Upper Mustang is Nepal’s best-kept secret. A place where you need special government permission to visit.
This area has kept its ancient Tibetan culture alive for over 500 years. It is a place where people still live the same way their ancestors did. The Upper Mustang trek is completely different from other walks in Nepal.
Instead of green hills and white mountains. You will see brown desert land, tall red rocks, and flat high areas that feel like walking on Mars. This trip is both difficult and amazing. As you get to visit one of the world’s last forbidden kingdoms. You’ll meet friendly local people who still practice their old traditions every day. This makes it one of the most unique adventures you can have in the Himalayas.
The Last Forbidden Kingdom of Mustang
Upper Mustang was once its own country with its own king until the 1950s, when it became part of Nepal. For many years, no outsiders could visit this place. That’s why people call it the “forbidden kingdom.”
Why is it called “forbidden”
The government kept it closed to protect the special Tibetan Buddhist way of life that has stayed the same for hundreds of years. However, in 1992, Nepal finally allowed visitors to come. But you still need special official papers to enter today.
As this area sits between Nepal and Tibet, it has a mix of cultures from both places. Long ago, it was an important road where people traded salt and grain between different countries.
The main city is called Lo Manthang, which has big walls around it like an old castle. Inside these walls, you can see ancient buildings, prayer wheels, and monasteries. It is a place where monks still pray every day.
The local people here are called Loba. There, they speak Tibetan and follow the same Buddhist traditions their families have practiced for over 500 years. This makes this place feel like a living museum.
Trekking in the High Plateaus and Barren Hills of Upper Mustang
Geographic and Physical Features
Walking through Upper Mustang feels like being in a desert. But this desert is very high up in the mountains, somewhere between 3,500 to 4,000 meters above sea level.
In upper Mustang, you won’t see the green forests and grass that cover other parts of Nepal. Instead, you’ll walk through flat open spaces, rocky hills, and amazing colored cliffs that change from red to yellow to purple.
Climate and Weather
The weather changes a lot during different times of the year. Due to that, only special plants and animals can live in this dry, high place. Because of that, some small bushes, wild horses, and mountain goats have learned to survive here.
The land here is dry and brown because the big mountains around it block most of the rain clouds. This makes it look very similar to Tibet.
Visual and Aesthetic Appeal
If you’re into photography. This area is perfect for taking photos because the rock shapes look so unusual and the cliffs are so colorful.
The best views come from high points where you can see far across the flat land and strange rock formations. Some even argue that it looks like they were made by some famous artists.
What are the Requirements for the Upper Mustang Trek?
As not everyone is permitted to go to Upper Mustang, and if permitted, you need to have some paperwork and a permit. Also, you need to fit the criteria to trek.
Required Documents and Permits:
- You’ll need a special government permit that can cost you $500 for 10 days. For more details, do check the official website.
https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/trekking-route-and-permit-fee ) - Must have a trekking card and a nature area permit
- It is really important for you you have a local guide. It is not somewhere you can go alone.
- Minimum group size of 2 people required
Required Documents and Permits:
- You should be in good shape, as this trek is harder than a normal walk
- If you have previous mountain walking experience, it is helpful but not required
- The body needs time to get used to a high altitude, where the air is thin, so don’t rush
- Some people feel sick from high altitude. So, see a doctor before going
- You’ll need travel insurance that covers mountain activities
Planning Timeline:
- Plan early, as getting permits takes time
- Book your trip at least one month before you want to go
How Difficult is the Upper Mustang Trek?
Physical Demands:
- This Trek is moderate to challenging level
- You’ll have to walk for 6-8 hours each day
- The highest point is over 4,000 meters above sea level, so make sure your body can handle that
- Trails are clear and easy to follow. There is no rock climbing needed
Weather and Environmental Challenges:
- Prepare for extreme weather, as strong winds and dust storms are common
- The temperature changes a lot during the day
- High altitude means a lower oxygen level in the air. So, very dry air can make breathing harder
- The sun is very strong at high altitudes, so make sure you prepare for that
Comparison to Other Nepal Treks:
- It is easier than the Everest Base Camp trek
- Harder than the lower parts of the Annapurna Circuit
- It is a Good choice for people who want something in between
What Makes It Harder or Easier:
- Your fitness level matters most
- Weather and season affect difficulty, so choose a perfect season for it
- Age won’t be a big problem if you are healthy
- Practice walking long distances before you go
- Most people struggle with dry air, strong wind, and getting tired from the high altitude
How to Get There?
The route is really simple and easy, but you should have a proper plan of travel plan.
Getting to the Starting Point:
- From Kathmandu to Pokhara: flying (25 minutes) or driving (6-7 hours)
- From Pokhara to Jomsom: small plane flight (20 minutes)
- Alternative route: You can drive from Pokhara to Muktinath, then walk to Jomsom
Your journey to Upper Mustang starts in Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu. Most people fly to Pokhara first, then take a small mountain plane to Jomsom airport.
These small planes can only fly when the weather is good. So flights often get delayed or canceled because of wind and clouds. If your flight gets canceled, you can drive to Muktinath and walk from there, but this will take much longer.
Inside Upper Mustang:
- Walk from Jomsom to Charang and Lo Manthang
- Some jeep roads are available, but walking is better
- Local horses are available for carrying bags
- Book transportation early, especially during busy seasons like spring and autumn
Upper Mustang Trek Cost Breakdown
Here is a simple breakdown of the cost that you will need to pay for your journey
Major Expenses:
- Government permits: That will cost you $500 plus other small fees
- Guide: If you hire one, they will charge you $25-35 per day
- Porter (bag carrier): If you want the service, it will cost you $20-25 per day
- Flights: Kathmandu-Pokhara-Jomsom around $200-300
Daily Costs:
- Simple guesthouses: This will cost you $10-15 per night
- Meals: As food is expensive in remote areas, this will cost you around $8-12 per meal
- Equipment rental if needed: $5-10 per day
Total Budget and Money-Saving Tips:
- Total cost: $1,500 to $3,000 per person for 10-12 days
- $500 goes just for the special permit
- Food costs more because everything is carried in by plane or walking
- Bigger groups pay less per person as they mostly take packages as they cost cheaper
- The spring and autumn seasons cost more as they are the most crowded times for tourists
- Save money by bringing your gear
- Choose simple food options to reduce costs and avoid health issues
- Share guides in larger groups
This is just a surface cost; if you want in-depth detail, visit our page.
Festivals and Cultural Experiences
Tiji Festival
It is the most famous celebration in Upper Mustang. This festival lasts three days and celebrates good winning over evil. It is a colorful festival that usually happens in May, though exact dates change each year.
During Tiji, monks perform special dances wearing bright masks at Lo Manthang monastery, the main temple. Old stories say this festival protects the kingdom from bad spirits. Due to that, it is very important for the local people.
Yartung Festival
This festival brings the whole community together for horse racing and traditional games. This happy celebration happens when farmers finish gathering their crops. And everyone participates, wearing beautiful traditional clothes.
Yartung Festival is celebrated during the full moon of late August. Families prepare special local food and share it with visitors. This creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Horse racing events
This event happens throughout the year and shows how much horses mean to Mustang culture. These competitions are not just sports.
They represent the deep respect local people have for horses. Winners get prizes and community respect, making these events very exciting to watch.
When you visit during festival times. You can watch ancient dances, try local food with families, and see how people live the same way their grandparents did.
Best Time to Visit and Practical Tips
The best times to visit Upper Mustang are March to May and September to November. This is the time when the weather is clear and not too cold.
Pack warm clothes for cold nights and light clothes for sunny days. Plus sunglasses and sunscreen for the strong mountain sun are more than necessary.
Always ask before taking photos of people. Keep the area clean by taking your trash with you, and respect local customs by dressing properly when visiting temples.
Conclusion
Upper Mustang is truly one of Nepal’s most amazing places to visit. This special trek takes you through a desert kingdom where people still live like their ancestors did hundreds of years ago.
The Upper Mustang trek is perfect for anyone who wants to see something completely different from normal mountain walks.
When you travel here, you help protect this unique culture and beautiful land for the future. So if you want to experience all this, do contact Shangri-La Voyages today to start planning your own adventure to this incredible hidden kingdom.
