Everything About Upper Mustang Trek. The Upper Mustang Trek transports you to the enigmatic former kingdom of Mustang, located in northwest Nepal, and its isolated, parched trans-Himalayan scenery. The most famous aspects of this easy-to-moderate trip are its rich history, culture, breathtaking mountain vistas, and dramatic terrain, which is reminiscent of Tibet’s northern border. The enigmatic ancient kingdom of Upper Mustang Trek is located in the isolated, dry trans-Himalayan region. The area became accessible to tourists in 1992. After all these years of isolation, the region acquired a distinct culture and heritage. Discover the Bon religion, which existed before Tibetan Buddhism, and discover a well-preserved Tibetan culture. You’ll cross a bridge decorated with prayer flags and view many gompas and chortens. Geographically and culturally, the Upper Mustang is closer to Tibet. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the parched and arid valley with its vibrant rock formations and take in the numerous caverns and communities perched above the cliffs. Explore the significance of mani walls, stupas, prayer wheels, and chortens in Tibetan Buddhism.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Discover the historic Lo Manthang kingdom.
- Observe the spires and rocks that resemble parched desert landscapes.
- Discover the fascinating caverns, historic monasteries, gumbas, and chortens.
- Learn about the customs and culture of the area, which are centered around Tibetan Buddhism.
- You may learn more about the ancient Bon religion—which is comparable to Tibetan Buddhism—by visiting Lubra Village.
- Walk by Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
- Savor the breathtaking vistas of several towering mountains, including as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri.
UPPER MUSTANG RESTRICTED AREA PERMIT
Tucked away in Nepal’s stunning Himalayas lies Upper Mustang, a trekker’s dream come true. It is not possible to explore the restricted area of the Upper Mustang without a permit. The Nepalese government only removed the limitation a few decades ago, enabling outsiders to go and explore the area. But even now, everyone visiting the area must get an Upper Mustang Trekking Permit in order to access it.
The Upper Mustang trekking permit is intended to preserve the area’s peaceful environment and cultural legacy. The permission limitation helps protect the pristine environment by preventing too many people from visiting Upper Mustang’s upper elevations.
Additionally, only the registered tour operator can help you get the permit. Furthermore, you need to go with a certified guide; hiking alone is prohibited in the Upper Mustang region. These stringent laws preserve both the area’s natural beauty and the security of its visitors. No matter the rules, the Upper Mustang journey is well worth the effort. Furthermore, if you have a clear idea of the prerequisites and the process for acquiring a permit in advance, your trip will be hassle-free.
PERMITS REQUIRED FOR UPPER MUSTANG TREK AND COST
The permit cost varies with the season, reaching its maximum at the busiest time of year. It’s crucial to apply for permission in advance because it might take up to a week to process.
- RAP (Restricted Area Permit): USD $500 for the first 10 days (An additional $50 for each extra day)
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): NPR 3000 (Around $25)
- TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System) Card: $10 for group trekkers and $20 for individual trekkers
While the information provided is up-to-date, it is possible for costs to alter at any time. It is therefore preferable to stay informed about the expenses ahead of time by using your trekking agency.
HOW TO GET TO UPPER MUSTANG?
There are many routes from Kathmandu to the Upper Mustang. You can choose to take an overland tour, fly, walk, or even have a combination of all of these options. In any case, you may choose several modes of transportation based on your preferences, availability of time, and financial constraints. There are three different routes listed here to reach Upper Mustang:
1. Take a Jeep from Pokhara or Kathmandu to Upper Mustang
One option is to go from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Upper Mustang via ground transportation. It is among the quickest and most straightforward options. From the comfort of the four-wheeler, you can see the views of the mountains and plateaus. Individuals with limited time and physical fitness are the ideal candidates for a full trip. The main drawback is that you won’t get to spend much time outside exploring the sandy roads and mingling with the people because you will spend most of the day inside the Jeep.
2. Flight from Kathmandu – Pokhara – Jomsom, and Drive to Upper Mustang
Another choice is to take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then to Jomsom, after which you take a drive to Upper Mustang. It is another expensive yet comfortable alternative. The flights cost more than taking a jeep ride but take a significantly short duration. After reaching Jomsom, the drive to Upper Mustang is pretty comfortable and interesting. It is for all the tourists who have limited time, are heavy in their pockets, and want the utmost comfort and luxury. Moreover, you can get a bird’s eye view of the mountain ranges from all the flights you take.
3. Take a flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara to Jomsom, then trek to Upper Mustang
This is the greatest option if you want a quick trip that combines comfort, adventure, and convenience. It will just take thirty minutes to get from Kathmandu to Pokhara, but it will take an additional twenty minutes to get to Jomsom. It implies that you can fly from Kathmandu to Mustang in less than a day. The real adventure starts when you leave Jomsom and head on foot to the historic Lo Manthang. The trek helps you loosen up your muscles, familiarize yourself with the surroundings, take in the breathtaking views of the mountains, and interact with the people to learn about their customs. The experiences and vistas from the trek to the Upper Mustang are not what one experiences from flying. This choice, therefore, is the ideal combination of all the experiences.
UPPER MUSTANG TREK DIFFICULTY
The difficulty level of the Upper Mustang Trek is rated as easy to moderate. At the PA Pass, the highest point you will traverse throughout the trek is 4,210 meters/13,517 feet. In contrast to trekking to Everest Base Camp, Langtang Valley Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trek, there are fewer occurrences of severe altitude sickness since the maximum altitude is not as high. On trekking days, you will often need to walk for five to six hours. On certain days, you may need to walk for a minimum of three hours and a maximum of nine hours. Because of the snow and thick, warm clothing, the difficulty level is increased, especially if you travel during the winter.
