You will be provided plenty of nutritious food during the trek, though your choices will become more limited as we ascend to higher elevations. For breakfast, options include oatmeal, cornflakes, French toast with jam, butter, cheese, honey, Tibetan bread or chapati, local Tsampa porridge, and eggs. For lunch and dinner, you can enjoy famous Nepali dishes such as daalbhat and tarkari, Tibetan bread, various soups, Sherpa stew, steaks, sandwiches, momo (dumplings), macaroni dishes, tenduk spaghetti noodles, thukpa, pasta, vegetable curry, and potatoes. We recommend consuming fresh vegetables and plenty of liquids, such as hot lemon, green tea, lemon tea, ginger tea, and garlic soup, to stay hydrated and maintain energy.
Accommodation in Mustang Trek
Since we trek to the remote part of Nepal, you won’t find good hotels for your stay. Instead, you will stay at lodges and tea houses during the trek. These places offer you a decent room, but during the peak season, they can be very busy and unavailable everywhere on the route. Most lodges and guesthouses in the Upper Mustang area provide accommodation with western toilets and other basic facilities for tourists.
Where is the Upper Mustang Located?
Upper Mustang, formerly known as the Kingdom of Lo, is situated in Nepal’s northern area of Mustang District. This region is located within the remote and rugged landscapes of the Himalayas. The elevation of Upper Mustang starts at 2,750 meters (9,020 feet) above sea level at the Kali Gandaki River, just north of Kagbeni. It reaches up to 6,700 meters (22,000 feet) at Khamjung Himal in southeast Mustang. It is a unique and culturally rich part of the country.
Best Time for Mustang Trek
We recommend you enjoy this trek between June and October. Or, for the chance to experience the local people’s annual migration to lower altitudes for the winter season, join us in November. My Everest Trip is a trusted trekking company in Nepal with a highly experienced team that will support you throughout your trek and help you with your permit.
Spring and autumn are considered the best seasons for trekking in the Upper Mustang, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Spring brings blooming flowers, green fields, and snow-capped peaks. Autumn brings clear skies and stable weather, making it perfect for enjoying the region’s natural beauty. The typical temperature ranges from 15°C to 20°C during the day and drops to around 5°C in the evening.
Unlike most of Nepal, which experiences monsoon rains from June to mid-September, Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Annapurna. With daytime temperatures averaging around 20°C and nighttime temperatures dipping to approximately 5°C, trekkers can enjoy clear skies and dry weather. Even during the monsoon season, Upper Mustang is ideal for trekking. In May, the Tiji Festival takes place in Lo Manthang, the capital of Upper Mustang. This traditional three-day event attracts locals and visitors to experience its rich cultural heritage.
However, trekking in Upper Mustang during winter presents significant challenges due to harsh weather conditions. Temperatures can plummet to as low as -20°C, making exploration difficult. Therefore, winter is generally not recommended for trekking in this region.
So, for more information about the cost or difficulty of the trek, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team. They will also be happy to give you details of any other Annapurna treks we offer. You can also read our blog below for an insight into what it’s like to join us on this journey.
Why Upper Mustang Trek?
Several reasons will draw you to the Mustang trek. The trek offers spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna (8,091m), Thorung Peak, Nilgiri (7,061m), Chulu West, Chulu East, and Tukuche Peak. You will also encounter magnificent lakes, glaciers, gorges, and waterfalls along the way. One of the key highlights is the Muktinath temple, a holy site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Another major attraction is Lo Manthang, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mustang. This is one of the least explored areas of Nepal and is under special protection. To access this region, you will need an extra permit. This requirement ensures the preservation of its unique cultural and natural heritage, making your journey an exclusive and enriching experience.
Requirements for Mustang Trek?
Trekking Permit
There are two permits you need for the Mustang trek. First, a TIMS card is required for all trekkers. There are two types: a blue card for restricted regions like Upper Mustang and a green card for non-restricted areas. You can get that card from a Tourism Board Office or any Trekking agency in Nepal. Since Upper Mustang is near the Tibet border, it is a restricted area, and the permit costs $500 per person for 10 days, with an additional $50 per day after that. Additionally, each trekker must pay $20 for the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, valid for the duration of the trek.
Typical Trek Day
A typical day of trekking in Upper Mustang starts with breakfast at our lodging before we set off on our hike, which usually lasts 6 to 8 hours. We pause at scenic spots throughout the day to enjoy the natural beauty, capture memorable photos, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. We also stop at monasteries and temples, exploring the region’s rich cultural heritage. For lunch, we refuel at small restaurants along the way, taking a quick break before continuing our journey.
As evening approaches, we reach our lodge or tea house for the night, where we settle in, enjoy a hearty dinner, and rest up for the next day’s adventures.
Upper Mustang Trek Package
The Government of Nepal safeguards select regions with unique cultural and historical significance, like Mustang, by labeling them as restricted areas. This policy doesn’t merely manage the flow of trekkers to Mustang but primarily preserves its rich heritage. As a result, a special permit issued by the Immigration Department is necessary for the Mustang Trek. This permit is granted in Kathmandu and Pokhara upon submitting a MyEverestTrip-approved itinerary, guide details, and insurance coverage. Furthermore, a minimum group size of two and hiring a licensed guide are prerequisites.
