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Upper Mustang Trek, a spectacular trekking experience, takes you to the secluded land of the old Buddhist Kingdom in Mustang, also known as the Lo Kingdom. This trek takes you to discover the concealed valley of Upper Mustang which was restricted until the early 90s. Lo kingdom, once part of the Tibetan empire, has a deep connection with Tibetan culture and tradition and highly resembles to Tibetan geography.
The isolation policy of the region has contributed to a highly preserved Tibetan culture and pristine nature. The restriction policy was enforced to protect its fragile ecology and culture. Mustang is located in the rain-protected area of Dhaulagiri massif creating a ruggedly barren landscape filled with rocks of different colours and impressive formations. This arid region is festooned with amazing white-washed houses, barley filed and chorten embellished with prayer flags and sculptures.
The walled settlement of Lo-manthang is full of myths and legends rather than recorded facts. Upper Mustang trekking surprises you with its magical mountain vistas, amazing high passes, and unique culture in the upper mustang trek package. Around 250 houses in Lo-Manthang comprise 4 castes: the royal castle, the everyday folk, the blacksmiths, the butchers, and millers. The sky burial and polyandry system are still in practice in the region which can be a unique experience for the travellers. Legend has it that Padmasambhava, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, came to Mustang to stand guard against and do battle with evil power who wants to destroy Buddhism.
The Upper Mustang trekking trail follows the ancient salt trade route which is a significant route to trade Tibetan salt for grain from the lowlands. As we approach the Lo La Pass (3950m), you can view the amazing medieval capital (Lo Manthang) in the distance, the white-washed 6-meter tall wall sticking out in sharp contrast to the arid landscape. It is the final destination of the trek.
Trekking to Lo Manthang is like stepping into a bygone era – completely different from the outside world upper mustang trekking route. A beautiful world of the narrow alleyway, age-old chortens, prayer flags, traditional farmers, and highly religious people. At Lo, we explore the royal palace, Amchi museum, and Amchi School. Amchi is a traditional doctor of the region. You can also hire ponies to visit Chhoser where you can discover small monasteries and age-old cave dwellings perched high above in the rocks and proceed mustang to upper mustang distance of 125 Km.
Upper Mustang was restricted until 1992 for foreign travellers and later on adjusted upper mustang trek price. The Upper Mustang trekking permit cost is USD 500 per week (to be arranged via a government-authorized trekking agency) and USD 50 per day per person.
With the increase in its popularity, it is possible to trek Upper Mustang in fully teahouse mode these days. Staying at a local teahouse adds more splash to the trek as you get a direct connection with local people and their culture. upper mustang temperature being quite normal and chilly can make your whole time awesome as the region lies in a rain shadow area, it is great to trek during the monsoon season (June – August). While November is still the best season to trek Mustang for its incredible scenery and friendly weather.
Short description of Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang, often known as "The Forbidden Kingdom of Lo," was considered a restricted territory and fully off-limits to foreigners until 1992, while Lower Mustang tourism began in the late 1970s. Early tourism to the area was severely constrained and controlled. Locals were not allowed to construct lodges; instead, trekking organizations ran camping excursions and brought all of their supplies along. Locals who had level camping areas or horses they could rent out for a day trip from Lo Manthang were the ones who had the most financial opportunities. The Lopa was guaranteed 60% of the money made from the substantial $500 Upper Mustang permit price as compensation. This cash would be invested back into the neighbourhood to build infrastructure and services, pay for the preservation of cultural treasures, and promote environmental protection. It didn't take place. The Lopa received about 40% at first, then 5% by 1997, and it has essentially dried up since then. Tourists, filmmakers, and photojournalists were swarming to the "strange forbidden realm" in the interim (the restrictions on numbers went out the window, too). Locals undoubtedly felt exploited when they discovered their images in books and glossy magazines. There was undoubtedly some resentment and hostility in the community as a result of the entire scenario.
