Upper Mustang Trek In Drive Out

The terrain features a mix of forested paths, rocky trails, and glacial sections, reaching a maximum altitude of 5,545m. While no technical climbing is involved, our government-registered guides ensure a safe, paced ascent with built-in acclimatization days. If you are moderately fit and follow our guide's expertise, you will do just fine.

Your safety is our absolute priority, and our Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified guides are trained to recognize and manage altitude symptoms immediately. Depending on the severity, we will arrange for rest, a safe descent to a lower elevation, or coordinate emergency helicopter evacuation through our 24/7 Kathmandu support team.

On average, you can expect to trek between 5 to 8 hours per day. This may vary based on the itinerary, terrain, and your pace. The trek is designed with acclimatization in mind, allowing for gradual altitude gain and rest days when needed. However some days especially descending down are long and sometimes can take up 10-11 hrs.

While this trek is suitable for most healthy individuals with moderate fitness, some prior experience with hiking or cardiovascular endurance is highly recommended. Daily walking over varying terrain requires stamina, leg strength, and mental preparedness. Consistent pre-trek training—walking, jogging, or stair climbing—will significantly enhance your experience.

It’s advisable to consult your doctor regarding preventive medication such as Diamox (Acetazolamide). While not mandatory, it can aid acclimatization for some individuals. 

Diamox (acetazolamide) is widely used to help prevent symptoms of altitude sickness during high-altitude trekking. It works by speeding up the body's natural acclimatization process. Health experts, including those in wilderness and mountaineering medicine, recommend its use in certain cases.

When should I consider taking Diamox?

• If you are ascending rapidly to elevations above 2,500 meters (8,200 ft).
• If you have experienced altitude sickness before.
• If you're unable to follow a gradual ascent schedule due to time limitations.

What is the recommended dosage?

• For prevention: 125 mg twice a day (every 12 hours), starting 1–2 days before the ascent and continuing for 2 days after reaching your highest sleeping altitude.

For treatment of mild symptoms: 250 mg twice a day can be used, but rest or descent is still the primary solution.

Are there side effects?

Some people may experience:

• Tingling in fingers or toes.
• Increased urination.
• Mild nausea or dizziness.
• Changes in taste, especially with carbonated drinks.

These side effects are usually harmless and go away on their own.

Important Notes:

• Diamox is not a substitute for proper acclimatization. A slow and steady ascent, rest days, and listening to your body remain the most effective ways to prevent altitude sickness.
• Consult your doctor before using Diamox, especially if you have sulfa allergies or other medical conditions.
• Stay well-hydrated, as Diamox can increase fluid loss through urination.

Nevertheless we prioritize natural acclimatization and build rest days into the itinerary accordingly.

A personal medical kit is essential. We recommend including:

• Altitude sickness tablets (if advised), Anti-diarrheal medication, Painkillers, paracetamol or ibuprofen), Anti allergy, Blister plasters, Rehydration salts.

Any personal prescription medication
Your guide will carry a group first-aid kit for emergencies including emergency oxy cans.

You’ll carry a small daypack (20–30L) with essentials like water, snacks, a jacket, and camera. Your main gear will go into a duffel bag or large backpack (60–80L), carried by our porters. Please limit the porter load to a maximum of 10-12 kg per person.

First we truly believe with our proper guidance you will be able to complete the trip and thats what we call our success. If you choose to end your trek early due to your own personel reason or laziness, on your request our team will arrange your safe return to a lower altitude or back to Kathmandu, depending on your preference and condition. however in this case you will not be eligible for refund or any optional side trip.  Any changes in logistics will be managed with your comfort and safety in mind, though additional costs may apply. 

You will stay in locally operated teahouses offering twin-shared rooms with basic bedding, while meals typically include warm, fresh Nepali staples like dal bhat, pasta, and soups. Boiled drinking water is available at teahouses for a small fee, and we highly recommend bringing purification tablets or filters for added safety.

Hot showers (gas/solar) are available at teahouses for an additional fee, the price ranges from 200 - 700 rs based on the elevation and remoteness. However, due to high altitude and limited facilities, we suggest limiting showers. Laundry services are rare on the trail, so plan to bring enough clothing or quick-dry items for the duration of the trek. You can do self laundry, but please calculate the time required for drying.

Basic electricity (solar/ community hydro/government) is available in most teahouses, for charging devices it will be available often at an extra cost. Wi-Fi is sporadic and unreliable, especially at higher altitudes.

Mobile network coverage exists in lower sections of the trek, but it becomes limited as you gain elevation. In general Nepal has 2 major telecom companies that provide the network services, which are known as “Namaste” or Nepal telecom a govt company and “Ncell” which is a private company. Nepal telecom generals have broader network coverage especially in the rural area.

Tipping is customary in Nepal and greatly appreciated. While it’s discretionary, a general minimum guideline is:

• Guide: USD 15 per day.
• Porter: USD 10 per day.

Tips are typically given at the end of the trek in a group ceremony as a gesture of gratitude. 

As of now, the visa fees are:

• 15 days – USD 30.
• 30 days – USD 50.
• 90 days – USD 125

Fees must be paid in cash (USD) upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or border entry points.

Nepal Visa Cost - Department of Immigration