A Comprehensive Itinerary for Upper Mustang Trek, Choose the Suitable One

Well, the upper Mustang trek will provide you completely different trekking experience than the Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang region treks. Because it’s inside the trans-Himalayan land between two giant peaks, Mt. Dhaulagiri and Mt. Annapurna. This barren land used to be the Himalayan Kingdom, and still, they have the king, and the king appears on special occasions. To explore such a beautiful land Upper Mustang Trek itinerary will be different to have a different trekking experience.

Exploring this beautiful region means witnessing the unique culture and tradition of the Mustang. Mustang has two different parts: Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang. In the upper part, living more Tibetan influences communities, and in the lower part live Gurung, Thakali, and other communities. These communities have their own cultural and traditional values that is why exploring these regions needs to customize different Upper Mustang Trek itineraries.

The dramatic landscapes with different colors, such as red, brown, black, and orange cliffs, can be seen while walking to Lo Manthang. The Buddhist religion is a significant part of the Upper Mustang, which is why we can see a monastery in every village. Stupas, Mani Walls, and Prayer Flags along the way will represent the real Himalayan Buddhism in Nepal.

It’s believed that the great Guru Rimpoche traveled to Tibet through this land and helped to build the magnificent Samya Monastery in Tibet. To visit this holy land, there are various Upper Mustang Trek itineraries that you can choose from for your greatest Upper Mustang Trek experience. 

Classic Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary

The 11 nights 12 days walking to this holiest land is the classic mustang trek itinerary. This itinerary is the best one for the hikers to explore Upper Mustang, which starts and ends in Pokhara. However, it can be changed as you wish, but you need to complete it within the 10-day time limit or add $50 per day per person after 10 days. For the first 10 days, the permit will cost $500 for a special permit, and the ACAP permit will cost $30. 

If you are traveling from Kathmandu, then first you have to go to Pokhara. That means you need to add a minimum of two days to and from Kathmandu. And you can add one or two more days to spend quality time in Pokhara. Pokhara is the place to chill out and relax after completing the trek.

An extended version of the Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary

Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate type of trek, and if you want more adventure during this trek, then you can add Luri Gumba to the Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary. Adding the Luri Gumba site to the Mustang trekking itinerary is called the extended version of the Upper Mustang Trek. A visit to the Luri Gumba is a very special moment that adds special adventures and spiritual moments to the lifetime journey to the desert of Nepal. 

Upper Mustang Trek can add with Annapurna Circuit Trek too. From Muktinath, to continue or start the Upper Mustang Trek. For this, you need to add more time and money to continue the adventurous life in the Himalayas of Nepal. 

Upper Mustang Bike/Jeep tour

Nowadays in Upper Mustang, there are roads everywhere, and easy to travel from one place to another. Although the beauty of the landscapes is destroyed because of the construction of unplanned roads. If you are looking for easy touring options in the Upper Mustang region. The Upper Mustang Jeep tour is the best one for you and your whole family, too.

Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek

Tiji Festival is an annual 3-day celebration that takes place in the walled city of Lomanthang. This is one of the most important and famous festivals in Upper Mustang, which is why so many local people from every part of Mustang attend. Not only do the local people, but international tourists also observe this auspicious festival. Please click here for more details about the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival.

All the Upper Mustang Trek Itineraries are changeable according to your wishes and holiday length. And these programs are based on how I did the Upper Mustang Trek.

Best time to do the Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang Trek is a kind of all-season trek, but I don’t recommend doing it during the winter season. Because during the winter season there will be a lot of snow and very tough to walk. Among the other three seasons, spring and autumn are the best times to visit the Upper Mustang.

Spring season – March, April, May

Summer season – June, July, August

Autumn season – September, October, November

Winter season – December, January, February

Require permits for Upper Mustang

Well, Upper Mustang is the most expensive trekking region in Nepal. Because we need a special permit, and that permit is only issued for a minimum of 10 days, and is only issued by the registered trekking companies. Also, a trekking license holder trekking guide is mandatory for this journey.

Special permit for 10 days is $500. Beyond 10 days, each day each person $50

Normal ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit) $30

Conclusion

The Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most popular and expensive treks in Nepal and can be done in different types, such as walking and by jeep. Trekking to this amazing land will give you different natural beauties and cultural activities. And opportunities to know how mountain people live in the mountains.

I hope reading this article gives you the best ideas about the Upper Mustang Trek itineraries and options to choose the best one that suits you.