Upper Mustang trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal which will take you to the restricted and isolated region of Nepal. The upper Mustang of Nepal is also known as the Mini Tibet in Nepal as the topography and culture of the region is similar to that of the Tibet.
You will visit the city of Lo Manthang which belongs to king Lo. Lo Manthang has various historical importance where you will get to see the four-storied royal palace and many architectural designs. Lo Manthang is also famous for the Tiji Festival which lasts for 3 days.
The red rock cliffs, high altitude deserts are similar to Tibetan terrains and sandstone pillars. This trek will take you to the traditionally settled villages, Chortens, monasteries and mani walls.
Your 10 days Upper Mustang trek starts from a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. From Jomsom, you trek towards Kagbeni, following the Kali Gandaki river bed. It is from Kagbeni where the restricted area of Upper Mustang starts. Along the way, you visit one of the famous pilgrim sites of Muktinath. You will also have to cross various passes which are between 3000 meters- 4000 meters. It is a chance to explore the oldest monastery in the world, Lo Gekar monastery which was built in the 8th century.
Upper Mustang Trek 10 days Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Jomsom, trek to Kagbeni
Altitude– 2,800m
Flight Duration-30 minutes
Walking hours-3 hours walk
Day 2: Trek to Chele
Altitude– 3,050m
Walking hours-5 hours walk
Day 3: Trek to Geling
Altitude– 3,440m
Walking hours-5-6 hours walk
Day 4: Trek to Tsarang
Altitude– 3,490m
Walking hours– 5-6 hours walk
Day 5: Trek to Lo-Manthang
Altitude– 3,730m
Walking hours– 5-6 hours walk
Day 6: Exploration Day at Lo Manthang
Day 7: Trek back to Ghami
Altitude – 3690m
Walking hours– 6-7 hours walk
Day 8: Trek to Chele
Altitude– 3,050m
Walking hours- 6 to 7 hours
Day 9: Trek to Jomsom
Altitude– 2720m
Walking hours– 6-7 hours walk
Day 10: Fly to Pokhara
Altitude– 800m
Flight Duration- 30 minutes of flight
Index Adventures will help you in organizing your 10 days Upper Mustang trek with proper arrangements and facilities. Join us for an incredible journey to the 10 days Upper Mustang Trek.
If you want to book this trip, do not hesitate to Contact Us.
Trip Highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek 10 Days
- Walking along the Kali Gandaki river bed.
- Preserved culture and lifestyle of the Tibetans.
- Exploring the hidden kingdom of Lo.
- Celebrating Tiji Festival at Lo Manthang.
- Exploring the oldest monastery in the world, Lo Gekar Monastery.
- Walking along the beautiful villages of the Mustang such as Jomsom, Kagbeni, Tamagaon, Geling, Ghemi, and Tsarang.
Best Time for 10 days Upper Mustang Trek
Mustang is one of the coldest regions in Nepal. During the winter season, the people of Upper Mustang usually descend to a lower altitude because of the freezing cold. So, many trekkers around the world usually do not prefer trekking to the Upper Mustang during winter.
The best time for trekking to the Upper Mustang are Autumn, Spring, and Monsoon. Let us discuss these seasons for best 10 days Upper Mustang Trek.
Autumn ( September, October, November)
Autumn is one of the best times for traveling to Nepal. During autumn, the skies are usually clear because of which the scenic visibility is clear too. The temperature of the Upper Mustang during autumn may range from 12- 20 degrees. It is neither too hot nor too cold for trekking up to the Upper Mustang.
Late November marks the starting of the harsh winter season in the Upper Mustang. Due to this, you may find many people descending to comparatively lower places such as Pokhara and Kathmandu. As it marks the ending of trekking season, the teahouses and lodges may also be closed.
Spring ( March, April, May)
Spring falls in the month of March, April, and May which is one of the most popular seasons for Upper Mustang Trek. Spring is the time of the year when new plants grow. You can see some rhododendrons blooming along the way to the Upper Mustang. The skies are clear and the scenic beauty of the Upper Mustang during spring is magnificent.
The temperature of the Upper Mustang during spring may range between 16- 22 degrees. The daytime is just perfect for trekking. The nights in the Upper Mustang are a bit cold. The biggest festival of the Upper Mustang, Tiji Festival, fall during this season in the month of May. You can be a part of this amazing festival if you want to.
Monsoon ( June, July, August)
Usually, Monsoon is one of the least preferred time of the year for trekking in Nepal. However, Monsoon in the Upper Mustang faces less rainfall than in others. It lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayas. Because of this, the area provides a spectacular view of the mountain ranges such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and many other mountains over 6000 meters.
