Upper Mustang Trek

Trek Difficulty

The Upper Mustang Trek is generally rated moderate in difficulty. Trekkers cover long distances (an average of 5–7 hours of walking per day) on rugged trails, with several steep ascents and descents over high passes.

The highest point is around 4,200 m (Chogo La), which is lower than many other Nepal treks, so the risk of severe altitude sickness is relatively low – but proper acclimatization is still important.

Good physical fitness is required: you should be comfortable walking up and down hills for multiple days. Prior trekking experience at high altitude is helpful but not mandatory. The terrain in Mustang is a mix of dirt paths, rocky trails, and some narrow canyon sections. Strong winds in the afternoon and intense sun (due to lack of shade) can add to the challenge.

However, the pace is well planned with rest days and gradual elevation gain. Trekkers of all ages (including first-timers with reasonable fitness) have completed Upper Mustang successfully. With determination and some training beforehand, you can too!

Weather and Best Season

Upper Mustang lies in a rain shadow, meaning it’s much drier than most of Nepal. Spring (March–May) and autumn (Sept–Nov) are the ideal seasons to trek – you’ll enjoy mild temperatures, stable weather, and clear skies (plus cultural events like the Tiji Festival, usually in May). Unlike other treks, Mustang is trek-able in the summer/monsoon (June–August) as well, since the region gets very little rain.

The landscape actually turns a bit greener, and there are fewer tourists, though expect some rain on the way to Jomsom. Winter (Dec–Feb) is off-season. Upper Mustang becomes extremely cold (often well below -10°C at night), and higher sections can be snowbound. Many locals close their lodges and migrate to lower areas during winter.

Only very well-prepared adventurers attempt the trek in winter. In summary, aim for spring or autumn for the best experience. Monsoon can be a good alternative for those who don’t mind the chance of a delay or two. Winter treks are not recommended due to harsh conditions.

Food & Drink

You will be surprised by the variety of food available even in remote Mustang. Teahouse menus typically offer Nepali dal bhat (rice, lentils, vegetable curry), which gives unlimited refills and great energy for trekking.

You can also get noodle soups, fried rice, potatoes, pasta, momos (dumplings), and sometimes western items like pancakes or omelets. Meals are hearty and carb-heavy to refuel trekkers. Meat is scarce (and not very fresh in remote areas), so expect mostly vegetarian fare – which is delicious and safer for your stomach.

For drinking, it’s important to stay hydrated. Tea (black tea, milk tea, ginger-lemon-honey, etc.) is available at every stop. Safe drinking water is key: we recommend filling your bottle with boiled water (available at lodges for a small fee) or using water purification tablets. Avoid drinking untreated tap or stream water.

Soft drinks and bottled water are sold in some villages, but get pricier as you go higher. Many trekkers bring electrolyte powder to add to water for taste and hydration. Overall, you will eat well on the trek – it might be simple fare, but it’s tasty, filling, and part of the adventure. And yes, “dal bhat power” will fuel you all the way to Lo Manthang and back!

Altitude Sickness

Even though the Upper Mustang Trek does not go extremely high (maximum around 4,280 m), altitude sickness can still be experienced by trekkers. We climb slowly, and we have rest days to allow your body to get used to it. Above 3,000 m, mild symptoms, such as headache, poor sleep, or short breath, can be experienced.

You should take your time, keep hydrated, and not climb too quickly. Our program is tailored to acclimatization, e.g., we stay longer nights at elevations of about 3,500–3,800 m before we cross the highest point. Your guide will monitor your health daily. If symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) worsen (severe headache, dizziness, nausea), the immediate solution is to rest and, if needed, descend to a lower altitude.

Fortunately, serious AMS is rare on this route. By following guidance (like avoiding alcohol, drinking plenty of water, and ascending slowly), you’ll likely be fine. We carry a first aid kit and have procedures in place in case evacuation is needed – but the goal is to prevent AMS through proper acclimatization.

Preparation and Fitness

Proper preparation will make your Upper Mustang Trek more enjoyable. Training should be initiated at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to the trip. Concentrate on heart-related activities such as jogging, cycling, or swimming to develop stamina. Also, walking up and down day after day with a full pack on your back makes your leg muscles stronger, and this makes you practice walking up and up the hill.

The most important part is to develop stamina because you will be walking for several hours every day. When you can, take some hikes over the weekend at higher levels (assuming you have any hills around) to test out your fitness and break in your hiking boots.

Flexibility and core exercises (yoga, stretching) can help prevent injuries on the trail as well. In terms of gear, make sure you have comfortable, broken-in hiking boots and a good-quality daypack.

Pack layered clothing for temperature changes (t-shirts, fleece, down jacket, wind/rain jacket), along with essentials like a sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm (the sun is strong in Mustang).

Mental preparation is also important: be ready for basic facilities, possible flight delays, and a slower pace of life. With reasonable fitness and a positive mindset, trekkers from teens to seniors successfully complete the Upper Mustang Trek every year.

