Where is Upper Mustang?
Mustang (formerly, Kingdom of Lo) is an ancient forbidden kingdom bordered by the Tibetan Plateau and sheltered by some of world's tallest peaks including Annapurna (8091m) and Dhaulagiri (8167m). Upper Mustang is one of the most preserved regions in the world due to its relative isolation from the outside world with a majority of the population still speaking traditional Tibetan languages.
Can I do the Upper Mustang trek?
Of course, you can. This trek is suitable for any enthusiast traveler seeking for something more energetic and challenging. And to do this trek, one needs to be physically and mentally fit. Trip grade is moderate and one who has enough walking experience previously can do it.
When should I plan for Upper Mustang trek?
Upper Mustang Trekking is possible a year-round. However, December, January and February are cold. Since Upper Mustang falls in the rain shadow of the Annapurna’s, we can do trekking in this part of Nepal even in the monsoon months of June to September.
What is the cost of this trek?
Our 17 days Upper Mustang trek costs USD 2050 if you’re a group of 2 – 6 people. The trek, however, can cost low or high depending on various factors like no. of trekking days, trekkers, season, etc.
How hard is the Upper Mustang trek?
Upper Mustang trekking is for those adventure seekers who dreams of countering the high Himalaya in an isolated and deserted region of Nepal. And to do this trek, one needs to be physically and mentally fit. Trip grade is moderate and if you are reasonably fit, then you don’t require any special skill but must have the stamina to do the multi-day walk.
What sort of permits do I need to do this trek?
Following permits are required to do the Upper Mustang trek:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permits
- Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
- TIMS card is not required to do this trek as RAP is sufficient to provide the necessary details of the trekkers in case of emergency.
Do I need to be insured while doing this trek?
Of course, yes. Annapurna Foothills strongly recommends you have sufficient insurance coverage to you go into this remote area. Travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation, injury, lost baggage, liability, and medical treatment is recommended. The insurance must cover all the activities that you will be undertaking during your stay in Nepal. Annapurna Foothills Treks and Expeditions Pvt. Ltd. can organize the appropriate medical response based on your policy.
Why Upper Mustang trekking with Annapurna Foothills?
Not just because we’re a local tour operator but our trekking guides are professionals for sure and they have done this trek several times. Also, our great safety record allows us to operate with full liability insurance. All client funds are deposited in a regulated trust account. We spend more providing the best amenities, logistics and safety measures and things that many lower-cost programs don’t facilitates with.
What is the policy on Leave No Trace?
We value and operate eco friendly trips and are highly committed to Leave No Trace. Our guides and staffs are well aware of their responsibility toward environment.
How much will I be spending on trail per day?
You won’t be spending much on trail as accommodation and 3 meals a day are included in your trip price while booking with Annapurna Foothills. USD 20 to 30 (NRS 2000 - 3000) per day will be enough since you have to personally pay for items like beverages and drinks, charging electronic devices, Wi-Fi, hot showers etc.
What happens in case of emergency or if I need to leave the trek beforehand?
Well, it depends upon the kinds of emergency you’re going through. If you have to leave the trip due to ill health or severe injury, we will arrange an emergency air rescue immediately which will fly you out of the mountains to Kathmandu for medical attention. Make sure your insurance covers high altitude mountain search and rescue.
Even if you leave the trip beforehand, we are committed to pay the porters and guides for the duration of the trip for which they are hired. So, refunds for the unused days for your trip will not be given. We can provide something complementary depending upon the cases.
How can I communicate if there’s an emergency during the trip?
At most villages along the trail, the tea houses will have internet facility. Most of the lodges offer Wi-Fi service. The internet speed will be very basic. You can also purchase Nepalese SIM cards (NCELL or NTC) but their coverage will be limited. And our climbing guide will also carry a satellite phone for emergencies with minimum cost.
Do you also offer tailor - made departures?
Yes, we do offer tailor - made departures. If our holiday packages are not perfect or the group departure dates are not convenient, we can reschedule the departures accordingly.
Can I hire only Guide and Porter from you?
Yes, you can hire Trekking and Climbing Guide and Porter services from us. We can offer customizable services of Guides, Porters, Domestic Flights and Documentation.
What sort of food can I expect on while I’m on trek?
Meals in the Himalaya mainly consist of a diet rich in carbohydrates because our bodies do not process fat and protein efficiently at higher elevations. Each teahouse offers continental food, which you can choose from the menu. Food will be typical but fresh, warm, tasty and eye appealing. Normally every vegetable served in the tea houses are locally produced. This is usually organic which is good for your health. For those who prefer non-veg, make sure to check with the guide if the meat is fresh before you place the order. Basically, you will have dinner and breakfast at the lodge where you stay overnight and lunch will be on the way.
