Upper Mustang Trek 14 days Itinerary

The Upper Mustang Trek is a popular trekking route in the Mustang region of Nepal, which lies to the north of the Annapurna mountain range. The Upper Mustang trek takes you through the beautiful and unique landscape of the Mustang region, which is often called the “Forbidden Kingdom” due to its long isolation from the rest of Nepal.

The trek starts from the town of Jomsom, which is accessible by a short flight from Pokhara and takes about 10-14 days to complete. The trail passes through arid landscapes, deep gorges Kali Gandaki Valley, ancient monasteries, and small villages, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.

This is one of the Best treks that chance to explore the walled city of Lo Manthang, which used to be the capital of the ancient Mustang Kingdom. The village is famous for its unique mud brick buildings, narrow alleys, and ancient monasteries, which provide a glimpse into the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region.

The Mustang trek also offers breathtaking views of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri. The best time to go for the Upper Mustang trek is from March to November, although the weather in the region can be unpredictable, and trekkers should be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.

Additionally, The Upper Mustang Trek is a unique and challenging trekking experience that offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure. It is a great option for those who want to explore a remote and relatively unexplored region of Nepal. Mustang Trek discovers the hidden world of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Mustang. No place is more remote than this. Despite its inaccessibility, Mustang has been protected from mass tourism for a long time and is known as one of the last bastions of traditional Tibetan culture. and the Kara La Pass height of 4,660 meters, making it one of the closest border points with Tibet.

Lo Manthang (3,800m) was established in 1380 and is the capital of the Upper Mustang. Jomsom is approximately 90 kilometers away. During Nepal’s monarchy, the city was part of one of the kingdoms. Lo Manthang is also known as a walled city of Upper Mustang as a result of its wall. It is home to approximately 900 Lhobas. About 20 kilometers west of Korala lies the Tibetan border. The local people continue to trade goods via this route with Tibet. This route is not currently open to immigration. 

The upper Mustang Trek itinerary explores the Tibetan plateau desert land and was opened in 1992 when King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah was the King of Nepal. It is a scenic alternative route trek that cannot be compared with other Nepalese Himalayan treks. In order to access the Upper Mustang Valley, all trekkers need a special permit, which costs $500 per person for 10 days and $50 per person for each additional day, though the permit cost is included in our package.

Furthermore, the Upper Mustang Trek itinerary begins with a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, followed by a trek to Kagbeni located at 2,810 meters above sea level. On the second part of the trip, we will trek for 5 hours to Chele 3,050 m, then to Gilling 3,570 m, then to Ghami, Tsarang, and Lo Manthang, with one more rest day in Lo Manthang to visit Chosar village. Lastly, we will trek back to Jomsom via Ghargompa monastery. 

The Culture and Religious

The culture of Mustang is unique and has been shaped by its isolated location and historical ties to Tibet. Mustang was once an independent kingdom and was closely tied to Tibetan culture, religion, and language. Today, the region is part of Nepal but still maintains its distinct identity and culture.

The people of Mustang are predominantly of Tibetan origin and practice Tibetan Buddhism. The region is home to some of the most significant Buddhist monasteries in Nepal, including the famous Lo Gekar Monastery, which is believed to be the oldest monastery in the country.

The Mustang region is also known for its unique architecture, which is a mix of Tibetan and Nepalese styles. The buildings are made of mud bricks, and the walls are adorned with intricate carvings and paintings. The buildings are designed to withstand the harsh climate of the region, with thick walls and small windows to conserve heat.

The people of Mustang also have a rich tradition of weaving and handicrafts. They produce exquisite textiles and rugs, which are made using traditional techniques and patterns. The region is also known for its metalwork, with skilled craftsmen producing intricate copper and silverware.

Another unique aspect of Mustang’s culture is its traditional festivals. The most significant festival in Mustang is the Tiji Festival, which is held in the walled city of Lo Manthang every year. The festival is a celebration of the victory of good over evil and features traditional dance performances, colorful costumes, and religious ceremonies.

Overall, the culture of Mustang is a unique blend of Tibetan and Nepalese influences, shaped by its remote location and historical ties to Tibet. It is a rich and vibrant culture that is well worth exploring for those interested in cultural heritage and traditions.

Farming Crops:

Farming in Mustang is challenging due to its high altitude, harsh climate, and arid landscape. However, the people of Mustang have adapted to these conditions and have developed unique agricultural practices that allow them to grow a variety of crops.

The primary crops grown in Mustang are barley, wheat, and buckwheat, which are well-suited to the arid and high-altitude conditions of the region. The crops are typically sown in the spring and harvested in the fall and are often used to make traditional Tibetan dishes such as tsampa, a type of roasted barley flour that is mixed with butter tea.

Another important crop in Mustang is apples. The region is known for its delicious and juicy apples, which are grown in orchards throughout the region. Apples are typically harvested in late summer and early fall and are used to make apple juice, cider, and other products.

In addition to these crops, farmers in Mustang also grow a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, carrots, turnips, and radishes. These vegetables are grown in small plots near the villages and are often irrigated using traditional methods such as water wheels.

Overall, farming in Mustang is challenging but rewarding, with farmers using traditional techniques and practices to grow a variety of crops that are well-suited to the region’s unique climate and landscape. The crops grown in Mustang are not only a source of food and income but also an important part of the region’s cultural heritage.

