Upper Mustang in Nepal- The Uncharted Magical Red Mountains of the Least Trodden Remote Region in Nepal
Upper Mustang; Unlike other mountains with white snow and freezing temperatures, Mustang region trekking mountains are red at around a height of 4,000 meters. Upper Mustang trek is another globe on its own with a very distinctive landscape and culture different from other Nepal regions. It is a beautiful and arid world where grey-brown treeless rolling hill extends into the distance and homes constructed from mud brick, which remained intact for decades.
This remarkable place remains not defiled by touring and revolution. With a combination of both white and red mountains, it is a sight to surprise. Mustang region trekking ushers you to the ancient Buddhist Kingdom Mustang’s remote world settled between Tibet and the Himalayas. Also referred to as ‘Loho,’ this kingdom is closer to Tibet and directly identified with Tibetan tradition, culture, and religion. Upper Mustang trek lies in the Upper Kali Gandaki Valley and sits in the dry area behind Annapurna massif, along with rainfall amounting to 400 millimeters per year.
Special of Upper Mustang?
The prohibition enacted on the Mustang Nepal that lasted till the 90s significantly give an extraordinary safety in culture and nature. The chief top of Upper Mustang trekking is central to Upper Mustang, known as Lo Manthang. Heading to Lo Manthang, trekkers can view the breathtaking wall of medieval capital from afar. It includes a white-washed, 6m tall fence constructed to save outsiders against invading.
When you go forward into Lo Manthang, you feel like you are walking into another galaxy. A galaxy with restricted space, ancient chortens, long-renowned history, prayer wheels, and ancestral. People use their time for producing and import & export business. Then, we visit the 15th-century Thugchen Gompa and a royal palace and explore Amchi School and Amchi museums.
Suppose you have heard of this place before. In that case, you must be sincere of expenses permit, which is mandatory from the Department of Immigration along with Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS). Therefore, many presume it to be a proviso for the wealthy adventurers only. For the several tourists who have had the auspicious chance to visit this place, the $500 permit was worth every penny. If you are planning to explore the Mustang trek, you need to be mentally prepared moneywise.
Upper Mustang, trekking Cost
- Special Upper Mustang trekking permit: The Mustang restricted permit currently costs $500 per individual. This requirement alone makes it not easily accessible to everyone. It is also important to note that this permit is valid for a minimum of 10 days only.
- ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit): In addition to the special permit, you need to obtain the ACAP that costs $25 to 30 per individual. If you wish to reach Upper Mustang, you need this permit valid one-time entry and exit. With several days in the Annapurna areas.
- Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card: This must not have; however, if you want to explore other Annapurna region treks, then you are requested to have the TIMS card that costs $10 to 15 per person.
For Upper Mustang trip cost, there are other expenses you will cover and need to arrange like:
- Cost for porter and guide- roughly between $35 to $40 each per day, including food, accommodation, and insurance.
- Cost of transportation for the Mustang trekking
- Food and beverages cost
- Cost of accommodation and tea houses
- Other miscellaneous expenses such as charging your electronic gadgets, bucket shower, and tips.
Endnote:
It is quite expensive compared to other base camps in Nepal and mainly due to the permits. However, those who have gone before always say you get your money’s worth, and there is a reason behind the government’s costly implementations.
Highlights Of Upper Mustang:
- Unique human civilization at high altitude
- Barren ridges, Deep canyons
- Stupendous wilderness
- Experience the different culture
- Eroded cliffs and Moraine valleys
- Pristine scenes, Snow capped peaks
- Spectacular 16th century monasteries
Check out our Upper Mustang Trek