For 25 generations, Ame Pal's descendants were the Kings of Lo. The kingdom of Lo was, however, also abolished when Nepal became a republic in 2008. Until his demise in 2016, Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista, the last King of Lo, was still acknowledged and revered by the populace. Now the new mustang is totally different from the old mustang. With so many locally owned and run resorts spread around the area, fully supported camping trips are no longer necessary. Our experience didn't line up with reports of "unwelcoming" locals who demanded payment for photos or yelled, "no photo" at tourists. We can only surmise that perhaps things have gotten a little better economically, and as a result, people are more accepting of tourists. However, the continued and haphazard construction of the road to the border at Kora La poses a threat to Upper Mustang's cultural heritage and natural environment. Upper Mustang's future is uncertain, and we can't help but question if the enormous sums of money obtained from the "restricted area" status were actually used to build the road from Jomsom to Lo Manthang. While in some ways advantageous, this road will surely make it more difficult for the area's centuries-old culture and traditions to persist in a rapidly changing environment, they permanently changed the former Kingdom of Lo.
Highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek
The History of Lo Manthang
Monasteries, prayer flags
Tibetian culture and people
Adorable view of Annapurna, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and other high-range mountains too
Muktinath temple- holy sight for both Hindus and Buddhist
Jomsom headquarters town of Mustang district
Suspension bridges
Waterfall, glaciers
Rhododendron forest, yak, other flora and fauna
Upper mustang trek length
Every day, the trip begins at 8.30 a.m. after breakfast, and there are numerous opportunities to pause, take in the scenery, take pictures, or enjoy a cup of tea along the way. The beauty of this walk is that we don't go to any certain height, and the pace is moderate, allowing for excellent acclimatization. Most days of trekking last 6 to 7 hours and are typically over by midday.
The terrain is along clearly marked trails that have been traveled before. Sometimes the paths are rocky, other times they are sand and desert-like. Crampons, technical equipment, or special skills are not required because this is just a trek. Due to its isolation from the rest of Nepal and the outside world until the early 1990s, the Mustang is unspoiled and has a rich Tibetan culture; yet, you will receive a warm and cordial welcome. Since the valley is really a big dried-up ravine and is located in the shadow of the Himalayan monsoon, it is possible to visit most of the year. We advise avoiding midwinter and instead considering any time from March to late November.
Best time for Upper Mustang Trek
It is very important that before you plan your trek, you know and understand the weather conditions in the upper Mustang.
Spring season (March-May)
This season is highly recommended and favourable for trekkers. Your journey will be memorable because the Mustang is at its most beautiful during this time of year. The season of spring is when fresh plants sprout and flowers flourish. You will be inspired by nature's immense grandeur as you hike to Mustang. This time of year, Mustang has weather between 16 and 20 degrees, which makes it the perfect temperature for trekking because it is neither too cold nor too hot.
Additionally, among the numerous festivals in Upper Mustang, the Tiji Festival is well-known. The chief priest of the Chhode monastery will choose the Tiji Festival dates in accordance with the lunar calendar. Since it heralds the arrival of spring in Mustang, the Tiji Festival typically takes place in May.
Summer (June-August )
Because of the rain shadow region, Upper Mustang does not receive any rainfall throughout the summer. One of the best times to hike across Upper Mustang is during the summer. The sky is getting clearer and the days are growing longer. The summertime temperature in Mustang fluctuates from 13 to 20, making it the perfect place for hiking. The trails in Lower Mustang will be wet and perhaps dangerously slippery. Flights from Pokhara to Jomson may be delayed because of the weather.
However, you might experience heavy rainfall in Lower Mustang in the summer, which will make your routes slick and muddy. But don't be alarmed. After the little shower, Mustang's natural beauty is even more stunning. This is the season when the flowers and creatures are most noticeable. However, be sure to check the weather prediction before you go out on your walk. Due to the intense rain, some aircraft delays may also be anticipated.
Autumn season ( September- November)
The season of September to November is considered the best season for trekking to the upper mustang trek. The clearest mountain views and the bluest skies are in the autumn. However, afternoon winds can be strong, so be ready! The usual temperature range is between 12 and 20 degrees Celsius. In reality, Upper Mustang's hiking season is coming to an end as lodges close and locals depart for Pokhara and Kathmandu to survive the bitter winters. After November, heavy-duty winter gear is needed because the trails are covered in snow.
On Mustang, autumn weather is often dry and cold. Along the paths, you can see a variety of mountains, including Mount Annapurna, Mount Dhawalagiri, Mount Nilgiri, and many others because the skies are clearer.
Winter season ( December- February)
The winter season, which lasts from December to February, is the coldest time of year in Nepal. Due to the extreme weather, the villagers begin to move to Upper Mustang's secret valley in the middle of December. According to reports, 80% of residents travel to Pokhara or Kathmandu in the winter to avoid the cold. While the cold approaches the night, the temperature drops to -25 °C.
