Considered the forbidden kingdom of Nepal, and known as an isolated and remote adventure in the Himalayas, the Upper Mustang Trek falls under one of the challenging yet meaningful odysseys, hidden by the massive Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. This trek covers a total distance of 134 to 160 kilometres in total, navigating through the varied kinds of terrains, mostly rugged, dry landscapes, with zero availability of tea houses, in between at the same time.
The further you proceed, the trailhead gets more intense, with the rising elevation and thinning air, above the sea level. Sometimes, the route passes through narrow pathways and steep terrain, via frequent uphill and downhill walks; however, compared to other restricted area treks, the Upper Mustang Trek difficulty tends to be relatively moderate and challenging, yet it can still be commenced by beginners with prior preparation.
The perfect blend of adventure and the untamed beauty of the desert-like surroundings, which feels like an unearthly place and resembles the planet Mars, this trip promises to be a one-of-a-kind adventure that showers trekkers with the unchanged culture of the Tibetan communities, and visits several sky caves, monasteries along the world's deepest gorge of the Kali Gandaki valley. Located in the restricted area, accessibility to the medical health line, proper lodges, transportation, and other amenities becomes scarce; hence, it does demand a strong, enthusiastic mindset and a basic level of fitness.
On the other hand, there are no such thing called, whether this trip is doable by you, or not, as it may vary on several aspects such as physical fitness, research, health condition, guide, experiences, and sometimes, luck as well, as if not followed the preventive guidelines, the possibility of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness), remains always there. However, other major factors, such as walking hrs, total duration, route optimisation, daily altitude gain, terrain and the remoteness of the region, considering all these aspects, the difficulty level ranges from moderate to difficult adventure in Nepal. Hence, if you are willing to venture out on this adventure to the Mustang region, then prior preparation becomes a must, besides just being physically and mentally prepared.
This article comprehensively breaks down the generic question of every trekker: How difficult is the Upper Mustang Trek? along with the main factors that highly influence challenges, and guide you to be prepared for a successful trip.
Is the Upper Mustang Trek doable by anyone?
The trip to Upper Mustang suits perfectly for those who have prior high altitude experience, a basic level of physical fitness, a positive and enthusiastic mindset, and to undertake such a long duration and a remote Himalayan adventure. While the combined or other route, such as the upper Dolpa, Nar Phu Valley, to the Upper Mustang area, is a wild, strenuous trek, which is a bit challenging expedition, compared to these, the standard route is an easy to moderate trek to undertake. This trek demands 5 to 7 hours of hiking per day, a total of 14 days (2 weeks), to complete; hence, a strong physical fitness is expected to navigate such high altitude, through distinct kinds of terrains such as isolated sections, steep, remote, rugged, and several uphill and downhill walks.
However, if you have no prior experience, make sure to engage in cardiovascular exercises, running, walking on a treadmill, cycling, or weightlifting to strengthen the muscles and also control breathing, through yoga practices, meditation also research beforehand, by downloading podcasts, music, strong quotes, to keep you engaged during the trip. Hence, proper training and preparation must be done, no matter whether you are a first-time trekker or an experienced hiker, to proceed on such a long trek and massive changes in altitude, which is completely different from city life.
route to upper mustang
On the other hand, even though the Upper Mustang Trek is a difficult adventure, what makes it comparatively easier is the access to the well-facilitated tea house, lodge, jeep accessibility and mainly, as it is an all-year-round trek, it can be commenced by anyone, with comprehensive packing gears, following preventive guidelines, and a well-crafted itinerary, with gradual acclimatisation.
What are the major factors that make the Upper Mustang Trek difficult?
There are several factors that highly influence the overall Upper Mustang Trek difficulty, which makes it one of the challenging adventures in Nepal. The major influential aspects are the long trekking distance coverage, navigation through distinct terrains, and daily altitude gain, above 3000 meters, limited availability of tea house and standard amenities, scarcity of immediate health rescue, untill and unless it's a helicopter evacuation, and frequent changes of weather, to high windy situations, and mainly it's remote location. Due to these comprehension difficulties, one must be prepared, consider the packing list intelligently, and make an itinerary that suits your pace and prior experiences. Here are the major factors that make the Upper Mustang Trek difficult, with some tips as well, to avoid such expected challenges along the route.
