Maximum Altitude Chogo La (4325m)
Difficulty Grade Moderate
Start & End Point Pokhara/Pokhara
Best Seasons Feb-May, Sept-Mid Dec
Highlights of Upper Mustang trek
- Explore the Tibetan-Nepalese mixed culture.
- Get a chance to visit the restricted village of Lo-Manthang.
- Panoramic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and many more mountains.
- Enjoy fantastic landscapes, plateaus, and monasteries.
- Upper Mustang Trek goes via excessive peaks, passes, glaciers, and alpine valleys.
Overview of Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek is a famous trekking area in the Himalayan Region of Nepal. It has the most suitable climate and a completely different lifestyle. Sacred Himalayas and incredible scenic beauty surround this place. Trekking in this area also has cultural and religious value.
Thakalis, Gurung, and Tibetans are significant inhabitants. The neighborhood right there speaks the Tibetan Language. The Tibetans influence lifestyle and culture. Visiting such a fantastic place is a lifetime experience for any traveler.
Moreover, this trek lets us enjoy the little Buddhist world. Upper Mustang Trek is the destination for those who want to know the isolated kingdom. Moreover, the beautiful and fascinating views of snow-capped Mountains make this place mesmerizing.
Nepal, a small landlocked country, serves a lot in terms of exploring natural beauty. It is a blessing with many temples, stunning Himalayas, and crystal clear rivers. It has uncountable lakes and many more that every traveler would love to explore.
While talking about the beautiful places of Nepal, we cannot leave behind the Mustang. Mustang has a valid combination of lifetime memories and natural beauty. Get detailed info about the Upper Mustang helicopter tour.
Another advantage that the Upper Mustang short trek possesses is that it is the all-time favorite for nature lovers. You can visit Mustang all the time of the year. What amazes you is that the beauty of this place is evergreen and remains the same for the entire year.
Mustang is the hidden paradise of Nepal.
Upper Mustang is truly a hidden paradise of Nepal. It is one of the best destinations that every traveler wishes to visit. Generally, the Upper Mustang lies in the northeast part of Nepal. Upper Mustang is nearer to the Tibet-Nepal border.
The Upper Mustang trek may be a remote, arid area of the trans-Himalayan mountains. Bordering Tibet, this region features a distinct Tibetan feel, which we can feel in its people, culture, and landscape. This Upper Mustang trek features high rocky cliffs with eccentric figures and colors. There are also caves, rock paintings, monasteries, and, of course, high snowy mountains.
Mustang is a traditional and rare place to visit in Nepal. Lately, the number of individuals visiting Mustang has increased tremendously. Mustang is located at an altitude of 3840 meters in the northwest part of Nepal, between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Trek to Mustang will fulfill all of your dreams. You will get to view the magnificent mountain ranges. You can experience the lifestyle and culture of local people. Beyond heaven and paradise exist the Mustang, they say. People call it the Last Forbidden Kingdom, and it’s not easy to describe the beauty of Mustang in words.
The region is relatively isolated and undisturbed. It is a highly preferred destination for tourism activities. Views of the surroundings are charming as nature has left no drawbacks on its creation. Components of the region have been well–preserved.
The Department of Immigration has applied strict policies for incoming visitors to avoid negative foreign influence. Yet many of the country’s customs have a Tibetan effect. Locals have been practicing them for many years, gradually combining them with the country’s.
Enjoy the panoramic views of Mount Nilgiri.
The barren high plateaus, deep canyons, an ocean of exposed hills, and the colors of a desert sunset add beauty to this amazing place. In our lives, we need to travel and break free from living in one place. So, spend your life exploring this fantastic hidden beauty of Upper Mustang Trek.
The areas are often treeless, with a steep rocky path up and down to the hill. Also, on the Upper Mustang trek, you can observe the scenic views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and many other mountains. The fantastic landscapes, plateaus, and monasteries will relieve your sorrows.
The great memories of the place and adventure will fill your life with happiness. At some point in the upper Mustang trek, the trekkers can enjoy the valuable resource of the thousand years of ancient monasteries. We can enjoy the caves, which are close by tribes, and the scenic splendor of various landscapes. Not only that, but the trek also passes via excessive peaks, passes, glaciers, and alpine valleys.
Is the Upper Mustang trek worth it?
The upper Mustang trek will be amazing, and there is possibly no other trek that will last fewer days yet give you the adventure of a lifetime like this one. The journey will give you the experience of thrilling rugged roadways, a lifestyle far from modernity and urbanization, and a rich cultural journey overall.
During your trek, you will find just as many aspects of nature in the drier parts of Nepal. There is no reason why an adventurous heart would not be impressed by the many marvels the Upper Mustang trek offers.
Why is the Upper Mustang trek worth your time and money?
There are many reasons as to why the Upper Mustang trek is worth your time and money. Some of the main reasons are:
- The mountain scenery is exquisite throughout the trek.
- Newly developed roads to increase the convenience of trekkers through jeep travel.
- Easily reachable accommodations and teahouses are on the way.
- Cultural and traditional exploration of lesser-known communities in the world.
- Extravagant trekking journey in a short period within a small budget.
- Drylands have the most decadent natural aspects, surprisingly.
- An equivalent trek to Annapurna base camp trek.
- Exploration of interesting historical facts through locals’ stories, artifacts, monasteries, etc.
- Memoir of a distinct yet rich human civilization in the most rural part of Nepal.
- Moderate weather conditions throughout the year.
- Perfect for beginners and trekkers trekking with family.
The Upper Mustang journey is possibly one of the most enjoyable and has many pros. You will experience the best elements of a trekking trip within less time and cost. No trekker will regret the Upper Mustang trek, which is exciting and comfortable.
Upper Mustang trek more info
Upper Mustang Trek 10 days
Upper Mustang Trekking is a short trek in Nepal’s restricted trekking region. The Upper Mustang trek area is famous worldwide for its beauty and the stunning Himalayas. Yet, not everyone has been able to witness its beauty. So, this ten-day upper Mustang trek allows you to explore the unique beauty of the Mustang area. You can also learn about Nepalese culture and the varieties of local food.
Nepal is a familiar name in the field of trekking. Nepal has spectacular mountains of Nepal, dense forests, and pure rivers. The lakes, glaciers, and unity in the diversity of many religions have earned names worldwide. There are so many pictures of Nepal on the internet and videos on YouTube. But those are not enough to justify the beauty of this beautiful, intriguing land across the sea. It is so beautiful in every way that words fall short of describing it.
The country has the eight highest mountains and six thousand more rivers. It is the birthplace of the light of Asia, Gautam Budhha. This country’s name have a unique reputation in the world for years. You can explore the fascinating mountain areas by trekking. You can enjoy rafting along the white rivers.
You can get a close view of rare wildlife and plants in its dense forests. You can chill and relax in the camps on the lakeside listening to local music. You can go on shopping and enjoy the nightlife. Nepal has it all; more than anything, the sunrise and sunset in the mountains will amaze you. Watching the dusk and dawn above those snowy Himalayas is such a beautiful view.
Best time for Upper Mustang Short Trek
The best time to go to the Upper Mustang trek is Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November). If you visit Mustang in May, you’ll also observe the Tiji festival of the Upper Mustang trek. Upper Mustang may be an area, but there’s no rain during Monsoon/Summer (June, July, and August).
So, Monsoon/Summer is additionally one of the simplest seasons to visit Upper Mustang. But in winter, the upper Mustang is extremely cold. Local people migrate to a lower settlement during this season. Due to this, people usually avoid visiting Mustang during winter.
The Upper Mustang trek goes to the kingdom of Lo Manthang.
