Upper Mustang Trek Blog

  • Ganesh Adhikari
  • Last Updated on Feb 14, 2024

The Upper Mustang trek is an exquisite adventure that takes you into the heart of the former Kingdom of Lo, a restricted area until 1992. This trek offers a rare glimpse into the well-preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture, centuries-old monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes of the Mustang region in Nepal. 

The Upper Mustang trek is a cultural odyssey, passing through picturesque villages with traditional Tibetan architecture, prayer wheels, and stupas. The trek provides stunning views of snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and high desert plateaus, including the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. 

Whether you're an avid trekker dreaming of conquering high mountain passes or a cultural enthusiast yearning to witness ancient traditions, the Upper Mustang trek offers an unforgettable adventure. This Upper Mustang trek blog provides you with all the information you need to know before joining the trek.

 

Table of Contents

Major attractions of Upper Mustang

  • Lo Manthang: The walled capital of Upper Mustang, Lo Manthang is a medieval town with narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and an ancient palace. Visit monasteries like 'Jampa Lhakhang, Tubchen Gompa, Chodey Gompa, and Choprang Gompa'.
  • Ghar Gompa (Lo Gekar): Ghar Gompa is one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal. It is known for its ancient murals, sculptures, and religious artifacts. The gompa provides insight into the region's rich Tibetan Buddhist history.
  • Chhoser Cave: Discover the fascinating cave homes carved into the cliffs of Chhoser. These ancient caves were used for meditation and living spaces. You also explore Garphu and Nymph gompas. 
  • Tiji Festival: If your visit coincides with the Tiji Festival, you're in for a treat. This three-day event celebrates the triumph of good over evil, featuring colorful masked dances, rituals, and ceremonies.
  • Kali Gandaki River Valley: Trek along the Kali Gandaki River Valley, surrounded by stunning landscapes, unique rock formations, and picturesque villages. Follow the Kali Gandaki gorge, which is the deepest gorge in the world. 
  • Dhakmar and Tsarang Monasteries: Dhakmar Monastery, with its red cliffs and ancient paintings, and Tsarang Monastery, known for its large collection of scriptures and artifacts, are cultural gems along the trekking route.
  • Ghami Village: Ghami is one of the oldest and most picturesque villages in Upper Mustang. Explore its ancient alleys, traditional houses, and the unique architecture of its monasteries.
  • Dhumba Lake: Dhumba Lake is a serene, high-altitude lake surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. It's a perfect spot for a tranquil break during your trek.
  • Yara and Luri Gompa: Yara is a remote village with ancient cliffside caves, and nearby Luri Gompa features a sacred cave with remarkable murals and sculptures.
  • Jomsom: Jomsom is the tourist hub in the region and offers many modern services. It is the starting and ending point of the Upper Mustang trek. 
  • Kagbeni: Kagbeni is a beautiful medieval village with mud/brick houses and narrow alleys. There are some high-end hotels also located here.

Upper Mustang Trek Blog

Why is the Upper Mustang a restricted area?

Upper Mustang is the northern part of Nepal and shares a border with Tibet, which makes this area politically sensitive. Likewise, the Mustang region has the world's greatest concentration of human-craved cliff caves, and most of them still have to be discovered. 

These caves carry priceless civilization importance along with many antiques and old paintings. Some surveyed caves also had treasure. As most of the caves are located on highly unstable rocks, it's difficult to reach them and therefore, remain unexamined. 

Similarly, Upper Mustang is home to many natural elements and a fossil called Ammonites (Saligram), which are 145 to 210 million years old. Finally, the "ancient Tibetan Buddhist cultural heritage, monasteries" dating back to the 15th century, and the raw trans-Himalayan ecosystem found in Upper Mustang make this region quite vulnerable. 

So, to protect and preserve all these things, Nepal has made the Upper Mustang a restricted area. After the region was opened for foreign travelers in 1992, the government implemented strict rules and a special permit that lowers access to the region and keeps it reserved. 

Upper Mustang Trek Blog

Upper Mustang trek distance

If you follow the standard 16-day Upper Mustang trek itinerary (Jomsom - Lo Manthang - Jomsom), it covers approximately 130 kilometers (81 miles). However, based on your Upper Mustang Trek itinerary, the distance may differ by a few kilometers. 

Our Upper Mustang trek starts/ends with travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and a short flight to Jomsom and vice versa. Jomsom is the starting and ending of our trek. Expect to walk 6 to 7 hours a day, covering around 11 kilometers (7 miles) daily on average.