The few people who live there have access to the necessary firewood and food to care for the animals and the community. But at some point during the winter, it must make the proper preparations for the upper Mustang. To trek to Lo Manthang, you might need to pack appropriate cold-weather clothing.
Packing list for the Upper Mustang Trek
Clothing
Summer hat/ Winter hat
Hiking skirt/ hiking trousers
Beanie
Neckband
Light breathable trousers
Full sleeve T-shirt or shirt
Woollen sweater
Socks 2/3 pairs
Down jacket
Waterproof jackets and pants
Hiking boots or sports shoes.
Hiking gear
Hiking backpack
Bottle
Water purification pills
Trekking map
Trekking pole
Compass
Sleeping bag
Camping equipment
Scissors
lighters/matchsticks
Rope
Personal equipment
Soap
Shampoo
Tissue paper
Toilet paper
Towel
Hanky
Nail cutter
Lip Guard
Sunscreen
Moisturiser
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant/perfume
Optional equipment
Watch
Camera
Phone
Notebook
Selfie stick
Documents
Passport size photo
Photocopy of passport and passport
Visa
Permit
Citizenship
Medicine and first aid kit
Diamox 250mg (altitude sickness)
Paracetamol (painkiller)
Imodium (diarrhoea)
Clotrimazole cream (skin infections)
Crocin (fever)
Zintac (acidity)
Disprin (Headache)
Bandages
Handiplasts
Adhesive Tapes
Crocin
Dettol
Upper Mustang trek packing list for females
Full sleeve T-shirts or shirts
Breathable underpants 2/3 pairs
Breathable trekking trousers.
Wollen socks 2/3 pairs
Sports bra 2/3 pairs
Hiking boots/ shoes
Down jacket
Waterproof jacket
Medicine
Zintac (acidity)
Diamox (altitude sickness)
Naproxen Sodium (menstrual cramps)
Panadol (menstrual pain during the period)
Nonsteroidal (heavy period).
Paracetamol (painkiller)
Crocin (fever)
Disprin (Headache)
Bandages
Handiplasts
Adhesive Tapes
Crocin
Dettol
Gear
Head torch
Hiking backpack
Bottle
Water purification pills
Trekking map
Trekking pole
Compass
Sleeping bag
Camping equipment
Scissors
lighters/matchsticks
Rope
Personal equipment
Sanitary pads
Menstruation cup
Soap
Shampoo
Tissue paper
Toilet paper
Towel
Hanky
Nail cutter
Lip Guard
Sunscreen
Moisturiser
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant/perfume
Upper Mustang Trek Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, Tribhuvan International Airport (1,300m/4,428ft)
Day 02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and preparation for the trek
Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m/2,689ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek
Day 04: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom (2,700m/8,898ft) and trek to Kagbeni (2,81m/9,216ft) – 3 – 4 hours trek
Day 05: Kagbeni – Chele (3,050m/10,004ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek
Day 06: Chele – Syanbochen (3,475m/11,398ft) – 6 – 7 hours trek
Day 07: Syanbochen – Ghami (3,520m/11,546ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek
Day 08: Ghami – Tsarang (3,620m/11,873ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek
Day 09: Tsarang – Lo – Manthang (3,730m/12,234ft) – 3 – 4 hours trek
Day 10: Exploration of Lo Manthang/ Acclimatization
Day 11: Lo – Manthang – Drakmar (3,810m/12,500ft) – 6 – 7 hours trek
Day 12: Drakmar – Ghiling (3,806m/12,484ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek
Day 13: Ghiling – Chhuksang (3,050m/10,004ft) – 5 – 6 hours trek
Day 14: Chhuksang – Jomsom (2,700m/8,856ft) – 6 – 7 hours trek
Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara
Day 16: Drive: Pokhara – Kathmandu
Day 17: Final Departure
Nepal Horizon Trek & Expedition Airport Representative will meet you outside the airport terminal hall. Please, look for our airport trek & expedition play card. You will be transferred to the hotel and introduced to your trekking guide. Stroll around the bustling city of Thamel in the evening.
Overnight at star hotel in Kathmandu
After breakfast, we proceed for exploration tour to cultural and religious sites in Kathmandu. We explore the UNESCO world heritage sites: Pashupatinath Temple – the holiest temple located on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, Swayambhunath (2,000 years old monkey temple), Boudnath Stupa – the biggest Stupa architecture in the world! Patan Durbar Square (oldest city in Kathmandu valley with ancient culture and tradition). The sightseeing tour also covers Durbar Square, the Krishna Temple, the Kumbheswore temple, the golden temple and many more.