Visa and Permits

To enter Nepal, you can get a visa on arrival at the airport (USD $30 for 15 days or $50 for 30 days, payable in cash). It’s a straightforward process – just bring a passport photo and the fee. For the Upper Mustang Trek itself, special permits are required (we will obtain these for you before heading to the trail).

Each trekker needs an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Mustang. The RAP is expensive – USD $500 per person for the first 10 days in Upper Mustang, and $50 for each additional day – but this cost is included in your package.

Note that the government rules mandate at least two trekkers (or one trekker paying for two permits) and a registered guide to issue a Mustang permit, so you cannot do this trek completely solo.

All the paperwork will be done in Kathmandu by Himalayan Adventure Treks to get you the necessary permits. All you will need is to present your passport information and two passport-sized photographs, and we will do the rest. Your guide will also show your permits to officials at checkpoints during the trek (e.g., Kagbeni). Travel at ease knowing that the permits are made and provided.

Health & Safety

On the Upper Mustang trek, we place your safety first. All our guides are trained in first aid and altitude awareness, and at all times, they have a basic medical kit with them.

We will climb slowly and incorporate rest days so that you get adjusted to the altitude, and the chances of sickness due to altitude are reduced. In case you feel bad (e.g., constant headache or nausea), please make your guide aware of it so that we can react accordingly, usually by taking a rest or going down a bit.

Staying healthy on the trail also means taking some precautions: drink only boiled or purified water (never directly from streams or taps without treating it) and eat the freshly cooked meals provided.

The teahouses maintain good hygiene, but it’s wise to use hand sanitizer before eating and perhaps stick to vegetarian dishes to play it safe (meat is scarce and may not always be very fresh). Carry any personal medications you need (for allergies, etc.), as well as basics like blister care and diarrhea tablets – though our guides have a kit, it’s good to have what works for you.

Safety on trails matters as well. Always listen to the instructions of your guide, particularly when on the windy ridges or cliff edges. The ground may be gravelly and uneven, and trekking poles are advised if you have weak knees.

Take care with every step and always follow your guide’s instructions. Give right of way to mule/yak caravans by standing on the uphill side of the trail. Mustang’s weather can be extreme (strong sun in the day, cold at night), so protect yourself with sunscreen, proper layers, and stay hydrated.

In terms of crime and personal safety, Upper Mustang is very remote, and the local communities are honest and welcoming. There is virtually no theft on the trail. Still, keep your valuables secured (a money belt or locking your duffel at night) as a basic precaution.

Overall, trek with confidence: with a qualified guide, a sensible pace, and normal caution, the Upper Mustang Trek is a safe and rewarding adventure.

Transportation

Your journey involves multiple modes of travel. First, you will travel between cities: typically a drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (the road journey is about 6–7 hours by tourist bus, winding along rivers and hills). There’s also an option to take a short flight on this route.

Next, from Pokhara, we take a scenic flight to Jomsom (around 20 minutes) to begin the trek. This flight is usually in the early morning and can occasionally be delayed by weather, but it’s a spectacular ride between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

Once in the mountains, foot travel is the main way to explore Mustang. There is a rough road that extends up to Lo Manthang, and sometimes we may see jeeps or motorbikes, but as trekkers, we mostly stick to the quieter walking trails. We use pack animals or porters to carry heavier gear, while you carry a daypack.

After finishing the trek in Jomsom, we fly (or drive) back to Pokhara and then travel overland or by air to Kathmandu. All internal transportation – private vehicles, flights, airport pickups, etc. – is arranged by us. You can simply enjoy the journey without worrying about logistics.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance before coming to Nepal. Make sure the policy covers high-altitude trekking (up to ~4,500 m) and includes emergency medical evacuation (helicopter rescue) and repatriation. If you were to develop severe altitude sickness or have an injury in a remote area, a helicopter evacuation can cost thousands of dollars – insurance will cover that.

Also, look for a policy that covers trip cancellations or delays, as mountain flights (like Jomsom-Pokhara) can sometimes be affected by weather. Once you have insurance, please provide us with a copy of your policy details (insurer name, policy number, and emergency contact).

In an emergency, this information lets us quickly coordinate a rescue with your insurance company. We hope it’s never needed, but having good insurance provides peace of mind so you can trek without worry.

Alternative Routes

There are a few variations of the Upper Mustang Trek itinerary. Some trekkers add an extra day to visit Yara village and Luri Gompa, an ancient cave monastery southeast of Lo Manthang – this detour offers a deeper look into Mustang’s cave culture (usually making the trek 18–19 days in total).

Others plan their trip in May to coincide with the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang, spending three days in the walled city to witness this spectacular masked dance celebration.

If you’re short on time, a shorter Upper Mustang Trek (around 10–12 days ex-Kathmandu) is possible by flying to Jomsom, trekking to Lo Manthang and back the same way (skipping some side excursions).

For those who prefer not to walk the whole way, an Upper Mustang Jeep tour is also available, covering many of the same villages by road in about a week – though most would agree that trekking is far more rewarding for the full experience.

