Aftermath of devastating earthquakes, Upper Mustang suffered minimal effects. It is located on the northwest of the epicenter. Damage level was high on the eastern part of the epicenter. Despite of unmaintained few monasteries and houses, rest monuments of Upper Mustang are safe. Monasteries are still standing with a few cracks over the wall. Meanwhile, damage of the Mustang had already assessed and a report is forwarded to concerned authorities. Weak heritage monuments should be repaired as earliest as possible.
Unlike other mainstream trek, especially Manaslu and Langtang, Upper Mustang are ok for post earthquake trekking. Being in the rain shadow of Mount Annapurna and Mount Dhaulagiri, areas perceive a rare rainfall. A chance of a landslide is comparatively lower. Trail in between Beni and Jomsom is somehow prone to landslide in some sections. Jomsom airport is functional and operating properly. Trail onward from Jomsom to Lo Manthang is safe. The best way to travel Upper Mustang now is on the semi organized way. It is safe to go for teahouse trekking as well. But for cent percent safety, we recommend carrying an extra tent and insulated mattress. It is safer. Food is not a problem. Nepal Immigration is planning to implement lower permit fee structure after earthquake.
It can be a golden opportunity for backpackers for trekking upper mustang. USD 400 might be reduced cost per person for permission. Take a short flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, and then trek to the medieval village of Kagbeni. Temple of Muktinath remains intact, which is located on the east of Kagbeni. Remember Upper Mustang is renowned for its scenic landscape as well. Culturally, it suffered a little from a devastating earthquake, and naturally it is intact. Broadly, Annapurna is ok for trekking and many people are on post earthquake trek in Annapurna Region. Ghorepani, Poonhill, Annapurna Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit people are trekking there. Upper Mustang is safer because of its flat valley and average elevation. Trail to Jomsom was blocked by landslide for a day or two. The excavator is now standby to remove the rubble of landslide, twenty-four seven. Supply of necessary goods is uninterrupted with properly functioning motor road. Trekkers are still being welcomed in Upper Mustang. Choose your itinerary and go for your adventure. This is now a safe and good alternative of mainstream treks like Everest Base Camp. You can do it under budget now, even cheaper than Everest if you take a drive from Pokhara to Jomsom. All you need is two trekkers, a guide, porter (optional) and permit. Shortest possible time frame for the trek is fourteen days, Kathmandu to Kathmandu. Apart from that you have to allocate a day prior to your trek departure in Kathmandu for obtaining permits. Tightly sixteen or seventeen day’s holiday is good for trekking, Upper Mustang, The Last Forbidden Kingdom of Lo.
We are going to collect post earthquake upper mustang trek information on 25th of July. Also fixed departure trip date for Tiji Festival 2016 will be published soon.
Update August 6th: Post Earthquake Road Trip to Upper Mustang.