Upper Mustang trekking route

You start your journey to Upper Mustang from Jomsom, a beautiful village located at 2,743 meters (8,999 ft). To reach here, first, you need to drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, which takes 6 to 7 hours, and then hop on a short 20-minute flight to Jomsom the following day. 

You spend the first night in Kagbeni, which is located around 50 meters above Jomsom and takes 3 to 4 hours to walk. The walking distance is 10.7 kilometers (6.6 miles). The Upper Mustang begins from Kagbeni onwards. Exploring the daily lifestyle of communities like Thakali and Gurung, you ascend via high settlements and mountain passes.

The trail goes through narrow alleys, canyons, and sand deserts. On the way, come across white-ashed houses, unique rock formations, stupas, Chortens, and mani walls. Spend nights in villages such as Chele, Syanbochen, and Tsarang before you reach Lo Manthang.

Lo Manthang is the capital of Upper Mustang and is also known as the walled city or the last forbidden kingdom. Among all the passes you will cross on the way to Lo Manthang, Nyi La (4,050 m/13,287 ft) is the highest. It is also the highest point you touch during the Upper Mustang trek in Nepal.

Spend two nights in Lo Manthang before returning following the high route via Dhakmar, Ghiling, and Samar villages. Once again, you will trek past Kagbeni and continue to Jomsom, where the trek ends. You also have the option to take a detour to Muktinath Temple from Kagbeni. It is a significant pilgrimage site in Nepal.

Upper Mustang Trek Blog

Best Upper Mustang Trek itinerary 2024

Below, we have mentioned the best Upper Mustang trek itinerary for 2024. You can complete this trek in 16 days, including your arrival and departure to/from Kathmandu and all the other travels between the start and end of the trek. 

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara; 6-7 hours (200.5 km/124.5 miles)

Day 03: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,743 m/8,999 ft), and trek to Kagbeni (2,800 m/9,500 ft); 20 minutes flight & 3-4 hours trek (11.4 km/7 miles)

Day 04: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3,055 m/10,025 ft); 5-6 hours (11.2 km/6.9 miles)

Day 05: Trek from Chele to Syanbochen (3,800 m/12,467 ft) via Taklam La (3,624 m/11,890 ft) and Dajori La (3,735 m/12,254 ft) passes; 6-7 hours (11.5 km/7.1 miles)

Day 06: Trek from Syanbochen to Tsarang (3,620m/11,874ft) via Yamada La (3,850 m/12,631 ft), Nyi La (4,050 m/13,287 ft), and Tsarang La (3,920 m/12,861 ft)passes; 5-6 hours (20 km/12.4 miles)

Day 07: Trek from Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3,840 m/12,598 ft) via Lo La pass (3,950 m/12,959 ft); 5 hours (11 km/6.8 miles)

Day 08: Explore Tibet Border, Niphu, Garphu, and villages in the north of Lo-Manthang

Day 09: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Dhakmar (3,810 m/12,500 ft) via Ghar Gumba (Lo Gekar Monastery); 6 hours (17.2 km/10.6 miles)

Day 10: Trek from Dhakmar to Ghiling (3,570 m/11,712 ft); 5-6 hours (14.3 km/8.8 miles)

Day 11: Trek from Ghiling to Samar (3,330 m/10,925 ft) via Dajong La (3,660 m/12,008 ft) and Taklam La (3,624 m/11,890 ft); 6-7 hours (14 km/8.6 miles)

Day 12: Trek from Samar to Kagbeni (2,800 m/9,500 ft); 5-6 hours (13.1 km/8.1 miles)

Day 13: Trek from Kagbeni to Jomsom (2,743 m/8,999 ft); 3-4 hours (10.7 km/6.6 miles)

Day 14: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (8,22 m/2,697 ft); 20 minutes

Day 15: Drive (or fly) back to Kathmandu (1,400 m/4,593 ft); 6-7 hours drive or 25 minutes flight (200.5 km/124.5 miles)

Day 16: Transfer to the international airport for final departure

This is a General trek itinerary if you have limited time in Nepal. Contact us for a tailor-made trek itinerary. Check out the Upper Mustang trek map to clearly understand.

Upper Mustang Trek Blog

Upper Mustang trek variations

You explore Upper Mustang following different itineraries as well. For instance, someone who can do long treks can opt for the Upper Mustang Tour. This tour lasts from 7 to 12 days and lets you explore the Mustang quite comfortably. 

