Upper Mustang Trek

Additional Information for Upper Mustang Trek

Restricted Area Permit

Upper Mustang is a restricted area of Nepal, so trekkers need a special Restricted Area Permit (RAP) in addition to the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The special permit must be arranged through a registered trekking agency, and independent trekking is not permitted in the Upper Mustang region.

Please bring a valid passport with sufficient validity and the required number of blank pages for the permits and other travel formalities. We will arrange the necessary trekking permits before you begin the trek.

Trek Equipment and Packing

Here is a general list of what you might want to pack for the trek. Please consider it a starting point and adjust it according to the season and your personal needs.

We provide a 75-liter duffel bag for the trek. It will be given to you during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu, and you can use it to pack the belongings that will be carried by our support staff or porters. The duffel bag is yours to keep after the trek.

You can also rent a sleeping bag and down jacket from us in Kathmandu for an additional USD 35 each.

Essential items generally include:

• Comfortable trekking boots with good ankle support
• Lightweight trekking shoes or sandals
• Warm fleece or insulating jacket
• Waterproof and windproof jacket
• Thermal base layers
• Trekking trousers and lightweight pants
• Warm hat, gloves and sun hat
• Sunglasses with good UV protection
• Sunscreen and lip balm with high SPF
• Headlamp with spare batteries
• Water bottle or hydration system
• Trekking poles
• Personal toiletries and medication
• Small first-aid kit
• Backpack for carrying daily essentials
• Power bank and charging cables
• Passport and travel documents
• A few extra clothes for Kathmandu and Pokhara

Upper Mustang can be particularly cold and windy at higher elevations, especially in the mornings and evenings, so warm layers are important even during the warmer months.

Altitude and Acclimatization

The Upper Mustang Trek involves significant changes in altitude. The trek reaches approximately 3,800–4,200 meters, depending on the route and side trips.

The landscape is generally dry and open, but the high altitude means that your body needs time to adjust. Our itinerary is designed with a gradual increase in elevation and appropriate overnight stops.

Walk at a comfortable pace, stay well hydrated, and avoid rushing to higher elevations. If you experience symptoms such as severe headache, dizziness, nausea, unusual tiredness or difficulty breathing, inform your guide immediately.

Weather and Best Time to Trek

Upper Mustang lies in the rain-shadow area of the Himalayas, making it much drier than many other trekking regions of Nepal. The main trekking season is generally from March to November.

Spring brings pleasant daytime temperatures and clear mountain views. Summer is also suitable because Upper Mustang receives relatively little monsoon rainfall compared with other parts of Nepal. Autumn normally offers stable weather and excellent visibility.

Winter can be very cold, with snow and freezing temperatures possible at higher elevations. Some lodges and services may also be limited during the coldest months.

Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so it is important to be prepared for both sunny and cold conditions.

Flights to and from Jomsom

Depending on your itinerary, you may travel between Pokhara and Jomsom by domestic flight. The flight is operated in mountainous terrain and is highly dependent on weather and visibility.

Morning flights generally have better operating conditions, but delays or cancellations can still occur because of strong winds, cloud, poor visibility or other operational reasons.

For this reason, we recommend keeping some flexibility in your travel schedule, particularly if you have an international flight immediately after returning from the trek.

In case of a flight cancellation, your guide and our office will assist with the available alternatives, which may include waiting for the next flight or arranging road transportation where practical.

Accommodation

Accommodation during the trek is provided in locally operated teahouses, lodges or guesthouses. Facilities are more basic than those available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Rooms are generally twin-sharing, and bathrooms may be shared, particularly in the more remote villages. Hot showers may be available at some lodges for an additional charge.

Electricity is available in many villages, but charging facilities can be limited and may involve an extra fee. We recommend carrying a power bank.

Meals and Drinking Water

Meals during the trek are served at local teahouses and lodges. Typical options include dal bhat, noodles, pasta, rice, potatoes, soups, Tibetan-style dishes, eggs and other simple meals.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included according to your trekking package.

