Overview
Upper Mustang Trek a unique journey, a favorite destination of professional photographers and travelers as this high and dry country offers tremendous scenery of mountains, amazing landscapes with immense culture retaining its past glory to this day untouched by modernization.
Adventure Great Himalaya introduces this fascinating and classic journey on the old and ancient Trans Himalayan Caravan Route to Tibet with overnights around interesting villages and towns of Jomsom-Kagbeni-Chele-Ghami-Tsarang to the forbidden walled city / village in Lo-Manthang.
Mustang area located on Nepal Far North West which is an extension of high and vast Tibetan plateau with arid and dry landscapes with dramatic landscapes including snow capped mountains views.
This marvelous Upper Mustang trekking starts with an overland drive on an interesting busy highway to reach famous and popular touristic city of Pokhara, an amazing and unique place with warm climate and close views of high Annapurna Himalaya.
After Pokhara taking a short scenic flight to Jomsom with alluring views of Dhaulagiri-Annapurna to Manaslu range of mountains, on reaching Jomsom the headquarter town of whole Mustang area.
From Jomsom walk enters into Upper Mustang area through Kagbeni village and several interesting villages exploring the culture and old monasteries to reach the famous walled city of Lo-Manthang after a scenic and enjoyable walks.
Around Lo-Manthang and Upper Mustang visiting classic and medieval period villages and monasteries including the palace of Mustang Raja, and then heading back to Jomsom after a enjoyable and fascinating time around Upper Mustang Trek.
Finally this marvelous classic journey ends at famous touristic city in Pokhara after flying out from Jomsom and then back to Kathmandu.
Highlights of Upper Mustang Trek
- Fascinating and classic journey on the old and ancient Trans Himalayan Caravan Route.
- Interesting villages and towns of Jomsom-Kagbeni-Chele-Ghami-Tsarang to the forbidden walled city/village in Lo-Manthang.
- Explore the less explored trails of the restricted area.
- Vast Tibetan plateau with arid and dry landscapes with dramatic landscapes including snow-capped mountains views.
- Magnificent monasteries, jampa gompa and many more.
- Encounter the glorious Tiji festivals with local people.
- Ancient classic villages.
- Spot the magnificent Tibetan art and architecture.
- Explore the ancient capital of upper mustang lo-manthang, Incredible palaces.
- Journey around Mustang concludes with a short scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara.
- Overnight in the beautiful city Pokhara.
- Exploration of trans Himalayan cultural.
Upper Mustang Trek Permit
It is the most important thing to know that trek to Upper Mustang requires a restricted area trekking permit. It is considered as one of the most expensive trekking permits in Nepal. Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for all foreigners The Cost US $500 per person for the first 10 days and additional day Cost US $50 per person per day .
Like in other restricted areas, individual trekkers are less allowed in this area. This means you must find a reliable and experienced trekking agency to process the permit and do the necessary arrangements for you. By the law of Nepal government, you are also required to be accompanied by a guide or porter. There are several checkpoints you see during your trek in the region.
Upper Mustang lies entirely within the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). Kagbeni is the border between the upper and lower mustang. Apart from ACAP entry permit trekkers needs to issue a special restricted permit from the Nepal Immigration office. Two different permits are needed to make your trek real.
RAP (Restricted area permit) upper mustang
One scanned copy of the passport size picture is required for this permit. However, you have to hand over two pictures. This is because sometimes immigration’s database doesn’t work, and we have to attach a picture manually. Original passport is required at immigration. The permit cannot be issued on Saturday and Government Holiday.
ACAP (Annapurna conservation area project) Entry Permit.
Acap entry permits can be issued at the Nepal Tourism Board office. Either in Kathmandu or Pokhara. Regardless of the period, this single entry permit cost Nepali Rs. 2000 (Approximately USD 20). Trekkers need to provide all passport details at the Nepal Tourism board. One passport size picture is needed. Acap permits can be issued in advance before the arrival of trekkers.
Remember: After earthquake ACAP is planning different ideas. Acap permit can be used multiple times within one month but it has not been implemented.
