Overview
The Mustang trek Nepal is a trip into one of the most distinctive and culturally diverse places of the Himalayas. Mustang, also referred to as “The Last Forbidden Kingdom”, did not reach out to the outside world, and it was only in 1990s that the isolated region of Nepal received access to the external world, yet the traditions there date back to centuries ago. The region is located in the Himalayan rain shadow, which is located beyond the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, and hence it is available even during the rainy season. Its sceneries of dry valleys, blown plateaus and colorful cliffs contrast with the green vegetation of other trekking areas.
One of the best portions on the Mustang trek Nepal is that travelers get a chance to get a glimpse of the preserved Tibetan culture. A monastery, prayer wheels and centuries old mud-brick architecture can be found in villages such as Kagbeni, Tsarang and the walled city of Lo Manthang. The locals belong to ancient Buddhism traditions, and colorful holidays like Tiji give life and color to the remote villages. Hiking across Mustang is like going back to the past, and the traveler is exposed to the genuine association with the lifestyle that has not been spared by civilization to a very large degree.
The sceneries one finds in the Mustang trek Nepal cannot be found in any other place in Nepal. Soaring cliffs that were formed due to erosion, concealed caves, and the striking Kali Gandaki Gorge along with all form scenery that is both spacious and enigmatic. Sharp peaks such as Nilgiri and Annapurna appear against the background of the desert like landscape providing trekkers with varied landscapes throughout the path. Such dramatic scenery and mountain desert landscapes render the Mustang region of the Himalayas one of the most aesthetically distinguishable trekking regions in the Himalayas region.
The Mustang trek Nepal is rated a moderate one in terms of difficulty. Although, it is not as high as Everest Base Camp, the hikers still walk up to altitudes of over 3,500 meters and walk over passes of up to 4,200 meters. The dry weather and the high winds in the afternoon are also an added challenge but the tracks are also not that strenuous to most trekkers who are relatively fit. The tea house accommodation is present along the route, but the facilities get progressively more rudimentary towards the deeper in Mustang in the upper region. No one is allowed in the area without special permits as Upper Mustang is still a restricted area and it will guarantee to control the tourism and preserve the culture.
The Mustang trek Nepal is an experience that one cannot forget giving the chance to experience adventure as well as culture. Its combination of ancient history, desert and Himalayan majesty makes it distinct in the other trekking routes. It is not as busy as the Everest or Annapurna area and offers a closer experience of a trip into Nepal and its high mountains, as well as traditional people. The feeling of discovery in Mustang is unique and enduring and, be it the urge to observe the culture of Tibetan Buddhism, enjoy the stunning scenery, or just go on a fulfilling hike, this experience is hard to come by.
For the ones who want to explore the upper part of Mustang, we have our Upper Mustang Trek package available for your kind perusal.
Custom treks throughout Nepal are the focus of Access The Asia Treks. We lead hikes to Upper Mustang and other off-limits areas of Nepal in both private and public settings. You have the option to join our set groups at a fair price and take advantage of all-inclusive trek packages.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy a trans-Himalayan flight to/from Jomsom, the windy-city
- View of Annapurna I (8091m), Nilgiri (7061m), and Dhaulagiri (8167m)
- Enjoy trekking in one of the restricted areas of northern Nepal
- Visit several ancient monasteries dating back to the 7th century and also the famous man-made sky caves of Mustang
- A vibrant three-day cultural celebration with ritual dances and Buddhist ceremonies.
- Dramatic cliffs, colorful rock formations, and dry valleys unlike other treks in Nepal.
- Discover centuries-old cave dwellings, murals, and Buddhist relics.
- Trek through one of the deepest gorges in the world with striking geological contrasts.
- Experience preserved traditions, prayer flags, mani walls, and spiritual rituals.
Equipments
Mustang Region is considered to be one of a thrilling and spectacular trekking region, well renowned all over the globe. This region’s trek starts from the easy level to elite level where you have to be equipped with all the necessary and appropriate gears and equipment to ensure your safety, comfort, and pleasure during your trek. When trekking in the Mustang region, you should bring the following items, among others:
- Trekking boots: As you reach to various landscapes including the rocky difficult trials in this region. Therefore, the sturdy trekking boots is required with an ankle support to make your trek safer and risk free.