We can customize the Upper Mustang Trek itinerary based on your interests and time – whether you want cultural add-ons, extra side trips, or a quicker route, just let us know.

Your Extra Expenses

Our Upper Mustang Trek package covers the majority of the leading expenses, yet you will require funds to spend on an individual basis. In Kathmandu and Pokhara, the meals are not included unless there is an explicit mention of breakfast, a welcome dinner, or a farewell dinner. In a medium-priced restaurant, you can spend between five and ten dollars per meal.

During the trek, snacks, such as chocolate and energy bars, additional beverages, such as soft drinks or beer, boiled or bottled water, a hot shower, Wifi, and phone or camera charging will be paid directly. These expenses are minor individually but may accumulate over a long walk, and it is prudent to carry an adequate amount of Nepali cash since bank machines are not found on the trail.

It is customary and pleasant to tip your guide and porters in Nepal, and so most people budget about ten percent of the trek cost as tips. In addition to the cost of a two-week trek to the Upper Mustang, most trekkers carry between twenty thousand and thirty thousand Nepali rupees, equivalent to about a hundred and fifty dollars to two hundred and fifty American dollars, and it is always best to have a little more than you imagine you will use.

Mobile Network, Internet & Charging Facilities

Expect limited connectivity on this trek. Mobile phone coverage (Nepal Telecom or Ncell) is spotty – you might get a weak signal in Jomsom, Kagbeni, or Lo Manthang, but for most of the trek you’ll be off the grid.

A few teahouses offer Wi-Fi via satellite or cellular network, usually for a fee, but the connection can be slow and unreliable. It’s best to assume you won’t have internet access and to inform family in advance that you’ll be mostly out of contact.

Electricity is available at lodges through solar or generator power for a few hours in the evenings. You can charge your camera and phone at teahouses (often about NPR 200–300 per device per charge).

It’s wise to bring a power bank as a backup in case of limited charging time or power outages. In summary, enjoy a bit of a digital detox – you can reconnect once you’re back in Pokhara or Kathmandu!

Don’ts on this Trip

When you are on your Upper Mustang trek, these are some of the key things you need to avoid to ensure that you do not offend the local culture and you use the environment wisely. You must never dress very provocatively in the country or in monasteries, and you must never take off your shoes before entering the religious buildings.

It is always important to ask permission before taking pictures of individuals or in monasteries. Do not litter the trail, and attempt not to use lots of plastic bottles. Take your trash to a lodge or a town, and do not give out candy or money to kids, since this will motivate them to beg, and this may spoil their teeth. In order to contribute to the community, you should donate to a school or health post.

To be on the safe side, follow your guide and do not abandon the trail of a road or go out of the principal one, particularly in the border district, and never enter a closed cave or monastery.

Do not drink a lot or use drugs in the process of trekking since it complicates the issue of altitude. When you are unwell, do not attempt to conceal or persevere, but inform your guide and proceed at a slow pace, bistaarai bistaarai, meaning, slowly slowly.

Trip Extension

Nepal is a beautiful country, and there are many beautiful options to continue your holiday in case you have extra time after you have finished your Upper Mustang trek. You may visit the National Park of Chitwan, where you can spend two to three days, enjoy the jungle life, jeep safari, canoe riding, and in the evening Tharu dance.

Some of the days that you can spend at Pokhara in adventure activities are paragliding across the lake, zip line rides, light aircraft sightseeing, or even just simple day walks to such sites as the World Peace Pagoda.

It is also possible to spend the night at Lakeside cafes and have a mountain view after a long walk in the Upper Mustang region. There is still more trekking, and a short Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek should be considered by those still interested in more trekking to have a view of the sunrise of the Annapurna range.

It is also easy to arrange cultural day tours in Kathmandu to Bhaktapur, Patan, or any other heritage sites. We are also pleased to assist you in making any extensions, so that the dry wilderness of Mustang, the green jungle, and the quiet lakeside can be a part of your Nepal adventure.

Photography & Drone Rules

Upper Mustang is a photographer’s dream, but please be respectful when taking pictures. Always ask permission before photographing local people (especially monks or inside private homes/monasteries).

Many will happily pose; if someone declines, respect that. In some monasteries or during certain ceremonies, photography might be prohibited – your guide will advise when in doubt. Flash photography is usually not allowed inside monasteries as it can damage old murals.

Drone usage in Upper Mustang is heavily restricted. You need special government permission to fly drones here, especially in sensitive border areas such as Mustang. We do not really recommend the use of a drone unless you have the official permits obtained beforehand.

Illegal drone operations may cause disruption among the residents and even lead to seizure by law enforcement. Also, the sound interferes with the tranquility of this religious site. It’s better to capture Mustang’s beauty with your camera and eyes.

Keep in mind that power for charging batteries is limited (as noted above), so bring spare batteries and memory cards. It’s also a good idea to carry a camera rain cover or dry bags since conditions can be dusty (and occasionally rainy).

Lastly, sometimes put the camera down and simply soak in the surroundings – Upper Mustang’s landscapes and people are truly special, and some memories are best saved in your heart!