Emuparadise

The Upper Mustang Trek is an extraordinary adventure. It is one of the most remote and isolated regions in Nepal. It offers spectacular views of mountains, cultivated lands and unique Buddhist monasteries.

This is a moderately difficult trek that requires good physical fitness. To avoid altitude sickness, it is important to follow acclimatization procedures and take anti-altitude medication.

1. Take Altitude Sickness Medication

During this trek, you will experience the unique cultural and religious beliefs of the Tibetan Buddhist inhabitants of Upper Mustang. The region has been isolated from foreign influences for centuries. This has helped preserve their religion, customs, traditions, festivals and way of life.

While trekking, it is important to take precautions against altitude sickness. Make sure you take the proper medication, eat well and stay hydrated. You should also take a first aid kit with you in case of any emergency. Moreover, you should always share any symptoms with your guide or porter. If left untreated, altitude sickness can lead to serious health conditions like HAPE or HACE. These can be fatal. If you observe any of these symptoms, stop ascending and take rest.

2. Plan Your Itinerary

It is recommended that trekkers make a reservation for Upper Mustang Trek well in advance. This is because the region’s accommodations are limited. Additionally, the weather in the area is unpredictable.

The best time to visit the Upper Mustang is during autumn. It is a mild season with moderate temperatures and less rain. It is also recommended to get acclimatized to the high elevation during this period.

In order to prepare for the trek, it is important that trekkers study a map of the region and know its history and culture. They should also be aware of the risks and symptoms of altitude sickness, including severe headache, giddiness, nausea, coughing, and vomiting. They should also bring a first aid medical kit and be hydrated during the hike.

3. Invest in Travel Insurance

If anything unforeseen happens on your Upper Mustang Trek, it is important to have a travel insurance policy. This will cover any medical expenses that may arise due to an accident or other unexpected events. You should also consider getting a policy that covers high altitude treks up to 5,000m/16,404ft.

The Upper Mustang Trek is a moderately challenging trek that requires a good level of strength and stamina. However, it is still considered safe for most trekkers. Moreover, the trail offers incredible views and an opportunity to experience Tibetan culture and heritage. It is also home to several cliff caves and ancient ruins of Buddhist temples and monasteries. In addition, you will get the chance to witness various cultural festivals like Tiji Festival and Yartong in Lo Manthang.

4. Take a Local Guide

As the Upper Mustang trek takes place at high elevations, it is important to hire a guide who has prior experience of trekking in such conditions. This will help you in staying safe from altitude sickness symptoms like severe headache, giddiness, etc.

Upper Mustang is a unique and off-the-beaten-track region of Nepal that has an otherworldly landscape dominated by towering cliffs and deep canyons. It is also home to ancient monasteries and unique Tibetan-influenced culture.

The region is known for its pristine landscape and ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, which offers a captivating glimpse into the country’s rich cultural history. In addition to this, it is also an excellent destination for hiking and soaking up the breathtaking vistas of the Himalayan mountains. It is also famous for its Thakali cuisine and local apple juice and wine.

5. Bring the Right Equipment

A high altitude trek can be challenging for some, especially if you aren’t well prepared. A few simple strategies can help you stave off altitude sickness and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Some of these include acclimatization, drinking lots of water, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. If you do experience symptoms of AMS, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

You should bring warm clothing, a sleeping bag, hiking boots or shoes, and a first aid kit. You should also bring a day pack and rucksack with rain covers. Other equipment you should bring include water bottles (2-3 liters), trekking poles, face masks, sunglasses with UV protection, and sunscreen. You should also bring cash as ATMs and currency exchange facilities are not available in the Upper Mustang region.