The Upper Mustang Trek is a unique experience that presents travelers with a vivid blend of arid landscapes & exotic cultural heritages. The region is restricted by the government and a special permit is required to trek here.
The trek is considered moderate in difficulty and can be completed by a healthy individual with proper acclimatization. The following are some of the main costs associated with this trek:
Accommodation
Upper Mustang Trek is a remote & mystical region of Nepal with an ancient Buddhist culture. It is one of the most sought after trekking destinations in the country. The trip can be very expensive as there are restrictions on traveling to the region. Only those who have a special permit for the area can enter. Additionally, solo trekking is not permitted. Therefore, you will have to book a group trip. Moreover, only licensed Nepal Government trekking agencies can take you there.
The cost of the permit is $500 for a period of 10 days. Besides, you will need to pay for accommodation and food. Additionally, you will need to hire a guide and porter.
The best season to visit the region is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is stable and the landscapes are spectacular. However, you should avoid the monsoon and winter seasons as they are not favorable for trekking.
Permits
As Upper Mustang is a restricted area, special permits are required to trek in this region. It is advisable to hire a company that specializes in this type of trekking to help you acquire the permit. The cost of the permits varies depending on the duration of the trek. It is also important to note that a company can help you secure the permit much faster than you can on your own.
The permit costs USD 500 for 10 days, and additional days will cost $50 per day. Besides the RAP, you will also need to obtain an ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit. You will need a minimum of two trekkers and a government-lisenced guide to secure these permits.
A guided tour will ensure your safety and provide you with the best experience possible. Moreover, a good agency will be able to handle all the paperwork and ensure that you have the proper permits.
Trekking Equipment
The Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most unique trekking experiences in Nepal. It is a remote region with an ancient Tibetan culture. The trek is a spiritual journey that offers an opportunity to explore temples, monasteries, and Chortens (Buddhist shrines) as well as traditional Mustang villages. The trek also gives you a chance to see the Kali Gandaki Valley and gorge, which is famous around the world.
While some trails in Nepal don’t require you to have a guide, it is necessary to hire a professional guide for the Mustang Trek. While hiring a guide may seem expensive, the per-day cost is quite reasonable.
The best time to go on the Mustang Trek is between mid-February and late November. However, trekking is impossible during December and January due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold temperatures.
Food
This is not a trek that can be done on your own as the Upper Mustang region falls under the restricted trekking zone and requires special permits to enter. This area also includes the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you will need to obtain a TIMS card and ACAP permit to trek here. You will need to be in a group of two or more people with a certified guide for this trek.
The Upper Mustang Trek is not a high-altitude trek, but it has a lot of cultural and religious heritage to offer. It is a great option for travelers who want to experience a unique culture and landscape. The best time to trek in Upper Mustang is during the pre-monsoon or post-monsoon season from March to May and October to November.
This trek is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the former Himalayan Kingdom of Lo-Manthang and explore its ancient monasteries and caves. It is also a chance to witness the Tibetan-influenced culture of the Nepalese people and their way of life.