Trekking in the Upper Mustang is something you shouldn’t miss. It is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Situated in the northern part of Nepal, the area borders Tibet at an elevation of 3800 meters. This place was once part of the Tibetan Empire in the 14th century. It is popular for its stunning landscape, rugged terrain, deep gorge, and towering cliffs.
Another major reason for attracting many trekkers is the rich and unique culture. For more cultural immersion, you can make a stop by different monasteries, caves, and charming traditional villages. People in this area are also well-mannered and welcome you warmly. It is perfect if you are looking for the remote and untouched places in Nepal.
So, if you’re planning for the Upper Mustang trek next, opt for our Nepal trekking packages to cover up the beauty of this region at a reasonable cost. For more details, you can call Nepal Base Camp Treks Pvt. Ltd at +977 9851111874.
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7 Reasons To Take Upper Mustang Trek
1. Stunning landscapes and Scenery
The Upper Mustang is famous for its unique landscapes and ancient culture. It keeps its rich cultural heritage alive. As you walk, you will see amazing views of the Himalayas and the surrounding terrain. This includes a high-altitude desert where nothing grows and the Kali Gandaki, the world’s deepest gorge.
Hidden by the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Upper Mustang’s landscape is a marvel. It has deep canyons, old caves, and centuries-old monasteries. The dry, barren land contrasts with the grand mountains. This mix creates a fascinating and unbelievable scene, making you feel like you are walking through a living picture.
2. Rich in Culture and Tradition
One of the main attractions of the Upper Mustang Trek is the unique culture of the people living there. This area was once a hub trade route between Nepal and Tibet. The local buildings show strong Tibetan influence. Parts of Upper Mustang belong to both Nepal and Tibet, making it unique.
The rich culture of Upper Mustang is tied to its history. This trek feels like going back in time with many cultural relics and sites. You can visit ancient monasteries like Thubchen and Jampa Lhakhang. The caves in Upper Mustang tell stories of the people who lived there long ago.
3. Less Crowded Trial
The Upper Mustang Trek is not just famous for its adventure. It also attracts hikers who seek both physical and mental satisfaction from the challenging journey. The remote location of this Nepalese region lies in the shadow area of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges, creating a dry, high-altitude desert that looks barren but beautiful. The hike starts at Jomsom and follows the old salt trading route along the Kali Gandaki River.
Narrow gorges, rugged cliffs, and vast, empty land with no vegetation and low oxygen surround the area. The altitude starts at 2,800 meters in Jomsom and goes over 4,000 meters near Lo Manthang. This makes it tough due to steep climbs and thin air. However, the challenges notwithstanding, the rewards of Upper Mustang Trek are colossal. The sight of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri peaks, standing tall and majestic, is a sight that will leave you in awe.
4. Adventurous and Challenging Terrain
The difficulty of this trek is moderately easy compared to other treks in Nepal. The trek is about an average walk time of 5 to 5 hours daily. It is comfortable for people who struggle with higher attitudes. The trek will always remain below 4000 meters. Even though it is in a remote area, one will never be far from human settlement, food, and water because the trekking route often goes through tea houses.
However, other advantageous aspects attract many lovers of long treks. The moderate altitude and daily walking distance combine stunning nature and rich cultural heritage. You can stop at different villages along the trail and experience Nepali culture. They provide the necessary amenities and let you live in the regional setting for a while. This way the trek is not only a physical one, but also provides insight into as to how such a lifestyle was possible.
5. Ancient Walled City of Lo Manthang
Lo Manthang is one of the distinguished and unique walled city that lies in forbidden kingdom in the Mustang. Upper Mustang trek and tours provide an opportunity to explore the famous monasteries of Lo Manthang and mysterious caves in Nepal. This area is open for visitors with a special permit.
You get to know about the main attractions of Lo Manthang like century-old monasteries and the royal palace inside the walled city. You will be trekking through challenging arid desert canyons to the walled city of Lo Manthang. You will get to experience local traditional Tibetan culture.
6. Milder Climate and Less Rainfall
Upper Mustang Trek in Autumn and spring is a favorable time to discover the majestic scenarios with charming culture. This remote region comes alive with breathtaking beauty. During spring, the average temperature ranges from 15 to 21’C, and during nighttime, it can drop to -6 to 2’C. Additionally, during autumn, the temperature ranges from a cool 12 to a warm 20’C during the day. During the nights it can drop to -8 to -4’C.
The Upper Mustang region lies in the shadow area, which receives less rainfall than other parts of Nepal. However, this region receives little rainfall in July. The average rainfall is around 20mm, which makes it a perfect time to visit for people who prefer less rainfall.
7. Tiji And Yartung Festival in Upper Mustang
Tiji is a 3-day festival, observed in Lo-Manthang the capital city of Upper Mustang. It’s history can be traced back to Tibet and is related to Buddhism. You can experience the traditional Tiji festival and get an opportunity to be part of it. While enjoying the festival, you can explore the Himalayas of Nepal.
Similarly, during the Yartung festival, you can explore the 12th-century living culture of Lo-people in Upper Mustang. You can also participate in the local celebration of horse riding, local dance, and songs, and feel a unique culture. Along with that, you can also witness a Tibetan-derived culture with a unique landscape.
How to Plan for Upper Mustang Trek?
- The Ideal Time for Trekking
- Obtain Necessary Permits
- Plan Itinerary
- Transportation and Accommodation
- Not to Miss the Attractions
- Pack Appropriately
FAQs
1. What makes Upper Mustang unique compared to other trekking destinations in Nepal?
Upper Mustang is unique due to its distinct Tibetan culture, ancient monasteries, and remote desert-like landscapes. The region, once a forbidden kingdom, offers a rare glimpse into traditional Himalayan life untouched by modernization.
2. What is the best time to trek in Upper Mustang?
The best time to trek in Upper Mustang is from late March to early November. The weather is stable during this period, and the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges shield the region from monsoon rains.
3. Is a special permit required to trek in Upper Mustang?
Yes, trekking in Upper Mustang requires a special permit due to its status as a restricted area. You need to obtain both the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and the Restricted Area Permit (RAP).
4. How challenging is the Upper Mustang trek?
The Upper Mustang trek is moderately challenging, with daily walks of 5-7 hours through rugged terrain and high altitudes. Proper acclimatization and physical fitness are important for a comfortable trekking experience.
5. What cultural experiences can you expect during the trek?
You can expect to experience the rich Tibetan-influenced culture of the region, with visits to ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and interactions with the warm and hospitable local people. Festivals like Tiji are also significant cultural highlights in Upper Mustang.
