Upper Mustang Trek 17 days

Upper Mustang Trek Overview

Upper Mustang Trek situated to the northwest of the Pokhara Valley, behind the majestic peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, the valley of the Kali Gandaki River. This high desert realm is celebrated for its unique geography, the rich culture of its people, their distinctive traditions, and ancient religious practices.
The stark, naked ridges, snow-capped peaks, and the thin settlements scattered around the Kali Gandaki river valley create a mesmerizing and delightful landscape for travelers.
Often called "The Last Forbidden Kingdom," a lost fragment of the Tibetan plateau, Upper Mustang is a stronghold of Himalayan Buddhist culture. Here, you can find remnants of the ancient Bon religion, which predates the spread of Buddhism in Tibet.
Another remarkable feature of this valley is the evidence of meditation and spiritual practices undertaken by Hindu and Buddhist masters thousands of years ago in its many cave monasteries. These historical sites remain a fascinating subject for study and exploration.
Until the end of the monarchy in Nepal, Upper Mustang had its own cultural king, revered by the local people. Even today, after (2008) the kingdom was formally integrated into the republic, the people continue to hold the king's descendants in high esteem and respect.
While development and motorable roads have expanded across Nepal's hilly regions, Mustang has also been connected. A road now reaches up to the Tibetan border at Korala. Many tourists today travel to Upper Mustang by jeep, returning the same way. Others fly to Jomsom and begin their trek from there to the capital of Lo Manthang and back.
To the north of Lomanthang lies the sacred Damodar Kund, a holy pilgrimage site for Hindus. Reaching this lake requires a three-day walk from Yara village (near Luri Gumpa).
We have been organizing trekking adventures for travelers for a long time. If you need more information or wish to arrange your journey, please remember to contact us. We are committed to providing high-quality services and facilities to make your trip a memorable experience.

Accommodation & meal in Upper Mustang trek:

In Upper Mustang region, good quality lodges and guesthouses for food and accommodation are now available. You can also enjoy services like internet and electricity.

Upper Mustang Trek: Permit Information:

A journey to the remote and restricted area of Upper Mustang (north of Kagbeni) requires a special trekking permit, which we can help you secure.

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit:

• Cost: USD $500 for the first 10 days, and USD $50 per additional day.
• Regulation: Permits must be applied for through a registered Nepali trekking company for a minimum of two persons.
• Alpine Asian Treks and Expedition P. Ltd. will handle the entire permit application process on your behalf.
• Required Documents: To apply, we will need a clear copy of your passport and a recent digital photograph.

Additional Permit: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) for this trek.

Best time to trek Upper Mustang : The ideal window for the Upper Mustang trek is from April to early November. This period offers stable weather, clear skies, and the most comfortable temperatures for trekking. A major highlight is the annual Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, a vibrant three-day celebration rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. This event is so significant that many locals living abroad return to their homeland to participate..

Weather and climate: Situated in the Himalayan rain shadow, Upper Mustang (north of Kagbeni) receives very little rainfall,  viable even during the monsoon season.
• Spring (March - May): Days are pleasantly warm and sunny (up to 20°C), but nights remain cold, often dropping to around 0°C.
• Monsoon/Summer (June - September): While the rest of Nepal experiences heavy rain, Upper Mustang stays relatively dry. Temperatures are at their warmest, ranging from 20°C to 30°C during the day.
• Autumn (October - November):  Nights begin to get colder.
• Winter (December - February): Trekking is not recommended.

Trekking Guide to Upper Mustaing: Your journey will be led by an experienced, government-licensed trekking guide. Our guides are knowledgeable about altitude sickness, local culture, history, and geography. They are fluent in English; if you require a guide who speaks another language, please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Trekking equipment in Upper Mustang trek: The Upper Mustang trekking is considered as demanding trekking. It requires good preparation to complete it well such as proper clothing and physical fitness.

Pricing of Upper Mustang Trek: the cost of the Upper Mustang trek is quoted in US Dollars or the equivalent in Nepalese currency. Our pricing is transparent and reflects the quality of services included, such as permits, accommodation, meals, and guide services. A detailed breakdown of all inclusions and exclusions will be provided with your itinerary..

Can you trek alone: A special permit is required for Upper Mustang, which mandates a minimum of two trekkers. If you are traveling solo, we can often pair you with another individual or a small group to obtain the permit. Once the permit is issued and you enter the restricted area, you have the flexibility to trek at your own pace with your private guide.

Can visit Lama, King : While the monarchy was officially dissolved, the cultural legacy remains. It is sometimes possible to request an audience with the former head of the Mustang Kingdom, Jigme Parwal Bista, subject to his availability and permission. It is common and encouraged to meet with Lamas in the ancient monasteries throughout the region.

Date change possible: Permit dates are fixed and generally cannot be changed after issuance. In cases of genuine emergency, we can request a postponement from the authorities a few days in advance, but this is not guaranteed.

How to book: To make a reservation, we require passport details, flight details and passport size photo. We will proceed the permit and necessary formalities and once you arrive, with your original passport the permit will be apply.

Payment and booking: A 25% advance payment of the total trip cost is required to confirm your booking. Alpine Asian Treks accept payments via bank transfer or major credit cards. The remaining balance is due when you arrive in Kathmandu.