One of the other best times to do the Upper Mustang trek in Nepal is during the annual Tiji Festival. It is celebrated grandly for three days in Lo Manthang. In 2024 the Tiji festival will be celebrated on 5, 6, and 7 May. You opt for a trek or a tour venture. 

Likewise, you combine the Annapurna Circuit with the Upper Mustang trek or extend the Upper Mustang trek to Upper Dolpo. With us, Ace Vision Treks, freely customize the Upper Mustang trek itinerary as per your requirements and budget. Our experienced team designs the perfect itinerary for your magical journey.

Upper Mustang trek cost

The Upper Mustang trek cost starts at USD 1,899 per person.  We are offering a special package that allows you to do this trek at just USD 1,799 per person. 

Similarly, the Mustang Tiji festival trek cost starts at USD 1,955 per person. For the time being, we are offering a discount on the Upper Mustang trek package as well, so you book the Tiji festival trek at USD 1,855 per person. 

Do note that two trekkers are required to join this trek if you are thinking of a private trek. Or, join any of our fixed departures for Upper Mustang Trek 2024 if you are a solo traveler. 

If you have any questions regarding our Upper Mustang trek cost, contact us at [email protected] or [email protected].

All-inclusive Upper Mustang Trek Package 2024

Our all-inclusive Upper Mustang trek 16 days package includes the following things:

  • All ground transfers as per itinerary
  • 2-night Delux accommodations in Kathmandu On a BB basis
  • 2-night accommodations in Pokhara on a BB basis
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during the trekking
  • Lodge or tea house accommodation during the trek
  •  Upper Mustang Restricted Area permits
  • Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit
  • TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) fee
  • An experienced English-speaking trekking guide
  • Porters to carry luggage (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Staff food, accommodation, salary & insurance
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
  • All governmental procedure
  • T-shirt from company and trek certificate
  • Duffel bag, Dawn jacket (to be returned at the end of the trek)

Things that our Upper Mustang trek cost doesn't include:

  • Your travel insurance
  • Nepal tourist visa
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
  • Personal expenses such as shopping, additional stay in Kathmandu or Pokhara, and extra drinks and food
  • International flight fares
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for trekking crews
  • Any other expenses that are not mentioned on the price include sections

Upper Mustang Trek Blog

Upper Mustang Trekking permits 

To do the Upper Mustang trek, you will need the following permits:

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP): USD 500 per person for the first 10 days, then USD 50 per person per day thereafter

Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP): USD 10 per person for SAARC nationals and USD 30 per person for other nationals

*Important note: 

i) You cannot get a restricted area permit by yourself or with the help of an independent guide. A local tour trekking company like ours can only help you get the permits, so you have to join an organized Upper Mustang trekking.

ii) The permits are non-transferable and non-refundable. Multiple entries are not allowed. 

iii) You have to trek in a group of at least two trekkers. You cannot count your Upper Mustang trek guide or a porter as a member of the group.

Upper Mustang trek difficulty

The Upper Mustang trekking is moderate to difficult. It means anyone can do this trek, including beginner trekkers. The only catch is the trekker should be fit and hiking at least 6 hours a day. The Upper Mustang terrain and climate are entirely different from any other trekking region in Nepal. 

Even though the altitude gain during Upper Mustang trekking is quite minimal than other treks in Nepal, the trans-Himalayan climate and offbeat terrain keep this trek on the difficult side. On the way to Lo Manthang, you will cross many passes, including Nyi La (4,050 m/13,287 ft) and Lo La pass (3,950 m/12,959 ft). 

Similarly, unlike the famous EBC and ABC treks, the tourist infrastructure along the Upper Mustang trail is very poor. The trekking route is equipped with simple tea houses, and you will get simple meals. Apart from them, the Upper Mustang trail has facilities such as WiFi, a cellular network, ATMs, a vast food variety, etc. 

So, if you are planning to do the Upper Mustang trekking, you have to be fit and adjust to the limited facilities during the journey. Your endurance, patience, and perseverance matter a lot on this trek. Do the below things to prepare for the Upper Mustang trek:

  • Book the trek early and start preparing physically and mentally for the journey.
  • Regular walks, day hikes, and exercise will help you a lot in building the stamina and endurance needed for the trek.
  • Meet your doctor and get his opinion on high altitude and if it can affect your health in any way. 
  • Research the trail, locals, and the climate to set the right expectations for the trek. 
  • Book your round flight to/from Kathmandu. Booking early may provide you with a discount. 
  • Start arranging trekking clothes, gear, and other essentials. You can buy everything upon reaching Kathmandu. There are many gear shops in Thamel. Likewise, if you are on a budget, you can rent trekking clothes and gear for USD 1 to USD 3 per day. 
  • If you are planning to get a brand new pair of trekking boots, get them early and wear them a few times before the trek starts. This guide helps you avoid blisters during trekking. 

