Planning for Mustang Trek? Here’s everything that you need to know about it Mustang region trek including Upper Mustang Trek and Lower Mustang Trek. Mustang is located in the northwest of Nepal which lies within the Annapurna National Park and Dhaulagiri and to the borders of Tibet. Mustang is considered one of the best destinations in Nepal where your every step turns out to be full of adventure.
You can enjoy the beauty of Mustang for all months and explore the place. You will never feel tired because you will be enjoying the scenery as well as the traditional food along with a glass of local brandy. Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang are the part of Mustang region but to approach Mustang one must get a special permit to enter.
Upper Mustang Trek takes you to many beautiful landscapes. The beauty of the Mustang is very much different from other regions of Nepal. Mustang includes various traditional cultures that other regions of the country don’t have. So, if you are ever planning your Mustang trek then there are mainly three different routes in Upper Mustang.
Lower Mustang Trek is one of the best classic treks which is moderate and beautiful. It leads you towards Tibet which is located in Mustang. Trek to Mustang is not so difficult as it is a low-altitude trek so there are no high passes. So, the trek to Mustang is easy for many people.
Mustang has many great accommodations and food where you can feel comfortable. People who are looking forward to the Mustang trek must try it as it is a lifetime experience where you can explore different landscapes, cultures, birds and animals, and climates. It is one of the easiest treks among other trekking spots in Nepal.
Where is Mustang located?
Mustang is located in the north-central mountain region of Nepal. It is located within the Tibetan border and with the Tibetan plateau to the northern side. To its east, there lies Manang and Annapurna Sanctuary, and to Dolpa lies its east. Mustang is located in the rain shadow of the Annapurna Massif and Dhaulagiri.
If you are approaching Mustang, then it is located in Gandaki Pradesh which lies in the northwest of the country and is combined with the borders of Tibet. At the south of the Gandaki region, there lies upper and lower Mustang at the town of Kagbeni where you can meet the trekkers going towards Annapurna Circuit.
In ancient times the Upper Mustang region was called as Kingdom of Lo where outside visitors were not allowed to visit or enter. Still, if you are going towards Mustang then you will be requiring a special restricted permit.
As mentioned above there are 3 different routes where you can trek to Mustang. Among all three routes, the best route is the classic route where the route goes towards the short western route as well as the longer eastern route which connects them. If you want a beautiful landscape, then all 3 routes have stunning views and landscapes. On your way, you will be experiencing various villages, rivers, barley farms, and apple orchards.
Lower Mustang is one of the lower parts of Mustang which leads the road towards Upper Mustang. The altitude level of the Lower Mustang trek is very low and you will not face any problems. The difficulty level of the Lower Mustang is easy and known as a classic trek among all the treks. The Accommodation level will be very nice where you will find standard hotels and many guest houses.
Note: There are no entries beneath 4300m because the routes are not properly marked so you will require a professional guide.
Highlights of Mustang Trek
- Explore the beautiful Kagbeni village located in the valley of Kali Gandaki where you will experience houses made with bricks and mud. From Kagbeni village you will see the views of Kagbeni Valley, Monastery, Nilgiri Peak, and apple trees.
- Muktinath Temple. One of the holy spots for Hinduism and Buddhists is located at 3800 meters. The story behind this holy temple is that Lord Bishnu got redemption with the curse given by Brinda. The term “Mukti” refers to freedom from all suffering (Nirvana) and “Nath” means Master of all gods.
- The deepest canyon, Kaligandaki River Gorge
- Choser Cave and other monasteries are located in the northern part of Lo-Manthang. This place is famously known for its religious sites. There are many sites in Chooser such as Garphu and Nymphu.
- Experience the Tiji festival which is one of the most attractive festivals of Mustang where the term “Tiji” refers to Tempa Chirim which represents a Prayer that is done for the peace of the world.
- The main highlight of the Upper Mustang is the city of Wall Lo-Manthang
Do I need a guide for Mustang Trek?
For the Mustang trek, you will be required a guide as there is no other option. As mentioned there are no routes marked properly so you will need someone professional that guide you your way. If you are going with a group, then the cost of the guide will be less but if you are a solo traveler then you will have to pay the full cost for the guide.
Best time for Mustang Trek
September-October and November-December: Upper Mustang has been titled one of the rare areas where you can experience trekking in any month/ season. In monsoon rainfall occurs but it lasts for only a few hours which may not be a big problem but skies may be covered with clouds for days.
February to April: February to April is best known for trekking in Nepal but you can trek in Mustang at any time of the year. You can experience different seasons on the way to Mustang and explore the lifestyle of the people living there. You will get a view of apple farming, and greenery fields as well as see deep blue sky.
November and December to January and February: This is also one of the best seasons for trekking because it is the end of dry seasons. You will experience light rainfall and greenery
In May and June: These months are pre-monsoon months so the weather can get warm but the sky will be covered with clouds which may be a problem because the views can get blocked.
Photo credit: jmhullot on Visualhunt.com
Permits and Fees for Mustang Trek
- For all foreigners, the Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit costs USD 500 for the first ten days and USD 50 per day after that.
