Everything About Upper Mustang Trek

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.

  1. RAP (Restricted Area Permit): USD $500 for the first 10 days (An additional $50 for each extra day)
  2. ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Permit): NPR 3000 (Around $25)
  3. 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

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Upper Mustang: The Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal

Upper Mustang: The Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal, is a region of Nepal that recently allowed foreign visitors. It is a magical place that has largely escaped the influence of western society. A region with many monasteries, remarkable scenery, and vibrant Buddhist culture. Upper Mustang will make you feel as though you have traveled to another world.

Upper Mustang Trek is to explore the mysterious realm of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Mustang. Because of its challenges in accessibility, Mustang has long been guarded against commercial tourists and has come to be known as the last base of traditional Tibetan culture. Due to its long, rich, and complicated past, Upper Mustang is one of the Himalayas’ most fascinating regions for trekking.

The easy to moderate difficulty of this trek is best known for its rich history, culture, breathtaking mountain vistas, and dramatic scenery that is reminiscent of Tibet’s northern border.

Everything you need to know about Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Packages

5 Reasons to Trek to Upper Mustang

  1. In contrast to other trekking areas in Nepal, Upper Mustang is known for its distinct Tibetan Buddhist culture, Bon faith, climate, and topography.
  2. The area experiences a trans-Himalayan environment that is dry and cool and is located in a rain shadow. Thus, contrary to other areas of Nepal, trekking in the Upper Mustang region is possible not only during the popular Autumn and Spring seasons but also during the monsoon and Summer seasons. All seasons are pleasant throughout the year.
  3. Imagine a mountain range blanketed in snow, with copper-red cliffs and arid terrain in the background, and a huge river flowing between the Kali Gandaki valley.
  4. Upper Mustang trekking is a unique experience. You can witness the way of life of true mountain people who, for many years, had little interaction with the rest of Nepal and were able to preserve their rich cultural heritage here.
  5. Additionally, Upper Mustang is highly influenced by Tibetan culture and tradition because of its proximity to Tibet. Going to Upper Mustang transports you back in time because it has long been a protected area cut off from the rest of the world. The medieval caves, traditional homes, old monasteries, and distinctive clothing all seem to be hidden away in the past.

Best Season to Trek to Upper Mustang

The seasons of spring (March to May), fall (September to November), and monsoon (June to August) are regarded to be the ideal times to complete the Upper Mustang treks. Compared to other trekking areas in Nepal, the Upper Mustang has a very distinct topography and climate. It is possible to go trekking there because it is in a region that receives little rain, even during the rainy season.

Surprisingly, the summertime is also comparatively calm. The spring and fall seasons are the busiest ones. The Tiji Festival takes place in May. The adventure of trekking is frequently combined with this traditional celebration. On the premises of the old royal palace of Mustang, a three-day festival is held. Locals from all over the region travel to Lo Manthang (Upper Mustang) to take part in the celebration. Winter trekking is also possible in the Upper Mustang, but you’ll need to make sure you have the appropriate equipment.

Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty

The difficulty level for the Upper Mustang Trek ranges from simple to moderate. There are 12 trekking days in the typical 15-day journey. On a typical trekking day, you will travel for 5 to 6 hours. Due to the snow and heavy winter clothing, the challenge level is especially increased when you travel during the winter. So, the best times to visit are in the spring, fall, and monsoon seasons. Wear sunglasses to safeguard your eyes during strong winds because the trekking path is very dusty and arid. Overall, it is a journey appropriate for both experienced and new hikers.

Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary

Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Drive to Pokhara
Altitude: 823m. Drive: 7-8 hrs drive (200km).

Day 02: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kegbeni
Altitude: 2858m. Trek: 3-4 hrs.

Day 03: Trek to Chele
Altitude: 3050m. Trek: 5-6 hrs.

Day 04: Trek to Geling
Altitude: 3570m. Trek: 5-6 hrs.

Day 05: Trek to Charang
Altitude: 3520m. Trek: 4-5 hrs.

Day 06: Trek to Lo-Manthang
Altitude: 3700m. Trek: 5-6 hrs.

