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Upper Mustang Trekking Guide

Upper Mustang Trekking Guide

Upper Mustang is a magical tourist destination, unlike other places in Nepal. It is a popular destination in Nepal for both pilgrimage and trekking. Its allure has come from the century-old history of the Lo Kingdom, exotic Himalayan culture, ever-changing landscape, and magnificent views of gigantic mountains like Nilgiri (7061 m), Dhaulagiri (8167 m), and the Annapurna ranges.

Upper Mustang was an isolated kingdom founded by Ama Pal, the first king of Lo, in 1380 AD. Its capital is Lo-Manthang, where the king’s palace still lies. The last King of Mustang, Jigme Palbar Bista, passed away on Friday (December 16th, 2016) at the age of 86. In 2008, Lo King lost his royal title when Nepal became a republican country after the centuries-old monarchy. Still, the royal family members are staying there. The current prince owned his resort called Ama-Pal Resort.

Learning from our experiences of organizing a variety of trips, such as trekking, overland jeep tours, peak climbing expeditions, and volunteering in Mustang, Himalayan Wander Walkers have come to blogging this Upper Mustang Travel Guide to help you have the best trip possible. We tried our best to provide every detail regarding the itinerary, cost, difficulties, food, lodging, required documents, and safety measures. 

Are you currently planning your trek or trip to Upper Mustang? If your answer is 'YES,' then you are reading the right travel guide. 

When you have read this Upper Mustang travel guide, then we can say that you are already 80% prepared to experience the historical place of Lo-Kingdom.

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Required Trekking Permits for Upper Mustang and it's cost

Every traveler who wants to visit Upper Mustang except Nepalese citizens must need permits to enter its territory. The most expensive restricted permit for the Upper Mustang costs USD 500 per person for 10 days and then USD 50 per day for additional days. This permit is issued from the Department of Nepal Immigration in Kathmandu only through a registered trekking office like Himalayan Wander Walkers (HWW). Besides the special permit for Mustang, you also need TIMS and ACAP permits, which cost NPR 2000 and NPR 3000, respectively. For the SAARC nation, it will cost NPR 1000 for the ACAP and NPR 600 for the TIMS card.

Monastery and Caves Entrance fee in Mustang

One of the reasons to visit Upper Mustang is the centuries-old monasteries and Sky Caves. Almost every village in Mustang has monasteries. Among them, the most popular are given below with their respective entrance fees. 

S.No Names of Monasteries and Caves Entrance Fee
1 Ghar Gompa (Lo Gyakar Monastery) NPR 250
2 Thupchen, Jampa and Choede gompas NPR 1000
3 Chosar Caves and Monasteries  NPR 1000
4 Luri Gompa (Ghara) NPR 500
5 Tashi Kabum Stupa (Yara) NPR 250
6 Charang Monastery  NPR 200
7 Charang King’s Palace NPR 200
8 Ghiling Monastery  NPR 200
9 Chungshi Rangjung Cave Free Entrance

 

How to reach Lo-Manthang, Mustang?

Jomsom is the headquarters of Mustang District, from where your trek or tour to Mustang starts. There are two ways to reach Jomsom from Pokhara: either by overland drive via Beni and Ghasa or by direct flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. From these two options, taking a flight is the best way to save some energy and time for your trip. During the monsoon season, buses are better because most flights get canceled due to weather issues. Himalayan Wander Walkers always recommend flights between Pokhara and Jomsom to avoid a hectic, long drive on dusty and bumpy roads. We keep a four-wheeler on standby at Pokhara airport in case the flight gets canceled and to save time for our guests. Many companies still run the trek with the same old itineraries, but Himalayan Wander Walkers has brought changes to the Upper Mustang Trek because of the new Kora La Highway construction. In our itinerary, you will take a jeep to Chhusang village from Jomsom, visiting Lupra (the only Bon village in Mustang) and Kagbeni. The next morning, you will again take a 40-minute jeep and then start the very first day trek from Samar village to Chungshi Rangjung cave monastery and overnight at Sangmochen. Our itinerary is made in such a way as to avoid dusty, newly built roads and to visit as many places as possible within the limited time that you have in Upper Mustang. Most of our Upper Mustang Trek starts from the eastern part of Mustang via Yara, Ghara, and Tangye villages. 