- Hand Gloves: Another important trekking equipment is hand gloves. Basically, hand gloves is used to prevent your hands from coldness and cuts or any injury you may get travelling.
- Hat: It is the equipment that is used to prevent yourself from coldness. Basically, hats that covers your ears are highly preferable in order to keep you warm. You can also bring a rounded hats that provides shades on your face to block the sunlight.
- Backpack: A roomy backpack is necessary for you to carry the electronics equipment like mobile and camera with water bottle and other necessary personal equipment.
- Clothing: The weather is unpredictable. Thus, you have to be prepared for the sudden change in the weather. Thus, you have to take thermal undergarments, layered clothes and trekking trousers to make yourself cozy and warm. Fleece and down jacket with a scarf, hat and mittens are also very useful during this trek.
- Trekking poles: While walking in the rocky and steep grounds, you have to be careful whereas trekking poles help your ankle and knees to prevent you from the possible mishaps.
- Sunglasses: UV protected and a quality Sunglasses is required to prevent yourself from the glare of the snow and intense mountain sunshine.
- Water container and purification tablets: The water during the trek is most essential. Healthy and pure water makes your trek full of energy whereas polluted water might hamper your health. Thus, water container and purification tablets are really necessary.
- First aid box: The first aid equipment like bandages, antiseptic cream, pain relievers, and altitude sickness medication is crucial. The trekking leader of the trek also carries first aid medical kit for your safety.
Access the Asia Treks offers its customers a thorough packing list, equipment rental choices, and guidance on the best supplies for their trekking requirements. In order to complete their trek to the Mustang region securely and comfortably, we want to make sure that our clients have all the required supplies.
CANCELLATION POLICY AND PAYMENTS
- As different permits, flight tickets and other government official documents are necessary so payment is highly appreciable if done 30 days prior of the trekking start date.
- Payments are supposed to be done 15 days prior to the trekking start date.
- If cancellation is made 10 days before the trek start date, 50% of the total trek cost will be charged as the cancellation fees.
- In case of restrictions imposed by the government, bad weather or the emergency situation, the company will not to be liable to any extra cost and will find the most feasible way to proceed the trek.
ADVISORY
- Non-bio degradable materials are not allowed to dispose in the trekking route randomly.
- Proper follow of the guidance provided by the leader/guide of the trek.
- Alcoholic beverages and other intoxicating substances are highly discouraged.
- There might be the chances of bad weather so be prepared for the inconvenience caused by the unpredictable weather.
- Try to be mentally and physically prepared before this trek with few short hikes before this trek is highly recommended.
IMPORTANT THINGS REQUIRED
- Passport
- Few passport size photos for TIMS and other official documents
- Personal trekking equipment
- Snow goggles
- Personal handbag and luggage
- Snacks and sweets like chocolate bar (if required)
- Some personal items and sunscreen/sun cream
- Water bottle and hat
PRELIMINARY AND KEY NOTES
- Greeting ‘Namaste’ (your palms held together) is the most respectful and attractive way to greet somebody and is practiced profoundly.
- Accessibility of internet and phone calls can be made efficient using the mobile SIM Card provided by the company itself or you can buy easily in the local market. All you need is one passport sized photo and a photocopy of your physical passport in either case.
- There are lots of major cultural heritage sites in Kathmandu along with the ancient monasteries and sculptures. Photos are not taken unless you have asked for the permission.
- The nightlife in Kathmandu is mostly safe and concentrated in Thamel area, one of the busiest destinations for foreigners to hang out with varied options of bars, restaurants and other places to choose from. Somehow, other areas including small towns are closed before 10pm.
- Nepalese people are friendly, truly kind and incredibly welcoming as there is a phrase in Nepali culture ‘Guests equal Gods’. Out of the blue moon, there are several chances of being cheated. Saying this, you are somehow prone to possible travel scams. Keep yourself and your belongings safe, if you are travelling solo. It is highly recommended to have one experienced guide, taking safety into consideration.
