Upper Mustang Trek
Overview of Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang, situated in the western district of Nepal, is a popular destination for travelers due to its unique topography, cultural diversity, and adventurous nature. The Upper Mustang Trek takes you through prominent settlements in the region, such as Jomsom, Kagbeni, Muktinath, Chussang, and the ancient capital city of the Mustang kingdom, Lho Manthang. The landscape of Mustang is semi-arid, similar to its northern counterpart, and borders Tibet with Nepal, resulting in similar cultural practices. Due to the dry climatic conditions, the region experiences very little rainfall, creating a desert-like landscape.
The Upper Mustang Trek is a renowned trek in Nepal that takes you to the historical kingdom of Mustang, situated in the northern region of the country. It has become a popular choice for adventure seekers who are intrigued by its unique culture, breathtaking scenery, and remote location. This trek typically lasts for 20 days and traverses through rugged mountainous terrain, deep canyons, and dry landscapes. The main attraction of this trek is the fortified city of Lo Manthang, which used to be the capital of the Mustang Kingdom and boasts well-preserved Tibetan culture and architecture. Along the way, you can discover far-flung villages, ancient monasteries, and remarkable natural formations such as the Kali Gandaki River and the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges.
To begin your trek, you will travel to Jomsom, which is the capital of the Mustang district. Your journey to Jomsom will involve a flight from Pokhara. From Jomsom, you will travel eastward along the Kaligandaki river basin until you reach Kagbeni, which is located at the confluence of the Kaligandaki and Jhong rivers.
Kagbeni is considered a sacred site for Hindu rituals. You will then proceed westward through the barren terrain of the Nepalese highlands, passing through small settlements of the Thakali people, such as Syangmochen, Dhakmar, and Tsarang, and crossing the Nyi La Pass (3932m) before reaching the ancient capital of Lho Manthang. Lho Manthang is a picturesque village that resembles an ancient civilization with some modern amenities. It is home to many ancient monasteries and mysterious caves, with sparsely populated settlements. On your return journey, you will follow the same route back to Kagbeni and visit the sacred Hindu site of Muktinath.
If you have less time but still want to explore the Upper Mustang Region, you can consider taking a 4WD jeep tour instead of trekking. This type of tour offers more comfort and allows you to cover a larger area in a shorter period of time. The tour usually lasts for 6 to 8 days, taking you through the old kingdom of Mustang in the northern region of Nepal. You will have the opportunity to visit secluded villages, historic monasteries, and natural wonders such as the Kali Gandaki River and the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain ranges. Mustang is known as a haven for adventure enthusiasts due to its rugged terrain. Our team at Himalayan Top Trekking has a robust network of vehicle providers to facilitate your Upper Mustang Jeep tour.
Nepal has generally moderate climatic conditions but experiences some months of high humidity. The country has four distinct weather patterns throughout the year: Spring (March, April, May), Summer/Monsoon (June, July, August), Autumn (September, October, November), and Winter (December, January, February).
For trekking in Upper Mustang, the best time to visit is during Autumn and Spring when the weather is warm and the skies are clear. Spring is known for the blooming of flowers across the Nepalese region, creating a lush and colorful environment along the trekking trails. Autumn follows the monsoon season, bringing moderate temperatures to the highlands of Nepal and relatively warmer conditions in higher-altitude regions.
The Upper Mustang region is situated beyond the Himalayas and is a dry and arid rain-shadow area that receives occasional showers during the monsoon. Due to its unique characteristic, it is possible to choose to trek to Upper Mustang even in the summer season, although the beautiful sight of the Annapurna mountains may be obscured by monsoon clouds. However, it is advised against trekking in Upper Mustang during the winter months as heavy snowfall in the region causes disruptions to the trails and roadways, making the trek more challenging due to the icy and snow-covered terrain.
The cost associated with the Upper Mustang Trek differs based on several factors, including the duration of the trek, the type of lodgings, the number of individuals in your group, and the quality of support and services offered by our company. Typically, the cost for a 13-day Upper Mustang Trek ranges from 1600 USD to 1800 USD per person, which includes expenses such as permits, food, accommodations, transportation, and the aid of a licensed guide and porter.
However, it is important to understand that this is only an estimated cost, and the actual cost can vary based on your unique requirements and preferences. If you opt for more lavish accommodations, the cost can increase significantly. Moreover, you should allocate funds for additional expenses like snacks, drinks, tips, and souvenirs, as they are not included in the trekking package.
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