The Upper Mustang Trek beyond Upper Mustang, which is the Last Forbidden Kingdom as the organized treks were only resumed for visiting the region in 1992 restricted the visitors and only less than 1000 travelers used to go there every year. The exploration is highly impressed by the virgin undisturbed Tibetan Buddhist Culture including historical monasteries, typical villages, unique caves in the higher cliffs, and outstanding architecture carved in the wall around Lo Manthang (capital of Mustang territory).
The Upper Mustang Trek is beyond the remote Trans Himalayan Province of the semi-independent Tibetan Kingdom and offers a courageous exceptional adventure trip through a striking semi–arid deserted area which is ornamented by colorful rocky formations, and deep ravines surrounded with silver shining snowcapped mountains on the horizon. The history of Mustang is filled with excitement and culture, myth, and legend are perfectly combined with the awesome Himalayan vistas.
The name Mustang is known as the arid Tibet that is located at the northern end point of the Kali Gandaki as inhabitants are known as Lo. The history, culture, and lifestyle of Mustang are rich as well as complex which made the place one of the most wonderful in Nepal. The recorded history of Mustang is full of myth and mystery as events of Lo were found before the early 8th century.
The Tibetan saint or poet Milarepa lived here from 1040 to 1123 in Lo the Lo itself means the countryside similar to the Tibetan plateau including its never ended expansion of yellow and grey rolling beautiful hills eroded up in winds. This region is also known as the desert of Nepal because there will not be rain at all in the upper part but in the lower part it will rain and the hills decorated by the red-fluted cliffs of tiny round stones cemented with mud and villages are quite far from each other about several hours distance. The scenery after planting the distance makes the mirages during the summer season look like an extraordinary green oasis in the deserted landscape.
• Highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek
- Exploring the palace of the King in Lo Manthang
- The area lies in the rain shadow area so, walk freely without worrying about rainfall
- Observe the several Gompas, Caves, flapping prayer flags, and Chortens that create a spiritual vibration in your mind and soul
- Inspired by the Tibetan culture followed by the local people
- Enchanting with the astounding views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and numerous mountain peaks in the zenith
- Purify your soul with the blessing of Tibetan spirituality by monks and Buddhist vibes
- Study the history and culture of the local people that are closely related to the Tibetan lifestyles
Moreover, Upper Mustang Trek leads the way to the hidden Buddhist universe of the isolated subkingdom of Mustang known as Lo.
This undeveloped trans – Himalayan mountain region connected with Tibet follows a similar culture and custom to the Tibetan lifestyle as it lies in the arid river valley in the surrounding of the Annapurna Circuit far in the rain shadow territory in the majestic mountains. It was a forbidden Kingdom means they have developed their own culture consisting of the Tibetan cultural phenomena. The area is a prime trekking trail because of its unique deserted landscapes, different history, cast, and customs. These Trekking routes are less crowded adventures in comparison with Everest Base Camp Trek, and Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
• Comprehensive Guide for Upper Mustang Trek
As is already mentioned that the Upper Mustang region opened trekking and tours in 1992 and in the fact, Mustang was the last forbidden Kingdom in Nepal which was isolated for hundreds of years and developed its own distinct culture and tradition related to Tibetan lifestyles. The region belongs to historical, and religious monuments with specific geography varies from the other part of Nepal which is located in the rain shadow area in the Himalayan province. The area is dominated by Tibet geographically, it is a part of the Tibetan plateau as all the traditions and customs are blends of Tibetan rather than Nepali.
In the Upper Mustang, you will find ancient caves, holy fossils rocks, arid land, and high cliffs, those are the valuable property of Nepal for exploring its uniqueness in the holy Himalayan region. Lo Manthang is a small town settlement of 150 houses and is the ancient capital, set through the Lhakhang dating back to the history 200 years old. Likewise, the Mustang region is a part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will encounter the magnificent glory of the Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna (8091m), and Manaslu (8,163m) and other stunning towering peaks in the surroundings.
