The Upper Mustang region of Nepal offers adventurers a truly enchanting trekking experience. With its rugged terrain, ancient monasteries, and stunning vistas, the Upper Mustang Trek is a journey unlike any other. This breathtakingly beautiful region’s most culturally interesting and least known treks. In this trek, we follow the old salt trade caravan route and pilgrimage trails through Mustang’s most remote valleys, villages, canyons, and high nomadic plateaus, we explore Upper Mustang’s Buddhist ‘sky caves’ (ancient burial sites and Buddhist mural caves). During our trek, we camp with Tibetan nomads, who still live traditionally in their yak-hair tents, tending their goats, sheep, and yaks.
In this trek we venture deep into the realm of the last nomads of Mustang, still living their traditional migratory lifestyle on the high plateaus bordering Tibet. On this trek, we hike along the high eastern, winter route from the mythical walled city of Lo Manthang, explore forgotten ‘sky-caves’, and visit the renowned Luri Gompa and Tashi Kabum, which house some of the most exquisite murals in the Tibetan Buddhist world. We camp at Mustang’s most far-flung villages Dhe, Ghara, Yara, Sam Dzong, and Tangge.
1. Remote Beauty: Upper Mustang, also known as the "Forbidden Kingdom," remained closed to foreigners until 1992, preserving its unique culture and landscapes. Trekking through this region feels like stepping back in time, with its isolated villages and traditional way of life.
2. Cultural Immersion: The trek offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in Tibetan Buddhist culture. Visitors can explore centuries-old monasteries adorned with vibrant murals, encounter friendly locals, and witness colorful festivals that have been celebrated for generations.
3. Scenic Landscapes: The trail winds through a diverse landscape of barren desert-like terrain, deep gorges, and towering snow-capped peaks. The highlight is the dramatic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, providing ample opportunities for breathtaking photographs.
4. Permits and Regulations: Due to its restricted nature, trekking in the Upper Mustang requires a special permit from the Nepalese government. These permits help to regulate tourism and preserve the region's fragile ecosystem and cultural heritage.
5. Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to embark on the Upper Mustang Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the skies are clear. However, the Upper Mustang is lying in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, and a trek in Upper could be done in monsoon.
The Upper Mustang Trek offers intrepid travelers a chance to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through a land of ancient mysteries and unparalleled beauty. From its remote villages to its towering peaks, every moment spent in this hidden gem of Nepal is sure to le