Overnight at star hotel in Kathmandu
After morning, we drive via private car to Pokhara through the spectacular countryside and follow the down steam of Trishuli River. Trishuli River is famous river rafting for travelling with family & beginner. Upon arrival at Pokhara, we will be transferred to the hotel at Pokhara. Free afternoon in Pokhara.
Overnight at star hotel in Lakeside Pokhara
Today, we take an early morning flight to Jomsom. It is famous for apples, strong winds and the amazing landscape. We start our trek on an open trail alongside a beautiful valley. We walk across the village of Eaklibatti village before reaching Kagbeni. The village is beautiful with flat – roofed houses and also protects an ancient fortress.
Overnight at lodge in Kagbeni
At Kagbeni, we get our special trekking permits checked. Then we begin our trail alongside the Kali Gandaki River. We walk on a sandy trail for a while and climb on a hill. We reach the Tangbe village and walk across the narrow alleyways, white-washed houses and farmlands of barley, buckwheat and apple orchards. Further we continue our walk and pass the village and cross river on our way. Finally, we ascend on a ridge to reach the village of Chele.
Overnight at lodge in Chele
Today we experience little hard walk in comparison to what we experienced before. We cross two passes – Taklam La Pass (3,624m) and Dajori La Pass (3,735m). On the way, we get to admire outstanding views of Tilicho, Yakwa Kang and Damodar Danda. We also pass Ramchung cave and make descend to the village of Samar. From here , we continue on a trail above the village and climb down on a steep trail to a stream to reach Syanboche.
Overnight at lodge in Syanbochen
Today we climb up to the Yamda la Pass (3,850m). En route, we pass several houses, chorten and small villages. We also walk across the forest, cultivated fields and reach Nyi Pass at 4,010m. Now, we descend to Ghami, the biggest village in Lo region. The village is surrounded by beautiful farmlands.
Overnight at lodge in Ghami
Today’s trek starts with a descent through a rough and slippery trail. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Ghami Khola, we start climbing along the beautiful mani walls. Then we cross the Tsarang La Pass at 3,870m and walk to the village of Tsarang. The village is perched at the top of Charang Chu canyon with a huge fortress and red gompa towards its east.
Overnight at lodge in Tsarang
Today we start our trek by climbing down to a canyon and crossing river. We then trek uphill to Lo La Pass at 3,950m. The pass summit features the picturesque view Lo Manthang village. From the Pass, we climb down to Lo Manthang – beautifully walled village. The village showcases the outstanding view of Nulgiri, Tilicho and Annapurna I, Bhrikuti Peak as well as Damodar Kunda (pond).
Overnight at lodge in Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang is beautiful town of the remote Upper Mustang region of Nepal. Here we visit three major gompas – Jhampa, Thupchen and Chhoeda. These gompas has been restoration over the last two decades. If we have time, we can trek to the beautiful village located north-west of Lo-Manthang.
Overnight at lodge in Lo Mangthang
After breakfast, we trek on a different route when returning from Lo-Manthang. The trail crosses the village of Gyakar which houses age-old Ghar Gompa with beautiful rock paintings. Legend has it that anyone who makes a wish at the Gompa will have it fulfilled.
Overnight at lodge in Drakmar
We start early to avoid the strong winds and climb down to the most part of the trek. We walk on a dry plateau and fields before reaching the village of Ghiling. We walk on a strenuous trail and likely to get affected by strong winds. Ghiling is barren but present excellent view of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri mountains. We make a tour around the village to explore the local culture and lifestyle.
Overnight at lodge in Ghiling
After breakfast, we retrace via same route we used previously on our way to Lo Manthang. On the way, we pass small villages and get the outstanding Himalayan views.
Overnight at lodge in Chhuksang
Today is the last day of the trek. The journey is quite long and we conclude our Mustang trail and join the trail to Annapurna circuit. We stop for lunch at Kagbeni. After lunch, we trek to Jomsom for overnight stay.
Overnight at lodge in Jomsom
Today we take an early morning flight to Pokhara. We fly across the gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains making the flight an enthralling experience. Upon arrival at Pokhara, we take the rest day at Pokhara.
