Upper Mustang Trek - 15 days

Trekking Information

Equipment Checklist for Upper mustang trek

Here is a general gear checklist for the trek for trekking in Upper Mustang.

Upper Body: -

A long-sleeve thermal base layer
Trekking shirt
Insulation layer
fleece jacket
Warm Down Jacket
Gloves
waterproof jacket
T-Shirt lightweight

Head: -

Beanie and ear warmers
Sunhat & Scarf
Headlights with extra batteries

Face: -

Sunglasses with UV protection
Sunscreen
Dust Masks
Lip Balm
Face /Body wipe

legs & Boots: -

Trekking Pants two pairs
waterproof jacket
Trekking boots
Sport Shoes
Gaiters
Crampons (If snow or Ice)
Slippers
Thermal Leggins
Underwear & thick Socks

Essentials Gear: -

Trekking pole
Sleeping bag
Towels
Raincoat
Water bottle
Backpack or Day pack

Toiletries: -

Quick drying towel
Toilet paper
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
soap
Shampoo
Small mirror
Nail cutter

Personal accessories: -

Money
Camera
Phone
Watch
Power bank
Extra batteries for the Camera

Extra: -

Diary & Pen
Books
Extra Passport copy and Photos
Binocular
Firsts Aid Kits

Note: The above list can be customized as per the seasons and necessity of the trekkers.

Upper Mustang Trek starting point

Your journey to Upper Mustang trek starts at Kathmandu. However, the trailhead to start the trek is in Jomsom. It is a small but popular town in the mustang region with a well-managed airport. You can fly or drive to reach Jomsom. However, we suggest you choose to fly as the road conditions are not ideal and you will save at least 2 days by doing so. There are some shops available to get your trekking equipment here.

Accommodations

Treks in the Annapurna region are popular for teahouses, a dominant accommodation option for travelers. A teahouse in the Mustang Valley is usually operated by the locals to serve trekkers with basic services. The rooms are generally simple and you will have the option to choose attached bathrooms in the lower elevations. Similarly, communal dining rooms are another feature of classic teahouses. You can expect a lot of local influence as you head more into the Upper Mustang region. Teahouses here are well managed even if they are less frequent in comparison to Everest or Annapurna Circuit.

Meals

Meals are provided by the teahouses you'll be staying at during the trek. The food is simple and utilizes the organic local ingredients available in the region. Try some Thakali and Tibetan foods while you are here. You can find small shops, cafes, and occasional bakery's during the trek as well. Similarly, most teahouses also sell energy bars, mineral waters, snacks, and drinks like shops from their front counters. You can find great dishes made with simple ingredients and Nepali-Tibetan mix cuisine during this trek.

Permits for Upper Mustang trek

You must have two permits to complete the Upper Mustang Trek. These are: -
1. Upper Mustang Restricted area permit: US $ 500 per person for 10 days US $ 50 for each additional day.
2. Annapurna Conservation area Permit (ACAP): US $ 30 per person for the duration of the trek.
You can apply for the permits at the NTB office in Kathmandu. Take your original passport and some pp-sized photos with you.

Best season to Trek Upper Mustang trek

The Upper Mustang trek can be done all year long with proper preparation and guidance. Each season promises a different set of experiences for travelers here. here are the four seasons in Nepal and what you can expect while trekking during these periods.

- March to May(Spring)

You can have a pleasant trek with plenty of Annapurna circuit trekkers along the way too during this time. The weather is pleasant and the views are sublime during these months.

- June to August(Summer)

You can expect some rain in the lower regions of the trail but you can enjoy a good trek once you enter Upper Mustang. As most other treks in Nepal is not as popular during these months, you can still find a healthy amount of visitors doing the Upper Mustang trek now.

- September to November(Autumn)

Another fantastic period to trek in Nepal. If you plan your itinerary well enough you will be just in time to witness the biggest national festivals of Nepal in Dashain and Tihar.

- December to February (Winter)

Be aware of the trail conditions and snow situations while trekking to Mustang during these months. We suggest you avoid harsh winter periods. The views are majestic, however, during the wintertime.