- For foreigners, the ACAP entrance permit charge is 3,000 NPR (about USD 30).
- For SAARC nationals, the ACAP entrance permit charge is 200 NPR.
Accommodation during Upper Mustang Trek and Lower Mustang Trek
The accommodation during the Mustang trek is very nice compared to other trekking places in Nepal. There are various guest houses and standard hotels. If you concern us about the accommodation, then we will give you the best level of accommodation as you are your priority. You will be getting standard hotels where you will be getting hygienic foods which will make your trek healthy.
You will get hotels with attached bathrooms which will cost you around $10 to $12. If you are comfortable with sharing a bathroom then it will cost around $5 to $7. On your way, you will find many shops where you can spend your night but those will be old and traditional teahouses where you will be sharing the bathroom.
If you are tired and looking forward to taking a shower, then you will get hot water that comes straight through solar because geysers are hard to find due to lack of electricity. You will receive electricity which is generated through the solar panel. The capacity level of solar power is very weak though it will be able to charge mobiles and came batteries only.
Mustang is a rural area where you will rarely get Wi-Fi or internet use. You will get Wi-Fi from different guest houses or teahouses where they supply satellite connections or you can buy a sim card through which you can use 3G, 4G, or 5G.
Packing list for your Mustang Trek
If you are planning your Mustang trek then you will require various things that will make you warm and easy along your trek So, you will need some of the important things which are listed below:
- You will require trekking shoes on your journey because you will be walking for 5 to 6 hours per day. So, you will have to maintain your feet by buying or hiring strong trekking shoes.
- As you will be going to a cold place you will require socks according to your days and a pair of warm, windproof gloves.
- Carry or wear warm windproof jackets and clothes with full sleeves because you will or you will catch a cold.
- Strong and large Rucksack where you can include everything. If you are taking a porter with you then you can carry two bags which 1 will be carried by the porter and the other by you.
- Warm water/rain protection bottoms for your legs.
- Medical kit for an emergency.
Fitness Level for Mustang Trek
Mustang Trek is not so difficult. You will find out various accommodations which will make your trek enjoyable along with fresh and typical foods. Being a classical trek the routes are very easy which only leads to 4230m. For your healthy trek, you will be served natural vegetables but you will have to carry your lunch for one day so you can consume enough water. If you choose to trek through the eastern rough, then it will be quite hard because you will have to bring your packed food for two days and water according to the active season.
Unlike other treks, the Mustang trek doesn’t involve climbing. The roads are straight whereas other treks of Nepal contain ups and downs. But if you choose to trek through the eastern side then you will be having a hard time champing uphill and going downhill.
You will have to walk for 5 to 6 hours a day where altitude sickness is not a problem because there is very little chance that you will be suffering from altitude sickness. You will only be reaching 4380m.
The difficulty level of Mustang Trek
Mustang Trek is not easy-moderate as it is a low-altitude trek so there are no high passes. So, the trek to Mustang is easy for many people. Mustang has many great accommodations and food where you can feel comfortable. People who are looking forward to the Mustang trek must try it as it is a lifetime experience where you can explore different landscapes, cultures, birds and animals, and climates. It is one of the easiest treks among other trekking spots in Nepal.
You will be able to climb easily and there are no high passes because the altitude level is 4180m. So, there is very little chance that you will catch altitude sickness. It has been considered an easy trekking spot for different ages.
The roads towards Upper Mustang are pebbled but if you use trekking then you can make your trekking easy. You will find many dusty roads so when it is windy there can be problems.
Mustang Trek Cost
The price for Upper Mustang Trek is around USD 1700 to USD 3500 per person while the price for Lower Mustang is around USD 800- USD 1100 per person accordingly.
Compared to other trekking spots in Nepal Mustang trek is cheaper. The costs of accommodation are less compared to Everest Base Camp Trek. The price of the food is very reasonable. The main cost that you will have to pay is the restricted area permits.
The costs of Mustang can vary according to your needs because the cost for the trek can be different so there is no fixed price. Some go according to the package whereas some go by hiring potters and guides. Some choose to stay in standard hotels whereas some prefer local traditional tea houses. Many agencies charge high prices but if you are concerned then will arrange a trek for you. Many other agencies boost the prices due to permits but we will arrange an affordable trekking package according to your period.
Food and Water during Mustang Trek
During your Mustang trek, you will be getting delicious foods and catching up with many restaurants where you can find various cuisines but for your healthy trek, you can consume Dal Bhat. You can get typical Nepali cuisine as well as various foods such as pasta noodles, pancakes, and much more.
You will get fresh vegetables in Upper Mustang which are grown with natural fertilizers. The fruits and vegetables grown are local and are grown in their house. Those vegetables are only picked before they get cooked. You will experience most of the vegetables naturally grown and no fertilizers used.
The price of the available foods is cheaper than in other trekking spots in Nepal. You will be getting cheap foods as they are grown and picked after you visit the place. So, you will be getting everything natural.