Overnight at lodge in Pokhara
After morning breakfast, we drive back to Kathmandu via same route we used previously. Upon arrival, we dive back to hotel and take our time to rest and refresh. We enjoy the free day or catch up on some last minute shopping or explore any physical landmarks. In the evening, we attend farewell dinner hosted by Nepal Horizon Treks & Expedition in typical Nepali restaurant with cultural shows.
Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
It’s your last day in Nepal! Take some breakfast and if you wish, you can catch last-minute shopping at Kathmandu. Our airport representative will transfer you to airport with plenty time before your flight home.
Farewell!!!
Yes, we need three permits for the Upper Mustang Trek Restricted Area Permit guidelines, Annapurna Conservation area permit (ACAP), and Tourist Information Management System (TIMS).
You can participate in the Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang if you extend your trek by a certain number of days. You can also skip the Mustang Tiji Festival Trek.
No, Nepal's government now has control of Mustang. Jigme Dorji Palbar Bista, who still resides in Lo Manthang, is the last recognized king of Mustang.
Yes, the upper Mustang is a restricted area because of its remoteness and inaccessibility. Up until 1950, the region was contained inside the borders of Nepal as a separate kingdom. Due to its popularity, it was subsequently made accessible to visitors beginning in the year 1992 AD.
Yes, if you want to cancel your trip, the Nepal Horizon Trek will refund your money after some cancellation charges. For more information, please read our terms and conditions, or you can direct mail and call us.
Nepal Horizon Treks is among Nepal's most reputable trekking and tour agencies. Adventure trips and Trekking are two of our services. Local skills and people with tourism experience in Nepal operate the company. Because the safety of our clients is our priority, we are willing to be flexible with our activities to improve Nepal's tourist quality through Helicopter to Everest Base Camp.
We are a trekking and tour organization that specializes in helicopter trips to unique destinations around Nepal and beyond featuring Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour. Nepal Horizon Treks is dedicated to offering the most incredible helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp experience possible while always keeping our clients' safety and pleasure in mind. Our staff has flown to practically every site in Nepal since the company's inception, allowing them to manoeuvre to varied destinations without difficulty.
The vacation packages offered by Nepal Horizon Treks are excellent value for money. Our tours are all reasonably priced. We are providing organizations to serve with the best possible hospitality in required budget plans. Here we discussed some of the common and basic facilities that we provided to you
Free pick and drop off from the airport to your hotel
Own hotel service with clean and hygienic food and facilities
Easy booking and reservation online
24-hour available for your concern
Different social media Instagram, Viber, We chat, Whatsapp, Facebook, Twitter
Easy payment system through VISA, Mastercard, wire transfer and PayPal.
Availability of Oximeter at the time of high altitude area
Medical kits in case of an emergency
Provide sleeping bags and down jackets, if you don't have your own.
Duffle back
Nepal Horizon Trek T-shirts
The difficulty level of the upper Mustang trek depends on the route of your itinerary. It is not an easy trek, but less difficult than the Everest base camp trek. However, it is not that hard to trek to the upper mustang if you are perfectly fit and healthy if you did some basic training before your trek. We know many people are curious about the difficulty level of the trek. So here we briefly discussed the difficulties and how to prevent them.
Distance
The Upper Mustang journey typically lasts 16 to 17 days. During these 17 days, you will walk on average of 6 to 7 hours per day. This period often includes two to three days of rest or acclimatization. This is essential for trekkers who are new to the sport. A safe and enjoyable journey may be had because of the extended duration, which gives you time to get acquainted to the terrain. For experienced hikers and those looking for a challenge, the time can be cut down to 12–14 days. Anything less could be detrimental to your health. High altitude sickness risks are raised on the 12- to 14-day Upper Mustang journey.
Weather
Upper Mustang experiences the same four seasons as other areas throughout the year: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The difficulty of the walk is also based on these seasons. The best time of year to hike Upper Mustang is in the spring. This season, the daytime temperature is often between 12 and 16 degrees Celsius. But at night, the temperature may drop by as much as 6-2 degrees Celsius. The Himalayas may be seen in all their glory during this season. There is no problem going on a hike there in the summer or fall.
But if you want to travel in the winter, it will be more difficult. The temperature may drop 0 to 5 degrees during the day and -20 to -25 degrees at night as a result of the significant snowfall.
