Tradition & Culture in Mustang
The people of Upper Mustang call themselves Loba meaning people from Lo. Here, the people herd yaks, raise goats and sheep, and farm buckwheat, barley, wheat and mustard. The harsh climate conditions only allow one crop per year; at most two crops in the lower parts. In general, many people from Mustang leave to lower altitudes during the bitter cold winter months… the frequent migration has caused declining population in Mustang, amongst many other rural parts of Nepal.
In Mustang, people follow Tibetan Buddhism of the Sakya lineage. Although one can find gompas of Gelug and Nmuyingma school too. Sakya followers paint their religious structures like monasteries and stupas n stripes of grey (symbol of protection), white (symbol of compassion) and yellow (symbol of wisdom); a pattern that is repeated throughout the Mustang region, alongside ochre and white chortens and red-walled gompa buildings. The colours used are from the natural pigments from the earth itself found in Mustang.
Accommodation during this trip
During your Upper Mustang Trek you will stay in simple guesthouses along the route and enjoy the comforts of 4 or 5 star hotels in the major cities.
Meals & Drinking Water
Main meals are included in the package. You may want to bring with you some extra energy snacks for during your trek. It is recommended to carry a refillable water bottle to reduce the amount of plastic on the trails. You can fill this up from local water sources that are usually quite clean – to take precautions, consider having a UV steriliser pen or purification tablets.
Transport
All transport will be included in the package, except for international flights. Please discuss with your travel expert at The Trekkers’ Society what kind of transport you prefer to take between Kathmandu and Pokhara and the return.
Best season to travel to Mustang
The best season to travel to Mustang is between May and October. Although this is the rainy season in Nepal, in the higher altitudes like Mustang, the climate is dry and temperatures are bearable. Traveling during the winter months is not possible – not even the locals stay there!
Visa & Mustang Travel Permits
Nepal tourist visa applies. You will also need to apply for a TIMS Card and ACAP.
Please see the travel information section for more information.
To trek inside Mustang you will need a “Restricted Area Permit” which costs US $500 for the first 10 days per person, and US $50 per day after 10 days, per person.
Start planning your trek to Upper Mustang with one of our travel experts at The Trekkers’ Society >> click here (link to inquiry / booking form)
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