Daily Trekking Hours and Distance Coverage
Every day in Upper Mustang, you need 5 to 7 walking hours, while short days include walks amounting to 4-5 hours, but longer days stretch for up to 7-8 hours, covering the trekking distance around 10-15 kilometres daily! Your journey will take you through numerous villages, starting with Kagbeni, followed by Chele, Syangbochen, Ghami, Tsarang and concluding at Lo Manthang, which serves as the historical royal capital.
The complete trek to Upper Mustang takes between 12 and 14 days to finish, and the total distance you walk on this trek extends to 135-160 kilometres (85-100 miles). A successful trek requires excellent endurance for maintaining days of continuous walking, which in turn gives you a lifetime experience of the Himalayas. However, the duration stretches to even more if it is combined with the Annapurna Circuit Trek, which interconnects this trailhead.
Terrain and Trail Condition
Walking trails within the Upper Mustang Valley primarily consist of dry, dust-covered paths that will lead you across a range of terrains that include rocky mountain paths and desert-like sandy ground. Easy paths remain wide with easy access, while narrow trails present dangerous drops on one side as you encounter numerous uphill sections followed by descents into lower elevations, so you need to watch your footing because slope conditions include unsafe rock formations and gravel, which creates dangerous slipping hazards.
You will pass through wooden bridges above water streams before walking next to breathtaking cliffs, and as you travel upward from Jomsom, you will experience a transformation from verdant valley landscapes into dry rocky terrains with distinctive rock formations. The good thing is that most trails are used by locals, so they are well-marked and easy to navigate.
Altitude Challenges and Acclimatisation Tips
The Mustang trailhead at Jomsom (2,743 meters) is before reaching the highest point, which is Lo Manthang at 3840 meters above sea level. Due to low oxygen levels in high-altitude zones, your lungs must work harder for oxygen, making it difficult for you to move. Symptoms of altitude sickness, including headache, dizziness and nausea, may occur because of the reduced atmospheric pressure, and when combined with dry and windy conditions, the symptoms become more severe because of dehydration.
An essential safety measure for the trek contains planned rest days or acclimatisation days, which allow your body to adapt to the altitude changes, so the majority of trek routes include planned stopovers at Kagbeni and Lo Manthang. Most people adapt to high altitude conditions effectively by moving gradually and scheduling rest days.
Here are some essential tips to prevent altitude challenges:
Your itinerary should include planned rest days at Kagbeni at 2810m and Lo Manthang at 3840m.
"Must go slowly" is the principle in the Himalayan trails, so move at your own pace.
Keep an eye out for altitude sickness symptoms, then inform your guide immediately.
Drinking three to four litres of water daily maintains your body's hydration.
Seek medical advice regarding Diamox usage as prevention before starting your journey.
Dry Air and Landscapes
The area experiences minimal rainfall since Upper Mustang lies in the Himalayas' rain shadow, which makes it dry and rough. Dry atmospheric conditions cause your skin, lips and throat to experience intense dryness, and you will probably drink water more frequently throughout the day.
The landscape presents a desert-like appearance featuring exposed hills, deep gorges and colored cliffs ranging from red through yellow to brown colours. Only the areas around villages, together with the regions close to water supplies, have any green vegetation, and further up, you will find wide dusty valleys with no greenery at all. But hey, this is what makes it so unique, right?
Weather and Seasonal Impact
Seasonal weather patterns in Upper Mustang alter the difficulty of the trek based on which time of year you choose to explore, either spring, summer, autumn or winter.
The spring season (March to May) provides ideal weather conditions because daily temperatures range between 16 to 22 degrees Celsius, which makes walking comfortable. The lower villages display apple trees blooming with pink and white flowers, and the sky appears bright during morning hours while cloud cover increases throughout the afternoon. Remember, it is also the windiest time of the year!
During the monsoon season (June to August), Nepal receives rainfall across many regions, yet Upper Mustang stays dry since the mountain barrier stops rain clouds from reaching this area. The hiking areas maintain temperatures between 20-25 degrees Celsius, but dust storms may develop even though the weather remains favourable for trekking.
Autumn represents an optimal season for trekking due to its bright sunlight combined with brilliant blue skies between September and November. This region experiences daytime temperatures between 15 to 20 degrees Celsius, during which walking long hours becomes comfortable. These mountains create an extraordinary sight at sunset when the deep blue sky fills the background.
The Mustang trek experiences intensely cold conditions from December through February in the winter season, so nighttime temperatures drop below freezing. Traversing through trekking areas becomes more challenging because of snow-covered, slippery trails above elevation points.