Local people around the small village of Lo Manthang come to watch the dancing. They participate in the Tiji festival. Enjoy the journey of this forbidden kingdom of vast, arid valleys. Eroded canyons, ochre valley, and yak caravans. Colorful-painted mudbrick houses. On our Upper Mustang Trek, we get a spectacular view of Mount Nilgiri, Tukche, and Annapurna.
The Dhaulagiri makes your medieval walled kingdom Mustang trekking exceptional. After the flight to Jomsom, we start the Upper Mustang trek. We walk to the Kagbeni village, Chele, Ghiling, and Chharang to the Lo-Manthang start. We hike through deep canyons among stunning rock formations backed by snow-capped peaks.
You will visit homes, villages, and active monasteries in ethereal landscapes. On the fringe of the Tibetan Plateau, forbidden and isolated from the rest of the world, the Mustang Tiji Festival can evolve its own distinctive culture and tradition. It is so precious and unique.
The Upper Mustang trek is in trans-Himalayan regions.
The Upper Mustang Short Trek is an exceptional honor. You shall be spellbound to spend your days in the beautiful Trans – -Himalaya region of the country. Breathtaking views shall leave you captivated. The prehistoric original artifacts shall leave you questioning their existence.
Major interest points include panoramic insights into the nearby mountain peaks. Visit some ancient Buddhist monasteries that are more than a thousand years old. Savor the harmony of isolation. Get involved within a friendly community where cultures are from the Tibetan influence. Inevitably, you will most likely admire every aspect of the region.
Barren lands, rocky mountains, and steep climbs are the major attractions of the trek. Trekking in Upper Mustang is always challenging yet memorable for activists and professionals. Rough rocky trails can get strenuous at times but are entirely achievable. Routes of such kind appear only after several days of the trek.
During the initial stages of the Upper Mustang trek, we fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Then, we fly further to Jomsom, where the trekking phase starts. During the trek, there are several points of interest, such as the Royal Palace in Manthang. You can visit eye-striking monasteries such as the Thungchen Gompa and Amchi Museum. You can also view other forms of natural beauty.
Upper Mustang Short Trek Cost
The Upper Mustang trek lies in the Himalayan rain shadow and starts from Jomsom. You will have a scenic flight from Pokhara. The Upper Mustang trek destination is suitable even for monsoons. You will find the Upper Kali Gandaki quite dry during this time. The Upper Mustang trek cost is relatively easy.
You can experience different landscapes and cultures during this Upper Mustang trek. Fortunately, this is a place that is still away from modernization. It is one of the least traveled areas of Nepal. In Upper Mustang Trek, the highest point you can reach is 3800 meters. Therefore, the Mustang is extremely cold during the winter.
The climate and weather conditions of this trek in winter are primarily windy and dusty. The harsh weather is the major hindrance of this trek. The Wonderful Upper Mustang trek starts from Jomsom. It leads you to the hidden Shangri-La of the ancient Buddhist Kingdom of Mustang. This secret kingdom is also called Lo.
Mustang was also part of the Tibetan empire and is undoubtedly connected to Tibet. Locals practice Tibetan Buddhism. Most of the villages are Tibetan-style. People have their whitewashed houses made of firewood tucked on the roofs.
Itinerary for Upper Mustang trek
Our Upper Mustang Trek itinerary starts and ends from Pokhara, about a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu. You can also organize your trip from Kathmandu according to your preference. If you’re curious about a unique outlook on the Upper Mustang and have the time, below is an extended version (by two days) of the trek.
It follows the eastern side of the Kali Gandaki valley against the more trodden western route. The Upper Mustang trek itinerary takes you through the copper-red arid valleys, eroded canyons, and deep gorges. The paths have canyons, colorful prayer flags, mani walls, and mudbrick houses.
It also continues to flourish because it did so a few years ago. Mustang might be a superb place to experience untouched Tibetan Buddhist culture. You’ll see its impact on the arts, language, and architecture of Upper Mustang. There are different itineraries for the Upper Mustang Short Trek. You can check the complete details of the itinerary in our itinerary tab.
