The Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most beautiful and off-the-beaten-path adventures in Nepal. This former kingdom was a forbidden Tibetan Buddhist enclave until 1992, but strict rules and regulations have preserved this hidden region's culture and nature.

The Upper Mustang region is open year-round for trekking, but the best time to visit is March through November. The rain shadow of the Annapurna peaks makes the weather dry, making it ideal for hiking.

Cultural Richness

Located to the North of Nepal and bordering Tibet, Upper Mustang is one of Nepal’s most remote destinations. The landscape here is truly otherworldly, with towering mountains and deep canyons surrounded by a vast desert.

Despite the harsh conditions, Upper Mustang has retained its rich culture and traditions. It’s home to a variety of Buddhist monasteries, mani walls, chortens, and more.

The region’s people are primarily Tibetan Buddhists and they follow traditional Buddhist practices. They live their lives with minimal contact with the rest of Nepal, which is why they retain their unique cultural heritage and way of life.

The spring season is the best time to trek Upper Mustang, as it offers beautiful weather with stable temperatures. Additionally, this is the time to witness the major Tibetan Buddhist festival of Tiji in Lo Manthang.

Views

The trans-Himalayan region of Upper Mustang is famous for its arid landscape, unique rock formations and high cliffs. Besides, it also offers breath-taking mountain views, ancient monasteries, high caves, colorful prayer flags and intriguing stone carvings/paintings.

The remote, arid region of Mustang is similar to Tibet in terms of both culture and geography. Moreover, it’s one of the restricted trekking regions where trekkers must have a special restricted trekking permit.

During the trek, you will explore a number of picturesque mountain villages like Chele, Syangbochen, Ghyami, Tsarang, and so on. You will also cross a handful of passes offering amazing views of snow-capped mountains such as Annapurna, Tilicho Peak and Dhaulagiri peaks.

The journey ends with the visit of Lo Manthang, the seat of past Kings of the Kingdom of Mustang. There are a number of historical landmarks like gompas, monasteries, and chortens here.

Altitude Sickness

If you are trekking to Upper Mustang, then you should be aware of the altitude sickness that can occur. The dry air can magnify the problem, and it is advisable to follow acclimatization techniques to prevent it.

Mild symptoms of altitude sickness are not serious and will pass within a few days after you move to a lower elevation. However, if you notice symptoms like severe headaches or vomiting that are not improving then you should descend as soon as possible and take anti-altitude sickness medications.

There are two main types of altitude sickness that you need to be aware of - high altitude cerebral edema (HACE) and high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). If you develop any of these illnesses, you should seek medical attention immediately and use a portable oxygen tank.

Weather

The weather conditions at Upper Mustang Trek and Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek are quite unpredictable, depending on the time of year. It’s best to choose the season that suits you and your itinerary.

The summer (June-August) is the best time to visit Upper Mustang. It’s a dry and moderate season. It’s also a great time to trek as the trails are clear and mountain views are stunning.

However, there is a risk of altitude sickness during this time as well. You should prepare for this by making sure that you are acclimatized properly.

Autumn is another ideal time to trek. It’s the season when new plants grow and flowers bloom, bringing out the beauty of nature.

During winter, the trails may be covered with snow and the temperature can drop to minus degrees. It’s a challenging time to trek but it’s still possible with the right gear and equipment.