The Upper Mustang trek is the ultimate holiday destination to explore the mysterious kingdom of Mustang, also known as Lo.
The Upper Mustang Trek is the perfect combination of culture and trekking in the middle of barren nature. You can embrace the Himalayas of Nepal and immerse in the beauty of the Mustang during your hiking journey.
You experience the variation of landscape, nature, and culture throughout your trekking expedition. The trail passes through the Himalayan desert, caves, small villages, and rain shadow area, a completely desolated landscape, surrounded by rocks in all kinds of colors and shapes.
Why is Upper Mustang called “The Forbidden Kingdom”?
The Upper Mustang region of Nepal used to be a restricted trekking zone till 1992 AD. Earlier, foreigners were not allowed to enter this place. Hence, the Upper Mustang is also known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom”. Nowadays, tourists can visit the area with Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and Restricted Area Permit permits.
The area is still lesser known among tourists and is mostly isolated. The culture and traditions of Upper Mustang are rich and very similar to Tibetan Culture.
Our Walk-Through Nepal guide aims to deliver a comprehensive look into the necessary information and details required to complete the Upper Mustang Trek.
Overview of Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek is perfect for exploring the isolated and culturally rich part of Nepal that allows you to experience the ancient traditions and stunning landscapes of the Mustang region. This trek offers a rare glimpse into Tibetan-Buddhist culture and should be on your bucket list if you are a trekking enthusiast or a cultural explorer.
- Area: Mustang
- Duration: 7-20 Days
- Starting Point: Jomsom
- Max Elevation: 4010 m
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, and Restricted Area Permit
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
- Scenery: Barren Cliffs, Deep Gorges, unique rock formations, beautiful villages, ancient monasteries, view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Highlights of Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek is full of features that make it a unique and memorable adventure. Here are the main highlights of trekking in this remote region of Nepal:
- Local Nepal, Tibetan, and Newari cuisine.
- Explore the Jhong Cave and Chhungsi Cave.
- View of the Himalayas under the rain shadow area.
- Witness the Kaki Gandali Valley and the deepest gorge in the world.
- Visit Kagbeni village, that is one of the beautiful and remote villages of Nepal.
- Visit the Kingdom of Lo Manthang and centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries.
- Witness the landscapes of the Mustang region, including rugged canyons, bare deserts, and tallest mountain peaks.
Upper Mustang Trek 13 Days Itinerary
A 13-day itinerary for the Upper Mustang Trek allows a moderately paced journey throughout the Upper Mustang of Nepal. Here’s our suggested itinerary:
| Day 1 | Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara |
| Day 2 | Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom, Trek to Kagbeni |
| Day 3 | Trek from Kagbeni to Chele |
| Day 4 | Trek from Chele to Zhaite |
| Day 5 | Trek from Zhaite to Charang via Dhakmnar and Lo Gekar |
| Day 6 | Trek from Charang to Lo Manthang (explore the town) |
| Day 7 | Lo Mangthang (rest and exploration day) |
| Day 8 | Stay in Lo Manthang |
| Day 9 | Trek from Lo Manthang to Dhakmar |
| Day 10 | Trek from Dhakmar to Geling |
| Day 11 | Trek from Geling to Chuksang |
| Day 12 | Trek from Chuksang to Jomsom |
| Day 13 | Flight from Jomsom to Pokhara and to Kathmandu |
Lo Mangthang: The Walled City
Lo Manthang is the capital of Upper Mustang Nepal. It is surrounded by a 6-meter-tall earthen wall that consists of a unique, remote, and unmatched town. There are ancient monasteries, a royal palace, a monastic museum, and a settlement inside the wall.
The inhabitants of Lo Manthang are influenced culturally and ethnically by Western and Central Tibet. Many Tibetan Buddhist and ancient festivals, rituals, and ceremonies are performed to this day.
On our 13-day itinerary, we have dedicated two days just to explore this Forbidden and Walled Kingdom of Upper Mustang.
Tiji Festival
The biggest and auspicious festival of the Upper Mustang region of Nepal is the Tiji Festival. That takes place in Lo Manthang town during the month of May following the Tibetan lunar calendar. Tiji is celebrated for three days where monks chant prayers and dance in vibrant and beautiful dresses.
Tiji is believed to have been started in the 14th century to mark the victory of truth and good deeds over evil. Therefore, people celebrate the festival with dances and happy faces. Participating in the Upper Mustang trek during the Tiji Festival is the best chance to understand the rituals and traditions of Tibetan-influenced Nepali festivals.
Final Say
The Upper Mustang Trek is all about experiencing the hidden world of the ancient Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, Nepal. The area is very isolated and remote therefore culture and tradition are protected very well and is known as the last bastion of traditional Tibetan culture. Upper Mustang is difficult to access therefore, it is far from mass tourism. Trekking the Upper Mustang is one of the life-changing experiences, due to the long, rich, and complex history of the Himalayas of Nepal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is the difficulty level of Upper Mustang Trek?
The difficulty of Upper Mustang Trek is moderate, but the individual should have a good fitness level and overall good health. As the trek is at a high altitude, it is ideal to prepare prior to the actual trek by hiking, walking, and performing cardio exercises.
Can I solo trek to Upper Mustang as a tourist?
No, you cannot trek solo in Upper Mustang as a tourist, to enter the area you must be with your certified guide and a porter. As an international tourist, it is mandatory to trek with a tourist guide on most of the trekking trails of Nepal, including the Upper Mustang Trek.
Will I suffer from Altitude Sickness on Upper Mustang Trek?
Trekking at an elevation of 3,000m and high may cause a slight amount of discomfort due to the effects of altitude on your body. Therefore, enough acclimatization and consumption of healthy food and a surplus amount of water is essential.
What type of Accommodation is available while Trekking in the Upper Mustang?
You can expect local teahouses along the trek, the accommodation is basic but perfect to rest for further journey. These teahouses provide comfortable beds and healthy meals.
What is Lo Manthang famous for?
Lo Manthang is the capital of the Upper Mustang Region, the town is earthen walled which makes the area undisturbed by the outer world. Inside the walls, you can find the Royal Palace, Jampa Gompa, Thubchen Gompa, Chodey Gompa, and a small settlement. Lo Manthang is also famous for the vibrant Tiji Festival.
