Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

“Mustang is one of the few places in the Himalayan region that has retained its traditional Tibetan culture unmolested…
Authentic Tibetan culture now survives only in exile and a few places like Mustang, which have had long historical and cultural ties with Tibet.” -The Dalai Lama.
Upper Mustang is a rural and isolated region in the north-central part of Nepal. It was once an independent kingdom ruled by the Lo dynasty, also known as the kingdom of Lo. Upper Mustang was opened for tourism in 1992, and it has since become a popular destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts.
Upper Mustang is characterized by its rugged landscapes, barren mountains, and deep gorges. The region is rich in Buddhist culture and history and has numerous ancient monasteries, chortens, and mani walls. The region’s main attraction is the walled city of Lo Manthang, the capital of the Kingdom of Lo and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Special Permit
Travelling in the Upper Mustang requires a special permit, as the region is restricted. The permit is expensive (USD 500 per person for 10 days) and can only be obtained through a registered trekking agency.
When to travel?
The best time to travel to Upper Mustang is from March to November, as the region experiences harsh winter conditions and heavy snowfall during the winter months.
Overall, Upper Mustang is a unique destination that offers a glimpse into an ancient and isolated culture, and it’s a must-visit place for those who love adventure and want to explore the remote corners of Nepal.
Driving vs trekking
Don’t you have enough time to hike to Upper Mustang? Or would you love driving rather than hiking? As an alternative option to hiking, we have designed a jeep driving tour to Mustang. Explore nature, culture and adventure in a mini Tibet “Lo-Manthang”.
Your holiday with NepalHiking
Enjoy our 15-day Upper Mustang trek with our supper-friendly guides and support team. Per our Upper Mustang Trek itinerary, Day 01 will be your arrival day in Kathmandu, and Day 15 will be your departure day after the end of the Upper Mustang Trek. During your stay in Kathmandu, we will provide you with a room at the newly built “Kathmandu Suite Home“. And during the trek, we will provide you accommodation with guesthouses owned by locals.
All travel logistics, including a special trek permit for the Upper Mustang trek, are included in the trek package. For any pre-booking trek information, contact sales@nepalhiking.com.
Why is the Upper Mustang trek Restricted?
- Tibet, the border to the north.
- Many special management zones are due to globally threatened flora and fauna.
- Fragile Environment.
- Unique culture and heritage.
- The Forbidden Kingdom until 1991.
- Unique mode of settlement with several old monasteries, ancient walled cities and mysterious caves.
- Until recent years, this Tran-Himalayan region was closed to foreigners.
The Colourful Landscape on the Trek
Nesting on the Tibetan border, the Mustang region is dominated by giants Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif. Situated at the head of the Kali Gandaki in north-central Nepal, the little-known district of Mustang is naturally and culturally attractive, in particular, the origin of Tibet.
Tourists in Upper Mustang can opt for the strangely eroded landscape of this remote territory that presents a vibrant mosaic of earth colours- red, yellows, browns and blues. In addition, this location is bestowed with ecological diversities, delightful views of snowy peaks, colourful villages, monasteries, and ancient palaces.
Enjoy your first Upper Mustang trek!
Driving vs trekking
Don’t you have enough time to hike to Upper Mustang? Or would you love driving rather than hiking? As an alternative option to hiking, we have designed a jeep driving tour to Mustang. Explore nature, culture and adventure in a mini Tibet “Lo-Manthang.”