Upper Mustang Overland Adventure

FAQs of Upper Mustang Overland Adventure

• Why is Upper Mustang a Restricted Area in Nepal for outside visitors?

  For many good reasons Upper Mustang district declared as Restricted Areas in Nepal, since it was opened for outside visitors. From 1991 the Upper Mustang flung its door open allowing visitors to explore its beautiful country. As well the rich old cultures of old Buddhism heritage similar to Tibetans just across the border. The main cause is due to its close border between Nepal and Tibet / China, and the other reasons. Is to protect the country pristine environment as it were for hundreds of centuries. Limiting the mass flow of visitors and making Upper Mustang a special and unique place around the Himalayas.

• What types of vehicle do we use on Upper Mustang Overland Adventure?

  Depending upon the size of a group and trip cost as per the itinerary, normally taking a drive on jeeps, land cruiser or similar. From Beni and Pokhara onwards the mountain roads are rough on dirt tracks. The best for this types of terrains are a four-wheels drive for comfortable and best ride to enjoy the journey.

• On this trip is there facilities of electricity and internets / WI-FI?

  All villages in Mustang have electricity, either powered by hydro or solar energy. Trekkers have facilities to charge their electronic devices and enjoy internet, Wi-Fi, and phone communication. However, in small places like Ghami and Chusang, the internet and Wi-Fi connections are slow and unreliable due to weather conditions and altitude. The landscape, including deep gorges and valleys, also affects connectivity. Travelers may need to wait until they reach areas with better communication, such as Kagbeni, Jomsom, and back in Pokhara.

• How are the lodge accommodation and foods in this trek?

  From Kagbeni village onwards, the accommodation meets tourist standards, but most places in Upper Mustang have common baths and toilets due to the harsh and cold climate, especially in the morning, evening, and night. All lodge restaurants offer continental, Chinese, Indian, Nepali, or Tibetan foods served in a nice, warm dining room.

• What documents do we need, and how long does it take to complete this trek?

  For this trek, we need your original passport, visa copy, passport-sized photo, guide, guide insurance, and a registered government license holder company. Additionally, special permits and ACAP permits require these documents.

• How much does the trip cost?

  The cost will vary depending on your time and budget, ranging from $2000 up to $10,000.

• How much does the permit cost, and how many people are allowed to go in a single group?

  The Upper Mustang permit costs $500 for 10 days, plus an additional $30. A group size ranging from 2 to 50 people can travel together, and the permit is issued for only 15 days. There is an additional daily fee of $100 per person.

• Can solo trekkers visit there, and how can they obtain a permit? How much does the permit cost?

  Normally, solo trekkers are not allowed to go to Upper Mustang. The process involves a government-licensed trekking guide and agency proposing to the government, taking all the necessary risks. To comply with government regulations, a two-person permit is purchased, which means paying double the permit price. Only then can one visit Mustang.

• What transportation is used to transfer from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Jomsom?

  Depending on the budget, we can choose between overland and flight options. In our package, we include air travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara and Jomsom for a roundtrip. we used our luxury jeep during the round trip.

• Which is the best time to go on an Upper Mustang tour and trek?

  During the summer in Upper Mustang, the landscape is at its best with vibrant greenery. While other parts of Nepal experience heavy rainfall below 3000m during the summer, Mustang receives less rain due to its mountain desert terrain.

• Why is the Upper Mustang trek permit expensive, and why do we need to go through an agency?

  Any restricted area in Nepal, such as Kanchenjunga, Tsum Valley, Manaslu, Nar Phu, Upper Dolpo, and Limi Valley, is designated by the government. These areas are located at the borders of two or three countries, such as India, Tibet, and Nepal. Foreigners were allowed to visit Upper Mustang from 1990 to 2007, and during that time, the permit cost for 10 days was $700, and a government officer needed to accompany the group. However, nowadays, we don't need a government officer; we only need to buy the permit through the agency. The current permit cost is $500 due to the region's designation as a forbidden kingdom and restricted area, making the permit relatively expensive. The strict regulations are in place because of security concerns, leading to the establishment of the region as a restricted area.

• How many kilometers is the distance from Kathmandu to Lo-Manthang to Kathmandu?

  The distance from Kathmandu to Lo-Manthang is approximately 350 kilometers. The journey involves a combination of road and trekking routes, taking around 17 hours by road from Kathmandu.

• Where is the location of the Upper Mustang trek?