The summary of the Upper Mustang Trek itinerary
Arrival in Kathmandu, Upper Mustang trek preparation. It’s time for special permit-making, a day of rest, and sightseeing. The next day, after the Kathmandu tour, we will fly or drive to Pokhara. Spend the afternoon exploring the colorful town. Our Upper Mustang trek begins with the short flight to Jomsom and hiking to Kagbeni.
From Kagbeni, the Upper Mustang trek will Enter the Upper Mustang region. Trek up to Lo Manthang and back to Jomsom. We will take a flight back to Pokhara so you can enjoy your time there. The next day, take a short flight or drive back to Kathmandu. On your final Departure day, we will take you to the airport to fly home or to another destination.
We can also tailor-make your Upper Mustang trek itinerary. We can descend to Tatopani’s natural hot spring via the Apple Kingdom valley of Nepal Marpha. Instead of taking a flight, you can enjoy Himalayan off-road driving on mountain roads.
Upper Mustang Trek Map
The Upper Mustang trek map shows the trail details from Kagbeni to Lo Manthang via Jomsom. The map covers all alternative paths to reach Lo Manthang. Get a good map that allows you to explore the last forbidden kingdom of Lo Manthang in a much deeper way. The area referred to as Upper Mustang is within Annapurna Park in northwest Nepal.
It is a restricted area that requires a special permit to enter. There are now good hotels and guest house facilities on the trail. It is an excellent choice for people seeking some comfort. The Upper Mustang Trek is suitable for those trying to find 20 years ago Nepal or undiscovered areas. It is for people who want to experience off-world landscapes alongside unique cultures.
It’s one of the most stunning treks in the world between Upper Mustang’s views, culture, and other people. The western Upper Mustang route may be a misunderstood trek. It’s more sort of a short diversion for 1-2 days than a separate trial. On the classic way from Ghami, you detour west to Drakmar and Ghar Gompa.
Cross a high pass at Chogo La (4230 m) before you enter Lo Manthang. You’ll avoid the road with this route and take another course back to see more. You will also do this on the way back from Lo Manthang, which is becoming increasingly popular. The main Upper Mustang Classic route remains an equivalent.
Variations depend on side trails, road conditions, weather, and time of the year. It also depends on the natural events and physical changes to trekking trails. These conditions are applicable, especially to western and eastern routes. You can buy the Upper Mustang trekking map at Thamel.
Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty
The Upper Mustang trek has a moderate difficulty level in many aspects. Yet, the walk is doable if you’re fit and interested in exploring the trans-Himalayan terrain. There’s also a jeep transfer facility if anyone cannot enter the trail’s center. Hence, this trek is safe and convenient.
Mustang may be a famous place in Nepal for trekking and adventure tours. The region offers views of unspoiled nature and a landscape, unlike the other sites in Nepal. While visiting Mustang, you’ll find parallels with Tibet in its culture and language. Although it lies within the Himalayas, the terrain may be a mixture of snow-capped mountains and desert lands.
The Upper Mustang region lies within the area of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri massif. Thus, trekking in this region is feasible even during the monsoon. Yet, it is best to feature each day or two for travel delays thanks to the inclemency within the lowlands.
The Upper Mustang trek is suitable for many walkers and has no restrictions or limitations. Yet, this trek requires an inexpensive level of fitness. On average, the walking hours per day are between 6 and 7 hours. Lo Manthang and Chooser are the main attractions of this region. Their elevations are 3810m and 3900m, respectively.
Walking at a higher altitude is more demanding than walking at a lower altitude. So, you would like to organize yourselves to adjust to the lofty height to make your treks tons easier. Well, the hike to Mustang isn’t tricky and simply doable.
Some prior exercise and hiking make your Upper Mustang trek trips tons easier. If you’ve pre-existing medical conditions like heart, lung, and blood diseases, it’s essential to consult your doctor before the hike.