Upper Mustang Trekking Packing List – What to Pack for the Tiji Festival Trek

How to Pack for Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang sits at altitude (Lo Manthang is 3,840m), operates in a rain-shadow desert climate, and is exposed to some of the strongest wind in the Himalayan region. The temperature range on a single day can swing from 20°C at midday in a sheltered valley to well below freezing at night. The wind is the variable most trekkers underestimate: strong gusts in the Mustang valley can make even mild temperatures feel brutal.

The packing philosophy for this trek is layering and synthetic materials. Cotton kills at altitude – it loses insulating value when wet and dries slowly. Every layer should be wool, fleece, or synthetic. Keep your total pack weight under 10–12kg; your porter carries the rest in the duffle bag we provide.

Below is a category-by-category packing list for the Upper Mustang Tiji Festival Trek. The "camping" section at the end applies if you've booked a camping upgrade; most trekkers use tea house accommodation and don't need those items.

Head, Face, and Eyes

• Sun hat or wide-brim trekking hat – Mustang is high, dry, and sunny. UV is intense. A brim that covers your ears and the back of your neck is useful. Some trekkers drape a bandana under a baseball cap for the same effect.
• Warm wool or synthetic hat covering your ears – essential for mornings and evenings at altitude.
• Balaclava – lightweight synthetic version. Useful in wind and on cold mornings.
• Glacier sunglasses with 100% UV protection and side shields (Julbo, Cebe, or equivalent). Standard sunglasses are not sufficient at 3,800m. The thinner atmosphere at altitude significantly increases UV intensity; without proper protection, snow blindness is a real risk. If you wear prescription glasses, consult your optician about prescription glacier lenses with UV protection.
• Headlamp with spare lithium batteries (Black Diamond, Petzl). Lithium batteries maintain performance in cold temperatures; standard alkaline batteries lose charge rapidly. Essential for early mornings, evening reading, and navigating guesthouses at night.
• Neck warmer / gaiter – optional but useful in wind.

Hands

• Liner gloves – thin wool or synthetic. Useful alone on mild days or as a base layer under warmer gloves.
• Warm mid-layer gloves – heavier fleece or wool.
• Waterproof shell gloves or mitts – Gore-Tex is ideal. Upper Mustang is mostly dry but wind combined with cold makes waterproof outer shells important even without rain.

Upper Body (Core)

• Moisture-wicking base layer tops (2) – merino wool or synthetic. No cotton.
• Light synthetic or fleece mid-layer top – for warmth at altitude.
• Expedition-weight thermal top – for cold nights and high passes.
• Fleece jacket or pullover.
• Windproof / waterproof shell jacket – breathable fabric (Gore-Tex or equivalent). Doubles as windbreaker and rain shell. Wind is the main weather challenge in Mustang, not rain.
• Down or synthetic insulated jacket – for evenings in guesthouses and cold mornings.
• Sports bras (2) – synthetic, no cotton.

Lower Body (Legs)

• Trekking trousers (2 pairs) – synthetic, quick-drying. Zip-off convertible style (converts to shorts) is practical for changing temperatures throughout the day.
• Lightweight thermal base layer bottoms (2 pairs) – capilene or equivalent synthetic.
• Underwear (4 pairs) – synthetic, no cotton.
• Casual trousers for Kathmandu and rest days – lightweight cotton or linen is fine for lower elevations.
• Waterproof shell trousers – useful in wind and the rare rain. Should zip from both top and bottom so you can put them on over boots without removing footwear.
• Nylon hiking shorts (2 pairs) – quick-drying. For warm midday sections.
• All clothing should be kept in waterproof stuff sacks or heavy-duty zip-lock bags inside your main pack.

Feet and Footwear

• Waterproof trekking boots (1 pair) – light to medium weight, ankle support, well broken-in before departure. New boots cause blisters. Wear them on at least 3–4 long walks before the trek.
• Light trail shoes or sneakers (1 pair) – for guesthouses, rest days in villages, and Kathmandu.
• Flip-flops or sandals – for guesthouse use and washing days.
• Heavy-weight trekking socks (3 pairs) – wool or synthetic blend.
• Liner socks (4 pairs) – thin synthetic. Worn under heavier socks to reduce friction and blisters.
• Light-weight socks (1 pair) – for the warmer lower sections of the trail.
• Gaiters (optional) – useful for keeping dust and gravel out of boots on the dry Mustang tracks, and occasionally for crossing shallow streams.

Trekking Gear

• Day pack (25–35 litres) – for what you carry each walking day. Your porter carries the main duffle.
• Trekking poles (pair) – highly recommended. Reduces knee stress on descents and helps on loose scree sections. Collapsible poles pack easily.
• Water bottles (2 x 1 litre) or a 2-litre hydration bladder. At altitude you need to drink 3–4 litres per day.
• Water purification – iodine tablets or a SteriPen. Tap water and stream water in Upper Mustang are not reliably safe to drink without treatment.
• Sleeping bag liner – adds warmth in guesthouses and keeps the blankets cleaner. A lightweight silk or synthetic liner is sufficient.
• Quick-dry towel – guesthouses in Upper Mustang do not provide towels.
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+) – reapply frequently. Reflected UV off the light-coloured rock of Upper Mustang is significant.
• Lip balm with SPF protection – lips crack quickly at altitude and in dry wind.
• Personal first aid kit – blister supplies (moleskin, second skin), pain relief, antacids, electrolyte sachets, antiseptic wipes. We carry a comprehensive team first aid kit, but personal supplies are useful.
• Altitude medication – discuss Diamox (acetazolamide) with your doctor before departure if you have a history of altitude sickness or are concerned about AMS. Do not start Diamox for the first time on the trek without medical guidance.
• Wet wipes – showers are available at guesthouses but can be cold and infrequent. Wet wipes are the practical solution on the trail.
• Reusable bag for laundry and dirty gear – keep it separate from clean items.

Documents and Money

• Passport – must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
• Nepal visa – obtain online at nepalimmigration.gov.np or on arrival at Kathmandu airport.
• Travel insurance documents – physical and digital copies. Must cover high-altitude helicopter evacuation. Share emergency contact numbers with our team.
• USD cash – ATMs are available in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Jomsom, but not in Upper Mustang. Bring sufficient cash for the duration of your time north of Kagbeni.
• Emergency cash reserve – keep some separately from your main wallet.

Electronics

• Camera and spare batteries – cold temperatures drain batteries faster. Keep spares warm in a jacket pocket.
• Universal plug adapter – Nepal uses Type C, D, and M sockets. Guesthouses in Upper Mustang often have limited or solar-powered charging; bring a power bank.
• Power bank – charging access in remote Upper Mustang guesthouses is limited and sometimes charged per use.
• SIM card / mobile data – NTC and Ncell both have coverage in Jomsom and limited coverage at some points in Upper Mustang. Lo Manthang has basic connectivity. Don't rely on phone calls in the field.

For the Festival in Lo Manthang

When attending the Tiji Festival, you're standing in an open square for 3–4 hours at a time. The temperature and wind at Lo Manthang in May can be brutal, even when the sky is clear. Bring your warmest layer regardless of the forecast and be ready to put it on. Good stable footwear matters for standing on uneven stone paving. Bring your camera, but be thoughtful about how you use it – you're a guest at a religious ceremony.