Upper Mustang Trek Blog

Accommodations on the Upper Mustang trek

On the Upper Mustang trek, there are tea house accommodations available. They are made up of bricks and mud and mostly painted white. Both single and shared rooms are available, though twin-shared rooms are common. The rooms are small and neat. There is no heating system in the rooms so you will need a sleeping bag for that extra warmth. 

Only some tea houses have private washrooms. Most of the time, the washrooms are communal. Likewise, squat toilets are more common than western toilets. You do have to carry toilet paper, paper soap, and other toiletries. Hot showers are not available everywhere and can cost you USD 2 to USD 4 each time. 

The dining area in the tea houses is like a common area with large tables and a center firewood place. You warm up and mingle with fellow trekkers here. Dining is the warmest place in the tea house. Some tea houses offer gas heaters in rooms for a few bucks.

*Note: In villages like Jomsom, Kagbeni, and Lo Manthang, you have the option to upgrade to semi-luxury tea houses with better rooms and private washrooms. Extra charges apply.

What kind of food is available during the Upper Mustang trek?

Along the Upper Mustang trail, the food options are a bit limited and almost similar in every tea house. Nepali and Tibetan dishes are mostly found on the menu, with a handful of Western options like burgers, sandwiches, pasta, etc, in some places. Some common food options are dal bhat, momos, chow-mien, Thukpa, thenduk, Tibetan bread, and porridge. 

For breakfast, you will get pancakes, porridge, toast, eggs, oats, sandwiches, and chapati. Likewise, butter tea, milk tea, black tea, lemon tea, black coffee, milk coffee, ginger honey tea, etc, are usually found in beverages. Other beverages like local wine, soft drinks, and energy drinks are also sold in the tea houses. 

Carry a reusable water bottle and use water purification tablets to treat it before drinking. Boiled water is available in tea shops and tea houses along the route and costs USD 1 to USD 2. Mineral water bottles are also available to buy, but they only create unnecessary waste and pollute the environment.

Upper Mustang Trek Blog

Electricity facility en route

Power cut-offs are normal in the villages in Upper Mustang. Therefore, locals highly rely on solar power. You will have no problem charging your cell phones and camera batteries during the trek, but the service may cost you a few bucks every time you charge. You might have to pay USD 2 to USD 3.

The tea houses have designated charging stations where trekkers can charge their devices. Most of the time, you will be charged per slot. We highly recommend you bring power banks and spare batteries for the journey. Likewise, some trekkers also prefer to carry a portable solar charger.

Internet connectivity en route

WiFi is available in villages like Jomsom and Kagbeni but may not be found in high-settlement areas. For the Upper Mustang trek, we recommend getting a tourist sim in Kathmandu. It comes with ample data to last throughout your trek. 

Talking cellular networks, it is also not available everywhere in Upper Mustang. However, you will get ample chances to send messages to your friends and family. Likewise, in some villages, you may also pay for a satellite phone call. 

Do note that Upper Mustang is a very remote area with poor communication infrastructure. It is better to not linger on sharing your journey during the trek and instead enjoy your time and share when you return to Pokhara.

Upper Mustang Trek Blog

Best time for Upper Mustang trekking

Like most treks in Nepal, the best time for the Upper Mustang trek is spring (March, April, May) and autumn (September, October, November). Not only that you can enjoy this trek in summer/monsoon (June, July, August) because the Upper Mustang is a rain shadow area and therefore does not receive rainfall.  

The weather, temperature, and climate in Upper Mustang are different from the rest of the Himalayas. It's dry, windy, and dusty. Instead of lush forests and verdant hills, there are barren meadows, sandy fields, rocky hills, and canyons. The only common thing is the unpredictable nature of the weather.

Upper Mustang trek in autumn (September, October, November)

Autumn is a popular time for trekking in Nepal because the weather and climate are just perfect for exploring the Himalayas in this season. The mild temperature in the daytime can drop significantly at higher elevations during the night. The temperature ranges from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F). 

A clear sky gives way to excellent visibility. The major challenge of the Upper Mustang trek in the autumn season is the crowd. Because of ideal weather conditions, many local and foreign tourists trek here in autumn. To escape the crowd, you can plan the trek at the start or end of the season. 

