Upper Mustang Trek

Difficulty level of the trek

The Upper Mustang trek difficulty level is graded as moderate to strenuous. There are various factors contributing to the difficulty level. For example, the total distance covered on the trek is 115 km that is covered within 11 days. The average walking hours per day are 6-7 hours.

Furthermore, the highest elevation reached during the trek is 3940 meters. The trekkers need to walk on rocky and uneven paths that feature steep ascents and descents. Some trails include narrower parts and expose you to the cliff edges. To face all these challenges, one needs to be fit and do proper preparations.

Best time for the trek

The best time for the Upper Mustang trek is during the months of March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather conditions of the upper Mustang region become stable with mild temperatures and less precipitation. In the March, April, and May months, the wildflowers bloom, making the trails and valleys beautiful.

You can also trek during the monsoon season, as the Mustang region falls under the rain shadow area. However, it is best to bring rain gear, as it may rain sometime.

Permits are required for the trek.

The Upper Mustang Trek Permit includes a Restricted Area Permit (RAP), an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), and a TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System). You can obtain these permits via an authorized trekking agency, as trekking in the restricted area without a trekking agency is not allowed.

Travel insurance requirements for the trek

The travel insurance, especially for the Mustang Nepal trekking, is highly recommended by the professionals. It is very useful in case of helicopter evacuation, medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, personal liability, and other unexpected events.

Make sure that the travel insurance policy covers the Mustang trek itinerary, as some may not cover the altitude coverage or special areas. Also, bring the copy of the travel insurance documents, as it may be needed during the claim of the insurance.

Accommodations and Food Options

During the upper Mustang trek, you can get the various types of accommodation options like teahouses and lodges. The amenities are mostly basic, as it is a remote area. The amenities include beds, blankets, and pillows. The bathroom and dining area is shared.

In the lower elevation of the Mustang region, you may get the private rooms with en suite bathrooms and better facilities in the lodges.

In term of food options on the Mustang Nepal trekking, you have the options like Oatmeal, cornflakes, muesli, Tibetan bread, fried eggs, pancakes, fried noodles, momo (dumplings), dal bhat (traditional Nepali meal), rice with curry, and various vegetable dishes. 

• Electricity, Internet, and Telephone

The Mustang trek Nepal trails are connected with the national electricity grid up to lower regions. However, there may be power cuts sometimes. In the higher regions like Upper Kagbeni and Lo Manthang, people depend upon solar power.

You can find the wifi in most of the teahouses and lodges, especially in the larger villages like Jomsom and Lo-Manthang. The connection speed depends upon the crowd level in the teahouses and lodges. They offer the services at a small cost. You can also use the data as an alternative.

The mobile coverage is available in places like Jomsom, Muktinath, and Lo-Manthang. However, the quality can be inconsistent in the higher regions like Lo Manthang. You can purchase the local SIM, as it is better and more affordable than the international roaming.

• Toilet and shower facilities

While on high-altitude treks like Mustang trekking, you must be aware of the toilet and shower facilities. Hygiene is most important. Most of the teahouses have communal toilets featuring squat seats. You may find the sit-down flush toilets in lower Mustang regions.

The hot showers are available in most of the tea houses at an additional Upper Mustang trek cost. The hot shower includes a bucket style rather than the showerhead style.

Overall weather and temperature

The overall weather and temperatures may differ in lower and upper Mustang regions, as both regions are included in the itinerary. The weather of the Mustang region is also different from the other regions, like Everest and Annapurna.

The overall weather and temperatures during the Mustang trek are listed below.

• Spring season: The daytime temperature ranges from 14°C to 20°C, with nighttime temperature dropping below -5°C. The weather is pleasant. There is less chance of rainfall.
• Summer season: The daytime temperature floats between 20°C and 30°C with nighttime temperature dropping below 0°C. Even in the summer season, there is minimal rainfall in the Mustang area as it is in the rain shadow zone.
• Autumn season: The daytime temperature fluctuates between 12°C and 20°C, and nighttime temperature can drop below -4°C. The weather conditions are stable. 
• Winter season: The daytime temperature varies from 0°C to 5°C with nighttime temperature dropping below -20°C. This season is harsh with cold and potential snowfall.