Remember that if you are planning to visit Upper Mustang then you will have to bring your packed food because there are no teahouses or guest houses. You can buy packed snacks with you on the way from teahouses such as parathas and chapattis which will cost around 300 to 500 Nepalese currency. You can carry boiled eggs but by the time you eat those eggs they will not be fresh if you contact your teahouse then they will prepare breakfast for you.
We recommend you carry your source of water filters because water filters in the Upper Mustang are not common. You will be getting boiled water, which may contain some sediment on your journey. You can purchase bottled water which will already be ready.
Mustang is famous for its apples so it is worth trying the apples of Mustang.
Upper Mustang Trek Itinerary
| Day | Route | Distance | Altitude |
| 1 | Kathmandu to Pokhara (Drive) | 7hrs | 830m |
| 2 | Pokhara to Jomsom (Flight) to Kagbeni | 3hrs | 930m |
| 3 | Kagbeni to Chele | 6hrs | 3050n |
| 4 | Chele to Syangmoche | 6hrs | 3475m |
| 5 | Chele to Syangmoche | 5hrs | 3500m |
| 6 | Ghami to Charang | 4hrs | 3560m |
| 7 | Charang to Lo Manthang | 5hrs | 3770m |
| 8 | Day Trip to Choser Cave | 6hrs | 3700m |
| 9 | Lo Manthang to Dhakmar | 7hrs | 3800m |
| 10 | Dhakmar to Ghiling | 6hrs | 3860m |
| 11 | Ghiling to Chuksang | 6hrs | 3050m |
| 12 | Chuksang to Jomsom | 5hrs | 2715m |
| 13 | Jomsom to Pokhara (Flight) | 15mins | 830m |
| 14 | Pokhara to Kathmandu (Drive) | 8hrs | 1300m |
Lower Mustang Itinerary
Lower Mustang Trek Detailed Itinerary
Day1: Welcome to Kathmandu
On your first day, you will be visiting Kathmandu city. You will be visiting your hotel and will be welcomed by the people from your hotel. You will go for a city visit of beautiful Kathmandu city and different field visits.
You will be taken to different tourist spots such as Durbar Squares, temples, museums, hilltops, etc.
Day2: Kathmandu to Pokhara
On this day you will be provided with breakfast then you will be driven to the airport from where you will fly to Pokhara.
On your way to Pokhara, you will witness 4 great mountains of Nepal: Shishapangma, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu. Your 30-minute flight journey will be memorable.
After you land in Pokhara your hotel will send a jeep to pick you up. Rest of your day you will visit different places in Pokhara. You will enjoy the boat ride to Phewa Lake. You can explore many adventurous activities such as bungee, paragliding, and zip-line.
Day 3: Pokhara to Jomsom/ Trek to Kagbeni
You will have your breakfast in Pokhara and fly to Jomsom. The flight that you take will go over Kali Gandaki which is the deepest Gorge in Nepal. On your flight journey, you will experience great mountains such as Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. But after your flight, you will experience a different environment.
You will be starting your walk from Kali Gandaki River where you will be preparing for your trek. Along your trekking route, you will enter a small village called Ekla Bhatti. The beautiful village is located near the river and from where you can have a view of Nilgiri Himal. Ekla Bhatti is a beautiful place for your tea break or lunch break.
The total time for your day 3 activities will be 3 hours and 20 minutes where 20 minutes will be for flight and you will trek for 3 hours/ 11.4 km.
Day 4: Kagbeni to Muktinath
Before starting your trek, you will have your breakfast in Kagbeni. On your way will be going through Khingar village and Jharkot village where you can stop for your tea/ lunch. Along your trek, you will meet another small village named Ranipauwa. You will experience its environment and pass through it. You will again go through another will beautiful village named Muktinath where you will experience green hills.
While you are in Muktinath you will experience cold springs, green hills, holy shrines, temples, ancient fossils, and much more. Muktinath is considered one of the holiest places in Nepal for Hindus and Buddhists. You will be visiting Jwala Mai which is nearby Muktinath.
Day 5: Muktinath to Jomsom
You will be leaving for Jomsom from Muktinath after your breakfast. After you visit the Muktinath temple you will be leaving a small amount of money which is an important part of Hindus and Buddhists in the name of god.
From Muktinath, you will go towards Jomsom following an easy route which will be downhill. While going down you will have a great view of Dhaulagiri. You will also be witnessing different monasteries along with snow-capped mountains. You will be admiring the culture and people of Mustang.
Your trekking time will be 5 to 6 hours, a total of 15km.
Day 6: Jomsom to Kathmandu
Before you leave Jomsom you will be having your breakfast and go to Pokhara by flight and will catch a flight to Kathmandu.
Once you have reached Kathmandu you will be exploring the capital city where you can enjoy the streets, heritage sites, and more places. You will be relaxing in Kathmandu Valley along with the nightlife of the city.
Day 7: Depart Kathmandu
On The last day, you will be staying in Nepal. You will be enjoying your last moments in Kathmandu where you will have the opportunity to visit different places for shopping relaxing and more. After you have completed packing your bags you will be driven to the airport. It will be great if you reach the airport 2 hours early for departure.