Besides the Upper Mustang restricted area permit, trekkers must also acquire the ACAP permit and the TIMS card. Securing these permits in Pokhara before embarking on your trek is recommended. Interestingly, the permit process remains identical for Indian trekkers and SAARC country citizens, albeit at a marginally lower cost.
Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty
The Mustang Trek, often appraised by Nepal’s travel experts as a “Moderate” difficulty trail, provides a more balanced route than many other steep and rocky base camp treks. Despite this, the trek, involving around 14 days of walking (approximately 6 to 7 hours daily), can present demanding stretches. Notably, Lo-Manthang is designated as the solitary rest day location. Avoiding high passes such as Thorong La Pass, Mesokanto La Pass, and Marang La can ensure a relatively smooth journey, but their inclusion significantly increases the trek’s difficulty.
With the highest points at Marang La (4230 meters), Chooser (3900 meters), and Lo Manthang (3810 meters), the Upper Mustang’s elevation is less imposing than that of other higher-altitude treks. However, altitude sickness symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, and body aches, might still appear. Sufficient rest, proper acclimatization, and good hydration are critical to prevent such complications.
The trek’s difficulty is also seasonally dependent. Trekking in Mustang during the hot summer or snowy winter can be challenging, while autumn and spring offer more comfortable trekking conditions.
Furthermore, many of us are unfamiliar with places with high altitudes like Upper Mustang. Similar to the Sherpas in the Khumbu (Everest) Region, the Tibetan Buddhist locals of Upper Mustang are born into an environment with lower oxygen levels and dry air. As a result, acclimatization is essential for us when visiting these areas to adjust to the altitude and ensure our well-being during the trek.
Cost of Upper Mustang Trek
Priced at $2050 by MyEverestTrip, the Mustang Trek cost includes expenses for a guide, porter, transportation, permits, food, and accommodation for the 17-day journey. Regarded as a picturesque trek, surpassing even the Everest Base Camp Trek by some, the Mustang trek warrants its higher price. The Mustang Trek, a journey that promises breathtaking landscapes and a profound cultural experience, comes with a significant financial investment.
The core package for the trek is $2050, covering essential services and logistics. You should budget around $500 for travel insurance and $500 for tips, donations, and personal expenses, which are exclusive to your trekking package. Lodging costs vary between $400 and $600 depending on the type of accommodation chosen, while food expenses, particularly in rural areas, can reach up to $500. Furthermore, $200-500$ should be allocated for restricted area permits and other miscellaneous costs such as trekking guides, porters, and necessary kits.
Best Time to Visit Upper Mustang
Autumn is a popular season for Mustang trekking, as it boasts clear vistas and favorable weather conditions. In addition, lively festivals like Dashain and Tihar illuminate Kathmandu and the Mustang Valley. Similarly, spring is an ideal time for trekking, presenting vibrant wildflowers, fresh alpine greenery, stunning mountainous panoramas, and pleasant weather.
Planning a Mustang camping trek is simpler when the weather conditions are stable. However, note that guest houses along the trek route are often fully booked in spring and autumn, so making reservations in advance is wise.
Although summer is often dubbed the off-season for Nepal trekking, the trans-Himalayan region is minimally affected by rain. A flexible itinerary, reliable boots, and waterproof trekking gear are all required. Winter trekking demands a distinct Mustang Trek itinerary due to the heavy snowfall covering regions above 3000 meters. However, the snow-clad landscape and frozen lakes can be a paradise for winter lovers. MyEverestTrek can also make special arrangements for off-season Mustang Trekking.
Is Acclimatization Day Necessary For Upper Mustang Trek?
Acclimatization is a must for trekkers on the Mustang trek. We reach altitudes above 5000 meters during the trek, which is not ideal for most tourists. There will be an acclimatization day at Lo Manthang, where you will spend the day exploring the three major Gumbas of Lo Manthang: Jhumpa, Thupchen, and Chhoeda. This day will allow you to view the Tibetan culture of Lo while adjusting to the high altitude, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable trekking experience.
Alternative Option for Upper Mustang Overland Tour
If you dream of visiting the Upper Mustang but are looking for an alternative, this Mustang Overland Tour is perfect. The journey begins with a jeep ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara. From Pokhara, we will head to Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang, which is the face of the Mustang region and its tourism. You will be seated in an overland jeep safari, which will navigate you through Mustang’s different cultural and historical villages before reaching the Kingdom of Upper Mustang, “Lo Manthang.” The jeep safari will introduce you to Mustang’s cultural and natural richness, providing a full-day experience of this ancient city’s culture, traditions, and lifestyle. The drive will continue towards Muktinath, another highlight of the trip.
The Mustang Overland Tour includes the most isolated hills and mountains of the Mustang district, between Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Annapurna (8091m). You will witness stunning views of Tilicho Peak, Thorung Peak, Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, and Damodar Kunda, all preserved by natural difficulty. This adventure allows you to break away from the usual tourist routes and explore the hidden gems of Mustang, making it an unforgettable experience for any traveller.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