  It is located in the northern part of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna massif in Mustang, near the Tibetan border.

• How many famous caves and monasteries are there in Upper Mustang?

  Some famous caves including Chumshi Cave, Luri Cave, and Choser Cave, and monasteries like Le-Ghar Gompa, Charang Gompa, Ghami Gumba, Giling Gumba, Lo-Manthang Gumba, Choser Gumba, and Lori Gompa are included in this adventure.

• How old are all the caves and monasteries in Upper Mustang?

  All the monasteries and caves, such as Choser Cave and Luri Gompa, are 600 years old.

• Why is Lo-Manthang called the old city and Himalayan medical hub center?

  The Forbidden Kingdom in Nepal has a capital city in Lo-Manthang, and it is also 600 years old. It serves as a mountain medical hub center, offering access to Ayurvedic and homeopathic treatments.

• How far is it from Lo Manthang to the Koro-La border?

  From Lo-Manthang, the capital city of the forbidden kingdom, the Koro-La border is 15 km away.

• How famous is Damodar Kunda and why?

  Damodar Kunda is revered in both the Bon religious and Hindu and Buddhist traditions. It holds great significance as the main source of Shaligram (fossil) stones and is considered a sacred lake.

• How high is Damodar Kunda lake, and what is the meaning of Kali Gandaki River?

  Damodar Kunda is situated at an elevation of 5400m above sea level. According to Shiva Purana, the Kali Gandaki river is considered the primary source of Damodar Kunda. This river holds immense significance in Hindu religious beliefs, and it is renowned as the sole location in the world where Shaligram (fossil) stones are found.

• Why is Mustang called the forbidden kingdom, and why is the king still important there?

  Mustang is a less explored Himalayan region, thus earning its title as a forbidden kingdom. According to Buddhist culture and local traditions, people hold great respect for the king, who actively engages and collaborates with the community to address and solve various issues.

• What is the meaning of Zong (wall of mud and stone), and how important and how old is it?

  It is a historical aspect of the forbidden kingdom where everywhere we can see walls of houses that depend on the King's old Palace, dating back around 400 to 500 years. It is crucial for research, providing insights into how people lived long ago, serving as a valuable research tool.

• What is the meaning of Lo-Manthang, and how big is it?

  The words "Min" and "Thang" combine to form "Lo-Manthang," and according to local people, it means an Ayurvedic hub. It is neither too big nor too small, comprising around 200 houses in this village.

• Is this a famous tour and trekking route in Nepal?

  Yes, it is very famous for the tour and trekking, attracting different people to experience various landscapes, mountains, high mountain valleys, and typical mud house villages.

• Do you still have an active king there, and do you know the name of the last king of Mustang?

  No, there is no longer an active king in Mustang. The last king of Mustang was Jigme Dorje Palbar Bista. The monarchy in Mustang officially ended in 2008 when Nepal became a federal democratic republic.

• What types of culture do the Mustang people follow?

  Mustang people are typical Thakali and Gurung individuals who follow Tibetan Buddhism and culture.

• Is it possible to reach every village by driving transportation?

  In Upper Mustang, during the winter and spring when the weather is fine, we can visit all those areas.

• How famous is the Tiji festival in Upper Mustang, and during which time do people celebrate it?

  Tiji is one of the important festivals in Upper Mustang, celebrated on May 5, 6, and 7 in 2024.

• What is the lifestyle of the people in Upper Mustang?

  The lifestyle in Upper Mustang is characterized by engaging in agriculture and animal husbandry for sustenance. Thirty years ago, the marriage system involved multiple brothers sharing one wife within a family. However, this particular marriage system is no longer prevalent in the present day.

• How long has it been remote area, and how much has it changed in the last 40 years?

  For forty years, Upper Mustang was an extremely remote area, earning it the designation of a forbidden kingdom. Travelers seeking to reach Pokhara and Kathmandu had to embark on a month-long roundtrip journey. In the present day, accessibility to Mustang has significantly improved. A helicopter ride takes approximately one and a half hours, while a bus journey from Kathmandu to Mustang lasts around seventeen hours. The ease of reaching Mustang now depends on individuals' time constraints, budget considerations, and personal interests.

• What views can we see during the tour and trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu?

  When we embark on the trip from Kathmandu, whether by land or by flight, the journey offers stunning views. The panoramic sights include the cityscape of Kathmandu, prominent Himalayan peaks such as Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, the entire Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak, Thorang Peak, Damodar Peak, Saribung Peak, Bhrikuti Peak, Dhampus Peak, Tukuche Peak, Yakungkhang Range, the Kaligandaki Valley, and the picturesque landscape of Pokhara. The route also takes us through mountainous desert landscapes, creating a captivating visual experience.

