Useful informations of Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek Insights

The Upper Mustang trek is popular for adventurers looking for a pony trek in the region. Other activities include Jeep or bike tours. These tours take several excursions and cultural experiences such as visiting the Forbidden Kingdom, food in a local teahouse, and hiking to Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.

Upper Mustang has a maximum altitude of 3810m (12,500ft) and can be located at latitude 29° 04'60.00" N, longitude 83° 54'59.99 E. It is a valley surrounded by the Himalayan Range and has a dry, cold atmosphere with no vegetation and a desert-like landscape.

Cultural and Traditonal Highlights

The Upper Mustang trek allows climbers to immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions of the region. The locals still speak the Tibetan language and have a rich Buddhist culture. Due to its remote location, Tibetan culture has been preserved from the outside world. The Upper Mustang trek allows you to explore Buddhist architecture, art, culture, and tradition, as well as enjoy the amazing landscape of snowy peaks and gorges that have been referred to by previous trekkers as heaven on Earth. The people of Mustang are friendly and curious about new arrivals, and you will find children running out of the stone and sunbaked mud-brick houses along the route to greet you as you move through the region.

Annapurna Conservation Area

A highlight of the Upper Mustang trek is the Annapurna Conservation Area which stretches across the Mustang region. Established in 1992, it is a restricted area managed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation. A permit is required to enter the conservation area at USD 20.
 

Requirements to join Upper Mustang Trek`

The Upper Mustang trek involves trekking through the steepest gorges in the world, and across the stunning high-altitude desert. No prior trekking experience is required to join the trek with Nepal Mountain Trekkers. You simply need to be physically fit and have a passion for exploration. It is an ideal trip for adventure seekers who wish to immerse themselves in the Nepalese culture. No equipment is needed, as Nepal Mountain Trekkers provide gear such as sleeping bags, down jackets, and a first aid box. You will, however, require suitable clothing and footwear. 

To be able to participate, you will need a permit to enter the region. This is provided by Nepal Mountain Trekkers and includes the Upper Mustang Special Permit, and Annapurna Conservation Area fees. The Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit is USD 500 per person for the first 10 days then USD 50 per day thereafter. 

Best time for this trek

Even during monsoon season, the Upper Mustang region receives much less rainfall than other local areas. Because of this, the Upper Mustang trek can be joined any time during the year. However, August and October are the peak visiting months, with other popular times coinciding with cultural celebrations such as the Tiji festival, which is known as the most colorful and important festival in Upper Mustang. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and consists of meditation and dancing.

 

Want to know more about Upper Mustang Trekking, please check this article: 9 reasons you must visit Upper Mustang once in your lifetime?