Best time to visit Upper Mustang

Trekking in Upper Mustang

Honestly, summer is the best time to visit or trek the Upper Mustang. However, the monsoon season in the summer is the issue, as roads are largely blocked by floods and regular flights between Pokhara and Jomsom are canceled. But once you reach Jomsom, there are no weather effects on your trip, as Upper Mustang is located in a rain shadow area. Trek across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. One who is looking for smooth travel in Upper Mustang can plan treks in April, May, September, October, and November. Normally in spring, the Tiji Festival takes place, and many travelers plan during that time. Upper Mustang Trek is marked as the number one destination to join in the summer.

Variation of Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang lies between the Manang and Dolpo districts. So, there are connecting trekking trails to both Manang and Dolpo. It all depends on your budget and time availability. Most of the treks across the high passes are considered extreme treks, and in addition to that, they can be done only by camping with proper equipment and experienced crew members. From the eastern part, two trails have been opened to date that are Saribung Peak to Nar Phu Valley and Teri La Pass trek to Nar Phu from Tangye village. From the western part of Upper Mustang, Ghami, Himal, and Kekyab La are popular for connecting trails to Dolpo. All these routes were used by the yak caravan in the past for trade during the barter system. 

Recommended Trekking Itineraries for Upper Mustang

Himalayan Wander Walkers designed different itineraries based on different purposes for visiting the Mustang. Some are the Tiji Festival Trek Itinerary, Yartung Festival Trek Itinerary, Classic Upper Mustang Trek, and Four Wheel Drive to Lo-Manthang Itinerary. For trekkers, the most rewarding journey is if you return via the challenging but roadless eastern route of Tangye and Paa to Chhusang. 

If you want us to create a unique Upper Mustang Trekking or Tour itinerary, then please fill out this form, Customize My Trip, and we will customize your trip to meet your requirements and interests. 

There are 5 unique itineraries of the Upper Mustang that are designed by Himalayan Wander Walkers. Upper Mustang Trekking Routes and Itineraries. 

Why you must visit Upper Mustang?

A perfect destination for adventure seekers where you will experience a package of experiences in a lifetime. Upper Mustang is a favorite destination for many travelers within and beyond Nepal. Traveling to Upper Mustang is more about the cultural experience than the mountains. The best thing that many travelers like about Upper Mustang is the flexibility of the trip that it offers you. Upper Mustang doesn’t mean only trekking; there are many more things to do in this majestic place depending on your interest and time availability. The best way to experience Upper Mustang is to travel with the local experienced guide. Are you looking for a unique destination in Nepal to experience a lifetime experience? If your answer is "yes," then that place is none other than the Upper Mustang. Plan your trip well and let us know your doubts. So, you can explore every nook and corner of this incredible place hassle-free. 

  1. Culture and Festivals of Upper Mustang 
  2. Upper Mustang Jeep Tour 
  3. Peak Climbing
  4. Mountain Biking in Upper Mustang
  5. Helicopter Tour to Upper Mustang
  6. Hiking to Nomadic Yak herders
  7. Pony or horse Riding in Upper Mustang

See details for the above 7 topics here: Reasons to Visit Upper Mustang

Beyond all the above-mentioned reasons, the New York Times also listed the Upper Mustang as a must-visit destination in 2024. 

Major Places to visit in Upper Mustang

Mustang is one of Nepal's most distinctive travel destinations because it offers a captivating fusion of history, culture, and adventure, whether visitors are there to explore its royal palaces, meditate in its sacred places, or simply take in the breathtaking scenery. There are a lot of sights and things to do while traveling to Mustang. Some of them are included here. 

  1. Mustang Gate
  2. Kali Gandaki
  3.  Lo-Manthang
  4. Lo Gekar Ghumba (Ghar Ghumba)
  5. Lo Gekar Ghumba (Ghar Ghumba)
  6. Teri Khechoe Ri
  7. Mardzong
  8. Chungsi Ranchung Cave Monastery
  9. Konchhokling or Kunchokling
  10. Rinchenling
  11. Luri Gumba
  12. Summer Palace, Lo Thinkar
  13. Tange Village
  14. Tashi kabung
  15. Choedzong Ghumba
  16. Namgyal Gumba
  17. Dhakmar

Read here for detailed information regarding the particular places mentioned above.

WIFI-Internet, Cellphone reception and Electricity availability in Upper Mustang

Cellphone reception is available in all villages of Upper Mustang, but WiFi and electricity are not reliable in all places. The Wi-Fi facilities are limited, and it depends on the consistency of electricity. 

