Typical Trek Day
Early Morning
A typical day of trekking in Upper Mustang starts with breakfast at our lodging before we set off on our hike. After getting up and freshening, you will have breakfast, the day’s most important meal, before going on your trek, which usually lasts 6 to 8 hours. In the early morning, you will walk faster and cover more distance, so having breakfast is the best choice.
Midday
After moving from one teahouse, you will start moving to the other destinations until you reach the restaurants and stop for lunch. 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.
Evening
After having lunch, you will start moving to the destination of today’s teahouse. The long trek day continues as the pace decreases as you stroll through the rugged terrains of the Upper Mustang region. As evening approaches, we reach our lodge or tea house for the night, where we settle in, enjoy a hearty dinner, and rest for the next day’s adventures. Make sure you sleep early to get enough REM sleep to feel relaxed and rejuvenated for the next day. Do not eat heavily; it is hard to fall asleep, so eat lightly and go to bed early.
Accommodation and Food During the Trek
Foods
During this trek, the trekkers will get meals three times a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 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, tendu 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
Accommodations are pretty different in the city areas compared to the remote teahouse villages in the upper altitude of the Mustang region. In city areas, you will stay in lodge hotels, but in high altitudes, you will mostly stay in teahouses, which are basic accommodations run by locals. The rooms are simple, and some have attached bathrooms at lower elevations.
Teahouses also have communal dining rooms. As you venture further into the Upper Mustang region, you’ll experience more local influence. While teahouses here are less common than Everest or Annapurna Circuit, they are well-managed. You may have to pay extra to get additional facilities like hot drinking water, hot bath, internet, WIFI services, etc.
Upper Mustang Trekking 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. Many factors raise the trek difficulty of Upper Mustang, so let’s take a look at some of them.
Rugged Terrains
The Upper Mustang Trek route has a variety of terrains, including stone steps, rocky trails, and barren, uneven ground. The changing terrain requires adaptability and physical flexibility, especially when navigating steep inclines and declines. The trail has narrow, twisting sections and occasional exposure to cliff edges, which might be challenging for anyone afraid of heights or falling. Surefootedness and physical endurance are required to manage the trek’s diverse terrain properly.
It is essential to know your body’s limits and reduce the risk of being overtired, which can lead to illness or more severe injuries. Hence, prepare accordingly for the terrains and trails you will be trekking.
High Altitude
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.
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.
Long Distance and Duration
Upper Mustang Trek is one of Nepal’s longest treks, lasting 10 to 18 days. Each day, trekkers have to trek for 6 to 7 hours in rugged conditions to cover the distance of the trek. Hence, each day, you will climb to altitudes through different challenging terrains, so make sure you are physically fit for the trek and raise your stamina level.
Remoteness and Isolation
Another factor that increases the difficulty of the Upper Mustang Trek is the remoteness and isolation of the trek destination. Since the Upper Mustang lies in an unexplored restricted area of Nepal, the trekkers won’t get adequate services or the infrastructure needed for comfort, making the experience very difficult.
How to Prevent Altitude Sickness during the Mustang Trek?
Altitude Sickness is a significant problem for trekkers planning to experience a high-altitude trek like the Upper Mustang trek. The risk of altitude sickness increases after an altitude of over 3500m, and for the Upper Mustang trek, you have to reach 5000m. Even before heading on your Upper Mustang trek, you have to be wary of the high altitude trek from before and during the trek.
Proper Acclimatization
Proper acclimatization is one of the best ways to minimize acute mountain sickness. If you focus on adequate acclimatization, you will get accustomed to the weather, climate, and low oxygen levels. Trekking high and sleeping low is an acceptable way of acclimatizing, decreasing the chance of altitude sickness.
Hydration
Another way to prevent altitude or acute mountain sickness is to hydrate your body. You will frequently lose liquid at a high altitude due to air pressure, so make sure you take plenty of liquids. You need to hydrate your body through water, tea, energy drinks, tea with ginger, lemon, honey, etc.
Immediate Medical Attention
If you are worried about the Upper Mustang Trek and fear altitude sickness, ensure you have proper medicines. These medicines include Diamox, Nifedipine, and Acetazolamide, which the trekkers can consume when they feel sickness symptoms. These medicines can prove to be the remedy for the illness or give you ample time to lower your altitude so that you will feel better.
Training Required for Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal, and you will have to reach it. The remote region of Lo-Manthang is filled with mystery, adventure, and stunning views of the valley and mountains. However, when you trek through the Upper Mustang, you must hike for at least two weeks to climb to an altitude of over 5000m, and the terrain is challenging to scale. So, to experience this adventure fondly, trekkers must increase their physical stamina and improve their training level.
Physical exercises
The Upper Mustang trek is challenging and complex, so you must increase your physical fitness levels. To prioritize walking to improve your physical fitness for the Upper Mustang, start by looking for trails near your home or taking short trips outside. Gradually increase the distance you walk to see what your body can handle. Over time, you’ll find it enjoyable once you push past the initial discomfort. Additionally, consider regular gym sessions to improve your physical fitness. Activities like pushups, situps, and crunches effectively increase your physical strength.
