Upper Mustang

Overview

“HIDDEN KINGDOM” which is commonly known as upper mustang is certainly an upper part of mustang compromising northern two thirds of mustang district of GandakiProvince. Southern third (lower mustang) of the district iscalledThak which is a homeland to Thakali language combiningNepaliand Tibetan cultures. Mustang have been publicly openedtoforeign visitors since 1992. However access to upper mustangisstill highly restricted and require a separate permit toenter. Geographically being a part of Tibetan Plateau, trek touppermustang is quite similar to trekking in Tibet. 

Trek to upper mustang is a real privilege. If you want toexperience lifestyle of true mountain people, who for hundredsof years had very little contact with outside world, yes thisplaceis for you. 

Temperature and weather

The temperature in Upper mustang is quite fair and bearable. From March- June the temperature of upper mustang reachesto16-22 degree Celsius at day time while it can be around-2to-6degree Celsius at night time. From July to September theaveragetemperature here is around 20-33 degree Celsius at daytimeand0 to -3 degree Celsius at night time. FromOctober to Novemberthe temperature is around 12-20 degree Celsius but canfall to-4to -8 degree Celsius at night. 

Best season to visit 

Generally the best time to travel upper mustang is Marchtoearly November. Since the temperature is quite bearable you will not have much difficulties to travel. Lying in the rainshadowofthe Himalaya makes it great Monsoon trek winter treks aremostly avoided because of its harsh weather. People usuallyleave capital to avoid extreme cold and snow. 

Accommodation and food

Here, you can get small teahouses throughout the way. Eventhey are really small they meet your basic necessities. Theseteahouses are run by local people of mustang. A roomwithtwosingle beds is available. Clean blankets, pillows and bedsheetsare provided. A teahouse cost you around 5-15$ per night. 

Foods- Being a very popular tourist destination upper mustangor mustang has been able to serve very well and varietiesof foodto their guest. You will have more than enough options forfood.Pizzas, pasta, sandwich, noodles, bread, eggs, traditional foodand Tibetan foods, potatoes item, soups, drinks etc. everythingisprovided in this route. The food price can be around3-6%permeal. 

Transportation

Bus– Bus is always the cheaper yet very entertaining meanstotravel. Here, you can drive from Kathmandu to Pokharawhichwill take around 4-5 hours and may cost you 400-600NRS(4-5$).From Pokhara you can take a ride to Beni which will takearound2 hours. From Beni you can take a bus to Jomsomwhichwill takearound 5-7 hours.

Beside this there is also direct bus from Kathmandu to Muktinath which will cost you around3500-4000

NRS (35-40$) for two way. You can take a jeep ride fromJomsomto Lo Manthang which takes 3 days. 

Airplane– First after landing in Kathmandu you can takeanotherflight to Pokhara. From Pokhara it is again a easy flight toJomsom which will only take 30 minutes. FromJomsomyoucantrek or take a jeep ride. 

Permits/fee

Trek to upper mustang can be quite expensive. All thetrekkersheading towards upper mustang are strictly requiredtopurchasea permit which cost 500$ (50,000 NRS) which is validforonly10 days. if you are staying more than 10 days you needtoadd50$ per day. Another permit you will require is Annapurnaconservation Area permit which will cost you 20$ (2000NRS)per person. 

Note- You must always be careful with your permit, this permitisasked during your both way in and way out of upper mustang. 

Communication and electronic 

Mobile coverage or cellular reception is available all alongtheway up to upper mustang so you can talk to anyone at anytime.Internet facility is available up to Kagbeni and Lo Manthang so you can be always updated about the places and direction. Placeslike Samar, Ghimi, and Ghiling have electricity but not soreliable,still you will get enough chance to charge your electronics. However you need to carry extra batteries and chargers/adaptersfor your easiness. 

Guides/porters 

Guides are mandatory in this kind of restricted area. Independent guides are not recommended for this treksincetheycannot issue permits directly. It is required to have a reputedtravel company to issue the permit. If you hire a guide from Kathmandu or Pokhara it will cost you 35$ per day. They know the directions, places, villages and have good knowledge about food and accommodation. Local porters if hired fromJomsommay charge you around 30$ per day but if you hire your porterfrom Kathmandu or Pokhara it might cost you 25$ per day. 

Safety/security

The average upper mustang trek takes 17/18 days inwhichyourwalking hours will be 6-7. Walking for this much of hourscanbequite challenging especially for beginners. It is always better to prepare yourself by doing some running, jogging, andlight exercises. As for the level of altitude sickness, it dependsonthemaximum height you will be reaching. There are few places you want to go like Marang La at 4230m, or chooser at 3900m, orLoManthang at 3810m. However they all are quite highsoit’slikelyto have an altitude sickness. You need to take some precautions like being hydrated throughout the whole journey, avoidingalcoholic beverages for few days, walking slowly so that youcanadjust with the height. 

Other requirements 

Travel insurance – Travel insurance is really very important partof trekking. You always need a travel insurance especiallywhenyou are traveling to this kind of risky, high places. If everyouneed any medical emergencies your travel insurance will bebearing it for you. It is important to mention all the placesandaltitudes you will be reaching, to your insurance companysothatyou do not have any problem later 

Visa/ passport– It is mandatory for every foreigners tohavevisaand valid passport to enter Nepal. Only Indian citizenarenotrequired to have visa for visiting Nepal. You can get your Nepalese visa at Tribhuwan International airport, Kathmandu.