The epic journey to Upper Mustang starts from Kathmandu to Pokhara by driving or you can also take the 25 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara as per your choice catching through the iconic sights of the beautiful towering peaks of the silver glistering mountains, typical villages, lush green fields, along the pristine Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers. Pokhara is known as the adventure city from where the trekking trip to Annapurna Conservation Area resume is the touristic hub of Nepal. Beautiful Pokhara city offers different touristic activities like boating in Phewa Lake, sightseeing around Devis fall, magnificent peace stupa, and extraordinary views of various mountain regions such as Lamjung Himal, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, and Annapurna.
The next day’s adventure journey begins with the flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, district port of Mustang, while you are flying over mountains you will be awarded by the breathtaking sceneries of Mount Dhaulagiri and Annapurna above 8000 meters. After landing in the beautiful mountain city of Jomsom then you will proceed with your trekking expeditions towards Kagbeni (gateway of Upper Mustang).
After a night spent in Kagbeni, the trip continues towards Chele, for avoiding strong wind in the afternoon we start our trek early in the morning as the region will be windy dusty air in the environment, the sunglass is your protector of eyes and facemask would be nice to save from the dust. The journey regularly goes forward across the Tangbo Village and arrives at Chele then get ready for an overnight stay there.
Similarly, after breakfast, another day’s journey begins towards Syangboche walking through the tiny settlement Ekle Bhatti, and Taklam High Pass (3,625/11,940ft) as the trek is quite challenging because you will obtain a higher altitude much more than 800 meters. Similar to, the trekking exploration passing through the Samar village that is famous for the awesome viewpoint of Mt. Nilgiri.
Furthermore, we will head to the next station from Syangboche to Ghami crossing by the Yamda La Pass (3,845m/12,655ft) through deserted landscapes to reach Geling, Tamagaun and at last, arrive at Ghami. For instance, the next day’s trekking destination is Tsarang, a beautiful Himalayan town roughly settlement with 1000 inhabitants the trek leads in the dry section of Mustang district which awards you the fabulous countryside in your eyesight.
Lo Manthang is the nuclear part of this trek because it is the most beautiful village including the palace of the king of Mustang, an isolated kingdom of Nepal as it is our destination from Tsarang as well as we will be welcomed by the fantastic views of Nilgiri, Tilicho peak, Annapurna I, and Bhrikuti peak. The trek continues to ascend to Lo La Pass then descends towards Lo Manthang and we will rest there and explore the Lo Manthang. In Lo Manthang we will observe many historical places like gompas, the old palaces, ancient stupas, and many other hidden treasures of Nepal.
Exploring after Lo Manthang the journey around Upper Mustang we will return back, firstly, we eat our breakfast and leave Lo Manthang to head towards Ghami. On our way to Ghami, there is Darkmar where we will explore the re-known Ghar Monastery then continue our trek to Ghami then overnight stay there. Our other day’s return journey to Samar is starting after breakfast in the morning and the path is mostly down to Gelling although we go through Jaite and Chhukungkaha to arrive in Samar.
The next day our trek headed towards Chhusang as the rote covering the holy site in order to meditate by the Guru Rimpochhe (Padmasambhava, Tantric Buddhist Master). The journey after Chhusang leads to the holy place Muktinath passing by Gyu La Pass (4,077m) before connecting the Annapurna Circuit. The Muktinath temple is respected by both Hindu and Buddhist devotees and provides the holy bath of 108 showering spouts. In addition, you can be blessed through the holy god and eternal flame that is continually burning in the temple.
Roaming around Muktinath, our other day’s journey is setting to Jomsom the final day of our remarkable journey to Upper Mustang. The exploration leads through Jharkot and Khingar by descending in the roadway ultimately taking us to Jomsom situated on the bank of the Kali Gandaki River. Staying in the Jomsom will be awesome because we have already completed our spiritual journey to Upper Mustang and we will enjoy our time viewing the different mountains on the horizon.
The local foods served by the Thakali people are very delicious hanging on your tongue for long memories and early in the morning, we will catch our early airplane to fly to Pokhara. After landing at Pokhara airport you can eat your lunch and explore around Pokhara and can fly to Kathmandu the same day or you can spend your day in Pokhara exploring its beauty and another day you can back to Kathmandu by tourist bus or by flight as per your demand.
• Length and Terrain of Upper Mustang Trek
It is about 100 kilometers for trekking to Upper Mustang every day the trek starts after breakfast in the morning from 8 or 8.30 am while you are walking you can have many rest points for resting and taking wonderful pictures of diverse landscapes and drinking a cup of tea along the trail. The pace is smooth and we have managed an excellent itinerary to allow the acclimatization for your fulfillment of an enchanted trekking trip though there is not much elevation the views are extraordinary that you will not expect in your life. Most of the trekking duration for each day is approximately 6 – 7 hours journey and we will reach our everyday destination by afternoon.
The terrain of the hiking area is an almost well-trodden and recognized trail that can be a sandy deserted place and rocky track. The trip is moderate so, you don’t need to be prepared for any crampons or other technical equipment as well as any technical training because it is a type of luxury trekking trip compared with other trekking routes in Nepal.
The Mustang region is still a virgin and undiscovered hidden gem of Nepal with a prosperous Tibetan traditional culture and lifestyle due to the last forbidden area of Nepal was not open for trekking until the early 1990s. You will be much impressed by the local hospitality in the remote areas of Nepal with their friendly behavior and the local cuisine is unique. The area is a Himalayan monsoon shadow it is because the valley is totally dried up like a desert, Manang and Mustang districts are taken as the desert of Nepal, and the valley is fully dried up the ravine.
Furthermore, the upper mustang can be visited all over the year but we would like to suggest avoiding winter trips and preferring anytime from March to mid-December.
The hiking journey to upper mustang is well fit for people who are keen to enjoy hill–walking, trekking, hiking, and exploring the breathtaking mountain scenery, unique Himalayan traditions, and cultures as well as moderately fit for an awesome adventure.
• How difficult is the Upper Mustang Trek?
Due to its dryness, the altitude of the trekking trail to upper Mustang is taking as a moderately challenging adventure journey but while you are encountering the locals they are walking speedily which might be created curiosity in your mind as you don’t need to be surprised because they were born at altitude and they already fit with the altitude like Sherpa from Khumbu valley (Everest Region) and the locals of Upper Mustang is born in the dry environment provided the less oxygen. Like was mostly the trekking trail of Nepal is ascending and descending which makes you difficulty in your walking but you need to negotiate with the high passes, ascends, and descends.
In the fact, you will be awarded the stunning mountain vistas of majestic mountains, beautiful terrain, and typical lifestyles as well as fascinating Himalayan cultures offered through the beautiful Kingdom of Lo in return. The area belongs to rain shadow, you can set your plan to visit the upper Mustang the whole year but in winter there might be heavy snowfall and you might be affected by nasty cold many local people migrate to Pokhara or Kathmandu to hangout from the winter. Other trekking might be affected in summer (June, July, August) but this trekking area is in the monsoon shadow so, so you can come to visit this area without fear of rain, or muddy trekking routes.
In other words, we mostly suggest you be physically fit for trekking in Nepal as we also recommend making your body fit with extra gym, cardio, and physical training like hiking and trekking a few months before, and remember to buy travel insurance for your immediate rescue for unforeseen incidents which may occur in our journeys like altitude sickness or other problems.
• Requirements of Trekking Permits for the Upper Mustang Trek.
In the fact, the upper Mustang is located around the border of Tibet as it is taken as a restricted area and it needs a special permit price of 500$ per person for 10 days and 50$ per day after that. The restricted special permit applies from leaving after Kagbeni and in return here too. So, you only need a restricted permit for ten days only within the proper upper Mustang area. Similarly, every trekker needs Annapurna Conservation Project Permit (ACAP) that cost 30$ and it is valid during the trek in the Annapurna region.
Notes: The trekking trip to Upper Mustang cannot do alone, there must be a minimum of two trekkers organized through an authorized trekking company in Nepal.
• Is there any typical day while doing Upper Mustang Trek?
Yes, when you landed at Jomsom domestic airport, you are already steps your feet from the Annapurna region surrounded by stunning mountains and you are in the lower Mustang. In addition, after only 3 days’ journey that enters Upper Mustang, you will be welcomed by the beautiful landscapes, more barren lands, and lifestyles dominated by the Tibetan Buddhist influence. Breakfast provides by each tea house and the adventure journey begins early in the morning it makes the day more delightful and stops in the new place for spending a chill night. We are all surrounded by the stunning mountains walking in the deserted terrain including Buddhist Gompas, mani walls, and beautifully flipped prayer flags.