How hard is it to get to Upper Mustang? Challenges and Possibilities to reach the Trailhead
Restricted Area Permit and Regulations to Follow
One of the major factor that highly influence the Upper Mustang Trek difficulty tends to be so not-so-easy accessibility to reach the starting point, as located in a restricted area of Nepal. To venture out on this trip, there are two permits required for this trip, while one mark is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), another tends to be the Special Restricted Area Permit, which you can obtain from either Kathmandu or Pokhara at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
To grab the restricted area permit, the Government of Nepal has clearly stated that no solo trek is allowed in this region, which means one must hire an experienced trekking licensed guide, and most importantly, must have 1 trekking partner to travel with, excluding porter and guide. Such restrictions have a high influence on the lower possibility of an independent trip, which preserves the biological and ecological aspect of the region, also at the same time, makes the area far from a huge mass of crowds.
However, this is only challenging to those who are rooting for a non-guided trip, as even though you do not have any partner to travel with, a local-based trekking agency, like us at Destination Himalaya Treks, manages all your paperwork for the solo, including 1 experienced guide, to assist you ensuring safety, and also, possibility of trip, even without having any travel partner to hike with.
Know more about the Upper Mustang permits with our detailed overview in our recently updated blog.
Transportation Accessibility
The journey to reach Upper Mustang becomes a thrilling experience, and you have two options to reach Jomsom: either by 20 20-minute flight from Pokhara or by riding a bumpy jeep through mountain valleys that lead you to this isolated kingdom.
Jomsom Airport - The starting or ending point of the trek
On the other hand, exploring Upper Mustang by Jeep becomes an exciting experience because of the off-road routes that pass majestic red cliffs and deep river valleys while navigating through complex mountain paths.
Want quick access to Upper Mustang? Take a jeep! The Upper Mustang Overland Tour provides adventurous passengers with exciting yet rough journeys across mountaintops and desert-like valleys. A jeep journey leads directly to Lo Manthang before stopping at the refreshing villages of Kagbeni and Chele. It's dusty but exciting! You can enjoy breathtaking vistas during your journey despite avoiding extensive trekking.
Starting in Pokhara? No problem! The Pokhara to Upper Mustang Tour heads to Jomsom before continuing its journey toward Muktinath Temple and Lo Manthang. Your journey will lead through rivers while navigating through mountainous roads along the way. It provides an ideal solution for tourists desiring to experience Mustang's wonders even when they have limited time to spare. Hold on tight for a short, bumpy ride!
Benefits of Jeep transfer (Top-notch cons that enrich the overall journey)
Fast travel between distant points enables extended time for exploration.
You can ride in comfort while managing little equipment, making it suitable for those who do not trek.
Stops at viewpoints and villages not accessible by foot.
Suitable for children, the elderly, or those with limited mobility.
You don't have to worry about flight cancellations due to bad weather.
You can reach remote temples, monasteries and communities with ease.
The journey takes you on an exciting off-road path across striking Himalayan scenery.
How to be prepared for the Upper Mustang Trek Challenges?
The challenge of visiting the Upper Mustang region requires proper preparation, which makes the journey manageable. The following guidelines will ensure your safety and well-being as you experience the breathtaking mountain desert kingdom:
Physical Fitness
Successful completion of the Upper Mustang trek requires adequate physical preparation because your body is your ultimate tool. Dont be mistaken, you do not have to be super athletic! Begin your physical preparation at least two months before your journey by spending time for stair climbing or hiking on weekends. Your training focus should centre on leg strength development through squats and lunges and also building your back and shoulder strength using a weighted backpack. Swimming, walking, and jogging work effectively to boost lung strength while building stamina and endurance. Walk daily for 30 minutes with loaded baggage, which you can add more weight as you become more comfortable, to ensure you are ready for long days of walking in the Upper Mustang Valley. Always remember, a fit body equals a smooth journey!
Mental Consideration
Trekking to Upper Mustang require you to be mentally prepared for days when walking distances become lengthy and weather conditions become harsh and cold, combined with dusty conditions. A strong mind allows you to persevere through difficult situations without giving up.
Thoroughly learn about the region and understand the daily conditions beforehand so you feel ready for the upcoming challenges without feeling overwhelmed at once. To cope with uphill terrain, focus your attention on small step progress instead of picturing the entire mountain in front of you.
Keep a positive mindset! It helps you accept the challenges as they are a part of the adventure. For this, meditation and yoga help to keep your mind focused and positive at all times.