• Why is Upper Mustang called a mountain desert place, and why do people refer to it as mini Tibet?

  In Upper Mustang, we refer to it in Nepali as a mountain district characterized by the absence of a tree line and the presence of only bushy trees. The region resembles a desert due to the lack of irrigation and minimal rainfall. The culture, language, landscape, and proximity to the Tibetan border are reminiscent of Tibetan characteristics. Around 700 years ago, Guru Padmasambhava meditated in this region. During his time, people inhabited caves, and when Padmasambhava arrived, he vanquished demons through Tantric Buddhism. Following this, people started living outside the caves and established a city. This historical background, combined with its geographical and cultural similarities to Tibet, earned Upper Mustang the nickname "mini Tibet."

• Is horse riding tour famous in Mustang, and what is the best time to do it?

  In Mustang, ten years ago, horse riding tours were very popular. Nowadays, with the availability and affordability of jeeps, horse riding tours are not as popular. However, if people still wish to experience horse riding, they can do so in the areas around Lo-Manthang, Charang, and Ghar Gompa. This has become a local transport option in the last ten years. For horse riding tours in Mustang, it is recommended to do them in April during spring or in September and October during autumn.

• Why are "chhorten and stupa" so different in Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo?

  This is a traditional and typical chorten in Nepal. In modern regions of Nepal, chortens are modified using different materials and colors. However, the old chortens in Mustang and Upper Dolpo still adhere to the traditional style and are not allowed to be modernized due to their location in restricted areas and their status as symbols of the forbidden kingdom.

• What is the meaning of Luri cave and Luri gompa, and Li-Ghar gompa?

  **Luri Cave and Luri Gompa:** Luri Cave, an ancient cave complex in Upper Mustang, exhibits exquisite Tibetan Buddhist murals dating back to the 15th century. Luri Gompa, an adjacent monastery, complements the cave's spiritual significance. **Li-Ghar Gompa:** Li-Ghar Gompa, nestled in Mustang, serves as a Buddhist monastery with traditional Tibetan architecture. Beyond religious functions, it fosters community gatherings, cultural events, and plays a crucial role in preserving Mustang's unique heritage.

• Is it possible to do a helicopter tour in Lo-Manthang and Damodar Kunda?

  Yes, it is possible. If we want to visit those places, we have to follow the government rules and buy a 10-day permit for a one-hour visit. If yes, you can do it.

• What types of birds and animals can we see during the tour and trek, and why are animals small in size?

  During the Upper Mustang tour and trek, you may encounter various birds like Tibetan Snowcock and animals such as wild yaks, donkeys, and domestic livestock. The harsh Himalayan environment influences animals to adapt with smaller body sizes, conserving energy and enhancing survival in the challenging terrain. These adaptations facilitate their efficient navigation through the rugged landscapes of Mustang.

• What is the tipping rule for the driver, porter, and guide?

  From your full package, ten percent is deducted to tip the trekking members.

• Can we have a historical guide in Lo-Manthang?

  Yes, normally we hire a tour guide for Lo-Manthang. Lo-Manthang does not have many tour guides; only one or two guides are available. If we don't get a guide, we have to follow the monk.

• How many world heritage sites are there in Kathmandu?

  There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu, Nepal:

• What are the possibilities in emergency cases?

  In case of emergency, you will receive a helicopter rescue, or you will be transported to a major city by land ambulance for your recovery.

• Why or How RP Adventures is different than others?

  RP Adventures offers an exclusive and high-end trekking experience with its expensive packages. The allure lies in the luxurious accommodations, highly qualified and experienced guides with excellent educational and medical training, ensuring a safe and enriching journey. Private ground transportation adds to the comfort, while the option of helicopter sharing for aerial transport, especially in remote areas, enhances the adventure. The commitment to quality services and safety justifies the elevated cost, providing clients with a truly premium and unforgettable trekking and tour experience.

• Do you have an another package (budget) as well?

  Yes, we offer budget packages for trekking that allow you to choose your own meals. While the trekking routes and permits remain the same, the level of service, including accommodations, food, and guide/porters, varies based on your budget. You can opt for accommodation ranging from 2-star to 5-star hotels, providing flexibility and affordability for your trekking adventure.