Upper Mustang Trek Overview
| Duration: 17 days |
Country: Nepal |
| Max. Altitude: 3,840m/12,600ft . |
Walking Per Day: 5-6hrs |
| Accommodation: N/A |
 Grade: Strenuous
|
| Best Season: Summer, Autumn and Spring |
Group Size: 2 |
| Mode: Tea-House/Lodge |
Culture: Tibetan-Influence Culture |
In one of the least developed and most remote regions in Nepal, the Upper Mustang trek offers a great opportunity to explore the unique culture, lifestyle, and traditions of the local population, bringing you into the hidden world of the Buddhist Kingdom. It was a restricted location until 1991, after which the government opened it for tourists. Ancient architecture has been well preserved in the area, with monasteries, caves, and the spectacular palace of the ancient king being highlights of the trek. The region offers the opportunity to see the culture and lifestyle of different tribes in Nepal. It attracts ordinary people who are looking for an exciting trek in the region, as well as archaeologists, geologists, and anthropologists who wish to take in the distinct geographical and cultural features.
Upper Mustang Trek Insights
The Upper Mustang trek is popular for adventurers looking for a pony trek in the region. Other activities include Jeep or bike tours. These tours take several excursions and cultural experiences such as visiting the Forbidden Kingdom, food in a local teahouse, and hiking to Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.
Upper Mustang has a maximum altitude of 3810m (12,500ft) and can be located at latitude 29° 04'60.00" N, longitude 83° 54'59.99 E. It is a valley surrounded by the Himalayan Range and has a dry, cold atmosphere with no vegetation and a desert-like landscape.
Cultural and Traditonal Highlights
The Upper Mustang trek allows climbers to immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions of the region. The locals still speak the Tibetan language and have a rich Buddhist culture. Due to its remote location, Tibetan culture has been preserved from the outside world. The Upper Mustang trek allows you to explore Buddhist architecture, art, culture, and tradition, as well as enjoy the amazing landscape of snowy peaks and gorges that have been referred to by previous trekkers as heaven on Earth. The people of Mustang are friendly and curious about new arrivals, and you will find children running out of the stone and sunbaked mud-brick houses along the route to greet you as you move through the region.
Annapurna Conservation Area
A highlight of the Upper Mustang trek is the Annapurna Conservation Area which stretches across the Mustang region. Established in 1992, it is a restricted area managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. A permit is required to enter the conservation area at USD 20.
Requirements to join Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang trek involves trekking through the steepest gorges in the world, and across the stunning high-altitude desert. No prior trekking experience is required to join the trek with Nepal Mountain Trekkers. You simply need to be physically fit and have a passion for exploration. It is an ideal trip for adventure seekers who wish to immerse themselves in the Nepalese culture. No equipment is needed, as Nepal Mountain Trekkers provide gear such as sleeping bags, down jackets, and a first aid box. You will, however, require suitable clothing and footwear.
To be able to participate, you will need a permit to enter the region. This is provided by Nepal Mountain Trekkers and includes the Upper Mustang Special Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area fees. The Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit is USD 500 per person for the first 10 days then USD 50 per day thereafter.
Best time for this trek
Even during monsoon season, the Upper Mustang region receives much less rainfall than other local areas. Because of this, the Upper Mustang trek can be joined any time during the year. However, August and October are the peak visiting months, with other popular times coinciding with cultural celebrations such as the Tiji festival, which is known as the most colorful and important festival in Upper Mustang. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and consists of meditation and dancing.
Want to know more about Upper Mustang Trekking, please check this article: 9 reasons you must visit Upper Mustang once in your lifetime?
Equipment Checklist
Equipment lists for 17 days Upper Mustang Trek
HEAD
Sun hat or scarf
Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
Sunglasses
Head Torch
Suncreams(40+) and Lip Balms
UPPER BODY
Cotton t-shirts and thermals
Fleece jacket
Waterproof jacket
Down jacket
LOWER BODY
Lightweight cotton pants (long)
Waterproof pants
Inner thermals
FEET
Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
Thick, warm wool hiking socks
Comfortable hiking boots
Shower sandals
HANDS
Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
Creams
Sanitizer
ACCESSORIES
Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
Trekking bag (Rucksack)
Duffel bag
Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
Water bottle or camel bag
Toiletries and Tissue Papers
First Aid Kits
Personal Regular Medicines
Knee Caps
Bandages
Ointments
Blister Tape
MISCELLANEOUS
Medicines: We recommend you to bring your regular medicines; we will provide first aid kit from our side.
Light-weighted Towel
Swiss Knife
Passport and extra passport photos
Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer
