“Join Alpine Ramble Treks on an exceptional trek into the remote valley of Mustang: a land of high-altitude deserts, mountains, and monasteries where the Tibetan heart of the Himalayas still beats.”
What makes trekking in Mustang different than other treks in Nepal?
Trekking in Nepal always makes for an unforgettable adventure, whether you’re undertaking the world-famous Everest Base Camp Trek or the mighty Annapurna Circuit. But what if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary—a place that few travelers have had the privilege of visiting? Consider trekking to the remote northern district of Mustang: a former Himalayan kingdom where Tibetan culture still thrives, Trans-Himalayan deserts reach as far as the eye can see, and red-walled monasteries shelter beneath the overhanging peaks of snow-covered mountains. Alpine Ramble Treks has developed a 15-day Upper Mustang Trek which will introduce you to the highlights of this once-forbidden valley, from the rolling brown hills so reminiscent of the Tibetan plateau to the ancient walled capital city of Lo Manthang.
Trek in Mustang: The Last Forbidden Kingdom
Historically, the region of Mustang was an independent Himalayan kingdom of its own, with close political and commercial ties to Tibet. The district’s isolation and remoteness from the rest of Nepal have allowed its people to retain the age old-customs associated with their Tibetan culture, undiluted by the unrelenting march of modernity. In fact, trekkers in Nepal were not allowed to visit the region until as recently as 1992. The relative inaccessibility of Mustang has therefore lent it something of a mysterious aura: this is a timeless piece of the Himalayas where history comes alive before your very eyes. Don’t miss your chance to visit the valley’s renowned sky caves or attend the annual three-day Tiji festival; these are remarkable, authentic experiences you won’t soon forget.
What can you expect on the Upper Mustang Trek?
To begin our Upper Mustang Trek, we’ll take a scenic flight from the lakeside city of Pokhara to the smaller hub of Jomsom. Our trailhead picks up at Kagbeni, and from there we’ll find ourselves tracing the magnificent Kali Gandaki Gorge into a striking landscape of winding trails, small villages, barley fields, and stark, dry hillsides washed only by the light of the mountain sun. While you’re sure to catch some great views of frozen Himalayan summits like Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas, the real star of the show here in Mustang is the unique combination of the valley’s austere scenery and its colorful villages and monasteries. Trekking in Mustang represents a golden opportunity to explore the wonders of this region over the course of two full weeks. If you’re ready to plan your own Upper Mustang Trek, get in touch with Alpine Ramble Treks via WhatsApp at +977 9851175531. We’re always standing by and ready to help!
Best Time of Year for the Upper Mustang Trek
Trekking in Nepal is generally driven by the weather patterns of the country’s summer monsoon. However, Mustang trekking is a little different. The Upper Mustang region lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, and its climate is generally arid year-round. This means that you can enjoy trekking in Mustang at any time of year, although some travelers may prefer to avoid the uncomfortable temperatures and risk of snowfall associated with winter hiking. For these reasons, most visitors choose to trek in Mustang during the spring, summer, or autumn. Visitors who are keen to experience authentic Tibetan culture might especially consider timing their Upper Mustang Trek to coincide with the annual Tiji festival, which typically occurs in May and is hosted at a monastery near Lo Manthang. Whatever your interests and needs, Alpine Ramble Treks will be happy to arrange an unforgettable Upper Mustang Trek for you.
Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty
While prior trekking experience is not a prerequisite for our Upper Mustang trekking package, this is a moderately difficult hiking trail with a maximum elevation of more than 4,000 meters. You’ll be walking for up to six or seven hours each day, and the trail ascends and descends as it winds through countless side valleys and high-altitude mountain passes. For these reasons, you should be in good health and physical fitness before embarking upon a trek in Mustang. Walking, running, and other forms of cardiovascular exercise are great ways to prepare for the opportunity to visit this Trans-Himalayan region. An expert guide from Alpine Ramble Treks will also be assigned to watch over you, monitor your progress and condition, and shepherd you safely all the way to Lo Manthang—and back again.
More Nepal Trekking Options
The Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most authentic and exciting treks in all of Nepal. But if you’re looking to venture even further into the uncharted territory of the Himalayas, you may want to take a look at our Upper Dolpo Trek or Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek. As always, the experts at Alpine Ramble Treks will be happy to customize any of our itineraries to match your specific travel needs and interests.
Highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek
- Embark on a truly adventurous trek far from the beaten path
- Explore the famous walled capital city of Lo Manthang
- Traverse a wholly unique Trans-Himalayan alpine desert
- Peer into the mysterious caverns of Mustang’s famous “sky caves”
Additional Benefits
- Free transfers to and from Tribhuvan International Airport upon arrival and departure.
- Complimentary use of any necessary trekking equipment, such as sleeping bags, down jackets, duffle bags, walkie-talkies, trekking poles, and an oximeter to monitor your oxygen and pulse.
- Fun souvenirs of your Himalayan adventure: a trekking route map, a t-shirt emblazoned with the Alpine Ramble Treks logo, and a hat!