Upper Mustang
Trip Overview
To trek in Upper Mustang is to trek in an ancient land steeped in a colourful history and lengthy tradition. Upper Mustang has been part of Nepal for around 200 years, yet retains a strong cultural influence of Tibet (China), especially given its proximity to the border of Nepal and Tibet (China).
You will see and experience an immersion within the culture of true mountain people, who were for many years not in regular contact with other parts of Nepal. The highest point reached on this trek is around 4,300m, making it a great choice for many reasons, including the altitudes experienced.
Geographically, Upper Mustang is part of the ‘Tibetan plateau’, extending the trekking season in this area to times of the year when it is not possible to trek in other parts of Nepal (due to monsoonal rains).
Until 1950, Mustang was actually a separate kingdom sitting within the boundaries of Nepal. This area was opened to non-Nepali visitors around 25-30 years ago and access to the area remains restricted.
Special permit fee for Upper Mustang: For trekkers venturing to Upper Mustang further north from Kagbeni, it is necessary to obtain a special trekking permit, payable at a daily rate of $US50 per person (rate quoted is the 2018 rate, but is subject to change). This amount is not included in our stated trip costs due to it fluctuating from time to time). Our itinerary contemplates 10 days in the Upper Mustang area which would make the special permit fee $US500 per person.
Tenting option: where the team is 4+ members, a tent option for the trekking portion of the trip is available at an additional cost of $US500 per person.
Why join with Expedition Base?
Our goal is to ensure you have the best trip possible with our highly skilled and knowledgeable trekking guides, with a personable team, and with quality services. We do our best to ensure that your experience is in accordance with or better than your expectations. We want you to go home remembering an adventure of a lifetime with memories you will treasure for life. We have a strong reputation for high quality services and we seek to maintain our reputation with every trip that we do. To help keep our mission strong, we value your feedback at any time. It helps us to be better. When some companies keep you to a strict schedule, when needed and where you have time we work with you to adjust your timing to make your experience better. We are not selling ‘trips’ – we are offering great experiences, cherished memories, and personal challenges for you to value into the future. We provide services that many other companies do not offer – to us, they are a natural part of our service. To others, they can be add-ons at an additional fee, or not available at all. Our food offerings can be adjusted to suit your needs, season and area permitting. We have quality resources and a fun, experienced team. Our gear and equipment is fit for purpose. Our trekking guides are well-trained, experienced in leading trips and look after our clients well. We are pleased to have clients who come with us for their adventures time and again. Let us know what you are looking to experience and we will help to make it happen.
Trip Highlights
- Ancient monasteries, some of the oldest in the Himalayan kingdom
- Tibetan-Buddhist culture
- Luri Gompa
- Unique landscape of the Tibetan plateau
- Tenchi Festival (at certain times of year)
