you to sleep.
Meals during Upper Mustang trek
Unlike other trekking routes, the Upper Mustang trail offers mostly Nepali and Tibetan dishes on the menu. You'll have lots of meal options though, including the delicious dal bhat, Tibetan bread, a variety of stirred-fried veggies & curries, sandwiches, momo, noodles, etc. The snack options in the tea shops are limited and expensive, so stock enough to last you while trekking.
Drinking water is available in all the teahouses. You can refill your water bottle free of cost. Buying mineral water bottles every time will cost you an absurd amount of money and is also not good for the environment. Instead, carry water purification tablets to double purify the water.
Travel Insurance for Upper Mustang trek
Travel insurance is a must for the Upper Mustang trek. This remote part of Nepal has not connected to any cities, nor the trail has good health care infrastructure. If you face any injury or altitude sickness that cannot be treated with first aid, the only option left with us is to air evacuate to a hospital in Kathmandu. Without travel insurance, it's difficult to convince the rescue provider to come and airlift you.
Trekking guide & team during Upper Mustang trek
We have a solid team for guiding the Upper Mustang trek. Our mountain guides are very knowledgeable about the terrain and the Mustang region. They will not only show you the safest trail, but also add lots of value to your journey. You'll get to learn a lot from them about the region and the locals. Our trekking guides are certified in various remote survivals, which makes them highly reliable. They can tackle any adverse situation calmly.
General information for Upper Mustang trek
Charging: You can pay a few bucks to charge your phone or camera in the teahouses. A solar charger, spare batteries, and power bank are some alternatives that will come in handy during the trek.
Internet: The internet facility on the Upper Mustang trail is not that great. A few villages have paid WiFi service, but then again, the internet connection may not be good. Better get a Nepali sim and use data.
Luggage: The duffel bag weight limit is 10 kg for each trekker. It is carried by a porter. You can carry another 5 kg of stuff in your day pack. Store the rest of the luggage in your hotel's locker room free of cost while trekking.
Permits: Upper Mustang trek needs RAP (Restricted Area Permit) from Kagbeni onwards. It costs USD 500 per person for the first 10 days and USD 50 per person each day after that. If you enter the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), then you'll also need an ACAP permit that costs USD 20 for a single entry.
Emergency contact: Contact us at info@welcomenepaltreks.com or give us a call at +977 9841767236 (Hari) for a quick response. You can also get in touch with us via Whatsapp & Viber on the same number.
ATM & money exchange: You'll get a chance to withdraw money in Jomsom. There is no ATM beyond this town. We suggest you get enough Nepali cash while trekking in Kathmandu or Pokhara. There are many ATMs in both cities on every corner that let you withdraw money using almost all kinds of cards. Similarly, there are money exchange centers in Thamel where you can exchange foreign currency or opt for the bank.
Nepal Visa: Nepal visa is given to people from all countries. Citizens of some selected countries can also get on-arrival visas in Nepal. You can get an arrival visa at all the entry points, including the Tribhuvan International Airport. If your country is not eligible for an on-arrival visa, then you can get it in your home country at Nepal's Embassy or consulate office.