Balanced Diet
The right food choices during your Upper Mustang trekking route will boost your energy levels while your body adapts to the demanding conditions. So begin your days with hearty meals that supply enough energy to start the day and take trail mix or energy bars as your day snacks which help maintain your power levels. Consume at least 3 liters of water per day and continue drinking it even if you do not experience thirst because the high altitude of Upper Mustang causes you to lose water fast.
Choose dinner meals that combine proteins with carbohydrates and vitamins because they provide sustained energy and support muscle recovery. The stomach benefits from ginger tea, hot lemon tea and garlic soup, which help digestion while providing body heat.
Hiring a Guide And Porter
A skilled guide and a porter will enhance both your convenience and enjoyment during your trek to Upper Mustang. A guide provides comprehensive guidance while also having intimate knowledge of the local area, weather and the ability to help you in case of illness or exhaustion. Your tour guide not only understands the local language but also provides interesting narratives about the villages along with the temples that you visit. They are like a walking, talking handbook!
Porters handle the heavy loads while you can maintain your energy to appreciate the scenery without the burden of carrying your heavy pack. A typical porter will load your equipment with weights ranging from 15 to 20 kilograms. They are like your backpack superheroes!
Give your guide and porter proper respect since they work hard to deliver memorable experiences to you during your trip.
Flexible Itinerary (Match your Pace and Customise accordingly)
You must allocate proper time for your body to adapt to high-altitude conditions or extend your stay to explore other areas in the Mustang region while trekking in Upper Mustang. The trek requires 10-14 days of duration to finish successfully, with Kathmandu as its starting and ending point. The smart strategy includes rest days both in Kagbeni and Lo Manthan,g which help your body adapt to lower oxygen levels and keep you safe from AMS.
Rest at Chhoser village before ascending higher
Keep an additional two to three days in your itinerary. Why? Flights to Jomsom can face delays due to weather conditions, or you may need extra days to rest before moving forward.. A good trekking company (like Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition) plans for the surprises for delays due to landslides or storms by adjusting the itinerary. A longer timeframe ensures you will never miss your return flight. And what's to lose? When the schedule runs smoothly, you can enjoy exploring the markets and temples in Kathmandu.
The flexible nature of your Upper Mustang Itinerary enables you to explore desert landscapes, caves, as well as monasteries at your own pace, so you can make the most out of your journey.
Foods and Accommodations: What can you expect along the route?
Even being located at such a confined, isolated trailhead, the mustang region tends to cater to all the tastes and preferences of the hikers, in terms of food and accommodations, where you can get ample options, undoubtedly. While the lodges and teahouse have a wide range of options, to either go for the luxury bedding configuration with attached washroom or the standard lodging, with a shared bed, it depends on personal choice, whereas the price varies accordingly.
Meanwhile, at the lower elevation, below 2500 meters, at main sections such as Kagbeni, Chele, Jomsom, Marpha, and even Lo Manthang at 3840 meters, you will find nice bedding with modernised amenities, with a wide range of menu options from western to local ones. At the higher elevation above 2800 meters, and in many sections, you might have to share washrooms, and pay for personal expenses, such as laundry, showers, wifi, and charging, as it is charged by the tea house itself, so be sure to be prepared accordingly.
Nonetheless, you will not find difficulty getting adjusted at the lodges, to settle in for the night, in fact, you will love and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals, with the welcoming children smiling at you.
Things to Consider to Avoid Upper Mustang Difficulties: What Trekkers Must Know?
Secure travel insurance with specific coverage for high-altitude trekking combined with helicopter emergency services up to at least 4,500 meters. Make sure to carry your insurance card along with emergency numbers always while hiking.
Carry a first aid kit prepared with essential medicines such as pain relievers, adhesive bandages, blister patches, altitude sickness medication, stomach care medicine and any personal medications.
Tell your guide right away when you observe the warning signs of altitude sickness and then descend to a lower elevation.
Make sure to have both a functional mobile phone and a portable device for charging. Obtain a local SIM card with emergency data services, as remote areas usually have spotty cell phone coverage.
It is essential to learn some fundamental Nepali phrases for critical situations to request assistance in illness or injury. Your guide will show you important Nepali words you need to know.
Review the weather forecast each day to modify your itinerary when you sense stormy conditions approaching. Trekking becomes dangerous during intense thunderstorms, heavy snowfall and strong wind conditions.
New trekkers should use a local agency to access a guide who handles logistical needs while ensuring safety.
Packing List: Essential Gears and Equipment
You should have a buff or light scarf available to cover your nose and mouth and you will need sunglasses that provide eye coverage to protect against dust. In this desert-like region, winds carry fine dust particles throughout the year but particularly during the dry spring and fall seasons.