There are ancient caves set on the Cliffside but still, it is in the womb of research why the caves were built and what the people were used to doing in caves. It will be a matter of great pleasure to explore the magnificent old royal palace in Lo Manthang and the unique rituals and specific dances performed in the ancient royal city of Mustang. Lunch is provided on the way on our walk in a small tea house specially designed for habitant to local people and travelers that makes refresh visitors, devotes, and hikers.
In addition, we may need a lunch pack also in our someday trekking activities as always diner is taken in the tea houses where you are choosing for accommodations. It facilitates you to be company with guides, porters, and some other trekking companions and you can share your life experience with each other. The guide will explain about the following day’s program and sometimes make fun with cracking jokes and songs. It is far better to order your breakfast before you go to bed so that, there will not be any delay in the morning.
• Expectations in a Tea House While Trekking to Upper Mustang
A tea house is a simple accommodation on the mountain trails that provides trekkers accommodations, meals, and opportunities for socializing with locals. The common guest house provides just the basic accommodations either twin rooms or dormitories but sometimes if there is a higher flow of tourists may need to accommodate the dining also. The bathrooms and toilets should be shared with others and provided either the western-type flushing toilet or the normal squat style.
If you want a hot shower it is expected to pay otherwise the water is so cold and the sleeping room is tiny with twin sharing beds, blankets, and not more than that so, it is better to carry your own sleeping bag for enough warm at night. There is no single room unless you are traveling in the off-season and it is normal to share the room with others and there is no facility for heating in the sleeping rooms.
Likewise, they will have the heating system in the dining hall provided by the wooden fireplace in the center of it is set by the heater in the dining. The light is facilitated by solar or electricity and most tea houses provide a charging system for your electronic devices but it needs payment. On the other hand, dinner and breakfast are provided at the communal dining tables as you can spend your time talking about the trekking program manually.
If you aspect different kinds of cuisine, you will be unhappy because you are in remote areas of Nepal where some time will be a scarcity of food items and you just enjoy the local food items but some menus offer a variety of cuisine. It is better to use boiled water rather than plastic bottles which is not fair for the environment.
We are an environment-friendly trekking company and our slogan is to protect nature and ecology and nature. The boiled water will charge you about 1 or 2 USD which is not much expensive but if you bring your own sterilization tablets or laser water purifying light will be beneficial.
Moreover, in the Himalayan market in Lower Mustang around Jomsom and Kagbeni, the flow of trekkers are quite higher, therefore the available menus in this area extend with the different cuisine items in comparison with other remote area’s tea houses.
In Upper Mustang the menu represents the culture of Tibet providing the less western and Nepali dishes. Same as, tea and soft drinks are commonly available at all tea houses, and coffee, hot chocolate, and alcohol also be purchased. Tibetan tea mixed with butter also facilitates there but we suggest you take a bowl of soup rather than a cup of tea.
• Common Dishes on the Upper Mustang Trek
Breakfast and Dinner at the tea house where you spend your night:
For the breakfast items you will be provided with the Nepali omelet mixed with chili, onion, and tomatoes or muesli, hot porridge, toast, Tibetan set breakfast, with jam and honey including Nepali masala tea, Tibetan tea or coffee as per your order according to the menu.
On the other hand, for dinner following items will be included
Different kinds of soups
Tibetan noodle soup (Thukpa)
Tibetan bread with potato curry
Dumplings (MoMo)
Fried macaroni mixed with vegetables and cheese
Pasta
Nepali traditional food (Dal Bhat)
Fried rice
Custard
Rice pudding
Apple pie or stewed apple (depending on the season)
Alcoholic and soft drinks like beer, whisky, coke, Fanta, Sprite (it is all as per your choice payments by yourself as it is not included in the packages), tea, coffee, etc.
• Availability of Hot Showers
Hot showers are available but it is not included in your trekking packages that is why you need to pay extra because they provide gas showers which are brought from the nearby cities that cost high in Upper Mustang. It is expected cost is 1$ to 3$ for a shower depending on the remoteness, so we would like to suggest not showering frequently at the altitude level so that you can save money another this is if you do frequently shower you may catch an easy cold that may affect your adventure journey. In Jomsom and Kagbeni, you may use an attached bathroom provided with piped water as this is depending upon your hotel booking at the time of your journey.
• Accommodation in Pokhara
Pokhara is a developed city in Nepal so you can stay in 5 stars, 4-star, 3-star, or budget hotels as per your choice but it is sure that the package will be costly or normal depending on your choice.
• Higher Altitude Point on the Upper Mustang Trek.
It is a comparatively higher–altitude trekking trip though it is not taken as a tougher trek, there are some passes to cross, and the altitude of the highest pass Yamda La is just 3,850m.
• Probability of Altitude Sickness on the Upper Mustang Trek
We will reach a point of 3,800 meters and some people may feel the effects of altitude. However, we have managed the itinerary with sufficient acclimatization on the trekking so that there will not be any problem but it is a mountainous region nobody knows. In the first two days, we hike at the lower elevation which will provide your body to acclimatize to the height.
All the guides from Himalayan Vista are well experienced with an average of 6 to 7 years of trekking in the mountain region so, please if you feel uneasy or uncomfortable consult with your guide then he will manage everything.
• Packing Lists for Upper Mustang Trek
For the trekking over Upper Mustang, we recommend you prepare only the basic trekking gear, clothing, and accessories. Following are the recommended trekking lists for Upper Mustang you must keep in mind that the limitation of the luggage is less than 10 kg.
Head
- Hat and scarf
- Cold protection hat or insulating hat
- Headlights
Face
- Sun protection cream
- UV-protected sunglass
- Face or body wipes
Hands
- Warm gloves
- Thick gloves for a nasty cold
Body
- Trekking shirts or T-shirts
- Long sleeve shirt
- Hooded rain Jackets
- Fleece Jackets
- Lightweight trekking pants
- sports underwear
- Sports bra for her
- Down jackets
- High neck
- Raincoat or waterproof jacket and pant
Foot Wear
- Comfortable Trekking shoes
- Thick trekking socks and extra pair of light socks with thicker one is better
Other Essential Accessories
- Backpack (seize depends on yourself whether you take porter or not)
- Thermal water bottle
- Water purification tablet or leaser light
- Trekking poles
- Sleeping bags as we recommend – 20 sleeping bag is the best in higher altitude trekking in the mountains.
Toiletries
- Medium size towel
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant floss
- Soap or sanitizer
- Nail cutters
Personnel Things
- Camera
- Watch
- Cell phone
- Money
Best Time for Upper Mustang Trek
While you are doing trekking in Nepal the weather is the measurement factor for all trekking. The adventure in the Upper Mustang is always fit all year but in some certain seasons makes the trek more convenient and exciting. If you really enjoy this trek then the autumn and summer seasons are the best. Similarly, during winter most people migrate to Pokhara or Kathmandu to avoid nasty cold and snow in the Upper Mustang.
Spring Season (March, April, and May)
Moreover, the spring season is the best season for trekking in the mountains of Nepal, many hiking lovers, and travel experts visit Upper Mustang in huge numbers. In this season you can get pleasant weather temperatures between 16 to 24 degrees Celsius but nights are much colder getting below 5 to 0 degrees Celsius.
Summer Season (June, July, August)
Upper Mustang is located in the rain shadow area so Upper Mustang Trek is the perfect trekking to do in the summer season. Similarly in August on the full moon day, people in Upper Mustang celebrate a horse festival as the temperature is maintained around 16 to 25 degrees Celsius, and at the night it will be cold.
Autumn Season (September, October, and November)
Autumn season is the best time for trekking and tour in Nepal as many people from around the world, they use to visit Nepal for tours and trekking. If you are eager to see the combination of greenery, and white snow with the clear sky then this is the best time to complete your aim to visit the mountains of Nepal. In the afternoon it will be windy and the daytime temperature measurement is from 12 – 22 degree Celsius but the night gets nasty colds.
Winter Season (December, January, and February)
The winter season is not good for trekking in Nepal because this time there will be heavy snowfall in the mountain region and will be risky and difficult to trek in the Himalayan regions. Most of the locals leave Upper Mustang in the winter to avoid cold and heavy snow so, there might be a scarcity of accommodations as most of the lodges are closed. In addition, the trail will be covered by snow and get frozen, so it will be almost impossible for trekking.
Do I Need Acclimatization Day?
The trekking package offers a day of acclimatization in Lo Mnathang for the proper adjustment to the higher altitude to avoid acute mountain sickness. Furthermore, altitude sickness can be avoided and preventable but if you ignore the symptoms it will be fatal.
The itinerary is organized for slow and steady walking uphill so, your body will be adjusted to the altitude all the trekking leaders/ guides have already taken the first aid training and they have the idea about caring the altitude sickness as well as they have the idea to prevent acute mountain sickness too.
Our trekking crew monitors your blood oxygen level and blood pressure using by oxygen level measurement equipment at a high altitude. We strongly request to inform your group leader or guide if there is a sign of altitude sickness.
We make your high-level trust handling through your body caring as you are in the support of reliable hands that trekking leader or guide will suggest for the precautions about AMS. The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to drink plenty of water each and every day, take enough rest and eat food for enough stamina. If the acute mountain sickness gets serious then don’t force yourself to go further indeed you have to immediately descend.
Please keep in mind that your health is the primary thing in your life as if you get unsuccessful one time there will be another golden opportunity to complete your target but if no health nothing will be valuable in your life, we always focus on safety first then successful exciting journey in the Himalayas.
• What are the fitness level, Medical, and Health that I need for Upper Mustang Trek?
The trekking grade of Upper Mustang is moderate and the walking normally takes 4 to 6 hours per day including rest time on the way for viewing the stunning landscapes and mountain panorama. Your previous hiking experience will be much beneficial but technical physical training will not be demanded. A person who is able to walk for 4 to 6 hours a day on a hiking trail with a lightweight backpack can obtain this trek.
So, you must be stronger from the psychological part as well as from the physical part can easily complete this trek but hiking at a higher altitude is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes that is why to empower stamina in your body, you should do physical exercise, regular jogging, cardio and running for a couple of weeks before start your trekking. It is sure that for joining the Upper Mustang trek with us, you should be healthy and have a positive attitude, disciplined, self-confident, and strongly determined from your inner heart. If you have any health issues like heart, lung, and blood pressure, or asthma must be informed before your booking confirmation.
• Group trekking vs Single
Upper Mustang Trek demands more than two trekkers, it is not suited for single trekkers. But if you have a large group will get more discounts as we can handle all group sizes and above 15 people we provide an assistant guide for your convenience.
• Communication During Trek
Internet service is available in every tea house but you need to pay extra for using the Wi-Fi service. You can communicate with your family and friends using internet service in the tea houses but while you are trekking you need to contact them through the cell phone if necessary. Likewise, we will also frequently contact our trekking crew to collect information about the conditions and problems of the trekkers including health issues and at least the program goes on well planned. For your communication needs to buy a sim card in Kathmandu but sometime the signal will not work in the high mountains.
• Do I Need Extra Personal Expenses?
Himalayan Vista Trek is transparent in all costs as you don’t need to pay for 2 nights of accommodations in Kathmandu and 1-night of accommodation in Pokhara as per your choice. And all the expenses during the treks will be included in your trekking packages but you need to take money for your personal expenses like a hot shower, electronic device charging, hot water, alcoholic and soft drink like beer, whisky, coke, Fanta, and other souvenirs. We will provide only breakfast during your stay in the cities of Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Likewise, international airfare, visa processing fees, travel insurance, beverages, snacks, and tips for trekking crews are not included in your trekking package, you need to bear by yourself. If you need you can exchange money in Kathmandu at a money exchange center. As an alternative, you can take your credit or debit card and can withdraw Nepali rupees through an ATM machine but it will charge you.
• Travel Insurance
This trekking trip is moderate in the medium level of altitude around 4000 meters but nobody knows about the unforeseen incident happen like altitude sickness and others so, we recommend for insurance through a travel insurance company.
Himalayan Vista needs a copy of your travel insurance and the insurance must cover the expenses for medical and emergency evacuation through helicopter rescue at the highest trekking elevation.