Altitude Sickness and Acclimatization

Altitude Sickness is a possibility but not a real concern for the Upper Mustang Trek. We have planned the itinerary in such a way that your body will have plenty of time to acclimatize to the elevation. Here are some tips to prevent altitude sickness.
- Drink plenty of water. Keep rehydrating at regular intervals.
- Get plenty of rest & sleep. Don't push yourself too much while walking.
- Do warm-up exercises and stretching before starting the trek for the day.
- Try eating a balanced diet. Avoid too-much salty food and alcohol throughout the trek.
- If necessary, take the pills for Altitude sickness by consulting with your guide.

Trek Difficulties

The Upper Mustang Trek is only moderately difficult. It is a great trail to choose from for family adventures and holidays. Trekking guides are compulsory so you mustn't worry about most things during the trek. Make sure you follow the instructions of the guide and ask for help when necessary. The routes are safe and well maintained as well. be aware of the high-intensity winds that you might face in the mid-day periods while trekking in the Mustang Valley.

Benefits of Choosing (HST)

• We are experienced. Our team has managed treks in the Upper Mustang region for well over two decades.
• Our guides are fluent in English, Nepali, and Local Tibetan dialects. They know the terrain, culture, people, and the Mustang District through & through.
• HST will provide you best value services for your money. No hidden cost, every step with HST is transparent and clear. We value our clients over profit any day.
• Your safety is the top priority while trekking with the HST team.
• We go the extra mile to assure you of a complete trekking experience in Nepal. HST is your ideal choice for trekking in Nepal.

FAQs on Upper Mustang Trek

1. What are the electricity condition and can I charge batteries where I stay?

Electricity is available in most teahouses and stops you'll be at during the trek. Most of these will be solar-powered and some might charge you extra for charging batteries.

2.- Is Phone network Internet connectivity available throughout the trek?

Apart from a few sections, your phone network (NTC) will be usable throughout the trek. As per the internet connection you can ask for the Wi-Fi availability before staying at any place. It might cost you extra.

3. What is the tipping culture like in Nepal?

Tipping in Nepal for tourists is not mandatory but is expected. You can always send a good message and help the local community by giving something extra to your trekking team.

4. How safe is Nepal and Mustang for Trekkers?

Nepal is one of the safest places for different kinds of travelers. As your guides will be with you Mustang Region is very safe as well. The locals are friendly, hospitable, and helpful too.

5. Is last-minute booking available for this trek?

Yes, we suggest you book at least 2 weeks prior to the date you've planned to arrive here. It will give us enough time to plan and prepare everything. Last-minute booking doesn't cost extra but the cancellation policy might differ.

6. What is the availability of ATMs, banks, and Money Exchange during the trek?

All these facilities are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Jomsom for the trek. We suggest you carry cash and Nepali currency at that too beyond that. Also, keep some emergency funds with you to be safe.

7. Is travel insurance required for the Upper Mustang Trek?

We suggest travelers get to travel and medical insurance before any treks in Nepal. You'll better be safe than sorry and insurance can let you travel with more freedom as well.

8, What is the Luggage limit for Jomsom Plane & Porter to carry?

Luggage limit for Jomsom plane is 10kg Luggage & 5kg hand carry and Hillary Step Treks will provide one porter for two trekkers to carry a combined 20 Kg of Luggage (10Kg for each trekker)

9, What permit is required for the Upper Mustang trek?

Upper Mustang is a restricted area so we need to buy a special permit from Immigration There are 2 permits required. Upper Mustang restricted Area Permit ($500 per person), & Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). For the Restricted Area permit, immigrants require an original passport.

10, Can I trek Upper Mustang solo?

No, you can’t trek alone as the Upper mustang is a restricted area minimum of 2 people require to Apply a permit.

11, If I will be tired during the trek, can I use a Jeep?

Yes, there are Jeeps available so if you will tire you can use a Jeep.

12, Do guides and Porters have Insurance?

All, Hillary Step Treks Guides & Porters are covered by Insurance as well as Salary, Meals, Accommodation, equipment, etc. during the trek.

13, Can I fly to Pokhara/Kathmandu instead of riding a tourist bus?

Yes, you can take a flight to Pokhara & back to Kathmandu instead of the Tourist bus at an extra cost and it will be only 25 min.

14, What documents do I need for the Upper Mustang trek?

You need to submit the following documents by WhatsApp or Email after the advance deposit.

• A Copy of Passport copy
• P.P size Photos
• Flight details (Arriving and Departure date)
• Travel insurance which should include emergency evacuation