Upper Mustang trek in spring (March, April, May)

Spring is the second best time of the year to embark on the Upper Mustang trek. Spring also brings mild and comfortable temperatures to the region. Daytime temperatures in Lower Mustang can range from 16°C to 25°C (61°F to 77°F), making it a pleasant time for trekking. Compared to autumn, spring nights are generally warmer, but the temperature still drops immensely.

While the region itself is arid, the surrounding mountains may still have remnants of snow from the winter season, providing a picturesque backdrop to your trek. It makes trekking in the spring season surreal. The weather remains quite stable, with a clear sky and fantastic landscapes. Likewise, if you are trekking in May, you can arrange your trekking date to coincide with the Tiji Festival. 

Upper Mustang Trek Blog

Upper Mustang trek in summer/monsoon (June, July, August)

Unlike other trekking routes in Nepal, you can do the Upper Mustang trek in summer/monsoon. This is the time of the year when all the trekking routes in the Himalayas get closed because of unfavorable weather and trail conditions. However, the Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo remain open as these two regions do not receive rainfall. 

Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo are the rainshadow areas in Nepal. They are located under the shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, which prevents rainfall and results in a dry, desert-like terrain and climate. And because of that, you can trek in these two regions even during the peak monsoon time.

Once you enter the upper part of Mustang (above Kagbeni), you do not have to worry about rainfall or bad trail conditions. Likewise, the number of trekkers in this season is also very low, making the trail quiet and serene. The temperature ranges from 13°C to 22°C (55°F to 72°F). We highly recommend you plan your trek and stay updated with the weather if you are planning to do it in summer/monsoon. 

Upper Mustang trek in winter (December, January, February)

Winter brings extreme cold in the Upper Mustang. Even the locals living at higher elevations drop down to lower altitudes to spend the winter and return to their villages once the cold subsides. Therefore, winter is considered the off-season for trekking in the Upper Mustang. There are almost no tourists and some tea houses are closed. 

On a good note, winter often brings clear and crisp skies, offering stunning views of the snow-covered landscapes and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The visibility is generally good, allowing for excellent photography opportunities. Daytime temperatures may range from -5°C to 10°C (23°F to 50°F), and nighttime temperatures can drop well below freezing. 

The hiking trail is covered with snow and ice. Likewise, the daylight hour is short and the landscapes sometimes may get obstructed with fog or gloomy days. Another drawback of winter trekking is Jomsom flight delays and cancellations. So, trekkers need to be well-prepared and have contingency days in their itinerary. 

Upper Mustang Trek Blog

ATM and where to withdraw money during the Upper Mustang trek

We recommend you withdraw enough money to use during the Upper Mustang trek in Kathmandu, Pokhara. You will have a hassle-free service. There are a few ATMs in Jomsom as well where you can take out the cash. 

Likewise, in Kagbeni and Lo Manthang, there are some small private bank branches but no ATMs. Make sure to carry cash in Nepali currency to use during the trek. Cards and foreign currency are not expected in most places.

Travel insurance for Upper Mustang trek

Upper Mustang is remote, so travel insurance is important if you wish to travel here. Because of limited vehicle accessibility and barely any health service providers along the Upper Mustang trail, travel insurance plays a vital role in case of emergency. 

The Upper Mustang trek includes risks of altitude sickness, injuries, and uncertain circumstances. In an emergency, travel insurance helps us to provide you with immediate helicopter rescue and medical assistance. So, make sure to get well-covered travel insurance for the high passes Nepal trekking. 

Travel insurance for the Upper Mustang trek must include medical bills and helicopter rescue up to 5,000 meters. You can also include other things like baggage loss/theft, flight cancellations, etc, in the travel insurance. Carry the insurance documents with you during the trek and make some copies as well.

Upper Mustang Trek Blog

Upper Mustang Trek Tips

  • Use a high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against intense sun at high altitudes.
  • Consider using trekking poles for stability, especially during descents.
  • Walk slowly and ascend with care. Enjoy your time, and do not rush.
  • Adjust to available food options and indulge in local cuisine like Dal Bhat, Tibetan Bread, and Tibetan noodles.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking at least 2-3 liters of water daily.
  • Carry a small trash bag to pack your waste and keep the trails clean.
  • While sharing the trails with domestic animals stay on the cliff side.
  • Carry a detailed map and a reliable compass.
  • Respect local customs and traditions. Ask for permission before taking photographs of locals.
  • Carry a basic first aid kit with essentials, like bandages, pain relievers, and blister treatment.
  • Know the emergency contact numbers and the location of the nearest medical facilities.
  • Pack energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits for quick snacks on the tra
  • Ensure a good night's sleep to aid in acclimatization. Use earplugs and an eye mask to block out noise and light in teahouses.
  • If you are planning to fly a drone in the region, get the permission first. 