Using lip balm with SPF protection guards your lips against both sunburn and painful cracks. Wear lip balm multiple times each day as well as before bedtime for maximum protection.
Due to the minimal availability of electricity in Upper Mustang villages, portable batteries and power banks stand as essential equipment to charge your phone and cameras.
Even in summer, you need both a warm hat and gloves because nights bring rapid temperature decreases, while dawn hours bring dangerously low temperatures.
Cold-rated (0°C/32°F) sleeping bags provide comfortable rest in basic tea houses during cold nights, which become freezing, particularly during spring and fall seasons.
Getting a strong jacket made for wind protection offers defence against strong winds that sweep through Upper Mustang's broad valleys. Strong afternoon winds become powerful enough to carry dust through the air and complicate walking unless you have appropriate gear.
Using hand cream and moisturiser both in the morning and at night helps to shield your skin from the severe dryness of the region.
Comparing Upper Mustang Trek Difficulty with other treks in Nepal
Compared to other trekking routes in Nepal, the Upper Mustang trail ranks in the moderate difficulty level, and you prepare for trails featuring dry landscapes, while the trek spans over 5 to 6 daily hours with elevations reaching up to 3,840 meters. The main difficulties come from its dry climate with dust and windy conditions, despite lacking extremely high elevations.
Everest Base Camp Trek is a tougher trekking experience than the route to Upper Mustang since it leads you as high as Kala Patthar, which stands at 5,545 meters. At such elevations, the limited amount of oxygen in the air requires more effort to breathe properly and raises the possibility of developing altitude sickness. It is more crowded and has a colder climate, which can be a challenge to tackle.
The difficulty level of the Manaslu Circuit Trek matches Upper Mustang, although its remote terrain presents more intense elevation changes. Larkya La Pass reaches an elevation of 5,160 meters, which marks its highest point. The scarcity of teahouses, together with limited facilities, presents a demanding and isolated adventure during this trek.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek offers greater difficulty compared to the trek in Upper Mustang. This trek extends over 25 days, while being very remote and climbing to extremely high altitudes, which reach 5,140 meters above sea level, and it becomes more challenging with minimal lodging options in the remote region.
Most trekkers find the Mardi Himal Trekeasier to handle than the Upper Mustang Trek since it involves shorter distances and simpler terrain and extends between 5 to 7 days while reaching 4,500 meters. Most of the paths run through forests instead of desert terrain and receive more rain with greenery.
The Everest Three Passes Trek stands as one of Nepal's most demanding trekking trails since it requires experienced and exceptionally fit hikers to survive the three passes measuring above 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) in elevation.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How difficult is the trek to Upper Mustang?
Navigating under the restricted area zone, through varied kinds of terrains, limited tea houses, and long hours of long-duration trek, the trip to Upper Mustang is moderately challenging, demanding long hours of hiking of 5-6 hours per day, via several uphill and downhill walks; however, it can be proceeded with a basic level of fitness.
How physically fit should I be for this trek?
To pass through such a remote route, via a steep section, a rocky, confined area, with a continuous walking trail, covering 8 to 12 km per day, one must have a basic level of fitness and must be prepared with a comprehensive packing list for the trip to the Mustang region.
Is altitude sickness a concerning factor for this trip to Upper Mustang?
As this trek takes you to an elevation above 3000 meters, the risk of altitude sickness is expected; however, it can be avoided by following the preventive guidelines, such as hydrating well, filling the body with all the essential nutrients, avoiding overconsumption of caffeine, alcohol, and ensuring proper gradual ascent with planned acclimatisation days.
What is the highest elevation encountered on the trek?
The highest altitude above sea level that this trek takes you to stands out to be Lo Manthang at 3880 meters, with the navigation above 2500 meters each day.
Conclusion: Final Words
All in all, the Upper Mustang Trek suits those who want to experience the desert-like territories and explore remote cultural sites with minimal crowds. The route falls below Everest in elevation and difficulty level, but requires considerable effort and preparation. With proper preparation and support, you can complete this epic odyssey and appreciate that every challenging step of this journey leads to experiencing beautiful cliffs and friendly locals in the ancient monasteries.
Ready to take on this challenge? Contact Destination Himalaya Treks and Expedition through email at info@destinationhimalayatreks.com, WhatsApp, or just call at +977 9851016814 for bookings for the best, affordable and flexible Upper Mustang Trek Package!