You have to buy insurance yourself because we do not sell travel insurance we request you to send your detailed travel insurance information policy around a week after booking the trekking package. In the case of your emergency rescue, we need to use an insurance policy and authentic documents.
• Visa Policy
Except for Indian citizens, all foreigners require a visa to enter Nepal and citizens from most countries get an arrival visa at the Tribhuwan International Airport. For visa application requires a valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and a passport-size photo. The current visa fee is 50$ for a 30-day stay in Nepal which you need to pay in USD.
• What are the limitations of Luggage Weight
For two trekkers we provide one porter to carry their luggage and the weight limit is 9 kg, a porter will carry less than 20 kg of combined weight. We suggest you bring a small backpack for keeping the valuable things. We manage your extra goods either in the hotel or in our office store just basic trekking gears are sufficient for trekking.
Safety
Our first priority focus on your safety as our slogan is “safety first”, during the trek we manage essential gear, equipment, and first aid kits for your safety purpose. Our trekking leader/ guide has trained about extensive wilderness first aid training that is beneficial if a client occurs any kind of unforeseen incident like altitude sickness.
• Ecofriendly Travel
We strongly believe in nature as we are part of nature and maintained environmental sustainability, we focus on the protection of ecology, and we must respect the natural phenomena in the trekking area, we don’t have any right to spoil nature so, we should keep neat and clean environment forever. The Himalayan Vista Treks always organizes eco-friendly trekking and tour packages which is respectable for both communities and visitors.
• Himalayan Vista Trekking Crew
While you are doing trekking in the last forbidden kingdom of Nepal, Upper Mustang our trained and experienced trekking leaders/guides, Sherpas, and other support staff simultaneously continue the adventure journey and give company to you.
The whole trekking members and company crew are taken as family members so, all will behave like close family it is because, everyone can share their thoughts, ideas, and their problems too. It is not just trekking you can learn many things about the mountains of Nepal, Himalayan cultures, and History as it is your nonformal education for further reference.
All our crew members are from the remote middle Himalayan region, they physically tolerate power at a high level and can adjust to the higher altitude. All the trekking and tour members are equally worthy of us which is why, we pay attention to their insurance, clothing, trekking gear, lodging, and food during the trek. All our guides and porters get their medical care if they face any incidents during the trekking journey.
Our guides are trained with the following skills:
- First aid training
- Nepal government authorized trekking guide training
- Fluency in English speaking and other required languages
- Conservation and diversity-related training
- Rock climbing training
Optimize Your Stay in Nepal
The trekking trip ends at Pokhara and before you back to Kathmandu, you may be interested to extend your stay there as you can do sightseeing around Pokhara Valley. Similarly, we will assist in arranging accommodations, a tour guide,s and transportation at your convenience. If you are keen to do more hiking then we will add more extra days for hiking rather than fly from Jomsom, please inform us before you arrive in Jomsom from Upper Mustang. If you want to do relax tour after a long day walking, here we are for organizing a tour around Pokhara, Lumbini, Chitawan, Nagarkot, and finally to the Kathmandu Valley, but for short time stay we manage sightseeing around Kathmandu valley for exploring different heritage sights for historical, religious and cultural tours.
• Trip customize for National Park Safaris
If you are wildlife lovers then the Chitawan and the Bardiya National Park are the best places to explore the different kinds of flora and fauna. Both national parks are unique in their locations, the difficulty of access, facilities, and wildlife.
Chitawan National Park is close to Kathmandu, it will take 5 hour’s drive or 30 minutes flight and the national park is open to visitors for decades. You can enjoy the jungle walk, elephant safari, jeep safari, canoeing, and witnessing the Tharu cultural show in the evening. Your 2-night stay in Chitawan will be fantastic through various wild activities and accommodations quite luxurious.
There are many restaurants, cafes,s, and bars in Sauraha where you can enjoy drinking and eating different cuisines. The main wild animals you can see in Chitawan National Park are rhinoceros, deer, common langurs, monkeys, leopards, crocodiles, and other mammals. There are Royal Bengal Tigers also but it is rarely spotted in the areas because tigers are not open all the time as they mostly hunt at the night.
