How long is Upper Mustang Trek?

There are many Upper Mustang Trek itineraries ranging from a minimum of 10 days to a maximum of 18 days starting from Kathmandu and navigating back. These itineraries have a lot to offer in terms of the radiating history of the former Kingdom of Lo Manthang, distinct geography, and remarkable rituals.

Which is the best time to do the Upper Mustang Trek?

The best season for the Upper Mustang Trek is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these periods, the weather is relatively stable, with clear skies and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for trekking in the region.

Do I need to hire a guide for the Upper Mustang Trek?

Yes, trekking solo without a guide is not allowed in the Mustang Region. Moreover, there should be at least a minimum of two trekkers to trek in Mustang.

Do I need to carry Nepalese currency for the trek?

Yes, you need to spend money along the trail for various purposes like Wi-Fi, snacks, hot showers, etc.

Should I buy travel insurance for this trek?

There is always the risk of Acute Mountain sickness trekking above 3000 meters. Therefore, travel insurance is your protection just in case you need medical emergencies. Moreover, travel insurance is helpful for your loss of property, thefts, damaged goods, etc. Having adequate air evacuation coverage in your travel insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring that you can receive prompt and appropriate medical attention in the event of a serious emergency, potentially saving lives in critical situations.

What Kind of Permits do I Need?

For the Upper Mustang Trek, The Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) area requires an entry permit which costs $20 per person for a single entry into the area but is valid for as long as the trek takes and RAP (Restricted Area Permit). This costs $500 per person for 10 days. If longer is required, an additional $50 per day is charged.No TIMS or Trekkers Information Management System card is required for Upper Mustang as the Restricted Area Permit(RAP) is sufficient as it provides details of the trekker and his/her destination in case of an emergency or problem.

From where Can I Get the Upper Mustang Permits ?

For trekking in Lower Mustang, TIMs and ACAP permits are required and can be obtained by the trekker themselves from the Nepal Tourism Board in Kathmandu and the Tourist Office in Pokhara. For RAP (Restricted Area Permit) individual trekkers cannot obtain the RAP permit for Upper Mustang themselves. The special permits for restricted areas like Upper Mustang in Nepal are indeed issued exclusively through the Department of Immigration under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Trekking companies play a vital role in facilitating this process for trekkers. For more information please click the following link Permit .

Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang Trek takes you to the hidden Kingdom of Mustang-Lo Manthang. Trek to Upper Mustang allows you to explore hidden valleys impacted between Tibet and the Himalayas. The trail to Upper Mustang was opened for trekking in 1992. Remoteness and the rugged landscapes with century-old monasteries, Tibetan Cultures, and trans-Himalayas make this trek special among travellers. This 15-day Upper Mustang Trek is a delightful walk with incredible scenery of landscapes and panoramic views of mountains such as Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna Ranges, and many others. Upper Mustang Trekking begins with the exciting fight from Pokhara to Jomsom. The flight delivers exotic views of the mountains from the air. After landing at Jomsom, the trek starts at Kagbeni and continues through Chele, Syangmoche, Ghami, and Lo Manthang. Likewise, after discovering Lho the trek goes passing Dhakmar, Ghiling, and Chuksang and ends at Jomsom. Between this start and the end of the trek, you will get to see caves, rock paintings, monasteries, gompas, and mountain views. Likewise, visit an ancient popular Ghar Gompa, which is over 1200 years old. Trek to the Mustang region is a perfect way to discover the magical and remote part of Nepal. Experience the traditional culture and lifestyle of a Tibetan-influenced community. People of this community follow the Buddhist religion which allows you to get close to Buddhist culture.

Iconic Holiday Nepal assures you of making your visit to Mustang with remarkable experience and adventure. Our professional trekking guides and staff have local insights and have good experience in this trekking trail. Likewise, we can make a flexible Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary that is ideal for our clients.

Why Upper Mustang Trek?

Excellent opportunity to learn and understand the lifestyle of the people from remote areas.
Encounter with Tibetan Plateau, barren land, striking landscapes, and gigantic mountains.
Century Gompas and monasteries with their significance.
Suitable to trek even in monsoon season.
Unique and mysterious architectures, caves, and carvings.

Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty Level

Trekking to the Upper Mustang is challenging because of its high elevation and dry environment. Just like other treks in Nepal, it requires decent fitness and trekking experience. However, the difficulty depends on the individual trekker: the physical ability, determination, mental ability, the walking pace, and the itinerary. Proper physical training and preparation give you an effortless and pleasant journey to the Upper Mustang.

Permit Requirements to trek to Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang lies near the Tibetan border, a restricted area. It means you need a special permit card to enter the restricted zone. The special permit card costs you USD 500 per person for the first ten days. Afterwards, it costs USD 50 per day. Likewise, trekkers need another permit card for the Annapurna Conservation area. It costs USD 25 per person, valid until the trek's end.

Note: There should be at least a minimum of two trekkers to trek in this region. Iconic Holiday Nepal can arrange the required permit cards for our clients.

Upper Mustang Trek in spring, autumn, and summer

Spring, autumn, and summer are The perfect times to go for Upper Mustang Trek. Alternatively, you can say apart from the winter season (December –February), other nine months are possible to do this trek.

Spring: The time of spring is the perfect way to explore the Mustang region. In May, people celebrate the Tiji Festival, which lasts for 3 days. Cool weather, festival vibes, and mountain views make remarkable experience during the spring.

Autumn: With the clearest views of the mountains and moderate temperature, the months of autumn are the best time to visit Upper Mustang. However, from late November, winter starts which makes trekking to Mustang challenging. People from Mustang migrate to lower regions and teahouses are closed. Therefore, trekking to Upper Mustang is not suggested during the winter season.

Summer or Monsoon: Being said that monsoon is a rainy season, the Mustang is a rain shadow region. However, you may receive some rainfall in lower regions like Pokhara. However, once you reach the Mustang, you will see a different world. There is less chance of rainfall in the Mustang region because of its driest atmosphere.