Day 07: Trek to Dhakmar via Ghar Gompa [3950]
Altitude: 3820m. Trek: 6-7 hrs.

Day 08: Trek to Samar
Altitude: 3660m. Trek: 6-7 hrs.

Day 09: Trek to Chukusang
Altitude: 2980m. Trek: 6-7 hrs.

Day 10: Trek to Muktinath
Altitude: 3800m. Trek: 6-7 hrs.

Day 11: Trek to Jomsom
Altitude: 2700m. Trek: 5-6 hrs.

Day 12: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara and then to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1400m.

Upper Mustang Trek Permits

As Upper Mustang is classified as a restricted area in Nepal, entry needs a permit. A Restricted Area Permit is necessary for foreign visitors to maintain and protect the ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture and Bon religion of Upper Mustang. Additionally, a permit is needed for the route because it traverses the Annapurna Conservation Area. The required Upper Mustang Trekking permits are as follows:

Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit (RAP): US$500 per person for the first 10 days, followed by US$50 per person per day
Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit (ACAP): USD 30 per person for foreigners and USD 10 per person for SAARC Nationals (approx.)

A Complete Guide To Upper Mustang Trek

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. Upper Mustang, the former Lo Kingdom comprises the northern two-thirds of the Mustang district. This kingdom was a dependency of the Kingdom of Nepal but was abolished by the republican Government of Nepal on October 7, 2008. Mustang is a remote sub-kingdom within the Himalayan region of north-central Nepal. The name “Mustang” is derived from the Tibetan word meaning, “Plain of Aspiration”. The entire district lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, the largest protected area in Nepal. The people of Mustang are ethnically Tibetan; the population is only about 15,000 totals. Most live along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, once a major trade route through this mountainous region. Untouched by modern civilization, isolated in its rugged mountain terrain, a way of life persists here in Mustang that is fast disappearing in Tibet proper.
Mustang, an isolated part of Nepal, has caves, hikes and royals. Sheltered by some of the world’s highest mountains, the 8000-meter peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, bordering China and the Tibetan plateau, Mustang is ancient forbidden kingdom, where strict regulation of travelers helped Tibetan traditions survive stronger than Tibet proper. Upper Mustang was a restricted demilitarized area until 1992, which makes it one of the most preserved regions in the world due to its relative isolation from the outside world, with a majority of the population still speaking traditional languages. The monarchy in Mustang ceased to exist on October 7, 2008, by order of the Government of Nepal, after Nepal became a federal democratic republic.Since Mustang is shadow of the Himalaya, Mustang has much less rain then the rest of Nepal. It is one of the few places in the world that has long-lived and a very close-niche life, as it has remained inaccessible to outsiders. This isolation helped the people of Mustang to maintain their lifestyle and heritage that remained almost unchanged for centuries. Hidden behind the majestic Himalayan ranges of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, Mustang is filled with beautiful trekking zones. The tourists require permits to visit this region. Mustang where lies the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Lomanthang. Trekking in Mustang gives you a similar feeling of trekking in Tibet.
Mustang trekking is one of Nepal’s most mysterious and least known kingdoms, where we can explore a weird and wonderful landscape of eroded conglomerate cliffs, colored by natural earth pigments – reds, yellows, browns and blues. It is really a picturesque like a white painted villages and Tibetan monasteries, which set against a backdrop of the distant snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. some of the most popular destination in Mustang are as follows:

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Jomsom: It is located at an altitude of 2800m is more correctly known as Dzongsam or New Fort. It spreads over both the banks of the Kali Gandaki. The towering peaks of Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri form an attractive backdrop. Being the district headquarters, it is primarily an administrative and commercial center with government officials and merchants rubbing shoulders with the local inhabitants of the region, known as the Thakali. It has a wireless station, a police station, a bank, a hospital and a veterinary hospital. A company of the Nepalese Army is stationed here. Nearby is an airfield, from where flights operate regularly. However, due to the strong winds that buffet the area in the afternoons, the airfield is functional only in the forenoon. Jomsom is served by 6-8 flights a day. Regular visitors know that the flights are dependent on weather conditions. Though this is a remote area, private initiative in the form of many domestic airlines operates frequent flights to the area. Flight reliability and frequency are generally higher to Jomsom than to any other remote area in Nepal. It offers you harsh climatic conditions, glaring sun during the day, heavy winds and cold nights. This is a unique experience for the more than 50,000 visitors to Jomsom in a year – most of them repeat visitors.