Therefore, the ideal seasons to travel are spring, fall, and monsoon. Because the trekking path is so dry and dusty, use sunglasses to protect your eyes during high gusts. Overall, this is a trek that can be completed by experienced hikers as well as beginners. Before beginning the walk, there is a certain amount of preparation that is required. A month prior to the trek, you might start a regular activity, such as running, swimming, or hiking, to build up your stamina and body. It would also be ideal to abstain from alcohol and smoking both prior to and throughout the walk.
ACCOMMODATION AT UPPER MUSTANG TREK
Upper Mustang is a trek with tea house lodging. Traditionally, they have been constructed with mud and brick and painted predominantly white. These teahouses contain a small number of rooms and are rather cozy. The recently built, multi-story concrete tea houses in Lo Manthang are large enough to shelter several hikers. Typically, the rooms are furnished with two single beds and not much more. For hygienic reasons, it is preferable to use a sleeping bag on top of the pillow and blankets that are given, even if they are not as fluffy and comfortable.
The majority of teahouses use shared restrooms; just a small number have attached bathrooms. The majority feature squat seating. Remember to bring your pocket soap and toilet paper because not all tea shops provide them.
In the tea house, there are also community showers that are not attached. The cost of a hot shower in the Mustang region is about USD 2. The majority of tea houses use solar energy for heating, and some even provide gas showers.
Additionally communal, the eating area seats a huge number of visitors at long tables. The walls are painted in vibrant hues, and there are incense and butter lamps on the tables. Certain tea shops provide their rooms with gas heaters to stay warm.
TIJI FESTIVAL IN UPPER MUSTANG
The intriguing three-day Mustang Tiji Festival is held every year and features Tibetan ceremonies honoring the legend of a son who had to prevent the fall of the Mustang kingdom. Native to Lo-Manthang, Upper Mustang, is the celebration. The term “Tiji” is an acronym for the phrase “Tempa Chirim,” which translates to “Prayer for World Peace.” This celebration honors the triumph of Man Tam Ru, a ferocious demon that feeds on humans and causes storms and droughts, over Lord Buddha’s incarnation, Dorjee Sonnu.
Typically, the Tiji celebration occurs in May and lasts three days. During the festivities, the “Choedhe” monastery in Lo Manthang’s monks conduct ceremonial dances. The performances depict the following events: Ma Tam Ru Ta’s harassment (in a dance titled “Tsa Chham” on the first day), Dorjee Sonnu’s birth as the demon’s offspring (on the second day titled “Nga Chham”), and the attempt to bring the demon back to Lord Buddha’s realm (on the third and final day). Tiji is a much-anticipated celebration that consists of prayers for a plentiful crop and commemorates the end of a protracted drought is thought that a demon that caused sickness and drought once afflicted the historic walled kingdom of Lo Manthang. According to mythology, Lo experienced prosperity after the Buddhist god Vajrakila, often referred to as Dorje Jono, slew the demon.
Upper Mustang Lo Manthang hosts the yearly Tiji Festival, which is celebrated as the Mustang Tiji Festival. The three-day Tiji Festival is always held in May, the third month in the Tibetan calendar. The dates of the 2024 Tiji Festival are set for May 5, 6, and 7. It is held at the walled city of Lo Manthang, Mustang, in front of the Tashi Gephel Palace, the residence of the Mustang King. The Mustang Tiji Festival Trek offers the opportunity to observe, participate in, and enjoy this important celebration for the Mustang people.
TIJI FESTIVAL ITINERARY:
29 APR 2024 | Day 01: Drive to Pokhara – Altitude: 823m. Drive: 7-8 hrs drive (200km).
30 APR 2024 | Day 02: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kegbeni – Altitude: 2858m. Trek: 3-4 hrs.
01 MAY 2024 | Day 03: Trek to Chele – Altitude: 3050m. Trek: 5-6 hrs.
02 MAY 2024 | Day 04: Trek to Geling – Altitude: 3570m. Trek: 5-6 hrs.
03 MAY 2024 | Day 05: Trek to Charang – Altitude: 3520m. Trek: 4-5 hrs.
04 MAY 2024 | Day 06: Trek to Lo-Manthang – Altitude: 3700m. Trek: 5-6 hrs.
05 MAY 2024 | Day 07: Observation of Tiji Festival at Lomanthang – Altitude: 3700m.
06 MAY 2024 | Day 08: Observation of Tiji Festival at Lomanthang – Altitude: 3700m.
07 MAY 2024 | Day 09: Observation of Tiji Festival at Lomanthang – Altitude: 3700m.
08 MAY 2024 | Day 10: Trek to Dhakmar via Ghar Gompa [3950] – Altitude: 3820m. Trek: 6-7 hrs.
09 MAY 2024 | Day 11: Trek to Samar – Altitude: 3660m. Trek: 6-7 hrs.
10 MAY 2024 | Day 12: Trek to Chukusang – Altitude: 2980m. Trek: 6-7 hrs.
11 MAY 2024 | Day 13: Trek to Muktinath – Altitude: 3800m. Trek: 6-7 hrs.
12 MAY 2024 | Day 14: Trek to Jomsom – Altitude: 2700m. Trek: 5-6 hrs.
13 MAY 2024 | Day 15: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu – Altitude: 1400m. Meal: B
Mustang is a part of Dhaulagiri Zone is one of the seventy-five districts of Nepal, a landlocked country of South Asia. Jomsom as its headquarters covers an area of 3,573 km² and has a population of 14,981 according to 2001 census. Mustang straddles the Himalayas and extends northward onto the Tibetan plateau.