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Upper Mustang Trek leads you to the hidden semi-independent kingdom of Nepal attached to the Tibetan Border. This region is also known as Lo. Hundreds of years back, Lo belonged to Tibetan rulers, hence the area is still highly impressed by Tibetan Buddhism. In many places, Mustang is described as a ‘Himalayan Cold Dessert’. Thousands of years old Buddhist monasteries, colorful rock formation, hundreds of caves and more are some areas of interests.
Mustang area was restricted for foreigners by the Government of Nepal until 1992, though the area is restricted even today for individual trekkers or backpackers and entering the area needs minimum 2 travelers traveling together through a Government licensed travel agency. The region lies in Dhaulagiri rain shadow area so June / July / August is the best months to visit as the area experiences less rain on those months. Until recently, Upper Mustang Trek was accessible only in the camping mode but things have gotten easier now and lodges are available for meals and accommodation. It is a perfect destination for an adventurer wishing to see Tibetan influenced traditions and cultures. It is spectacular Himalayan trekking behind the Himalayas which is perfect during monsoon season.
The huge, windy, cold and dry land further Kagbeni to Tibetan border is known as Upper Mustang which is a restricted area by Nepal government. A visitor must have an immigration entry permit issued by the Department of Immigration, Nepal government to enter the land. Upper Mustang area is popular for exploration of centuries-old caves, unspoiled cultures and hundreds of years old monasteries of the region. The trek is an adventure of a lifetime, it is a hidden gem. Upper Mustang area is also known as “The Last Forbidden Kingdom”. Trekking to Upper Mustang is much more similar to trekking in the high lands of Tibet, China.
Upper Mustang Trekking is less explored area of Nepal as there are several conditions of Nepal Government to protect the area. Individual trekking and backpacking is forbidden in this area and a Government licensed guide must accommpany the tour groups all the time. It’s a very beautiful trekking route, less explored and away from crowded routes of Annapurna and Everest.
In the total 17 days program, we will be in the mountains for 10 days exploring the beauty of Himalayan kingdom. The trek is easy to moderate level trekking, we will be walking about 6 – 7 hours everyday. Most of the part of the trek is gentle ascending / descending. The trek is suitable for people looking to stay away from the hustle and bustle of crowds in the popular and other easily accessible routes. Lodges are available for meals and accommodation thus it’s not necessary to carry any foods (carrying snacks recommended).
This is completely tea house based trek hence we will be sleeping and eating in the lodges. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, we provide 3 start category hotel accommodation with breakfast and it will be standard lodges while on the trek. The lodges on the trek will be mostly shared bathroom / shared toilet while in 1/2 places we may provide you rooms with private toilet.
The meals on the trek will be mostly locally prepared using local ingredients most of the time. Kathmandu and Pokhara offers a wide selection of meals in basic to high standard luxury lounges. On the trek, the number of meal items will be limited to a small number.
This is a easy to moderate level trekking route. The trek can be done throughout the year however February – November is comparatively better than other months. The trek is even more beautiful during monsoon season June – August as the buckwheat flowers are blossmed at this time. In winter season (December – February), the pass will have some snow making it difficult to cross the pass. During best months the sky is generally crystal clear, the views are breathtaking and the weather is lovely as well. As this is the ultimate adventure of your life we recommend you to plan the trek properly and during best months though Himalayan Leisure, Inc. will be able to arrange your trip throughout the year.
Head: Sun hat or scarf – Light balaclava or warm fleece hat – Sunglasses with UV protection
Lower Body: Under Garments – Hiking shorts – Lightweight cotton long pants – Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms – Fleece or wool pants (seasonal) – Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants
Feet: Thin, lightweight inner socks – Thick, warm wool hiking socks – Hiking boots with spare laces – Camp shoes (sneakers and/or sandals) Gaiters for hiking in winter to the base camp
Upper Body: T-shirts – Light and expedition weight thermal tops – Fleece jacket or pullover – Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional) – Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket – Down vest and/or jacket*
Hands: Lightweight gloves – Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer (seasonal)
Accessories: Sleeping bag rated to zero degree centigrade * – Headlamp (e.g. Petzl Zoom) with spare bulbs and batteries – Trekking Bags/Duffel bag * – Basic First Aid Kit – Large plastic bags – for keeping items dry inside trek bag – Daypack (approximately 2500 to 3000 cubic inches) – Trekking Poles – Water bottle (2) or camel bag – Toiletries (Small wash towel, Toilet papers etc) – Ear Plug (who know some people on group are snoring)
Toiletries: 1 medium sized quick drying towel – Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable) – Multipurpose soap (preferably biodegradable) – Deodorants – Nail clippers – Face and body moisturizer – Personal / Feminine hygiene products – Small mirror
Extras/Luxuries: Binoculars – Reading book – Trail Map/Guide book – Journal & Pen – Walkman – Pencils and small notebooks – Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble – Swimming customs (Kathmandu and Trek)