Altitude sickness
Walking implies travelling over the Himalayas above 3000 meters. The symptoms of acute mountain sickness, which include a headache, nausea, giddiness or vomiting, difficulty breathing, and other symptoms, may be brought on by high-altitude trekking. The highest point of this voyage changes based on your decision. No matter what you decide, you shouldn't hike higher than Marang La, which is at 4230m. However, going at your own pace, taking the necessary acclimatization days, and drinking plenty of water can all help you complete your voyage successfully
Remoteness
The traditional cultural lifestyle and traditions are experienced on the voyage to the remote area. Trekkers shouldn't anticipate staying at well-known lodges and motels while on this expedition. The nearby teahouses provide basic comforts like hot meals, clean beds in clean, sanitary rooms that are shared, restrooms, and so forth. This region, which was only opened in 1992, is unaffected by contemporary lives and western culture. But a number of facilities are being created due to the attractions for both internal and external excursionists. Some locations have excellent WIFI capabilities, making phone calls seamless.
Terrain
The Upper Mustang Trek has its ups and downs, just like other treks around the Himalayas do. There can be multiple ups and downs that alternate with each other or a long, continuous ascent or descent at other times. There is also hardly any flat terrain. This walk can therefore be difficult due to the terrain. You won't have to worry about the terrain, though, if you've already tried earlier excursions. The Annapurna circuit's track experiences similar fluctuations. But even so, getting ready in advance is strongly advised.
Choose the proper season before you trek
Like the rest of Nepal, Upper Mustang experiences all four seasons. The weather and temperature vary with each season. The difficulty of any trek, especially one to Upper Mustang, is greatly influenced by this. Throughout the year, trips to Upper Mustang are feasible with the correct planning, gear, and attire. But for the majority of people, spring and fall are the best times to go on a trek in Nepal. These times of year feature consistent weather, incredible visibility, and comfortable temperatures. These circumstances guarantee the best trail conditions and the perfect temperature. During these seasons, you have a good chance of finding the lodging, food, and beverages you want. These factors combine to make these times of year the best for trekking in Upper Mustang and Nepal.
The summer months in Nepal are a prime time for Upper Mustang trekking. Upper Mustang doesn't get any rain during this season, unlike most of Nepal. Upper Mustang is located in the Annapurna region's rain shadow. The trek will be enjoyable with dry weather and long, bright days. Upper Mustang winter treks are doable but not for everyone. Upper Mustang as a whole enters a state of hibernation. During the winter, the majority of the locals go to the lower areas. As a result, the majority of teahouses, inns, cafes, and restaurants close for the year. The area has significant snowfalls and below-freezing temperatures.
However, individuals looking for a little bit of a challenge or those who want a more untamed and primitive trekking journey can consider going on a winter hike. During your winter Upper Mustang hike, you might also need to set up tent in several locations. In the winter, Kagbeni has very few tea places to choose from. Therefore, if you don't mind camping in the cold and only meeting a few other hikers, the winter Upper Mustang trek is for you. In addition to these, you may take in the stunning sunrises and sunsets. This time of year, you may take advantage of the crystal-clear skies, crisp air, and views of snow-covered mountains. The weather conditions may cause some of the high passes and lesser peaks to close for the year.
Maintain your body fitness
For this walk, you don't need to be in especially good physical shape. You can complete the Upper Mustang hike comfortably if you can walk for extended periods of time. Prior hiking experience in hilly and mountainous areas, whether abroad or in Nepal, can be useful. During the Upper Mustang hike, your body will adjust to the varying altitude and frequent walking more easily. It is not necessary to have extraordinary physical condition or previous trekking experience. But a few months before to the expedition, it is helpful to start a regimen of walks and jogs to prepare. By boosting your endurance, you can lessen fatigue and breathlessness while out on the trail. Your travel will be easier as a result. But before going on any trek, be sure to speak with your doctor. By doing this, you may let your local guide and trekking company know in advance about any medical conditions you may have.
Upper mustang trek length
Every day, the trip begins at 8.30 a.m. after breakfast, and there are numerous opportunities to pause, take in the scenery, take pictures, or enjoy a cup of tea along the way. The beauty of this walk is that we don't go to any certain height, and the pace is moderate, allowing for excellent acclimatization. Most days of trekking last 6 to 7 hours and are typically over by midday.
