The Upper Mustang Trek is considered one of the best treks in Nepal because of the landscape, weather, tradition and more, which are completely unique to this region. This mildly difficult trek with several ascents and descent takes you to some of the most beautiful villages like Kagbeni, Chele, Syanboche, Ghami, Charang, and finally to Lo Manthang. These villages are surrounded by more than 35 mountains over 6000 meters, always ready to leave you awe-inspired. Lo Manthang is a walled ancient kingdom bound to make you feel like you travelled some hundreds of years into the past. This village is famous for the palace of the former king and the outstanding views one can get from there. Several ancient sky caves (yes, sky caves) can also be seen.
Walking past rivers, streams, monasteries, chhortens, forests, beautiful antique houses and caves you will finally complete this trek. Upper Mustang Trek takes you to the highest altitude of just 3800 meters in the village of Drakmar. This also makes this trek a moderately difficult one.
Some terrain in the Upper Mustang Trek region makes you feel like trekking in Tibet due to it being a part of the Tibetan plateau. Hiking on the trail is also an amazing chance to observe the unique culture and traditions of people living in Upper Mustang. Some splendid views of the snow-peaked mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges can be seen during this trek. For the Upper Mustang Trek, the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) and Restricted Area Trek permits are both required.
Upper Mustang Trek Highlights
- Reach the ancient kingdom of Lo Manthang and visit various historical places
- Breathtaking views of mountains like Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna I
- Learn about the Tibetan Buddhism culture, the rare Bon religion and ethnic people known as Lo Pa
- Explore several caves dwellings, and houses partially built in caves
- Explore famous places like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Jomsom, Kagbeni, Lo Manthang, etc.
- A 25-minute scenic flight over the Himalayas from Pokhara to Jomsom
- View the majestic Kaligandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world
- Stay at beautiful villages in rugged terrain near shortens, gompas and monasteries
- See the beauty of Annapurna Conservation Area and the Restricted Area of Upper Mustang
- Walk past rhododendron, oak and pine forests with an opportunity to see various exotic animals
- Cross several mountain passes which are also amazing viewpoints
- Visit UNESCO world heritage sites like Durbar Squares, temples and stupas
Upper Mustang Trekking Route
You take a plane flight from Pokhara to Jomsom from where the trekking starts. You will trek to Chele and Syangboche. The next day, you will reach Ghami crossing the Yamada La, Nyi La, and Ghemi La pass. You will then cross Tsarang La Pass to reach Charang. The next day, you will reach Lo Manthang where you spend another day exploring the village and also as a part of acclimatization.
From Lo Manthang, you will trek further to Drakmar, Ghling, Chhuksang, and finally to Jomsom. You will fly to Pokhara and finally to Kathmandu from there.
Weather and Best For Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang lies in the rain-shadow area so you can trek to this region in the summer (monsoon) season as there is little to no rainfall. In fact, some places of this region look so heavenly with the monsoon alpine flowers blooming. The average temperature of the region is about 10-degree celsius. However, it can get as low as -15 °C in winter making it almost impossible to trek.
All the major festivals, cultural programs are held in summer in this region. So trekking in summer provides you with a great opportunity to explore the culture and lifestyle of local people. If you can endure the cold temperature, you can trek in other seasons as well.
Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty
The Upper Mustang Trek falls in Moderate Plus grading. You have to trek on terrains of high-altitude regions. The trail might get difficult and steep in some places. You have to walk for 5-6 hours a day in barren rocky terrains. So, you need to be physically and mentally fit to do this trek.
Suggested Preparation:
- We highly recommend you to be involved in 45 minutes of cardio exercises (running, swimming, jogging, cycling) 3 - 4 times a week for a minimum of 3 weeks before your scheduled trip.
- If you are coming for trekking in the Himalayas you should consider stair climbing for a week for three months prior to departure.
Food and Accommodation During Upper Mustang Trek
Trekking in the remote area of the Upper Mustang is also a chance to live a simple life away from worldly pleasures in the lap of the Himalayas. It is an experience in itself staying at tea houses providing minimalistic food like soup, noodles, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, dal bhat, fried rice, eggs, etc., and simple accommodation. Three meals are provided in a day. During this stay, the way of life and tradition of locals can also be observed.