Furthermore, Bardiya National Park lies in the western part of Nepal and it takes around 12 hours to reach by roadway or 1 hour’s flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj airport and take 2 hour’s drive to Thakurdwara. Here, you can do jungle walks, jeep safari, and rafting in the Karnali River, it is a less crowded area so there will be maximum chances to spot Royal Bengal Tiger. The accommodations are less facilitated or rustic and sightseeing around Tharu village is an awesome experience. This National Park is rich in flora and fauna you may see tigers, wild elephants, rhinos, leopards, monkeys, and different kinds of deer.
If you are a bird lover then it is the best place for bird-watching tours as the area covers a large range of birds. Many travelers also come to visit for fishing in the Karnali River and nightlife in this area is just a normal stay.
Tipping Custom in Nepal
Normally, it is an expected 10% service charge in restaurants and cafes for tipping. Tips to your guide, porter and driver, and other staff on your trek are normal as everyone expected. It is better to tip all the staff separately so, they can realize their service and they will try their best in the future but you can tips in a group for trekking crew also depend on quality service on your satisfaction.
Local Cultures and Traditions in Nepal
We humbly like to request you to respect the local cultures and traditions while you are entering someone’s house please take off your shoes or sandals outside. But, this does not apply in trekking tea houses. Please do not wear rough dresses like skirts or short shorts in the traditional village area because people might be thought vulgar about that. We suggest wearing long trekking pants because there are mosquitoes and sharp vegetation in the surroundings.
When you reach religious places always pay attention to your dress and wear proper dresses. Hugging and Kissing between men and women showing affection in Nepal are still rare as do not violate the local rules and regulations. However, you may see it in the club and bars in Thamel and Lakeside but outside in the rural area, it is not in practice.
Booking and payment process for the Upper Mustang Trek
Himalayan Vista Trekking agency is an authorized government licensed holder and bonded trekking and tour Operator Company in Nepal. We have been working in the tourism sector of Nepal for a decade as the agency is associated with members of the Nepal Mountaineering societies (NMA) and Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal in order to confident bookings for our valued guests from around the globe.
While you are booking your trip in Nepal you have to make a 10 percent payment of your trip cost in advance. You can pay via our bank account or western union as we humbly request you to forward your necessary documents via mail such as a passport copy, passport-size photos, travel insurance policy, and your flight details. You need to pay the rest of the money before you commence your trek to the targeted destinations which can be paid through cash to cash, bank transfer, or by credit card.
Availability of Last-Minute Booking
We always recommend booking your trips before your arrival in Nepal but if you made up your mind in a short time for a Nepal trip then it is also ok as we have the facility of last minute booking service. In the case of last-minute booking, you have to pay 100 percent cost for your trip 24 hours after your departure in the trekking region. However, we always try our best to arrange significant trips all time but in case of the last minutes booking sometimes may hamper or delays because of bad weather, landslides on the trail, or scarcity of accommodations, and in this case, you need to adjust in the dining around trekking area and we may not be fully responsible on it. For your reference, you can directly call on Viber/Whatsapp and mobile number 977-9841624665.
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Significant Notes for the Upper Mustang Trek
- Transportation through both road and flight as per your choice
- It may quite difficult to get a single room for solo travelers in the peak season and you need to share the room with someone (same sex). In Pokhara, we can manage a single room for a solo one.
- The trek package provides 2 nights’ accommodations in Kathmandu in 5-star, 4-star, and 3-star or budget hotels, and in Pokhara also the same.
- Guide is included
- Porter included (2 trekkers 1 porter), the maximum limit of the load is 20kg.
- Meals and accommodation on the trek are included (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) extra foods items like snacks, alcohol, and soft drinks need extra payments
- Always follow your guide’s suggestions because he is the responsible fellow in leading the trek, he has experience with the targeted trekking areas and if sudden changes because of unforeseen issues like landslides or heavy snowfall, he is the one make the decision for the safe landing of all the trekking members.
- There are strong winds in the Mustang region you have to bring sunglass and face protection masks from sand and wind.
- Drones are strictly prohibited unless you have a special permit from government authority as it is not easy to get permission and better to put them at your home.
- Finally, we wish to have an amazing experience in the unique region of the last forbidden areas of Lo Manthang which is recognized as the isolated kingdom of Nepal.
Namaste