The power gets cut often and there are limited charging points at hotel

Regarding internet connectivity, both Wi-Fi and cellphone internet are widely available in all overnight stop places. We suggest buying an NTC SIM card (Namaste) during your arrival to Kathmandu, which costs between NPR 100 and NPR 200. The WiFi at the hotel depends on the power, which often cuts down and may not work when you need internet. So, having an NTC SIM card is the best option to use the Internet. Nepal Telecom (NTC) provides 4G Internet services in almost all villages. Before starting your trip, you can buy data (GB) according to your requirements that will be cheaper and feasible to use when needed. 

Electricity came to work in the whole of Upper Mustang in 2022. The Dalome Rural Municipality was connected by power before 2022, whereas the Lo Manthang Rural Municipality was covered by solar power only. Nowadays, electricity is accessible in all villages in Mustang, but power gets cut often and is not reliable. Thus, we (Himalayan Wander Walkers) recommend you bring a power bank and spare batteries to charge your gadgets.

As compared to other treks in Nepal, Mustang provides better services in terms of accommodation and cellphone network. 

Top Trekking Tips for Mustang

To get the best out of the Mustang trek, consider the following practical tips.

  1. Always hire a local, experienced guide to make your trip a memorable one that you will cherish forever.
  2. Charter a jeep from Jomsom to Cheli or Samar and start hiking from there to avoid the road traffic on the first stretch of the route.
  3. Consider arranging for a horse and guide in Jomsom to carry your bags as an environmentally sustainable alternative to traveling by jeep.
  4. Use teahouses instead of camping—there are guesthouses in Chele, Samar, Syangboche, Ghemi, Tsirang, Lo Manthang, Choser, Yara, Tangye, and Chusang. You only really need to camp if heading off the beaten track on the wild trek to Damodar or over the Teri-La pass to the Nar-Phu region.
  5. Adventurous hikers can return from Lo Manthang via the roadless eastern side of the valley, on a high and exposed trail via the charming villages of Dhi, Tangye, and Tetang. The wind-sculptured cliff caves of Yara village are a highlight of the trek, and from here you can day-trip to the stunning Buddhist murals of Luri Gompa.

Recommended Books about Upper Mustang

You might be looking for books about Upper Mustang to know in depth about its culture, history, lifestyle, people, and landscape. To aid travelers in exploring this enchanting area, several authors have penned insightful books that not only serve as travel guides but also delve into the region's history, culture, and natural beauty.

The listed books below provide a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for travelers to Upper Mustang. They offer practical tips for navigating the challenging terrain, insights into the local customs and traditions, and a deeper appreciation for the region's historical and cultural significance. Whether you're an adventurer, a cultural enthusiast, or a nature lover, these works will enhance your journey through one of the most captivating regions of Nepal.

Recommended Books for Upper Mustang:

  1. Mustang: A Lost Tibetan Kingdom—Michel Peissel
  2. East of Lo Monthang—Peter Matthiessen
  3. Journey to Mustang—Giuseppe Tucci
  4. Horses Like Lightning—Sienna Craig
  5. Earth Door Sky Door: Paintings of Mustang—Robert Powell
  6. Himalayan Pilgrimage—David Snellgrove
  7. A Short History of Mustang—Roberto Vitali
  8. Mustang Bhot in Fragments—Manjushree Thapa
  9. Himalayan Doctors & Healing Herbs—Lo-Kunphen Mensikhang
  10. Wonders of Lo: The Artistic Heritage of Mustang—Erberto Lo Bue
  11. Last Forbidden Kingdom—Clara Marullo
  12. Mustang: The Untrodden Trails—Paulo Grobel
  13. Mustang, Paradise Found—Dinesh Shrestha & Mark Whittaker
  14. A Blessing for the Land: The Architecture, Art, and History of a Buddhist Convent in Mustang—Ramble, Harrison & Luczanits
  15. Secrets of the Sky Caves—Sandra K. Athans
  16. Sky Caves of Nepal (National Geographic Documentary on Mustang—3 Parts)

Reviews of Upper Mustang Treks and Tours organized by Himalayan Wander Walkers

Read more review here 

Conclusion of Upper Mustang Travel Guide

Travelers from all over the world come to visit Upper Mustang for the cultural attractions and the spectacular landscape. The place is blessed with a large number of centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries, Chorten (Stupa), and numerous pilgrimage sites. Lo-Gekar monastery (Ghar Gonpa) in Upper Mustang is considered the first monastery of Tibet built by a great Tantric Master of the 8th century Guru Padma Sambava who contributed his whole life flourishing Buddhism in Tibet. Another fascinating site is the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang where the people still reside in the walled city portraying the live tradition and culture of the century back livelihood.

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