How do you deal with drinking water standard on Upper Mustang trekking?
We suggest that you drink boiled water or bring water purification tablets to purify the normal water available in the guest houses along the way. There is a small fee charged for the boiled water. Although mineral water is available in most places, there is no provision to dispose of the plastic bottles, so we encourage the guests to do what they can to protect the environment.
How big will be group size?
We mainly focus on small groups. We take up to 10 trekkers in a group so that we can provide personal care to each of our members. If you have group of more than 10, please contact us for amazing group discounts and customized services.
Is it safe to travel as a single women or girl?
Yes, it is safe to travel to Nepal and to do solo trekking as a single women or girl. We are more responsible for this matter and we ensure all security and safety for solo women traveler. Upon request we can also arrange for a Female trekking guide as well.
What about simple medication on the trek?
On the trek, our guide will carry a first aid kit. We also recommend you carry your own. Almost all modern medications are available in Kathmandu for a fraction of the price you will pay in the west. Just get your doctor to make out a list and get them here before you go.
Do I need a guide to do the Upper Mustang trek?
A big yes! To trek in Upper Mustang region, you must have a guide. As it is restricted area and only few trekkers can be seen along the trail. Without a guide, in some situation as in harsh weather or in a medical emergency, you will be on your own if you’re doing this on your own. The porter will carry your baggage for you so that you can enjoy long walks without having to carry heavy burdens. So, we strongly suggest our clients to do the climb with professionals and we believe our guides are highly experienced and for sure professionals making your safety their foremost priority.
Are there any ATMs en route to this trip?
En route to Upper Mustang, only in specific places like Pokhara, Kathmandu and Jomsom facilitates this service. So, we encourage you to carry cash with you as with increasing altitude, you will not find such services.
Is there Wi-Fi, hot shower, battery charger available during the trek?
Most of the tea Houses will offer Wi-Fi, hot shower, battery charger with a small amount of money. The WI-FI service may not be very fast but can check emergency message or important updated for your work.
Do I need to join a group or can I do the trek solo?
To do the Upper Mustang trek, there should be at least two trekkers as the region is restricted area and needs special permit. However, if you’re alone but still want to do the trek, you can contact us as we may have other trekkers interested in doing the same trip.
We always try to be flexible with our trips for our client’s convenience. We are open to make changes on the trips. We can assign a local professional guide, porters etc whom you could trust with your life as they are highly experienced and gives first priority to your safety.
How long do I have to walk on an average per day on trek?
On average, a day on a trek would be 5-6 hours long. It also depends on your rhythm of walking. We usually start early so that you could reach the destination on time making sure that you’ve got enough time to explore and enjoy the composure of the place.
How long does it take?
Well, depending upon your interest and holidays limitation, we can customize your trip to Upper Mustang. Normally, it can be done in a time frame between 13-16 days.
Where am I supposed to leave the unwanted stuffs in Kathmandu when I’m on trek?
You can store the unwanted stuffs in the locker room at the hotel where you’ll be staying in Kathmandu. They’ll provide you a baggage tag which you’ve to keep it with you safely or you can hand over it to our guide. And after your return from trek to hotel, you can collect those stuffs by giving them the same baggage tag that they’d gave you previously.
Can I bring my medication with me?
Yes you can. But be sure to bring the prescription and its original container so that you don’t have to face any sort of hassle from custom inspection.
What is the luggage limit for porters?
Annapurna Foothills will provide one porter for two trekkers to carry approx 25 kg of luggage (maximum 12 kg for each trekker). Porter are those staffs who not carry only your luggage but also lift your spirit to reach new heights and your affection and generosity can be the reason for them to work hard to take you to your destination.
What is your cancellation policy?
Regarding cancellation, if a client voluntarily or involuntarily terminates/cancels the trip once the trip has started, no refund will be given for missed or unused services of the trip regardless of the reason i.e. sickness, or any other unfortunate events.
In case if any guests wish to cancel their trip prior to their departure for any reasons then a written application should be sent by the guests to us, 2 Weeks prior to the Trip starting date. If the cancellation is made beyond the time limit then USD 200 per person will be charged. As per our company policy, deposit amount is non- refundable and can be utilized with the timeframe of one year from the trip confirmation date.
Count me in for the trip. How do I book?
We’ll be happy to welcome you soon in Nepal and provide you our expert team to do the isolated and deserted Upper Mustang trek in the Himalaya of Nepal.
Please get in touch for further details.