The terrain is along clearly marked trails that have been traveled before. Sometimes the paths are rocky, other times they are sand and desert-like. Crampons, technical equipment, or special skills are not required because this is just a trek. Due to its isolation from the rest of Nepal and the outside world until the early 1990s, the Mustang is unspoiled and has a rich Tibetan culture; yet, you will receive a warm and cordial welcome. Since the valley is really a big dried-up ravine and is located in the shadow of the Himalayan monsoon, it is possible to visit most of the year. We advise avoiding midwinter and instead considering any time from March to late November.
Meals
The Upper Mustang trip lasts for several days. Such trips put a lot of physical strain on your body, which can quickly sap your energy. Maintaining a nutritious diet before, during, and after a journey is crucial while on one. Make sure you have a hearty breakfast before you set out on the actual hike. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein should all be consumed. Additionally, you ought to hydrate your body by consuming water. Throughout the trip, sip water frequently in tiny amounts. Make sure you consume 125ml of water every 30 minutes.
Hiring a guide
The Upper Mustang trip is one of Nepal's restricted zone treks. Therefore, it is necessary to hire a registered, licensed local trekking professional. Your porter, local guide, or porter-guide could be this. Additionally, you have the option of bringing additional local trekking guides. Each of them has advantages of its own. They can contribute to your having a good and safe time when trekking in Upper Mustang. A guide can give you in-depth knowledge of the area's flora, animals, and culture. A guide can also suggest the coziest tea houses for you to stay at and eat at.
A guide may also tell you how far it is, how long it will take you to walk each day, which trails to take, and where to stop for rest. Their knowledge of the weather and trail conditions is current. You will know more about what to anticipate on each day of your walk if you do this. Higher elevations, such as Upper Mustang, frequently have unexpected weather. Therefore, having a guide with experience can be useful. A qualified and experienced guide is also familiar with how to handle any emergency that may or may not occur. A porter can handle 25 kilograms of luggage. You can then pack all of the necessary items for the expedition. So it will be easier for you if you hire a guide or porter during your trek.
Choosing routes according to your ability
There, you can begin your walk, or you can travel to Kagbeni by bus or jeep. Your actual expedition can begin and end in Kagbeni. You hike north from Kagbeni and arrive at Lo Manthang in 4 to 5 days. Between 3200 and 3900 meters, you will cross several small passes. You have a choice of returning from Lo-Manthang by the same route or a different one. The alternate route travels through Dhakmar and two passes. Around 4100m, these passes are a little higher. This comfortable and well-travelled path is somewhat challenging. You can select a different route with a strenuous level of difficulty if you're looking for a challenge.
Before starting your trek for the Upper Mustang Trek, you need three permits, which are Restricted Area Permit Guidelines, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and Tourist Information Management System (TIMS). All the permits are required to continue the trek. You will find many checkpoints and officers during your trek who are there to check your permit. If you forget to carry your permit with you, you can also get a new permit card with an extra charge. Let's read in detail the cost and importance of the permit.
Restricted Area Permit Guidelines
Restricted area trekking permits are issued by the government of Nepal's immigration office in either Kathmandu or Pokhara via a recognized trekking company. Upper Mustang cannot be reached without a permit. The "Upper Mustang Area" refers to the region above Kagbeni hamlet; the RAP checkpoint is also located here; trekkers must present special permits and passports for registration prior to and following the trip.
The documents that are needed for the Restricted Area Permit Guidelines are:-
Original passport
Photocopy of Passport
Photocopy of Nepal VISA
Passport size photos
Local agency agreement and itinerary
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
A portion of the Annapurna Conservation Area is Upper Mustang. You must also have an Annapurna conservation area permit in order to enter this area. You can easily obtain it at the ACAP counter in Pokhara and at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu. However, your tour guide will handle all the paperwork.
Where you can get the Annapurna Conservation Permit in Kathmandu?
You can get your permit from the Nepal Tourism Board, which is located at Bhrikuti Mandap, Exhibition Road, Kathmandu. The office is open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is closed on Saturday.
The details that are needed for the Annapurna Conservation Permit are:-
Full name
Date of birth
Home location
Contact address in Nepal
Name of the Trek
Trek Entry Point
Trek's endpoint
Passport number
Tourist Information Management System (TIMS)
From January 1, 2008, Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) put into practice the instructions from the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN).
Traveling from one nation to another requires travel insurance. You'll also require travel insurance for trekking in Nepal. We are all aware that travel insurance is required for trekkers visiting Nepal. However, short hikes in Nepal that only cover lower altitudes, such as the Poon Hill Trek, Sundarijal Trek, and Chisapani Nagarkot Trek, do not require travel insurance.