The lower elevations and higher elevations temperatures differ by 5°C in every 1000-meter altitude difference. And the lower elevations are always warmer.

Altitude sickness issues and acclimatization

During the trek to the Upper Mustang region, there are various challenges to overcome, including high-altitude problems. Most of the trekkers overcome these challenges, but few get affected by them. The major high-altitude problem is acute altitude sickness issues.

The acute altitude sickness issues start with simple symptoms like headaches, dizziness and fatigue, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, insomnia, and so on. If left untreated, it can escalate to life-threatening conditions like High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

The cause is due to an inability to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations. The acclimatization and prevention strategies include ascending slowly, Staying hydrated, avoiding alcoholic drinks, and so on. The treatments are descending to a lower elevation, taking ibuprofen or aspirin, and other medications like acetazolamide (Diamox) or corticosteroids.

Upper Mustang Trek Luggage

The porter will assist you in carrying your luggage while hiking but you have to carry your backpack by yourself. Your luggage must be within 15 kg per person, as one porter will carry the luggage of two guests. Make sure to pack your luggage with only necessary items without making it overweight. 

Upper Mustang Trekking leader and crew

You cannot trek in the Upper Mustang region without a certified guide. Trekkers, including Nepali citizens as well as foreigners, need to hire a guide for trekking in this region. In addition to this, you must have a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) permit and a special permit for the Upper Mustang trek.

Gear and equipment

For the Upper Mustang trek in Nepal, you will require the following gear and equipment:

• Clothing including quick-drying shirts and trousers, fleece jackets and thermal underwear, waterproof jackets and pants, Warm hat, gloves, sun hat or scarf, and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Footwear like hiking boots, camp shoes, and camp shoes.
• Trekking gear including daypacks, trekking poles, and dry bags.
• Hydration and nutrition like water bottles and snacks.
• First Aid and Personal Care items that have painkillers, blister plasters, antiseptic cream, and altitude sickness medication in them, along with toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and a small towel.
• Miscellaneous items including a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries, cash and travel documents, a camera, and more.

Customized Itinerary and Trip Extensions

If you are unable to book a package on the listed date, we can customize it according to your free schedule. We, the Mystic Adventure Holiday team, also organize tailor-made itineraries for the Upper Mustang trekking as well as other trekking in Nepal.

In addition to the trek to the Upper Mustang region, we can organize trips to Everest Trekking, Langtang Trekking, Manaslu Trekking, Mountain Flights, Water Rafting, Jungle Safaris, City Tours (Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Lumbini), Homestay Tours, Nepal Cultural Tours, Tibet Tours, Bhutan Tours, or India Tour Extensions as per your time frame.

The Upper Mustang Trek cost for Nepalis is US$4590 for two persons. Two persson is mandatory as less than two person trekkers with guide is not allower\d to trek in the restricted areas. 

Tips to make the journey smooth

• Focus on your physical conditioning before the trek to Nepal Upper Mustang region.
• Include all the essential gear, avoiding overpacking.
• Choose the best trekking agency, like Mystic Adventure Holidays.
• Be flexible with the itinerary changes due to unforeseen circumstances like strikes or other events.
• Ascend gradually and drink plenty of water during the trek.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks/smoking to stay safe from altitude sickness.
• Carry your favorite snacks and bars to munch on the trail.
• Be prepared for the weather changes and natural calamities.
• Make sure your travel insurance covers air travel and medical bills.
• Carry extra batteries or a solar charger to charge your electronic devices.
• Get a Nepali SIM card to use the internet on the way. You may not get a reliable connection all the time because of the elevation.
• Use the Upper Mustang trek map for a better understanding of the terrains and important cultural sites on the way.
• You can tip USD 100 each to the guide/porter, USD 2 to the driver, and USD 5 to the tour guide.