The Trail:

Although high mountainous terrain sometimes feels quickly tiring, the upper Mustang trek is easy to get to, with the gradual ascent in good conditions. It does not require any technical skills, just normal hiking is fine. In addition, there are also alternative options if necessary, such as hiring horses or taking a drive-by jeep to the upper Mustang-Lo Manthang Kingdom if required.

Lo Manthang side trip:

day hike side trip from Lo Manthang is Chooser monastery and cave, which is beautiful yak and horse grazing dry land, high range plateau with gray mountainous similar valley like an Upper Dolpo Trek ultimate plateau. From Lo Manthang to KARA LA Pass China, the border is just 4 hours of driving by bike, and many Nepalese bike rider tours visit the border by bike.  it is an adventure ride in the snow.

Accommodations on the Mustang trek:

In all of the places you visit during your upper Mustang Trek, you will find a nice and clean tea house. However, the dining hall and lobby tend to be dusty during the daytime because of the more windy inflow valley, the same as in Jomsom and Kagbeni, the wind inflow became stronger at 1122 LST, in the daytime. However, after 4 pm, it will disappear completely from the ground levels as well.

What is the best season?

Trekking to Upper Mustang’s best season is Monsson time, this region is what we call rain shadow trek, so May, June, July, August, September, and Oct is the best time. several trekking territories are the best trek to do during the Monsoon season, Upper Dolpo, Annapurna Circuit, and Upper Mustang.

What’s so special about us?

Nepal Wilderness Trekking is provided with an experienced expert guide that specializes in only the upper Mustang trek. If there is an emergency, you are in good hands as your guide speaks fluent English, is well-educated, and is well-acquainted with the Upper Mustang region, Culture, and local people. Our full board package trip is very competitively priced for couples and small groups, if there are any emergencies, we will handle them.

Upper Mustang to Nar Phu Valley:

There is an adventure trekking pass that continues across the Saribung pass via the Damodar Kunda glacier and a pass over 6000m with the possibility of climbing Saribung Peak (6,346m), before arriving in the isolated Narphu valley. Technically, this circuit is not challenging. However, one must be in excellent physical condition to keep up with the fast pace and the many days spent at very high altitudes.

Why was the upper Mustang region restrictive?

The Upper Mustang region in Nepal was restrictive for many years due to its remote location and historical ties to Tibet. Mustang used to be an independent kingdom and was closely tied to Tibet in terms of culture, language, and religion. The region was situated along the ancient trade route between Tibet and India, and as a result, it was of strategic importance to both countries.

In the 1950s, Nepal opened its borders to the rest of the world, but the Upper Mustang region remained closed to outsiders until 1992. The Nepalese government restricted access to the region due to concerns about the preservation of its unique culture and environment. The government also wanted to maintain control over the region, which was seen as a potential source of instability due to its proximity to the Tibetan border.

During the period of restriction, only a limited number of visitors were allowed to enter the Upper Mustang region each year, and they had to obtain a special permit to do so. This permit was expensive and difficult to obtain, and visitors were required to travel with a registered guide. This restricted access helped to preserve the region’s culture, environment, and way of life.

In recent years, the restrictions on Upper Mustang have been relaxed, and the region is now open to tourists. However, the Nepalese government still imposes some limitations on the number of visitors, and visitors are required to obtain a permit to enter the region. These restrictions help to manage the impact of tourism on the environment and culture of the region, while still allowing visitors to experience the unique beauty and cultural heritage of Upper Mustang.

Upper Mustang trip Highlights:

Upper Mustang is a unique destination that offers visitors an opportunity to experience a blend of stunning landscapes, ancient culture, and rich history. Here are some of the highlights of a trip to Upper Mustang:

• Unique Landscape: Upper Mustang is a high-altitude desert region with an otherworldly landscape characterized by stark cliffs, deep canyons, and towering rock formations. The region is also home to the Kaligandaki Gorge, the deepest canyon in the world.
• Ancient History and Culture: Upper Mustang has a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries. The region was once an important trading hub on the ancient Silk Route, and its culture has been heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and the traditional Bon religion.
• Lo Manthang: The walled city of Lo Manthang is the cultural and political capital of Upper Mustang. It is home to the Royal Palace, which dates back to the 14th century and is a testament to the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
• Trekking: Upper Mustang is a popular destination for trekking, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes and ancient culture of the region. The trek to Upper Mustang involves crossing high mountain passes, visiting ancient monasteries, and experiencing the local way of life.
• Tiji Festival: The Tiji Festival is a three-day event that takes place in May and is one of the most important cultural events in the Upper Mustang. The festival involves the performance of traditional dances and rituals and is meant to commemorate the victory of good over evil.
• Ancient Monasteries: Upper Mustang is home to several ancient monasteries and temples that date back to the 14th century. The most famous among them are the Lo Gekar Monastery and the Thubchen Gompa, both of which are important centers of Tibetan Buddhism.

Upper Mustang Trek offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience a blend of stunning landscapes, ancient culture, and rich history. Trekking, exploring ancient monasteries, visiting Lo Manthang, and experiencing the Tiji Festival are just a few of the highlights of a trip to this remote and fascinating region of Nepal.