Upper Mustang Trek Blog

Frequently asked questions of Upper Mustang trek

Why join the Upper Mustang trek in Nepal?

Upper Mustang trek is one of the famous trekking routes in Nepal, with views and experience, unlike any other region. You get to witness a very unimaginable side of the Himalayas in the Upper Mustang, which makes this trek very appealing. 

What is the best season for trekking in the Upper Mustang?

The best seasons for trekking in the Upper Mustang are spring, autumn, and summer/monsoon. These seasons have ideal weather and climate conditions for trekking. 

How do I get fit for the Upper Mustang trek?

To get fit for the Upper Mustang trek, go on regular walks and exercise. You can do activities such as cycling, swimming, running, and day hiking as well. Build your strength, stamina, endurance, and leg muscles.

How to identify and prevent AMS on the Upper Mustang trek? 

These are some of the early symptoms of altitude sickness that will help you identify it- persistent headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, difficulty in breathing, and insomnia. If you get any of these symptoms inform your guide and take first aid under his guidance. 

What type of accommodation can I expect while trekking in the Upper Mustang trek?

The Upper Mustang trek has basic tea house accommodations. The rooms are small but clean and cozy. Twin shared rooms are common. There is nothing much in the room other than two beds and a table. 

Do I need a trekking permit for the Upper Mustang trek?

Yes, you will need a permit for the Upper Mustang trek. 

Why Upper Mustang Trek with Ace Vision Treks & Tours?

We, Ace Vision Treks & Tours, have the best Upper Mustang trek cost and incredible service. Our many years of expertise in the mountains and vast network throughout the Himalayas make any trek with us safe and hassle-free. We assure fixed departures, flexible itineraries, the best cost, and a safe trek for our guests in Nepal.

How difficult is the Upper Mustang trek?

The Upper Mustang trek is a moderate/difficult trek. One can join this trek without previous experience if they have good fitness and health. The trekking route is not technically difficult but involves long walking and limited facilities.

How many days is the Upper Mustang trek?

The Upper Mustang trek goes from 12 to 16 days. You, explore Upper Mustang in 7 to 10 days by opting for an overland tour. 

How much does it cost to trek the Upper Mustang?

The Upper Mustang trek cost starts at USD 1,999 per person and can go above USD 3,500 per person as per the itinerary and services included in the package. Contact us for special offers.

Is the Upper Mustang trek worth it?

Yes, the Upper Mustang trek is worth doing. You will not regret exploring this part of the Himalayas. The trekking experience during the Upper Mustang trek is very different and gratifying. 

Can we go to Upper Mustang by bus?

No, you cannot go to Upper Mustang by bus but you can travel there via jeep. The road condition is not good but fine enough for driving. 

Where does the Upper Mustang start?

The Upper Mustang trek starts and ends in Jomsom if you follow the standard route. You may take a short flight in and out of Jomsom from Pokhara. 

How far is Mustang from Kathmandu?

Mustang is located around 206 kilometers (128 miles) from Kathmandu. However, the road distance is 422.5 kilometers (262.5 miles). 

Is there snowfall in Upper Mustang?

Yes, snow falls in Upper Mustang in the winter season. So, you can expect snowfall here from mid-December through January and up to mid-February.

What animals are in the Upper Mustang?

In Upper Mustang, wildlife like musk deer, snow leopard, and Tibetan argali are found along with Himalayan griffon, lammergeyer, and golden eagle. 

Conclusion

We hope this Upper Mustang Trek blog has answered most of your queries related to Mustang trekking. Like any other trek in the Himalayas, the Upper Mustang trek also demands effort and hard walking but, in return, offers lifetime views and experiences. If you have any other questions for us, feel free to contact us.

We hope you had a good time going through this well-curated Upper Mustang Trek blog 2024!

 

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Ganesh Adhikari

Ganesh Adhikari

Ganesh is an adventure outdoor enthusiast originally from Gorkha, Nepal. I hiked Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, and Manaslu region and the most famous teahouse trekking in Nepal.  Besides Hiking, I provide online travel packages for travelers to value their time with family and friends. As well, I always provide updated travel information about the Himalayas! what's Going on? let's keep and touch with me for an unforgettable travel experience in a lifetime. I organize private tours for hikers per your interest and time frame.

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