Mustang Trek – Get Ready to Explore the Unspoiled Tibetan Culture

Mustang is one of the few places in the Himalayan province that has retained its typical Tibetan culture unspoiled. Mustang (which interprets as “fertile plain”) is the ex Kingdom of Lo & now is a part of Nepal. Majority of the populace of Mustang dwells close to the Kali Gandaki River at approximately 2800 to 3900m above the sea level.

The Kali Gandaki River is the major hydrographic feature of Mustang. The river flows southward towards Nepal Terai, intersecting Mustang. Paths paralleling the river once catered as a premier trading route amid India and Tibet, particularly for salt. Parts of the river gorge in the south of Mustang, forms by some measures the deepest valley in the globe.

Climate In Mustang:

Mustang is mostly dry and & with annual rainfall in the range of 250-400 mm) because of its position in the rain shadow of the Annapurna massif & the Dhaulagiri Range towards the south.

Best season for Mustang Nepal trekking:

From April-November are the most suitable months to hike Upper. Well, Upper is a rain-shadow region, hence, you can trek in this region of Nepal even during the monsoon month (mid-June-mid-Sept), whereas during monsoon, Everest base camp, Annapurna base camp, Upper dolpo trekking, and Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking isn't recommended.

Acute Mountain Sickness:

A good Upper Mustang trek itinerary should be planned keeping AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) in mind. Moving too fast can cause a medical condition that's serious enough to take life. The higher the altitude the less oxygen there will be in the air. Crossing tiny passes aren't that demanding & Upper hike does not demand additional acclimatization day but slow & steady ascent is essential for bit-by-bit acclimatization process in the thin air. Thus your itinerary should be planned smartly allowing adequate time for steady acclimatization. People with heart or lung disease should consult their doctor prior to taking on the trek. Fever, mild headaches, stomach disorder or loss of appetite are the typical symptoms of AMS.

Upper Mustang Trek takes trekkers through a voyage of barren moonscape of scoured sandstone pillars & intermittent moraine patios. Thousand years old monastery, the city wall & the 4 storey palace in Lomanthang, caves, local tribes & exciting views of mountains such as Nilgiri, Annapurna & Dhawalagiri makes the trip to Upper more enticing. .

Upper Mustang Trek was closed for outsiders till 1991 as the government didn't wish this area to be influenced by western culture. Nonetheless, after 1991 Upper Mustang Trek has been opened & since then it has made itself as one of the most popular hiking routes in Western Nepal.