Upper Mustang Region

Upper Mustang is located north, below the tallest Alpine mountains. The sovereign state of Mustang (whose beloved final king tragically passed away in the month of December 2016) is a higher-elevation desert of colored valleys, lush oases, fabled gompas, Buddhist flags, and a blood-red defensive monastery. It was long cloaked in mystique and was off-limits to foreigners till 1992.

It is possible to feel a bit more Tibetan in this country than in the largely contemporary Chinese area of Tibet proper because of its abundance of conventional Tibetan Buddhist culture.

It’s important to keep in mind that trekking in Mustang is equally enjoyable an encounter with culture as it is an alpine one because it lacks the same breathtaking up-close Himalayan panoramas as many of the additional popular Nepalese trekking destinations.

Where is Mustang located?

Mustang is located in northern Nepal, bordering Tibet (China) to the north. It is part of the Gandaki Pradesh (Province No. 4) of Nepal. Specifically, Mustang is situated in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, nestled between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The region is known for its barren, arid landscapes, ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture, and unique Mustangi architecture.

Mustang is divided into two parts: Upper Mustang (the restricted area requiring special permits) and Lower Mustang (also known as the Mustang District Headquarters), which includes areas like Jomsom and Kagbeni.

Upper Mustang Height

Located in the Himalayas of Nepal, Upper Mustang ranges in altitude from approximately 2,800 meters (9,186 feet) to over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above sea level. Especially, the town of Lo Manthang, the cultural and administrative center of Upper Mustang, is situated at an altitude of around 3,840 meters (12,598 feet).

The temperature in Upper Mustang varies significantly depending on the season and altitude. Here’s a general overview of the temperature ranges you can expect:

Upper mustang temperature

Spring (March to May)

• Daytime: Temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) in lower altitudes.
• Nighttime: Temperatures can drop to around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).
• High Altitudes: Temperatures may still be chilly, with daytime highs around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F) and nighttime lows below freezing.

Summer (June to August)

• Daytime: Temperatures in lower altitudes can reach up to 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), especially in July and August.
• Nighttime: Generally mild, with temperatures around 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
• High Altitudes: Daytime temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), with nighttime temperatures often above freezing.

Autumn (September to November)

• Daytime: Pleasant temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) in lower altitudes.
• Nighttime: Cool temperatures, ranging from 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F).
• High Altitudes: Similar to lower altitudes during the day, but colder at night with temperatures dropping below freezing.

Winter (December to February)

• Daytime: Cold temperatures, ranging from 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) in lower altitudes.
• Nighttime: Temperatures can drop well below freezing, ranging from -10°C to 0°C (14°F to 32°F).
• High Altitudes: Extremely cold, with daytime temperatures around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F) and nighttime temperatures often well below freezing.

Notes:

• Altitude Effects: Higher altitudes, such as those encountered in Upper Mustang, will generally have colder temperatures than lower altitudes.
• Climate Variability: Weather in mountainous regions can change rapidly, so it’s important to be prepared for varying conditions even within a single day.

These temperature ranges provide a general idea, but actual conditions can vary, so it’s advisable to check specific weather forecasts before heading on a trek to Upper Mustang.

Best Of Upper Mustang Treks:

1. Classic Upper Mustang Trekking

Beginning with Kagbeni to Lo Manthang, the typical 10-day journey is uphill both ways (you can begin trekking right after arriving at Jomsom airport). Visitors do not require the pricey Upper Mustang-specific ticket for this portion of the hike. The typical route climbs the Kali Gandaki river’s western, populated alongside each other passing through colorful gorges and wind-whipped passes (the highest being 4,325m).

You will spend each night in a small, walled village with a monastery at its center, where you are staying in accommodations with a Tibetan feel. Walking across Kagbeni to Lo Manthang requires four days, and the opposite is true for the return journey. The least amount of time needed to tour the city, adjacent monasteries, and caverns is two full days in Lo Manthang. Settlements near the west bank of the Kali Gandaki are rapidly undergoing changes as a result of road development.

Trek Facts:

• Trekking challenging: Medium
• Time frame: 10 days.
• Maximum Height: 4,325m
• Lodging: Homestays.
• Beginning and End: Kagbeni

Can you do the upper Mustang trek solo?

No, you cannot do the Upper Mustang trek solo. Upper Mustang is a restricted area in Nepal, and trekking there requires a special permit. According to regulations set by the Nepalese government, trekkers must be accompanied by a licensed guide and have a minimum of two trekkers in the group (excluding the guide). Here are some key points to consider:

Permits Required

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP): This permit is specifically for the Upper Mustang region and costs $500 USD per person for the first 10 days, with an additional charge for each extra day.
• Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Since Upper Mustang falls within the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will also need this permit.

Trekking Regulations:

• Licensed Guide: You must be accompanied by a licensed guide.
• Minimum Group Size: You need at least two trekkers in the group, not including the guide.

Benefits of Guided Trek:

• Safety: Having a guide ensures your safety in remote and rugged terrain.
• Local Knowledge: Guides provide valuable insights into the local culture, history, and geography.
• Logistics: Guides can handle logistics such as accommodation, permits, and transportation.

While the restrictions may seem limiting, they are in place to protect the fragile environment of Upper Mustang and preserve its unique culture and heritage.