Bottled and filtered drinking water may be available along the route. We recommend carrying a reusable water bottle and using water purification tablets, a filter or another suitable purification method when necessary.

Staying properly hydrated is especially important at higher elevations.

Internet and Mobile Connectivity

Mobile phone coverage and internet access are limited in some parts of Upper Mustang. Wi-Fi may be available at selected lodges, usually for an additional charge, but the connection can be slow or unreliable.

Please do not rely on continuous internet access during the trek. We recommend informing family or friends that communication may occasionally be unavailable.

Electricity and Charging

Electricity is available in most villages, but the supply may not be as reliable as in the cities. Charging electronic devices may cost extra at some lodges.

A power bank or portable battery is strongly recommended, especially if you use your phone for photography, navigation or communication.

Money and Expenses

There are limited banking facilities and ATMs once you leave the main towns. We strongly recommend carrying enough Nepali rupees in cash to cover personal expenses during the trek.

You may need additional cash for:

• Hot showers
• Wi-Fi
• Charging electronic devices
• Bottled or treated water
• Snacks and drinks
• Tips
• Personal purchases
• Emergency or unexpected expenses

Guide and Porter Support

You will be accompanied by an experienced, licensed trekking guide who will manage the daily trekking arrangements, assist with accommodation and coordinate with local service providers.

Porters or support staff will carry the main trekking luggage. You should carry only a small daypack containing items you need during the day’s walk, such as water, a camera, sunscreen, warm layers and personal medication.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is strongly recommended for the Upper Mustang Trek. Your policy should cover trekking at the maximum altitude reached on your itinerary and include emergency medical treatment and evacuation where applicable.

Before travelling, carefully check the terms and conditions of your insurance policy, particularly regarding high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation.

Responsible Travel

Upper Mustang is a culturally and environmentally sensitive region with a unique Tibetan-influenced heritage. Please respect local customs, traditions, monasteries and religious sites throughout the trek.

Avoid unnecessary use of plastic, carry your rubbish until you reach an appropriate disposal point, and use water and other local resources responsibly.

When visiting monasteries, ask your guide before taking photographs, particularly inside religious buildings. Dress respectfully and follow local customs.

Photography

Upper Mustang offers spectacular landscapes, ancient villages, monasteries, caves and traditional Tibetan-influenced architecture. Please carry extra memory cards and batteries if photography is important to you.

Always ask permission before photographing local people, monks or religious ceremonies.

Trekking Conditions

The trails in Upper Mustang pass through dry valleys, rocky terrain, ridges and mountain paths. Some sections can be dusty and exposed to strong winds.

Daily walking distances and durations vary depending on the itinerary, terrain and altitude. Although the trek does not require technical climbing skills, you should be comfortable walking for several hours a day on uneven mountain trails.

Good physical preparation and regular walking or hiking before the trek will make the experience more enjoyable.

Personal Medical Kit

We recommend bringing a small personal medical kit containing any regular medication you require, along with basic items such as blister treatment, pain relief, sunscreen, antiseptic wipes and any medication recommended by your doctor.

Please inform your guide about any medical condition or medication that may be important during the trek.

Emergency and Evacuation

Your guide will carry basic first-aid supplies and will assist in case of an emergency. If a serious medical problem occurs, our team will coordinate the appropriate evacuation arrangements depending on the location, weather and available transportation.

For this reason, comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.

Pre-Trek Meeting in Kathmandu

Before starting the trek, we will organize a pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. During the meeting, your guide will provide important information about the trek, check your equipment and answer any last-minute questions.

This is also when you will receive your 75-liter duffel bag for packing your trekking belongings.

If you need to rent a sleeping bag or down jacket, we can arrange these during your stay in Kathmandu.

Important Note

Mountain trekking is an adventure, and conditions can sometimes change unexpectedly. Flight schedules, trekking times, accommodation and daily plans may need to be adjusted because of weather, trail conditions, local circumstances or other factors beyond our control.

Our experienced guide and local office team will make the necessary arrangements with your safety and overall trekking experience as the priority.