Cardiovascular exercises (Aerobics)
Improving your physical fitness, cardio, and strength is essential for the smooth trek of the Upper Mustang. Raising your cardio will help you breathe easily at a high altitude. Regular activities like walking, running, jogging, swimming, etc., will help improve your cardio and raise your stamina level throughout the trek.
Mental exercises
You might focus on physical training and improve your mental state for the Upper Mustang trek. You must be realistic and prepare for the trek ahead to enhance your mentality. You must recognize that the trek will be challenging, and you will not enjoy the trek equally. There are also ways to control breathing, like meditation, yoga, etc., which will benefit your Upper Mustang trek.
Permits Needed for Upper Mustang Trekking.
You must issue specific permits for the Upper Mustang Trek to be eligible. First, trekkers need to issue two to three licenses to qualify for this trek. Some of the permits they need to issue are TIMS cards, Annapurna Conservation Area permits, and Restricted Area permits, which are difficult for individual to get their hand on. So, let’s look at some of the licenses, where you can issue them, and what fees you need to pay.
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Each trekker must issue an Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) permit, valid for the duration of the trek. If you don’t have a valid ACAP, you will be forbidden from entering the Annapurna region. Once issued, the trekkers can stay in the Annapurna region for as long as they want. The trekkers can issue ACAP from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and the ACAP counter in Pokhara. Regarding the cost of the ACAP permit, local tourists have to pay NRs 200, tourists from SAARC countries have to pay NRs 1000, and finally, tourists who are not from SAARC countries have to pay NRs 3,000 or $27.
Restricted Area Permit
When trekking to the Upper Mustang region above Kagbeni village, you must obtain a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) at the check post. This permit is required to enter and leave the region. To get the license, contact a registered local trekking agency in Nepal or visit the Immigration Office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. The permit cost is 10 days for US$ 500 per person for 10 days, with an additional fee of US$ 50 per person for each extra day.
TIMS Card
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 ten days, with an additional $50 per day after that.
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.
Cost of Mustang Trek
MyEverestTrip prices the Mustang Trek at $2050. The cost includes expenses for a guide, porter, transportation, permits, food, and accommodation for the 17-day journey. Some consider the Mustang Trek a picturesque trek that surpasses even the Everest Base Camp Trek, which 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.
Is Acclimatization Day Necessary For the Upper Mustang?
Yes, Acclimatization is extremely necessary for the Upper Mustang Trek. During this trek, the trekkers will climb to an altitude of over 5000m, which invites the possibility of altitude sickness. Acclimatization is necessary to give your body time to get used to environmental changes, high altitude, low oxygen levels, etc. To prevent significant problems like altitude, the trekkers must know the concept and follow the appropriate way of acclimatization. Here are a few ways to acclimate gradually.
Ascend Gradually
One of the best ways of acclimatization is to ascend the altitude gradually. Rushing towards an altitude over 3000m is a straight invitation to acute mountain sickness. According to the experts, the trekkers must increase the altitude from over 500 to 600m, but when preparing to sleep, they must sleep at an altitude of over 300m above the previous night.
Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and excessive coffee.
Another proper way of acclimatization is to avoid dangerous consumables like alcohol, sedatives, or sleeping pills when you’re at a high elevation. Consuming alcohol, sedatives, weeds, etc., will affect your brain areas and reduce the flow of oxygen. Since the oxygen level is already low, these consumables will worsen the oxygen consumption even more. Additionally, alcohol can dehydrate your body by depriving it of water.
Keep yourself hydrated
Keeping your body hydrated is one of the most critical factors that trekkers must consider. In the high altitude of the mountains, the air pressure increases, increasing respiration. As respiration increases, the liquid from the body decreases faster. Therefore, you must consume lots of liquids like water, tea, energy drinks, water mixed with ginger, lemon, honey, etc.
Hire guides and porters.
While trekking in the high mountains like the Upper Mustang, trekking alone and without a guide is prohibited. This is also an adequate measure of acclimatization, as you might need help with navigation, safety, security, language barriers, etc. Guides and Porters will help you descend immediately if your altitude sickness worsens.
Trek high, sleep low.
Another efficient way of acclimatization is to trek high and sleep low. This simple practice means whenever you are on a high-altitude trek like the Upper Mustang, you can climb gradually, but when sleeping, you must lower your altitude. With this practice, trekkers will get customers to know the weather and lower oxygen levels at high altitudes.
Best Time for Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging trekking destinations due to weather conditions, high altitude, and remoteness. Furthermore, the timing of the trek can also make it difficult, as it controls different aspects. If you want to make your trek more fun and less challenging, then you should schedule it based on the best season for trekking. In Nepal, there are two ideal seasons for trekking: Spring and Autumn.
Spring and Autumn
Spring and Autumn are considered the best seasons for trekking in the Upper Mustang, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Firstly, Spring ranges from March to May, and Autumn ranges from September to November. Spring brings blooming flowers, green fields, and snow-capped peaks, whereas 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 five °C in the evening. Natural disasters in either season are less dangerous, making them convenient.
Monsoon
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 five °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.
Winter
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. Furthermore, the weather in the winter season is hazardous and relentless, as trekkers will face continuous problems like blocked trails, snowstorms, blizzards, and avalanches. If you can, avoid trekking in the Upper Mustang in winter.
Alternative Option by 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 traveler.
If you want to know more about us, please review our Upper Mustang Trek review.
