The ideal time to go on Upper Mustang Trek
The best time for Upper Mustang Trekking is during May when locals celebrate their biggest festival called Tiji. The festival lasts for three days and offers an intimate glimpse at the culture, practices, and beliefs of the locals. The temperature ranges between 16°C to 22°C.
Likewise, you can also trek in the monsoon season (June to September). Upper Mustang falls under the rain shadow area, which means no rainfall whatsoever. You might face a slippery trail and rain at the lower altitude, but once you enter Upper Mustang, it is a whole different world. The temperature ranges between 16°C to 20°C.
Autumn (October to November) and spring (March to April) is the universal time to trek in the Himalayas, including the Upper Mustang. Everything is perfect for trekking in these two seasons, either we talk about sable weather, climate, or views.
Upper Mustang Trek difficulty
As per geographical difficulty, Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate journey, however, the isolation of the region makes the trek challenging. The trail has a combination of paved and unpaved paths. There are a few narrow, rugged, and steep sections as well. You will cross several small passes along the way. Another thing that adds up to the challenges during Upper Mustang Trekking is a high altitude, which may trigger altitude sickness if the gain in elevation is not maintained in the itinerary.
The trek takes you to a maximum altitude of 3,850 meters. If the acclimatization days between the trek and constant increase in the elevation are not adjusted properly, it can lead to altitude sickness. Our professionally designed Upper Mustang Trek itinerary and experienced guides will make sure to keep you away from altitude sickness.
You can take proper measures to trek in the Himalayas without getting altitude illness. Some of them are mentioned below:-
- Drink a minimum of 2 liters of water daily
- Avoid alcoholic drinks and smoking
- Walk at your own pace and follow the itinerary
- Do not eat foods that might disturb your digestion
- Drink plenty of soups
- Carry Diamox or other prescribed medicines to tame down the symptoms of mountain sickness
Mode of transportation during the trek
From Kathmandu to Pokhara and Pokhara to Kathmandu, you will drive in a private tourist car/van. There will be two flights in and out of Jomsom, the starting/ending point of the trek. Likewise, you will have airport pick-up and drop service as well.
Electricity and Charging Facilities
Upper Mustang is one of the isolated areas in Nepal where reliable electricity facilities are still not touched. Locals mainly rely on solar power, even in Lo Manthang. You may or may not get to charge the electric device, especially in the evening. We highly suggest you carry extra batteries and a solar charger to charge your devices. You might also have to pay a few extra bucks to charge the devices.
Sim Card and WiFi
You can buy Nepali 4G sim cards and data packages at the airport or from vendors in Thamel. The data connection is fast and reliable in the city area, however, once you touch the trail, the connection will get weaker with the increase of altitude. The same goes for WiFi- available for free of cost in the hotels and restaurants in the city, but you might have to pay a few extra bucks to use it at high altitudes. Similarly, the connection will not be as stable.
Luggage
The porters will be carrying duffel bags as the main luggage. It is carried by porters. There will be one porter for every two members of the group. You will be carrying a day pack. Carry your camera, cell phone, and other electronic devices in the day pack along with light snacks, water, documents, change money, and miscellaneous things. Store the extra clothes and suitcases in the hotel's locker rooms free of cost while trekking.
Child policy
If you are under the age of 18 and looking to go on the Upper Mustang Trek, then you have to be accompanied by an identified adult/guardian. Likewise, you have to be an active trekker/hiker to join this trip. There are no discounts for trekkers under 18 years old. Get in touch with our representative to know more about the child policy.
Tipping to crew members
Your team leader will help you with tips. Although it is up to your wish to tip or not, we do recommend tipping if you like the service of the crew members during the trek. Don't feel awkward or hesitate if any of our crew members approach you for the tip. $20 is best for the tour guide, $10 for the driver, and $150 for the trek guide. You can give more or less as per your wish.
Personal expenses
Shopping and extra stay are not covered by the package cost. Things like snacks and beverages out of three meals a day during the trek are not included in the package cost. Likewise, you might have to spend a few bucks for charging your electronic devices or hot showers on the trail, which is also not included in the Upper Mustang Trek package cost. Check out our cost includes and excludes section for more information.
Insurance, rescue, evacuation
Upper Mustang Trekking is a high-altitude remote venture. The trail is not developed and involves dangerous segments. There is no big hospital on the route. In case of emergency, the best possible way to give you an immediate medical assistant is air evacuation, which will cost a hefty amount of money if not covered by the insurance company. Therefore, we highly recommend you to get well-covered travel insurance that includes air evacuation, medical bills, flight cancellation, and loss/theft of personal properties.