Upper Mustang Trek Permit Summary
- Valid Passport with minimum 6 months to expiry
- RAP Upper Mustang – USD 500 Per Person for first 10 days |Scanned Copy of Passport Size Picture | One Printed Passport Size Picture
- Minimum two trekkers are needed with the guidance of the authorized local operator
Meals and Accommodations
Tea houses or basic lodges serves local and international dishes and also provide basic lodging facilities. Most of the tea houses and lodges provide basic food like Dal, Bhaat and seasonal veggies. If you prefer Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, you can add as much food you can consume at the same price. Besides, western food such as Pizzas and other desserts item are also available in the menu.
Tea houses, Guesthouses and accommodation are easily available due to the increasing number of trekkers. The cost of accommodation depends on the type of room you choose. Taking a common room costs less than single, double or triple sharing rooms.
Weather and Temperature
Upper Mustang has a trans-Himalayan climate which is pretty cool in the range of 250–400 mm (9.8–15.7 in). During spring weather is very mild and moderate as compared to other seasons.
Upper mustang is the rain shadow of the Annapurna region, so you may experience very low rainfall. Generally, the weather temperature remains pretty moderate during the spring season.
December, January, And February: During this time the day time temperature remains very cold. The average daytime temperature is between 0 to 5-degree centigrade (32 to 41degree Fahrenheit). The night starts to get very cold with temperatures between -25 to -20 degrees centigrade (-13 to -4 degree Fahrenheit).
March, April, May, June: During this time of spring you can find moderate temperatures between 16 to 22-degree centigrade ( 61 to 72-degree Fahrenheit) in the daytime. The night time temperature gets close to -6 to -2 degree centigrade ( 21 to 28-degree Fahrenheit)
July, August, September: This time of the season, the weather remains very delightful. The daytime temperature is between 20 to 33-degree centigrade ( 68 to 73 Fahrenheit). Temperature increases to -3 to 0-degree centigrade (27 to 32-degree Fahrenheit) during the night.
October, November: The daytime temperature in this session lies between 12 to 20-degree centigrade (54 to 68-degree Fahrenheit). Whereas the night time temperature lies between -8 to – 4 centigrade (18 to 25-degree Fahrenheit).
Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary
Cost include/ Exclude
What’s include
- Airport/ Hotel/ Airport Transportation
- Three Nights Hotel in Kathmandu including Breakfast.
- Full Board meals During the trek ( breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Hot Drinks – Ta / Coffee, Seasonal Fruits
- Lodge to Lodge accommodation in trekking
- Necessary Trekking permits and Company paper work.
- Transportation Kathmandu to Pokhara / Kathmandu by Bus,
- Pokhara – Jomsom – Pokhara flight ticket
- An experienced, helpful, friendly and English speaking Trekking guide
- Trekking porters to carry your bag-pack ( One porter for two members)
- Trekking equipment: Sleeping bag, down jackets, Duffie bag and walking stick, if necessary.
- Oxe -Meter- To Check your oxygen saturation and heart rating
- Adventure Certificate.
- Medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- All government taxes.
- Service charge.
What’s excluded
- International airfare and Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel insurance & Emergency rescue Evacuation
- Lunch Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara City
- All the bar bills like coke, beer, bottle of water, hot water etc.
- International airfare
- Tips for staff
Packing List
BAG/ RUCKSACK
- Duffel bag or rucksack for our porter to take your gear
- Day pack for carrying your personal things like Money, Camera, water and snacks etc
- Waterproof pack cover or dry bags
FOOTWEAR
- Weatherproof walking boots or shoes
- Inside footwear (flip flops)
- Multiple pairs of warm socks
CLOTHING
- Warm base layer underwear top and bottoms (woolen or synthetic)
- Light breathable hiking trousers
- 1, 2 t-shirt
- Warm mid layer top (woolen or synthetic)
- Down jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable warm clothing for at night
- Insulated hat
- Warm gloves
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
GEAR
- Sleeping Bag ( -20 Degree)
- Trekking poles
- Aluminum water bottle
- Headlamp or torch
PERSONAL ITEMS
- Sun screen
- Camera & batteries
- Power adapter & chargers your electronic device like Mobile, camera
- Bathing Towel
- Soap or shampoo
- First -Aid Kit Items