The insurance that covers unforeseen costs like trip cancellation, flight accidents, medical expenditures, lost luggage, and other losses suffered while traveling is known as travel insurance, also referred to as traveler's insurance. Personal property damage is also covered by some travel insurance policies. Without a doubt, you can travel anywhere without travel insurance. However, you must realize that even if you fall ill, misplace something, or miss your trip, you are still responsible for paying your bills. Vacation insurance purchased in advance enables worry-free, fear-free travel.
Don't forget to verify your policy and make sure that you are covered for adventurous activities like hiking above a particular height before purchasing travel insurance for trekking in Nepal. Many travel insurance policies exclude coverage for those exceeding 4,000 meters. This is something you need to be sure of because major treks like the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Manaslu Circuit Trek both pass over 5,000 meters (Larkya La Pass at 5,160 m and Kalapatthar at 5,545 m). The simplest way to find out if you are insured for trekking in Nepal up to the altitude you will be traveling to is to call your insurance provider.
Not only the Upper Mustang, but also the trekking region has an open border or a link to another nation, and according to Nepali government regulations, these areas must be entered only with a special permit. It is all a result of improved border security and a decline in criminal activity along international borders. The open border with Tibet and China may be the first convincing argument for why Upper Mustang is a limited territory.
Untouched nature
One of the highest concentrations of human-carved cliff caves in the world may be found in Mustang. These expansive systems have never been thoroughly explored. It has been established that the rich antiquities were discovered beneath the tunnel cave. Which has been demonstrated by the few western climbers and archaeologists who visited those sites with a specific permit for this particular expedition. Numerous caverns and locations are inaccessible because they are perched so high up the unstable rock. Some of them have undergone monastic conversion. Ancient houses with paintings on the deteriorating walls that date back thousands of years were discovered in a sizable portion of the cave. These chambers were created by highly talented ancient architects who formerly resided in the caverns for security and as a secure place to dwell. The people think that the caverns were created by their ancestors as places of devotion and that they are holy. According to Tibetan Buddhism, Padama Shambhaba and Guru Rimpoche, two of its holy figures, who founded monasteries nearby, were responsible for discovering all of these.
Last buddhist kingdom
The final kingdom of the Buddha in Nepal is Lo-Manthang (4,300 m). Lo-Manthang was the final kingdom to maintain its independence when Shaha King of Gorkha combined all the lesser nations into one nation known as Nepal. They agreed with the king of Nepal that as long as Nepal is a kingdom, their kingdom should have its own monarchy. After a catastrophic slaughter of the royal family in 2008, Nepal's monarchy was formally overthrown. Since that time, "Jigme Palbar Bista," the monarch of Lo-Mangtang, has been instructed to abdicate his throne. Jigme Palbar Bista, the late King of Mustang (1933–2016), agreed to the decree but swore to continue protecting Tibetan culture.
Ammonite fossil
Ammonites are roughly 145 to 210 million years old and are exclusively found in the bank of the Kaligandaki River in Nepal. They are also known as "Saligram" in the local language. The Saligram was a type of carbonate of lime that was almost the size of an orange, black in color.
The Ammonites are the subject of an intriguing tale. According to Hindu mythology, everything began as a result of a passion for Seti, a stunning woman. Lord Shiva, who at the time was a fierce foe of Seti's father, Jalandhar, was deeply in love with her. In addition to having a lovely kid, Jalandhar was also fortunate to have Brinda as his strong wife. Being a "pativrata"—a married woman who was devoted to her husband—Brinda derives her strength from her loyalty. Out of resentment and jealousy, Lord Shiva gave the other deity, Vishnu, the order to pretend to be Jalandhar and have a sexual encounter with Brinda.
The goal is for Brinda to cheat and ultimately lose her influence. Then, Lord Shiva altered Vishnu's appearance such that it resembled Jalandhar, and Vishnu obeyed his orders. When Brinda learned that she had in fact had a sexual relationship with Vishnu, she cursed him and made him into a rock. Because of this legend, the Saligram, which is still hunted on the bank of the Kali Gandaki river along the Upper Mustang trekking trail, is considered a manifestation of the god Vishnu.
Route to the holy sites
Not only is Hinduism practised in Upper Mustang, but also Buddhism. According to the Hindu holy book, Upper Mustang is the gateway to the most extensive and valuable sites, including Damador Kunda, Muktinath, and Dudkunda.
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