Are you prepared for the adventure of a lifetime? Look no further than the Nepali Upper Mustang Trek! This hidden gem transports you through picturesque scenery, historical villages, and breathtaking Himalayan views.
Envision yourself on a trek through a lifeless desert landscape, the only indications of life becoming the occasional yak or wild horse grazing. But don’t be fooled; as you proceed on the walk, you’ll pass across beautiful towns that the outside has unspoiled for decades. You will be lucky enough to interact with the locals and learn more about their unique way of life and culture.
The Upper Mustang trek is a 13-day trek that takes you from Kathmandu to the mesmerizing village of Jomsom. The trek starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. On the second day, the trekkers will drive from Pokhara to Jomsom, where we will experience the first taste of the trek.
The trekkers will take a rest on Jomsom and continue their journey with a trek to Kagbeni. Upper Mustang’s entry point, Kagbeni, offers a glimpse into local culture. After inhaling the pure air of Kagbeni, trekkers will continue climbing to Chele. The hikers will experience numerous landscapes and stunning views of the Mustang Himal while climbing from Kagbeni to Chele.
In Chele, the trekkers will take a break, then proceed to Syangboche. This will end on the fifth day of the trek. On the sixth day, the journey continues with a hike to Tsarang. We can see the Red Gompa and the ancient palace on the sixth day. This six-days-trek will let the trekkers see heaven on earth. After a day of acclimatization, the trekkers will move forward to Tsarang and then from Tsarang to Lo-Manthang. Lo-Manthang is the highlight of the trek, and it is also the capital of the Upper Mustang.
The ninth day will be a day to explore Lo-Manthang and its surrounding areas. The trekkers will then incline to Drakmar and then trek down to Ghiling. Here the hikers will stop at the local teahouse for a warm meal and some rest before continuing.
On the twelfth day, the trekkers will drop down to Jomsom and then fly back to Pokhara, where they will celebrate a successful trek with a delicious treat. Finally, on the 13th day, we will fly back to Kathmandu and enjoy a farewell dinner with the guide.
The trek is certainly arduous and challenging. However, a trekker should always remember that the destination will surely be more than beautiful if the journey is difficult. Nepal is best known for the beauty of nature, and Nepalese are best known for their unique hospitality and cuisines. Therefore, we can ensure that this trek will be the best experience for trekkers or people who love adventure.
Best Time for Upper Mustang Trek
The spring and fall seasons (March to May and September to November) are the optimum times to take the Upper Mustang Trek. The most excellent vistas of the surrounding mountains can be had during these seasons because of the mild weather and clear skies. Trekking is also possible in a comfortable climate, with warm days and cold nights. Additionally, there is less likelihood of rain or snow during these seasons, which makes the trails less muddy and more straightforward to navigate.
Upper Mustang is a rain shadow region, making it possible to hike there even during the monsoon season. The monsoon season is generally occurring around June and August. The trail may be muddy. Still, the beautiful green flora and few crowds can provide an enjoyable experience.
The ideal time for hiking will also rely on your personal preferences and tolerance for different weather conditions, so keep this in mind. The monsoon may be your best bet if you like colder weather and are comfortable trekking through light rain.
How Difficult is the Upper Mustang trek?
The difficulty rating for the Upper Mustang trip is moderate. This is less comfortable than the simple hikes and more challenging than the hard-level treks. However, the Upper Mustang trek’s degree of difficulty can be altered to some extent to fit your preferences, much like most treks.
For grading the difficulty of a trek, no standards have been established. Depending on the individual’s skills, the level of difficulty will vary. Four factors affect the problem of the Upper Mustang Trek: Walking distance per day and overall distance traveled, Height, Terrain, Height
Thus, you can change the trek’s difficulty level based on the paths you utilize, the locations you trek to, and the time you spend trekking.
As the walk might be physically demanding, it’s crucial to be fit and healthy to finish it. For the trek to be comfortably finished, you should have strong legs, a high level of cardiovascular fitness, and a nice pair of hiking boots.
Besides, you need to be mentally prepared and have a solid mindset to complete the trek successfully. One of the most important things to remember during the trek is to keep acclimatizing regularly and to keep the pace constantly slow.
Food and Accommodation during the trek
As the Upper Mustang is in Nepal, get ready to experience the best Nepali thali or cuisine. Mustang is very famous for the traditional Nepali Thakali set. Besides, you can also taste the local chicken and other meats cooked in a Nepali way.
Many lodges and tea houses are available in the upper Mustang. All these lodges provide the trekkers with the best food and accommodation facilities.
However, suppose you are a solo trekker and want to avoid living in lodges. In that case, you can also get a homestay, where you can experience the hospitality of a family away from home.
Outline Itinerary – Upper Mustang Trek
Day 01: Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara (6 hours Drive)
Day 02 : Drive from Pokhara to Jomsom ( 2,743 m)
Day 03: Hike from Jomsom to Kagbeni (2,804 m)
Day 04: Kagbeni to Chele (3061m )
Day 05: Chele to Syangboche (3800 meters )
Day 06: Syangboche to Tsarang (3,570 m )
Day 07: Acclimatization at Tsarang
Day 08: Tsarang to Lo- Manthang (3,840 m)
Day 09: Explore Lo-Manthang and rest day.
Day 10: Lo- Manthang to Drakmar (3,806m)
Day 11: Drakmar to Ghiling (3570 meters)
Day 12: Ghiling to Jomsom; Fly back to Pokhara (822 m)
Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner