Upper Mustang Trek in Nepal

The Upper Mustang Trek is beautiful and challenging in Nepal. What makes it so unique is that it also provides an opportunity to experience life on the Tibetan Plateau. Upper Mustang Trek is a great way to escape city life’s hustle and bustle. You’ll have plenty of time to relax, take in the sights, and explore this amazing part of Nepal.

Before the 18th century, Mustang was a part of the Tibetan plateau. Tibetan Buddhism and its culture so have a significant impact on the region. It also goes by the name “The Last Forbidden Kingdom.” Travelling through the Upper Mustang Trek is a wonderful way to experience Nepal’s Himalayan culture and way of life.

Upper Mustang lacks fertile soil since it is in the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges’ rain shadows. This is why there is no vegetation here. However, due to this, you can trek in this region even when it’s monsoon.

The Upper Mustang Trek introduces you to the countless varieties of grey hills and sun-bleached cliffs. The main objective of this trek is to uncover the long-forgotten pasts of the Buddhist Kingdom of Mustang. Until 1991 AD, Upper Mustang was under restriction. As a result, the area is undeveloped and hardly explored because it has only recently been opened. So Upper Mustang is a huge place with lots to discover.

The trek can be completed alone or in a group. However, we advise going with a friend or two, so you have someone to keep you company as you go through the mountains!

The trip starts with a beautiful drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then a flight across the Himalayas to Jomsom. The official trek departs from Jomsom and makes stops at Kagbeni, Chele, and Syangboche along the way. You pass by numerous monasteries while walking, including Rangchung Cave Monastery, Ghar Gompa, Luri Cave monastery, and many others.

Eventually, the trek leads to Lo Manthang. After spending the day at Lo Manthang exploring and having fun, the journey retraces to where it began. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore Muktinath, a spiritual site for Buddhists and Hindus traveling. The trip will soon end with a flight to Pokhara followed by a drive back to Kathmandu.

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The journey to Upper Mustang is doable any time of year. However, the best seasons for trekking in Nepal are spring and autumn. The weather is consistent, and the temperature is moderate throughout these hours. 

Additionally, mountain panoramas are easily visible because of the transparent visibility. On the other hand, during busy times, the trails may be overrun with people.

There is also the option of going on a trek in the summer or winter. During these times of the year, you can hike to the Upper Mustang region and escape crowds. The absence of rain during the monsoon season makes the Upper Mustang journey the most enjoyable. 

The weather in the summertime can be warm. Winter, however, can be extremely cold. However, the teahouses in the high passes close due to the extreme cold throughout the winter.