Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang

Trekking to Upper Mustang is a rare privilege. Here you will experience a way of life of true mountain people, who for hundreds of years, had very little contact with the rest of Nepal and retained their rich cultural heritage. Until recent times their king was officially recognized by the Government of Nepal.

In many ways, a trek into Upper Mustang is similar to trekking in Tibet, as geographically it is a part of the Tibetan plateau. The district of Mustang was, until 1950, a separate kingdom within the boundaries of Nepal. The last king, the Raja of Mustang, still has his home in the ancient capital known as Lo Manthang. Mustang’s last official king Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista’s palace in Lo Manthan, Upper Mustang.

Upper Mustang was opened to non-Nepali trekkers only some fifteen years ago and even today, access is still highly restricted. To enter Upper Mustang, that is to travel further north of Kagbeni, trekkers need a special trekking permit and must be accompanied by a government appointed official.

Upper Mustang, being in the Himalayan rain shadow, is one of the regions in the country suitable for trekking even during the monsoons. During this time, the upper Kali Gandaki valley is still quite dry with only occasional rainfall. The Mustang trek is not particularly difficult, the highest point reached being only 3,800 meters, but the conditions at times can be arduous. Mustang is cold in winter and is always windy and dusty through the year. Winter treks are best avoided due to harsh weather.

There are few accommodation facilities available above Kagbeni, so groups must be fully self-sufficient, especially in fuel. While porters are available in Jomsom it is preferable to use mules to carry the loads up to Mustang. These pack animals are available locally and are more economical, and certainly more environmentally friendly than porters. A trekker to Mustang gestures his experience amidst the backdrop of Himalayan peaks.

Lo Manthang, the old capital, is reached in four days and at least one extra day should be spent here to soak in the sights and sounds of this unique walled settlement. Ponies are available for hire if you so desire. The return trip can either follow the same route as the one you took to enter or take an alternative route along the eastern bank of the Kali Gandaki.

This region is isolated and back warded area in terms of development and a lost place surrounded by the mountains,  The major attractions of Mustang trekking are ancient Tibetan villages, rare medieval Buddhist arts, the exotic culture, traditions, languages, architectures, unique beauty of the vast high valley, colorful stratified rock formation and the Himalayan desert with Himalayan and cultural experiences.

The Trek to this mystery kingdom, which requires a special, permit that costs US$ 500 per person for 10 Days and after US$ 50 per day, begins at the airstrip of Jomsom after flying up early from Pokhara.

The trek is rather easy as most of the route goes along the bank of Kali Gandaki River and eventually leads you to Lo Manthang, the capital of Mustang at 3800 m, which is the highest point on this trip. The panoramic views of great Himalayas like Annapurna, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri and others peaks, Mustang has culturally and historically, picturesque villages, monasteries, unique landscapes with easy access, This is among the very few adventure trips in Nepal, which can be done all over the year