The temperature of the Upper Mustang may vary between 16 - 20 degrees during monsoon. During this season you can also be a part of the Horse Festival or Yartung Mela, at Lo Manthang in the Upper Mustang.
10 Days Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty
Upper Mustang is a moderate level trekking destination in Nepal. This trek is suitable for everyone who is physically fit and is enthusiastic about trekking to the Upper Mustang. You can trek to the Upper Mustang with your family, friends, loved ones as well as your children.
Upper Mustang trek difficulty depends upon various factors such as the walking duration, altitude of the trek and the time of the year you will be traveling to the Upper Mustang.
Weather and Temperature
The difficulty level of the Upper Mustang trek increases during the winter season. During winter, the Upper Mustang trek becomes quite challenging. Winter is the period of hibernation in the Upper Mustang region. Due to the freezing temperature, local people move a different place.
The temperature of the Upper Mustang during winter range between 0-5 degrees during the day and in the night the temperature may fall to the extreme of -20 to -25-degree Celsius. The temperature may be unbearable and most of the paths will be covered with snow that results in difficulty while trekking.
The teahouses and lodges may also be closed because of the off trekking season.
Walking Duration of the 10 Days Upper Mustang trek
The trails of the Upper Mustang are not that harsh. You may have to walk for about 6-7 hours a day to reach your final destination. The highest altitude of the 10 Days Upper Mustang trek is at Lo Manthang and Drakmar which are at the altitude of 3700 meters and 3810 meters respectively. So, if you are someone who is used to walking for hours continuously, you may not have to face any difficulties while trekking to the Upper Mustang.
If you want to book this trip, do not hesitate to Contact Us.
Altitude Sickness
10 days Upper Mustang trek will take you to an altitude of 3800 meters- 3900 meters. Although altitude sickness is uncommon when trekking to the height below 4000 meters, you can never guarantee. You may face this problem of altitude sickness even when trekking up to the altitude of 3900 meters in the Upper Mustang trek. So, it would be better to carry some Diamox tablets with you when trekking to the Upper Mustang.
Food and Accommodation during 10 Days Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang is quite a rural region in Nepal which sits in isolation. Because of this, as you trek to a higher altitude, the food and accommodation in the Upper Mustang become quite basic. The teahouses and lodges along the trails to the Upper Mustang will provide you with basic food and accommodation facilities. The accommodation in the Upper Mustang is quite expensive as there is a low density of population and expensive transportation.
Many of the teahouses and restaurants may not be opened during the winter season as people descend to a lower region.
Some of the lists of food items that are found in the Upper Mustang is as follows:
- Nepali Meal Set ( Dal, Bhat, Tarkari)
- Momos (dumplings)
- Bread
- Porridge
- noodles/ pastas
- Pizzas
- Cold drinks
- Alcoholic drinks
- Soups
- Spaghetti
Upper Mustang Trek 10 Days Packing List
Packing for the 10 days Upper Mustang Trek might be tiring but it is one of the essential things before starting your journey. Here are some of the list of items you need to pack.
Clothing
Pack your clothing items according to the time of the year you will be traveling. You may not have to carry heavy and thick clothes when trekking during spring, autumn, and monsoon but during winter, thick and woolen clothes are necessary. Some of the basic clothing items are:
- Hiking boots
- Trekking socks
- Trekking trousers
- Fleece jackets
- Down jackets
- Cotton T-shirts
- Sweaters
Toiletries
Most of the teahouses and lodges in the Upper Mustang may not provide you with all the toilet facilities which you are used to. So, it would be best if you carry your own essentials such as:
- Toilet papers
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Soap
- Body lotions
- Sanitary napkins/ tampons
- Cotton towel
First Aid Kit
Occasional minor accidents may occur when you trek to the Upper Mustang. To cure yourself in such minor injuries, first aid kit plays an important role. Do not forget to bring one. Following are the items your first aid box should contain.
- Diamox tablets
- Anti-septic creams
- Anti-biotic gel
- Mosquito repellent cream
- Bandages
- Scissors
- Moisturizers
- Vicks vapor rub
Other Extras
- caps/ hats
- Neckwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Batteries
- Chargers
- Hand sanitizers
Conclusion
Upper Mustang trek has a lot to offer within these 10 days from exploring the hidden kingdoms, villages, and monasteries to celebrating festivals such as Tiji Festival and Horse Festivals in the Lo Manthang. 10 days Upper Mustang trek will offer you with a lot of opportunities to explore. You will have one of the most exciting adventures till date if you are planning on 10 days Upper Mustang trek.
Index Adventures is a travel company who has been providing proper facilities and assistance for enthusiasts like you. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions relating to your trip to Upper Mustang. We will help you to make your journey to the Upper Mustang memorable.
