Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang is known as one of the most favored destinations for tourists. The Last Forbidden Kingdom, 1000s of tourists visit there every year to explore the unique and undisturbed Tibetan Buddhist culture, oldest monasteries, traditional Tibetan villages, and stunning ancient architecture. The arid river valley that runs north-south off the upper corner of the Annapurna circuit. It is one of the restricted areas of Nepal and is located in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. To enter the Upper Mustang area, the gateway is further north of Kagbeni, trekkers must be accompanied by a government-appointed officially.
The most common way to start the Upper Mustang trek is to Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and start the trek from there. The flight through the deepest gorge in the world is itself an adventure before the trek, the Kali Gandaki River runs between the mountains of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri. We follow the common trail through kali Gandaki river beds via Kagbeni.
We will follow the northern trail from Kagbeni which leads towards Lo Manthang in 4/5 days. We cross the passes of 3500m and 4000m, and we can return via Dhakmar by crossing 2 asses around 4200m, where we can see the oldest Tibetan monastery in the world, the Lo Gekar Monastery which was built in the 8th century by Guru Rinpoche. And it is mythically believed that the rocks of the monastery were painted by the blood of the demon.Upper Mustang is a restricted area, up till 1992 it was forbidden for tourists/trekkers to enter the Lo kingdom valley. But now, trekkers are welcome to Upper Mustang.
Best Season to travel Upper Mustang
As upper mustang is situated in the Himalayan region of northern Nepal, it gives the sightseeing views of the local culture and tradition in the region. It can be travelled throughout the year and is the alternative for the great monsoon trek. The best season to travel in this region is March to November.
Highlights of March to November
- Low chance of rain due to the rain shadow area of Himalayan
- Stable weather and climate offer the best trekking experience of upper Mustang
- Views will be stunning and can see from every angle
- Low chance of flight delay (from/to Pokhara Jomsom)
- Offer the chance to experience the biggest Tiji festival of Mustang
Permit for Upper Mustang Trek
- Special Permit
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
- TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)
Mode of Transportation to getting there and away
- Flights or Private Jeep or Local Bus