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Muktinath Temple: It is a sacred place both for Hindus and Buddhists located in Muktinath Valley at an altitude of 3,710 meters at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass (part of the Himalayas), Mustang district, Nepal. The site is close to the village of Ranipauwa, which sometimes mistakenly is called Muktinath as well. Within Hinduism it is called the sacred place Mukti Chhetra, which literally means the “place of liberation or moksha”. This temple is considered to be the 105th among the available 108 Divya Desam, which are considered sacred by the Sri Vaishnava cult. For Tibetan Buddhists, Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa is a very important place of Dakinis, goddesses known as Sky Dancers and one of the 24 Tantric places. They understand the murti to be a manifestation of Avalokitesvara.

Lo Manthang: It is situated in the district of Mustang, which offers a range of exotic cultural experiences. Lo Manthang has only relatively recently been visited by foreigners, and the numbers of visitors to Upper Mustang are still restricted. Due to this, the culture here is almost untouched, making it an incredible site to visit. When visiting, you will most likely walk the direct trade routes from the 15th Century, and explore some of the richest Buddhist culture to be found in the country. The annual Tiji Festival usually takes place in May, and is one of the most important events on the cultural calendar. This three day ritual is centered on the Tiji myth, and is well worth attending if you arrive at the right time. Mustang offers wide range of culture and traditions, unseen and rare panorama which makes your itinerary worth in a lifetime.

Beside the Places mention above, there are more more places that you can explore in Mustang and to name few of them are as Fallows

Kagbeni
Sky caves
Chungsi cave
Chhoser

Best Time To Visit Mustang Valley

From the beginning of March to late December Is the Best Time To Visit Mustang Valley. Beside that October and November are also the highly recommended month to discover Upper Mustang in autumn.

Mustang Tiji festival Celebration
May is the perfect time If you are Planning To celebrate Tiji festival in upper mustang with locals. Tiji festival celebration date are fixed according to the Tibetan lunar calendar by monks and celebrated for 3 days.since Tiji festival Celebration dates are depend on Tibetan lunar calendar, so feel free to contact us for dates, itinerary and for any other useful information.

Packing List For Mustang Valley Trek
Really, in the event that if you are under confusion upon requirements before pursuing the trek than counseling with trekking office or different specialists can satisfy your prerequisite of pressing. At the time of finalizing bag packing don’t disregard to incorporate First guide unit, standard prescriptions, dozing pack, entire required categories of wears, travel reports and documents, cash money and alternatives more others including individual requirements. On the off chance that you are trekking off-season in winter than honestly incorporate some more thick wear outs
For More information You Can Fallow this Link  A Complete Packing List For Trekking In Nepal

Difficulty level of Mustang Valley Trek
Honestly, Mustang Valley Trek covers extremely high elevation besides that luckily it’s not terribly complicated to achieve along not easy too. The moderate level of trekking destination claims lofty hiking, cycling, uphill climbing, camping, muscles stretching and an aerobic workout directly for assisting to establish as a capable trekker for Dhaulagiri trekking. However, normal people neglecting hard works can’t achieve the aimed destination. Remember, sometimes natural calamities can be the issue to append difficulty to the trek so preparation must be lofty.

Trekking with us
Safety: The most engaged reason uttered by potential and expert trekkers in the wake of joining with us is secured and successful trip with safe takeoff.

Guide: Contribution of guide (characteristics holding great information of whole spaces alongside high scope of English talking power) for building up trip more magnificent and wonderful.

Genuine adjustment: It’s really a difficult task to discover and design out the ideal goals for working orderly and ground-breaking trips inside the time. For that, organizations can help to the pointed goals with genuine adjustment.

Data: truth be told, there are incalculable secret attractions on the way holding diverse certainties and mind blowing legends along missing them is completely disregarded while trekking with us.

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