The short version: three of the most asked questions, answered in a line each. The rest of the page goes into detail.
- How should I acclimatise before reaching Lo Manthang? Spend a night at Kagbeni or Jomsom and then gain height gradually, with a rest day in Lo Manthang.
- When should I descend from Lo Manthang? If symptoms worsen despite rest and fluids, descend.
- How much water should I drink each day? Aim for at least three litres a day, and limit alcohol on arrival nights.
How should I acclimatise before reaching Lo Manthang?
Spend a night at Kagbeni or Jomsom and then gain height gradually, with a rest day in Lo Manthang. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol on the first night. At about 3,800 m the city is not extreme, but the slower you go, the better you adapt.
When should I descend from Lo Manthang?
If symptoms worsen despite rest and fluids, descend. Lo Manthang is not the highest point on many Mustang itineraries, but remoteness makes caution wise. Tell your guide about headaches, nausea or poor sleep early, rather than waiting until you feel very unwell.
How much water should I drink each day?
Aim for at least three litres a day, and limit alcohol on arrival nights. The air is dry and wind is constant, so you lose fluid without noticing. Carry a bottle on every walk and sip regularly rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.
What helps with nosebleeds and cracked lips?
Dry air can cause nosebleeds, cracked lips and sore throats. Carry moisturiser, nasal saline spray, lip balm and throat lozenges, and drink regularly. A buff over your mouth on windy walks also helps. Mention heavy or persistent nosebleeds to your guide.
What happens if I need to be evacuated?
Jeep or helicopter evacuation is possible but not immediate, because the area is remote. Your insurance should cover it, so check the policy before you travel. Tell your guide early if you feel unwell so that any decision to move down is made in good time.
What should I wear in the walled city?
Dress in layers: a thermal base layer for sleeping, a fleece and down jacket for evenings, a windproof shell for walks, a wool hat and gloves. Add a sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen for midday, and sturdy shoes for rough, dusty lanes.
Does travelling by jeep affect my health?
Driving reduces acclimatisation, so rising quickly by jeep can leave you less adapted when you arrive. Jeep journeys are also bumpy and dusty. Carry a buff, wear layers, and sit towards the front if you tend to feel motion sickness.
